The Wilson Pro Staff 97 and Yonex VCORE Pro 97H 330 are control-focused rackets that are very popular with intermediate to advanced tennis players who want a tennis racket that gives them tons of control and feel on their shots.
In 2021, Yonex launched the VCORE Pro 97H 330 to replace the previous VCORE Pro 97 330 model rackets.
The 97H 330 has a slightly heavier swing weight, lower stiffness rating, and a thinner beam when compared with the older 97 330 models which means that the VCORE Pro 97H 330 has more control and is more arm friendly.
The Pro Staff 97 is a lighter version of the Popular Pro Staff 97 Autograph tennis racket which is endorsed by Roger Federer.
The Pro Staff 97 Autograph is more suited to recreational players than Federer’s previous racket (Wilson Six One 90) but the RF97 still is not the easiest tennis racket to play with as it is still too heavy for the vast majority of recreational tennis players.
In terms of tennis pros endorsing these two rackets, the Pro Staff 97 is endorsed by Roberto Bautista Agut, Grigor Dimitrov, Reilly Opelka, Ons Jabeur, Petra Kvitova, and Andrea Petkovic while the 97H 330 is endorsed by Hubert Hurkacz and Stan Wawrinka.
Pro Staff 97 vs VCORE Pro 97H 330 Comparison
For this comparison, I will be looking at V14 of the Wilson Pro Staff 97 (or “PS97”) and the 2021 version of the Yonex VCORE Pro 97H 330 (or 97H”).
Racket Specs
In terms of specs, both rackets are very similar as both have a 97in head size, a racket length of 27in, a balance of 7pts HL, and a 16×19 string pattern.
One of the biggest differences between the two rackets is the weight, with the 97H having a strung weight that is 17g heavier than the PS97 and a swing weight that is 5g heavier.
This extra weight of 97H means it is better suited to more advanced players who can generate their own power on their shots.
The 97H has a lower stiffness rating than the PS97 and although the PS97 has a slightly thicker beam width, the 97H is the more arm friendly of the two rackets.
| PS97 | VS | 97H |
|---|---|---|
| V14 | Version: | 2021 |
 | Design: |  |
| 97in | Head Size: | 97in |
| 27in | Length: | 27in |
| 332g (11.7oz) | Strung Weight: | 349g (12.3oz) |
| 7 pts HL | Balance: | 7 pts HL |
| 332 | Swingweight: | 337 |
| 66 RA | Frame Stiffness: | 61 RA |
| 21.5mm | Beam Width: | 21mm |
| Graphite/Aramid | Materials: | NAMD-2G/H.M. Graphite |
| Black and White | Colors: | Black, Green, and Purple |
| 16 Mains x 19 Crosses | String Pattern: | 16 Mains x 19 Crosses |
| 23-27kg / 50-60lb | String Tension Range: | 20-27kg / 45-60lb |
| Check Price on Amazon | Check Price: | Check Price on Amazon |
Recommendations
If you are undecided about whether it is better to buy the PS97 or the 97H, then I have listed some of my recommendations below based on different player levels and playing styles.
Which is Better for Beginners?
Neither of these rackets is suitable for beginners as they are way too heavy.
As a beginner, you will be much better off if you buy a lighter racket such as a Wilson Clash 100 that will help you generate more power on your shots and will be more forgiving if you don’t hit the ball in the sweet spot every time.
Which is Better for Intermediate Players?
In my opinion, neither of these two rackets is ideal for an intermediate player but if I had to pick one that was better suited, I would choose the PS97 as I think its weight is a bit more manageable for an intermediate player to play with.
Which is Better for Advanced Players?
I think advanced players will love both these rackets as they offer great control and feel on your shots.
Which one of these rackets you go for will probably depend on what weight you like to play with.
If you previously played with the RF97 then the PS97 will offer a similar feel but in a lighter frame.
Which is Better for All Court Players/Serve and Volleyers?
Both rackets work well for this style of play but I would have to give the edge to the PS97 as I felt it offered more control at the net.
However, the difference isn’t huge and probably had more to do with the fact that I am used to playing with Pro Staff rackets.
Which is Better for Aggressive Baseliners/Counterpunchers?
If you are an advanced player who can generate your own power from the baseline then the 97H will be the best option for you as it offers slightly more control when hitting my baseline groundstrokes.