Wilson PS85 discussion thread...
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petercoffey
Rookie
petercoffey
Rookie
Every time I grip the fairway leather I turn invisible & "my precious" subconsciously spews from my mouth....
JoelDali
Talk Tennis Guru
I'm watching the Kuerten Sampras replay now on TC and I have my STV in one hand and a JackenCoke in the other.
I'm rubbing the bogus $60 grommets together Mr. Mennis sold me whenever the GOAT serves hoping they will mend themselves by the magic of the GOAT blasting fake aces on my 100inch plasma.
Heal my Vinny mister GOAT.
Need grommets.
I'm rubbing the bogus $60 grommets together Mr. Mennis sold me whenever the GOAT serves hoping they will mend themselves by the magic of the GOAT blasting fake aces on my 100inch plasma.
Heal my Vinny mister GOAT.
Need grommets.
hrstrat57
Hall of Fame
Saw some of that match too on TC real compelling stuff
.....bit of a thread poach here but you could clearly see Guga's stick had a retail butt cap on it.....I thought his ti Rads were PT 630 paint jobs? Was the retail butt cap all part of the deception of the day?
Man I like lead but Pete sure loaded it up at 3/9, also clearly visible in the non HD visuals......
petercoffey
Rookie
You need to fashion a small pyramid out of the purest gold & put the grommets inside...if your soul is equally pure, the new moon will restore them...
Hi, I posted this in the regular racquet forum and didn't get much interest, hope its ok to post here again to have some discussions. First of all pardon my broken English, its my second language.
So I Bought my first PS85 off e**y, mid China version. Measured it on an RDC. Static weight 353 grams. 10 pts head light. Swing weight 318! I got a Dunlop Aerogel 100 that's almost on spec. Because the PS85's so headlight, it swings easier than the AG100. I don't know what to do, I've always read that the China 85 is whippy, but I didn't think it would be this much.
So my question is.... should I try it stock or lead right away?
BTW what horrible paintjob. My PS85 was 9.5/10 condition. I frame the ball a couple times, tiny bits of paint came off, now its 9/10 conditon.
(I know I am not nearly good enough to use this stick, just bought it out of curiousity.)
Update: Ok played a little with it stock, well sort of. I put protective tape all around the hoop, Cap grommet style. That increased the SW by a few pts. I would say it swings like a blx90 now. I didn't restring it, just played with the loose strings that came with the racquet. I agree with what people have been saying, that the China ps85 FEELS like the k90. Its got that raw feel when you strike the ball, with a little more precision. This make me even more curious about the St. Vincent, because I've played with a kps88, and the 88 has a more solid feel than the k90 when hitting the ball, it has less vibration than the k90, but its not muted like the blx90. If the Vinny is similar to the 88, than I can understand why a lot of people prefer it more.
Another thing is, after playing with all the wilson 90si racquets, and finally the ps85, I believe if Wilson wants to, they can totally remake the St Vincent PS85, or at least something close enough to satisfy most people. Yeah, good luck with that!
The reason why I got this racquet is I've always been curious about the ps85, but getting a good used one seem such a hassle, so I never made an attempt. Later I begin to lust after the k90 and blx90, demo'd them quite a bit, wanting to get one to train my strokes. Then finally a couple weeks ago I had a chance to swing a ps85 and a blx90 back to back. I was surprise to find that the ps85 swings easier, even though it had 6 grams of lead around the hoop, vs a stock blx90. I thought, the k90 is discontinued and is not very maneuverable, so my only choice for a new racquet is a blx90. But instead of spending 200 for a new blx, why not spend less than 150 for a used ps85 in decent condition, since everyone compares the wilson tour 90s to the original ps85. And...the rest is history.... Anyways sorry about the long post, I look forward to hearing your input.
So I Bought my first PS85 off e**y, mid China version. Measured it on an RDC. Static weight 353 grams. 10 pts head light. Swing weight 318! I got a Dunlop Aerogel 100 that's almost on spec. Because the PS85's so headlight, it swings easier than the AG100. I don't know what to do, I've always read that the China 85 is whippy, but I didn't think it would be this much.
