Wilson Pro Staff 97 V13 Review - Including Roger Federer's Autograph version

[@adamblister6005]

8:33 incredible overhead!

[@James-gz6iq]

It's an amazing racquet, my old setup: Babalot Pure Control 18x20, 95 sq in, natural gut (16 gauge) 50 lbs, weighted 12 grams @ 12, 3, and 9 o'clock. Babalot Pure Strike Gen3, 16x19, 98 sq in, Gen3 Luxilon (16L gauge) cross, natural gut (16 ga) main. Weighted 4 grams @ 12 o'clock RF97v13 56 lb natural gut 16 ga main, 52lb luxilon poly 16L in cross. No dampener used. The Pure Control was my first racquet, it has helped me improve my form, and technique. The control was amazing for an all court player, the stock racquet lacked plow through. After making adjustments, 50lbs, and using natural gut made the racquet more comfortable for me. The Pure Control was very stable, has a better feel than the Strike. After I purchased the Strike, I went back to the Control to finish my games. For me, Pure Control lacked maneuverability at volley, so I bought the Pure Strike. I struggled to adapt to the Strike because of it's instability against heavy topspin shots with all poly 16 ga strings. If I didn't have a good contact placement, the ball tends to stray. I felt loss of power on the all poly setup at 55lbs after a few games. It took me awhile to adapt to the Strike because of its string pattern, eventually I tamed the power of the Strike when I switched to a hybrid string setup. The Strike was relentless at volley's, it created a defensive wall against all shots, it was highly maneuverable. I was curious about the hype of the older RF97's, and had put off buying it, I was very comfortable with the Control, and tepid on the Strike. I got the RF97 out of pure curiosity. At first play on a wall, the racquet felt amazing! It was a compromise between the Control, and Strike. It has a crisp punchiness to the shots, the weight disappears in game play. The weight of the racquet didn't slow my game down, or wear me out prematurely. I had great control in shot placement, and response on volley's, although it wasn't as fast as the Strike. I have great feel on the depth of the ball with full semi-western swings, and I didn't change my playing style. Overall I really enjoy the RF97, it's definitely a keeper.

[@googlereviewer1944]

1:55 That's not actually exposed carbon. It's likely to be water transfer decal as the carbon underneath the paint doesn't look like that - its very dark grey like the lead you find in a pencil and no discernable pattern (I've stripped and repainted loads of racquets).

[@ChauToVal]

Wilson website says the carbon fiber is exposed but with a gloss finish. No decal involved.

[@gavlatennis2824]

@@ChauToVal It's not graphite. It's a water transfer decal or similar. Not in a million years would the graphite underneath the paint have a chequer board pattern like that shown on the racquet. Buy one, sand it off and you'll see.

[@gavlatennis2824]

@@ChauToVal It's not exposed graphite. It's a chequer board square pattern. Like I said, the graphite on a racquet doesn't look like that. It's just marketing.

[@thecat4272]

Haha. Funny conversation. I don't think its real carbon fiber either. The weave pattern runs diagonally which would make the carbon weave asymmetrical at the top of the racquet! That would make no sense!

[@anitennislife]

You mean the carbon fiber on those super cars

[@pse-df7dd]

Hi. Thank you for reviewing prostaff v13. I asked wilson about RF97 v13's changes from v12. Wilson said that RF97 v13 had a slight change in string spacing from previous version. Also, swing weight is little lower than before as you mentioned.

[@afsarlawgroup]

Appreciate the review! Ordered my PSv13 and can’t wait.

[@jonathanchen1026]

How did you like it?

[@afsarlawgroup]

@@jonathanchen1026 It’s my racket of choice (v13 not RF). I was using the prior iteration but really find the removal of CV and smaller frame to be (small but) appreciated improvements. What racket do you use?

[@zxbillfo]

The previous black released in march of 2020 and it was nin cv version.Is that you had?Did you notice any difference in practice?

[@afsarlawgroup]

@@zxbillfo I had the Black Camo paint job with CV and do like the new version better. The improvements are small but noticeable improvements in my opinion.

