Suitable replacement for 6.1 95 BLX? (help please)

Chezbeeno · Feb 11, 2012

I've been using 6.1 95 BLX (18x20) for the last two years and I've loved it for the most part, but a while back I came to realize how I might benefit from switching to something slightly more user friendly and right now I'm coming back from a serious injury so I'm thinking that this could be the best time to switch frames.

I have a semi-aggressive all-court game (by which I mean sometimes I'm really aggressive, but on occasion I'll end up being very passive and defensive), I have a big serve, big forehand, and a one-handed backhand that *can* be a serious weapon. I love coming in to the net, so volleys are a pretty big part of my game and I definitely like to mix it up a lot (drop shots, lots of slicing, particularly on the backhand side).

I love the stability of the 6.1, I prefer a stiffer racquet and this is no exception. Really I love everything about it, the headsize, stiffness, feel, and I like the weight and plowthrough, but I feel like I could do without quite as much weight and plowthrough. For the past year or so I've noticed I've pretty much constantly been having soreness in my wrist and hand and I'm getting the feeling that could potentially be due to the weight. I know there are other possible explanations, but for now I just want to hear people's opinions on racquets.

So basically I'm looking for something with similar feel and specs that are overall, pretty similar to that of my current frame, but with a slightly lighter weight and swingweight. Suggestions don't *need* to be limited to Wilson and Babolat, but I can get deals through my club on either of those companies, and of course right now I'm leaning towards Wilson just because I've gotten used to the feel of their frames.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Ronaldo · Feb 11, 2012

Chezbeeno said:
I've been using 6.1 95 BLX (18x20) for the last two years and I've loved it for the most part, but a while back I came to realize how I might benefit from switching to something slightly more user friendly and right now I'm coming back from a serious injury so I'm thinking that this could be the best time to switch frames.

I have a semi-aggressive all-court game (by which I mean sometimes I'm really aggressive, but on occasion I'll end up being very passive and defensive), I have a big serve, big forehand, and a one-handed backhand that *can* be a serious weapon. I love coming in to the net, so volleys are a pretty big part of my game and I definitely like to mix it up a lot (drop shots, lots of slicing, particularly on the backhand side).

I love the stability of the 6.1, I prefer a stiffer racquet and this is no exception. Really I love everything about it, the headsize, stiffness, feel, and I like the weight and plowthrough, but I feel like I could do without quite as much weight and plowthrough. For the past year or so I've noticed I've pretty much constantly been having soreness in my wrist and hand and I'm getting the feeling that could potentially be due to the weight. I know there are other possible explanations, but for now I just want to hear people's opinions on racquets.

So basically I'm looking for something with similar feel and specs that are overall, pretty similar to that of my current frame, but with a slightly lighter weight and swingweight. Suggestions don't *need* to be limited to Wilson and Babolat, but I can get deals through my club on either of those companies, and of course right now I'm leaning towards Wilson just because I've gotten used to the feel of their frames.

Thanks in advance for your help.

May not be the weight but the stiffness and string pattern.

Captain Tezuka · Feb 11, 2012

Chezbeeno said:
I've been using 6.1 95 BLX (18x20) for the last two years and I've loved it for the most part, but a while back I came to realize how I might benefit from switching to something slightly more user friendly and right now I'm coming back from a serious injury so I'm thinking that this could be the best time to switch frames.

I have a semi-aggressive all-court game (by which I mean sometimes I'm really aggressive, but on occasion I'll end up being very passive and defensive), I have a big serve, big forehand, and a one-handed backhand that *can* be a serious weapon. I love coming in to the net, so volleys are a pretty big part of my game and I definitely like to mix it up a lot (drop shots, lots of slicing, particularly on the backhand side).

I love the stability of the 6.1, I prefer a stiffer racquet and this is no exception. Really I love everything about it, the headsize, stiffness, feel, and I like the weight and plowthrough, but I feel like I could do without quite as much weight and plowthrough. For the past year or so I've noticed I've pretty much constantly been having soreness in my wrist and hand and I'm getting the feeling that could potentially be due to the weight. I know there are other possible explanations, but for now I just want to hear people's opinions on racquets.

So basically I'm looking for something with similar feel and specs that are overall, pretty similar to that of my current frame, but with a slightly lighter weight and swingweight. Suggestions don't *need* to be limited to Wilson and Babolat, but I can get deals through my club on either of those companies, and of course right now I'm leaning towards Wilson just because I've gotten used to the feel of their frames.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Well if you love the 6.1 then perhaps the new 2012 line of Prostaffs might just do it for you. I know that Wilson BLXPS95 is 11.5 oz which should be lighter that the 6.1 95.

-Tezuka

Gretsch6.1T(wenty) · Feb 11, 2012

Dunlop Biomimetic 200... It's way softer (as less stiff...) than your 6.1 95 but you keep the same head size and string pattern while reducing the weight and swingweight.

