Its really difficult to chose a racket these days as the choice is wide. I have been looking to purchase the pro staff V13 but I am still unsure if the older version (315g) is so much different to justify the high retail price of the V13. Some prefer the wilson blade or the clash, others like the head gravity/prestige pro. Really confusing this racket game especially if you cannot demo any of these models due to your location : / Hope to get some clarity from you :) Cheers
@@MikeKomen I want the best bang for buck :) New frames compared to the old rackets are totally different they gained in power and flexibility but lost in feel and durabiilty. Old rackets are more durable than the new ones and felt different. I am looking for a racket that combines both: Solid bread & butter plowthrough with smooth precision and addictive feel for the modern tennis game which is fast and spin friendly without compromising durability. Going deep here :))))) Basically a racket that will stay with you for a long time
@@Amadeus8094 an amazing bang for the buck right now is the Yonex vcoreSV and the Pure aero since most feel Betsy similar. You can find the aero no problem the SVs might be harder to find. Send me a DM on Instagram and I’ll send you my referral link to RacquetGuys they have some great deals.
hi. I have the 2014 rf prostaff 97 Feels just as you desribed it too. Took me a few months to handle the weight but my defencive game was rewarded. I have recently developed Raffa open stance heavy top spin and very effective
Nice review as usual.. and your hitting looked very clean.. I hit mainly flattish and OHBH and like to move around, so Pro Staff would fit well but I was always concerned about the comfort.. After putting leathergrip and some weight to my VCore95, I come to similar weight and swingweight as RF , and it played really well for me.. not sure I should try to the RF as I am concerned with the stiffness and like lower 60s RA generally, prefer a slightly muted feel than a crisper feel too... thx
I hit a few OHBH for fun with it and it felt amazing! I’m not going to sugar coat it, this one is a beast to handle by the end of the second tiebreak I was not having fun with it (coming from vcore 95 stock). It’s up to your fitness though. I think you’d like the feel it is slightly muted.
I have used the Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 for 10 years, just got the RF97 V13 L. I play one handed backhand. Needless to say, there is a learning curve. Let's go.
@@MikeKomen no problem. Good to hear you not saying you need the new one. I found this racket but just too heavy after an hour. I sold it but want another one to try again
An observation on many other users' rf97 v13s - the signature and the prostaff text seems to get worn off, even erased so quickly. Been playing with my K-Factor SixOne90 since it came out, and the paint and signature is still intact except for the paint chips I accumulated over the years.. Why Wilson, Why?
RF feels amazing, provides so much stability, but it causes disproportionately strong calves and hormonal imbalances. PS97 gives too much vibration maybe because it’s hollow inside. Really tough choice
Nice vid. I'm an aggressive baseliner, but I've never considered picking up the standard or the rf97. Not looking for nothing new, but next time I am, I'll keep this in mind. What NTRP are you, btw?
Not sure about NTRP (we don’t use that in Ontario) but my UTR is a 5.0 but I was slacking a bit in this video (in sweats lol) probably was playing somewhere between a 4.5 and 5.0
Hi Mike, great content. Do you think the 97L version would be a good replacement for the Wilson Hammer 6.4?. I am not sure if the balance is more oriented to the head. Thanks !
Hey Jorge, thanks for the kind words! Unfortunately, I won’t be much help answering your question since I haven’t played with the hammer so I can’t make the comparison :(
I remember the lockdown here in London, courts were closed for a few months. Pretty tough on all the tennis addicts. Dusted off my pro staff autograph yesterday for a hit after using my normal blade. Much harder to use top spin so your video was realy helpful to understand that the style of play is a bit different with it
I just felt the weight carries smoother when you throw it out in front on a flatter shot like Roger does, harder to do with the western grip heavy topspin shot, like the Rafa style. If it works for you and you like it that’s all that matters in the end! Thanks for the comment Colin!
