***Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 95 Club***
- Thread starter Arti
- Start date
moon shot
Hall of Fame
Two of the Red/ White 6.1 95's 18x20. Thought that was the 25th anniversary. If it's not I'm not buying another racquet.
I thought that’s what you meant, 25th wasn’t sold in the states — I only ordered it because Wilson didn’t sell a comparable model at the time and the euro was weak enough to cover shipping. http://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/Wilson_Pro_Staff_61_Classic_Racket/descpageRCWILSON-PS61C.html
WestboroChe
Hall of Fame
I only ever played with the nCode Pro Staff. Is there really that much of a difference between it and the K factor, BLX and now the new ones?
I didnt have the ncode 18x20 so I cant compare.
I had the ncode 16x18 and didnt like it (versus PSC 16x18)
I see where it's 12.6 in stock form. That's heavier than my RF97's now. That's a great racquet though. 69 on the stiffness chart. That's a stiff frame.
Seth
Legend
nCode is MUCH softer feeling than the 25th IMO. 25th is still nice but definitely has more "bite" (dare I say harsh feeling?).
I much prefer the current 18x20 offering to the 25th.
stingstang
Professional
The leather grip probably makes it feel firmer than it is. I usually like them but on a stiff 18x20 which feels so lively and connected anyway it really doesn't need it. I don't think the original PSC came with one?
moon shot
Hall of Fame
If I remember right early classic came with leather, then later cushion aire
Early classic 18x20 is an arm killer. The 25a has the "softer" feeling of 69 RA but the power of 72 RA.
I tried with shockshield, rubber bands inside the handle, and even sanded some paint...but Im afraid I will have to sell the old classic.
I dont want low tension and natural gut is too expensive
I tried with shockshield, rubber bands inside the handle, and even sanded some paint...but Im afraid I will have to sell the old classic.
I dont want low tension and natural gut is too expensive
stingstang
Professional
Fitted a syn grip to the 25th - it really softened the impact. Weight went down 14g to 347g strung - basically regular six one weight, no surprise there. The general firm feel, huge power potential & general rock solidness really reminds me of my old K95's - maybe it is a K95? It's addictive to play with whatever it is.
Just need to chime in here - I installed a Cushion Aire grip (what else?
) on one of my PSC 25th, and I'm playing it without an overgrip now. The geometry of this frame is just perfect for my flat serves, I know no better stick for bombing down the T. And the racquet feels very comfortable just with the synth base grip. For indoor carpet, this is my preferred choice.More powerful than K95 18x20 (72 vs 69). I played with both today, same strings and tension.
Im sure 25a is 72 despite some web sites say 69. And the best thing is that it has the comfort of a 69
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travelbuddha
New User
All 3 of my 25a's got put on the RDC before customization. All are 69
moon shot
Hall of Fame
Strung?
travelbuddha
New User
Not 100% sure, I'll ask Roman when I'm in next. 69 Strung might be 72 unstrung.
moon shot
Hall of Fame
A few of mine were 345 swingweight stock
So I'm back to the 6.1 95 after a long absence. Below is my story.
Currently: I'm returning to the game after a 2-year-long break. I played once a week this summer but in doubles almost exclusively and with low level players. I'll be playing indoors this winter with worthy opponents.
I started playing around 10 years ago but I've had long breaks during that period for various reasons, so I really only have around 6 years of experience.
I started with a cheap Walmart racquet before I knew I liked the game then once I determined that I did, I bought a Head Flexpoint Instinct Team, which turned out to be a horrible racquet: light, stiff, evenly balanced. I sold that after a few months then bought an nCode Six One 95 16x18 which I kept for two years. This is the racquet I really learned the game with. Then I figured a second racquet would be a good idea so I could continue playing while one was getting strung. I demoed the k95 but didn't like it. I can't be so precise with the differences but I didn't like the feel at all. I ended up buying a BLX2 6.1 95 16x18 as my second racquet, but liked it more than the nCode because it was more comfortable. The only thing I didn't like is that the grip was bigger than on the nCode, even though they were both L4s. To feel the bevels more, I started using a leather grip and added some lead to counter balance it, but after a while, the racquet was too heavy for my shoulder, and decided to sell them in favor of the Pro Staff 95. I loved the feel of that one and played with it for a long while, customizing it heavily. The feel with a fresh multi job was just amazing (I play with poly now), and the thin box beam is just beautiful.
