Wilson has refined their performance racquet line up into 4 main families: Clash, Blade, Ultra, and Pro Staff. Each family has a predominant characteristic associated with it; Ultra – Power, Clash – Control, Blade – Feel, Pro Staff – Precision
While the Blade’s very prevalent on the pro tours, there are still an impressive amount of Pro Staffs as well. This September, Wilson unveiled version 13 of the Pro Staff in 4 models: Pro Staff 97, Pro Staff 97L, Pro Staff RF97, and Pro Staff 97UL. The models keep the classic black elastic paint of the previous version, and they feature a red and yellow stripe as a call back to the original Pro Staff from 1983. All the models feature an exposed carbon fiber weave with a glossy finish at the top of the racquet for a modern riff on the all-black design.
Modern with a Touch of Heritage
The Wilson Pro Staff RF97 continues to be one of the nicest-looking frames around, and while the specs are identical to the previous version, right down to the leather grip, this model features silver and black stripes in contrast to the other Pro Staff 97 models. The RF97 is the personal racquet of Roger Federer himself, and the specs are pretty rare in this day and age.
Weight: 12.0 ounces / 340 g
Balance: 12 Points Head Light /30.5 cm
String Pattern: 16×19
Beam: 21.5 mm
Length: 27 in / 68.6 cm
Swingweight: 330
Construction: Braided Graphite and Aramid
Braid 45 Construction
For the Pro Staff 97, 97L, and 97UL, Wilson has adjusted the construction of the racquets with a new technology, Braid 45. With Braid 45, the fiber tubes are set at a 45-degree angle to allow the racquets to “breathe” more and improve ball pocketing while maintaining the stability of the Graphite, Kevlar braid. None of the new 
Pro Staff models have Countervail because Wilson wanted the focus on the classic Pro Staff precision and ball control that the franchise is known for. Wilson has increased the density of the 16×19 string pattern on the Pro Staffs (non-RF) to improve string durability, and make the entire racquet face more consistent. The non-RF models of the Pro Staff 97 will now feature the same ergonomic end cap as the Ultra, Blade, and Clash models. This should provide more comfort, particularly if you grip the racquet closer to the bottom of the handle.
Weight: 11.1 ounces / 315 g
Balance: 10 Points Head Light /31.2 cm
String Pattern: 16×19
Beam: 21.5 mm
Length: 27 in / 68.6 cm
Swingweight: 320
Construction: Braided Graphite and Aramid
Weight: 10.2 ounces / 290 g
Balance: 7 Points Head Light /32.5 cm
String Pattern: 16×19
Beam: 23 mm
Length: 27 in / 68.6 cm
Swingweight: 315
Construction: Braided Graphite and Aramid
Weight: 9.5 ounces / 269 g
Balance: 6 Points Head Light /32.3 cm
String Pattern: 16×19
Beam: 23 mm
Length: 27 in / 68.6 cm
Swingweight: 315
Construction: Braided Graphite and Aramid
Pro Staff Feel and So Many Bags!
While the Clash and Blade models have a softer flex, the Pro Staff continues the silo’s tradition of being a little firmer. However, the frames should be plenty comfortable for players who can generate the racquet head speed and power on their own. Wilson is not one to miss an opportunity to accessorize, and the new Pro Staff bag line looks just as crisp and clean as the racquets themselves. Three bags get the Pro Staff look: The Super Tour 15 Pack, The Super Tour 9 Pack, and the Super Tour Backpack. The
The new Pro Staff racquets ship 9/28/2020 and pre-orders are live now! Make sure to subscribe below for updated racquet release news.
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