I'm coming from a 6.1 90 would you recommend as this my next racket? Unfortunately i cannot demo it. I was on the fence about this and pure aero tour. I know both rackets are the polar opposites but what do you recommend? My game style and level is quite similar to yours.
didn't know Joaquin Phoenix was into tennis?? I own two of the RF97 (previous version), great workout, challenging, you need solid technique to deal with the weight otherwise you will get injured.
LOL just wanted to see if I could get away with the wrong picture, got to about 1000 views before anyone said anything 😂 I agree with what you said, needs great technique and footwork!
I’m an older guy and this racquet is a bit too much for me now. It’s difficult to get the racquet around and chasing balls around with this thing is tough. I really like the way it hits though. It feels great. I’m kinda sad to move on from it. Any recommendations for something lighter with a similar feel. The regular Pro Staff 97 doesn’t feel like the RF.
I just played with the new tecnifibre 305 (you can check out the review) but I think that one is definitely worth a try. It’s lighter but is more head heavy so it feels like you’re getting a ton of weight through the ball.
I would’ve given it a lower score on control and feel. It has a stiff feel with it thickish beam. You have the 93p with the same score for control but the prince outshines it in that area imo.
Hey Anthony, this one was tough to score in a lot of categories because it is a unique feeling racquet. Overall I agree the prince is easier to get control and is more user friendly but with this one if you are connecting well it’s like a laser. Maybe I need to start using half points haha
Scored better because the capacity for better play is much higher. I’m still at king to my vcore 95 though much more in my comfort zone with that one. Thanks again for watching!
Had a bit of a running joke in the videos before this one lol, I put crocodile Dundee as Kevin Anderson to see who would notice 😂 a lot more people called me out on this one though
I’ve been showing the picture of the wrong person for the last three videos you were the first to notice 😂 wanted to see how long I could go until someone said something haha don’t tell the others 🤫
@@MikeKomen oh, ok ....well, this was the first of your videos that I watched, so I didn't notice that it's a sort of running gag for you. 😂 Nice one, man!
I don’t play with them as much since they are a bit too light for me but I’m familiar with most of the sub 300g racquets. Happy to help with any questions!
@KomenTennis Thanks for the fast reaction! I used to be a 6.0 player 6 years ago but I stopped. (used 265 gram racket mostly) I wanted to play again, I used great amounts of top spin as a base line player. 22 year old male right now). Any recommendations?
Thank you so much! I appreciate the support! For a top spin heavy baseliner the babolat pure aero is amazing or yonex vcore 100. Both are right at 300g unstrung.
@@MikeKomen Wow, it the Hawk tough like a Luxilon ALU Power VIBE string? Soon I will need a string job. How does Hawk Touch compare with Luxilon Element for comfort, feel, durability and control? I currently have Luxilon 4G on the mains and Wilson Sensation on the crosses. It works well in my RF97 v13. I
What's your pick standard PS97 or RF97?
Its really difficult to chose a racket these days as the choice is wide. I have been looking to purchase the pro staff V13 but I am still unsure if the older version (315g) is so much different to justify the high retail price of the V13. Some prefer the wilson blade or the clash, others like the head gravity/prestige pro. Really confusing this racket game especially if you cannot demo any of these models due to your location : /
Hope to get some clarity from you :)
Cheers
@@Amadeus8094 what do you currently use and what do you want out of a new frame?
@@MikeKomen I want the best bang for buck :) New frames compared to the old rackets are totally different they gained in power and flexibility but lost in feel and durabiilty. Old rackets are more durable than the new ones and felt different. I am looking for a racket that combines both: Solid bread & butter plowthrough with smooth precision and addictive feel for the modern tennis game which is fast and spin friendly without compromising durability. Going deep here :))))) Basically a racket that will stay with you for a long time
@@Amadeus8094 an amazing bang for the buck right now is the Yonex vcoreSV and the Pure aero since most feel Betsy similar. You can find the aero no problem the SVs might be harder to find. Send me a DM on Instagram and I’ll send you my referral link to RacquetGuys they have some great deals.
