Retiring the old Wilson 6.1 18x20, replacement suggestions appreciated

Legend of Borg

Legend of Borg

G.O.A.T.
i'm hanging up the old 6.1, it's served me well for over a decade but i want a change, i want a fresh 2019 racket

i've researched a few Wilson rackets including the prostaff, blade and ultra however i'm not sure what exactly differentiates those 3

i've also looked at the babolat pure strike which looks like a solid control racket

i'm not too familiar with yonex to have an opinion on their range

could anyone make some suggestions for a racket that plays somewhat similarly to the 6.1 18x20?

doesn't have to be Wilson, i'm open to suggestions from other brands as well
 
Tour_G

Tour_G

Semi-Pro
Another Six One...
The more logical change would be to go to the RF 97, but it's more powerful and harder to maneuver.
While you are looking for moving on from the Six One, I'm in the search of a couple of K or BLX.
Which one were you using?
 
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B

Big Bagel

Professional
Why do you want to change? If you're looking for something similar, you could check out the Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18x20. Still a 95" headsize, still 18x20, just needs a little lead to weight it up.

Otherwise I'd suggest trying the Yonex VCore Pro 97 330, the Wilson Ultra Tour (might need lead), or maybe even the Prince Phantom 93P if you don't mind the 93" head.
 
Legend of Borg

Legend of Borg

G.O.A.T.
Tour_G said:
Another Six One...
The more logical change would be to go to the RF 97, but it's more powerful and harder to maneuver.
While you are looking for moving on from the Six One, I'm in the search of a couple of K or BLX.
Which one were you using?
Click to expand...

BLX user

my best friend has the prostaff and he's getting some serious arm fatigue and pain from prolonged play time with that racket

he's not exactly skinny either so he should be able to handle it but it still gets to him after some playtime
 
Legend of Borg

Legend of Borg

G.O.A.T.
Big Bagel said:
Why do you want to change? If you're looking for something similar, you could check out the Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18x20. Still a 95" headsize, still 18x20, just needs a little lead to weight it up.

Otherwise I'd suggest trying the Yonex VCore Pro 97 330, the Wilson Ultra Tour (might need lead), or maybe even the Prince Phantom 93P if you don't mind the 93" head.
Click to expand...

good suggestions

it's just a beaten up old racket and i would like to get back into playing shape with a new racket

i don't really mind going for a slightly bigger headsize or more powerful racket either as long as it's not radically different
 
J

Jster

Professional
Tour_G said:
Hmmm, I'm interested, do you have more info?
Would it be like a reissue of the Six One?
Click to expand...

I didn't say it is designed in "Michael Jordan basketball team" city...

I can only say.... The head size is bigger than six one, smaller than blade... And.... You can buy two of it without "***ching". I cannot say too much. Shhhh. Hahaha. I might get banned by admins
 
B

Big Bagel

Professional
Jster said:
I didn't say it is designed in "Michael Jordan basketball team" city...

I can only say.... The head size is bigger than six one, smaller than blade... And.... You can buy two of it without "***ching". I cannot say too much. Shhhh. Hahaha. I might get banned by admins
Click to expand...
Lol, you're making me very interested. I wish I knew more.
 
fl4tsc

fl4tsc

Rookie
I'll second the CX200 Tour in either string pattern is a great frame. Used to play with the 6.1 95 16x18 until they discontinued it and the last generation felt like it was made of paper mache.

Are you looking to gain more or less of something (control, power, feel, etc) with the switch?
 
David Le

David Le

Hall of Fame
Try getting the Pro Staff 97S V1 (‘15) or V2 (‘17) I prefer the stock SW of the V1, but the V2 has that classic box beam. Both are a thin at 19.5mm but it has a 18x17 pattern which idk if you are into that.
 
Legend of Borg

Legend of Borg

G.O.A.T.
fl4tsc said:
I'll second the CX200 Tour in either string pattern is a great frame. Used to play with the 6.1 95 16x18 until they discontinued it and the last generation felt like it was made of paper mache.

