What is it about KPS 88 and Tour 90?

[cknobman]

With all the talk of the k90, blx90, kps88, box beam frames Im very suprised to not see the KBlade tour mentioned at all.

Its a box beam small headed racquet with decent weight to it. In fact its a great fill in racquet for those that cant quite handle the mass of the 90 or 88.

Anyone have opinions on the KBlade Tour?

 

[Fetedawg]

Vibration levels are higher with the KPS than the K90 except on really off-center hits, perhaps due to the higher stiffness levels. Three inches of lead tape took care of that for me.

Hey, where did you find that three inches to help best? 12 o'clock? Thanks.

 

[JoelDali]

The weird thing is, I went to a big tennis shop out in the CA desert after my day at the BNP Paribas tournament, and I saw a ton of KPS88 that weren't moving. Hardly purchased. I was shocked.

Keep drinking your sugar infested, Nadal digested, diet Coke rackets. You'll never taste the sweet nectar of the KPS88.

This. Is. Awesome.

 

[PTFC]

Just bought my first KPS88, and my first Wilson.

Still not convinced I can handle it... But color me intrigued. Its a fun frame to hit with, and the price was far too good to pass up.

 

[Azzurri]

With all the talk of the k90, blx90, kps88, box beam frames Im very suprised to not see the KBlade tour mentioned at all.

Its a box beam small headed racquet with decent weight to it. In fact its a great fill in racquet for those that cant quite handle the mass of the 90 or 88.

Anyone have opinions on the KBlade Tour?

The KBT is not a box beam racquet. But it is a nice stick.

 

[cknobman]

The KBT is not a box beam racquet. But it is a nice stick.

What does it actually classify as? I have the KPro Tour and its more of a tubular frame (ftr I hate it but just no $$$ to switch right now, I was suckered in when they went on sale for $89) and the KBT is definitely more squared.

 

[GPB]

The KBlades have a nice rectangular shape to them (like the Radicals... imagine that!) but the famed "box beam" is more like a square.

 

[mawashi]

What does it actually classify as?

Straight?

mawashi

 

[Chris Rizutto]

This. Is. Awesome.

Do you really have 18 pro staffs? Are you sponsored or something.

 

[Azzurri]

What does it actually classify as? I have the KPro Tour and its more of a tubular frame (ftr I hate it but just no $$$ to switch right now, I was suckered in when they went on sale for $89) and the KBT is definitely more squared.

do you know what a box beam racquet is? Look at the 90's from Wilson..those are box beams (squared off). Not at all rounded. The KBT Tour 93 is rounded.

 

[parasailing]

Perhaps all the people experiencing problems with the KPS 88 and tennis elbow are using poly strings? I usually string with gut or multi-filaments around 50-52lbs.


I know the racquet is one of the stiffer ones out there but the extra weight should reduce the vibration especially with off center hits. I tried the BLX 90 and to me, it had more vibration.

 

[Cavaleer]

Does anyone else find that these two racquets, the KPS88 and KTour90, to be exactly the same, apart from the obvious beam thickness and weight? Even the grommet layout is identical. I've attached some photos, though I don't know how much you can tell from them.

http://picasaweb.google.com/boneyfish/KPS88AndKTour90#

Also, the handles are exactly the same... it's just that I wrap the overgrip above the leather grip tape, so it looks a bit longer. I don't play with a 2HBH, it just makes it easier to apply the tape at the top.

>>>>

No, they're totally and completely different frames. Hold each one in your hand and the difference is immediate. Hit with each and you'll see they're night and day to each other. I use a 88 and recently demoed the 90 and couldn't stand the 90, even though it's clearly the same "type" of frame.

The 90 is lighter, not nearly as stiff and "hard" as I refer to the 88's sensation. The 90 is also slightly wider in beam width.

I also demoed the new Head Prestige and although it's a widely different experience, I can see the similarities between the three.

 

[Cavaleer]

Perhaps all the people experiencing problems with the KPS 88 and tennis elbow are using poly strings? I usually string with gut or multi-filaments around 50-52lbs.


I know the racquet is one of the stiffer ones out there but the extra weight should reduce the vibration especially with off center hits. I tried the BLX 90 and to me, it had more vibration.

>>>

That should definitely be question #1 if you're experiencing elbow pain with the 88.

The second question would technique. If it's not close to perfect you're going to know it immediately.

That being said, I'll never play with another frame. I lover her merciless pursuit of perfection style.