So my question is.... should I try it stock or lead right away?
BTW what horrible paintjob. My PS85 was 9.5/10 condition. I frame the ball a couple times, tiny bits of paint came off, now its 9/10 conditon.
(I know I am not nearly good enough to use this stick, just bought it out of curiousity.)
Update: Ok played a little with it stock, well sort of. I put protective tape all around the hoop, Cap grommet style. That increased the SW by a few pts. I would say it swings like a blx90 now. I didn't restring it, just played with the loose strings that came with the racquet. I agree with what people have been saying, that the China ps85 FEELS like the k90. Its got that raw feel when you strike the ball, with a little more precision. This make me even more curious about the St. Vincent, because I've played with a kps88, and the 88 has a more solid feel than the k90 when hitting the ball, it has less vibration than the k90, but its not muted like the blx90. If the Vinny is similar to the 88, than I can understand why a lot of people prefer it more.
Another thing is, after playing with all the wilson 90si racquets, and finally the ps85, I believe if Wilson wants to, they can totally remake the St Vincent PS85, or at least something close enough to satisfy most people. Yeah, good luck with that!
The reason why I got this racquet is I've always been curious about the ps85, but getting a good used one seem such a hassle, so I never made an attempt. Later I begin to lust after the k90 and blx90, demo'd them quite a bit, wanting to get one to train my strokes. Then finally a couple weeks ago I had a chance to swing a ps85 and a blx90 back to back. I was surprise to find that the ps85 swings easier, even though it had 6 grams of lead around the hoop, vs a stock blx90. I thought, the k90 is discontinued and is not very maneuverable, so my only choice for a new racquet is a blx90. But instead of spending 200 for a new blx, why not spend less than 150 for a used ps85 in decent condition, since everyone compares the wilson tour 90s to the original ps85. And...the rest is history.... Anyways sorry about the long post, I look forward to hearing your input.
The guy stringing my racquets recently tried to tell me Federer still used a PS85 paint-job. When I told him it was a K90 paint-job he then said he wouldn't be using them because Wilson wouldn't make them for him and he must then be using a BLX.
Moral? Don't listen to pro-shop stringers. Stringers rarely know squat - including about strings. People who read this forum do however - especially if you read the interview with Sampras' racquet guy Nate Ferguson right here on this site. Print this out for your guy.
Anyway.. even better - at the 1994 French Open.
Though blurry, I can see in this picture that Sampras was using a late St Vincent (the ones that have "MIDSIZE" on one side of the throat and the "Braided Graphite 80%-Kevlar 20%" on the other side). This was 1994...did he then tried older/heavier early St Vincent versions and stuck with them..or did he continue using the frames manufactured at the time? Funny thing is that the Taiwan racquets had the same different labellings on both sides of the throat (though not in the form of a sticker, rather a painted decal). So looking at this picture one could think he was using a Taiwan PS85....
Bobby Jr
G.O.A.T.
The "same different labellings"??
I'm not sure what that means. They're the same but also different?
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FedererClone
Semi-Pro
Nice ad; it's the oversize 6.0 in his hands right? Thanks for the link, much appreciated ....
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It refers to what I mention earlier in the paragraph (hence "the same") about PS85s that have a MIDSIZE sticker/decal on one side of the throat and a "Braided Graphite 80%-Kevlar 20%..." sticker decal on the other side (hence "different labeling"). Such different labeling is found both on late St Vincents (in the form of stickers) and on Taiwan racquets (as imprinted decals)
Tennis Man
Hall of Fame
It does look like a later St Vincent. They are essentially the same in quality. I just prefer the one with clean stickers. They have a more vintage look.
And I don't think he would be using Taiwan PS85.
