This review is a continuation of the 17 best tennis racquets of exceptional performance. It’s a carefully and thoroughly selected racquets of the brand with amazing features to help you with the requisite information if you’re either switching to a Wilson racquet or want to get your first racquet.
5. Wilson Pro Staff RF 97 Autograph Black
Brand Name: Wilson
Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon.com
Price Range: $ 249.00
My Overall Ranking: 9.1 out of 10
The Wilson Pro Staff RF 97 Autograph Black, Roger Federer’s Design
It’s an iconic racquet of this brand which was designed with the help of one of the best players in the history of the tennis game, Roger Federer. It’s got all the recipes to deliver outstanding performance in the right hands. With some modifications such as racquet’s texture, laser engraved graphics, slightly wider and more angular beam to the original RF 97, it has added more power enough to destabilize your opponent.
This version does not only give you full cuts of balls at precise spots but it provides you with the full spin potential engineered with Wilson’s Pro Staff formula. This is possible because of the additional 12 ounces to it headlight balance making it plausible to generate explosive spins. It more suited for an experienced player who can handle heavier racquet to be able to exploit all the potentials the racquet comes with.
The Racquet Technical Specification – Product Information
Head Size: 97 sq. in. / 625.81 sq. cm.
Length: 27in / 68.58cm
Strung Weight: 12.6oz / 357.2g
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: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses
Mains skip: 7T,9T,7H,9H, One Piece, No Shared Holes
String Tension: 50-60 pounds
Racquet’s Unique Technology
The technology that makes this iconic racquet an awesome asset is the Pro Staff Technology.
Pro Staff: It’s a 30 years age formula which is noted for its head light balance, thin beam, braided graphite construction and perimeter weight system carefully engineered to provide better stability of the racquet. And this stability comes with improved control and feel upon ball impact.
Is it a Good Choice?
Pros
- It very stable to use.
- It provides you with improved control experience over your shots.
- For exceptional power creation, it’s a good option to settle on.
- It gives you an improved sense of feel and touch.
Cons
- It’s very heavy and might not be suitable for everyone.
- It’s also less responsive.
- It’s not a good option for players at beginner level.
Price
It goes for $ 249.00 on Amazon and Tennis Warehouse. Yes, it expensive but for an iconic racquet with endorsement by one of the world’s best tennis player, it cannot be any less than that. It’s interesting how celebrities influence the price of things but that’s the reality. So, if you want to discover the secret in Federer’s racquet then you would want to try it.
Pros Endorsing It
Roger Federer, a living legend of tennis is the iconic player behind this design. It’s architecture from concepts and experience of this best player which can be seen from his matches.
Therefore, if you want to teach your opponent a lesson on what it takes to produce shots with explosive power and still have control over your shots, then you should walk straight for a copy of this modern and evolved Pro Staff version.
6. Wilson Blade 98 Countervail
Brand Name: Wilson
Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon.com
Price Range: $ 219.00
My Overall Ranking: 8.8 out of 10
The Wilson Blade 98 Countervail, Product Overview
It’s one of the upcoming racquets of this brand making its way to the level of the classical racquet which is known for exceptional precision and feels it delivers to the players who wield it. Its 16 x 19 string pattern and offers greater momentum of power and easy to go spin than the 18X20 string pattern.
With its both countervail and drilling technology, you don’t have to worry of pain to your arm because it takes care of the vibrations that are generated within the racquet upon ball impact. It’s also very rewarding in projecting your balls deep into the court without losing the weight your spin carries. The weight of the head is less than that of Pro Staff but steady enough to bring the pace of a big serve under control.
The Racquet Technical Specification – Product Information
Head Size: 98 sq. in. / 632.26 sq. cm.
Length: 27in / 68.58cm
Strung Weight: 11.3oz / 320.34g
Balance: 13.1in / 33.27cm / 3 pts HL
Swingweight: 326
Stiffness: 66
Beam Width: 21mm / 21mm / 21mm /
Composition: Braided Graphite & Basalt
Power Level: Low-Medium
Stroke Style: Full
Swing Speed: Fast
Racquet Colors: Black / Green
Grip Type: Wilson Sublime
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses
Mains skip: 8T, 8H, One Piece, No Shared Holes
String Tension: 50-60 pounds
Racquet’s Unique Technology
If you’re wondering on what makes this racquet unique in delivering exceptional performance, then you should have a keen interest in the technology that makes the racquet what it is. The backbone of the this racquet’s performance is Parallel Drilling Technology, Braided Graphite plus basalt, Wilson X2 Ergo and Countervail technology.
Parallel Drilling Technology: It’s believed to increase the sweet spot to provide you with consistent hit on the ball which is achieved by the parallel arrangement of the holes on the frame. Usually, the holes through the grommet are at an angle but this technology has made it straight (parallel) for better string movement.
Braided Graphite Plus Basalt: Is the blending of basalt which is an elastic material with graphite braids to improve the flexibility of the racquet frame for a better experience of feel and control. It adds to the vibration absorption potential of the racquet allowing the frame to not just flex but move multi-dimensional.
