Is the RF 01 BETTER than the Blade?? Wilson RF 01 vs. Blade 98 16x19 | Rackets & Runners

[@hanseat7290]

Wow, you literally read my mind with the topic of this video. Can‘t wait for the Pro Staff V14 and the RF 01 Pro comparison video. Side note: have you heard of people getting arm issues with the Blade Pro V9 16x19? It vibrates a lot.

[@crohawg4097]

I have both. Pro staff v14 97 feels way less stiff, and feels more plushy and had better plow. Rf01pro is way more demanding.

[@flodar1548]

Omg the test I needed. You are the goat of tennis racquet testing !

[@flodar1548]

i can say the RF01 is good as long as you attack. You get nothing from it in defense. quite punishing in match if you start to hesitate.

[@claudiow1129]

So that's why it's good. Tennis should NOT be played by controlling the swing in a slow manner. Spin shots should always be played with fast acceleration of the racket head through the ball, even if it is a deffensive shot. In a deffensive shot you swing more upwards, putting more spin and less penetration, driving the ball in a higher pathway.

[@AlexanderAndreev1799]

@@claudiow1129 thats a wishful thinking :) on clay, you will run a lot and have non-perfect bounces. You need to be able to hit all kind of shots not just perfect.

[@flodar1548]

@@claudiow1129 Yes in theory. In practice during match. i do not think it is the most helping racquet

[@claudiow1129]

⁠well I'm playing I'm with the RF01 and winning more matches than ever 😂 Loved the touch

[@protossmr2344]

Have you tried the 01 future? I am thinking between it and 01 300g

[@kiriza1]

Welcome back to Vancouver! Thanks for the comparison!

[@sjol6126]

Brilliant review. I have two rackets in my racket bag which you have just reviewed. I thought as they were both Wilson rackets at heart and 98s that I would add the RF 01 Pro as my second racket to the Blade V9 that I have. Being an advanced player and a gym buff I struggled with the weight and how unforgiving the RF is particularly on my backhand when trying to defend. The ball doesn’t even hit the net as you said it just dies on me , I love it on the serve , forehands and volleys surprisingly found it very inconsistent when slicing as well. The blade which has slightly less power as you mentioned has same amount of control and close enough precision for me. It’s easier to manoeuvre and a great all round racket which I will keep for years to come. Although I like using The RF for doubles to kill points quickly and not having to rally for a long period. Unfortunately I have learnt my lesson for next time when I decide to buy a second racket which will be the same and just mess around with different strings and tension but then again where is the fun that?! Unfortunately I could not exchange the RF pro so will have to use it as my second racket for now..😂😢

[@bojack3827]

You nailed it with your comments. I have the RF01. Great attacking players racquet when you're on it. If you're having an off day or playing defensive or slow or pushing the ball, then you're in trouble as it just isn't designed for that type of play.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Exactly.

[@JS-vz4xr]

Next: RF01 vs Ezone 98

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I’ll look into that, but I’m probably going to wait for the new ezone first.

[@MithTang]

RF 01 appears extremely interesting for me still very attractive after I know about its playability in detail and find it doesn't fit with me🙃 good review as always. Thanks for making it clear to me Luca

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

You’re welcome!

[@sponkyczar9610]

Love this Luca, excellent analysis once again. You may recall from a few videos ago i asked "how would you feel about making some alignment charts for rackets? like y/x axis being power/spin/feel/control/etc?". In the spirit of this video and just because you talk about it so much offhandedly, what about having the axes be something like hard control/precision vs soft control? and then (this may be a stretch) making seperate charts of that for different specs/specialties of racket lines?

[@synhet84]

REAL question : Is it possible for you to NOT spin your racquet after every forehand? LOL ; Great video as always !

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Nah impossible haha. Thank you!

[@mayindingankar825]

Love your videos these are my thoughts please read this I have been playing with rf 01 for a while now and I actually haven't faced any problems like on defense on a running ball and had been able to get enough spin and if I wanted to slow it down I was able to I think the blde is more forgiving for beginners the rf 01 is more forgiving players trying to aspire becoming pros. The rf 01 is definitely better in power and for me it has given easy power even if I didn't hit the sweet spot. I have tried both the blade and rf 01 but found the rf 01 better because it gave such easy power because of how fast it went thorugh the air. The blade is a little better in control because of its softness but I don't want people to think that the rf 01 is just for marketing I found it amazing in every shot I hit. So it really depends on which rackets feel you find better because then you will be able to do anything with the ball. Both rackets are amazing but I find the rf 01 better in all aspects compared to the blade except control. I actually got the rf 01 for my birthday. Thank you for whoever read this long comment

[@synhet84]

You need to state your tennis level , it would help readers.

