Similar to the 6.1 95 line but with a little less power?

[Pete.Sampras.]

A few years ago I switched from my beloved PS 85s to the K 6.1 95 (the 16x18 version, strings LuxilonBB Alu Rough 55 lbs). I play on clay a lot and almost half of my matches are doubles. I'm satisfied with my switch overall.

However, sometimes the K 6.1 is a little too powerful. I like that when it comes to serves or my backhand, but my flat forehand shots tend to "sail" sometimes, which makes them too risky in certain situations in which the same shot would have been no problem with the PS 85. I feel like it limits my forehand to heavy topspin shots too often.

I did not like the 18x20 pattern - not a fan of dense patterns in general - and stringing harder is not the solution either. I tried that already. I'm considering a switch, but only if another racket was truly better for me overall.

So, which of the rackets that are as similar to the 6.1 as possible have just a tad less power but are just as good from your experience (review numbers don't always tell much about how a racket really plays)? Any other suggestions?

[SFrazeur]

Perhaps a string change would help. What are you currently stringing it with?

[bcart1991]

Dunlop 200
Bab Pure Storm

[TennisCJC]

volkl org 10 325
volkl org 10 295 customized with lead tape - my racket

The volkl's are 16x19 pattern and crisp like the blx 6.1 95s. Volkl's are more comfortable and controllable.

Or, I played with the blx 6.1 95 16x18 previously too. I used co-poly strings in the mains with a multi in the cross at moderately low tensions - 52-55 lbs. The poly mains helped tame the power of the open string pattern. I am not sure what strings or tension you are using but poly mains can help.

[Bowtiesarecool]

Yeah, you didn't mention what string/tension you are using. This of course, is a large part of the equation. If you just want a little less power out of a frame you like, string a couple #s tighter/ try a string that's known to be low powered like RIP control, or some kind of poly/ add some weight under the butt to move the racquet's center-of-mass away from the head.

[Pete.Sampras.]

Oh, sorry for not including this info. I'm using a full set of Luxilon Alu Power Rough, 55 lbs.

[SFrazeur]

Originally Posted by Pete.Sampras.

Oh, sorry for not including this info. I'm using a full set of Luxilon Alu Power Rough, 55 lbs.

Not a string I have personally used. However, I went from Solinco Tour Bite 17g to Barbwire 17g to now 16g and found a noticeable, and to me considerable drop off in power compared to the Toure Bite.. Which is what I wanted. It's worth a shot as it could be a cheap, easy solution.

-SF

[TennisCJC]

Originally Posted by Pete.Sampras.

Oh, sorry for not including this info. I'm using a full set of Luxilon Alu Power Rough, 55 lbs.

If you are not getting enough control with those strings, then it may be time to demo other rackets as those are obviously control strings. I would not go up in tension personally as Lux at 55 lbs is a tight string bed. Higher than that causes wrist and elbow pain for me.

Try the volkl org 10 325 or customized org 10 295. Some compare it very favorably to the blx 6.1 line. I went from blx 6.1 95 to customize org 10 295.

[KenC]

Originally Posted by Bowtiesarecool

Yeah, you didn't mention what string/tension you are using. This of course, is a large part of the equation. If you just want a little less power out of a frame you like, string a couple #s tighter/ try a string that's known to be low powered like RIP control, or some kind of poly/ add some weight under the butt to move the racquet's center-of-mass away from the head.

I too would recommend trying Rip Control just to see if it works for you. It's an interesting string that every tennis player should try at least once. trust me, you won't need a dampener with those strings.

For racquets, many people compare the 6.1 95 to the Bab Pure Storm Tour. That too has a good amount of power, but I would only suggest it to 6.1 95 users who don't like the harshness the 95 can give.

What about the new 95 Pro Staff? Unfortunately I think there is a huge power drop there, but add back a soft multi at a lower tension and power jumps back up. I used the PSLGT for 2 years which is a lot like the new PS95 and even with multis at 52lbs there was no loss of control but a decent jump in power, but still not even close to the 6.1 95s.

[Power Player]

How long are you using this string for? You may just need a more durable poly. Lux is no good about 3-5 hours max.

[Pete.Sampras.]

I will give the suggested rackets and strings a try. I don't want to do any costumization though. It would be best if I liked the rackets in stock form...

I've been using Alu Rough ever since I switched to the K6.1 (shortly after its release). I know that the "magic" only lasts for a few hours. I'm always keeping an eye on cheaper alternatives though and found some good suggestions on this board here. Unfortunately, nothing seemed to be as good as Lux is in its few hours.

