Quick answer: Roger Federer used Wilson Pro Staff rackets throughout his career, moving from smaller-headed Pro Staff frames to a 97 sq in model that Wilson released as the Pro Staff RF97 Autograph. Today Wilson's Federer-linked rackets are the RF 01 series: RF 01 Pro (320g), RF 01 (300g), RF 01 Future (280g) and RF 01 Future Lite (265g).
Few players are as closely tied to one racket as Roger Federer is to the Wilson Pro Staff. The black frame with its classic finish became part of his image, and players still ask us which Roger Federer racket they can actually buy, and whether it will suit their own game.
This guide from the team at Central Sports covers the story of the Federer tennis racket in brief, then explains the Federer-linked Wilson rackets in our range, using the specifications from Wilson's own product information.
Roger Federer's racket: the Wilson Pro Staff story
Federer played with Wilson for his whole professional career, and the Pro Staff line was his racket of choice. In his early years he used a classic Pro Staff with a small 85 sq in head, a frame known for precision and feel rather than easy power. Through the most successful years of his career he used Pro Staff frames with a 90 sq in head.
In 2014 Federer switched to a larger 97 sq in Pro Staff, a frame he helped develop. Wilson released that racket to the public as the Pro Staff RF97 Autograph. It was heavy, solid and built around a player with exceptional technique, which is why many club players found it demanding.
Federer retired from professional tennis in 2022, but the partnership continued. Wilson now makes a dedicated Roger Federer collection, with RF-branded rackets, bags, grips and dampeners.
The Wilson RF 01 series: today's Federer tennis rackets
The RF 01 rackets are the current Federer rackets from Wilson, and the ones we stock in the Wilson x Roger Federer collection. Wilson says they were designed in collaboration with Roger, inspired by the racket he wanted for his last year on tour: one to compete with heavy baseliners while keeping his all-court style.
All four rackets share the same core design:
- 98 sq in head, 27 in length and a 16 x 19 string pattern.
- SABR frame design, created with Federer for pace, spin and direction changes.
- Braid 45 technology for a ball-pocketing feel.
- Glide Guard for fast head speed.
- Grip sizes 0 to 5, with a recommended string tension of 52 lb (23.5 kg).
The real difference is weight and balance.
RF 01 Pro vs RF 01 vs RF 01 Future: which Federer racket?
| Racket | Unstrung weight | Unstrung balance | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| RF 01 Pro | 320 g | 32.5 cm (6 pts head light) | Strong, advanced players with full swings |
| RF 01 | 300 g | 32.5 cm (6 pts head light) | Intermediate to advanced club players |
| RF 01 Future | 280 g | 33 cm (4 pts head light) | Developing players wanting more help with power |
| RF 01 Future Lite | 265 g | See product page | Committed beginners and juniors moving up |
RF 01 Pro
The heaviest and most demanding RF racket, at 320 g unstrung (335 g strung). Wilson finishes it with an RF-branded leather grip. It is the closest of the series to a tour-player set-up, so it rewards good technique and a full swing.
RF 01
Wilson describes the RF 01 as a lighter, more manoeuvrable version of the RF 01 Pro. At 300 g it is the sensible choice for most strong club players who want the Federer racket feel without the extra weight.
RF 01 Future
The RF 01 Future is 280 g with a slightly higher balance, which Wilson says makes it highly manoeuvrable with additional power for next-generation players.
RF 01 Future Lite
The lightest member of the RF collection at 265 g, aimed at dedicated beginners and transitioning junior players who are building their strokes, with the same 98 sq in head.
Not sure which weight is right? Our guide to tennis racket weight and balance explains what the numbers mean on court.
Is the Pro Staff RF97 Autograph still available?
The Pro Staff RF97 Autograph is not part of our current range. If you want a heavy, classic Pro Staff feel, look at the Wilson Pro Staff 97 Classic, a 97 sq in, 315 g, 16 x 19 frame rooted in the Pro Staff line, or the RF 01 Pro if you want the Federer branding. You can compare more Wilson frames in our guide to the best Wilson tennis rackets, from Blade and Clash to Pro Staff.
Should you use a Federer tennis racket?
A Federer racket is a good choice if you like a clean, precise feel and you swing with control. Be honest about your level before choosing the heaviest model:
- You play regular matches and hit with full swings: RF 01 Pro or RF 01.
- You are improving and want help with power: RF 01 Future.
- You are new to the game or a junior moving to a full-size racket: RF 01 Future Lite.
Grip size matters as much as model. Check our tennis racket grip size guide before you order, and if you want a wider view of the market, read how to choose a tennis racket.
Top picks from Central Sports
- Wilson RF 01 Pro Tennis Racket 320g Roger Federer - Black (£161.99): the heaviest RF frame, with an RF-branded leather grip.
- Wilson RF 01 Tennis Racket - 300g Roger Federer - Black (£149.90): the manoeuvrable 300 g version for strong club players.
- Wilson RF 01 Future Tennis Racket 280g Roger Federer (£139.90): lighter with a higher balance for extra power.
- Wilson RF 01 Future Lite Tennis Racket Roger Federer - 265g - Black (£125.99): the most user-friendly RF racket for beginners and juniors.
- Wilson Pro Staff 97 Classic (2026) Tennis Racket - Black (£172.99): classic 97 sq in Pro Staff feel at 315 g.
- Wilson Roger Federer Leather Replacement Grip (£14.99): an RF leather grip to finish your set-up.
Roger Federer racket FAQ
What racket did Roger Federer use?
Federer used Wilson Pro Staff rackets throughout his career, moving to a 97 sq in frame in 2014 that Wilson released as the Pro Staff RF97 Autograph.
What is the Wilson RF 01?
The RF 01 series is Wilson's range of rackets designed in collaboration with Roger Federer. All have a 98 sq in head and 16 x 19 pattern, in weights from 265 g to 320 g.
Is the RF 01 Pro good for beginners?
At 320 g unstrung it is demanding for beginners. The RF 01 Future or RF 01 Future Lite are much easier to swing while learning.
What tension should I string the RF 01 at?
Wilson's recommended string tension for the RF 01 rackets is 52 lb (23.5 kg). Our team can string to your preference.
If you want to play with a racket built with Roger Federer, start with the full Wilson x Roger Federer range, or visit the team at Central Sports in Cardiff, Birmingham, Milton Keynes or Hereford for advice on weight and grip size.
