Thoughts on the PS 85

Swingweight · Feb 18, 2012

So after stringing my x-black 94 with poly at a really low tension and having it feel like rubbish, I had no option but to play with my PS 85 today. I usually hit up with it but never use it in match play.

First thing noticeable was a huge increase in serving pace and spin. The wicked headlight balance just felt great. I never really found my rhythm completely, but when it was on -- it far surpassed the Donnay on the serve.

It was a similar situation with the groundies. When hitting well the experience was much more pleasurable with the Donnay, but understandably less consistent. I think this was partly due to having strung it at 55 lbs with a 17 g syn gut when perhaps I should be up around 58. I noticed the ball would occasionally fly on me.

I only played a few points at net and didn't execute that well, being an average net player at best to begin with.

I found my least consistent shot to be the backhand slice, although I didn't play many.

What are some good string combos for this racquet? I'm tempted to try a syn gut/poly hybrid (syn main poly cross) because this has generally been the best setup for me across a few racquets.

pheonix6579 · Feb 18, 2012

Cant beat a full bed of Natural Gut in this baby.

heninfan99 · Feb 20, 2012

I really like the kick serve with this stick.

sruckauf · Feb 20, 2012

Gamma TNT2 16 was always a favorite of mine in this stick.

VOLLEY KING · Feb 20, 2012

Did anyone ever try that Sampras version? I think it was called the K88?

By the way you should give the Platinum dual core 94 a spin. . I find it far more similar to the ps 85 than the your X black. Also the updated "dual " stuff is a big improvement. I believe the your black x series was discontinued ( which really pisses me off...Donnay sux in this dept).

The black is a great stick but other than the color it has little in common with te PS.

Don't get me wrong there is nothing like the PS.....but the PLatinum dual core is far closer than the black.

rudester · Feb 20, 2012

pheonix6579 said:
Cant beat a full bed of Natural Gut in this baby.

+1.............

VOLLEY KING · Feb 20, 2012

rudester said:
+1.............

I agree.....nothing like a ps 85 with gut.

Tennis the way it should be .

.

Cup8489 · Feb 20, 2012

Ugh, as if i didn't need another thing of incentive to buy a PS85 -_-

Fuji · Feb 20, 2012

VOLLEY KING said:
Did anyone ever try that Sampras version? I think it was called the K88?

By the way you should give the Platinum dual core 94 a spin. . I find it far more similar to the ps 85 than the your X black. Also the updated "dual " stuff is a big improvement. I believe the your black x series was discontinued ( which really pisses me off...Donnay sux in this dept).

The black is a great stick but other than the color it has little in common with te PS.

Don't get me wrong there is nothing like the PS.....but the PLatinum dual core is far closer than the black.

I still have a few KPS88's laying around I use for doubles. They are absolute monsters and the best playing rackets I own. If I were able to compete year round they would be my main sticks without a doubt. I love them to death, but I can't be consistent with them unless my play schedule is at it's normal 30-40 hours a week, just too much going on.

-Fuji

VOLLEY KING · Feb 20, 2012

Fuji said:
I still have a few KPS88's laying around I use for doubles. They are absolute monsters and the best playing rackets I own. If I were able to compete year round they would be my main sticks without a doubt. I love them to death, but I can't be consistent with them unless my play schedule is at it's normal 30-40 hours a week, just too much going on.

-Fuji

How does it compare to the PS 85? Is there a big difference ?

I also see you use the aero storm . I am dying for a real review of that stick.

I don't want to hijack this thread but of you could let me know in the other thread I'd greatly appreciate your thoughts .

Fuji · Feb 20, 2012

VOLLEY KING said:
How does it compare to the PS 85? Is there a big difference ?

It's honestly for me, worlds ahead of the PS85. Call it heresy I know!

It's stiffer at 67 rather then 62, mine are heavier, (13.7oz), way more stability and plow through, and the serving is on God Mode with them. They just crush the ball.

Don't get me wrong, the PS85 is an awesome stick, and GREAT for players with arm problems, but the KPS88 is just too good of a stick. I'd vote it as one of the best for me. A lot of people thought otherwise, but I love it.

(Also it's net play is world class. The way it dances around the net just hasn't been recreated in any newer sticks that I've seen.)

-Fuji

VOLLEY KING · Feb 20, 2012

Fuji said:
It's honestly for me, worlds ahead of the PS85. Call it heresy I know!

It's stiffer at 67 rather then 62, mine are heavier, (13.7oz), way more stability and plow through, and the serving is on God Mode with them. They just crush the ball.

Don't get me wrong, the PS85 is an awesome stick, and GREAT for players with arm problems, but the KPS88 is just too good of a stick. I'd vote it as one of the best for me. A lot of people thought otherwise, but I love it.

(Also it's net play is world class. The way it dances around the net just hasn't been recreated in any newer sticks that I've seen.)

-Fuji

Wow!! I didn't know there was such a difference !

Damn though that's heavy! I'm not sure I could handle it.

mad dog1 · Feb 20, 2012

VOLLEY KING said:
How does it compare to the PS 85? Is there a big difference ?