Are you looking to gain more or less of something (control, power, feel, etc) with the switch?
Click to expand...

i'd like a bit more power and a bigger headsize

i've gotten a bit lazier as a player and want the racket to do a bit more work for me in the power and sweetspot department
 
Legend of Borg

Legend of Borg

G.O.A.T.
David Le said:
Try getting the Pro Staff 97S V1 (‘15) or V2 (‘17) I prefer the stock SW of the V1, but the V2 has that classic box beam. Both are a thin at 19.5mm but it has a 18x17 pattern which idk if you are into that.
Click to expand...

aww yea in my mind the v1 prostaff will forever be associated with the 2015 wimby because that's the tournament where it stood out most for me when fed played with it

any differences in control or power between the two variants?
 
fl4tsc

fl4tsc

Rookie
Gotcha gotcha. For a 95sqin headsize the CX200 Tour is pretty forgiving for what its worth.
Are you a heavy topspin player or more flat? Ever experimented with more open patterns or would you like to stay with the 18x20?

To answer your question about the different Wilson models the Blade will be the most control oriented, then the Prostaffs, and most powerful the Ultras (except the Tour which is its own thing). Your 6.1 would fall somewhere between a blade and the current Prostaffs.
 
Legend of Borg

Legend of Borg

G.O.A.T.
fl4tsc said:
Gotcha gotcha. For a 95sqin headsize the CX200 Tour is pretty forgiving for what its worth.
Are you a heavy topspin player or more flat? Ever experimented with more open patterns or would you like to stay with the 18x20?

To answer your question about the different Wilson models the Blade will be the most control oriented, then the Prostaffs, and most powerful the Ultras (except the Tour which is its own thing). Your 6.1 would fall somewhere between a blade and the current Prostaffs.
Click to expand...

i'd say topspin for forehand but my one hander is flatter if that makes sense although i'm trying to incorporate more topspin in it

i'm definitely more of a topspin type player overall

open patterns? good question, i've never played with anything other than 18x20 (i had an old n-code for a couple of years more than 10 years ago but i don't remember the pattern)

i would have no idea how the open pattern feels compared to 18x20

based on that rating scale, it seems like the prostaff and even and ultra might be a good choice

maybe both if i have the money, lol
 
Dartagnan64

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
I would think the Blade 98 18x20 would be the spiritual successor to the 6.1.

its A rabbit hole trying to find “the next one”.

I’m a fan of the Phantom line esp the 93P. Yonex VCORE, Head Speed Pro, Wilson Ultra Tour, Babolat Pure Strike VS are all solid choices for replacement.
 
fl4tsc

fl4tsc

Rookie
The PS97 is certainly a very well rounded frame. I'd avoid the Ultra unless you're looking for a ton of power. They're supposed to be Wilsons answer to the Pure Drive (very stiff, very powerful).

Typically with the more open pattern you'll get more power, a higher launch angle (for a flat hitter can cause issues with the ball flying on them), and a little extra spin potential.

Another often forgotten option is the Technifibre Tfight 315 Ltd in 18x20. Not sure on power level vs the 6.1 but does have a slightly larger headsize.
 
David Le

David Le

Hall of Fame
Legend of Borg said:
aww yea in my mind the v1 prostaff will forever be associated with the 2015 wimby because that's the tournament where it stood out most for me when fed played with it

any differences in control or power between the two variants?
Click to expand...
I’d say the spin, RA are about the same. The V2 has better touch and feel and feels great on volleys. The V1 has that stock 336 SW so it’s hard to maneuver for some, but it’s excellent with slice and groundstokes. It all depends on what you want. Sadly, you can’t demo these anymore. Even though I love the SW of the V1 and hitting penetrating ground strokes, I prefer the classic PS feel with the V2.
 
Chezbeeno

Chezbeeno

Professional
I used the 6.1 95 18x20 as well and I went from that to the Juice Pro, then the RF97, and finally the Blade 16x19. Specs-wise the Blade is pretty darn different, and feel-wise I think it's pretty different too, BUT I find it much easier to use and maneuver than any of the other racquets I've used. It allowed me to be way more successfully aggressive than with any racquet, and for that reason I think it elevated my game more than any other racquet I've used. So, based on my experience, I would say that you should maybe give it a try at least. I'm also firmly a Wilson guy, so I unfortunately can't give you any input as far as racquets from other brands go.
 
babar

babar

Professional
I was a six.one user for years and loved that frame.
My racquet migrations took me from lighter to longer to bigger to middle and back again.
I decided on the current Speed Pro 360.
It definitely allows you to be more lazy than the six.one did.
I don't feel it has more power since the weight isn't six.one level, but spin and comfort are ever present.
The control is also really good compared to the six.one.
For me, where the six.one shined was on slice backhands, serve, and when you're stretched wide. No frame gives me the depth and consistency of a six.one, except the Prince Graphite OS, but there is a different frame and conversation.

