Need advice on Wilson K90 vs BLX90 string tension

[praetorian909]

Need advice on Wilson K90 vs BLX90 string tension setup

Hi all--it's been a while since I've been on these boards. Back in the day I have to admit I used to read these threads quite obsessively

My go-to racquet is the Prostaff K90 and I just recently got a new BLX 90 (never tried yet). I am getting both strung, and want to experiment with the tensions. I like using Luxilon ALU Rough at 52 lb, and I want to try going a little lower (let me know if that sounds crazy too, but I'm used to lower tensions and I've always strung at 55 or less).

So I'm thinking I can try one of the following:
1. String both at 48 lb? Better to test them out side-by-side with strings the same
2. String K90 at 48 and the BLX90 at 50? I've read the BLX is more flexible feeling
3. String K90 at 50, BLX at 48?

Some background info: the K90 is my favorite racquet so far, previously had a Prostaff Tour 90 and experimented with a Prestige Mid (which I didn't really like). I like the heavy swingweight of the K90, so I'm not sure if I'll like the BLX90 (definitely swings lighter when I demoed it). I hit mostly flat so helping me get more spin is always good (since switching to Luxilon strings, that has seemed to help me with that).

 

[Irvin]

I string for a guy that has a K90, BLX90, and a BLX 6.1 90. He prefers the two BLX versions but strings them all the same. I would suggest string at the minimum of the range (50-60) or 50 pounds and the next time changing tension as you feel appropriate.

 

[praetorian909]

I string for a guy that has a K90, BLX90, and a BLX 6.1 90. He prefers the two BLX versions but strings them all the same. I would suggest string at the minimum of the range (50-60) or 50 pounds and the next time changing tension as you feel appropriate.

Awesome, thanks for the input and quick reply! Hmm yeah I'm thinking that may be a better way to go: start with a baseline and tweak after.

And forgive me for asking but I haven't kept up-to-date: the BLX90 and a BLX 6.1 90 are different models?

 

[burn1986]

I use a hybrid of Luxilon ALU .16ga on the crosses with plain Prince Synthetic on the mains all at 45lbs.

 

[Irvin]

...And forgive me for asking but I haven't kept up-to-date: the BLX90 and a BLX 6.1 90 are different models?

May just be a paint job from one year to the next but they look different

EDIT: BTW I like to string these 1 piece top down and not use an ATW method. Notice there are no crossovers on these two rackets at the bottom cross. If you string them two piece you will have two strings blocking the bottom cross. I used Tecnifibre HDX tour and X-ONE both 1.24 mm on these 2 rackets. Those are both soft strings and double blocked holes can be problematic especially with soft multi strings.

 

[Irvin]

Also the bumper and grommet sets are interchangeable between all three models. I replaced the grommets on both of the rackets above this more and the side grommet strips near the bottom fit very easily on one and a little tighter on the other but all went well. It could be the mold was a little more worn one of the rackets was made in or who knows what.

 

[praetorian909]

May just be a paint job from one year to the next but they look different

Ah yes, I believe that was just a paint job difference (seems like a lot of trouble just for Wilson to change the wording). Curiously I also have the [K]arbon (later changed to Karophite) frame of the K90 before Wilson realized they didn't have the trademark. I always wondered if maybe I should have preserved that racquet, kinda like when money gets misprinted. And I would have except it's my favorite one to use...

 

[Irvin]

Ah yes, I believe that was just a paint job difference (seems like a lot of trouble just for Wilson to change the wording). Curiously I also have the [K]arbon (later changed to Karophite) frame of the K90 before Wilson realized they didn't have the trademark. I always wondered if maybe I should have preserved that racquet, kinda like when money gets misprinted. And I would have except it's my favorite one to use...

Actually those are just decals the PJs are the same.

 

[Hans]

The starter of this thread asked for a recommendation of the type of strings which are suitable for this racket. I am also interested. I used Wilson sensation which comes with the racket. Than I changed to a hybride of babolat RPM blast 17 (mains, 25 kg) and Baboilat NVY (crosses, 25 kg). I did not like this combination since the tension of the blast dimished very fast and there was to much power even afer a fresh string. Now I have a full beth Babolat pro hurricane tour 16 (28.5 kg) which gives more control, less power which is good for my stroke and the tension seems to hold longer. It playes less stijver as I expected so not to bad for your schouder.

 

[Hans]

I have been using Wilson sensation which comes with the racket. Than I changed to a hybride of babolat RPM blast 17 (mains, 25 kg) and Babolat NVY (crosses, 25 kg). I did not like this combination since the tension of the blast diminished very fast and there was to much power even afer a fresh strung. Now I have a full bed of Babolat pro hurricane tour 16 (28.5 kg) which gives more control, less power which is good for my stroke and the tension seems to hold longer. It plays less stiffer than I expected so not to bad for your schouder.

 

[Irvin]

The recommended strings for the racket is NXT Tour or NXT Control. Of the two rackets I strung the customer liked the HDX Tour much better than his usual X-One. He thought it was more crisp, had more spin and power. I also think the HDX Tour will last longer.

 

[SpinToWin]

I have been using Wilson sensation which comes with the racket. Than I changed to a hybride of babolat RPM blast 17 (mains, 25 kg) and Babolat NVY (crosses, 25 kg). I did not like this combination since the tension of the blast diminished very fast and there was to much power even afer a fresh strung. Now I have a full bed of Babolat pro hurricane tour 16 (28.5 kg) which gives more control, less power which is good for my stroke and the tension seems to hold longer. It plays less stiffer than I expected so not to bad for your schouder.

a stiff poly at 28.5 kg in a mid-sized frame is not arm friendly.

 

[coloskier]

I have been using Wilson sensation which comes with the racket. Than I changed to a hybride of babolat RPM blast 17 (mains, 25 kg) and Babolat NVY (crosses, 25 kg). I did not like this combination since the tension of the blast diminished very fast and there was to much power even afer a fresh strung. Now I have a full bed of Babolat pro hurricane tour 16 (28.5 kg) which gives more control, less power which is good for my stroke and the tension seems to hold longer. It plays less stiffer than I expected so not to bad for your schouder.

Comparing Sensation to RPM is like comparing fishing line to VS gut.

 

[Hans]

It feels arm friendly to me. Depends on your physical properties I think. I am satisfied with the PHT 16. Would have liked the Technifbre black code 17 but it is not available in my area.

a stiff poly at 28.5 kg in a mid-sized frame is not arm friendly.

 

[Hans]

sensation came with the racket so it is the only comparison I could make after a first change of strings.

Comparing Sensation to RPM is like comparing fishing line to VS gut.

 

[Hans]

By the way the paint job of this racket is very bad. After restringing (yes a professional did it) the shiny paint comes of where the racket was clamed.

 

[Hans]

also keep in mind that 24 hours after restringing and not using the racket the tension is already down by 2 - 3 kgs !! After playing with it a few times the tension will be about 24 kgs.

a stiff poly at 28.5 kg in a mid-sized frame is not arm friendly.