Then I realized that even though I loved the feel, the probability of being hit by lightning was higher than hitting the sweetspot consistently, so I sold everything, demoed a few racquets (Pure Strike 18x20, Tour G 330, Ezone Ai 98 and Ezone Ai 100) - Ended up with two Ai 100s with which I was able to improve my game a lot - i needed the free spin it gave me over the Ai 98. I disliked the feel and the hollow sound they made but loved how easy they were to use.
Then I stopped playing, and here we are. I start again and I just don't like the feel of those racquets, still, so I figure "What the hell, let's just try the good old 6.1 95 again". These are easy to find but I didn't want to pay the price of admission. However, two weeks ago, I found locally, at a pro shop, 2 BLX2 6.1 95 16x18, one was brand new (!!!), the other in 9.5/10 conditrion - $80 each (that's CAD). Needless to say, I fell in love all over again with those racquets. I just love the control, the mass makes volleying and returning serves so much easier, serves have more pop, and groundstrokes benefit from the control too. Of course, if I don't commit to my shots, the ball goes nowhere. I can't cheat with this one, but when I do commit, and trust myself, I get rewarded and it's a great feeling.
Of course, I can't find grommets. Not a problem for now but it will be eventually. Actually, I found some for $25 USD but haven't pulled the trigger. I've never tried the 18x20, perhaps I would like the re-release. Of course, I suppose the closest thing to the 16x18 would be the Duel G 330, but I didn't like the Tour G 330 when I demoed it: I thought it was cumbersome somehow, compared to the 6.1.
Currently: I'm returning to the game after a 2-year-long break. I played once a week this summer but in doubles almost exclusively and with low level players. I'll be playing indoors this winter with worthy opponents.
I started playing around 10 years ago but I've had long breaks during that period for various reasons, so I really only have around 6 years of experience.
I started with a cheap Walmart racquet before I knew I liked the game then once I determined that I did, I bought a Head Flexpoint Instinct Team, which turned out to be a horrible racquet: light, stiff, evenly balanced. I sold that after a few months then bought an nCode Six One 95 16x18 which I kept for two years. This is the racquet I really learned the game with. Then I figured a second racquet would be a good idea so I could continue playing while one was getting strung. I demoed the k95 but didn't like it. I can't be so precise with the differences but I didn't like the feel at all. I ended up buying a BLX2 6.1 95 16x18 as my second racquet, but liked it more than the nCode because it was more comfortable. The only thing I didn't like is that the grip was bigger than on the nCode, even though they were both L4s. To feel the bevels more, I started using a leather grip and added some lead to counter balance it, but after a while, the racquet was too heavy for my shoulder, and decided to sell them in favor of the Pro Staff 95. I loved the feel of that one and played with it for a long while, customizing it heavily. The feel with a fresh multi job was just amazing (I play with poly now), and the thin box beam is just beautiful.
Then I realized that even though I loved the feel, the probability of being hit by lightning was higher than hitting the sweetspot consistently, so I sold everything, demoed a few racquets (Pure Strike 18x20, Tour G 330, Ezone Ai 98 and Ezone Ai 100) - Ended up with two Ai 100s with which I was able to improve my game a lot - i needed the free spin it gave me over the Ai 98. I disliked the feel and the hollow sound they made but loved how easy they were to use.
Then I stopped playing, and here we are. I start again and I just don't like the feel of those racquets, still, so I figure "What the hell, let's just try the good old 6.1 95 again". These are easy to find but I didn't want to pay the price of admission. However, two weeks ago, I found locally, at a pro shop, 2 BLX2 6.1 95 16x18, one was brand new (!!!), the other in 9.5/10 conditrion - $80 each (that's CAD). Needless to say, I fell in love all over again with those racquets. I just love the control, the mass makes volleying and returning serves so much easier, serves have more pop, and groundstrokes benefit from the control too. Of course, if I don't commit to my shots, the ball goes nowhere. I can't cheat with this one, but when I do commit, and trust myself, I get rewarded and it's a great feeling.