[@mayindingankar825]

@@synhet84 I aspire to become pro and I just turned 14 I started playing when I was 3. My level is pretty good as in I have good strokes and a good serve and I can do anything with the ball and I don't make silly mistakes. I am you can say super advanced. Thanks for your feedback ☺️

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I agree the, RF01 is a fantastic racket.

[@mayindingankar825]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver Thanks for reading that long comment. Love your content and personally RF 01 is better than any Wilson racket there is right now

[@mayindingankar825]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver also if you see the Wilson videos where Roger is talking he says the racket is versatile and you can slow it down

[@kobisis]

Thank you for the video, waiting for the racket test for intermediate beginners and professionals.

[@jorgetirado3201]

Great in depth video! Fully agree with this analysis based on having played with both

[@Flootyy]

i have 2 PS97 that i purchased recently... and then this comes out... im so tempted to add the 01 to my racket lineup

[@zuh1902]

Demo it first. It plays very different from the PS97

[@willcassidy2899]

Yeah demo first, if it makes you feel better I much prefer the PS97 to RF 01 or Pro

[@Flootyy]

@@zuh1902 yeah PS97 is a classic frame while 01 is probably pretty much a pro staff fused with modern specs. prolly not as whippy

[@joshphilips2171]

Thanks for the great video as always, Luca! Did you customize the RF01 at all when playtesting? Given it comes with a synthetic grip (unlike the Pro version), do you think it would play better with the added weight of a leather grip? Any views on customization would be greatly appreciated! Also, what strings / tension do you recommend? Thanks!

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Thank you! I actually do prefer it with a leather grip, I think that weight is perfect for it. I play with it using alu power at 53 pounds and that was perfect.

[@ForefrontTennis]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver Tennis Nerd is recommending 35 to 42lb to dial it in, and multi's on the main to get the pocketing. I didn't like poly on the mains at 52lbs. I'm still finding the right string set up for this racquet (the RF01). def very particular.

[@meinsouza]

Wilson RF 01 or Blade 98 16x19??? easy answer, head gravity pro is the one you choose

[@zoppotromp1958]

good approach 😊 or you stay with the pt 280 / 630.

[@seachangeseachange]

Too heavy and 18x20

[@toxiqnick604]

True

[@topspin4hand]

The million dollar question... 😮

[@clotzo]

Thanks for the video! Please RF01 vs. Shift 99

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I’ll include them in a video together soon, but it may not be a very specific review of those two rackets.

[@marionikols4374]

Thx for another useful review.! Blade sounds like overall winner & RF01 may be one Wilson line too many if not straight out marketing venture. Cheers

[@trippwestbrook9827]

Roddick called the RF01 "Darth Federer". Love it!

[@johnp1]

I'd love to see your comparison between RF01 and Tecnifibre TF40 305 16x19 which also has foam.

[@micah2237]

same

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

That’s a good comparison. I’ll look into making it.

[@sergiodeolivasilva1204]

Hey luca, love your videos.. congrats.. tell me, something similiar/better than blade 98 16x19 today ?

[@sqwoAhh]

Why do y’all not have Prince racquets?

[@gavlatennis2824]

I prefer the Rf01 with 5g lead in the hoop

[@brianlin4044]

Have you tried the blade pros? Any thoughts on those?

[@CH-yp5by]

A really really good video! It woudl be cool if you didi a video with a customised RF01

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Thanks! I’ll definitely be doing more RF01 content, customization videos included.

[@austinli3757]

Luca could you share some opinion on Percept 97D and how it plays against Gravity Pro? I feel that these two racquets play insanely close to each other but I would really like to hear your opinion on this.

[@theblueblurb]

How does it compare to the Blade V9 Pro?

[@ForefrontTennis]

I bought the blade v9 pro and didn't think it was that diff than retail. i prefer the dunlop cx200 to the blade v9 overall but I'm a prostaff lover. still dialing in the RF01 with right strings and tension.

