Racquet Review: Wilson RF 01 

• Price: $279
• Head Size: 98 sq. in.
• Length: 27 in.
• Weight: 11.2 oz.
• Balance: 5 pts. HL
• Swingweight: 318
• RA Rating: 64
• Beam Width: 23.2mm / 23mm / 22mm
• String Pattern: 16x19

What’s New

The RF franchise is a completely new offering from Wilson. The RF 01 sits in the center of the three-racquet lineup between the heavier and more demanding Pro, and the lighter and highly maneuverable Future. From a construction standpoint, SABR Frame Design incorporates a dual taper beam for greater aerodynamics and easy acceleration. An integrated bumper and grommet design (Glide Guard) reduces air resistance, and gives the racquet a sleeker appearance. Braid 45 integrated into the layup enhances the racquet’s ball-pocketing, stability and feel. Feel Fill polyurethane foam is injected throughout the frame to reduce vibrations and improve the sensation at contact.

What Works

The RF 01 is the middle child of the new three-racquet RF collection. In a sense, it does sit in the shadow of the heavier and more prestigious Pro model, the preferred frame of the line’s namesake. However, it would be a big mistake to overlook the merits of this family member: For the majority of players, it’s going to be the best option.

At 300g, the RF 01 is 20g lighter than the Pro, so it doesn’t pack the same stability and plow through—slices don’t have as much bite—but it’s quicker through the hitting zone, and more manageable to lug around over the course of a match. It’s even a bit lighter than more comparable models with its 98 square-inch head size, yet still manages to be quite solid. Federer was adamant about producing swing speed with his new collection, and this racquet does just that.

Read more: Roger Federer unveils groundbreaking RF Collection by Wilson

Because it’s easy to accelerate, the RF 01 can put a decent hurt on the ball. Ground strokes don’t penetrate like some in the category, but there’s enough pace and shape on shots to press the offense. If you already have an effective serve, the racquet can certainly add to it. Directing that aggression is rather seamless thanks to the tightish string pattern in the sweet spot. Although you can counterpunch and play steady, it seems like a frame better-suited to staying on the front foot.

The taper beam also gives a bit of assistance with off-center contact, but not to the point that you can’t trust it, and it has a pleasing feel at contact when doing it. This is probably the area where the racquet draws the biggest distinction from the Pro. The RF 01 has a softer flex, and even if the RA ratings aren’t that far apart, it’s a noticeable difference. The frame breathes more at impact and that extra split-second of dwell time on the string bed brings benefits—the launch angle is higher for easier depth and spin generation is more accessible. Perhaps most importantly, unless you like a very firm hitting platform—or can use natural gut in the mains like Federer—the sensation is superior and easier on the arm. It’s comfortable without feeling mushy or dull.

When you need to be connected the ball, such as at net, the racquet can deliver. Handling is smooth and efficient getting the face into position, and volleys are predictable and well-behaved. The frame capably draws pace from incoming pace on drop volleys and angles. There can be a little wobble when defending against a heavy pass, but otherwise the frame holds its ground.

Overall, the racquet acquits itself nicely in all-court situations.

What Needs Work

For a 16x19 frame, the RF 01’s spin output is on the modest side. It’s not hopeless, but it’s just not as natural at cranking up heavy forehands or jumpy kick serves— and certainly not when compared to other 98s with the same string pattern. The string spacing is conservative at the point of contact, which can also make the sweet spot seem a little small.

For most, the racquet’s stock weight should be adequate. If you’re a steady intermediate or solid junior, you won’t want for stability or weight of shot. However, more advanced players dealing with higher ball speeds may require added mass for a sturdier backbone and increased put-away power. The frame’s specs make it suitable for tinkering with customization, and it shouldn’t take much weight to reach your goals.

Bottom Line

Being Federer’s racquet of choice, many players will flock to the Pro version. But don’t overlook or underestimate the easier and friendlier playability of the standard RF 01.