I like them both too. Other than a Chicago I have (which is overall heavier but still about 10HL strung) the St Vincents I have are around 8 HL but with the same overall weight than a Taiwan I also have (this one is...13.5 HL !!!). The Chinas are however different in physical characteristics and feel different (also nice racquets on their own but not the same though...and I don't think it's just the mistique of the SVs that makes them different). Hope not offending anybody, but choosing a stock K88 with the lightest overall weight (about 12.5 oz strung or less) and the most HL (up to 9 HL strung and with an overgrip) one can get might give you a racquet that feels and plays quite similar to a SV (perhaps a bit with less maneuverability, but with a solid feeling).
FedererClone
Semi-Pro
2001 Wimbledon ~ Sampras v Federer
watching it online... anyone know if that is a 6.0 PS/85 with 6.1 paint job in Fed's hands, or a 6.1 PSC/85 stick? Looks to be the 6.0 ~ was it Edberg who played with the 6.1 85 or did he also use a painted 6.0 in 6.1 PSC colors? Seen the occasional 6.1 85 on the big site for insane amounts of $$$$. How did that stick compare to the 6.0? ...the 95 6.1 was big on the tour, but did anyone jive with the 85 version?
Thanks in advance ...
watching it online... anyone know if that is a 6.0 PS/85 with 6.1 paint job in Fed's hands, or a 6.1 PSC/85 stick? Looks to be the 6.0 ~ was it Edberg who played with the 6.1 85 or did he also use a painted 6.0 in 6.1 PSC colors? Seen the occasional 6.1 85 on the big site for insane amounts of $$$$. How did that stick compare to the 6.0? ...the 95 6.1 was big on the tour, but did anyone jive with the 85 version?
Thanks in advance ...
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No, Fed is not using a PSC 6.1 pj stick. It's a standard PS 6.0 85 -- not sure which version (SV or Taiwan or ... ).
I've been using the Original PS 95 rackets for a long time and I remember hitting with a St. Vincent PS 85 back in the 90s. I just recently I bought two St. Vincent w/bumper guards and the butt codes are: KVQ overall weight is 12.4 ounces and JHQ overall weight 12.2 ounces from e...y auction. I don't think I'll be going back to my 95s. I'm getting use to the 85 midsize and it has helped me a lot with control and having a bit more pop on my serves and ground strokes. BTW: I played with the Taiwan/China version and it is NOT the same as the St. Vincents.
brickvolley
Rookie
St. V or Early Taiwan
I have a PS Midsize which I always thought was an early St. Vincent. Now reading through this thread, I'm not so sure. It's bumperless, has red primer, 3 flat throat grommets, butt cap with no 'R', butt cap code KYQ, correct weight and balance sticker inside throat, same matte finish and color pinstripe as my Chicago. But at the end of the grommet channel on both right and left side near the throat area, the tip of the channel is rounded, not squared off like my Chicago and the photos I see here. It looks to be from a different mold. Any opinions?
I have a PS Midsize which I always thought was an early St. Vincent. Now reading through this thread, I'm not so sure. It's bumperless, has red primer, 3 flat throat grommets, butt cap with no 'R', butt cap code KYQ, correct weight and balance sticker inside throat, same matte finish and color pinstripe as my Chicago. But at the end of the grommet channel on both right and left side near the throat area, the tip of the channel is rounded, not squared off like my Chicago and the photos I see here. It looks to be from a different mold. Any opinions?
wilsontennis
New User
so the sting's grommet can fit into the ps 85, not sure if someone already covered this. Im not sure about the sting II.
49lbs+- 3-4 lbs depending, Babolat natural gut 16g. not prestretched.
Tennis Man
Hall of Fame
St Vincent, more likely. I have 2 of the same.
joe sch
Legend
I have a few early ps85 that were in the lot intended for the rackets to be painted like the prostaff classics for Stephen Edberg. The unpainted models were individually marked above the handle like "se-xxx". Thought maybe a few would like to see these early ps85 ...
http://s920.photobucket.com/user/woodtennis/library/tennis/rackets/Wilson Prostaff Customs
http://s920.photobucket.com/user/woodtennis/library/tennis/rackets/Wilson Prostaff Customs
vintagefan
Rookie
What's the stiffness rating of the SV version? It seems to aggravate my elbow problem after switching to it from Puma BB Super.