[@jbeni2394]

As always, great review! Just one thing I think you can improve; I think you are too cautious when you say 95% of players (recreational I assume) can’t play with this racket. I made the switch to the RF97 about 3 months ago and it is Beyond a doubt my favorite stick to play with and I can feel (as well as my opponents) how it has complimented/improved my game. I am only an average USTA 4.5 singles player. I think more of my fellow recreational players should give this racket a try and not be so afraid that they are the “95% of players that can’t play with it”... it very well may suit them as well as it has me. Cheers!

[@crumbsnatcher74]

Great review. Can't wait to demo it locally. I wish the pin stripes were on the face of the racket like the original PS 85 and not on the inside where the grommets are. Would've made the racket look so much nicer IMO.

[@Tennisnerd]

Thanks! Agree about the cosmetics!

[@oliverzsok]

@@Tennisnerd Fantastic review ! Can you recommend some stings for this frame? i tried Head Lynx , Head Lynx Tour, Confidential , Hyper G , Wilson Revolve and i still can't feel that it brings the best out of this frame. The best for now is Confidential @ 24 Kg . Thanks for any tips you can give me!

[@BeckettChung]

like that higher swing weight... hopefully Wilson keeps that spec consistent

[@averagen00bz]

Worst quality control among industry giants

[@josephsantana3094]

Switched to this frame (the standard v13) and my forehands, volleys, and slice backhands absolutely love it. I'm only a 4.0 player. Great stability and decent plow through especially for a sub-12oz racket. Racket is very maneuverable and has excellent feel without being harsh or stiff. However been kind of difficult getting my serve and regular backhand figured out. Could be that I miss the sweet spot more on these strokes and the racket is perhaps less forgiving than the ezone 98 I switched from. But I'm hoping I can get it figured out because I really want this to be my long term racket.

[@z1az285]

@Ji Kim they sure can. I am a 4.0, however the racquet feels stiff if strung with a stiffer poly above 54 lbs. Gut (57lbs) or multi(55 lbs) mains and 54 lbs prince XT / 53 lbs cross respectively. And yes, i can play without any issues for 2 hours or so

[@LaBestia2156]

Same specs minus the countervail flaw and two almost invisible stripes. That is revolutionary for sure!

[@Abe-Lau]

less powerful than the regaled non cv pro staff. I have the old one without cv and the v13 and can tell the spin, feel, and power difference.

[@robocop6573]

@@Abe-Lau nice bro

[@BullyGarfield.]

@@Abe-Lau nice man

[@wind9427]

I really like the camera angle when you do volley :D

[@tr1ckster726]

Oh man! They improved both things I hate bout my current 97! Love the tighter string bed, perfect!

[@oc_g2236]

i like those single courts

[@AEthelingg]

ugly

[@Abe-Lau]

I am so happy that my Pro Staff V13 was only 2 grams off spec (313 grams unstrung). Wilson need to improve their QC though.

[@AlvinFan1976]

nah bro. the black with accents of the st. vincent looks perfect!

[@philippf7949]

Omg the carbon part looks so insane

[@leebr2010]

Thanks for the awesome review Jonas. I've been waiting for this a long time, being a PS97/RF97A user. I miss the red/black or black/red PS cosmetics of 2015/2016. I hope Wilson will bring it back one day, maybe for the PS97, and leave the RF97A all black. Just don't do red/black/gray like the Clash.

[@haroldly5518]

Those forehands at 2:00 were sounding crisp

[@sdfswords]

Going to retry this frame, the last version really did have the inconsistent string bed, it would launch the ball at random moments. Classic Pro Staffs were known for being super consistent.

[@WilsonRacquet]

Thanks for the great review!

[@Tennisnerd]

Happy you like it 👍🏻

[@skylaxx]

Best review. The New edition of the legendary stick. Really nailing those forehands and volleys 👍 Love the Pro staff t-shirt 🤩🎾💪

[@Tennisnerd]

Thanks a lot!

[@arielin82]

Where you bought that t shirt?

[@stevekim578]

I just purchased four rf97 v13 yesterday!!!! Can’t wait😃

[@Amadeus8094]

Whats the difference between the previous model Pro Staff 97 (315 grams) ? Thanks

[@stevekim578]

M rf is 340g and ps97 is 315g, weight differences, precision.

[@Amadeus8094]

@@stevekim578 Oh, I thought you were referring to the V13 regular not RF version. Thats alot of weight!!!

