A question ONLY for those who have played with the nCode Tour 90 and the PS 6.0 85

Which did you prefer to play with?

  • Wilson nCode nSix-One Tour 90

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Wilson ProStaff 6.0 85

    Votes: 3 100.0%
  • Total voters
    3
A

AndrewD

Legend
I know there have been other threads with this content and a couple of reviews to boot, however, a lot of posters dont appear to have even played with both frames so its hard to get a lot of solid information.

So, a question for all who HAVE played with both the PS 6.0 85 and the nCode Tour 90(only the nCode version please).


Very simply:
1) which of the two racquets did you feel played better? (feel free to say why)
2) is the nCode actually worth the extra money or would you be better opting for the cheaper PS 85 ?
 
AndrewD：

I have played with both. I would say it might depend on your playing style because the Ncode is better for the baseline game, more power and more spin.

For me, personally, I like to go to the net, I prefer the 85. I think the 85 serves a bit better as well.
 
85 just felt more solid. Classic. But then again, I'm old enough to have played for a while with wood. I think the key is that the 85 is boxy and doesn't cut through the air quite as easily.
 
I've owned the nCode Tour and currently own the PS85. I could hit a heavier ball with the nCode but with the PS85, I am able to carve the ball around the court better. It is definitely better at the net. The PS85 feel lighter than the nCode.
 
Ah, at last. Excellent feedback guys, exactly what I was hoping for.
Tom, I was taught using a wooden racquet and then progressed to a Dunlop 200G so that style of frame is something I feel more comfortable with and, to tell the truth, I dont know if I really like a frame that cuts through the air easily. Somehow feels 'too fast', like its getting ahead of me -even if its a heavy frame. I use a lot of angles and touch but get that through positioning of the racquet face and string tension. However, when I hit a ball hard -drive it or punch it back- I much prefer something substantial and 'clubby' if that makes any sense.

loubapache,
sounds like we might have a similar approach to the game. I can rally but my inclination is always to move forward and into the net. So your opinion of the PS 6.0 85 might be most appropriate for me. Any further thoughts would be appreciated.
 
In addition:

Approache shots (slice) go to Ncode. More under spin.

Overheads go to 85. Easier to move around. (I sometimes hit overheads late with the Ncode but rarely late with the 85.)

Drop voleys go to 85. More touch and feel.
 
I find the PS85 amazingly well balanced. The nCode Tour 90 to me feels like a cross between the PS85 and the PS Classic 6.1. Solid but a bit bulky and not as good a feedback when hitting the ball.
 
AndrewD,
You've probably read this already, but my comparison between the two can be seen in my comparative review here: http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/playtests/BREAKP02.html

BTW, I preferred the nCode Tour over the PS 85 because I thought it had a larger sweetspot and was easier to hit groundstrokes and spin with. About the only thing I could clearly do better with, with the PS 85, was serving.
 
I've played with both and the nCode 90 felt like a feather for some reason compared to my 85. The nCode I used had pretty bad strings on it, but the nCode 95 version I played with provided much much more spin than I was used to with my 85.
 
i didnt like th ncode 90 at all, not a good frame for me, and i played for about 9 monthes with the tour 90, so its not a matter of its not my type of frame. The ps 85, which i have recently purchased, is a great serving stick, but groundies are no fun with it at all. All 3 sticks i mentioned are hard to play with, but as far as the experience, i like the ps 85, then tour 90, then n code 90.
 
BP,
yes I had a good look at your review. Until this thread it was one of the few(along with Rabbit's review) decent comparisons of the two frames.

Serve and volley is key for me (and you're going to get more overheads if you play at net) . Approach shots (slice especially) Id like in the mix but I hit pretty flat so topspin isnt a major part of my game. Might have to look for 'bite' through string selection (finer gauge, gut most likely).

Not getting the impression that the nCode Tour 90 is a real advance on the PS 6.0 85. At least, not enough of an advance to warrant paying an extra $50.