Of course, I can't find grommets. Not a problem for now but it will be eventually. Actually, I found some for $25 USD but haven't pulled the trigger. I've never tried the 18x20, perhaps I would like the re-release. Of course, I suppose the closest thing to the 16x18 would be the Duel G 330, but I didn't like the Tour G 330 when I demoed it: I thought it was cumbersome somehow, compared to the 6.1.
gino
Legend
awesome story, never leave us again
Good news, and also in the interest of bumping this thread.
Got my hands on a used BLX1 6.1 95 16x18 in L4 this time, but can't be too picky. There's definitely a period of adjustment when I switch from L3 to L4 but it's not too bad. I installed a Tourna Pro Thin on the L4, kept the brand new Wilson Pro Hybrid on one of the L3s, the other one has a Babolat Skin Feel but I need something a bit thicker. Haven't decided what yet. The L3s are still smaller but it's similar enough.
There isn't much of an adjustment when I switch from the BLX2 to the BLX1, except for the fact the specs aren't exactly the same, but that's true for all 3 racquets.
Also, I just found 3 sets of grommets for non-parallel drilling 6.1s, so I bought all three obviously (sorry everyone...). One of the tubes has split open on one of my racquets, turning it into a funny looking paperweight, but I'll be able to fix it now.
I know a guy at the club who plays with a k95 16x18. I'll find out the grip size and may ask him if he'd be willing to part with it. Knowing him, he doesn't really know what he's playing with, so it might actually work.
Got my hands on a used BLX1 6.1 95 16x18 in L4 this time, but can't be too picky. There's definitely a period of adjustment when I switch from L3 to L4 but it's not too bad. I installed a Tourna Pro Thin on the L4, kept the brand new Wilson Pro Hybrid on one of the L3s, the other one has a Babolat Skin Feel but I need something a bit thicker. Haven't decided what yet. The L3s are still smaller but it's similar enough.
There isn't much of an adjustment when I switch from the BLX2 to the BLX1, except for the fact the specs aren't exactly the same, but that's true for all 3 racquets.
Also, I just found 3 sets of grommets for non-parallel drilling 6.1s, so I bought all three obviously (sorry everyone...). One of the tubes has split open on one of my racquets, turning it into a funny looking paperweight, but I'll be able to fix it now.
I know a guy at the club who plays with a k95 16x18. I'll find out the grip size and may ask him if he'd be willing to part with it. Knowing him, he doesn't really know what he's playing with, so it might actually work.
wangs78
Legend
I will forever be a fan of the 6.1 (I own 2 PSCs, 3 HPS, and 2 Ncodes, all with the 16x18 string pattern). However, I have to admit I switched to the RF97A this summer and haven’t looked back. Greater stability and forgiveness than the 6.1 with similar power/plow through with similar control and precision. I do string the RF97 with nat gut in the mains and 4G in the crosses, which I’ve never done with a 6.1 so not the perfect comparison.
Just out of curiosity, how much play time do you get between stringings with that setup on the RF97A?
I get 12 hours out of Yonex PTP 120 @ 50 lbs in the 6.1. At that point, the strings stop snapping back in place and I have to cut it out. Of course, that fresh string feeling goes earlier than that. Perhaps I could try 16g @ 48 lbs instead?
What tension would be comparable to mine in the RF97A with your setup?
My concerns are:
- Price of the racquet, although it's significantly cheaper in Canada actually : $279.99 CAD vs $249 USD - It's still expensive.
- It's heavier. My shoulder had to get used to the 6.1 again after being spoon-fed by the Ai 100 - it's fine now
- There really is only one shop I would trust in stringing natural gut, and it's 45 minutes away, at best (official stringers of the Rogers Cup). That could be less of an issue if playability lasts long, but poly is poly I fear.
- Just paid a premium for the 6.1 grommets... Almost embarrassing.
