In 2014, if Roger Federer continues to use a 90 square inch racquet (see update below on Pro Staff RF97), he will receive an upgrade from Wilson in the new, 2014 Wilson Pro Staff 90. The racquet brings back a similar paint job previously seen from 2004-2006, in the popular nCode Six-One Tour 90. The new frame features red and white, with subtle gold, retaining the leather grip.
UPDATE: Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph
Below are hands-on photos taken by FedererFan07.com. All racquet specifications are listed as shown in the Wilson 2014 catalog. Most technical specifications are identical or similar to the previous generation. In the Pro Staff line, kevlar is back, replacing basalt and BLX technology. This brings the playability much closer to the previous K-Factor Six-One Tour 90, deviating away from the 2010 and 2012 Pro Staff BLX 90 models. A minor difference is in the recommended string tension. Previously, all of the 90 square inch models recommended 50-60 lbs.
Wilson Pro Staff 90
Head size: 90″
Strung weight: 12.5 oz/355 g
Balance: 31.5 cm/ 9 pts HL
Unstrung weight: 12 oz/339 g
Balance: 30.5 cm/12 pts HL
Length: 27″/68.58 cm
String pattern: 16 x 19
Cross section: 17mm flat beam
Grip: 1-5
Recommended tension: 22-26 kg/48-58 lbs.
Good Read: Roger Federer’s Racquet: The Mystical AeroStaff
Roger Federer’s New 2014 Wilson Pro Staff 90
Also confirmed, are the 2014 Wilson Pro Staff 95 and 95S. These frames come with similar specifications as their predecessors, yet the 95S has the distinct 16 x 15 string pattern seen in some recent Wilson models, such as the Steam 99S. All specifications below are as stated in the Wilson 2014 catalog.
Pro Staff 95
Head size: 95″
Strung weight: 11.6 oz/329 g
Balance: 32 cm/7 pts HL
Unstrung weight: 11 oz/313 g
Balance: 31cm/10 pts HL
Length: 27″/68.58 cm
String pattern: 16 x 19
Cross section: 18 mm flat beam
Grip: 1-5
Pro Staff 95S
Head size: 95″
Strung weight: 11.6 oz/329 g
Balance: 32 cm/7 pts HL
Unstrung weight: 11 oz/313 g
Balance: 31cm/10 pts HL
Length: 27″/68.58 cm
String pattern: 16 x 15
Cross section: 18 mm flat beam
Grip: 1-5
Other racquet specifications:
Pro Staff 100L
Head size: 100″
Strung weight: 10.6 oz/301 g
Balance: 33.5 cm/3 pts HL
Unstrung weight: 10.1 oz/285 g
Balance: 32.5cm/7 pts HL
Length: 27.25″/69.22 cm
String pattern: 16 x 18
Cross section: 22 mm dual taper
Grip: 1-4
Pro Staff 100LS
Head size: 100″
Strung weight: 10.6 oz/299 g
Balance: 33.5 cm/3 pts HL
Unstrung weight: 10.1 oz/285 g
Balance: 32.5 cm/7 pts HL
Length: 27.25″/69.22 cm
String pattern: 16 x 15
Cross section: 22 mm dual taper
Grip: 1-4
Six.One 95S
Head size: 95″
Strung weight: 11.5 oz/325 g
Balance: 32.5 cm/6 pts HL
Unstrung weight: 10.9 oz/309 g
Balance: 31.5 cm/9 pts HL
Length: 27″/68.58 cm
String pattern: 18 x 16
Cross section: 21.6 mm flat beam
Grip: 2-5
Six.One 95
Head size: 95″
Strung weight: 12.3 oz/348 g
Balance: 31.5 cm/9 pts HL
Unstrung weight: 11.7 oz/332 g
Balance: 30.5 cm/12 pts HL
Length: 27″/68.58 cm
String pattern: 16 x 18 / 18 x 20
Cross section: 21.6 mm flat beam
Grip: 2-5
Six.One 95L
Head size: 95″
Strung weight: 10.8 oz/305 g
Balance: 34 cm/1 pt HL
Unstrung weight: 10.2 oz/289 g
Balance: 33 cm/4 pts HL
Length: 27″/68.58 cm
String pattern: 16 x 18 / 18 x 20
Cross section: 20.7 mm flat beam
Grip: 1-5
2014 Wilson Pro Staff 90, 95, 95S, 100LS, and 100L. The meaning behind the new frames is now confirmed. L stands for light, and S stands for spin (spin effect technology). Other racquets come as UL, or ultra light. Only the 90 model carries Roger Federer’s autograph.
Earlier this year, the Swiss maestro experimented with a blacked out Wilson 98 prototype in Hamburg and Gstaad. He was not satisfied with the testing phase due to a back issue which flared up. After deciding to use his old Wilson Pro Staff BLX 90 for the Cincinnati masters and US Open, he had said further racquet testing would resume in the fall.
Although he used the Pro Staff BLX 90 at the Shanghai Rolex masters, the 17 time grand slam champion’s racquet choice for the remainder of 2013 and final decision in 2014 is still to be determined.
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