Wilson X2 Ergo: It’s a handle shape feature which you can customize to get an optimized personal feel for modern two-handed backhand grip. So, in effect, you can switch to any grip that is suitable for you with this technology.
Countervail Technology: It’s a patented technology by Material Sciences Corporation, USA. This technology embeds a layer of carbon fibre within the racquet’s frame to reduce significantly vibrations upon ball impact. It does that by distributing the ball’s energy into the racquet frame instead of releasing on the player’s arm.
With this technology, one can play longer and drive into balls with much comfort which allows for performance improvement.
Is it a Good Choice?
Pros
- One can play longer with it with an ensured comfort.
- It’s easier to generate groundstrokes with more power.
- Topspin players have nothing to worry with its spin generation.
- It has a good blend of power, control and spin in returning balls.
Cons
- It doesn’t have strong power for big serving.
Price
This impressive upgrade of Wilson Blade goes for $ 219.00. You can get a copy on Amazon at zero shipping fee. With the update that has gone into it, I think the price is cool for you to consider if you’re looking for a racquet that can provide you with a good blend of power, easy access to spin and control.
Get your copy here to improve your performance as it helps you to train harder and longer with the Countervail technology.
7. Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3
Brand Name: Wilson
Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon.com
Price Range: $ 69.00 – $ 84.86
My Overall Ranking: 8.4 out of 10
The Wilson Hyper Hammer, Product Overview
A racquet with a name of hammer needs not to explain itself of what power potential it carries. It’s one of the popular selling Hyper Carbon model of Wilson brand that has amazed customers of its power delivery at the price that is being sold. This racquet made it to the Pro Tour in the hands of Todd Martin and Lindsay Davenport for the awesome power it offers.
This power frame racquet has an oversize head with an extended length of 0.5 inches than the standard length giving you a little more leverage of reach. Its head heavy balance does not only give you more power generation but offers you with improved stability and momentum in the racquet’s lighter frame.
Its extended length also gives you enhanced manoeuvrability over the ball and can contribute to your control. In brief, it provides you with a better combination of power, control and manoeuvrability.
The Racquet Technical Specification – Product Information
Oversize Specs
Head Size: 110 sq. in. / 710 sq. cm.
Length: 27.5 inches / 70 cm
Strung Weight: 9oz / 255g
Balance: 11 pts Head Heavy
Swingweight: 307
Stiffness: 70
Beam Width: 28 mm/25 mm Dual Taper Beam
Composition: 15% Hyper Carbon / 85% Graphite
Power Level: Medium
Swing Speed: Moderate-Fast
Grip Type: Cushion Aire Conform Grip
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 20 Crosses
Mains skip: 7T,9T,7H,9H, One Piece, No shared holes
String Tension: 53-63 pounds
Racquet’s Unique Technology
You can describe this racquet by these technologies fused into the frame to give its characteristic performance of power. The sum output of the racquet is by Hyper Carbon technology, Hammer technology, Stretch and Dual Taper Beam.
Hyper Carbon: It’s a material used in the aerospace industry for the construction of state of the art aeroplanes and satellites which is adapted by Wilson brand for its tennis. This must be a high-value material looking at where it’s used and makes it obvious for the kind of power the racquet delivers.
From Wilson’s definition, the Hyper Carbon is, “the first Ultra High Modulus graphite ever used in tennis racquets.” In comparison to titanium, it’s 4 times stronger and stiffer but 65% lighter.
Hammer Technology: It’s a technology geared towards better stability and explosive power generation by racquet achieved through concentrating of the racquet’s weight in the head of its frame. This provides a larger sweet spot in addition to a lighter handle devised for better manoeuvrability.
Stretch: It implies an extended length than the normal rather than the racquet literally stretching because of its elastic property. This provides a leverage for easy reach to balls on volleys, serves and ball returns.
Dual Taper Beam: It’s a design aimed at controlling the bending effect of the racquet on ball impact by varying its width. Visible from its cross-section, the racquet’s beam varies in thickness between head to shoulder to handle regions. With this design, less energy is lost on racquet bending, returning all power on balls.
Is it a Good Choice?
Pros
- It provides you with easy access to sweet-spot
- It has exceptional power generation
- Its extended length gives you leverage to easy access to balls
- It also little easier for manoeuvrability.
Cons
- It’s might be too powered for full swings
- Control might be a problem when overwhelmed by the power
Price
You can get this Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 at the lowest price of $69.00 on Amazon and it’s the lowest price you can ever get. This price is comparatively lower but appreciable with the potentials it comes with.
For a good taste of power, control and manoeuvrability, it’s a right racquet to start with. Get it here.
Final Thoughts
Wilson brand has proved to offer quality racquets of great value that all levels of players can get their share. I hope you’ve found what matches your specs and I would say giving it a demo before buying would be the best to settle on one. If you think there’s any of this brand of exceptional performance that I’ve left out do leave it in the comment section for me.
I would also appreciate it a lot to share your experience if you’ve used any of the racquets above.
Find out the rest of the 17 best racquets below……..