I come from the Prostaff Classic 6.1 95 and 6.0 90/95 that I used to play in highschool (sport/school program... used to be a good 5.0 serve 'n volley player but probably more 4.5ish because of the time delay... was a Tennis Canada Coach 1 back in the days). I took a 10 years break from tennis and I bought a BLX 6.1 Tour for my comeback as it was the "modern" version on my old racquets but hurt my elbow and got destroyed by the juniors at my new club. Wonderful racquet to hit with as long as you don't get push around too much (not forgiving enough for my level). It would be my racquet of choice if I hadn't stop tennis for that long.

Tried my sister's BLX 6.1 95 (she's a great player too... 4.5ish) and it was still way to stiff for my wrist/elbow/shoulder...

Tried every player's sticks in my local shop and ended buying 2 Dunlop Biomimetic 200. Amazing control and enough power if you can provide it with good technique. Not too much weight but still enough to hit the ball ball deep while the tight string pattern help with keeping the ball in the court.

Wonderful touch on volleys, great power on flat first serve and enough racquet head speed to generate spin on 2nd/placement serve... I am not looking back!!

Chyeaah · Feb 12, 2012

Chezbeeno said:
I have a big serve, big forehand, and a one-handed backhand that *can* be a serious weapon. I love coming in to the net, so volleys are a pretty big part of my game and I definitely like to mix it up a lot (drop shots, lots of slicing, particularly on the backhand side).

So you basically mastered tennis?

KenC · Feb 12, 2012

+1 on the new PS95. Sounds like its worth a demo at least. I love the BLX95 18x20 and also really liked the K95 version but they just seem a little too powerful for me and, although I think they are fairly comfortable racquets, they do take their toll on long matches.For that reason I use the PSLGT strung with a multi at low tension. It is a little bit lighter with a reasonable swingweight that permits everything from all out banging to extreme touch shots. It's worth a demo. In between the BLX95 and the PSLGT is the Pure Storm Tour. Not as much control but still a hefty amount of power in a very comfortable frame, especially when using a multi at medium tensions.

Other racquets to try could be the Volkl powerbridge mid and mid+.

Lastly, I recently played with a ProKennex Ki5 315 for a set and have to say that is a great racquet that works well with multis and is very comfortable. I think it is everything the Pure Drive should be.

snoflewis · Feb 12, 2012

i used to use the blx 6.1 16x18, but switched over to the aero storm tour. both rackets are super stable, but the aero storm tour had more spin and control for me. the blx 6.1 was too much of a rocket launcher for me.

dsa202 · Feb 13, 2012

Try the Aero Storm Tour GT. I just switched from the BLX 6.1 95 and the racket is awesome. Just added some lead tape to the handle and at the 3 & 9 positions and now its reminiscent of the 6.1 with the great aero storm feel.

dsa202 · Feb 13, 2012

snoflewis said:
i used to use the blx 6.1 16x18, but switched over to the aero storm tour. both rackets are super stable, but the aero storm tour had more spin and control for me. the blx 6.1 was too much of a rocket launcher for me.

I just made the same switch!

Larrysümmers · Feb 13, 2012

i went from the 16*18 to the MG radical mp. it is a little lighter, and easier to swing. yet i could still get that "punch" like i could with the blx.

Fed Kennedy · Feb 13, 2012

I would look at the aerostorm tour and the vcore 95d. Both slightly less weight, a little more aerodynamic, excellent directional control and a stiff feel.

Chezbeeno · Feb 13, 2012

Captain Tezuka said:
Well if you love the 6.1 then perhaps the new 2012 line of Prostaffs might just do it for you. I know that Wilson BLXPS95 is 11.5 oz which should be lighter that the 6.1 95.

-Tezuka

I'm demoing the BLXPS95 and, while it feels pretty decent on forehands (I could whip through the ball incredibly well), it was really disappointing in pretty much every other way. It felt a lot more flexible than my current frame and that made me feel like I couldn't get any power on anything but the forehand. I've only got to hit with it a little bit so far, so there's a chance I might feel differently about it after hitting with it some more, but so far I'm really disappointed.

In my next round of demos I'll definitely try the Babolat aero storm tour and the dunlop 200. Thanks for your help so far!

sunof tennis · Feb 13, 2012

I would add some weight to it as it is considerably lighter than your 6.1 BLX 95. Put some weight in the handle, and then either at 12 or 10 and 2. Yes, it is softer than the 6.1, but has more feel. Plow through can be achieved by adding more mass.

2Hare · Feb 13, 2012

I think you should seriously consider Blade 98. It's perfect for what you are describing. Stability, stiffness, and faster through the air, and a bit more power.

Captain Tezuka · Feb 14, 2012

sunof tennis said:
I would add some weight to it as it is considerably lighter than your 6.1 BLX 95. Put some weight in the handle, and then either at 12 or 10 and 2. Yes, it is softer than the 6.1, but has more feel. Plow through can be achieved by adding more mass.

