What I Really Think of Federer's Wilson RF01 Lineup

[@jamessmith2795]

You should try this string setup: Zero in the mains 46 lbs and Ashaway MonoGut Zx Pro (black, 17 gauge) in the crosses at 54 lbs in the crosses. I know that sounds crazy to have the crosses that much higher, but the Zyex is not a poly and needs more tension to reign in its power. Make sure to pre-stretch the Zyex also. I usually tie one end to a pole and the other end to something like a hammer and stretch it using body weight. I’ll typically get about 18” of stretch out of a 20’ section. The spin, controllable power, and feel from this setup is amazing. The Zero is able to SnapBack better than with any other cross I’ve seen. Absolutely no notching in the crosses even after weeks of hard hitting. Much more comfortable on the arm than a full poly bed as well. You should give it a try and review this setup.

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

Do you think the crosses would last me very long? I have a tendency to break syngut or multi within an hour or so of hitting and hating it all along.

[@jamessmith2795]

You have to be careful when you’re stringing it as it can sometimes break during stringing if you nick it. But once it’s on the frame, it’s very durable and in fact I’ve never broken it as a cross string. I’ve paired it with Kevlar mains and it will saw through the Kevlar but not break.

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

Gotcha. So just to be clear, you think it will offer me as good of snapback as a cross string as Zero/Sync/Wasabi X etc does? And you've seen those for yourself? I like the black string better than the gut color, any reason that won't work as well?

[@jamessmith2795]

@@ZeroLoveTennis I think it's actually better snapback, but with more power. In other words, if you have the technique to generate good spin, you can hit a heavy ball but still get good depth. I've played with Zero and Wasabi X and although I like it, it's definitely stiffer feeling overall and with less power and not as much snapback. The black is the one I prefer actually. The black and natural color both play similar with the black being maybe a tad stiffer.

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

Right on, I'll order some then and report back!

[@winniecarl]

Fed spec. RF 97 366g 315mm balance = 9 Pts H/L Champions choice 59lb gut mains 57lb Alu Power rough cross- with custom handle pallet.

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

I believe that's right! I wonder what is custom about his handle. Any idea?

[@PickleballStef]

@@ZeroLoveTennis I actually have an answer from a decade ago on the forums. There were lead sticks embedded in the foam molded handle pallet, above where his top finger grips his one hand backhand. The thinking at the time was that weight = stability, and the extra weight was taking the place that his left hand would sit on the handle as if Roger would’ve hit a two-hand backhand, and this would help mostly with power that can be lacking on high, above the shoulder, one-hander strokes. In short, he gets more leverage.

[@paulchouinard5674]

Hah I did not expect a super positive review from you, but looked forward to it nonetheless. I switched to the RF01 from the Pro staff v14 as it's lighter and more comfortable, really liking it with O-toro right now!

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

Haha well I wasn't hating! Just sharing my thoughts on the marketing and then separating my thoughts for the racquet, besides all that, and keeping it honest. It's certainly not a bad racquet at all! I'm sure quite a few will like the balance of things it strikes. What differences do you appreciate besides the weight from one to the other, since you switched?

[@caseysmith544]

​@@ZeroLoveTennis Keep the old Black Ace if the new is very similar as a backup model for what you use, in case something happens to the new model like lost during travel.

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

It is a different layup material. Same mold. Better QC!

[@James-qv1dr]

I've finally got my hands on a Prokennex Black ace 105. First hitting session tomorrow. Looks much better than the yellow 100 i used to own.

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

Niiice. Hey....I will share more on the newer lineup coming out haha. I hope you don't regret getting one before the new lineup comes out but lmk when you see the latest model. I have it now and will be teasing it a little soon. Release should be a little later this year. Potentially in a couple weeks.

[@James-qv1dr]

@@ZeroLoveTennisI got my BA105 for so cheap that there wont be any regrets 😂. I've seen some images of the new line and they look great. Are they supposed to be new rackets or just updated paint jobs?

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

They're actually a bit different. New layup material and tighter QC

[@James-qv1dr]

@@ZeroLoveTennis Great to hear!

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

I'm excited for them

[@ThesGt]

how about zero and natural gut?

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

Good question, I would likely pick that above the fed setup but I'm really not a gut guy. My whole reason for liking poly is the durability. Even Fed struggled to find a good balance but ultimately adjusted via some string savers. I break most poly in about 2 hitting sessions. Multi in like an hour. I can't see myself using gut ever, especially at the price point. Plus it would be less spin for me. I can't use gut.

[@Golikov_]

i switched to the rf pro, really good feeling racket. Serve - bomb! i use full tour m8 or hybrid, M8/sync. 23kg. All my game aspects now is slightly or definitely better, like serve. Also, it is a good choice for one hand backhand, like me. My ex rackets ware, vcore 95, whiteput 18/20.

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

Very cool to have an M8 and Sync hybrid! I can see that being awesome. You know what I forgot to test?? Is if the racquet handle is long enough for 2 hands haha. Back to the store!