I also see you use the aero storm . I am dying for a real review of that stick.

I don't want to hijack this thread but of you could let me know in the other thread I'd greatly appreciate your thoughts .

you've got to be able to handle the weight of the KPS88. my friend demo'd it so i was able to try it and found it too heavy to get around quickly enough. it's a log and you gotta be Paul Bunyan to swing it. so yeah, there's a BIG difference. i can hit effectively w/ the PS85. i can't w/ the KPS88.

mad dog1 · Feb 20, 2012

Swingweight said:
I found my least consistent shot to be the backhand slice, although I didn't play many.

What are some good string combos for this racquet? I'm tempted to try a syn gut/poly hybrid (syn main poly cross) because this has generally been the best setup for me across a few racquets.

the PS85 hits some mean bh slices that just skid and stay so low.

i love it w/ a full bed of Discho Iontec 1.25 or Iontec Hexa 1.20. much more affordable than gut at $7.00/set.

Devilito · Feb 20, 2012

KPS88 is nothing like the PS85. It’s stiffer, heavier and more head heavy. If you want power and have the ability to consistently swing it early enough there’s nothing like the KPS88. It’s like a homerun hitter unloading on a fastball on every shot. The PS85 takes more work but it’s more manageable for me. There are times and shots I wish I was using the KPS88 but most of the time the PS85 is just a better fit for my game. Both are amazing racquets though.

kiennham · Feb 20, 2012

I demoed the PS85 not too long ago (I created a thread about cracks on that demo).
When I first picked it up, I felt so right, as if nothing can compare to it. The headlight balance and the weight are just perfect. It was strung with Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power (tension unknown, but seemed to be low tension) and felt better than any other racquet I've hit with before (although I have not tried that many racquets.)
When I hit, everything is easier. My forehand and backhand improved. But I liked it most when serving. I got better pace and control with more spin. I can place balls in the corners better than I could have imagined on my serves.
The only and the biggest downside with this demo is that it hurt a lot when serving. I don't know if it was due to the string, the racquet or my technique, but it hurt to the point where I had to rest for 2 days. After the demo, I decided to switch to this racquet but I would string it with soft poly or synthetic gut.

Fuji · Feb 20, 2012

VOLLEY KING said:
Wow!! I didn't know there was such a difference !

Damn though that's heavy! I'm not sure I could handle it.

Yeah, it's quite a big difference!

Eh, you get used to the weight! It's not nearly as bad as most would think.

-Fuji

Cup8489 · Feb 20, 2012

Fuji said:
Yeah, it's quite a big difference!

Eh, you get used to the weight! It's not nearly as bad as most would think.

-Fuji

Agreed. And the volleys.. mmmm. you could just feel what they were going to do, and didn't have to think at all. I wish I had a KPS88 or two..

Swingweight · Feb 20, 2012

What I loved most about the racquet was the distribution of the weight in the frame. It was so whippy but at the same time solid. What would be the closest sticks out there to the ps 85 in terms of weight and balance with a mid size head?

VOLLEY KING · Feb 20, 2012

Cup8489 said:
Agreed. And the volleys.. mmmm. you could just feel what they were going to do, and didn't have to think at all. I wish I had a KPS88 or two..

How was it on reflex volleys for doubles? The weight just seems to heavy?

By the way I actually have two St. Vincent's.

I really love the stick. My issue was with topspin....I just can't get the racquet around quick enough.

But for serves volleys and slices this stick is better than sex . ( my sex life ain't to good

)

Fuji · Feb 20, 2012

VOLLEY KING said:
How was it on reflex volleys for doubles? The weight just seems to heavy?

Depends on how good your reflexes are!

I found it to be superb on reflex volleys, as long as you get a stick on it, it was almost a guarantee of going back over. Just so solid.

-Fuji

VOLLEY KING · Feb 20, 2012

Fuji said:
Depends on how good your reflexes are!

I found it to be superb on reflex volleys, as long as you get a stick on it, it was almost a guarantee of going back over. Just so solid.

-Fuji

Sheesh.....I'm really intrigued about the ps88.

I knew u should have bought one but I just figured it was a gimmick and not much different than the 85.

Surprisingly Sampras gave up on the 88 & the ncode 90 as well ( or was it the k90?).

I actually heard that he switched to a Babolat ??? Please say its not true because I suddenly feel the taste of vomit in my mouth.

nickarnold2000 · Feb 20, 2012

Fuji said:
I still have a few KPS88's laying around I use for doubles. They are absolute monsters and the best playing rackets I own. If I were able to compete year round they would be my main sticks without a doubt. I love them to death, but I can't be consistent with them unless my play schedule is at it's normal 30-40 hours a week, just too much going on.

-Fuji

30-40 hours a week? It must be nice to be a kid!

Fuji · Feb 20, 2012

nickarnold2000 said:
30-40 hours a week? It must be nice to be a kid!

Hahaha it's awesome! I balance it with work when I'm not in school which is fantastic. During my time off from school I work full time, but I'm able to sneek in a few hours!