Like some others have stated, the Blade 18x20 will give you many of the benefits of the six.one but also make power and maneuverability possible. Also has great stability.

Overall, the Yonex VCore 97 (330g) is also good, but a bit unwieldy.

Good luck in your search.
 
Legend of Borg

Legend of Borg

G.O.A.T.
Chezbeeno said:
I used the 6.1 95 18x20 as well and I went from that to the Juice Pro, then the RF97, and finally the Blade 16x19. Specs-wise the Blade is pretty darn different, and feel-wise I think it's pretty different too, BUT I find it much easier to use and maneuver than any of the other racquets I've used. It allowed me to be way more successfully aggressive than with any racquet, and for that reason I think it elevated my game more than any other racquet I've used. So, based on my experience, I would say that you should maybe give it a try at least. I'm also firmly a Wilson guy, so I unfortunately can't give you any input as far as racquets from other brands go.
Click to expand...

funny story actually, almost half the club players in my home town actually own the new wilson blade

when i asked a few of them about it they told me it was the ultimate frame for them in terms of complete balance on power, control, spin

wilson must have done something right with this racket...
 
J

Jster

Professional
Legend of Borg said:
i'd like a bit more power and a bigger headsize

i've gotten a bit lazier as a player and want the racket to do a bit more work for me in the power and sweetspot department
Click to expand...


Latest news/leak : the racquet i recommended on #2 is 320g unstrung. so... might be a little too light for you :/ bigger than 95 though.
#fairwayleathermaybe
#theracquetwillrapeprestigempsalesbigtimehaha
 
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rafazx10

rafazx10

Rookie
Jster said:
Latest news/leak : the racquet i recommended on #2 is 320g unstrung. so... might be a little too light for you :/ bigger than 95 though.
#fairwayleathermaybe
#theracquetwillrapeprestigempsalesbigtimehaha
Click to expand...
I am very curious about this. I have tried so many other rackets and nothing works as well as the six one for me.
Changing the head size to bigger than 95 might be a deal breaker though. They already have the Prostaff 97 for that.

US open is so far away =[
 
n8dawg6

n8dawg6

Legend
Chezbeeno said:
I used the 6.1 95 18x20 as well and I went from that to the Juice Pro, then the RF97, and finally the Blade 16x19. Specs-wise the Blade is pretty darn different, and feel-wise I think it's pretty different too, BUT I find it much easier to use and maneuver than any of the other racquets I've used. It allowed me to be way more successfully aggressive than with any racquet, and for that reason I think it elevated my game more than any other racquet I've used. So, based on my experience, I would say that you should maybe give it a try at least. I'm also firmly a Wilson guy, so I unfortunately can't give you any input as far as racquets from other brands go.
Click to expand...
i was never a wilson guy until i used the blade but it has really gotten my attention. some tweener power and forgiveness with the thin beam and control of a players frame.
 
haqq777

haqq777

Legend
I'm surprised at some suggesting the Prince Phantom line. I mean I love the 93P as much as the next guy but the stick plays and feels nothing like a Six One 95. I own a bunch of both and have both in my bag (see signature).
 
Legend of Borg

Legend of Borg

G.O.A.T.
haqq777 said:
I'm surprised at some suggesting the Prince Phantom line. I mean I love the 93P as much as the next guy but the stick plays and feels nothing like a Six One 95. I own a bunch of both and have both in my bag (see signature).
Click to expand...

i'm guessing it's closer to the original 90 prostaff fed used to play with?
 
mhkeuns

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
Legend of Borg said:
i'm guessing it's closer to the original 90 prostaff fed used to play with?
Click to expand...