I get 12 hours out of Yonex PTP 120 @ 50 lbs in the 6.1. At that point, the strings stop snapping back in place and I have to cut it out. Of course, that fresh string feeling goes earlier than that. Perhaps I could try 16g @ 48 lbs instead?
What tension would be comparable to mine in the RF97A with your setup?
My concerns are:
- Price of the racquet, although it's significantly cheaper in Canada actually : $279.99 CAD vs $249 USD - It's still expensive.
- It's heavier. My shoulder had to get used to the 6.1 again after being spoon-fed by the Ai 100 - it's fine now
- There really is only one shop I would trust in stringing natural gut, and it's 45 minutes away, at best (official stringers of the Rogers Cup). That could be less of an issue if playability lasts long, but poly is poly I fear.
- Just paid a premium for the 6.1 grommets... Almost embarrassing.
wangs78
Legend
First off, I picked up my RF97s on the big auction site for $175 or so. Obviously it requires some judgment to make sure you have a legit vendor but I’ve never had an issue buying on the bay for new racquets (and I started doing this when new racquets started going for $250 retail, which I find hard to stomach as I like to buy multiple racquets). I still buy new off TW but not all the time anymore.
2nd, I’ve used my RF97 (only one has been strung so far) for about 3 months now and I play twice a week for about 2-3 hours each time. So about 50 hours and I find it is still nice and lively - it is true what they say that natty plays until it breaks and while it has begun to fray, it looks like it hasn’t even reached half its useful life yet (based on appearance). My one caveat is that the 4G has notched into the gut so the strings don’t seem to slide / snap back as well as when new. So that bothers me sometimes knowing that but when I play I don’t notice less spin or a change in feel. What I do notice is it is hard to adjust the strings with my fingers bc of the notching. Also, I do not play with heavy topspin. Generally a moderate amount of spin just to keep my ball in. I put more spin on my serve and that is when I can feel the strings moving when I brush against the ball when serving.
I’ve never played with Yonex PTP so I can’t help you there. I string mine at 56 mains (natty) and 52 cross (4G) and it feels great. No pain anywhere, plush, generous sweet spot. I assume the tension has dropped since it was strung but the racquet remains very playable (for me). The tension drop probably stabilized at some point and I’ve just gotten used to it (can’t imagine restringing the way the pros do after every set or so!) Also I am a strong believer in heavy racquets and that, with proper technique and timing, it does a lot more work for you than a light racquet. Hopefully I’ll still be singing this tune when I’m older
Hope that helps a bit!
2nd, I’ve used my RF97 (only one has been strung so far) for about 3 months now and I play twice a week for about 2-3 hours each time. So about 50 hours and I find it is still nice and lively - it is true what they say that natty plays until it breaks and while it has begun to fray, it looks like it hasn’t even reached half its useful life yet (based on appearance). My one caveat is that the 4G has notched into the gut so the strings don’t seem to slide / snap back as well as when new. So that bothers me sometimes knowing that but when I play I don’t notice less spin or a change in feel. What I do notice is it is hard to adjust the strings with my fingers bc of the notching. Also, I do not play with heavy topspin. Generally a moderate amount of spin just to keep my ball in. I put more spin on my serve and that is when I can feel the strings moving when I brush against the ball when serving.
I’ve never played with Yonex PTP so I can’t help you there. I string mine at 56 mains (natty) and 52 cross (4G) and it feels great. No pain anywhere, plush, generous sweet spot. I assume the tension has dropped since it was strung but the racquet remains very playable (for me). The tension drop probably stabilized at some point and I’ve just gotten used to it (can’t imagine restringing the way the pros do after every set or so!) Also I am a strong believer in heavy racquets and that, with proper technique and timing, it does a lot more work for you than a light racquet. Hopefully I’ll still be singing this tune when I’m older
Hope that helps a bit!
Update: I could measure sw with the machine.
My psc25 is 347 !
You were right @moon shot . Quite heavy, awful Wilson QC
My psc25 is 347 !
