Federer's latest masterpiece is a versatile all-court weapon
Initially designed for the twilight of his playing career, the RF 01 Pro underwent exhaustive testing and tweaking by Federer, bearing the mark of insights gleaned over one of the most remarkable careers in tennis history. Compared to his RF97 Autograph, the RF 01 Pro has a slightly more forgiving head size, along with a lighter weight and thicker, more aerodynamic beam construction. The upshot is a more explosive weapon, one that is better suited to the speed, spin, and pop of the modern game. This racquet's design is appropriately named SABR, a moniker that epitomizes Federer's attacking style. It includes a powerful carbon fiber layup with Braid FORTYFIVE technology to enhance both dwell time and pocketing while helping the racquet bend in ways that complement the vertical mechanics of the modern game (think spin). It also features foam throughout the racquet to deliver a more solid feel, coupled with a reinforced shaft and yoke for more torsional stability (think less racquet flopping on volleys). Ultimately, the RF 01 Pro is not only a great snapshot of Federer's evolution; it's also hard to put down.
Specifications
| Head Size: 98 in² / 632.26 cm² | ||||
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm | ||||
| Strung Weight: 11.9oz / 337g | ||||
| Balance: 12.75in / 32.39cm / 6 pts HL | ||||
| Swingweight: 331 | ||||
| Stiffness: 67 | ||||
| Beam Width: 23.2mm / 23mm / 22mm | ||||
| Composition: Carbon +Carbon Braid | ||||
| Power Level: Low-Medium | ||||
| Stroke Style: Medium-Full | ||||
| Swing Speed: Medium-Fast | ||||
| Racquet Colors: Black | ||||
| Grip Type: Leather | ||||
String Pattern:
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| String Tension: 50-60 pounds |
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Customer Reviews
Not anywhere near as good as the AutographsLook, it is a solid racquet. I have been using Wilson since the Pro Staff Classic 4.2 which was an insanely great racquet. Then the Federer's came out and were great, but switched to the the K Blade Tour, one of the final 93 racquets to come out and was amazing as well and switched back to the Federer's at the 340g once they again stopped making a great racquet.
This racquet is quite a bit lighter, so I configured it to match the specs of the old Pro Staff Classic 4.2. Added 13 grams to the butt cap and 2 to the 12 o'clock position to get it right at 8.8 pts hl. Having done this, it is a great racquet. Out of the box, this racquet needs help. But I tried a Volkl, Tecnifibre and a Head and still liked this one stock more but almost switched to the Volkl v10 320, as it was close. Had I been able to string the demo's to my liking, I might be a Volkl guy right now.
I just don't understand why Wilson cannot just keep making a racquet people use and love. You surely lose customers every single year by switching racquets on people. And what the hell happened to 4 5/8ths grips? People using your heavier racquets are old schoolers that have been playing their whole life. Stop changing and discontinuing great racquets for sub par ones that need work.
Not bad but way too stiffThis is not a bad racquet - control and stability are definitely there, holds up pretty well on incoming heavy balls and is ever so slightly more powerful than a pro staff 97 v14.
However the head feels big and thick, I didn’t notice this advertised faster through the air thing at all.
Coming off the six one tour 90 and the RF97A, this RF01 pro feels the stiffest of them all, bordering uncomfortable. Never had any issues with RF97A, but with this I started feeling my wrist and elbow. Definitely needs to be strung lower than normal, dare I say by 4-5lbs. The feel is very raw, brassy off-center, nothing like the RF97A.
Outside the Roger’s fan base this is a very niche racquet, I honestly struggle to understand who is it for. It’s not a big upgrade from the PS97v14 and in some way a downgrade from the RF97A
I love this thing!Went to a Wilson demo day at my local courts. Tried out their whole line. I enjoyed the Pro Staff v14. Felt similar to my Head Radical Pro with more feel due to the beam shape. I grabbed the RF01 Pro and I instantly loved it. I’m not even a die hard Fed fan boy. The RF01 Pro is like the Pro Staff v14 but pulled in a bit more with more plow through. You need a full swing and good technique to get the most out of this. Heavy racquet. I don’t think this will be my main racquet at tournaments but I really enjoy practicing with this and playing a low stakes match with friends. Easy to miss hit if you don’t have clean technique.
Yes, but.How many players bemoan having to find a new racquet because the manufacturers insist on pushing something different?
The RF97 was a rare exception, kept virtually the same for many years. I imagine that there are a lot of players who have grooved their game using the RF97.
It’s great that Roger and Wilson want to continue evolving racquet design. But for those of us who are happy with our current racquet … please give us the choice. Thanks.
Wilson RF 01 Pro ClassicI brought a Wilson RF 01 Pro Classic a few months ago after I had my 2 Pro Staff v 12 and v13 RF Autograph tennis racquets stolen. Even though it is a very nice racquet, I find this racquet to light and I am always to early on my hits. I see Wilson have just brought out a New Pro Staff 97 Classic with the same specs as the V 14. I would have loved them to have brought out a NEW Pro Staff 97 Autograph v14 with the same specs as the V 12 or V13 as these are the best Wilson racquets I have ever played with. The cost to replace these racquets are of the charts on Ebay. So please Wilson talk to Roger Federer and see whether he will agree to bring out a re release of his Pro Staff RF 97 Autograph tennis racquets as I am sure they will be a hit and sell well. I would be only to pleased to trail a new Pro Staff RF 97 Autograph V14 or V15 and write a review and video on it results. I am a 68 year old who still coaches and enjoys a hit out nearly each day.
My New RacquetI am very happy with my purchase. I love the new strings as well. This racquet is light and fast. I have good feel on my volleys and the power is still effortless even though the design is slim compared to wide body technology from the past.
RFSolid forehand from the baseline and powerful serves.
It is a great racquetLove it
A great racquetThis is a great racquet, and I am really glad I chose to purchase this one. The weight took some adjustment, and it’s certainly not for everyone, but I would recommend it to those who like a heavy racquet. In regards to tennis warehouse itself, I liked the delivery time, and the fact that you could get it strung however you wanted before having it shipped.
Wilson RF 01Exceptional performance and power
