Packed with precision, pop and plow-through, this update combines Wilson's revolutionary bending technology with a classic Pro Staff feel
Updated with Wilson's revolutionary layup technology, the Pro Staff 97 v14 continues to evolve without forgetting its roots. With its 97 square inch head and beefy 330+ swingweight, this stick combines surgical precision with enough mass to effectively redirect the pace of a big hitting opponent. It also delivers impressive pop to those who can leverage its mass. Featuring the same aramid fibers that gave the Original Pro Staff 85 such outstanding feel, the Pro Staff 97 is comfortably dampened without compromising your connection to the ball. According to Wilson, this update brings back that classic Pro Staff feel with Paradigm Bending, a layup technology that optimizes the flex between hoop and shaft. This racquet also has FORTYFIVE technology, which strategically aligns the graphite fibers at a 45 degree angle to increase lateral bending through impact. The payoff is increased dwell time and pocketing for greater command over the ball. Like the previous generation, this racquet also has String Mapping, which combines denser spacing in the center for control with wider spacing at the margins for greater comfort outside the sweetspot. Ultimately, this update combines pinpoint precision with impressive stability and plow-through. Experienced players looking for a modern Pro Staff that doesn't forget its roots will love this one.
Swingweight lowered to 325 on 12.1.23
Specifications
| Head Size: 97 in² / 625.81 cm² | ||||
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm | ||||
| Strung Weight: 11.7oz / 332g | ||||
| Balance: 12.6in / 32cm / 7 pts HL | ||||
| Swingweight: 325 | ||||
| Stiffness: 66 | ||||
| Beam Width: 21.5mm / 21.5mm / 21.5mm | ||||
| Composition: Aramid/Graphite | ||||
| Power Level: Low | ||||
| Stroke Style: Full | ||||
| Swing Speed: Fast | ||||
| Racquet Colors: Rust | ||||
| Grip Type: Wilson Pro Performance | ||||
String Pattern:
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| String Tension: 50-60 pounds |
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Customer Reviews
Pretty amazing in all areas, but.....I've played these frames now for the past nine months exclusively. Having come from Ezone 98 2022's modified up to 340 grams, I was just craving something with a bit more direct feel and control. I've tried a number of string setups, but have settled playing Volkl Cyclone 18 gauge on the mains at 50 pounds and Gamma Live Wire Pro 17 on the crosses at 52 pounds. At times it still feels a little stiff and not as plush as my Ezone's or even my older Head Speed Pro's. However, I'm able to hit serve spots better, rally from the baseline in offense and defensive positions as well as hit direct punchy style volleys. I did notice at times the racquets vibrate aggressively when you don't strike the ball clean and in the sweet spot. There's little forgiveness in this frame and it can occasionally aggravate my elbow, hence the use of a hybrid string setup. It does require proper footwork and really good ball striking. The reward is awesome when you play well. But you can't get lazy with this stick like you can on other sticks (like an Ezone!). I've recently weighed all three of my PS 97's and they are considerably off spec! This also was the case when I played with the Blade V7's. One of my PS 97's strung static weight is 329 with a swing weight of 314! The other two are at 334 and 337 static, but with these whimpy swing weights of 313 and 320. So the sticks are kind of all over the map. They all have the same strings and one Wilson overgrip. These were all measured on the Head swing weight machine. Balance ranges between 6-8 points HL, which is tolerable. I just wish I was getting the 325 swing weight as advertised. I'm going to have to modify the hoop and handle to get a more stable plush feel from them. Overall they make you play well and aggressively, but they aren't easy and forgiving. I also own a Blade 98 18x20 v8, which is also fun to play with. I can plow better with that frame and the comfort on off center shots is easier on the arm. But overall, I prefer the PS.
Not the traditional Pro StaffI’ve used many different iterations of the Pro Staff, from the Ncode 90, K Factor 90 (when I was a 6.0-6.5 NTRP rating), first generation of the RF97 and the second generation of the RF97. These have all been incredible frames with fantastic feel, plow through, pocketing, and control. Yes, I had to generate spin and racquet head speed, but the headlight balance made up for it. This newest generation felt splashy, uncontrolled, extreme, and too flexible. I chose not to switch frames for the time being and stick with the last RF frame. I’m very disappointed with Wilson for not continuing with a frame that exceeds the 12.0 oz weight. Will try again once my frame's elasticity fails in another year. Will probably go with a Prestige tour or Yonex though. In the 29 of my 34 years of playing tennis, the last 18 have been with a 12.0oz plus racquet, lighter ones ruin my timing. Get with it Wilson; adding lead tape and getting the proper balance is a pain in the butt. I’m 34 now I don’t want a 14/15oz racquet like I used to play with anymore. I will say that the positive was the ease of spin production made it easier to focus on plow through. Lackluster everywhere else compared to the Pro Staff of old. Tempted to just go with the limited Pro Staff 85's.
Wilson Pro Staff 97 v14 RacquetVery pleased with this racquet. I was very surprised to learn racquets no longer ship with covers. Also surprised that the maximum racquet grip size is 4 & 1/2. I normally used a 4 & 5/8 and I don't have a particularly big hand.