You were right @moon shot . Quite heavy, awful Wilson QC
moon shot
Hall of Fame
My 4 25th Anniversary are actually rather close in spec - not close to the TWE average, mine are 340-345sw as well, but close to each other.
moon shot
Hall of Fame
Yeah, someone messed that up. I wonder if it could be on the TWE end. Wilson never made a 6.1 18x20 that was less than 332sw. I don’t know what strings they used or maybe they copied the wrong value in.
Everyone that I have seen measure it is around 345 so it seems like Wilson did good and TWE misrepresented it.
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Burn
New User
I do agree with moon shot, no way this stick has a 326 sw and that's nearly impossible considering a 340g unstrung static weight frame.
I own 5 of these 6.1 classics 25th anni and they're the holy grail. I still have 2 of the original ones (one 18x20 and one 16x18) from when I used to play like 20 years ago. When I resumed playing I was 40 and started to look for a holy grail stick. For 6 years I've tried almost everything, RFA included and it was when this classic 25th anni was released I've realized the holy grail has been there all this time, since I bought one for the fun of it and when I played it I was shocked how good it was. Way better than the black RFA I was playing then.
I plan to buy 2 more of these before they're gone for good. I string those classics with Luxilon 4G soft in mains and VS gut in crosses...best serving racket I've owned, but not only excells in that department
ssdeluxe
New User
guys are we all hooped finding grommets for these racquets ? kinda sucks Wilson can't help us, I bought my 2014 blx3's new, and in 2018 I CANNOT find any grommet sets for the parallel drilling version (Blx3)
I've got the 16x18 and after 4 years, still can't imagine changing this racquet, however, it demands you stay in good health/shape and swing with good racquet head speed.
I've got the 16x18 and after 4 years, still can't imagine changing this racquet, however, it demands you stay in good health/shape and swing with good racquet head speed.
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
I bought a few 25A last year but finally opened one up last week to get it strung. Seems like a nice racquet, almost like a RF97 but with way more control. I'll need a few more sessions with it to get a better feel for it. I'm using Velocity / Cream @50/48 right now. Might bump down the cross tension a little, 18x20 is tighter than I expected (I normally play 16x19).
Burn
New User
Absolutely, that’s also what I think of it…pretty close power (not as easy), same plow, same ball heaviness, same stability but way more control and way, way better feel than the RFA. With the black RFA I used to get shoulder pain after 2 hours of match play but not a single ache with this one. I feel so much more confident with the 25th anni classic and service power doesn’t drop as much as it did the RFA with match play time which means I get less tired with the Classic.
Yeh, the 18x20 pattern is pretty closed and you need to drop a little the tension is you are used to 16x19. I usually string with 46 in mains (Poly) and 48/50 crosses (Gut). But really depends on the season. In the cold season I string lower and higher in the hot season.
For me it is the best ever made stick in this weight class.
travelbuddha
New User
A rather late follow up: I was getting renewed elbow pain after have GE last March. I switched out the leather grips for the old perforated Cushion Aire at a restringing. Much more comfortable. Specs are now 352, 32.1, 343
Also, the 69RA was measured unstrung.
travelbuddha
New User
A rather late follow up: I was getting renewed elbow pain after have GE last March. I switched out the leather grips for the old perforated Cushion Aire at a restringing. Much more comfortable. Specs are now 352, 32.1, 343
Also, the 69RA was measured unstrung.
guys are we all hooped finding grommets for these racquets ? kinda sucks Wilson can't help us, I bought my 2014 blx3's new, and in 2018 I CANNOT find any grommet sets for the parallel drilling version (Blx3)
I've got the 16x18 and after 4 years, still can't imagine changing this racquet, however, it demands you stay in good health/shape and swing with good racquet head speed.
If you're still looking for grommets, Tennis Warehouse Europe looks like they have grommets for the 2014 blx3 in stock. I'm assuming this is the 2014 model with parallel drilling since that was the most recent 6.1 95, but haven't confirmed with them directly.
http://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/Wilson_SixOne_95_16x18_Grommet/descpageWILSON-WSOPS16G.html
Tenny
Professional
Happy Friday every 6.1ers! I am a happy and proud owner of nCode 6.1 95s.
