Wow what a difference. String pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses Mains skip: 7T,9T,7H,9H One Piece No Shared Holes: Length: 27in / 68.58cm: Beam width: . The Pro Staff 97S injects Wilson's innovative Spin Effect string pattern into a frame with a more traditional feel. I notice this frame absorbs the shock really well, not too muted, so you can feel the ball. Hans-Martin Reh, GM at Wilson Racquet Sports, sums it up nicely. As youd expect, the racquet offers a smaller 97 in (626 cm) head size and maintains its 27-inch length while also continuing with the 1619 string pattern. Some Restrictions Apply. It's brought new excitement in my tennis game. Similar to the 97L, the Pro Staff 97UL is an even lighter version of the full-size Pro Staff racket line, again coming with all of the new technology updates. For the serves the head light balance lets me maneuver the racquet for a kick serve and also due the tighter string pattern, could hit spots on the court.Now for the negatives. He is happy with this racquet performance.From: Alena, FL. These days, Roger Federer continues the Pro Staffs legacy, having used it from the start of his professional career in 1998. It's a very stable racquet and good for consistency.From: Michael, 12/28/20, Comments: I have been playing with Head racquets for two decades. I am not sure what Wilson has done, but it's almost as if they intended to string this racquet as a one-piece. However, while helpful for comparison, they wont tell you how a racquet will feel, so I encourage players to demo a racquet whenever possible. There are four distinct Pro Staff models available, which are primarily distinguished by their weight to appeal to a broader range of players. Discussion Boards TW always helps when you need it. 1:47 Stiffness These are amazing. In terms of string pattern, the Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph has a 16 x 19 pattern. From: Mikey, LA, CA, 8/11/21, Comments: I have both the 340 gram Pro Staff RF97 and this 315 gram Pro Staff v13. I love the feel, but a bit too loose as my flattish ball is consistently landing about a couple of inches out. After trying the Federer signature model, I knew it had the feel I like, but was a bit too heavy for me. However, beyond its weight, this racquet does not use Wilsons Braid 45 technology. A new addition to the racquets design is the exposure of the frames braided graphite construction, which displays under a clear gloss finish while also continuing the red and yellow racing stripes. I had in the past the black Federer Autograph stick. String Pattern Both the PS97 and B98 have a 1619 string pattern so they will be a good option for players who like hitting lots of topspin balls from the baseline Availability Both of these rackets are available to buy on online shops such as Tennis Warehouse, and Tennis-Point. But the positive far outweighs the bad. I got use to it after a week, and then loved playing with it ever since. Players who have honed their technique and have an all-court style of play will appreciate the Pro Staffs well-rounded performance, which offers mid-range power and topspin with excellent precision and feel. 1:33 Swingweight We distribute tennis racquets, tennis apparel, tennis footwear, tennis strings and court equipment to pro . Furthermore, many pros endorsing a specific frame use an older Pro Staff model, referred to as pro stock, which isnt available to the public, but they paint to look like the racquets latest version. I demoed this against a Babolat Pure Strike Tour, which I thought was a pretty good racquet, but the grip style and familiarity with Wilson racquets sealed the deal for me. The flat 21.5 millimeter beam offers predictable control for advanced players that like to create their own pace and dominate with an all court game. I can take full swings and control where it goes in the court compared to my previous racquets where my ball would sail somewhere. Love the black paint job. This is a great model for anyone looking to attack the net.From: Robert, 2/11/21, Comments: I have played with the two previous versions of this racquet which I enjoyed; but this version is even more satisfying.From: Anonymous, 2/8/21, Comments: Excellent, very happy with it.From: Ilal, 2/3/21, Comments: Nice work done with the strings and overall the racquet seems to be very satisfyingFrom: Jongchan, 2/3/21, Comments: This is an amazing racquet! In essence, Countervail dampened the racquets feedback and subsequently reduced its feel. Lives up to it's claims. For its unstrung weight, Wilson markets the racquet at a somewhat heavier 11.1 ounces (315 grams), and although what ships often differ, my Pro Staff 97 came in spot on at 11.14 ounces or 315.6 grams. String Pattern String Length ' ' ' Pro Sta RF 97 v13.0 WILSON.COM 2020 WILSON SPORTING