Both the Wilson Pro Staff 97 and the Pro Staff 97L are good options for players looking for a lighter version of Roger Federer’s RF97.
In this article, I will be looking at the racket specs of the Pro Staff 97 and the Pro Staff 97L to see how these two tennis rackets compare to each other.
Wilson Pro Staff 97 vs 97L – Racket Specs Comparison
In the comparison below I have used the V14 version of the Pro Staff 97 and the Pro Staff 97L.
Main Differences: the Pro Staff 97 has a higher strung weight (332g vs 306g), a higher swing weight (321 vs 311), a more head light balance (7pts HL vs 3pts HL), a lower frame stiffness rating (66 vs 69), and a thinner beam width (21.5mm vs 23.5mm).
Similarities: Both rackets have a 97in head size, a 27in racket length, a 16×19 string pattern, and 7T,9T,7H,9H mains skips.
| Specs: | Pro Staff 97 | Pro Staff 97L |
|---|---|---|
| Version: | V14 | V14 |
| Design: |  |  |
| Head Size: | 97in | 97in |
| Length: | 27in | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 332g (11.71oz) | 306g (10.79oz) |
| Unstrung Weight: | 315g (11.11oz) | 290g (10.23oz) |
| Swing Weight: | 332 | 313 |
| Balance: | 7pts HL | 3pts HL |
| TW Stiffness Rating: | 66 | 68 |
| Power: | Low | Medium |
| Player Level: | Advanced | Intermediate – Advanced |
| Beam Width: | 21.5mm | 23.5mm |
| Colors: | Black | Black |
| String Pattern: | 16 x 19 | 16 x 19 |
| Main Skips: | 7T,9T,7H,9H | 7T,9T,7H,9H |
| Grip Type: | Pro Performance Grip | Pro Performance Grip |
Head Size
Both tennis rackets have a 97in Midplus head size.
Racket Length
Both rackets have a standard length of 27 inches.
Strung Weight
The strung weight of the Pro Staff 97 (332g/11.71oz) is 26g heavier than the strung weight of the Pro Staff 97L (306g/10.79oz), so the Pro Staff 97 will feel considerably heavier to play with when compared with the Pro Staff 97L.
Unstrung Weight
The Pro Staff 97 has an unstrung weight of 315g/11.11oz, while the Pro Staff 97L has an unstrung weight of 290g/10.23oz.
Swing weight
The Pro Staff 97 has a swing weight of 322, which is 10 more than the Pro Staff 97L (311) so the Pro Staff 97L will be a lot easier to swing and will be more manoeuvrable at the net.
Balance
The Pro Staff 97 has a 7pts HL balance, while the Pro Staff 97L has a 3pts HL balance.
The more head light balance of the Pro Staff 97 will help to make it more manoeuvrable and easier to swing while the less head light balance of the Pro Staff 97L will help players generate more power on their shots.
Beam Width
The Pro Staff 97 (21.5mm) has a thinner beam width when compared with the Pro Staff 97L (23.5mm/23.5mm/23.5mm) so you will get more control from the Pro Staff 97 but more power from the Pro Staff 97L.
Frame Stiffness Rating
The Pro Staff 97 (66) has a slightly lower stiffness rating when compared with the Pro Staff 97L (69), with neither racket being particularly arm friendly.
Power and Control
The Pro Staff 97 is a low powered tennis racket so it will suit more advanced tennis players, while the Pro Staff 97L is a medium powered tennis racket, which will better suit intermediate tennis players who need help from their racket in terms of power.
In terms of control, the Pro Staff 97 is the better of the two rackets as it has a thinner beam width, a more head light balance, and a heavier swing weight.
Player Level
As mentioned previously, the Pro Staff 97L is aimed at intermediate tennis players while the Pro Staff 97 is for advanced tennis players.
String Pattern
Both rackets have a 16 x 19 string pattern which will help you generate more spin on your shots.
Grip Type
Both rackets have a Pro Performance Grip which comes as standard on most Wilson tennis rackets.
Head to Head
The Pro Staff 97 is the better option in terms of control, while the Pro Staff 97L is better option in terms in power, spin, arm comfort.
| H2H | Pro Staff 97 | Pro Staff 97L |
|---|---|---|
| Power | – |  |
| Control |  | – |
| Spin | – | |
| Arm Friendliness | – | |
Player Recommendations
The Pro Staff 97 is best suited to advanced tennis players who can consistently generate their own power and strike the ball cleanly.
With its heavier weight and smaller margin for error, it rewards strong technique, precise timing, and full, confident swings.
For most beginners and intermediate players, it can feel demanding and less forgiving on off-centre hits.
In contrast, the Pro Staff 97L is a more accessible option, offering a lighter weight and easier manoeuvrability while still maintaining the classic Pro Staff feel.
This makes the 97L far better suited to beginner and intermediate players who want control and stability without the added difficulty of a heavier, more demanding frame.
| Player Level | Pro Staff 97 | Pro Staff 97L |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner |  | |
| Intermediate | |  |
| Advanced | | |
Where can you buy these rackets?
Looking to buy these rackets online?
Before you click purchase, check out our complete guide on where to buy tennis rackets online, where we compare the best specialist retailers, brand websites, and trusted marketplaces.
You’ll find tips on getting the best price, choosing the correct grip size, and deciding whether to buy pre-strung or with custom stringing.
It’s a quick way to make sure you’re buying from a reliable store and getting the right setup for your game.