2020 Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 18x20 Official Thread

[ryushen21]

Ok fellow 6.1 enthusiasts, this frame deserves its own thread. We all know it does.

As our frames comes in, let's use this as a place to compile information and give some reviews/impressions.

@FourOutOfFive already gave a great review in one of the other threads and from my take on it, we very possibly have an nCode layup hiding under that gorgeous glossy black PS themed paint job.

@sanister has promised to provide specs and figures from his RDC machine once his frames get to him.

Anyone else who has picked up one (or more) of these frames, feel free to drop comments here.

Let's show this frame the love it deserves!

 

[Aussie-pro]

Eagerly awaiting specs from @sanister .

@ryushen21 Was the nCode the only 6.1 to have a 65 RA?

 

[ryushen21]

Eagerly awaiting specs from @sanister .

@ryushen21 Was the nCode the only 6.1 to have a 65 RA?

The nCode had an average RA of 65 as reported by TT. This was the lowest average RA of any of the 6.1 95 18x20 models that we have seen. The other models have typically ranged from the high 60's to the low 70s. I believe the KFactor model had the highest average RA at 72.

 

[Aussie-pro]

The nCode had an average RA of 65 as reported by TT. This was the lowest average RA of any of the 6.1 95 18x20 models that we have seen. The other models have typically ranged from the high 60's to the low 70s. I believe the KFactor model had the highest average RA at 72.

So if the RA's are coming in at mid 60's range it would probably be safe to assume it is a re-issue of the nCode... I guess we will have to wait and see. On a side note, I don't understand the reasoning behind Wilson not releasing the mold of this 6.1 ... does not make any sense to me to try and keep it a 'secret'. Any thoughts as to why they want to keep it a secret?

 

[ryushen21]

So if the RA's are coming in at mid 60's range it would probably be safe to assume it is a re-issue of the nCode... I guess we will have to wait and see. On a side note, I don't understand the reasoning behind Wilson not releasing the mold of this 6.1 ... does not make any sense to me to try and keep it a 'secret'. Any thoughts as to why they want to keep it a secret?

If they admit to it being a reissue, then they can't really charge as much for it. The price point on the KFactor reissues was significantly lower than the "new" 6.1 line.

 

[ryushen21]

Also, my guess is the two most likely contenders are the nCode and the HPS 6.1.

 

[SaaKha]

So if the RA's are coming in at mid 60's range it would probably be safe to assume it is a re-issue of the nCode... I guess we will have to wait and see. On a side note, I don't understand the reasoning behind Wilson not releasing the mold of this 6.1 ... does not make any sense to me to try and keep it a 'secret'. Any thoughts as to why they want to keep it a secret?

It is strange why they won’t just put it back out in the Pro Staff line or a line of it’s own again. I guess it’s not a secret anymore since they posted it on their Instagram story. Wilson have done a few special releases of the frame now so I don’t think we’ll be seeing the last of the 6.1, just not consistent new releases. Unless they really decide to keep these pro lab series going.

 

[SaaKha]

Also, my guess is the two most likely contenders are the nCode and the HPS 6.1.

the 2 best ones imo

 

[ryushen21]

It is strange why they won’t just put it back out in the Pro Staff line or a line of it’s own again. I guess it’s not a secret anymore since they posted it on their Instagram story. Wilson have done a few special releases of the frame now so I don’t think we’ll be seeing the last of the 6.1, just not consistent new releases. Unless they really decide to keep these pro lab series going.

I think Wilson has put all of the open pattern eggs in the PS97 basket. Which is a little odd to me because I know there are just as many fans of the 16x18 6.1 as there are for the 18x20.

 

[ryushen21]

the 2 best ones imo

No doubt about that. I'll be happy with either one. And seeing as the pics provided by @FourOutOfFive show the carbon weave at the top of the hoop, it makes both equally good candidates.

 

[whamilton318]

Just had my first hit with the 6.1. Strung it up with NXT mains, Element crosses, 52/50.

This is my first time in a long time hitting a 6.1, but man, when I hit it clean, it was heavenly. But when I was a bit late, well that was a different story.

I might try it with the element in the mains and see if that lessens the power a bit. But overall, if I can’t get it dialed in, it’s going be a sweet, sweet stick.

 

[SaaKha]

I think Wilson has put all of the open pattern eggs in the PS97 basket. Which is a little odd to me because I know there are just as many fans of the 16x18 6.1 as there are for the 18x20.

Yeah the 16x18 fans were kinda done dirty lol but imo the RF97 was a pretty decent replacement for it.

Wilson should’ve treated the 6.1 like how Volkl treats the C10 Pro. You don’t have to include it in a current line, but keep making it available. And slap a new PJ on it now and then.

