Upgrading PS Classic 6.1 for a little more power

[mattie]

Hi all

I am returning to playing tennis after a good 7 or 8 years away. I learnt the game using a range of old Head Ventoris and Head Polaris racquets, and moved up to a Wilson PS Classic 6.1 when I developed the strength and timing to make the most of it.

However, I am now finding the PS quite underpowered, and my backhand in particular is really lacking any penetration. I love the control I get with the PS, so I'm loath to go back to my old Ventoris/Polaris as they feel pretty crude in comparison, although generating power is not an issue with these racquets.

I'd appreciate any recommendations anyone has for a racquet that plays in a similar way to the the PS classic but has a little more assistance for the player. I'd like to run my old PS as a spare as I can't afford at present to invest in 2 new racquets, so I'd prefer a racquet that isn't too dissimilar.

All advice gratefully received

Matt

 

[Nadal_Rulz]

maybe the n6.1 95, i have one and it has a little more power i think than the classic.

 

[Serve-And-Volley]

I have serveral suggestions for you. First is the Wilson ProStaff 6.0 Midplus, has some of the same qualities such as good control. The Wilson N-6-1 90 a racquet that does everything great. Another racquet is the Yonex RDX-500 Mid gets great spin and control. Finally the Dunlop 200G has good feel and very control oriented. I'd suggest demoing these racquets and find the one you like that fits your game.

 

[NoBadMojo]

Hi Matt.You might wish to take the SlazengerX1 out for a dance. You seem to like a firmer feel...this has that along with something in the handle to dampen the shock. it swings lighter than the 6.1 and has more juice...it doesnt seem to lend itself well to a variety of set ups..the tension range is quite marrow, and i think you could go below that maybe a little , but really not above unless you wish for a boardy feeling frame w. a shrunken sweetspot. It's a really nice frame IMO..good at all the shots.Ed

 

[BreakPoint]

I agree with the suggestions about the Wilson nSix-One 95 and the Slazenger Pro X-1. You may also want to to take a look at the HyperProStaff 6.1 95. It's discontinued, but you may still be able to find one somewhere.

 

[thatballwas_IN]

this is pretty obvious, but after 7 years...

If you haven't restrung your 6.1 classic in a while, fresh ones would make a world of difference...

 

[mattie]

this is pretty obvious, but after 7 years...

If you haven't restrung your 6.1 classic in a while, fresh ones would make a world of difference...

Yep, brand new strings, same tension as before. The problem is that I'm no longer in the shape I was in, and my timing is nowhere near as good as when I played 4 times a week. My backhand in particular, never my strongest side, really lacks penetration. I'm unlikely to be able to give as much time to tennis so I can't see my timing and fitness levels returning to old levels, hence I'm considering cheating and getting a different racquet!

Thanks to all for your comments, I'll try to get a loan of some of the models listed - top of the pile so far is the N6.1.

Out of interest, what's the PS 6.0 original like? I gather it plays quite similarly to the 6.1, but has a little more power. Would I be better off with something a little more modern? For information, as far as this would influence choice of racquet, I'm more of a touch player, almost exclusively serve and volley, and used to be average to good club standard.

 

[BreakPoint]

The PS 6.0 95 plays NOTHING like the PSC 6.1. The PS 6.0 95 has less power than the PSC 6.1 but it has more feel and control. It is also much more flexible than the PSC 6.1. It swings much, much easier than the PSC 6.1 so if you're not in tip top shape, it will be much easier to play with, since it's more maneuverable and forgiving. It is also great for serve-and-volley due to its very headlight balance. Since you say you're a touch player, you should appreciate the feel and touch of the PS 6.0 95.

 

[kreative]

the ps 6.0's are lower powered than the 6.1. aside from the ncode 6.1 95 and slaz x1, you may also want to try out the babolat pure control, pure drive, and new wilson npro, and nsurge.