[@hamburgerzzzzz]

Great video, but more importantly you found Holger's shorts from last year's clay swing! Where did you order them from? So hard to find in Canada

[@tilenmlakar7036]

Luca I really appreciate your content with racquet reviews. Greetings from Slovenia! Happy Blade 100 V8 user ;) Would be interested in comparison of my racquet vs Shift.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

The blade has more traditional control. The shift is precise, but not controlled in the traditional sense, but it is also much more spin friendly than the blade. The blade is also more forgiving. PS pogacar is the GOAT.

[@tilenmlakar7036]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver haha Pogacar, Roglic, Doncic Luka you name it :). Thank you ❤️. I benefit from the forgiveness for sure, Blade 98 was a bit too much for me, while 100 is spot on and above all the feel on impact is the best of 20+ racquets I have tested. Comfort is crucial factor besides playability for me - currently out due to injured shoulder labrum :(.

[@starkhong8563]

Clash Pro: Hey, I'm also a 98

[@jlparcerisa]

Clash 98 v2, an actual players stick

[@hugolerenard8119]

hello, I love your work and your video on rackets. I'm french and I have just one question. As rackets, I have blade 98S WILSON, I find that this rackets is incredible. Great touch with a good mix of power control and good spin with ist string pattern. I would like to have more spin while keeping this mix, which racket do I need? I hesitate after mu research between an, extreme, speed, shift, tf-x1.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Thank you! I would try the extreme pro and the shift 99.

[@steveosaur]

My RF01 plays a bit heavier than 318sw and really jives with Alu Rough at 23/22kg. I only miss the action from higher up in the stringbed, where the RF01 Pro really shines.

[@vickan240sx]

Can you compare the blade 98 pro vs the Rf 01 pro

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Unfortunately, Canadian retailers do not have access to the blade pro.

[@BigBoss-pd9mn]

Pls do a side by side comparison with other 98s from each manufacturer.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Tier list coming soon!

[@imodium5118]

I think you re the reviewer that understand and describe feel the best, maybe cause you care so much. Hit couple of hours with the rf01, made me realize how crap those "stabilisation tech" are..

[@darcybrown98]

This was interesting! Can you do a blade retail vs blade pro video, curious to see your in depth analysis here

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Unfortunately, retailers can’t get the racket in Canada.

[@rezlem2507]

Can you play test the yonex eclipsion 5?

[@Yo_keebs]

Tried the RF01 and was hoping it was going to gel with me coming from the PSVS. Sadly after customizing it and trying so many configs, i just couldnt get the same amount of control, stability and just lost a lot of points from balls going long. Maybe if i tried the heavier RF01 Pro that would suit me more but yea the RF01 as it is wasnt for me.

[@ThesGt]

what string do you recommend for the RF01 300g? looking for a good string to use with the RF01 and also something that helps with the arm and tennis elbow

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

If you’re fine going for gut, a hybrid of gut and alu rough is great. Otherwise, a soft poly like something from toroline should do the trick.

[@minchoi5083]

I played Head Gravity Tour, changed to Wilson ProStaff X (for bit more Power and Spin), now I looking for a change to get a little easier swing. I will test RF01, Blade 16x19, Aero 98, Shift 99, maybe Speed MP. My racquet of choice now, the ProStaff X, is overall well defined, if I move and stand correct to the ball. There are days when I don't play well, then I struggle to generate power and spin. On defense the ProStaff is not a counterpuncher. But thou I really like the direct feel and control of the racquet I use it. The feel of Head Gravity Tour (also tried the actual one) is the limit. I always had problems with the feel of Blade because it felt too muted. But it has been said, that the feel got much better with the new version. I hope I find the right one. If not.. I will try change strings and balance on my ProStaff X.

[@murilo3123]

Add on your list Tecnifibre Iso305... It's a Gravity Pro with more power and spin

[@minchoi5083]

@@murilo3123 thx for the advice. I sure will. I tested a Technifibre racquet in the past. It felt pretty similar to the Blade (just a bit more massive?) It was like too muted like the Blade, but maybe the newer ones are better

[@murilo3123]

@@minchoi5083 its close to a blade, but for me with more free power and spin… for touch shots like volleys and drops, the feel is amazing, really good to do it! Let me know when you choose your racquet!

