Wilson Pro Staff 97L Classic Racket
Series: Pro Staff
$289.00
Updated with a classic Pro Staff cosmetic, this racket provides the perfect entry point into the legendary feel and performance of the Pro Staff family
Frame specs
| Head Size | 97in² |
| String Pattern | 16x19 |
| Length | Standard |
| Strung Weight | 10.8oz / 306g |
| Balance | 13.12in / 33.32cm / 3 pts HL |
| Swingweight | 313 |
| Stiffness | 68 |
| Beam Width | 23.5mm / 23.5mm / 23.5mm |
| Composition | Graphite |
| Power Level | Low-Medium |
| Stroke Style | Medium-Full |
| Swing Speed | Medium-Fast |
| Racket Colors | Black |
| Grip Type | Wilson Pro Performance |
| String Pattern Detail | 16 Mains / 19 Crosses |
| String Tension | 47-57 pounds |
Where to buy
What players say
Players who already like the Pro Staff family say the 97L Classic keeps the control-first, small-sweetspot feel of the standard Pro Staff 97 in a lighter, faster-swinging frame. The recurring caveat is that it plays stiff, especially compared to the heavier 97 and Countervail versions, so several reviewers flag it as not arm-friendly and not a beginner racquet despite the lower weight.
Best for
- Intermediate to advanced all-court players
- One-handed backhand players wanting control
- Players upgrading from an older Pro Staff 97L
- Players who want Pro Staff feel with a faster swing
Pros
- Good mix of control and power, favoring control
- Maneuverable and easy to accelerate for its head size
- Praised for feel on volleys and one-handed backhands
- Multi-year owners report consistent satisfaction across versions
Cons
- Plays stiff, flagged by multiple reviewers as not arm-friendly
- Small sweet spot makes it unforgiving off-center
- Requires solid technique; several reviewers say it's misleading to call it beginner/intermediate-friendly just because it's the light version
- One reviewer felt the v14 update lost some of the v13's 'penetration' through the ball
Voices
— Anonymous, CAL, USA, Web
Good racquet overall...perfect mix of control & power, favoring control. However, not very arm friendly. Very stiff racquet, especially with the light versions.
— Shamar, Guyana, Web
Work great for my one handed backhand, great power and control
— Crgb Tennis Player, PR, USA, Web
Great racquet, but is misleading to consider it for intermediate because it is a light version. You need good strokes to get the best of it.
— Mark Z., MO, USA, Web
Due to its small sweet spot, it is not for beginners...very powerful and accurate when you hit right.
— Andrés Miranda, Uruguay, Web
Between V13 and V14, V13 wins...V14 doesn't have the penetration of the V13.
— Jannah, CA, USA, Web
I love this racquet so much...weight transfer feels much more even and comfortable. Good on volleys as well.