Potential BLX90 -> PS 6.0 85; Mini-blog

S

Say Chi Sin Lo

G.O.A.T.
It was about 2years ago that I made the switch from my trusty TW-reissue PC600 to the Wilson BLX90. I made the switch because I realized I enjoyed the open pattern more. Also, the "Pro Staff feel" was simply intoxicating. Of all the Tour 90's, I picked the BLX90 because it had the liveliest upper loop of all of the Tour 90's. Feel is highly subjective, I know the BLX90 is probably the most hated Tour 90 (haha if there is such a thing), but it felt the best to me. Tried the newer BLX Pro Staff 90, it finds a happy medium between the K90 and BLX90 in terms of feel. Not that I cared about it and definitely not enough of a difference to make the switch.

Every once in a while, I get to mess around with my friend's PS 6.0 85 (with unknown origin, not that I care). Each time I am amazed by a few things about the PS 6.0 85:
- It hits just like my BLX90, but with a 85 head. (again, feel is subjective)
- MY GOD it swings fast!
- Because it swung so fast, I thought it was easier to use than my BLX90

Fast forward to present time, I am now contemplating a switch to the PS 6.0 85 because I loved how fast it swung. I thought of a few reasons why:
- 85 head, it's just going to go through the air faster, period.
- It's ever so slightly more headlight than my BLX90

I thought about replicating a similar fast swing with my BLX90, but I've decided against it:
- My BLX90 is already at ~370g, that's about as heavy of a frame as I want to play with, nor do I want to decrease the weight. So I simply cannot make my frames more headlight without adding more weight to it.
- I can't mod a BLX90 into an 85 sq inch head.

So I decided to buy an used TW re-issue PS 6.0 85 (thanks to ezekiel114 for selling it) as an extensive demo. Why an extensive demo?
- Because I'm not entirely convinced I need to switch, just thoughts here and there.
- I want to playtest the frame with identical weight, strings, tension, and grip size as my current racquets. The only thing I want to isolate is the frame itself and its intrinsic balance of being more headlight than my BLX90.
- And I just can't do all of the above within the time frame (1 week) of a demo. So I decided to buy an used frame as an extensive demo.

Here are pictures for those who got tired of reading :)

Yeah, I guess I like stuff designed in the olden days. :)

Here's a video of me hitting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMswfz6E-ZE&feature=youtu.be
 
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S

Say Chi Sin Lo

G.O.A.T.
One of my BLX90 unstrung:
- Grips = Stock leather + Tournagrip + Wilson Pro Overgrip (I'm slightly bigger than a 3/8, but not quite 1/2. The added weight at the grip restored factory balance when strung, and it worked out for me. So that's gravy on top)
- I used Tournagrip underneath to help me build up my grip because it happens to create the perfect size for me.
- Lead at 3, 9, and 12 o'clock. I've always had lead in those location, even in my old Prestige Mid days.



BLX90 unstrung balance: this one measured out to about ~30.0cm, but they're all about the same.


"Extensive demo" TW re-issue PS 6.0 85: bone stock and unstrung. Please note that this is ~5grams heavier than what's listed on TW's page. (the strung racquet weights in at ~370grams before I cut the strings)


"Extensive demo" TW re-issue PS 6.0 85: bone stock and unstrung. Balance is at ~29.9cm
 
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S

Say Chi Sin Lo

G.O.A.T.
"Extensive demo" tw re-issue PS 6.0 85" after adding my two overgrips:


"Extensive demo" tw re-issue PS 6.0 85" after adding my two overgrips: Balance at ~29.3cm


The lead on my BLX90 came out to be 7grams:
 
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S

Say Chi Sin Lo

G.O.A.T.
"Extensive demo" tw re-issue PS 6.0 85 + 2ogs + lead:


"Extensive demo" tw re-issue PS 6.0 85 + 2ogs + lead: Balance at ~29.9cm


ANNNNNNNNDD if I do make the switch, I'm going to miss these bad boys. The 12 o'clock lead is underneath the bumper.