GOODS CO. EST. The feel with these is insane. However, many others, who enjoy the classic Pro Staff feel werent fans of the update. All in all, the Pro Staff 97 is more than sufficient on serves and an ideal fit for players who value accurate placement over power. I then added a Wilson Pro Overgrip, the only customisation, bringing the strung weight to 326.6g. 6:57 Volleys Our 25,000 sq. I am now switching to the Wilson Pro Staff with a smaller head, which give me lot of convenience at the net. Cosmetically there are small differences as well. According to Wilson, Countervail intended to reduce player fatigue and improve comfort by reducing vibration passed to a players arm. I got two Pro Staff racquets for my daughter and the balance is not as per specs. I also notice the frame is a bit heavier, but I think with a few more hitting session to get use to.From: Jonyu, 1/4/21, Comments: New to the Pro Staff series and really happy with this particular iteration. Slightly lighter than the Pro Staff RF 97, it still has a high weight that's concentrated in the handle. You've to create your own power and a hybrid string it's always a good choice in this outstanding racquet. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Wilson Pro Staff 97 Tennis Racquet. I use to use the first Pro Staff 97 about five years ago, this new v13 Pro Staff is like no other Pro Staff. For this review and playtest, Im diving deep to examine the specs and technologies while explaining how it differs from the prior model. String Pattern String Length ' ' ' ' Pro Sta RF 97 Autograph Recommended String Tension 50 - 60 lbs. Definitely give these a demo. The Pro Staff 97 also has a swingweight of 321 and a balance of 10 pts HL at 31.2 cm unstrung. Headlight I would recommend but also demo first. I'm not sure if I got a lemon, but it was matched to web specs, always a stellar service by Tennis Warehouse by the way. Instead, he uses the heavier RF97. Overall, I found this update and the new Braid 45 construction to improve the frames comfort and response, offering better ball pocketing without trading the crisp feel and excellent feedback youd expect from a Pro Staff. It has the best blend of power, spin, and control I have found. Overall great control, low on power.From: Jay, 1/24/21, Comments: My experience with Tennis Warehouse was fantastic. In 2017, Wilson updated the Pro Staff line and introduced a new technology called Countervail, which the aerospace and cycling industries had successfully implemented. So, I was excited to hear Wilson had tightened the string spacing in the sweetspot on this model. Of course, this is a lighter, spin friendlier version of the legend that is Roger Federer's Pro Staff 97, and that means you get a racket that's as suave as it is a lethal weapon on court. Technical specifications for Wilson Pro Staff 97 ULS racket. The Pro Staff 97 weighs in at a reasonable 315 grams (unstrung) with a very head light balance and an open 16x19 string pattern, making it forgiving and easy to use. Wilson Pro Staff RF 85 specs: . String pattern: 16 mains/18 crosses. Description. Paradigm Bending technology alters the bending profile of the shaft and . As far as touch and finesse goes, Id say this is another area where this generation improves. The first day was fine but during the 4th match on the second day my arm just felt like it was going to rip off during the 3rd set. Also this racquet doesn't provide easy and basic spin because of the shape and the 97 square inch head.This review might come of as bias because I used the old all black Pro Staff 97 with no Countervail before this one. I like to generate my own pace without the ball flying out of the court. For the thirteenth generation of the Pro Staff, youll find many familiar technologies players have come to expect from this line of racquets. This is a shotmaker's racquet, for a player that doesn't need help from the racquet to generate power. String pattern: Wider Cross-Strings (Open 16x19 string . It does not turn into a catapult when you string it with multifilament. We chose this particular Pro Staff after using TW's information tables which we found extremely helpful in finding the right fit. I absolutely love this racquet and bought a second one right away. Recommend to 4.0 or higher players simply because of the weight.From: Vladimir, 10/9/20, Comments: This is a great stick in my opinion. Don't believe me? Thank you guys at Tennis Warehouse for making this posable.From: Antonio, 1/21/21, Comments: Excellent racquet, great for those who hit through the ball with a flatter stroke. Weight influences a racquets power, so this change helps counteract the power loss. Racket Specs. String Pattern: 16 Mains x 19 Crosses Colour: Black Product Code: WRG731400 Additional Note(s): Racquet colorway is all black, Version 11 (v11.0) Compatible Racquet(s): Wilson Pro Staff . Switching from a Wilson Clash to this was very weird at first. Wilson can credit 117 Grand Slam titles to the racquet, whos past champions include Pete Sampras, Steffi Graff, Stefan Edberg, and Chris Evert. Wilson Pro Staff 97. Highlighted by a design that pays tribute to the historic Pro Staff series, the Pro Staff 97 v13 features a new Braid 45 construction that increases precision by adjusting the angle of the double braided fibers for enhanced feel and stability. For old-school feel and comfort with modern performance potential, try the Wilson Pro Staff 97S. I will say, my shots have become more accurate with the smaller head size. Pro Staff 97 w/ Countervail I use Black Code 16 orange and yellow at 56 pounds. Wilson Pro Staff 97 Review (v13): My Experience. inches Length: 27 inches Weight: 290g Beam Width: 23 x 23 x 23 mm String Pattern: 16 x 19 - Bio-based materials reduce environmental impact of the bumper, grommet, and end cap. I demoed a total of seven racquets. Lets start by looking at the racquets specifications, which are useful to gain a sense of what to expect. It's great at the net, stable with plenty of mass and crispiness behind my volleys. Kudos to Wilson quality control who really have stepped up their game! For example, if you have polyester strings in the mains, the softer string crosses are strung tighter to create a more even feeling stringbed. The Pro Staff 97UL v13 also gets updated with Wilson's String Mapping, which creates denser spacing in the hitting area for a more predictable and controlled response. This is a good "reference" stick to have in the bag, as it seems to do all things well. Demoed this along with several Yonex models and this one delivers on control and is very comfortable on the arm. For the racquets thirteenth generation, the Pro Staff 97 retains this part of the formula, which gives the head a distinct style. I've been an on and off Pro Staff user since I was a junior player, and this is a very good iteration.From: MS, 4/11/21, Comments: The Wilson Pro Staff v13 is the perfect racquet for me. Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13 Tennis Racquet - Strung with Synthetic Gut Racket String in Custom Colors - Official Racquet of Roger Federer . in. For the thirteenth generation of this racquet, Wilson returns to the all-black design and replaces the gloss finish at three and nine oclock on the racquets head with their velvet finish. Players intrigued by what racquet Roger Federer uses but find themselves intimidated by its higher weight and prefer a lighter weight option will want to consider this racquet, the most popular in the Pro Staff lineup. In stock form it looks pretty slow with a strange feel at the ball. About this item . My opponent also said that my balls are much heavier with the v11 compared to the v13, this may be because of lower swingweight on the v13. The thing I like most about this racquet is it is solid at every stroke in the game. The Pro Staff 97 has a mid-range RA or stiffness rating of 66. My ground strokes are precise and deep and I get plenty of spin and that puts my opponents on their back heel. Wilson Grommet Strips stocked for nearly all Wilson tennis racquet models. At 12.0 ounces unstrung, the RF97 is designed for advanced tennis players who are used to swinging a heavier racquet. I feel that if you can contact the sweetspot and can't handle the weight of the RF97, this racquet will reward with great feel, control, and power. Highly recommend this racquet. I enjoyed the opportunity, and I hope my thoughts and experience with the racquet help guide your decision making. This newest addition to the Wilson Pro Staff lineup lives up to its reputation. The feel is unbelievable. The Blade 98 is pretty easy to string as you skip 8 and 10 at head and throat. Not as heavy as the RF version, but one can definitely feel the difference from a Blade. Paradigm Bending optimizes bending location for precision. I even bought the TW reissues when they were around. Description. This creates a more consistent feel across the string bed. The RF97 is a little heavier, harder to create top spin because the stringing pattern in the sweet spot is closer together and stringing the racquet is a bit more difficult. Thanks to its speedy 321 RDC swingweight, the Pro Staff 97 comes around fast on groundstrokes while still offering decent stability against higher levels of pace. Although we can attribute Roger Federers use of the Pro Staff line throughout his career to the racquets continued popularity, he doesnt endorse the Pro Staff 97. It's really important to put a nice string like a hybrid, I put in the mains ALU Power Rough and crosses any natural gut, or a full bed of a softer polyester like a Luxilon Hyper-G. Have to be able to generate your own power