By adding lead tape what is affected? Only power and plow thru? Is the feel affected? I mean drastically ofc it will be slighty but by how much?

drkplayer122 · Feb 14, 2012

Captain Tezuka said:
By adding lead tape what is affected? Only power and plow thru? Is the feel affected? I mean drastically ofc it will be slighty but by how much?

Depending on where you put the lead, it can change your balance point, stability, weight, plowthrough and swingweight.

Chezbeeno · Feb 14, 2012

I got to play again today with my demos (I forgot to mention before that alongside the BLXPS95, I'm also trying the Juice Pro) and hitting again today left me even more disappointed with the Pro Staff. If you hit anywhere but the sweetspot (which is a bit small IMO) then you pretty much lose all power and you can pretty much feel the racquet flexing in your hand. So anyways, BLXPS95=suck, the Juice on the other hand, is starting to win me over. It feels almost as solid as my current frame, but with more power, and I can get more racquet head speed, so, as much as I hate the name, I'm certainly leaning in the direction of switching to the Juice Pro, but I'll continue to hit with it and give an update tomorrow.

tlm · Feb 15, 2012

Chezbeeno said:
I've been using 6.1 95 BLX (18x20) for the last two years and I've loved it for the most part, but a while back I came to realize how I might benefit from switching to something slightly more user friendly and right now I'm coming back from a serious injury so I'm thinking that this could be the best time to switch frames.

I have a semi-aggressive all-court game (by which I mean sometimes I'm really aggressive, but on occasion I'll end up being very passive and defensive), I have a big serve, big forehand, and a one-handed backhand that *can* be a serious weapon. I love coming in to the net, so volleys are a pretty big part of my game and I definitely like to mix it up a lot (drop shots, lots of slicing, particularly on the backhand side).

I love the stability of the 6.1, I prefer a stiffer racquet and this is no exception. Really I love everything about it, the headsize, stiffness, feel, and I like the weight and plowthrough, but I feel like I could do without quite as much weight and plowthrough. For the past year or so I've noticed I've pretty much constantly been having soreness in my wrist and hand and I'm getting the feeling that could potentially be due to the weight. I know there are other possible explanations, but for now I just want to hear people's opinions on racquets.

So basically I'm looking for something with similar feel and specs that are overall, pretty similar to that of my current frame, but with a slightly lighter weight and swingweight. Suggestions don't *need* to be limited to Wilson and Babolat, but I can get deals through my club on either of those companies, and of course right now I'm leaning towards Wilson just because I've gotten used to the feel of their frames.

Thanks in advance for your help.

I would suggest getting an asian version of the same racket.

Captain Tezuka · Feb 16, 2012

tlm said:
I would suggest getting an asian version of the same racket.

What is the difference and which is heavier? thanks.

tlm · Feb 16, 2012

Captain Tezuka said:
What is the difference and which is heavier? thanks.

The asian version is lighter.

BC1 · Feb 16, 2012

Another option is to get/try the new (2012) blx 6.1 95 (Not the Pro Staff version). From what i've been hearing the swingweight is noticeably lower then the current one. It might make a difference and be just what you're looking for. I hope so, because I, and MANY others seem to be looking for a slightly lower weight blx 6.1 95.

However with all of that said, it appears as though the different specs listed on the TW website for the new 6.1 95 (16x18 ) version may just be due to wilsons poor quality control. The actual specs on the Wilson website for the new 6.1 95 are exactly the same as the old one, and there is NO diiference in the 16x18 or 18x20 as far as weight and balance. Yet on the TW specs they are showing the 16x18 to have a much lower SW.

I wish Wilson would make it 11.9 Strung, with a 8pt head light balance and a swing weight of 322. And more importantly improve their quality control so you know what your getting!

Chezbeeno · Feb 16, 2012

Ok well I hit with the Juice Pro again yesterday and I have to say that I'm really liking it. It has almost as much stability as the 6.1 95, while being light enough to give me the extra whip I was looking for. Backhands and serves feel particularly good, specifically topspin backhands and flat first serve bombs. It has more power on its own than the 6.1, while still maintaining a fair amount of control. It's also really maneuverable at net and playing doubles for a little bit yesterday was a joy. I'm gonna hit with it one more time today before it has to go back tomorrow and I'll post another update later today.

Chezbeeno · Feb 16, 2012

I hit again with the Juice Pro today and it continues to feel great. Serving is AWESOME with this racquet. I can get tons of power and spin and it's freakin awesome. Backhands are also really great, I can generate a fair amount of spin and it feels really solid, which is the one thing I have to have in a racquet for my one-hander. If a racquet doesn't feel solid then I can't use it, which is why I really didn't like the BLXPS95. Forehands felt pretty good, right now I'm sort of struggling to get decent depth on the forehand side, but that's a problem with me, not the racquet. Volleys feel really crisp and solid, and I can get good pace and direction on those as well. I haven't really tried much for touch/feel shots such as drop shots or drop volleys, but from what I've read about this frame, it has nice feel as well.

Suitable replacement for 6.1 95 BLX? (help please)

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