Going to keep a log this time around, you'll notice one of my BLX90 is slightly out of spec with the rest. Haha I blame Wilson QC:
 
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A

andreh

Professional
All that lead is just 7 grams? The tape I use must be a lot heavier. Mine just covers the top side of the PWS and it's 4 grams total.
 
Sander001

Sander001

Hall of Fame
Nice post!
Love my PS85 but the one thing is that i can't get enough spin from it consistently with my stroke during matches. No such concern with the BLX90.
 
K

KaiserW

Hall of Fame
I used the 85 for a long time and then went to the Prostaff Classic 4.2 95. It is a great racquet but I want I wanted a little larger sweet spot so I went to a 95. The Prostaff Classic 4.2 95 was a sweet racquet, a little lighter and a little more pop. I am now back into tennis after 15 plus year off and am now looking for a new racquet. This post has me intrigued because the BLX 90 is one of the racquets I am considering also considering the BLX 6.1 95. Not sure if I still have enough skills to handle a 90 though.

So although you like how the 85 swings faster do you think it will be worth the trade off of losing 5 square inches of head size? With the 85 I am guessing you will have more mishits.
 
S

Say Chi Sin Lo

G.O.A.T.
andreh said:
All that lead is just 7 grams? The tape I use must be a lot heavier. Mine just covers the top side of the PWS and it's 4 grams total.
Click to expand...

I use Gamma lead, and yeah, it measured out to 7grams. :confused:

Sander001 said:
Nice post!
Love my PS85 but the one thing is that i can't get enough spin from it consistently with my stroke during matches. No such concern with the BLX90.
Click to expand...

Maybe because the center of the stringbed is actually slightly denser than the BLX90? But I don't think it'll be a problem for me, I grew up using Prestige Mids.

KaiserW said:
I used the 85 for a long time and then went to the Prostaff Classic 4.2 95. It is a great racquet but I want I wanted a little larger sweet spot so I went to a 95. The Prostaff Classic 4.2 95 was a sweet racquet, a little lighter and a little more pop. I am now back into tennis after 15 plus year off and am now looking for a new racquet. This post has me intrigued because the BLX 90 is one of the racquets I am considering also considering the BLX 6.1 95. Not sure if I still have enough skills to handle a 90 though.

So although you like how the 85 swings faster do you think it will be worth the trade off of losing 5 square inches of head size? With the 85 I am guessing you will have more mishits.
Click to expand...

Honestly, 5 square inches isn't much to me. I didn't notice it when I was messing around with my friend's. I did notice how fast it swung and I just can't get over that. Also, I grew up using Prestige Mids, and those are smaller than 90 square inches.

But of course, I'm not convinced I need to switch like I wrote earlier. (that's why I haven't bought a new batch yet :) )
 
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BreakPoint

BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
Sander001 said:
Nice post!
Love my PS85 but the one thing is that i can't get enough spin from it consistently with my stroke during matches. No such concern with the BLX90.
Click to expand...
Interesting because I actually get more spin with the PS 6.0 85 than with the Tour 90s. I think it's because the 85 swings so much faster which allows me generate faster racquet head speed to produce the spin and also because of the 16x18 string pattern versus the 16x19 on the Tour 90s.
 
Rabbit

Rabbit

G.O.A.T.
BreakPoint said:
Interesting because I actually get more spin with the PS 6.0 85 than with the Tour 90s. I think it's because the 85 swings so much faster which allows me generate faster racquet head speed to produce the spin and also because of the 16x18 string pattern versus the 16x19 on the Tour 90s.
Click to expand...

Agreed. I found the ProStaff 85 much easier to weild and play with than the PS 90.
 
S

Say Chi Sin Lo

G.O.A.T.
KaiserW said:
I used the 85 for a long time and then went to the Prostaff Classic 4.2 95. It is a great racquet but I want I wanted a little larger sweet spot so I went to a 95. The Prostaff Classic 4.2 95 was a sweet racquet, a little lighter and a little more pop. I am now back into tennis after 15 plus year off and am now looking for a new racquet. This post has me intrigued because the BLX 90 is one of the racquets I am considering also considering the BLX 6.1 95. Not sure if I still have enough skills to handle a 90 though.