“Whoa”In the words of Neo….. ”Whoa.”
Pro Staff 97 v14Dependable and responsive.
Good, not greatTrying to replace my 2019 Yonex V Core Pro that had a swingweight around 330 and a stiffness of 65. The newer Yonex Percepts have good plow through, but stiffness around 61 and feel under-powered for me. The Wilson RF stiffness around 67 was a great racquet but too stiff causing tennis elbow issues over time. This racquet vibrated in stock form so I weighted it up significantly with lead tape and it now feels similar to my old Yonex. Better for backhand slices, volley quickness and slice serve. Worse for standard topspin on rally balls.
Finally a good Pro StaffI'm a long time Six One 95 user and own many of the Pro Staff in the past. I've never liked the Pro Staff 97, since I felt like they were always missing something that the old Six One 95 had. Once I tried this new Pro Staff out, I thought it fit everything I wanted. Good power, predictable spin potential, and a very familiar feel that made touch shots and slices easy to execute. Serving has been a lot easier to execute thanks to the lower weight. Overall, a great racquet to try for any Pro Staff enthusiast.
Great sticks!Hard to write a review for something as player-specific as a racquet, but IMO these are just amazing bats. I moved down from a 332g Wilson Six-one 95 to the 315g, 97sq.in head and my shoulder has thanked me many times already. With ALU power at 50lbs, there’s great ‘pocketing’ of the ball, excellent control and I can get my hands through the shot so much faster - first thing I noticed was the ability to generate topspin from low balls.
The only thing I’m struggling with it touch, but I think this is just a matter of getting used to the lighter frame.
Take advantage of the demo program and try these out!
Pro Staff 97 v14Comparing to a v13 freshly strung at same time, immediately feels more stable, more feel/feedback.
It is also very obvious that it is less muted which combined with the extra feel can be easily mistaken as jarring. It is not. Also, it swings noticeably heavier than v13 but with no noticeable extra heaviness of the ball and on top of that, with less power. I think I'll need to dial down 2 to 4lbs to get back to v13 power level. I doubt I'll lose control as the v14 frame is felt to be extremely stable and consistent. My opinion is that it's a great racquet to consider for the folks currently using RF97 looking for a lighter racquet. The metallic brown didn't affect me as much as I thought it would. Lol.
Current setup: Volkl cyclone 19, 52lbs.
Best Pro Staff 97 Ever!For the past 8 years I've been playing with the first version of the Pro Staff 97 that came out in 2015. Every time another version would come out I would give it a try but never switch because I always thought that the first version was better. I was always hoping for a version that would provide a bit more power and control. Well guess what? The V14 finally delivered! I ordered a matching pair as close to advertised specs as possible. TW found two that were spot on. This racquet hits a huge ball. The added swingweight is such a huge improvement. And the string mapping provides a ton of control. It's exactly what I've been waiting for. It's like playing with an under spec RF97. I just spent 8 weeks testing out 9 different frames. The V14 is hands down the most solid, stable, powerful and control orientated frame on the market imo. I have to admit. I'm not a fan of the paint job. But oh well... I don't even care about it anymore. I highly recommend this racket to anyone who has a one handed backhand and enjoys playing with modern day players frames.
HeavyDefinitely heavier. I purchased 2 and both weighed 12.1 ounces strung. These will become work out racquets when I'm playing short durations to build muscles. I prefer v13 which more muted and has less vibration.
Wilson Pro Staff 97 v14I love this new Pro Staff!
New Favorite Players RacquetThis racquet has a very comfortable, stable and predictable response. It’s the perfect platform to “just play,” not adding or taking away anything. I feel this approaches the perfect players racquet for 4.0 and above. I know exactly where the ball is going.
Former D2 College playerPro Staff was always the racquet that I wanted to play with because of everything the racquet represented. Version 13 was my favorite design and also in terms of playability from all Pro Staffs, but version 14 once you have in hands it is so stunning and unique. In addition, its playability reminds me a lot of the feel from Pro Staff 90 but in a much modern way and easier to use.
5.0 player all court gameUsed the Pro Staff v11 before. This racquet feels better in almost every way. Slightly more muted, but still has great feel. Seems more powerful and forgiving, but still loads of control. I have arm issues so I was scared of the higher ra of 66 on this, but it feels more comfortable to me that the previous versions. Still maneuverable, but has more swingweight which really helps me hit through the ball. I highly recommend. They say this is made to feel like the older Pro Staffs I hit with the Ncode 90 back in the day. I don’t think it has that feel, but it still feels great and is a great players racquet.
Perfect racquetIm an all rounded-player at about level 4.5. The shining golden coating is attractive. When I am using that in the court meanwhile I can draw others' attention. In view of performance, this racquet provides a lot of control with precision. Great balance of head heavy that provide perfect a powerful groundstrokes. Every single shot makes some trouble to your opponent. On serve, I can feel the connection with the ball, the serve shot comes with force and precision, I can hit the ball on the corner side, thus which becomes the nightmare to the opponent. All in all, if you chase a power, control and tradition play style in your game, this racquet will be your good choice.