[@whuang03]

I will get one v13, and beef up the weight to 12oz (340-345grams).. if I dont like it, I will hang it on the wall like you said here LOL..

[@snifferdogxsnifferdogx5977]

Once you have received the 97L could you please do a review of it? As I'm getting older I'm feeling the strain on my arms with heavier racquets, and whilst I love the Pro Staff97 line, I"m having to consider the light version as my next racquet.

[@BuzzLightyeear]

Just joined the patreon!

[@Tennisnerd]

Appreciate it! 🙏🏼

[@zenkishiba279]

I wasn't in the market for a new racquet but the stripes and exposed layout sold me hard. Ordered it tuesday night, got it today (thu) at lunchtime. (great job Wilson!) my PS97v13 (strung) came with these specs: Weight: 336gm Balance: 32.25cm SW:325 (TW calculator) This was with a 3gm dampener and wilson pro overgrip.

[@joy_love1]

how does it feel ?

[@zenkishiba279]

Alexander Pr. Feels pretty solid. Strung it with champions choice @ 52/54. Alu on the mains. Having used RF97(tuxedo) previous years and currently been using vcore pro 97HD. This PS97 is about 25gms lighter than my RF97 but similar feel. Stiffer than the vcore. I measured my vcore @ 326 SW versus the 325 of this PS97. Even if the vcore is heavier, it’s more headlight. Pocketing and control for the PS97 is nice. But i’m still getting to know the stick. I still need to hit with a heavy hitter to know how much it can plow through the ball. But I like what i’ve experienced so far.

[@Amadeus8094]

@@zenkishiba279 Hi Zenki Shiba, would you consider this racket as the best Wilson Pro Staff so far? How is it different than the Head Gravity Pro 315g or the Prestige ? Thanks !

[@zenkishiba279]

M not sure about all pro staffs... i’ve only played with RF97 tuxedo and a prostaff 95 blx. Currently, i play my best tennis with this PS97 v13 version. Unfortunately, i have not played with gravity or prestige.

[@luismanuelpena1104]

Wow, some awesome volleys there Jonas

[@Tennisnerd]

Thanks Luis!

[@mlzu.]

I play with the Wilson Prostaff 97 Black v11. I do agree that the string pattern makes the ball fly at some times, but I’m willing to try the newer version

[@leebr2010]

This is a common complaint I hear from different reviewers. It's almost like they echo each other. but I've been playing with the all black non-CV PS97 v11 and never had such inconsistency problems. Any inconsistencies, I blame it on my inconsistent swing or poor footwork on that shot. If this new version has more control, that's great. But I think sometimes people just kind of echo each other's comments back and forth.

[@mlzu.]

@@leebr2010 its probably the different type of strings used in the setup. I used Tecnifibre X one Bi phase at 59.2 lbs and ALU rough at 56.2 lb. the bi phase was a power string, so thats why it flew. also it was a fresh string job when i played with it. I like it more dead as it gives me more control. my previous string setup was wilson nxt and alu rough.

[@leebr2010]

@@mlzu. I see. I am not good enough to blame the equipment when my shots don't go where I want them to :) But I know what you mean when there's too much power. It's not erratic, it's just hard to control.

[@weyman4317]

I find it strange that the RF97 is too heavy. I’m playing with a pro staff classic 95 which weighs strung 357 grams from 1992. The old wooden rackets were far heavier than they are today and a 60 square inch head. I worry that light rackets don’t have the punch of the heavier ones and I wonder how the arm feels when the force comes through on the lighter models?

[@Amadeus8094]

How does the Pro Staff 97 V13 compare with the previous model Pro Staff 97 (315g) ? Much appreciated

[@zewask6244]

Lol “so this is pretty much a racquet that should of been sent to Rodger and not me” Haha

[@jerrystoner2010]

Really digging the new cosmetic on the Pro Staffs, especially the regular 97, and given what you've said about it, it might be a contender for me to switch to. But first, I want to ask you how the regular PS97 compares to the Diadem Elevate Tour, and by extension, the regular Elevate, in terms of control, feel, and maneuverability. Thanks a lot 👍

[@Macbille]

Is it true that your drop shots are better if you have RF's autograph on your racket?