[@murilo3123]

Iso 305 works great with round pollys… razor code for example is perfect

[@minchoi5083]

@@murilo3123 I use at the moment a Hybrid Setting : Luxilon Alu Power Vibe in the Mains and Technifibre Ice Code in the Crosses. Good Response and bit more Spin as usual

[@gkinghsmith9352]

My first impression of the 300g RF01 was very similiar to this review. However, when I went to a softer cross string, the ball control went to another level. So all I'm saying is the blade has more setup experience than the RF01, and I found my default string setup was not ideal for the RF.

[@ForefrontTennis]

same, strings and tension matter a ton on the RF01

[@bootsie5396]

what is that shirt dawg

[@cybernetennis]

I know its very niche, but I use a blade pro; wondering how the 01 compares to that in terms of forgiveness?

[@ForefrontTennis]

you strung at 53lbs like i did and it doesn't have the pocketing that you will feel if you go down about 10lbs. I have felt the pocketing on the RF01 with gut and it feels like longer dwell time than the PS97 CV

[@etiennebyrde4781]

Have you tried the blade pro 16/19 ?? I love it 💪🏼🎾👌🏼

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

It’s not available for retailers in Canada unfortunately.

[@minchoi5083]

I would be very interested of your opinion of RF 01 300G and Aero 98. Which one is for aggressive baseliner who attacks an finishes the point with an winner in the transition space or at the net?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

The RF 01 is better for finishing points quickly. The aero is still great for that, but better if you want to play with a bit more margin.

[@minchoi5083]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver I read that Gravity Tour 98 is coming soon. Maybe the one racquet I was looking for? ^^ I hope you get the demo soon, because I like your open and realistic comparisons and reviews

[@leansilva]

Hey! We need a vs between RF01 pro vs Blade

[@zcbowers94]

I see the RF 01/Pro closer to the respectively weighted shifts. Any chance we can get a comparison between those?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I’ll include them in a video together soon, but it may not be a very specific review of those two rackets.

[@ojasphuloria5563]

Please compare it with pro staff 97l

[@abhinavduda]

@RacketsRunnersVancouver - I use the Kblade 98 18X20 as my main racket, and the Blade CV 18X20. In terms of weight, balance, control (Stringbed setup) will it be hard to adjust to the RF 01 Pro? Also, if the Kbalde has a plowthrough of 4 and the Prostaff has a plowthrough of 10, where would you rate the powthrough of the RF 01 Pro? Also - as per this Video - i know the new Blade's Feel is compromised - the KFactor Blad Circa 2008 has incredible feel. My IDeal racket would be the KBlade 98 with more plowthrough - any recommendations?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

First of all, that’s the first or second best blade of all time so it’ll be difficult to replace. The current blade is far from it, but the RF01 has really good feel, but it is foam filled, so different to the kblade. It’s also a much more “wild” racket, but if you are ready to go for something with more free power, it could be great. In terms of plow through, I would give it a 10 as well, if that’s what we are saying the pro staff has.

[@abhinavduda]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver Thank you! Have a couple more questions. I’m transit right now, but I’ll post soon. Again, thanks!

[@abhinavduda]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver Why has Wilson lost its way? Why didn't they improve upon, if plausible, the 2008 K Factor Blade 98? Is there any racket out there comparable to the K Factor Blade 98 (18X20). The CV version has really minimal feel, and too much power. I am afraid to go up in weight - between the RF 01 Pro, or RF 01 (the regulular one), I feel the regular one would be better suited to me. And regarding the balance - any thoughts on that. Can I get more plowthrough with lead tape on my K Factor Blade?

[@abhinavduda]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver Thank You!

[@canalcarolema]

Lucca, compare the RF 01 with the Pure Strike 97!

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I’ll look into it!

[@jangohmann3075]

Wilson Blade 98 16/19 V9 vs. Babolat Pure Aero 98 - Review please!

[@fretstain]

what camera setup is your B-camera guy using? that footage looked really cinematic

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Not sure, I’ll be doing more work with him as he’s a good buddy of mine so I’ll make sure to ask him.

[@pavlosvarsamis608]

I would like you to compare Blade pro vs rf 01 .

[@edoardocasaccia]

What string have you put on the 2?

[@bigrobsydney]

The RF is for highly aggressive baseline players who take full swings. If this is you, AND if your level is high, this is your weapon of choice (in the Wilson range).

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Exactly.

[@bournejason66]

Will you do a review on RF01 future? Thanks 🙏

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Probably not at this point. It is just a lighter version of the RF01, and actually pretty solid for more advanced players too.