Tennis Man
Hall of Fame
I doubt that PS85SV can contribute to your elbow problem more than Puma BB Super. It's pretty good at dampening vibration. It maybe your string set-up or technique.
The stiffnes for the original PS 85 is 66 but it may depend on the version you have. I have heard of slightly different readings.
Bobby Jr
G.O.A.T.
With the right price it might even take off.
Thanks for the info. Is there an interview with his old stringer where you got this from? I like to read interviews with stringers of pros, and I'd especially like to read one with Fed's old stringer (if he's even any different than his stringer today).
i was there and watched the rackets being strung at a tournament in 2001, i even talked to Fed and he opened his bag and showed me his rackets.. since we were both ps85 users, and we had a good chat
cgwhitey99
New User
sorry to go slightly off topic but can someone please explain to me why i have such an unhealthy obsession with a racket (ps85) that i CLEARLY cant use!!!
v-verb
Hall of Fame
One of my 3 PS St Vincents. This one is unbelievably clean and will be used for fun matches
Got one that I'll have to fix grommets (t be expected in old racquets) restring and use and the one in transit will be a spare. Probably picking up an early China one that's beat to hell as my main player when I'm going slash n burn
Got one that I'll have to fix grommets (t be expected in old racquets) restring and use and the one in transit will be a spare. Probably picking up an early China one that's beat to hell as my main player when I'm going slash n burn
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v-verb
Hall of Fame
it's an icon and if you really focus on the ball, you'll probably be able to use it
One of my 3 PS St Vincents. This one is unbelievably clean and will be used for fun matches
I was hitting today with some friends (with my K90). Then about an hour into it, I couldn't get my PS85 out of my mind and I finally had to run over to my bag and swap out the racquets and start using it. I can almost swear it develops some kind of power over you.
v-verb
Hall of Fame
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!! You should see it - it's like new actually
Yes it does....so did your game pick up with the
PS85?
With the K90 (and the K88, which I also frequently play with), you can play a little more nonchalantly and still have good shots. If you play that way with the PS85, the results aren't good. The racquet requires a little more on your part. Expending the little extra effort and focus hitting with it produces some substantial playing. So yeah, within a couple minutes, I felt like I was hitting some cleaner, prettier shots with it.
mikeespinmusic
Rookie
Add some lead at 3 & 9. The sweet spot by default is a bit low on it. You may play better doing that because it will bring it up.
cgwhitey99
New User
i literally just did the same thing. i was hitting with my blx 90 and thought "come on, stop being a ***** and get that 85 out" it has some sort of immediate affect on your concentration. then i get lazy and it brings me back down to earth. i walk over to my bag, tail between my legs and get the blx out again!
i've never considered added weight to it but i just might give that a try. its one of the china versions from maybe the late 90's. it weighs around 3554-ish so there is a bit of room for weighting. i have a chicago version too which is slightly heavier. that barely leaves the house! im just not man enough!
chrisberchris
Semi-Pro
I want one so bad. I need to buckle down and purchase one.
onehandbh
G.O.A.T.
Played a couple sets of doubles today. Started off with the K90, the tension
had dropped down pretty low and I was hitting long a bit. It was hard to
make adjustments.
Switched to the PS85 for the 2nd set and the instant feedback helped me
play and serve much better. K90 beats the PS85 in the spin department,
but nothing beats the feedback and thumping sound of clean contact with a
PS85. Hope one day Wilson will be able to replicate that feel/sound with
a 90 inch racquet.
had dropped down pretty low and I was hitting long a bit. It was hard to
make adjustments.
Switched to the PS85 for the 2nd set and the instant feedback helped me
play and serve much better. K90 beats the PS85 in the spin department,
but nothing beats the feedback and thumping sound of clean contact with a
PS85. Hope one day Wilson will be able to replicate that feel/sound with
a 90 inch racquet.