So although you like how the 85 swings faster do you think it will be worth the trade off of losing 5 square inches of head size? With the 85 I am guessing you will have more mishits.
Click to expand...

It doesn't hurt to try. :)

The difficulty of Tour/Pro Staff 90 frames is somewhat exaggerated, or maybe because I grew up using heavy midsized racquets. But I don't find them difficult to use at all. There may be a case for the pro tour against midsized frames, but we're not dealing with the likes of touring pros when we play.

If you catch it right, Tour/Pro Staff 90's are like hammers to the ball. :twisted:
 
S

Say Chi Sin Lo

G.O.A.T.
BreakPoint said:
Interesting because I actually get more spin with the PS 6.0 85 than with the Tour 90s. I think it's because the 85 swings so much faster which allows me generate faster racquet head speed to produce the spin and also because of the 16x18 string pattern versus the 16x19 on the Tour 90s.
Click to expand...

Rabbit said:
Agreed. I found the ProStaff 85 much easier to weild and play with than the PS 90.
Click to expand...

I agree, it comes around so fast that I too found it to be easier to use than my BLX90.
 
v-verb

v-verb

Hall of Fame
Love reading about PS85's! nice writeup Say Chi Sin Lo!

BTW I use several sticks (up to a 125) and my fave by far is the StV PS85. The smaller headsize isn't a factor if I'm watching the ball properly. I have a couple of the same BLX90's you have but have only hit with them a little. nice, but they're no PS85!
 
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MikeHitsHard93

MikeHitsHard93

Hall of Fame
I actually have always wanted to get a mid. Every one I've played with except the vacuum pro 90 I've loved. That includes the k90, ps90, and x10 mid.
 
MikeHitsHard93

MikeHitsHard93

Hall of Fame
Say Chi Sin Lo said:
So why not get one? Seriously, these mids are not as intimidating as most people think.
Click to expand...

Yeah I'm looking into it as we speak. The feel and precision is just amazing if you get your feet prepared...never had a better feeling racket than the ps90 or x10 mid. I used the k90 long ago for like 20 minutes, but don't totally remember.

Mods can hit any shot in the book...probably would help me by forcing me to get my footwork down!

I've tried all kinds of mid+ rackets and haven't found a winner...time to start with mids!
 
Overdrive

Overdrive

Legend
That looks like 6 inches of lead on the 12, 3, and 9!

Wouldn't the sweetspot be towards the top or does the 3/9 set-up counter-balance it?
 
coolschreiber

coolschreiber

Hall of Fame
MikeHitsHard93 said:
Yeah I'm looking into it as we speak. The feel and precision is just amazing if you get your feet prepared...never had a better feeling racket than the ps90 or x10 mid. I used the k90 long ago for like 20 minutes, but don't totally remember.

Mods can hit any shot in the book...probably would help me by forcing me to get my footwork down!

I've tried all kinds of mid+ rackets and haven't found a winner...time to start with mids!
Click to expand...

Go for it! I just ordered a Prestige mid out of the blue a few minutes ago :). Its ok to spoil yourself don't worry.
 
S

Say Chi Sin Lo

G.O.A.T.
Overdrive said:
That looks like 6 inches of lead on the 12, 3, and 9!

Wouldn't the sweetspot be towards the top or does the 3/9 set-up counter-balance it?
Click to expand...

There's a reason why I specifically added lead at 12 o'clock: I naturally hit on the stringbed, so I added lead at 12 o'clock to move the sweetspot higher up.

 
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martini1

martini1

Hall of Fame
May be I didn't add enough lead on my PS6.0 85. It doesn't feel as powerful as the K90, and it doesn't produce the kind of spin I wanted like the K90.

The return game is also a minus for the PS85.
 
coolschreiber

coolschreiber

Hall of Fame
MikeHitsHard93 said:
Hahaha what do you normally use?
Click to expand...