 

[Aussie-pro]

Yeah the 16x18 fans were kinda done dirty lol but imo the RF97 was a pretty decent replacement for it.

Wilson should’ve treated the 6.1 like how Volkl treats the C10 Pro. You don’t have to include it in a current line, but keep making it available. And slap a new PJ on it now and then.

Or just have an nCode re-issue for sale ... on a permanent basis ...

 

[ryushen21]

Or just have an nCode re-issue for sale ... on a permanent basis ...

But then no one would buy their new garbage...I mean racquets.

 

[haqq777]

Another member contacted Wilson regarding latest Six One 95 and posted their response here:

"The Six One model that was launched is a re-release of a classic lay-up of the Pro Staff Six One 95 frame, unfortunately we cannot reveal the exact model."

So one thing that is clear; it is a reissue.

Now that said, I also think Wilson has made an extremely crap move because of:

a) Not disclosing to the consumer what exact model it is a reissue of (paying customer, hello?).

b) Charging more for a re-release when we have had 2017 reissue and K-Factor reissue for significantly less a price.

Bottom line is I feel they are simply making money this time around by putting Six One under the Pro Labs umbrella when the reissue should be much less.

 

[ryushen21]

Yeah the 16x18 fans were kinda done dirty lol but imo the RF97 was a pretty decent replacement for it.

Wilson should’ve treated the 6.1 like how Volkl treats the C10 Pro. You don’t have to include it in a current line, but keep making it available. And slap a new PJ on it now and then.

I think that, like most manufacturers, Wilson already has a wide range of open pattern frames available. So offering the 16x18 might have been seen as unnecessary or taking away from another line. While the 18x20 fills that spot in the market that they currently aren't covering.

 

[ryushen21]

Another member contacted Wilson regarding latest Six One 95 and posted their response here:

"The Six One model that was launched is a re-release of a classic lay-up of the Pro Staff Six One 95 frame, unfortunately we cannot reveal the exact model."

So one thing that is clear; it is a reissue.

I think that is an extremely crap move by Wilson to:

a) Not disclose to the consumer what exact model it is a reissue of (paying customer, hello?).
b) To charge more for a re-release when we have had 2017 reissue and K-Factor reissue for significantly less a price.

Bottom line is I feel they are simply making money this time around by putting Six One under the Pro Labs umbrella.

I saw this same post earlier as well.

It's simple. They know there are enough people out there that will pay the higher price for a 6.1. So they're going to charge it and get away with it because it's far more convenient to by this "new" reissue than it is to hunt down older original versions.

 

[Aussie-pro]

But then no one would buy their new garbage...I mean racquets.

l

Another member contacted Wilson regarding latest Six One 95 and posted their response here:

"The Six One model that was launched is a re-release of a classic lay-up of the Pro Staff Six One 95 frame, unfortunately we cannot reveal the exact model."

So one thing that is clear; it is a reissue.

Now that said, I also think Wilson has made an extremely crap move because of:

a) Not disclosing to the consumer what exact model it is a reissue of (paying customer, hello?).
b) Charging more for a re-release when we have had 2017 reissue and K-Factor reissue for significantly less a price?

Bottom line is I feel they are simply making money this time around by putting Six One under the Pro Labs umbrella when the reissue should be much less.

Agree on both points. It's pathetic and us consumers deserve better.

 

[sanister]

Another member contacted Wilson regarding latest Six One 95 and posted their response here:

"The Six One model that was launched is a re-release of a classic lay-up of the Pro Staff Six One 95 frame, unfortunately we cannot reveal the exact model."

So one thing that is clear; it is a reissue.

Now that said, I also think Wilson has made an extremely crap move because of:

a) Not disclosing to the consumer what exact model it is a reissue of (paying customer, hello?).

b) Charging more for a re-release when we have had 2017 reissue and K-Factor reissue for significantly less a price.

Bottom line is I feel they are simply making money this time around by putting Six One under the Pro Labs umbrella when the reissue should be much less.

Fully agree with this.

 

[SaaKha]

"The Six One model that was launched is a re-release of a classic lay-up of the Pro Staff Six One 95 frame, unfortunately we cannot reveal the exact model."

Now this may be a bit of a stretch, but the only 6.1 frames to be called a “ProStaff” were the PSC, HPS, and the nCode. Soooo it’s possible it’s one of the three. That’s just my theory.

 

[ryushen21]

Now this may be a bit of a stretch, but the only 6.1 frames to be called a “ProStaff” were the PSC, HPS, and the nCode. Soooo it’s possible it’s one of the three. That’s just my theory.

Damn, I can't believe that I didn't realize that.

 

[taylor15]

I’m closer than I thought I would be to getting one of these now. I still have a K6.1 that I used back in the college days. The weight really crushes the ball, I just need to be on my best. Would be fun to just have though.