One of the biggest issues for me is in the 'feel' of the two racquets. I keep reading that the nCode is more 'muted' than the PS85 and that kind of feel is something I haven't liked in the Prestige Pro Im currently using.
 
I've finally come to realize that the PS 85 doesn't suit my game that well. I was doing well with it for awhile, but my competition has gotten harder. I'm mostly a baseliner (I don't mind coming to the net) and there are better options out there for me. I recently purchased the nCode 90 since I enjoyed it so much in the past. I personally can benefit from the extra power the nCode supplies. I like playing the nCode 90 with a synthetic grip vs. the leather grip it comes with. I'm normally a big fan of leather grips (every racquet I own has a leather grip on it), but the balance just feels better for some odd reason. Would I say the nCode is worth the extra money? No. If you ever get a chance, try hitting with both racquets.
 
thanks ffrpg. seems to be a common theme running through the thread that people who play, mainly, from the baseline prefer the nCode and those who play up at net prefer the PS 6.0 85. That is very helpful for me, as given a choice Id only go to the baseline to serve and pick up balls LOL. Even return serve inside the baseline. So it might be that with my preferred style of play the PS 6.0 85 is the better choice.

Also wonder if that means the nCode isn't really an update of the PS 6.0 85 but is actually Wilson's response to the Head Prestige. Both classical, both softer/muted, both 90sq (or thereabouts) and both better for groundstrokes (although the Prestige is very good at net). Perhaps they'd be better to market it like that and TW do a comp review of the two.
 
AndrewD,
If you serve and volley more and don't hit much from the baseline and don't hit with much topspin, then I'd say the PS 85 might suit you better. It also has more feel that you're after.

BTW, I still think that the nCode 90 is indeed Wilson's replacement for the PS 85. They discontinued the PS 85 soon after they introduced the nCode 90 last year, and gave it to Federer to use, who's used to be a PS 85 user.
 
BP,
thanks. Am getting the feeling the PS 6.0 85 might be the better option for me. I also figure, at the very least, it's a good training tool while Im getting back into tennis and finding my strokes again. Probably not a good idea if you've got extreme grips or a more modern game but for someone with an 'old-fashioned' style like me I think it works. Coming back with a larger headed, lighter frame I started to get too wristy, lazy with watching the ball and not really doing enough work via swing or weight transfer. Very noticeable on serve. Using the Prestige Ive actually felt myself really 'throwing' the racquet head at the ball and watching more intently as I hit the service. The PS 6.0 85 will do the same but in a grip shape I prefer.

Im sure that was Wilson's intention (to replace the 6.0 85). I just thought, given the way it played (and people's reluctance to leave the ProStaff), it might be even more successful if they marketed it up against the Prestige. Might snag a few of those die hard fans and counter the bias against the smaller head size. Actually, my enjoyment of the Prestige (apart from the grip) is one reason Ive been considering the nCode.
 
Okay, looks like Ive got the opinions of all the PS 6.0 85 and nCode Tour 90 users out there. Thanks very much guys. Think I'll be going with the 85 then.
 
I think the ncodes require alot more work to get an equal result as the the graphites. That is all i need to say about it.
 
Well, today the NXT Tour 17G on my 6.0 85 broke in a friendly match and I had my choice to go to the backup 85 or the Ncode. I just picked the Ncode. It played just as well as the 85. I must be on today.
 
federer_nadal,
you're in Adelaide aren't you? How do you find the ps 85 for playing on hard courts like Rebound Ace?


I wonder if a problem with the nCode is the slightly lower static weight but slightly higher swing weight. So, its harder to get into position but gives less grunt on contact.
 
I livein a town about 5 hours from adelaide and we have live flexipave courts or something. It is really good on hardcourts. The ncode just seems harder to swing than the original. THe original was strung at 63 and my ncode at 58 and the original is so awesome on of the best racquets i have ever used apart from the 7.1 zone. Yes, the ncode is harder to get into positions with and i hit a lot of balls midcourt very hard to hit deep balls consistently.
 