I usually use the Prestige Pro. But lately have gone back to my K90s and now I want to fool around with a Prestige Mid. I'm keeping an eye out if I can lay my hands on a cheap 2nd hand ps85, OPs observations are tempting me but I have to resist them for now. When is this madness going to stop!?!?! lol.
I think I read here Head is discontinuing the Prestige mid, not sure though.
 
S

Say Chi Sin Lo

G.O.A.T.
coolschreiber said:
I usually use the Prestige Pro. But lately have gone back to my K90s and now I want to fool around with a Prestige Mid. I'm keeping an eye out if I can lay my hands on a cheap 2nd hand ps85, OPs observations are tempting me but I have to resist them for now. When is this madness going to stop!?!?! lol.
I think I read here Head is discontinuing the Prestige mid, not sure though.
Click to expand...

I wonder how many wallets I've injured since I started this thread... :twisted:

I will be letting go of this frame when I'm finished with the demo process. I want my frames to match so I'll be buying new from TW if I do switch, and ask them to match the frames for me.

I'll remind you when I need to let this frame go for a reasonable price. :)
 
S

Say Chi Sin Lo

G.O.A.T.
This is why I opted for an extensive demo instead of regular 1weeks demos. I refuse to try a racquet that isn't strung with my own strings, at my tension. When I try a racquet, I really want to try JUST the racquet and take out as many variables as possible. If I'm playtesting a different frame with different strings/tension, how do I know my impressions are contributed by the frame itself?

"Extensive demo" tw re-issue PS 6.0 85 + 2ogs + lead + Strings: 378grams
Mains = Pacific Classic 16g @ 55lbs
Crosses = MSV Co-Focus 1.18 @ 51lbs


"Extensive demo" tw re-issue PS 6.0 85 + 2ogs + lead + Strings: Balance is at ~30.8cm


I mentioned earlier than the spec of this frame is a bit off of what TW advertises (360g strung vs 354g as advertised). I expect that if and when I make the switch, I'd specific matched pairs and their specs would line up nicely with my current BLX90 after modding (I'm striving for the ~372g/~31.3cm frames):

 
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rdis10093

rdis10093

Hall of Fame
you will get sick of the 85. topspin lob, and you are done if you cant run around it. 85 takes perfect timing . what is your ntrp? would not recommend unless at least 4.5 with a heck of a serve and volley.
 
S

Say Chi Sin Lo

G.O.A.T.
rdis10093 said:
you will get sick of the 85. topspin lob, and you are done if you cant run around it. 85 takes perfect timing . what is your ntrp? would not recommend unless at least 4.5 with a heck of a serve and volley.
Click to expand...

To be honest, I don't give those rating numbers much thoughts. It's all about matchups. I think a shot making 4.5+ could easily lose to a 3.5+ pusher, and etc. But since you asked:

I was a self-rated 4.0 (varsity high school, so by default they threw me into 4.0 I think).

Then I lost my only 2 matches on a league team with 40+ people (NEVER joining such a big team again, didn't get to play much). Although I admit that I was not match tough last year. And I was bumped down to 3.5.

This year, I'm on a team that's going to Nationals and I'm 9-2 this season in singles.
I also played a 4.0 tournament and got to the quarterfinals. I'm hoping they'll bump me back up to 4.0 again. (I thought it was unfair of them to bump me down after losing my only 2 matches of a 4.0 season)

And no, I'm not intimated by the 85. Like I said earlier, I grew up with a Prestige Mid. And I achieved all of the above with the BLX90. And I absolutely hate anything bigger than 93sq inches.

I think it's only a matter of time before someone asks me to post a video to justify myself. :neutral:
 
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rdis10093

rdis10093

Hall of Fame
no need man. if a mid feels best to you (like wise) than go for it. I have played around a bit with the 85, and the slices where orgasmic. not to derail the thread, but try the 89 yonex. it is the replacement of the 85 Wilson. many have said this.
 
S

Say Chi Sin Lo

G.O.A.T.
rdis10093 said:
you will get sick of the 85. topspin lob, and you are done if you cant run around it. 85 takes perfect timing . what is your ntrp? would not recommend unless at least 4.5 with a heck of a serve and volley.
Click to expand...