[@vukmajstorovic7033]

Great video. Can you compare it to Aero 98

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I’m working on a way to fit all these rackets into a video in the future.

[@makaan5516]

I think you better compare it to PS97

[@joaosandesneto]

Does the rf01 make your OHBH top 5?

[@johnnacke4134]

How is the RF 01 with the OHB slice?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Fantastic.

[@joln7458]

How would you compare the Blade 100 to these?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Way more forgiving, but also not as a quick and precise.

[@zerealbendel]

Blaaade

[@Mapu-wb6ig]

Compare to percept please

[@LL-kz1qe]

Why people resell the rf01 already?

[@MosPat89]

please put the radical in the comparison

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I’ll try to include it in a future video.

[@RobertoFerreiraFilho-cu2yq]

Vera good.

[@user-pv3ng3mv1o]

Hey Luca, I see you forgot to mention that these two rackets don't have the same balance point either.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I never really talk about balance, but I know it is important to a lot of people, so I will include it more next season.

[@tedneanderthal7373]

I think I'd rather have a ProStaff rather than an RF 01.

[@Weisseco]

Can u do prostaff vs rf01

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Definitely something I’ll look into for the future.

[@sebastiandomagala9233]

So... Nice comparison. But Y R U complaining about the lack of feel in modern tech - and play with a dampener?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

The way modern tech affects feel vs how dampeners, foam, and silicone affect feel is very different.

[@flyforce16]

How does the RF01 compare to the Wilson FST Burn 95?

[@AmberSchipper-i4f]

Dietrich Rapids

[@TheBlessedLion]

The Chinese people at Wilson make a good job….🎉

[@cirocarrotta9794]

In questo momento ho entrambe le racchette e le sto testando……la rf sembra più agonistica della blade xche ci devi andare sempre veloce e lo sweetspot e piccolo!la blade ha un feeling più pastoso e ti stanca di piu xche i suoi punti di inerzia si sentono

[@fed_fan3742]

What is stabilization technology? You’re just repeating the marketing from Wilson

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

No, it is technology that stabilizes the racket on off center hits. It flexes differently than traditional graphite and is instantly noticeable.

[@lgeiger]

7:00 That is a myth and I am tired of hearing it. You can't change the direction anymore during impact. The racket travels with such high speeds right before impact that it's impossible to manipulate the motion within these 5 milliseconds of contact time. And if you want more dwell time, you can always reduce string tension.

[@caryg4638]

It is absolutely possible to change the direction of the ball at this moment, and the indicator for this lies in the follow through and what happens to the racquet after hitting the ball. We must remember that the racquet is not only hitting the ball, but the ball is hitting the racquet. And, depending upon how much give the racquet has during impact, that determines how much the ball will bounce back and in which particular direction. When the ball makes impact, it wants to push the racquet aside and go in the same direction it was traveling. A completely loose wrist would almost accommodate this, as the ball would hit the racquet and knock the racquet out of the way and deflect the ball in a seemingly random way in this scenario, but the ball would likely not return to the other side of the net. This principle shows that the racquet, how stiff the grip and wrist and arm is when holding the racquet, all makes a profound impact on where the ball travels upon hitting the racquet. Therefore then, the direction of the ball could be easily controlled by simply stiffening or loosening the wrist, or it could be adjusted with the direction and intensity of the swing as the ball hits the racquet. If you say that people would not have time to do this, then you underestimate peoples' potential, especially professionals who have been hitting balls for a long time.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

@caryg4638 This is a fantastic explanation.

[@goggleboy2464]

rf01 is an arm breaker

[@dylantorquerol]

first

[@Bambotb]

Hell no

[@TW-uh1ny]

The RF is actually a very Bad racket

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Gotta disagree with that one.

[@TW-uh1ny]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver why that? I am good Player, tried the 300 and 320gr version with 4G soft but they played Like an Extreme…also, without dampener not playable, which is unusual to a Wilson racket

[@ForefrontTennis]

@@TW-uh1ny i played a demo racquet strung with reverse champions choice and it was heaven. bought it the next day. i strung it with my typical poly on mains and multi cross and it was horrible. I know a heavenly racquet is in there, i just have to find the right tension and string. Tennis Nerd recommends 35lbs on the mains believe it or not, and he usually plays at 45/48lbs on other racquets.