-Fuji

Cup8489 · Feb 20, 2012

Fuji said:
Depends on how good your reflexes are!

I found it to be superb on reflex volleys, as long as you get a stick on it, it was almost a guarantee of going back over. Just so solid.

-Fuji

Agreed. If you were a good net player, this just fit the bill perfectly.. but if you were lacking it let you know. I always was good on reflex volleys and i liked being able to keep it deep just lunging for it.. I can totally see why the old-school players like hefty frames.

Fuji · Feb 20, 2012

Cup8489 said:
Agreed. If you were a good net player, this just fit the bill perfectly.. but if you were lacking it let you know. I always was good on reflex volleys and i liked being able to keep it deep just lunging for it.. I can totally see why the old-school players like hefty frames.

Haha oh yeah! It for sure gives out exactly what you put in!

I'm for sure an old school styled player, so it suits my game well when I'm on!

-Fuji

VOLLEY KING · Feb 21, 2012

Fuji said:
Depends on how good your reflexes are!

I found it to be superb on reflex volleys, as long as you get a stick on it, it was almost a guarantee of going back over. Just so solid.

-Fuji

Cup8489 said:
Agreed. If you were a good net player, this just fit the bill perfectly.. but if you were lacking it let you know. I always was good on reflex volleys and i liked being able to keep it deep just lunging for it.. I can totally see why the old-school players like hefty frames.

Good or strong?? I have great reflexes and was a semi pro ping pong player. But believe me ....no matter how good your reflexes are you can always move a lighter racquet quicker than a heavier racquet. It's physics .

Avadia · Feb 21, 2012

VOLLEY KING said:
Good or strong?? I have great reflexes and was a semi pro ping pong player. But believe me ....no matter how good your reflexes are you can always move a lighter racquet quicker than a heavier racquet. It's physics .

The physics of how quickly you can move a racquet at net depend on a lot more than just static weight. Balance and weight distribution come into play. The PS 85 is a very maneuverable racquet and is easy to use at net for reflex volleys. Much easier than some other racquets that have a lower static weight. The PS 88, though, is a lot tougher due to its higher swingweight and lower maneuverability. But boy, if you stick a volley with that racquet, the point is over.

VOLLEY KING · Feb 21, 2012

Avadia said:
The physics of how quickly you can move a racquet at net depend on a lot more than just static weight. Balance and weight distribution come into play. The PS 85 is a very maneuverable racquet and is easy to use at net for reflex volleys. Much easier than some other racquets that have a lower static weight.

Good point.

I agree with that . But I was actually talking about the PS88.

Cup8489 · Feb 21, 2012

Oy vey, I REALLY want a KPS88 now.

Fuji · Feb 21, 2012

VOLLEY KING said:
Good or strong?? I have great reflexes and was a semi pro ping pong player. But believe me ....no matter how good your reflexes are you can always move a lighter racquet quicker than a heavier racquet. It's physics .

Bit of both! Honestly I'm not that strong of a guy, but racket weights don't bother me all that much. I could probably adjust to playing with a 15oz 450SW racket with enough time and patience. Tennis is just about timing, and with enough practice anything is possible!

-Fuji

quest01 · Feb 21, 2012

The kps88 was one of the most powerful or the most powerful racquet I've ever used. Literally I would just barely swing the racquet and the ball would just fly, basically let the mass and stiffness of the racquet do all the work. Unfortunately the kps88 was also the only racquet that ever gave me elbow pain to the point where I had to stop using it. I never even used poly in it, it was just so stiff and so heavy that my elbow couldn't handle it, which was too bad because it had so much feel and plow through. I have the reissue ps 85 and its a good racquet but not great in my opinion, it doesn't have the plow through and power that the kps88 had. I'd be crazy using the ps 85 against people around my level, its basically just a fun racquet I use every once and a while generally against players rated lower then me.

HEADfamilydynasty · Feb 22, 2012

Fuji said:
Bit of both! Honestly I'm not that strong of a guy, but racket weights don't bother me all that much. I could probably adjust to playing with a 15oz 450SW racket with enough time and patience. Tennis is just about timing, and with enough practice anything is possible!

-Fuji

LOL! that was one of my playtest setups once. fun to hit with but a pain for someone who likes to play a lot of touch shots.

VOLLEY KING · Feb 22, 2012

Fuji said:
Bit of both! Honestly I'm not that strong of a guy, but racket weights don't bother me all that much. I could probably adjust to playing with a 15oz 450SW racket with enough time and patience. Tennis is just about timing, and with enough practice anything is possible!

-Fuji

Sheesh . Good for you!!

A heavy racquet in the hot sun against a pusher is more painful than a root canal for me.

Hi I'm Ray · Feb 23, 2012

I had one of these for a while. Tons of control, VERY low powered. Might need to go with gut to get some power out of this thing. Out of all the college teams we played I don't remember seeing one guy using that stick, and this was back in the Sampras era. Most players were using the OG 6.1's. Power is important.

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