@@MikeKomen What about the Phatom 93P from Prince? Wilson burn? Have you tried Wilson raquets with the PWS system ? What do you think about that?
bro i dont know why you dont have more subs your content is so good
Thank you 👊🏼 Share the video, help me blow up haha. My dream would be to have enough subs to do this full time!
@@MikeKomen sure will lol
@@winstonl5312 lol
The way you serve is just beautiful dude!Keep it up man
Thanks Ethan! Always trying to improve. Thanks for watching!
This review was really helpful!!! Definitely taking all of your reviews in consideration when choosing my next racket :D
I just picked up the RF97 v13 to enjoy an iconic frame and remember Roger Federer. Nice review.
It’s a special racquet, happy you got one and are enjoying it!
hi. I have the 2014 rf prostaff 97 Feels just as you desribed it too. Took me a few months to handle the weight but my defencive game was rewarded. I have recently developed Raffa open stance heavy top spin and very effective
Nice review as usual.. and your hitting looked very clean.. I hit mainly flattish and OHBH and like to move around, so Pro Staff would fit well but I was always concerned about the comfort.. After putting leathergrip and some weight to my VCore95, I come to similar weight and swingweight as RF , and it played really well for me.. not sure I should try to the RF as I am concerned with the stiffness and like lower 60s RA generally, prefer a slightly muted feel than a crisper feel too... thx
I hit a few OHBH for fun with it and it felt amazing! I’m not going to sugar coat it, this one is a beast to handle by the end of the second tiebreak I was not having fun with it (coming from vcore 95 stock). It’s up to your fitness though. I think you’d like the feel it is slightly muted.
0:07 joaquin Phoenix! Great review though i agree with you.
Solid review. I look forward to more videos!
Thanks for watching! Got some good ones planned for this year 👍🏻
I have used the Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 for 10 years, just got the RF97 V13 L. I play one handed backhand. Needless to say, there is a learning curve. Let's go.
Hope you kept the hyper hammer it’s a classic! Enjoy the new frame and thanks for watching!
@@MikeKomen Oh yes, I have two in my bag. When the RF frustrates I go back and forth.
AYYYYY U HIT 1K congrats🎉
Thank you! 🙌🏻 I remember when you guys helped me reach 100!
Best review of the racket I’ve seen.
Thanks, I appreciate it!
@@MikeKomen no problem. Good to hear you not saying you need the new one. I found this racket but just too heavy after an hour. I sold it but want another one to try again
An observation on many other users' rf97 v13s - the signature and the prostaff text seems to get worn off, even erased so quickly. Been playing with my K-Factor SixOne90 since it came out, and the paint and signature is still intact except for the paint chips I accumulated over the years.. Why Wilson, Why?
RF feels amazing, provides so much stability, but it causes disproportionately strong calves and hormonal imbalances. PS97 gives too much vibration maybe because it’s hollow inside. Really tough choice
😂
It comes with a 45 braid combination. What was the braid combination in prior forms of pro staff racquets.
Thank you for your analysis. Which do you personally prefer from your recent demos: RF97 or Prestige Pro?
Prestige Pro would be my pick. It’s easier to handle and suits my game better. Thanks for watching!
Nice vid. I'm an aggressive baseliner, but I've never considered picking up the standard or the rf97. Not looking for nothing new, but next time I am, I'll keep this in mind. What NTRP are you, btw?
Not sure about NTRP (we don’t use that in Ontario) but my UTR is a 5.0 but I was slacking a bit in this video (in sweats lol) probably was playing somewhere between a 4.5 and 5.0
Hi Mike, great content. Do you think the 97L version would be a good replacement for the Wilson Hammer 6.4?. I am not sure if the balance is more oriented to the head. Thanks !
