Nike New York
Lacoste F/W 2024
Nike Kids
Yonex VCORE
Wilson Bela
Wilson has unveiled an exciting new development in tennis: a brand new racket family created in collaboration with the legendary Roger Federer. The RF 01 rackets are drawing on the Swiss Maestro’s unmatched expertise with and knowledge about the game.
The partnership between Roger and Wilson has resulted in a complete collection. And the good news is: this RF 01 collection is now available worldwide.
Collection
The RF x Wilson range consists of tennis rackets, bags and accessories. In terms of rackets, three different models have been introduced: the RF 01 Pro, RF 01 and RF 01 Future. These frames - with 98 sq in racket heads - have, respectively, weights of 320 grams, 300 grams and 280 grams to offer tennis players of all levels an accessible option.
When it comes to bags, there are also several choices. For players who only take their racket and some small accessories to the court, there is the RF Racket Cover. While for the absolute fanatics, the RF Tournament 15 Racket Tennis Bag has been launched. Every tennis player whose requirements fall between these will also be able to find a suitable bag that meets their expectations. The collection also includes tennis bags for 9 rackets and for 6 rackets. Finally, there is even an RF backpack designed.
For the new RF 01 rackets, corresponding basic grips have been produced. The RF 01 Pro models come standard with a RF Leather brown base grip, while the other, slightly lighter models are equipped with the new RF Cushion Aire Smooth in brown. For players who like to use a dampener, the new RF dampeners have been introduced.
How do the RF 01 tennis rackets play?
First of all, it is of course appropriate to mention that the rackets were developed in collaboration with Roger Federer. He also played with them, to share his findings with Wilson and to make adjustments together where necessary. The ideas behind these new frames are as follows: Firstly, the rackets are intended to be quickly maneuverable, thanks to the innovative SABR frame design. Furthermore, the characteristics stability, precision and feel are of paramount importance. All this with the aim of offering a versatile racket to creative players who like fast, aggressive, yet sensitive and pressure-filled tennis, just like the Swiss legend.
Our Findings
We at Tennis Only had the privilege of testing all three models before the RF 01 rackets hit the market. The question then naturally arises: What did we think of them?
One of our findings was that the trend of wider frames of Federer rackets over the last few years has continued. As well as the racket heads being slightly larger. During play we noticed that these characteristics, in combination with the fast maneuverable frame, lead to a healthy and by us appreciated combination of power and stability, while feeling and control were relatively well preserved.
What models are there?
The differences between the RF 01 Pro, the regular RF 01 and the RF 01 Future are mainly due to the associated compositions of weight and balance point. On the court, these differences became clear, partly because members of Team Tennis Only with varying playing styles and levels also clearly had divided preference, spread over the three models. While the aforementioned experiences of power, feel and control were rated relatively equally, the biggest and most clear difference between the three frames was the stability. Here it was - as expected - that the heavier the racket, the more stable it felt.
We are excited to test the new RF 01 rackets more extensively, to form the best possible picture of them. So that we can provide everyone with Tennis Only worthy advice. Are you also curious about how they play? Then you are of course more than welcome to come and get a demo racket in our store in Rotterdam, or order it online (for customers with a delivery address in the Netherlands or Belgium).