 

[Wall Ball Wizard]

About 6 months ago I picked up a Ncode 6.1 18x20 for about $80 on you know where and it's become my main stick. It's an L4 grip which is too big for me, so I removed the grip and have been using it with just 1 Wilson Pro overgrip. I've become used to it this way and love the hard feel of the bevels. Maybe the racquet is a bit under spec, because it's slightly over 11.9 oz. I've almost ended up with Edmund's spec on accident! Based on @FourOutOfFive description it does sound like the Ncode. Sure if I had a look at it I could tell right away if it's the Ncode. But at nearly $300 I feel Wilson is taking the pi$$ out of me. I'm going to try and be patient and see if they come up on the classifieds.. sure there will be more than 1 person that will realize a 12 + oz racquet with a 95 head isn't the easiest to play with.

 

[ryushen21]

About 6 months ago I picked up a Ncode 6.1 18x20 for about $80 on you know where and it's become my main stick. It's an L4 grip which is too big for me, so I removed the grip and have been using it with just 1 Wilson Pro overgrip. I've become used to it this way and love the hard feel of the bevels. Maybe the racquet is a bit under spec, because it's slightly over 11.9 oz. I've almost ended up with Edmund's spec on accident! Based on @FourOutOfFive description it does sound like the Ncode. Sure if I had a look at it I could tell right away if it's the Ncode. But at nearly $300 I feel Wilson is taking the pi$$ out of me. I'm going to try and be patient and see if they come up on the classifieds.. sure there will be more than 1 person that will realize a 12 + oz racquet with a 95 head isn't the easiest to play with.

Sounds like that nCode isn't your cup of tea. I'll gladly take it off your hands.

It's even in my grip size.

 

[haqq777]

Now this may be a bit of a stretch, but the only 6.1 frames to be called a “ProStaff” were the PSC, HPS, and the nCode. Soooo it’s possible it’s one of the three. That’s just my theory.

Damn, I can't believe that I didn't realize that.

Oh c'mon guys! The BLX2 had big block lettered Pro Staff written on it and it was called PS Six One 95

 

[fundrazer]

Sounds like that nCode isn't your cup of tea. I'll gladly take it off your hands.

It's even in my grip size.

I think you're misunderstanding. It sounds like he wants to pick up more of them after other players realize it's too much racquet for them.

I'm not sure if it's something I could take advantage of myself, but I may consider it (yay racquetholism). Have been drifting back up in terms of static weight lately going from DR98 to Elevate Tour and now to VCore 97HD, but I think this one will be too heavy for me still. 65RA sounds manageable for me to That's more in line with something I could play with.

Think @gino really liked these sticks too, so hopefully this will be something he's interested in.

 

[haqq777]

Think @gino really liked these sticks too, so hopefully this will be something he's interested in.

@gino is very knowledgeable on the subject indeed. Excellent poster and also creator of that awesome thread about pros using Six One 95.

 

[joshuadearing]

Got three Darth Vader nCodes coming in this weekend ill post a review here after hitting. I have used every version; I don't dislike the kfactor version either it is great for serving.

Ill be using
Solinco Confidential 16L
Solinco Hyper-G 16L
Solinco Tour Bite 16L

in the different frames

 

[SaaKha]

Got three Darth Vader nCodes coming in this weekend ill post a review here after hitting. I have used every version; I don't dislike the kfactor version either it is great for serving.

Ill be using
Solinco Confidential 16L
Solinco Hyper-G 16L
Solinco Tour Bite 16L

in the different frames

K Factor is a serving monster. Never hit better serves than I did with that frame.

 

[Faris]

Now this may be a bit of a stretch, but the only 6.1 frames to be called a “ProStaff” were the PSC, HPS, and the nCode. Soooo it’s possible it’s one of the three. That’s just my theory.

I'm really looking forward to RA numbers from posters here and reviewers as well because I think that would be a good indicator... don't think it will ever get definitive as Wilson won't openly share what year reissue it is!

 

[ryushen21]

I think you're misunderstanding. It sounds like he wants to pick up more of them after other players realize it's too much racquet for them.

I'm not sure if it's something I could take advantage of myself, but I may consider it (yay racquetholism). Have been drifting back up in terms of static weight lately going from DR98 to Elevate Tour and now to VCore 97HD, but I think this one will be too heavy for me still. 65RA sounds manageable for me to That's more in line with something I could play with.

Think @gino really liked these sticks too, so hopefully this will be something he's interested in.

Shhh, it's the power of suggestion. He will sell the nCode to me. He will sell the nCode to me.

 

[ryushen21]

K Factor is a serving monster. Never hit better serves than I did with that frame.

The often forgotten best quality of the KFactor version. Even by me. My God could you absolutely blast a flat serve with that stick.