That's probably closer with more forgiveness with the 93P. The 93P is the easier to use mid that plays like a 95, but it's thin beamed and will feel different than how the Six One feels. Nonetheless, it's my favorite frame because it pin-point like a mid but gives me the forgiveness of a MP.

I've also played with Six One 95 18x20 - the last generation. I felt at the time that frames like the Pure Strike Tour (*there is no tour version in the new line up, but there is 18x20 that you can probably add weight), Yonex Vcore 330 line, and the RF97 played somewhat similar to the Six One 95.

Personally, I wouldn't advise on the Blade. It's a great frame, but the even balance throws off my game after a while. I'm thinking out of the newer frames, maybe the Volkl 10 series frames, as well as the Yonex Vcore Pro 330 will play closest to the Six One 95. If you'd like to try something a bit lighter, maybe the Speed Pro can be a good fit or the new Prestige Pro.
 
Tour_G

Tour_G

Semi-Pro
mhkeuns said:
That's probably closer with more forgiveness with the 93P. The 93P is the easier to use mid that plays like a 95, but it's thin beamed and will feel different than how the Six One feels. Nonetheless, it's my favorite frame because it pin-point like a mid but gives me the forgiveness of a MP.

I've also played with Six One 95 18x20 - the last generation. I felt at the time that frames like the Pure Strike Tour (*there is no tour version in the new line up, but there is 18x20 that you can probably add weight), Yonex Vcore 330 line, and the RF97 played somewhat similar to the Six One 95.

Personally, I wouldn't advise on the Blade. It's a great frame, but the even balance throws off my game after a while. I'm thinking out of the newer frames, maybe the Volkl 10 series frames, as well as the Yonex Vcore Pro 330 will play closest to the Six One 95. If you'd like to try something a bit lighter, maybe the Speed Pro can be a good fit or the new Prestige Pro.
Click to expand...
But you can easily turn it more headlight adding a leather grip and/or lead at the base of the grip.
 
Tour_G

Tour_G

Semi-Pro
Legend of Borg said:
man, re-reading this thread makes me wanna impulse buy the blade so badly

i've been looking for a balanced pseudo tweener racket
Click to expand...
Same goes for me lol.
I'm currently playing with an old customized Head TI Radical MP and looking for a change. Something with more plow and power but retaining the good control. My ideal racquet would be a mix between the Head and the V Core 98, that's why I was thinking about the Six One.
But reading this thread, the Blade sounds exactly like what I want.
 
Dartagnan64

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
haqq777 said:
I'm surprised at some suggesting the Prince Phantom line. I mean I love the 93P as much as the next guy but the stick plays and feels nothing like a Six One 95. I own a bunch of both and have both in my bag (see signature).
Click to expand...

Never suggested it for a replica. But just a really nice players frame. My suggestions for 6.1 clones were different.
 
BHold81

BHold81

Semi-Pro
Legend of Borg said:
Stanimal's racket looks hype

Shapo as well

I might be sleeping on Yonex
Click to expand...
Actually, the Vcore 95 may be a good fit for you. It has the 16x20 pattern. Gives pretty good access to spin, but you can still drive those flat backhands. It will need lead to have the stability of a 6.1 though.
 
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Chezbeeno

Chezbeeno

Professional
Legend of Borg said:
funny story actually, almost half the club players in my home town actually own the new wilson blade

when i asked a few of them about it they told me it was the ultimate frame for them in terms of complete balance on power, control, spin

wilson must have done something right with this racket...
Click to expand...

Yeah it seems pretty popular out in the wild, and I know some people who love it. I don't know why the CV Blade gets so much hate on this forum, though.
 
Chezbeeno

Chezbeeno

Professional
Dartagnan64 said:
i think its because the Blade 98 2015 model was superior in most ways (other than looks).
Click to expand...
I acknowledged within my post that most people think the CV Blade is bad. I was really hoping to spare the forum from another post praising the 2015 version while not giving the CV the light of day. Oh well.
 
Dartagnan64

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Chezbeeno said:
I acknowledged within my post that most people think the CV Blade is bad. I was really hoping to spare the forum from another post praising the 2015 version while not giving the CV the light of day. Oh well.
Click to expand...

I really like the SW Blade 104 and find it the best Blade out there but for the 98's, I think the 2015 model was more comfortable and performed as well.
 
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