RF_PRO_STAFF
Professional
Great post by the OP. I just received two pretty used PS 6.0 85's. OP post makes me confirm that mine are China models.
Ok. Because many people don't know the differences between all versions of Pro Staff 85, I want to make this thread to show the differences in pictures.
I'll focus only on the main differences that you can detect easily in photos, other differences such as primary paint under paint job and the type of black color used for the paint job are really difficult to be detected in most photos, so I'll not mention it. Hope this will help who wants to buy one.
This is not complete,, I'm missing photos, I hope who has PS85 help us with some photos, and to correct me if I'm wrong. Thanks in advance to all. I'll keep updating this first post based on your posts.
This is a schedule below, you'll find all the editions. Note: one edition is missed which is the last "second" edition of made in Taiwan, I'll describe it and mention some notes at the end of this post.
![]()
1) Throat.
* Chicago (bumperless):
Side1: Tension rec 65-70lbs lable:
![]()
Side2: Empty.
![]()
* Belgium: (bumperless).
Side1: Only one lable on throat, tension rec 55-65lbs:
![]()
Side2: Empty, same as Chicago.
* St. Vincent 1 (bumperless):
Side1: Same as Chicago.
Side2: Empty, same as Chicago.
* St. Vincent 2 & 3 (100% The same paint job) :
Side1: Tension rec 55-65lbs lable:
![]()
Side2: Empty, same as Chicago.
* St. Vincent 4:
Side1:
Side2:
* St. Vincent 5: used by SAMPRAS (tension rec 50-60lbs printed on throat)
Side1:
![]()
Side2:
![]()
* Taiwan 1:
Side1:
![]()
Side2:
![]()
* Taiwan 2:
Side1: A recommendation of using Syn Gut was printed:
![]()
Side2: Same as Taiwan 1.
* China 1:
Side1: Note, Printed Pro Staff (first letter is capital letter) on the top :
![]()
Side2:
![]()
* China 2,3,4,5:
Side1: Note, printed "ProStaff6.0" on the top:![]()
Side2:
![]()
2) End of grommet.
* In general, Chicago, Belgium, All St. Vincent have a square shape (slight differences):
![]()
* In general, Both Taiwan & All China have a round shape (slight differences):![]()
Notes:
About the Taiwanese frames. There's 2 editions.
A_ The first edition is in the schedule. This one only was made of unidirectional graphite, not braided.
B_ The late edition. The same paint job, but Wilson added a recommendation of using Syn Gut.
Hi all, can a SV Pro Staff Midsize with red primer, also have rounded off grommet channels?
VERSION | PRODUCTION SITE | NAME ON THROAT FACE | NAME ON OUTER THROAT | PRIMER | REC. TENSION LABEL | BG | THROAT GROMMET | LOGO ON WHITE BC | BC COLOR | 3-LETTER BUTTCAP CODE | CODE LOCATION ON BC |
1 | CHICAGO | PRO STAFF (throat face) | MIDSIZE (x2) (outer throat) | RED | 65-70 stick-on label | NO | 3-PIECE ARCED | W | WHITE | G*I | BOTTOM |
2 | BELGIUM (contracted out to Donnay) | PRO STAFF | MIDSIZE (x2) | NONE? | 55-65 stick-on label | NO | 3-PIECE ARCED | W | WHITE | H*B or J*B | BOTTOM |
3 | SV1 (SAINT VINCENT, W.I.) | PRO STAFF | MIDSIZE (x2) | RED | 65-70 stick-on label | NO | 3-PIECE ARCED | W | WHITE | H*Q or J*Q | BOTTOM |
4 | SV2 (SAINT VINCENT, W.I.) | PRO STAFF | MIDSIZE (x2) | RED | 55-65 stick-on label | NO | 3-PIECE ARCED | W | WHITE | J*Q | BOTTOM |
5 | SV3 (SAINT VINCENT, W.I.) | PRO STAFF | MIDSIZE (x2) | RED | 55-65 stick-on label | YES | 3-PIECE FLAT | W | WHITE | J*Q or K*Q | BOTTOM |