 

[ryushen21]

Got three Darth Vader nCodes coming in this weekend ill post a review here after hitting. I have used every version; I don't dislike the kfactor version either it is great for serving.

If it does indeed turn out to be the nCode layup hiding under that paint, you win the internet for naming it this.

 

[rafazx10]

Wilson just took a bunch of my money by relaunching the Kfactor and now they will take another chunk with this new one.

 

[travelbuddha]

I posted this on the big Pro Labs thread, but this morning Wilson said that it's the Hyper Pro Staff under that new paint job.

 

[hotasice]

for those who have used them, please compare/ contrast the HPS vs. nCode vs k factor 6.1's

 

[rafazx10]

for those who have used them, please compare/ contrast the HPS vs. nCode vs k factor 6.1's

I have all 3 of those, but the HPS is the stretched version with a different string pattern, so its hard to compare.
To me, and maybe im less sensitive than other people, no difference in the Ncode and Kfactor.

 

[haqq777]

I have some news on new Six One 95. Tagging @ryushen21 and whoever else is interested.

One of my friends received his today and he has the specs from RDC. Here is what he texted me

Weight: 335g
Balance: 30.2
Swingweight: 300
Stiffness: 71

All values for unstrung racquet. You are looking at 69 strung, maybe 68.

Also @Faris just sent me a screenshot of his Twitter exchange with Wilson Twitter and they said it was the HPS Six One 95 mold. When Faris pushed on saying that the mold is the same for all and if they meant layup, they replied, "yes sorry I meant layup".

 

[hotasice]

I have some news on new Six One 95. Tagging @ryushen21 and whoever else is interested.

One of my friends received his today and he has the specs from RDC. Here is what he texted me

Weight: 335g
Balance: 30.2
Swingweight: 300
Stiffness: 71

All values for unstrung racquet.

That stiffness rating sounds a bit uncomfortable.

 

[hotasice]

I have all 3 of those, but the HPS is the stretched version with a different string pattern, so its hard to compare.
To me, and maybe im less sensitive than other people, no difference in the Ncode and Kfactor.

I have the nCode 16x18 and k factor 18x20

If I had to pick between the 2, I'd go with the nCode, but the k factor 18x20 is special too. The amount of control from that string pattern is unreal. I know many around here have posted the stiffness isn't for them, but strung with gut/poly it feels great to me, maybe a bit more stiff than the nCode, but still comfortable but by no means harsh.

 

[ryushen21]

I have some news on new Six One 95. Tagging @ryushen21 and whoever else is interested.

One of my friends received his today and he has the specs from RDC. Here is what he texted me

Weight: 335g
Balance: 30.2
Swingweight: 300
Stiffness: 71

All values for unstrung racquet. You are looking at 69 strung, maybe 68.

Also @Faris just sent me a screenshot of his Twitter exchange with Wilson Twitter and they said it was the HPS Six One 95 mold. When Faris pushed on saying that the mold is the same for all and if they meant layup, they replied, "yes sorry I meant layup".

I would expect strung RA to drop a couple points. Probably around 68-69.

I can be happy with the HPS. It may not be my beloved nCode but that's still one of the best iterations of the 6.1.

I'm a little surprised at that SW value. I know it's a head light frame and in this case unstrung but I would expect a little bit higher number.

 

[AA7]

Stiffness: 71

yikes..

 

[haqq777]

That stiffness rating sounds a bit uncomfortable.

Yes, HPS were on the harsher side.

 

[ryushen21]

That stiffness rating sounds a bit uncomfortable.

We already know that @FourOutOfFive said it does not feel that stiff.

It will be interesting to see the other reports as they come in.

 

[ryushen21]

yikes..

I think string selection is going to end up being a big factor. Softer poly or a gut/poly hybrid will likely end up being the best choices.

 

[haqq777]

I'm a little surprised at that SW value. I know it's a head light frame and in this case unstrung but I would expected a little bit higher number.

I am not surprised. Classic frames like Six Ones never had obscenely high swingweight and were usually in low 330s like this.

 

[Addxyz]

HPS is this one? https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/reviews/h61/h61review.html

 

[ryushen21]

I am not surprised. Classic frames like Six Ones never had obscenely high swingweight and were usually in low 330s like this.

That's true. The old high static weight, lower swingweight philosophy.

 

[haqq777]

We already know that @FourOutOfFive said it does not feel that stiff.

It will be interesting to see the other reports as they come in.

As much as I love Six Ones, HPS was one of the stiffer ones. I haven't heard anyone having arm issues however because of such a high static weight obviously. But even the BLX played softer than HPS. In the end, it depends on how crisp you like your feedback.

 

[ryushen21]

HPS is this one? https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/reviews/h61/h61review.html

That's the one. Interesting that TW has it at an average RA of 65.