[@clovergaming7575]

​@@ZeroLoveTennis Can you give an update when you do get to test it out? 😅

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

Yeah I will try to remember this soon!

[@raularturogimenezkuhl7390]

what do you think about strings like grapplesnake tour m8 or tour mako?

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

I wasn't really moved by them. They should be competitive with the big names in all the ways but I really care about durability and topspin first and they fell short of my expectations there. Not hating on them, though. I'd likely pick them over many other brands but likely not Toroline or ReString.

[@17ezequiel17]

you could very well buy the RF 01 Future model, add a leather grip and some lead tape here and there, and potentially have a very similar racket to the RF 01 Pro, right?

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

For sure, but it does seem the flex is a little stiffer on the signature model. So, there is that still

[@jrzinho]

What's up with the lead placement on that BA105? 12 to 1 on one side of the strings and 11 to 12 on the opposite side? Is that a new swing hack of some sort?

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

Oh, it's actually symmetrical but it leaves the gap in the middle for stringing and the contact points at 12 on the inside. Does that make sense? It might look off but it's not haha.

[@jrzinho]

@@ZeroLoveTennis 6:51 I can clearly see there's no lead to the left of the stringing machine support. Am I crazy

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

Hmm, I'm not sure what you mean. The lead on one of my racquets is placed around 12/1 and 12/11 but they are on alternate sides of the stringbed. It's still symmetrical, though, because 1 side is always up and forward of the other one. I could make a video about it for a short haha, it's slightly interesting I suppose.

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

If you look at 10:00 and pause, do you see what I mean?

[@jrzinho]

@@ZeroLoveTennis well spotted 10:00 has better visibility, we can see both sides of the stringed. You do have one kind of symmetry, a central one. I find that odd as I would expect an axial symmetry for better balance when swinging and at contact. Why not put 2 smaller strips on each side of the stringbed?

[@robertgarcia2266]

Is that Tourna 300 CS ? I was thinking of getting one or the constant pull? should i save the money? thanks

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

It is. Dropweight is constant pull. I like it.

[@VeganO_MexicanO]

@@robertgarcia2266 I got one Tourna 300 CS (3 years ago) very sturdy machine very worth it for the money almost 500 jobs and it’s working smoothly ✌️

[@puduan2702]

I'm looking for a RF97 replacement just in case my 2nd hand v13 cracks suddenly. I like the head light but heavy weight feel, crisp and stable. So far a VcoreP 97 (blue version) taped at 4+8 is the closest I can find. Will RF01P being any closer to RF97 than VcoreP?

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

Hard to say, I guess it would be. In some ways, they seem about equally different but you should try one if you can.

[@georgioslachanas5379]

How would you describe restring/sync vs o-toro/sync?

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

o-toro seems a bit softer, more elastic, better feel at higher tensions (slightly) but breaks a little sooner. Not sure if more spin or less but they're close. Zero seems to hold tension better for me, despite racquetpedia claims. Both are phenomenal strings. I look forward to playtesting some more o-toro colors coming soon and prototypes.

[@georgioslachanas5379]

​@@ZeroLoveTennis Thanks!Soon going to try O-Toro/sync in aero rafa 290g

[@TheodorosKolokotronis799]

Is aero 98 still your main racquet ?

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

It's not and actually hasn't been since my Dunlop videos (SX300's) but even that is no longer. It's currently the Black Ace 105, which was featured in this video as well.

[@caseysmith544]

@@ZeroLoveTennis If you ever go back to extended ProKennex makes several models at 100 and a few at 98 in this style.

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

Funny, I have the BA105 as my main and it's .25" longer than normal. I usually cut them down but might try this one at length for a little while.

[@vdlorenzo2578]

Hello mate please can you advise me, I recently brought the new Federer racket and iv only used alu power in them, what stings are your favourite as I would like to try your recommendations

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

Hey, congrats! And thanks for asking. This video will link you in case you want a more in depth coverage of some of my favorites My personal favorites, I generally always hybrid. Mains: ReString Zero, Torline O-Toro Crosses: ReString Sync, Toroline Wasabi X, Enso Pro (yellow or pink) You can confidently string Zero/Sync a little lower than what you are used to. Lux loses tension fast but zero/sync do not. I suggest going like 4-6lbs lower than what you prefer to string Lux Alu at! Lmk how it goes. Code; ZeroLove gets you discount on all of that and I'm only partnered with them because they are truly, actually, my favorite.

[@vdlorenzo2578]

@ZeroLoveTennis oh right thanks for the info iv never heard of these strings before and never tried a hybrid, I just had a look those strings don't seem to be available in UK where I'm from.

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

@vdlorenzo2578 there's a guy on IG who sells them in Europe. I wonder how most of the strings out there get there. Very worthwhile string to try.

[@vdlorenzo2578]

@@ZeroLoveTennis ok I see Shame they don't sell in UK, I just saw your show video on roger pro 2 and you mentioned it's tight around the toes and I saw that very powerful picture that highlights it's important to have space I have never heard about this before and actually an struggling at the moment from wearing onrun Roger trainers and iv realised now they are so tight. Do you recommend Asics court ff 3 trainers ? And wondering what trainers do you use for just casual wear ?

