Mike Wood · 16 January, 2026

At Players Sports, we’re excited to welcome one of the most iconic names in tennis back in a truly authentic way. The new Wilson Pro Staff Classic tennis rackets blend timeless Pro Staff DNA with refined modern performance, giving serious players in New Zealand access to control, feel, and confidence that rewards clean technique.

This is not a retro gimmick. It’s a proper performance update of a frame that has shaped generations of competitive tennis.

Why the Pro Staff Name Still Matters

For decades, the Pro Staff line from Wilson has been synonymous with precision, touch, and uncompromising control. It’s the racket family many of us grew up watching dominate the professional tour, trusted by players who create their own pace and demand accuracy on every strike.

The new Pro Staff Classic range stays true to that identity while subtly refining how the frame behaves in today’s faster game.

What’s New in the Pro Staff Classic Range

Paradigm Bending Technology

The key update in the Pro Staff Classic is how the frame flexes under load.

• The shaft is engineered to flex more naturally

• The hoop remains stable at impact

• The result is cleaner feedback, better directional control, and confidence on full swings

This design helps you feel the ball properly rather than masking contact, which is exactly what strong intermediate and advanced players want.

Braid 45 Construction

Wilson’s Braid 45 places double braided fibres at 45-degree angles through the frame.

• Increased dwell time on the strings

• Improved pocketing and feel

• Maintains the solid, stable Pro Staff response

This is a big part of why Pro Staff rackets feel different to many modern power frames on the market.

Wilson Pro Staff 97 Classic Tennis Racket

Built for Precision and Control

The Pro Staff 97 Classic is a control-focused tennis racket designed for players who generate their own power and value consistency, touch, and shot shaping.

Key features

• 97in² head size for precision and accuracy

• Carbon fibre construction with classic Pro Staff feedback

• Paradigm Bending technology for optimised shaft-to-hoop flex

• Braid 45 construction for stability and improved feel

• Timeless Pro Staff design inspired by the original frames

On court, this racket rewards confident swings, strong technique, and players who like to take on tighter targets from the baseline or step forward and finish points at the net.

Best suited for

• Intermediate to advanced players

• Players who prefer control over free power

• Competitive club and tournament players across NZ

Wilson Pro Staff 97L Classic Tennis Racket

Pro Staff Feel in a Lighter, Faster Frame

The Pro Staff 97L Classic delivers the unmistakable Pro Staff response in a lighter, more manoeuvrable package. It’s ideal for players who love control but want something easier to swing through long matches or quick exchanges.

Key features

• Lightweight 97in² frame for faster racquet head speed

• Carbon fibre construction with classic Pro Staff feedback

• Paradigm Bending technology for controlled flex

• Braid 45 construction for stability and pocketing

• Iconic Pro Staff Classic cosmetic

This version shines for players who value speed, defence, and all-court versatility without sacrificing feel.

Best suited for

• Intermediate players

• Improving juniors stepping into an adult frame

• Players who want control with reduced swing weight

How the Pro Staff Classic Fits Modern Tennis in NZ

Tennis in New Zealand is fast, competitive, and increasingly physical at club level. These rackets suit players who train regularly, play matches week in and week out, and want equipment that complements solid fundamentals rather than compensating for them.

If you’re playing competitive tennis in Auckland or at clubs around the country, the Pro Staff Classic range offers a genuine performance option that prioritises feel, consistency, and trust in your swing.

How the Pro Staff Classic Compares to Other Rackets

• Power: Comes from your swing, not the frame

• Control: High, especially on full strokes

• Feel: Dense, connected, and stable at impact

• Forgiveness: Designed for confident ball strikers

If you’re currently using a more powerful or thicker-beamed racket and want more control, this is a natural progression.

Try the Pro Staff Classic at Players Sports

At Players Sports, we stock a full range of tennis rackets, along with tennis strings, grips, and professional racket stringing services. These frames really come alive when strung correctly for your game, and our team can help dial that in.

You can explore our full tennis racket range online here or come in-store to talk through whether the Pro Staff 97 or 97L Classic suits your playing style best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Pro Staff 97 Classic best suited for?

It’s ideal for intermediate to advanced players who generate their own pace and prioritise control, feel, and consistency.

Does the Pro Staff Classic offer much power?

Power comes from your swing. This racket is designed for precision and rewards good technique rather than providing built-in power.

What makes the Pro Staff feel different to other rackets?

The combination of Paradigm Bending technology, Braid 45 construction, and frame flex delivers a connected, stable feel that experienced players trust.

Who should choose the Pro Staff 97L Classic instead?

The 97L suits intermediate players, improving juniors, or anyone wanting Pro Staff control in a lighter, more manoeuvrable frame.

Are these rackets suitable for New Zealand club tennis?

Yes. They’re well suited to competitive club and tournament play across NZ, particularly for players who train and compete regularly.

Final Word

The Wilson Pro Staff Classic range is a genuine return to what makes control rackets special. Timeless feel, modern refinement, and performance that rewards commitment to your craft.

If you’re ready for a frame that puts precision back in your hands, come see us in-store or explore the Pro Staff Classic tennis rackets online at Players Sports here. We’re always happy to help you find the right fit for your game.