Quick question - I need to order stuff quickly and one item has been elusive. I have an old nCode six one 95(16 mains) and need to replace its bumper guard (Grommet is alright). Does anyone know which current bumper guards can be used? Also, I am wondering where I can buy the bumper guard for Prostaff 6.0 85. Seems they were all discontinued at TW (actually I already asked them but no luck). Thanks in advance. PS) If the subject has been previously discussed, sorry about that. I just came across this thread and don't have to time to read all (will do, I promise!)
Quick question - I need to order stuff quickly and one item has been elusive. I have an old nCode six one 95(16 mains) and need to replace its bumper guard (Grommet is alright). Does anyone know which current bumper guards can be used? Also, I am wondering where I can buy the bumper guard for Prostaff 6.0 85. Seems they were all discontinued at TW (actually I already asked them but no luck). Thanks in advance. PS) If the subject has been previously discussed, sorry about that. I just came across this thread and don't have to time to read all (will do, I promise!)
From what I've read, the nCode 6.1 95 is weird in that it has a very slightly different drilling pattern than all the other 6.1 models (PSC, Hyper, K6.1, BLX, etc). I don't know if any current bumper guards will fit, or if even the old bumper guards for the other 6.1s will fit either.
Tenny
Professional
Thanks for the quick feedback, BenC.
Actually I have not replaced any of bumper guards/grommets on my racquets including nCode 6.1. so I am not sure if I understand how they work 100%.
What if, I purchase a closest one among wilson's bumper/grommet set (always sold together I guess?) whatever it may be, then widen the holes intended for grommet (strip?)? The grommet I currently have on my 6.1 is fine. Bumper guard and frame itself underneath it are badly worn by previous owner. I just anticipate it would require some work to re-insert the grommet since it had been deformed slightly.
The bumper guard is (most usually) attached to the top grommets like so (see leftmost piece):
If you're dead set on trying to fit a bumper guard from another racket, the closest you'll find is this one (TW Europe, not sold by Tennis Warehouse US):
http://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/Wilson_SixOne_95_16x18_Grommet/descpageWILSON-WSOPS16G.html
It is NOT a direct fit.
Or if you want to try something within the country I'd look for a racket with similar beam width, head size, and string pattern.
Tenny
Professional
Wilson Six.One 95 16x18 Grommet 6,00€ 3+ available. ONLY in Europe. Probably not a perfect fit for nCODE however as you said earlier.
If BumperGuard and Grommet are actually one piece like this, only possibility remaining would be cutting up one into 20-something pieces with one grommet each. I envision string job will hold them in place. Haha surprising level of trouble! Thanks!
If BumperGuard and Grommet are actually one piece like this, only possibility remaining would be cutting up one into 20-something pieces with one grommet each. I envision string job will hold them in place. Haha surprising level of trouble! Thanks!
Tenny
Professional
I was envisioning something like this : Two pieces.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Wilson-Steam-99-Tennis-Racquet-Grommet/126246882
Yep, have definitely seen people discuss doing that here. I think you can also find a "generic" bumper guard but I think it's still cheaper to cut up a bumper guard meant for a different racket. Good luck.
Tenny
Professional
Got it, thanks!!
steve260z
Rookie
Been playing with the MP Radical for 4 years. Had my old 6.1 BLX Amplifeel laying around so restrung it took it out. Yep, I'm back. Ordered 2 of the Reissued 6.1s from TWE and loving them. As usual, the specs are the same but my BLX version with leather grip weighs 12.95 and the reissues weighed in at 12.55...difference being less weight being the handle. So, some lead tape and got them exactly.
BTW the reissue has the same Amplifeel handle...the graphite or whatever strips in the foam handle. Kinda surprised by that but cosmetics are awesome...bright white with red at the 3 and 9 areas like the current Wilson lineup.
BTW the reissue has the same Amplifeel handle...the graphite or whatever strips in the foam handle. Kinda surprised by that but cosmetics are awesome...bright white with red at the 3 and 9 areas like the current Wilson lineup.