Thanks mate.
We play exclusively on Rebound Ace so a little slower than plexi-pave and not quite as high a bounce. Im using the Prestige Pro at the moment and its nice but I dont find it to have the kind of response I prefer - a bit 'soft'. Also, stringing at low tension I get very little 'bite' on the ball.

That last part, spin, is the one thing that makes me waver between the pog midplus and the ps 85. I hit pretty flat but when you want to slice the serve or hit an approach with more 'bite' you dont want such a soft response. I was hesitant to go with the pog midplus because I thought at low tension it might be uncontrollable. So, how do you find spin to be with the PS 6.0 85?
 
When i hit with the 85 (i hit for about 3 hours after matchday) i wasa going through a havy spin serving stage and it was very spinny and also the slices were great. The persons who owns the racquet has the best slice i have seen. He can hit it with pinpoint acuracy with lots of bite.
 
federer_nadal,

Thanks, thats good enough for me. Thanks to all others who responded. I'm going to be putting in an order through TW for a PS 6.0 85 and will see how it goes. At worst, I'll have a nice example of a classic racquet and wonderful training tool that will help iron out a few of the kinks inactivity has left in my game (ie, remind me to swing properly and position myself correctly). At best, I'll have something that does what the Prestige does but with a feel more to my liking.

One final question: I prefer very low tensions (have 45lbs in Prestige Pro) so was going to do the same with the PS 6.0 85. Has anyone else strung the PS 85 down in the sub 50lb range, between 40-45lbs?
 
AndrewD said:
federer_nadal,

Thanks, thats good enough for me. Thanks to all others who responded. I'm going to be putting in an order through TW for a PS 6.0 85 and will see how it goes. At worst, I'll have a nice example of a classic racquet and wonderful training tool that will help iron out a few of the kinks inactivity has left in my game (ie, remind me to swing properly and position myself correctly). At best, I'll have something that does what the Prestige does but with a feel more to my liking.

One final question: I prefer very low tensions (have 45lbs in Prestige Pro) so was going to do the same with the PS 6.0 85. Has anyone else strung the PS 85 down in the sub 50lb range, between 40-45lbs?
Click to expand...

Hi AndrewD, i tried the PS6.0 85 at 52lbs with 16 gauge syn. gut string. It has a very mushy feel, feel like the balls being pocket on the string bed. If you don't miss hit, It has more than enough power for you to handle.

The control at that tension suffer a little due to the trampoline effect, but no big problem. Groundstroke need to apply little more spin to keep the balls in the court. You will actually feel the softness of the string bed at 52lbs when Volleying. Serving at that low tension need some adjustment. If you are used to swinging fast and hard on your follow throuh, you need to slow down a little to adjust your technic. You will feel a slight delay when launghing those flat balls aces. Spin and slice serve no biggy, just more pocketing feel.

Cheers!!
 
I can say that ncode 90 far better racquet than PS 90 and PS 85. With ncode 90 much easier return serves and take the balls on the rais.
The racquet works for me with Gosen OG MIcro 16' strings at 58 lb.
 
Thanks Alex,

The biggest problem I had with the Prestige, strung at 45lbs, was that it took away a certain amount of 'bite' that you get at a little higher tension. Now, I was only using a cheap synthetic (as it was only an experiment so didnt want to spend too much) and am sure a better quality string with a thin gauge would have done better (I used Klip synth and it was awful. Prince synth has a much better feel even if it is a little cheaper).

The trampoline effect is good, for me, and something I like with my game. Remember, Wilson initially wanted Connors to use the ProStaff 85 so they must have felt he could get a similar feel. Also, softness on volleys is a good thing as you retain touch and feel.

I will initially try it at 45lbs and see how it goes. Always think it much better to string too low and work up, rather than the other way around. Too high to begin with (if its a new racquet) and you can feel there's no power in the frame and start blaming the racquet. I know there was one of the older players at our club who used to string his PS 6.0 85 at 35lbs with synth or 40lbs with gut. He played state level tournaments with a lot of success so guess its possible to go low, if you can retain control.
 
only advantage of the ncode is the increased forgiveness due to head size. and perhaps the pj depending on preference. other than that the 85 wins on all counts.
 
