Overview
UPDATE: The Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph Black (2016) is now discontinued and unavailable for purchase. The 2020 Pro Staff racquet family is set to launch on September 21, 2020 for pre-sale on our site. Please subscribe to our mailer to stay up to date on all the latest tennis gear, follow our social media channels for sneak peeks and subscribe to our Youtube channel for expert product playtest reviews and videos (links can be found at the very bottom of the page).
2016 All Black Version:
Wilson adds another chapter to the legendary Pro Staff RF 97 Autograph - a racquet specially engineered for Roger Federer, the man who helped design it. Although it has the same target specs and outstanding playability as the original RF 97, Wilson and Federer have created an update for the ages. From its sleek black matte finish to the small silhouette of Federer and laser engraved graphics, the RF 97 is Wilson's most scrupulously detailed frame. Even the racquet’s texture has been redesigned to match Federer’s preference - a nuance that makes for easier adjustments as the racquet is spun and repositioned in response to incoming heat. Like its predecessor, this update deploys Wilson’s timeless Pro Staff formula, including a braided graphite layup, headlight balance, thin beam and Perimeter Weighting System. Toss in a thin leather grip and the result is a truly classic feel. Unlike the iconic 6.0 85, this re-engineered Pro Staff has a slightly wider, more angular beam, giving it a decidedly more powerful delivery than most traditional player's racquets. At 12.6 ounces strung, Federer’s Pro Staff gives you massive plow-through and tour level stability, allowing you to redirect heavy pace with impressive ease. Our playtest team noted a high level of precision on full cuts, with some genuine put-away power when the mass was fully deployed. Thanks to its headlight balance (9 points!), the RF 97 feels surprisingly fast for its 12 plus ounces - a feature that will give topspin players the kind of whippy and explosive acceleration that makes for big spin. On volleys, the RF 97 is not only unfazed by heavy pace, but it possesses enough feel to drop the ball on a dime. As one of the of the most finely crafted player's racquets Wilson has built, this heavily anticipated follow- up to the original RF 97 is destined to become an instant classic.
Although the description has changed (due to a licensing agreement), this racquet's braided composition has the exact same ingredients as the previous generation.
Grading Scale
Unused
Racquet has not been hit with but may have minor cosmetic defects. May or may not have been strung.
Grade A - Excellent
It exhibits very little use; wear is evident on grip and grommets only. May have minor paint defects.
Grade B - Great
It has been used and shows some minor cosmetic wear on the frame. Does not exhibit wear from play that exposes graphite. Frame is not damaged from strings as a result of poor grommet care.
Grade C - Good
Exhibits clear wear from groundstrokes in multiple places on the frame. May have paint chips and/or may have a very small amount of graphite exposed from play.
Specifications
Head Size: 97 in² / 625.81 cm² | ||||
Length: 27in / 68.58cm | ||||
Strung Weight:12.6oz / 357g | ||||
Balance: 12.38in / 31.45cm / 9 pts HL | ||||
Swingweight: 335 | ||||
Stiffness: 68 | ||||
Beam Width: 21.5mm / 21.5mm / 21.5mm | ||||
Composition: Graphite braided with aramid | ||||
Power Level: Low | ||||
Stroke Style: Full | ||||
Swing Speed: Fast | ||||
Racquet Colors:Black | ||||
Grip Type: Wilson Premium Leather | ||||
String Pattern:
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String Tension: 50-60 pounds |