Federer's latest masterpiece is a versatile all-court weapon
Initially designed for the twilight of his playing career, the RF 01 Pro underwent exhaustive testing and tweaking by Federer, bearing the mark of insights gleaned over one of the most remarkable careers in tennis history. Compared to his RF97 Autograph, the RF 01 Pro has a slightly more forgiving head size, along with a lighter weight and thicker, more aerodynamic beam construction. The upshot is a more explosive weapon, one that is better suited to the speed, spin, and pop of the modern game. This racquet's design is appropriately named SABR, a moniker that epitomizes Federer's attacking style. It includes a powerful carbon fiber layup with Braid FORTYFIVE technology to enhance both dwell time and pocketing while helping the racquet bend in ways that complement the vertical mechanics of the modern game (think spin). It also features foam throughout the racquet to deliver a more solid feel, coupled with a reinforced shaft and yoke for more torsional stability (think less racquet flopping on volleys). Ultimately, the RF 01 Pro is not only a great snapshot of Federer’s evolution; it's also hard to put down.
Specifications
| Head Size: 98 in² / 632.26 cm² | ||||
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm | ||||
| Strung Weight: 11.9oz / 337g | ||||
| Balance: 12.75in / 32.39cm / 6 pts HL | ||||
| Swingweight: 331 | ||||
| Stiffness: 67 | ||||
| Beam Width: 23.2mm / 23mm / 22mm | ||||
| Composition: Carbon +Carbon Braid | ||||
| Power Level: Low-Medium | ||||
| Stroke Style: Medium-Full | ||||
| Swing Speed: Medium-Fast | ||||
| Racquet Colors: Black | ||||
| Grip Type: Leather | ||||
String Pattern:
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| String Tension: 50-60 pounds |
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Customer Reviews
Just an RF ProBut looks so much cooler!
Love this racquetI know this racquet is the same as my RF Pro with just a fancy paint job but I still love it. Don’t understand the case however.
GOATed frame but Fed isn't the GOATI wish Head would release Novak's actual specs or at least something close to it. I'll settle for this. The racquet is better than the player, sadly
Wilson RF 01 ProI’ve been playing with the Wilson RF 01 Pro for a few weeks now, and I can confidently say it lives up to the hype. The feel of the racquet is incredibly solid and well-balanced, offering excellent control on groundstrokes and precision on serves. It’s clearly built for players who want to dictate points with power and accuracy.
The weight takes a bit of getting used to (especially if you’re switching from a lighter frame), but once you adapt, the stability and plow-through are unmatched. It absorbs pace well and gives you confidence at the net during volleys.
This racquet is definitely best suited for intermediate to advanced players who can handle a heavier frame and want to unlock their full potential on the court. A must-try for serious players — Federer fans will especially love the classic feel!
MagicalThis is one of my all time favorite racquets. The feel at contact is sublime and it allows me to hit through a lot of players that just grind from the backcourt.
I am a former RF97 and long time Blade player. Most recently I was using the Wilson Blade v8 and v9. No question that the RF 01
Pro is demanding by comparison. But it has added sting to my game. Sure, I give up a little on defense. But the amount of free points I get now on serve, forehand and volleys more than makes up for it.
If you brush up on your forehand, the amount of action you can generate is insane. Usually my game is on the flatter side, but this racquet generates a much more biting and potent spin. Slices and volleys go through the court instead of sitting up. I love pounding overheads with this thing - the sound at contact is addictive. When reacting to pace, I can shorten my swing and rely on the mass and stiffness to hit the ball back.
I suggest using a much lower tension (at least 5lbs) because the strings are like an 18x20 in the center. Your shots are not going to fly out. The sweet spot comes alive at lower tensions.
Just because Fed is retired, I think folks hate on this racquet. But they are missing out on a truly magical frame.
Great pieceI know a lot says advance player should use it. I was a varsity in HS but haven’t played for over 10 years I’m about intermediate at this point. I gave it a try even with my current damaged wrist it’s a great racquet. I honestly wouldn’t recommend to player who never really tried heavy racquet. it’s light to swing but heavy to get there. If you are a pursuing spin oriented shot mainly I wouldn’t recommend it. If you are a 50/50 flat/spin it’s a great racquet. One hand Backhand feels very smooth, slice feels great! by the net is on another level. My current set up is toroline O-Toro strung at 52. If you are Roger fan just give it a try it’s a good racquet. Is it the best ? For me so far I love it. Might get rid of my head racquet and get another rf01 pro just to have as spare.
Wilson RF 01 ProIt is a nice frame for advanced players. I would not recommend this frame for beginner or intermediate players. The frame is slightly heavy but does have the mass to plow against hard hitters. My grip is 4 3/8, and I ordered this grip size and felt a tad smaller than my other racquets, Yonex VCore 95. The color looks good with excellent detail design. I must say, Wilson could have paid more attention to the paint type used for the racquet. The pain for this racquet is brittle and easily chips.
A point finisherThis racquet is not for everyone and to some it may feel a bit muted but when you hit the sweet spot it really makes you feel like Roger. The ability to finish points quickly and put the ball away really feels like you are slamming balls. Some times it does feel jarring and you may be shanking more or less I recommend to string it in the high 40's low 50's anything higher than 54 feels like a piece of wood.
Not heavy due to good balanceI believe this is the best racquet I've ever encountered. It has a perfect balance, and its stiffness is precisely 65, making it soft while still providing the right amount of firmness. As some others have mentioned, the strings should be set at least to 55 pounds. I am using ALU Power Rough at 58 pounds, and it offers plenty of power while delivering a smooth hit. Even if you miss the sweet spot, the racquet has enough torsional stability to ensure the ball still travels well. This feature is particularly beneficial for slice shots. It seems especially advantageous for players who use a one-handed backhand, like Federer, who is known for his one-handed backhand.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
Amazing Evolution of Federer racquetI started tennis a few decades ago. I tried to copy Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi as my role models in tennis until Roger Federer came to the scene. As soon as he won his Wimbledon trophy, I purchased his racquet (Pro Staff Six.One 90) then followed him whenever he changed racquet until RF97. After a while I gave up RF97 as it was heavy for over three sets. Moved away to many great racquets and my latest was Yonex Regna 98 which has superb feel. Just recently tried RF 01 Pro and after a couple of sessions ordered a couple as it brought my best memories from RF97. Of course it plays different from RF97, however being at the age of 63 I think the switch is a great one. I am amazed that so many people say it’s not good compared to the lighter version. If you have good mechanics and technique, RF 01 pro is absolutely perfect. I love it for every shot and I find that the frame is more comfortable than RF97. I highly recommend it for advanced players. You can play with top spin or flat. It’s really not the racquet but you and your technique. I actually prefer the RF 01 Pro on forehand and backhand to RF97. The only area that RF97 is superior is at the net and serves at the cost of less manageability. Also RF97 is great until you miss time a serve or high backhand volley that causes injury. Just be aware that RF 01 pro is string and tension sensitive depending on your game style. So give it time if you are serious. It will pay off
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]