[@b.lakeberg7456]

Nice new paintjob on the PS97. I still wish they had more headsize options in the line, but I suppose more options would be hard to sell as wilson has those options in thier other raquet lines.

[@Abe-Lau]

Do you mean smaller or bigger than the 97 square inch head? They would not make it bigger because it is a control racket and it would be more sluggish. And smaller head size would appeal to less people. 97 squqre inch is great IMO.

[@b.lakeberg7456]

@@Abe-Lau I do mean providing the overall playability the Prostaff line is known for in smaller and bigger headsizes. I agree 97 is an awesome headsize the complinents the newer style of control tennis from all areas of the court. The previous generations of the Prostaff line had other headsize options with the thinner beams and emphasized control/playability. The new PS97 has kind of changed into the signiture line of Roger Federer. This is a marketing decision working very well for Wilson. A Prostaff 100 would be nice, but those options are in the blade/ultra/burn options ranging from more "control" to "power" based frames.

[@youssefmohamedsoliman9464]

See the pro staff X

[@b.lakeberg7456]

@@youssefmohamedsoliman9464 Yes! The Prostaff X looks awesome. Glad wilson did a 100 headsize. I would have liked seeing a more unique string pattern with the name 'X'. 18x19 or 16x20 would have given the frame more identity from the various versions of the 97 in the line up.

[@FW_Tennis_Channel]

I really wish they ditch the velvet paint.

[@Abe-Lau]

i like it and i don’t like it.

[@jonm2522]

Very nice, nice groundstrokes all round, snap/stab at them backhand volleys.

[@jonienglish3231]

I Like the ORIGINAL BOULDER RED / YELLOW STRIPPING

[@videowatcher9024]

Hi Jonas, would really appreciate your expert opinion on the power level and stiffness rating, us middle aged weak elbow tennis players rely on you for this advice since you do it better than all of the youtubers out there...thanks!

[@mr.beavis2202]

My Pro Staff 97 v13 demo is on the way!

[@jonathanchen1026]

How does this new prostaff 97 compare to the new blade 98? And how does it compare to old 6.0 85?

[@BangBang-tj2rc]

How does the standard Pro Staff 97 v13 compare to the 2019 Yonex VCORE Pro 97 310 in terms of power and control? Also, what is the stiffness rating of the standard pro staff v13?

[@Rick-ou6wy]

Using VCP97hd. Similar question.

[@GallicGarlic]

Keep your VCore Pro 97 HD

[@Rick-ou6wy]

@@GallicGarlic Bought PS97 315, currently playing with it as a toy. 97HD is still my primary racquet.

[@Abe-Lau]

@@Rick-ou6wy How is it? I love the feel from the PS 97 V13. I was lucky that my racket was only 2 grams off spec. 😊

[@Rick-ou6wy]

@@Abe-Lau I assume you are asking about 97hd? I hit heavier ball with more control and potentially more spin than PS97v13 from the baseline. PS97v13 feels more solid at net and more maneuverable overall.

[@Tennissensitive]

Never thought the RF could be my racket of choice. It became.

[@kwii22789]

Man this looks sexy. Maybe I'll switch to a Wilson next year.

[@hewitttt]

LOL Next Video has to be the MRR list now that you have teased it :)

[@Tennisnerd]

It is coming soon hehe, but perhaps not next video :)

[@Rezmund]

2:55 2018* 😎🎾 Fantastic review, thank you 👏

[@Tennisnerd]

Thanks! 👍🏻

[@antoniouribe43]

Excellent review mate. Do you think that the Pro staff v13 has nearly the same feel/playability of the PS85? I have played with the PS85 before.

[@wai2994]

Can I ask how does the PS97 compare to the 2015 version?

[@jonathanchen1026]

Does the string mapping help the string last longer for string breakers because the more dense pattern? Pretty cool how you got an RF97 with almost same specs he uses!

[@TimTheMusicMan]

What version PS does Roger play with and played with since 2017

[@samkid1658]

Roger used the black and white pro staff rf97 during wimbledon 2018 not 2019..