though.From: Jeff, 3/8/21, Comments: The best Pro Staff to date! Some colleagues hit few balls and feedback was confusing because one said it is slow and dead, he usually playing with a Pure Strike 18x20, previous generation. String pattern: Wider Cross-Strings (Open 16x19 string pattern) for added Power, Control and Spin. Fearing for my sensitive elbow, I got Bi-Phase 18 gauge. I did find the racquets new tighter string pattern to reduce its bite on slice and kick serves a bit, but Id expect that to become insignificant after spending more time with the frame. Last but not least, the Pro Staff 97 maintains its higher-end weight, significant head light balance, and relatively thinner beam, all of which combine with the technologies mentioned above to produce a feel thats unique to this family of racquets. 5 Point Friday I have bought two Pro Staff 97 v13 racquets, with Luxilon 1.15, as recommended by Wilson at 54 pounds, and am loving it. By comparison, the RF97 is much heavier and probably truer to the original line of Pro Staff models. When I was on the run and returned the balls they were falling short. You're eligible for Free Shipping on orders over $49. Is it not significantly better than the previous 315g version? I cannot say that I can recommend this so, better test it and draw your conclusions before buying it. = $220/220 Head size = 97 sq in Weight = 290g String pattern = 16/19 In conclusion Testing new rackets is a very personal experience as most tennis players have been used to one type of racket with their game and swing having adapted to suit that racket. Maybe a thinner frame would be better on improving the feel and as well a little bit more swingweight. Furthermore the little tighter string pattern helps to place the ball wherever you want and it's more precise than the v11 version. Pro Staff Six.One (18x20) v13. The one major complaint our playtesters had was the inconsistent depth, especially on groundstrokes and returns. Keep in mind that the string you choose for the mains will dominate the overall feel. Instead, the braided graphite construction remains unchanged, and the frame contains foam for dampening as the original Pro Staff models did. I am going to experiment with lower tension to see how the racquet plays.From: Charles, 12/30/20, Comments: I'm a long time Pro Staff user, 3.5 to 4.0 Rating, mid 40's. The addition of a natural gut or a multifilament with polyester will soften up the string bed and add a bit extra power without giving up too much topspin. They said they would take them and evaluate them and reimburse me later. Getting used to the weight coming from a 10.8 to 11.4 ounce racquet. It is much easier to handle with less weight. I know this line of racquets inside and out. It wont offer much free power, but plenty is on tap if you put in the effort. Kudos to Wilson!From: MichaelT, 4/15/21, Comments: Bought this for my teen junior for tournament play after using the TW demo option. 2019 Model Year Rackets. For my playtest, I strung the racquet with a full bed of Luxilon ALU Power 1.25 at 52 pounds, which is one of my favorite polyester tennis strings. The Pro Staff 97 v13 also benefits from Wilson's String Mapping technology which creates denser spacing in the hitting area for a more predictable and controlled response. This is what people mean by having a difficult racket to master, but the reward is certainly there if you are strong enough and coordinated to hit that sweet spot. However, for the latest release of the Pro Staff 97, theyve tweaked the construction. It's not the easiest racquet to use, but once you get a feel for it, it's very reliable. The racquets head light balance makes it easy to maneuver, but it also has enough weight to absorb and redirect pace effectively. While the Pro Staff delivers exceptional precision and control, the Ultra provides explosive power, managed through heavy topspin and well suited to the modern power-baseline style of play. I guess they just want brand new racquets. With the Pro Staff 97, a poly like ALU Power is a durable option that helps maximize the frames topspin and overall pairs nicely. Please contact Customer Service at 1-800-401-7967, if you have any issues accessing information on this website. Home > Gear > Racquets > Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13, Improve your game alongside our community of tennis players. The v13 comes in slightly lighter, but still has plenty of mass that allows me to relax through my strokes. However, relative to the prior version, some crucial changes are worth noting, directly impacting the racquets feel and performance. Coming from an oversized head racquet, I did not expect the transition to be as smooth as it was, even though the racquet is 97 square inches it still felt so consistent. Head Size:97 sq. From: Craig, Acton 8/27/21, Comments: My opinion on this racquet at first was critical. I found the racquet to have enough control for my swing. Join the conversation with other members of the community. I notice very little difference between the v11 and v13. I am a 3.5-4.0 level rating.From: Bryan, 1/3/21, Comments: I am very happy with this racquet. This racquet has amazing stability, 347 grams in total, feel, maneuverability, power, and control. Players looking to enhance the Pro Staff 97s moderate comfort might consider a hybrid string setup. 