And haha, trust me, I know exactly what you mean. As soon as someone see a player with a 1hander, they tee off of it like crazy.

I get high backhanded to death when I play but I can deal with it.
 
S

Say Chi Sin Lo

G.O.A.T.
rdis10093 said:
no need man. if a mid feels best to you (like wise) than go for it. I have played around a bit with the 85, and the slices where orgasmic. not to derail the thread, but try the 89 yonex. it is the replacement of the 85 Wilson. many have said this.
Click to expand...

I have tried the 89. It was very awkward to swing the square-ish head of a Yonex. And it just didn't do it for me, sorry.
 
rdis10093

rdis10093

Hall of Fame
it will take a couple of months, but once you get used to it, the investment is worth it

take it for what its worth

chao
 
S

Say Chi Sin Lo

G.O.A.T.
rdis10093 said:
it will take a couple of months, but once you get used to it, the investment is worth it

take it for what its worth

chao
Click to expand...

I'm sure it is, but not for me.

To me, if I have to "warm up" to it, then it wasn't meant for me in the first place. The square-ish head of Yonex really affected me (psychologically). I kept thinking how how "big" it swung because of the square-ish head.
 
Sander001

Sander001

Hall of Fame
Say Chi Sin Lo said:
I'm sure it is, but not for me.

To me, if I have to "warm up" to it, then it wasn't meant for me in the first place. The square-ish head of Yonex really affected me (psychologically). I kept thinking how how "big" it swung because of the square-ish head.
Click to expand...
Mighta been more than just psychology; it's got a SW of 335.
 
S

Say Chi Sin Lo

G.O.A.T.
MikeHitsHard93 said:
Nice strokes, guy. Makes me want to rethink my self-rating.
Click to expand...

Listen man, I'd be lying if I didn't think it was BS of USTA for bumping me down from 4.0 just because I lost the ONLY 2 matches I got to play for the season. (and NEVER join a team over 40+ just because they wanted you, NEVER)
 
MikeHitsHard93

MikeHitsHard93

Hall of Fame
Say Chi Sin Lo said:
Listen man, I'd be lying if I didn't think it was BS of USTA for bumping me down from 4.0 just because I lost the ONLY 2 matches I got to play for the season. (and NEVER join a team over 40+ just because they wanted you, NEVER)
Click to expand...

Just from the strokes, you look at least like a 4.0 to me. I REALLY want to get a video of me up soon so I can get some help and see if my rating is far fetched lol :)

As far as your strokes, that's actually what I want mine to look like. Mine right now feel really loopy and not flat enough. Does the mid help in that department?
 
S

Say Chi Sin Lo

G.O.A.T.
MikeHitsHard93 said:
Just from the strokes, you look at least like a 4.0 to me. I REALLY want to get a video of me up soon so I can get some help and see if my rating is far fetched lol :)

As far as your strokes, that's actually what I want mine to look like. Mine right now feel really loopy and not flat enough. Does the mid help in that department?
Click to expand...

It's really hard to say. In my honest opinion, equipment contributes very little of one's game. Power, spin, placement, consistency, and etc. are largely up to the user. You give me any other racquets, and my shots are going to look more or less the same. Would I enjoy and have confidence in my shots? Hell no. My philosophy is this:

Whatever equipment you use should instill trust to let you go for your shots, not make the shots for you.

With that said, once you find the proper equipment for you, may it be a mid/midplus/oversize. You've taken that variable out of the equation, all that's left is to work on your game! :)

I will say that if there's one thing that using mids have helped me growing up is that: relax and make solid contact with the ball, and trust that the mass of the racquet to act as an extension of your arm.
 
S

Say Chi Sin Lo

G.O.A.T.
Overdrive said:
^

It's okay, that's better than 90% of TTW.

Anyways, do you think your shots would go out w/o the lead?
Click to expand...

No, I don't think so.

Leaded up or not, it's up to me to control and direct my shots, right?

Pro Staffs hit like hammers. Adding a little more weight would just exaggerate that feeling. :twisted:
 
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