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

Appreciate your reply. I have a bunch of wider toebox shoes I wear of varying styles. Boots, really thin options, running options for road or off-road. I have many haha. Surely some of that is available in the UK. A brand called Whitin might be a good find on Amazon out there? Lmk. They have like 10 great shoes available here, not expensive. As for tennis brands you can get out there...the Wilson Rush Pro is better than most and the Gel Res from Asics is offered in a 2e. The New Balance 1007 is comfortable and has a 4e option but even the 2e option is a bit wider than that Asics 2e. I hope this helps! I will try and make a dedicated video about wider toebox options and what to look for sometime soon.

[@edithchu1]

hi what will be a good hybrid set up with o toro on a 98 inch high RA (tempo iga 298), iam at 3.5-40, right now my set up is zero full bed at 50 , my shot goes long need more control

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

Sync would be a smart choice. You could go up a little more in tension on the mains as well! Maybe try o-toro at 53lbs and Sync 17 gauge at 50. That would be my top suggestion to start!

[@DamianTran]

Zero love. Have you seen that tourna now makes a clone of the wise 2086 machine that can now connect to your drop weight?!

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

I have not! If I get an electric stringing machine, I think I'd get that prostringer.

[@wolfgangschlunz5583]

Chance to review the new Black Ace 105 ? ... it looks awesome... but how is the power and spin ?

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

Power is very balanced, spin is great! More than this RF for sure. Closer to Pure Aero levels, maybe slightly more. Will review soon. Waiting for release of the new models.

[@wolfgangschlunz5583]

@@ZeroLoveTennis have you played with the 300 (the red one) ?

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

The newest red one? It used to be yellow and I've played with the yellow. I've hit with all models from the last gen but only the blue one of this gen, however the rest are being sent to me very soon. Actually about to chat with prokennex in the next hour or so to set that up.

[@wolfgangschlunz5583]

@@ZeroLoveTennis Yes the new one.. The new Black Aces and the Bags looks awesome. Really thinking to buy one but without a review its hard...It would be nice when you can review the 97/100 and 105 then point out for which style of play they are ;-)

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

I will review soon! I get them...tomorrow!

[@VeganO_MexicanO]

Nice one… semi western grip, right?

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

That's what I use, yes.

[@jasonle6417]

I just picked up a couple of SX 300 Tours. Switched from the Boom Pro Auxetic 2.0. Loving these spin monsters so far. What customizations did you do to your SX’s? Did you put on a leather grip or any lead tape, and what are your specs for those rackets?

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

I added weight to the handle, and some to the 3/9 and a bit in the head overall. Brought the swingweight up to around 330 but made sure some of that was concentrated around 3/9. Weight probably around 350g. Congrats! Such a spin monster.

[@jameshaldeman9181]

lol i measure by wingspan almost the same exact way you do. Insane.

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

Nice, it's so efficient!

[@tennis-fan]

Do you slice with both haands ? 🙄

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

One at a time, yes haha. My backhand slice is better than my forehand slice but I still go for them plenty of times just to work on them (on the left side)

[@dl4703]

That stringer tension is off by as much as 10 lbs.

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

Why do you think that? Assuming the weight is measured from the top and not the bottom?

[@Dasato123]

1) I was surprised you would rewear a shirt. That’s good, it means the OCD doesn’t extend beyond tennis equipment. You can live a normal life. 😂 2) interesting stringer, kinda strange to see a advanced mounting and clamping system on a drop weight machine. You can string out of a van. 3) Amazing to see someone actually practicing underspin forehands. Be careful the tennis community might ostracize you for that. 😅 4) it’s also nice to see you using a 105 sq inch racket. With the prejudice that exists today against using anything close to a oversized racket it’s rare to see one in the hands of someone who isn’t a Senior or a complete beginner. 😮

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

One can conflate anything to be OCD. Maybe I'm OCD about conserving water so I'll re-wear a shirt. Yeah, I got the nicest of the mechanical style stringing machines, imo. I just wanted nice and simple like nothing to fail on it and no need to plug in. Thanks! I seem to naturally end up doing things against the grain but always have an interesting reason. A blessing and a curse. Appreciate your comment!

[@johnsmith-zf1fd]

Haha you're the only tennis youtuber I've seen suffering the injustice of a dropweight...hope you get enough subs to afford that Wise 2086 one day bro

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

LOL I like the dropweight! I think it's the unplugged feature and no need to calibrate since it's gravity and not a motor. It's a constant pull mechanical machine. I dig it. But I might have new stuff soon, we'll see. It's not a money thing, just a preference thing.

[@Letsgetstringing]

U r not doing urself a favor by not pre weaving the next string before pulling tension on the current cross string. Soft weaves r easier than hard weaves.

[@ZeroLoveTennis]

I suppose that would matter a lot more on other strings but you're also not wrong. Maybe I don't like all the slack you need to leave to pull tension between the weaves.