16x19 or 18x20 for serve and volley player

[realplayer]

I would like to know what the best string pattern on a wilson 6.1 is for a serve and volley player.
Consider that the 18x20 has to be strung a little lower to get the same power as the 16x19.
In theory i think that the 16x19 is easier to get more punch on the volley and has more velocity if you use an attacking shot to go to the net.
But i would like to have some more input from the serve and volley players on this board on which pattern they prefer and why?

[getsby]

I think the string pattern does not affect the game level on serve and volley-important role has the balance and stability of the racquet. May be 18x20 for touch shots slightly better

[Akubra]

Originally Posted by realplayer

I would like to know what the best string pattern on a wilson 6.1 is for a serve and volley player.
Consider that the 18x20 has to be strung a little lower to get the same power as the 16x19.
In theory i think that the 16x19 is easier to get more punch on the volley and has more velocity if you use an attacking shot to go to the net.
But i would like to have some more input from the serve and volley players on this board on which pattern they prefer and why?

The 16x19 will give you more spin. The 18x20 will give you a slightly more consistent response from the stringbed. Depends where your strengths lie and whether you want to exaggerate your strengths or minimize your weaknesses.

[prjacobs]

The 6.1 95s don't have a 16 X 19 pattern, they have 16 X 18 or, as you know, 18 X 20. Personally, I found the 18 X 20 to be hugely more accurate than the 16 X 18, which to me, performed poorly compared to other player's 16 X 18 or 19 frames. (Of course, that's just my experience).
You've got to decide if other aspects of your game are enhanced enough to outweigh that lack of control.

[brownbearfalling]

Originally Posted by Akubra

The 16x19 will give you more spin. The 18x20 will give you a slightly more consistent response from the stringbed. Depends where your strengths lie and whether you want to exaggerate your strengths or minimize your weaknesses.

Nicely stated.

Open pattern provides more power ( more spring in the string bed) and dense pattern has more control. Correlated to this is that the open pattern swings a tad lighter/faster/ more maneuverable than the dense pattern. The dense pattern is a tad more stable.

The 16x18 is more versatile (more popular) choice in general. It is the safer purchase. But between the 16x18 and 18x20 it's as close to splitting hairs as you will get in the selection of racquets. They both play very well and I interchange comfortably between the both of them.

[Cnote]

I am a serve and volley guy who actually went to a 2HBH last year for those situations where I get stuck in a baseline-to-baseline rally. The 16x18 pattern works better IMHO becuase once you get to a 4.0 level or above, I believe you've learned how to CONTROL the ball well, but technique and equipment help you accentuate the spin better.

[getsby]

if anyone has statistics on doubles pro`s-would be interesting to see

[flume]

I have both and often convince myself that I should prefer the 18x20 for control but in practice the 16x18 helps me hit with easier power and spin.
For serve, I definitely like the 16x18 better and that is likely more important for S&V play than more precise volleying from the 18x20.

[Chotobaka]

Then there is the 16x20 pattern used on a some of my favorite racquets like Fischer Pro No 1 (now Pacific) and PK 5G. The Pro No 1 has all the good stuff in abundance -- control, feel, comfort and spin. I think the pattern makes a substantial contribution to this package.

[getsby]

In my experience, there is no relationship. good racket for S&V style-Volkl C10 Pro (16x19), TF 305 (18x19), Wilson Pro Open (16x19), Donnay P1 (18x20)

[teocem]

As I said earlier, I will play with both 16x19 and 18x20 with the exact string settings over the weekend and will post here a comperative mini review. I am looking forward to it very much myself too...

[realplayer]

Originally Posted by teocem

As I said earlier, I will play with both 16x19 and 18x20 with the exact string settings over the weekend and will post here a comperative mini review. I am looking forward to it very much myself too...

That is great but to get a real fair comparison you should string the 18 x 20 pattern 5 lbs lower to get the same power.
I'm really curious what you will find out.

[jonnyboi09]

I've always preferred s&v with an open pattern. The Six One 95 is a great volleying stick as well. I used to use an N Six One 95 16x18 and it was a all around doubles racquet.

[teocem]

Originally Posted by realplayer

That is great but to get a real fair comparison you should string the 18 x 20 pattern 5 lbs lower to get the same power.
I'm really curious what you will find out.

You may or not may be right but I always use the same strings and tension. I am a very racquet, string and tension sensitive player; I hope my review will give you some idea

[teocem]

Originally Posted by realplayer

That is great but to get a real fair comparison you should string the 18 x 20 pattern 5 lbs lower to get the same power.
I'm really curious what you will find out.

You may or may not be right but I always use the same strings and tension. I am a very racquet, string and tension sensitive player; I hope my review will give you some idea

[teocem]

Originally Posted by realplayer

That is great but to get a real fair comparison you should string the 18 x 20 pattern 5 lbs lower to get the same power.
I'm really curious what you will find out.

You may or may not be right but I always use the same strings and tension. I am a very racquet, string and tension sensitive player; I hope my review will give you some idea

[teocem]

Sorry for repetition; I can not find how to erase them

[Smasher08]

In all honesty, what's more important are the headsize, weight, thickness, and balance.

A smaller headsize translates in more control. A heavy racket translates into more control, especially on stretch volleys. A thin beam means more flex and feel. A HL balance means more maneuverability.

The ultimate S&V rackets include the PS 85, Max 200G, K90, KPS 88, and just about any Prestige Mid. All have <90sq" heads, >350g static weight, <20mm beams, and HL balance. They also are among the very best touch and control sticks ever made.

What they don't have in common is their string pattern.

A 6.1 95 is a very good racket, the only difference the string pattern will make is its liveliness. If you want a touch more power and spin, go open. But of you want to take your volleys to the next level, go to a more classic frame.

[vegasgt3]

more important are the strings (gut is best) and the head light balance, then I would say overall weight of the racquet, then the flex. After all these factors, then the string pattern. 18x20 is slightly better for control, but has less power, so then you need a heavier racquet, meaning you need a more head light balance to get the maneuverability back, see how it goes?