6 | SV4 (SAINT VINCENT, W.I.) | PRO STAFF | MIDSIZE (x2) | RED | 50-60 printed on racket (por) | YES | 3-PIECE FLAT | WR | WHITE | K*Q | BOTTOM |
7 | SV5 (SAINT VINCENT, W.I.) | PRO STAFF | MIDSIZE (x1) | RED | 50-60 (por) | YES | 3-PIECE FLAT | WR | WHITE | B*Q or A*Q or Q*A | BOTTOM |
8 | TAIWAN | PRO STAFF | MIDSIZE (x1) | WHITE GRAY | 50-60 (por) | YES | 3-PIECE FLAT | WR | WHITE | S** | TOP |
9 | CHINA 1 | Pro StaffR | MIDSIZE 85 | WHITE GRAY | 50-60 (por) | YES | 1-PIECE | WR | WHITE | G** | TOP |
10 | CHINA 2 | Pro Staff 6.0 | MIDSIZE 85 | WHITE GRAY | 50-60 (por) | YES | 1-PIECE | WR | WHITE | G** | TOP |
11 | CHINA 3 | Pro Staff 6.0 | MIDSIZE 85 | WHITE GRAY | 50-60 (por) | YES | 1-PIECE | na | BLACK | G** | TOP |
12* | CHINA 4* | Pro Staff 6.0 | MIDSIZE 85 | WHITE GRAY | 50-60 (por) | YES | 1-PIECE | na | BLACK | G** | TOP |
13 | CHINA 5 (TW release) | Pro Staff 6.0 | MIDSIZE 85 | WHITE GRAY | 50-60 (por) | YES | 1-PIECE | na | GOLD | | na |
Hi
Do you think there's skmething wrong on the throat of that racket?0 new items by Benjamin Rio
photos.app.goo.gl
I'd like to know befor commiting to buy it.
Regards,
Benjamin
Did you see the butt cap code?
Nah i am going to ask. But i ma fine with either a Chicago or a St Vincent.
Do you think there's something wrong with the grommets on the throat of that racket? I didn't specify the worry was the grommets
Hard to see your photos. Butt cap code will help.
Judging the paintjob, I would say it's late model of St Vincent or Early Taiwanese verison. Both are good. If you want solid feel and plowthrough style with less manoeuvrability, choose this or if you want better manoeuvrability and less solid feel and plowthrough style, almost like whipping style, choose this.
It hasn't got any bumper guard. It has to be either a Chicago or a St Vincent.
i don't see any base on the throat grommets - if racket is bumperless there should be three arced-base throat grommets; if racket has bumperguard, the three flat-based throat grommets. otherwise fine looking racket - clearly st vincent.Hi
Do you think there's skmething wrong on the throat of that racket?0 new items by Benjamin Rio
photos.app.goo.gl
I'd like to know befor commiting to buy it.
Regards,
Benjamin
I also have this doubt! can someone help?Hi from Paris, France to everyone ! Regarding the grip of the St Vincent, which Fairway grip was originally mounted ? I mean which size of the Fairway grip as there is Standard, Mid Size, Double Handed and maybe others. I couldn't find this confirmed anywhere. Do you know which width was originally used by Wilson for the PS 85 in the 80s ?
Hi !The link you linked to ( http://blog.lekevin.com/tennis/jack-kramer-staff-pro-staff-85-st-vincent/ ) mentioned he has never seen a unidirectional Taiwan version. The Taiwan in the schedule might just refer to the braided version as the two editions of the braided version both fit the same info in that table, so they are 1 version for the purposes of that table.
Taiwan version 1: unidirectional (has anyone ever seen one?)
Taiwan version 2: braided
-early edition of version 2: no synthetic gut string recommendation
-later edition of version 2: synthetic gut string recommendation
It is possible that the unidirectional Taiwan version also fits that info in the table for the Taiwan Version, but no one has seen one so no one can confirm this. At least we know that the two editions of the braided version both fit the info on that table.