AndrewD said:
Thanks Alex,

The biggest problem I had with the Prestige, strung at 45lbs, was that it took away a certain amount of 'bite' that you get at a little higher tension. Now, I was only using a cheap synthetic (as it was only an experiment so didnt want to spend too much) and am sure a better quality string with a thin gauge would have done better (I used Klip synth and it was awful. Prince synth has a much better feel even if it is a little cheaper).

The trampoline effect is good, for me, and something I like with my game. Remember, Wilson initially wanted Connors to use the ProStaff 85 so they must have felt he could get a similar feel. Also, softness on volleys is a good thing as you retain touch and feel.

I will initially try it at 45lbs and see how it goes. Always think it much better to string too low and work up, rather than the other way around. Too high to begin with (if its a new racquet) and you can feel there's no power in the frame and start blaming the racquet. I know there was one of the older players at our club who used to string his PS 6.0 85 at 35lbs with synth or 40lbs with gut. He played state level tournaments with a lot of success so guess its possible to go low, if you can retain control.
Click to expand...

Do let us know ... how does the PS6.0 85 play at such low tension? Thanks.
 
Great at 50 for me.Multi,but not too lively multi or it will trampoline too much(still experimenting,see strings section,Crisp.... ).Sweetspot becomes bigger going down in tension,at 50 the whole 85 sq.in fells like a sweetspot. Had Alu at 46 worked ok,but found the string stiff and lacked feel in this frame.
 
Ncode more powerful (but really, it's marginal IMO), but for some reason I couldn't serve with it. PS 85 (China) has more control on all strokes. But are about equally unforgiving. Also, slap some natural gut in the PS 85. It becomes even better! Use stringsavers to economise.
 
I played with different makes of the PS 85 for 10 years but always felt the head was a tad too small. I'm currently playing with PS Tour 90 and I'm happy as a clam. The PS 90 has a similar feel as the PS 85 but has a slightly bigger sweet spot.
 
Hey, i use the N-Six one tour 90, I used the Pro Staff 6.0 85 and i must say that i like the N-code more then the ps85...Im a baseline player...Sometimes i go to the net but i fell more comfortable at the baseline, plus, with the 85 you must be very careful because if you hit the ball out from the sweetspot your ball would be in Saturn, so, i choose the N Code...
P.D: Before he left tennis, Sampras, was going to use the Por STaff tour, and if he keep playing..its obvious that he would use the N-code
 
If i could handle the small head size i would play with the 85 but i can't. So i'll have to settle for the ncode tour 90 i guess. The 85 is a much sweeter hit though.
 
Singlebackhand90 said:
Before he left tennis, Sampras, was going to use the Por STaff tour, and if he keep playing..its obvious that he would use the N-code
Click to expand...

I doubt that, sampras uses a racket without a paintjob his entire career then suddenly an ncode paint job?....ehhh
 
loubapache said:
Agree with georgeyew, that is, the Ncode feels heavier.

I found the Ncode is actually harder to use than the 85.
Click to expand...

I agree with that. Still, I played a lot better with the ncode than I did with the PS. I just didn't like the PS 85 at all. I actually had trouble with getting too much power out of the 85 and couldn't control it. I know it really doesn't make any sense based on what everyone else who ever played with it says, but that was just my experience.

I really liked the ncode. I got a lot of control out of the racquet as expected but couldn't generate as much pace with it as compared to any other racquet; there's almost always going to be a trade off between control and power in a racquet so it just depends on what you're looking for. The only thing is that it's pretty heavy. If I was playing everyday my arm would get in the shape to use it, but playing only a few times a week I felt like it would just tire out my arm after a couple hours of playing on a given day.
 
I like serving better with Ncode90, Volleys are extremely good also, much better than TW review...

Return of serve id rather have ncode too.....Groundstrokes i still like the 85 better, 85 also best volleying racquet ever made, even the china version...