[@ginawilliams5496]

what is your view on starting a match with RF97 and then (after a set or so if/when your arm starts aching) to move to the 97m for the remainder of the match? I have been using a heavier Karakal racquet (334gm, and with slightly wider grip) to start, then moving to a slightly lighter Karakal racquet (328gm, and with slightly narrower grip) as i find the 'easing off' of arm strain that way. No repercussions felt after the match though, so don't feel like I'm harming myself. Looking to trial the RF97 and 97m to replace my aging Karakals.

[@vincentbianchi3361]

Nice review

[@Abe-Lau]

Wilson blade or pro staff?

[@paulwebber3512]

Wow, that blue court by the water looks like an amazing place to play. Will you be reviewing the new Prince Phantom Graphite frames?

[@Mac39Ryan]

did you get your hands on the 97L yet? love the channel!!!

[@Tennisnerd]

Sadly not, but thanks!

[@mattcarlson8262]

tHANKS FOR THIS REVIEW; peRSONALLY, i LOVE THE DESIGN;

[@ssportslivetvstreaming]

what do u guys think about my Babolat pure drive team ? about 1 out of 10

[@plebcake]

I really want to try this out. As a Yonex/Angell guy, the only concern I have with Wilson is the QC department. I wonder if they've tried to address those issues with the new-er lineups they've recently been producing.

[@Tennisnerd]

I know what you mean. Sadly QC is a factor for almost all brands. These two were almost spot on but perhaps I got lucky

[@plebcake]

Tennisnerd if you had to compare to the TC97, what would you say?

[@stevekim578]

Nice, thank you Tennisnerd

[@harishreddy4034]

How does the PS97 compare with the old 6.1 95? I'm having a hard time liking modern frames other than the Phantoms.

[@alexfer17]

What other racquets are on your MRR list??

[@josephlinton9167]

Would you consider changing to the PS as your racquet of choice?

[@renzotan839]

v13 340g vs v1- also 340g weigh different when strung and grip is added. ?normal

[@berdi4berdi4]

How does the RF97A compare to the Pro Staff classic 95? It was my racquet 15 years ago but I had to leave due to elbow problems when I served. Thanks

[@Tennisnerd]

If you have a sensitive elbow, I would not use the RF97A - it's quite stiff. Try the Blade 98 or the Pro Staff 97 V13 instead.

[@berdi4berdi4]

@@Tennisnerd thanks, appreciate your answer

[@newpurplerider9802]

Yea I don’t understand why they’re sticking with the all black. It looks like an unfinished prototype racket. Painting it like the classic Pro Staff would have been soooo cool.

[@Fernwald84]

If you get more playing hours with these racquets, Jonas, I'd like to hear about the durability of the paint jobs. I've found that the RF97A chips very easily and after a month or so of play it looks like a very old racquet.

[@Jaim3Padua]

Great review sir! Are you going to be reviewing the Yonex EZONE 98 Tour ??

[@hakanniemi8369]

Hey! I liked the Wilson Six One 95 16/18, except that it gave me problems with the muscles above the elbow. Would the Wilson Pro Staff 97 V13.0 Racket suit me when I liked it? Same feeling? Risk of hurting myself again? Have a BABOLAT PURE AERO now that I know nothing about. I am 53 years old and play twice a week.

[@hybrid11theory75]

Does this racquet still have a BoxBeam like the Prestige or is it more oval shaped?

[@nicolewb24]

Thanks for the comprehensive review. I play with the prior generation PS 97 CVs. Unfortunately, I bought them just 3 months ago. Is this a big enough upgrade that it’s worth demoing the v13 already?

[@Tennisnerd]

I think it is a major update from the 97 CV, but if you like them and play well with them - you are fine. Whatever works for your game 👍🏻

[@nicolewb24]

Tennisnerd I do like them but I’m playing them coming from the Clash 100 which I found imprecise and really lacked stability, particularly at net. So I’m questioning if there’s something better out there for my game. Before I bought my pro staffs I also demoed the Yonex Ezone 98. It was a close second place for me but it was just a little bit too light and unstable so I went with the pro staff countervail. Now that there is a Yonex Ezone 98 tour as well as a new pro staff im wondering if I’d be better off with one of those. I may have to do another round of demos.

[@MrBMJ]

If you’re in the US I think Wilson are offering $50 off of new racquets when you trade in your old ones. Maybe worth looking into?

