Why the ProStaff V13 is a much smarter choice for most people versus the RF97A

[@paolo.cannizzaro]

You are right about the buttcap. Federer's handle is custom and rounder at the bottom

[@Javi_C]

Wishing you the best on your usta matches!

[@tenniswithandy]

Thank you Javi!

[@mikec4834]

Good luck Andy

[@raulrodrigueznyc]

Hey Andy, I started with the RF in the beginning of the pandemic because a salesman suggested it. I was then a total beginner after being absent from tennis for over 20 years. The one I got had a grip size of 5 which was a total mistake. At first I had trouble playing but I attributed to just re-learning the game (WTF is a NTRP and UTR rating???). So for almost two years, that was the only racquet I used and my skill level began to increase. Then one incredibly hot summer day, I was playing for over 2 hours and I began to notice that I had a lot of trouble swinging that racket as it was feeling very heavy. Although I am 6'3, I felt the grip size was too big for me and was holding me back with volleying and my one handed backhand. I eventually playtested the Wildon Blade V8 and EZone 98 and fell in love with the latter as it had tremendous pop. I learned a lot from that racquet but two things started to bother me. The first was that it didn't handle volleys as well as the RF and at times felt unstable. The other was that it felt too powerful. There were times mid-game I switched to the RF because I needed to control the pace more and get more consistency. I love the EZone (Grip size 4) but I wanted more from it so I added some weight to the hoop which did helped a lot with the stability but this type of customization is all new to me and I didn't want to mess with it more. I had thought, probably will do so, of play testing the Ezone 98 Tour. Then one day, I found a regular ProStaff V13 with size 3 grip used on FB Marketplace for a really good price and bought it. It plays really nice in my hand and I love how solid my one handed backhand is. I am more of a flat hitter who likes to add topspin to certain shots and this works great for that. With this EZone I can do a lot of wicked spins but the PS is not that far behind and again I love the control. I feel this is the racquet that I can learn from at this stage of my playing, FYI, I strung it with Hyper-G Soft 17 gauge at 50 lbs. I will be experimenting with Tour Bite Soft and/or Confidential in the future. Thanks for the good video.

[@tenniswithandy]

I’m glad the video was helpful. I do love the stability of Wilson racquets in general and with the regular pro staff, you can always customize it if you need more weight behind the ball. Enjoy the journey!

[@paddlepower888]

Hi Andy. I would sand & buff the end cap of the RF. If you lack tools, ask your friends Happy hitting!

[@tenniswithandy]

Thx for the recommendation. The RF isn’t my main stick now so I will just leave it unmodified as a collector’s item.

[@paddlepower888]

@@tenniswithandy Doesn’t it have to be shrink wrapped? With Roger’s hand attached? 😅

[@goldencalf5144]

The non RF Pro Staff 97 is a great racquet for customisation. I added 20g of silicone to the handle and a bit of lead to the hoop. It now weighs more than the RF97, but is easier to swing because it's more headlight. Great combination of power, control and feel.

[@tenniswithandy]

That’s interesting, I’m glad it worked out for you. I did feel the ps97 could use some weight at 12.

[@goldencalf5144]

@@tenniswithandy Interesting anecdote. I was playing a set of tennis and was slightly ahead when my opponent broke the string on his racquet. I offered him my customised PS97, because I was trialling another racquet at the time. He took it and crushed me the next couple of games to win the set. The balls felt much heavier when he was playing with my racquet. He said "wow, this racquet feels great" and asked me about the model and what modifications I did. I was quietly seething and haven't let anyone play with my racquet again.

[@Waceman]

Fed uses the sharp butt cap. He has (had?) quite the hand callus from it

[@nathanmiller6051]

Andy I'm not seeing my Pro Staff 100L in that line up! Haha 😅 I have two, I got them from Midwest Sports or whatever they call themselves now a couple of years ago, haha I totally understand why you don't have them, they are really lite! Great video thanks man!

[@tenniswithandy]

I’m sure I can add some weight at 12, slap on a leather grip and some more lead in the handle and it would be right to my spec. 😂

[@nathanmiller6051]

@@tenniswithandy 😅 right on!!!!

[@mojunchoi2862]

Do you guys recommend Pro staff rf97 v13 or blade 98? I am deciding which one but I’m looking for spin racket with powerful serves.

[@tenniswithandy]

The blade 98 v 8 is a much easier racquet to use than the RF97A. If you can successfully wield the RF, you can get tons of power and spin but not many rec players can.

[@nightowldickson]

With the RF you get the extra plow through and swingweight, but at the expense of reduced racquet head speed and maneuverability. I used to play a lot with the RF but there's no way I'd use it for a match. The V13 in itself is quite a good racquet in stock form. Easier to add lead tape to increase customise.

[@rds4629]

cool; good luck w/ your usta matches? Are you allowed to record them?

[@tenniswithandy]

I’ll ask our opponents. Usually people are okay with it.

[@djblackwing737]

on paper that was my plan last year... comming from an rf97, I bought the 4 ps97 v13 but it gave me or contributerd to my wrist problems...so I had to sell them. curious to know how the ps97 v14 compares

[@tenniswithandy]

I’ll try the ps97 v14 this week and let you know. I am fortunate that I usually don’t get wrist pain from racquets or strings but I should be able to tell if it plays softer than the ps97 v13.

[@tenniswithandy]

The ps97 v14 was pretty comfortable. It seemed like there isn’t much differentiating the blade v8 and ps97v14. They are both low powered with decent spin on the forehand and underwhelming on the backhand. If I were choosing between those 2, I’d opt for the blade v8 since it provides similar stability at a lower static weight. It is more customizable.

[@djblackwing737]

@@tenniswithandy thanks for the update Andy, sounds like this update is not worth an ugrade. im currently testing blade pro 16x19, Im determined to stick on this frame and focusing on improving my tennis

[@Polum25]

Was wondering if I would see a new stick come out on Monday.

[@tenniswithandy]

After the match, we can do a quick playtest. 😂

[@tenniswithandy]

A new stick did come out. Lol. Welcome home Blade V7!

[@WaltKurtz68]

The color on the v14 would be a dealbreaker for me.

[@svlagonda7417]

Pro staff 97 is an underpowered mess. I'd rather have the RF97 at least that has plow and power

[@tenniswithandy]

That is a valid point. It seems like you can handle the RF97A weight. For some people (including myself), I find that the RF97A has just a bit too much weight in the handle.

[@svlagonda7417]

TBH I don't like either I can't serve well with the rf97 due to the weight but it does demolish the ball on groundless!

[@tenniswithandy]

@@svlagonda7417 the RF97A does pummel groundies if you just let the racquet do the the work. I prefer the PS97 on serve as it is easier to generate spin.