Id probably pick ncode 90 if it wasent so uncomfortable, it also makes me tired to play with it unlike the 85...

Thats not to say everyone will get tired from playing ncode.. The 85 is pretty hard to play 3 long sets too without getting tired... Ive seen 5.0s in there 40s play with prostaffs so its doable...

Also the candycane paintjob on the ncode is a eyesore....grrrrr
 
My current opinion with both rackets i that the 85 is a very comfortably swinging racket, the nCode 90's swingweight is what deterred me from it. Also when all things were equal, (i.e. string, string tension, grip/overgrip) i find that the 85 was crisper heads and shoulders above the nCode 90 in terms of feel and when i'm on, the 85 simply played cleaner, with impeccable court feel. The extra slack the larger head of the nCode 90 gave me more comfortable feeling backhands, but i lost the feel off my opposite wing. The original Tour 90 felt much crisper than the nCode Tour 90. Here's my personal comparision.


First Serve/Overhead:
PS 6.0 85 > nCode Tour 90 > Tour 90
Second Serve:
nCode Tour 90 > Tour 90 > PS 6.0 85
Backhand:
nCode Tour 90 > PS 6.0 85 > Tour 90
Volley
PS 6.0 85 > Tour 90 > nCode Tour 90
Confidence:
PS 6.0 85 > Tour 90 > nCode Tour 90
Holistically:
PS 6.0 85 > Tour 90 > nCode Tour 90
 
I own a 6.0 85, played with it regularly for 15 years. Tried a nCode 90 the other day. Impression: Both are very very old school. 85 is crisper, waay better feel and control, more of serve and volley stick that you can use from the baseline; 90 has significantly more power (which isn't saying a lot), more forgiving on mishits, more of a baseline frame you can use at the net. But IMO, they're both for people above 6.0, which doesn't include me...
 
Andrew, when I broke a string a mate (and Excellent player) lent me his PS 6.0 for a couple of days - It was strung at 61 with a synthetic, and in a couple of hours of solid rallying it really buggered my wrist; may of course have just been me missing the sweet spot. He's switched now from an LM Prestige mid to the Ncode tour 90 (and loves it). Both are too much racquet for me, so I'm not really qualified to say anything, but I found the Tour 90 to be noticeably less demanding. (NXT at 60) - I was quite surprised that it played so nicely for me given the TW review. I think you're right though; can't go far wrong with the classic - always a good thing to have even if only for training or as a benchmark. Good luck with it!
 
AndrewD, I've played with both and love both for slightly different reasons.

First, the 85: No other racquet I've held feels as perfectly balanced in the hand as the 85. It feels like a magic wand. It has control for days, and pinpoint accuracy if your technique is sound, especially on serves. If you need extra juice just add lead-tape as needed at 9 and 3. I had mine weighted almost as much as Sampras. It felt superb. I actually wouldn't recommend it without lead tape.

BUT.....And it's a full-bodied BUT....The nCode is a magnificent racquet in its own right.

The nCode 90 is not a replacement for the 85. There will only be one 85. The nCode is an entirely new racquet in every way. Compared to the 85's perfect balance the nCode is somewhat awkward, but that's only when compared to perfection. In motion, I've noticed the nCode 90 has two gears. First gear is when you're simply warming up with mini-tennis or something. Second gear is when you're truly striking the ball at tournament levels of intent and pace. In Second gear the nCode is magnificent in everything- serves, groundstrokes, and nothing volleys like an nCode 90. It seems to grow with you, with your strokes and the confidence with which you hit them.

Much of this depends on what you plan to do with your game. If you want to develop it as far as you can, I would go with the nCode. If you plan to stay at your current level and enjoy your S&V play then you'll love the 85, with weight of course. ;)

I will eventually switch to either the nCode 90 or a Vantage 90, if they can give me the solidity of the nCode with the stiffness and balance of the 85. It's a tall order but we'll see.

Good luck, you can't go wrong with either.


Cavaleer
 
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