[@nicolewb24]

MrBMJ they were doing that for Clash, Ultra, and Blade. Hopefully they will for the new Pro Staff too.

[@ayokay123]

Versus the new Pure Drive???

[@eduardohuerta5460]

Totally agree with the cosmetics. I was expecting more like the 85 original (maybe the font). It still looks exactly the same as the previous version. The pin stripes could be more visual or used them all over the frame like the original. I'm a little disappointed with the cosmetics...

[@chocolatier9597]

Do you recommend this or the Clash UL?

[@heuristocrat]

Where can I see the mrr list?

[@khoipham2978]

How is it on the elbow/wrist?

[@adolfocampos168]

How does the ps97 compare to the yonex ezone tour

[@Tennisnerd]

I haven’t tried the Ezone Tour yet, when I do, I will let you know

[@andreasheuer5835]

An diesem Pro Staff RF97 autograph gibt es nichts zu verbessern!Das Racket ist jeden € Wert!Top Wilson Tennis! 🎾🙏🏻✌🏼

[@vanshagarwal2362]

So basically it still has kevlar or aramid mix? Thanks

[@RossBayCult]

Fed used the white in 2018

[@philippf7949]

Thanks for the review

[@oatmeat2707]

how do you not scrape your racquet when u play

[@yourbedroompunk7601]

Off topic, but have you ever played with a babolat pure aero plus and pure drive plus? If so, what are your thoughts and the differences?

[@miguellerao1818]

Wilson PSv13 or Vcore pro 97HD? Im in doubt about which one to choose. What about the maneuverability and comfort of the wilson? Thank you in advance

[@ggar9623]

I currently use the blade 98 v7 16x19, i like it a lot but sometimes its not as manouverable as i would like, specially the top spin one hander and the serve, how do you compare the v13 to my blade? Giving that the only thing i miss from my blade is a little more monouverability and a more headlight balance, thanks!

[@tanchongkiat]

Would you be able to share what is in you MRR list??

[@Tennisnerd]

Will do so in a video soon!

[@samrocksmyshire]

Alright. Love the rainbow polo you’ve worn a few times. What brand is it?

[@Tennisnerd]

Vollaix 👍🏻

[@pritpatel27]

what are the strings being used in this

[@vsvsvs111]

I don't get "you need to be advanced player" narrative thing. I don't consider myself an advanced player and I definitely play my best with 97 RF. Played for a long time with Pure Drive, Burn 100 cv and Clash 100 tour. 97 RF works for me and going back to any of the aforementioned is like going from Porsche to Yugo.

[@kornerdiregi3047]

After playing with a stiff racquet like Pure Drive how was the feel of 97 RF? I'm planning to switch my PD with a PS97 v13.

[@noquierospampls]

Hey! thanks for the review. How is this frame compared to the vcore pro 97 hd? Thanks :D

[@barbermack2980]

Is the PRO STAFF logo laser engraved? or printed? Thanks

[@BullyGarfield.]

printed

[@haseeb3881]

How does the power compare to something like the blade v7? Thanks in advance!

[@Tennisnerd]

I felt like the higher stiffness gives you a bit more power with the Ps97

[@benjninja7810]

I’m thinking of buying this racket but I use more of Head.Do you think it’s worth to go for it instead of Head Graphene Pro?

[@ifeanyiikpegbu6465]

Please what other rackets are on your 'MRR' list?

[@Tennisnerd]

Coming in a video soon

[@lukaslangvinis4507]

Have you ever played with Grahene XT SPEED PRO? I would really love to try it out and see if it suits my topspin oriented game

[@Janghwan]

What are your match ready racquets?

[@Tennisnerd]

Video to come!

[@LaSalviaBodysurf]

how does it compare to Ultra Tour 97? I know its more powerful and has less control, but specially in terms of feel? I tried the last pro staff non CV and didnt like the feel, too stiff for me and powerful, also much less control than UT97

[@mteca5093]

Is that 45 weeve same as head's 360 +

[@acruma4512]

What do you think about the RF at slice?

[@Tennisnerd]

Very nice on the slice.

[@SaqibSheikh]

Why does no one use pro staff now?

[@khalilac17]

is the ps97 good for spin?