Are you still in Singapore? I used visit Singapore quite often and always brought a racquet with me to hit with friends there.I’m from Singapore and in those days it was hard to get a PS Midsize.
I have a few and they are not as stiff as the St. Vincent version that I own but I actually prefer a racquet that is slightly more forgiving so I think it’s great. There are some PS85 fans who will crap all over the China versions saying they’re terrible, but keep in mind that most/all Wilson racquets, including all of Federer’s PS90 and RF97 racquets, are made in China as well. If in mint condition I would say around $200, maybe? There just isn’t a ton of demand for it at this point.Is the China made version good?. What Is it worth in mint Condition approx.?
Am I alone in preferring the China TW re-release over all the older PS85 models? That frame is so sweet.
Post a photo of it please
yes you are. that Chinese version was so weak. No plough through. ****ty balance.Am I alone in preferring the China TW re-release over all the older PS85 models? That frame is so sweet.
I have both the St. V and a few different China versions. The St. V is stiffer, feels heavier and yes, has more plow through but it is also less maneuverable. The China versions are less stiff than the St. V (although it certainly is not a flexy racquet) and is more maneuverable. All in all, the China version seems more playable / user friendly. I would say the St. V is for someone who is a purist and really wants that original feel while the China version is for someone who wants to experience the small headsize and box beam feel but with greater comfort than the St. V. Another thing, the China version has a feel much closer to all of the PS90's that Federer played, as those were all made in China as well.Am I alone in preferring the China TW re-release over all the older PS85 models? That frame is so sweet.
Hi….. one of my PS 85’s the word “racket” is spelled like this not “racquet”….. is this the sign of a fake?Ok. Because many people don't know the differences between all versions of Pro Staff 85, I want to make this thread to show the differences in pictures.
I'll focus only on the main differences that you can detect easily in photos, other differences such as primary paint under paint job and the type of black color used for the paint job are really difficult to be detected in most photos, so I'll not mention it. Hope this will help who wants to buy one.
This is not complete,, I'm missing photos, I hope who has PS85 help us with some photos, and to correct me if I'm wrong. Thanks in advance to all. I'll keep updating this first post based on your posts.
This is a schedule below, you'll find all the editions. Note: one edition is missed which is the last "second" edition of made in Taiwan, I'll describe it and mention some notes at the end of this post.
![]()
1) Throat.
* Chicago (bumperless):
Side1: Tension rec 65-70lbs lable:
![]()
Side2: Empty.
![]()
* Belgium: (bumperless).
Side1: Only one lable on throat, tension rec 55-65lbs:
![]()
Side2: Empty, same as Chicago.
* St. Vincent 1 (bumperless):
Side1: Same as Chicago.
Side2: Empty, same as Chicago.
* St. Vincent 2 & 3 (100% The same paint job) :
Side1: Tension rec 55-65lbs lable:
![]()
Side2: Empty, same as Chicago.
* St. Vincent 4:
Side1:
Side2:
* St. Vincent 5: used by SAMPRAS (tension rec 50-60lbs printed on throat)
Side1:
![]()
Side2:
![]()
* Taiwan 1:
Side1:
![]()
Side2:
![]()
* Taiwan 2:
Side1: A recommendation of using Syn Gut was printed:
![]()
Side2: Same as Taiwan 1.
* China 1:
Side1: Note, Printed Pro Staff (first letter is capital letter) on the top :
![]()
Side2:
![]()
* China 2,3,4,5:
Side1: Note, printed "ProStaff6.0" on the top:![]()
Side2:
![]()
2) End of grommet.
* In general, Chicago, Belgium, All St. Vincent have a square shape (slight differences):
![]()
* In general, Both Taiwan & All China have a round shape (slight differences):![]()
Notes:
About the Taiwanese frames. There's 2 editions.
A_ The first edition is in the schedule. This one only was made of unidirectional graphite, not braided.
B_ The late edition. The same paint job, but Wilson added a recommendation of using Syn Gut.