Once I used a BB alu rough / Babolat VS Team hybrid, but it gave me even more power and I had a hard time to keep my shots in... :-p

[Power Player]

Tour bite works amazing in the 6.1.

Closest thing to lux, but nothing is it. You will get more time out of it though.

[Pete.Sampras.]

Originally Posted by Power Player

Tour bite works amazing in the 6.1.

Closest thing to lux, but nothing is it. You will get more time out of it though.

Sounds good. It's definitely on my list.

Btw, I wish the new BLX PS 95 had a higher weight. That would be awesome. But I'm really lousy at finding the right places for lead and once I start with all this I usually blame such things more than myself... and lose myself in further costumization... not for me

[UCSF2012]

Wrong approach. You don't change strings or rackets for this problem. You adjust your swing. Flat shots are about restraint, because too much swing sails them long. Learn to hold yourself back some on flat shots. Done. Problem solved.

This way, you have access to spin and power when you need it.

[Pete.Sampras.]

Originally Posted by UCSF2012

Wrong approach. You don't change strings or rackets for this problem. You adjust your swing. Flat shots are about restraint, because too much swing sails them long. Learn to hold yourself back some on flat shots. Done. Problem solved.

This way, you have access to spin and power when you need it.

I did adjust by using more topspin but I want to hit a hard flat shot sometimes. The PS85 allowed me to do that on a more constant level but with the K6.1 such shots can be a risk. Now I'm looking for a solution. Only if there is none, I will have to deal with the situation...

[UCSF2012]

Originally Posted by Pete.Sampras.

I did adjust by using more topspin but I want to hit a hard flat shot sometimes. The PS85 allowed me to do that on a more constant level but with the K6.1 such shots can be a risk. Now I'm looking for a solution. Only if there is none, I will have to deal with the situation...

The "solution" is to take a shorten swing flat. You're already using a stiff control string. This isn't an equipment failure, it's player failure. All rackets can hit hard flat shots. ALL RACKETS can hit hard flat shots. Learn to control yourself when going flat.

Don't adjust by adding topspin. Wrong adjustment. Adjust by taking off 20% on your swing on flat shots.

[Pete.Sampras.]

Originally Posted by UCSF2012

The "solution" is to take a shorten swing flat. You're already using a stiff control string. This isn't an equipment failure, it's player failure. All rackets can hit hard flat shots. ALL RACKETS can hit hard flat shots. Learn to control yourself when going flat.

Don't adjust by adding topspin. Wrong adjustment. Adjust by taking off 20% on your swing on flat shots.

I am a good player. I could do that but I don't want to. I want to take a full swing just as I always did. I should not have to change anything because of my racket. If the racket does not play as I want and I don't want to change anything about my game, I need a different material. I would go back to the PS85 but it's too tough in competitive matches these days, especially on clay.

You certainly have a point. But I just don't want to "hold myself back"...

[Gee]

Originally Posted by Bowtiesarecool

Yeah, you didn't mention what string/tension you are using. This of course, is a large part of the equation. If you just want a little less power out of a frame you like, string a couple #s tighter/ try a string that's known to be low powered like RIP control, or some kind of poly/ add some weight under the butt to move the racquet's center-of-mass away from the head.

I would recommend Head RIP Control as well. The 17 gauge version has a much better feel than the 16g version. Just give it a try!

[UCSF2012]

Originally Posted by Pete.Sampras.

I am a good player. I could do that but I don't want to. I want to take a full swing just as I always did. I should not have to change anything because of my racket. If the racket does not play as I want and I don't want to change anything about my game, I need a different material. I would go back to the PS85 but it's too tough in competitive matches these days, especially on clay.

You certainly have a point. But I just don't want to "hold myself back"...

A racket that lets you unleash the beast on a flat shot and the ball still stays in? Try a wooden racket with polyester strings.

[Pete.Sampras.]

I tried strings first. I played with Rip Control and Tour Bite this week (Barbwire wasn't available atm). Both strings are really good and worked well for me. RC broke after a few hours though. Tour Bite is still okay and I'm thinking about a switch from Luxilon to this one. I have to get another fresh set of Luxilon for a better comparison though. The only one left is weeks old and we all know how terrible Luxilon is when it's old.

Another question though: I heard that the new BLX 6.1 95 (2012) has a little bit less power than the K-Factor version. Is that true? How is it in comparison to the K? I have a voucher (two rackets, 30% off for each) and that would be a good opportunity. My Ks are getting older anyway. I could also start to demo some of your suggestions then but the strings have already done a good job...