Wilson Pro Staff v14 (97 and X) Tennis Racket Review
The latest 14th version of the iconic frame unveils a modern swirl of freshness and revives an appeal to its vintage spirit.
Nothing quite compares to the illustrious background of the Wilson Pro Staff. It was first manufactured out of carbon fibre in 1983, and has since been wielded by a multitude of Grand Slam champions and Hall-of-Famers alike. Undoubtedly, Roger Federer is one of the most prominent figures associated with it - he even has his own signature model.
Roger Federer, who is now retired from the sport, still retains a strong bond to the racket and brand. He recorded the video above to proclaim the impending launch of their 14th franchise edition. Players who are part of the Pro Staff tradition yearn for a model that fits their game perfectly, and Wilson sought to recapture as much of the classic Pro Staff feel with this latest version.
To build upon the success of the older 85 and 90 square-inch rackets, Wilson engineers examined their bending profiles. They discovered that most of the flex of the classic Pro Staff rackets occurred in the throat area (shaft of the racket). However, the modern iterations of the Pro Staff tended to bend more on the hoop of the racket.
With the new Pro Staff v14, Wilson introduced Paradigm Bending technology, which optimises the flex between the hoop and the shaft. The Pro Staff v14 is designed with more flex at the shaft of the racket, incorporating the characteristics of the older Pro Staff models.
Wilson Pro Staff X v14
Specifications
Head Size: 100 in / 645.16 cm
Length: 27in / 68.58cm
Strung Weight: 11.7oz / 332g
Balance: 12.59in / 31.98cm / 7 pts HL
Swingweight: 322
Composition: Graphite
Power Level: Low-Medium
Score: 7.5/10
The Pro Staff X is the newest and most captivating member of the family. It offers a generous 100 square-inch head, alongside the same weight and beam width as the 97's frame but with a lower swing weight for greater flexibility. You can still get that classic playability and response that are characteristic of Pro Staff frames, all in a more forgiving package. This broadens up who this racket appeals to - Pro Staff players seeking extra assistance or those looking for control on larger head sizes.
When playtesting, I felt that the Pro Staff X offered a smoother feel that surpasses the smaller 97 version. Its expanded sweet spot allowed me to swing more freely on my groundstrokes while still retaining control over my shots. The racket at a strung weight of 332g was on the heavy side for me though, so I found it tough to change the directions of my shots, especially on my forehand side.
I enjoyed volleying with the Pro Staff X. It provided much stability at the net, and I was able to place the ball where I wanted. The crisp, predictable feel of this racket allowed me to make quick adjustments during fast exchanges and be confident with my shots.
Wilson Pro Staff 97 v14
Specifications
Head Size: 97 in / 625.81 cm
Length: 27in / 68.58 cm
Strung Weight: 11.7oz / 332g
Balance: 12.6in / 32cm / 7 pts HL
Swingweight: 332
Composition: Graphite braided with aramid
Power Level: Low
Score: 7/10
The Pro Staff 97 has a heavier swing weight compared to the Pro Staff X. When I served or hit ground strokes with this frame, I found that my shots penetrated deep into my opponent's court. The deadly slice that comes out of this frame produces low-skidding balls that make it tricky for anyone to return. If slicing is an important part of your game you'll definitely love this racket.
Living up to its legacy, the 97 isn't built for explosive power but offers plenty of control. The racket is quite stiff, which allows for enough feel when volleying and plenty of crispness when returning shots. You need to be a solid intermediate-advanced player to be able to handle this racket though, as it can be unforgiving for amateurs due to its smaller head size and is relatively heavy.
With its newest releases, Wilson continues to redefine dynamic design with the Pro Staff v14. This range of rackets boasts a captivating colour-shifting feature that changes from dark maroon to goldish yellow depending on your angle. In addition, the Pro Staff v14 pays homage to its predecessors by incorporating classic red and yellow hues in its design.
Before investing your hard-earned cash in any of the Wilson Pro Staff v14 models, I recommend that you get a demo racket first to ensure it is worth the premium price tag. Ultimately, you should be sure that the racket is suitable for your skills and playing style. Personally, I like how Wilson has managed to maintain the Pro Staff's classic feel while offering modern performance-enhancing features in its latest models. If you're a fan of this racket series, you won't be disappointed!