I read that rumour somewhere too, but the baking wouldn't go well if the mould didn't close, because it's both temperature and pressure dependent, so we can rule that out. The mould theoretically could become warn and enlarged, but that's also unlikely as the grommets etc wouldn't fit, so I'd say it's just some people get slightly different measure. My SV3 is 17.5mm based on my amatuerish measuring, but also comparison to other frames.Do all St Vincent versions have a thickness of 18mm? If the molds became loose and didn't close over time, I would assume the earlier models were thinner, and the later models were 18mm.
Ok. Because many people don't know the differences between all versions of Pro Staff 85, I want to make this thread to show the differences in pictures.
I'll focus only on the main differences that you can detect easily in photos, other differences such as primary paint under paint job and the type of black color used for the paint job are really difficult to be detected in most photos, so I'll not mention it. Hope this will help who wants to buy one.
This is not complete,, I'm missing photos, I hope who has PS85 help us with some photos, and to correct me if I'm wrong. Thanks in advance to all. I'll keep updating this first post based on your posts.
This is a schedule below, you'll find all the editions. Note: one edition is missed which is the last "second" edition of made in Taiwan, I'll describe it and mention some notes at the end of this post.
![]()
1) Throat.
* Chicago (bumperless):
Side1: Tension rec 65-70lbs lable:
![]()
Side2: Empty.
![]()
* Belgium: (bumperless).
Side1: Only one lable on throat, tension rec 55-65lbs:
![]()
Side2: Empty, same as Chicago.
* St. Vincent 1 (bumperless):
Side1: Same as Chicago.
Side2: Empty, same as Chicago.
* St. Vincent 2 & 3 (100% The same paint job) :
Side1: Tension rec 55-65lbs lable:
![]()
Side2: Empty, same as Chicago.
* St. Vincent 4:
Side1:
Side2:
* St. Vincent 5: used by SAMPRAS (tension rec 50-60lbs printed on throat)
Side1:
![]()
Side2:
![]()
* Taiwan 1:
Side1:
![]()
Side2:
![]()
* Taiwan 2:
Side1: A recommendation of using Syn Gut was printed:
![]()
Side2: Same as Taiwan 1.
* China 1:
Side1: Note, Printed Pro Staff (first letter is capital letter) on the top :
![]()
Side2:
![]()
* China 2,3,4,5:
Side1: Note, printed "ProStaff6.0" on the top:![]()
Side2:
![]()
2) End of grommet.
* In general, Chicago, Belgium, All St. Vincent have a square shape (slight differences):
![]()
* In general, Both Taiwan & All China have a round shape (slight differences):![]()
Notes:
About the Taiwanese frames. There's 2 editions.
A_ The first edition is in the schedule. This one only was made of unidirectional graphite, not braided.
B_ The late edition. The same paint job, but Wilson added a recommendation of using Syn Gut.
Grommets strip isn’t continuous. The bumper guard is a separate that’s only at the top. The grommets strip ends where the bumper beginsAs this is the most detail orientated PS85 thread, may I ask a question about the bumper on the SV3 model: does the grommet strip continue all around the hoop with the bumper being a separate piece on top, or does the grommet strip stop after a bit of overlap, and the bumper is the only piece around the top? I would like to remove the bumper on mine, and am hoping that is easy if the grommet strip is continuous, but I noted that the grommet strip has the 22D code, whereas the strips on other Wilson 85s (including Graphite Matrix, GTX-2000 and 80/20) without bumpers have a 22C code. Perhaps someone with an SV3 who has removed the bumper could comfirm, or someone with an SV2 (bumperless) could check the grommet code on that version. Thanks!
Much obliged. Time to trim the bumper then.Grommets strip isn’t continuous. The bumper guard is a separate that’s only at the top. The grommets strip ends where the bumper begins
another![]()
Yep, half is transparent paint and you can clearly see this braided graphite. This is one of the best paintjobs I saw, especially in the sun. I found it somewhere I guess 1995 as used in a tennis shop in Malta.Very nice paintjobs indeed. I'd be also interested in knowing more about these blue and red PS85.