0:45 Specs To my surprising this frame has a bit more power and comfort. Very stable on volleys. String Mapping provides a denser string bed for excellent precision and feel. Another time-tested Pro Staff technology is Wilsons Perimeter Weighting System (PWS), which strategically places extra weight at three and nine oclock on the racquets head to reduce twisting and improve stability. Aug 22, 2022 #34 wonder if the PS97 keeps the denser string pattern on the v13 . It features the same technologies as the Pro Staff 97, but the lower weight means it will swing easier, which translates to better maneuverability for players that desire it. Sunrise: 08:28AM. The feel is definitely improved and feels tighter, just a little bit, than the previous version. Some Restrictions Apply. It's definitely a control racquet, and not as powerful as RF97. I love the control the Pro Staff gives you. Theyve also updated the racquets graphite braid and tweaked the 1619 string pattern, all of which well cover as part of this review in greater depth. Spin comes easy thanks to the open 16x19 string pattern. First of all you don't feel the weight and it is very whippy. At 9.5 oz (269g) unstrung, the 97UL is the lightest option in the Pro Staff family, which also features the thicker 23 mm beam that youll find on the 97L for a bit of extra power. Enjoy! We are a wholesale tennis distributor and retail store based in West Lawn, Pennsylvania. I am sure Wilson may play with the weight and balance slightly. Despite its lighter weight, the frame still falls on the heavier end of the spectrum when considering racquets more broadly. The string pattern plays more like an 18x20 with a relatively low launch angle, so a high follow through is a must. Also they're not the easiest on the wrist or arm. / 625.81 sq. Sure, on swingweight you can correct with stain stripes. Unlike its bigger brother, the RF97 v13, which specs remain the same as the prior generation and only receives an upgraded design, the Pro Staff 97 is an exciting refresh for what it adds and removes. However it needs lowering the tension to feel the power.From: A, 1/14/21, Comments: I purchased this while I was looking for something in between Phantom 93P and VCORE Pro 330. Out of the two, the denser string pattern helps out with a bit more control and string durability. I've been hitting with the Pro Staff for my whole life and am now a 50+ year old, 3.5 level male. Then in 2015 I tried out the Pro Staff 97 red and black model and honestly wasn't that much of a fan, so I stuck with the BLX model. I never stuck with the frames, but I thought they were pretty solid. Both are fantastic racquets. A 1619 string pattern will give you more topspin on your shots which will allow you to hit your shots harder while an 1820 string pattern will give you more control. The original description of this braid, that first appeared in a 1985 Wilson catalog, still holds true: The core of the Pro Staff is a braid of Kevlar and graphite. Nice transition. I can place my shots short or deep very easily and precisely. I demo-ed it with Wilson NXT @ 55lbs but wasn't completely convinced. For some players with arm issues or discomfort, this type of change might be welcome. 8:09 Returns, 8:42 Summary My favorite parts of this racquet are the volleys, slices, and the serves. I had really high hopes for this frame, but it was a huge disappointment. Taking another step down in weight from the 97, the 97L or light version of the Pro Staff is 10.2 oz (289g) unstrung, making it considerably more approachable and a reasonable entry point for many players. Perimeter Weighting System (PWS) Holds up better against players who are big hitters. Volleys were butter with good contact. I added some stain at 3 and 9 o'clock, around two grams in total, and it looks that I can hit the forehand better. I do like weighted tape at the top of the frame, but the racquet is well balanced on its own. Very light in weight. If you're like me and a Pro Staff 95 user, now is the time to upgrade!From: Joshua, 12/31/20, Comments: I started learning and playing tennis actively in November 2019. Learn more. The 19mm beam and softer flex provide a plusher feel at impact with nice precision, and the even balance gives the Pro Staff 97S exceptional plow through and stability.