Hey Jorge, thanks for the kind words! Unfortunately, I won’t be much help answering your question since I haven’t played with the hammer so I can’t make the comparison :(
I played with the 97 L and I loved it
How does it compare to the regular pro staff?
@@joebozz It Is lighter but It has got lot of precision!
Great video! Took a leaf out of Doug Demuro's book with Mike score? It's an awesome way to see comparisons..
Thank you! And yeah I’m a big Doug fan haha I like the laid back style, trying to capture some of that magic with my reviews. Thanks for watching!
Great review!
Thanks I really appreciate it! Now that tennis courts are open in Toronto again I’ll be making more soon :)
I remember the lockdown here in London, courts were closed for a few months. Pretty tough on all the tennis addicts.
Dusted off my pro staff autograph yesterday for a hit after using my normal blade.
Much harder to use top spin so your video was realy helpful to understand that the style of play is a bit different with it
interesting you say that... I have the RF97 V.11, but I play with topspin, especially the one hand backhand, and it works well for me.
I just felt the weight carries smoother when you throw it out in front on a flatter shot like Roger does, harder to do with the western grip heavy topspin shot, like the Rafa style. If it works for you and you like it that’s all that matters in the end! Thanks for the comment Colin!
I'm coming from a 6.1 90 would you recommend as this my next racket? Unfortunately i cannot demo it. I was on the fence about this and pure aero tour. I know both rackets are the polar opposites but what do you recommend? My game style and level is quite similar to yours.
The aero would be my choice because it's more forgiving and with my grip it works well to generate a lot of topspin. Thanks for watching Muhammad!
I love my rf97A v. 11 and want to get a second one. Do I need to worry about v.13 vs. v.11 or are they identical except for the stripes?
Pretty much identical as far as I could tell
good video !!! where is this nice court ?
Bought the regular 97 model. Rf is wAy to heavy imo. Really enjoying it but i prefer very muted frames
I’m with you. Too much for me too. Really fun to play with though. I think you’ll like my ps97 review coming next Sunday. Thanks for watching Frank!
Agree!!!! Ahahah 340 gr. Is insane!!!!! I have the 97 L, 290 gr.
didn't know Joaquin Phoenix was into tennis?? I own two of the RF97 (previous version), great workout, challenging, you need solid technique to deal with the weight otherwise you will get injured.
LOL just wanted to see if I could get away with the wrong picture, got to about 1000 views before anyone said anything 😂 I agree with what you said, needs great technique and footwork!
I’m an older guy and this racquet is a bit too much for me now. It’s difficult to get the racquet around and chasing balls around with this thing is tough. I really like the way it hits though. It feels great. I’m kinda sad to move on from it. Any recommendations for something lighter with a similar feel. The regular Pro Staff 97 doesn’t feel like the RF.
I just played with the new tecnifibre 305 (you can check out the review) but I think that one is definitely worth a try. It’s lighter but is more head heavy so it feels like you’re getting a ton of weight through the ball.
The best 😍🎾🎾🎾💯
Awesome racquet!
I would’ve given it a lower score on control and feel. It has a stiff feel with it thickish beam. You have the 93p with the same score for control but the prince outshines it in that area imo.
Hey Anthony, this one was tough to score in a lot of categories because it is a unique feeling racquet. Overall I agree the prince is easier to get control and is more user friendly but with this one if you are connecting well it’s like a laser. Maybe I need to start using half points haha
So it scores better than vcore 95?
Scored better because the capacity for better play is much higher. I’m still at king to my vcore 95 though much more in my comfort zone with that one. Thanks again for watching!
What's strings are u using on the racquet?
Head hawk touch on the test racquets and Dunlop black widow on mine
@@MikeKomen
red hawks not so common
They might have it on the site. I’ve got link in description of the video
What strings do you use?
Hey Evan, all the red strings you see in my reviews are head hawk touch at 52lbs keeps it consistent for reviewing. Thanks for watching!
Didn’t want to tell you this but, the photo that was shown in the beginning of the video isn’t Roger Federer, it’s actually Joaquin Phoenix
Had a bit of a running joke in the videos before this one lol, I put crocodile Dundee as Kevin Anderson to see who would notice 😂 a lot more people called me out on this one though
Can you do a review on the Pure Strike 98 16x19?
I’ve got a long list of reviews already set for this summer but I’ll add it on! Thanks for watching!
@@MikeKomen I greatly appreciate it! Wow, you responded impressively quickly!
That a lot of weight in the handle
Is it filled with silicone or foam??
Not sure, I only had this one for demo so I didn’t want to mess with the cap.
@@MikeKomen cmon cap is easy
Thanks for the insight! Best community!
@ppm120667 sounds like typical Wilson manufacturing mysteries lol
Imagine how strong Fed's arm is to swing it so fast.
He always makes it look so easy
Did you put Joaqin Phoenix's photo as Roger Federer on purpose? haha
On purpose 😂 bit of a running joke from my last two videos
@@MikeKomen Hahaha. nice one. My brother and I have been talking about how they both look alike for a long time. Happy to find this in your video.
I hear you bro. I've always thought the same thing.
Pony tail (young fed) and Joaqin are basically twins
👍🏻
...is there any reason why you mention Roger Federer and show a picture of Joaquin Phoenix?
I’ve been showing the picture of the wrong person for the last three videos you were the first to notice 😂 wanted to see how long I could go until someone said something haha don’t tell the others 🤫
@@MikeKomen oh, ok ....well, this was the first of your videos that I watched, so I didn't notice that it's a sort of running gag for you. 😂 Nice one, man!
21.5 mm width is the same as earlier version. No change there.
Thanks for the info Alvin 👊🏻
What do you know about 290-300 gram rackets. I am an intermediate player and like your vids but you only review 330 gram rackets :)
I don’t play with them as much since they are a bit too light for me but I’m familiar with most of the sub 300g racquets. Happy to help with any questions!
Oh and the reason that I review the heavier ones is because those are usually the “flagship models” for each of the brands. Thanks for watching!
@KomenTennis Thanks for the fast reaction! I used to be a 6.0 player 6 years ago but I stopped. (used 265 gram racket mostly) I wanted to play again, I used great amounts of top spin as a base line player. 22 year old male right now). Any recommendations?
@@MikeKomen btw love your vids! Binged 20 today
Thank you so much! I appreciate the support! For a top spin heavy baseliner the babolat pure aero is amazing or yonex vcore 100. Both are right at 300g unstrung.
what is the string?
Head hawk touch
@@MikeKomen Will try. Thx!
@@MikeKomen
Wow, it the Hawk tough like a Luxilon ALU Power VIBE string? Soon I will need a string job. How does Hawk Touch compare with Luxilon Element for comfort, feel, durability and control?
I currently have Luxilon 4G on the mains and Wilson Sensation on the crosses. It works well in my RF97 v13. I
What is Joaquin Phoenix doing here? Is he using RF97?
Just a running joke I had for a while of putting in the wrong person until someone said something about it lol
That wasn’t roger Federer dude
Dude that's Foger Rederer...
I am talking about the picture at 0.8 seconds. He is the joker - Joaquin Phoenix
I know I was just kidding to see who would notice lol
There are no difference
Your so bad in tennis 🎾
I’m profesional
You’re* so bad at* tennis. You almost had it, good effort 👍🏻
Great review
Thank you!
@@MikeKomen my pick is 100% RF97.
Still one of my all time favourites
@@MikeKomen can I ask you what string you use and what tension? Thanks for the reply!!
In the video I was using head hawk touch at 52lbs but normally I use Dunlop black widow at 50lbs
Hello! What strings do you use?
In this racquet head hawk touch but in my main racquet Dunlop black widow. Thanks for watching!
Hello from Stoney Creek, Ontario
🇨🇦👊🏻