Breaking away from the PS85, looking for suggestions

[clutch21]

I'm trying to find an alternative to my PS85 (stock form, no mods) which I've been hooked on for a few years now. I play 4.5 and have had good success with it in league, even against the more powerful spin players. With that said, I do get pushed around a little more than I'd like. I want something with more pop and a larger head size, but still having the incredible feel and touch of the PS85. I'm a counter puncher with a strong top spin forehand and a very reliable backhand slice. I play a counterpuncher game and tend to stick around the baseline. I'm looking for something very dependable with slices and predictable so I can take big cuts on the forehand side.

I've tried a few racquets including the PS97, RF97, PAT, V core 310, PB10 mid, TT95, and the DR98. The TT95 felt the most like the PS85, and I enjoyed it but I'd like something with a slightly bigger head size (same reason I'm passing on the K90 and KPS88). I enjoyed the RF97 but it felt a little bulky and hard to maneuver over the course of a match. I've chosen the DR98 for now, but am not sure if it really is a great fit. The forehand side feels solid, but has more free power than I'm looking for. Moreover, my slice tends to float which is quite problematic.

Any suggestions for a stick that my fit my needs? I'm thinking I might demo the Yonex duel G330.

 

[David Le]

You should try the Wilson Burn 95, PS97S, Blade 98 16x19, Babolat Pure Control Tour plus, & Babolat Pure Strike 16x19

 

[Shroud]

Just a guess in that I never played with one, but I did play with the PS85. Its a tough quest but the bay has some 6.0 95s.

 

[Fintft]

You should try the Wilson Burn 95, PS97S, Blade 98 16x19, Babolat Pure Control Tour plus, & Babolat Pure Strike 16x19

I agree, but with Wilson Burn 95 and not the latest BLX 95 if you can still find it?
Pure Strike is a great, albeit lighter frame so go for the tour maybe?

 

[clutch21]

You should try the Wilson Burn 95, PS97S, Blade 98 16x19, Babolat Pure Control Tour plus, & Babolat Pure Strike 16x19

I am intrigued with the PS97S given the thinner beam. The least enjoyable aspect of the RF97 for me was the thicker beam. The maneuverability of the racquet felt less manageable in the context of a thicker beam. I'm not sure about the more even balance and open string pattern of the 97S though.

Haven't really considered the burn 95. Might have to add that to the demo list.

I'm still thinking about calling up tennis warehouse and seeing if they have RF97's in stock at ~340 grams or so. Might help greatly with the maneuverability of the stick.

 

[smirker]

An Angell TC95 is what you need. Bigger headsize, thin beam and a huge sweet spot but also feel, touch and power in abundance. More flexible than the PS85 but that's a good thing in my book. Check out the Angell users thread. I play the TC97 which is also an option for you.

 

[SpinToWin]

Pro Staff 95 if you can still find it, though it will need mods. The 95S with thick strings could also do the job I suppose.

 

[Dominic]

The PS85 is the derinition of a classic frame. Heavy weight, very headlight and low stifness and difficult to emulate with the current crop of rackets out there. Seeimg your list i would agree the TT95 is probably the closest (esp with a leather grip to add some weight to the handle).
I would recommend you try an Angel, Im hitting a TC97 (330g /305mm unstrung) and this really reminds me of my PS95 days...

 

[pfrischmann]

I'm not sure I can offer you any help but I will say, the nice things about the Angells is they are foam filled and have "that" feel.

 

[joohan]

Another vote for Angell TC95. I used the PS85 for two years...

 

[clutch21]

I'll be checking out the Angells then! I've seen that brand discussed on this forum quite a bit but since TW doesn't sell it, I haven't put too much thought into those sticks. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[clutch21]

Looking at a custom TC97, which specs would play really close to the PS85?

 

[joohan]

Looking at a custom TC97, which specs would play really close to the PS85?

Hard to look past 330/12pts HL.

 

[clutch21]

Hard to look past 330/12pts HL.

Thanks, I was in between those specs and the 320/10 pts HL. Any clue on what the rough swing weight would be for the 330/12 vs the 320/10 in a standard 27 inch frame?

 

[joohan]

Thanks, I was in between those specs and the 320/10 pts HL. Any clue on what the rough swing weight would be for the 330/12 vs the 320/10 in a standard 27 inch frame?

I have a TC90 in 330/12pts and I also have a TC95 in 320/9pts. 330/12pts is definitely more PS85-like. Keep in mind that the only thing that changes between various options is the amount and distribution of handle weight. Head is the same in all options.

Re SW, it's better to visit The Official Angells Users Club page and browse a bit (or pose a question).

 

[smirker]

I have the 320 9 points HL TC97. With leather and og it specs out at just over 350g. SW I would estimate at 335-345. Totally solid from all areas of the court.

 

[Mac33]

See my thread on the 95 square inch Yonex RD-7. Heavy,flexible but far from head light.

Careful,there are quite a few copies out there that don't feel as good.

 

[TupeloDanger]

Consider demoing one of the new Donnays. The Pro Ones and Pro One GT's were sort of designed for that forehand bashing counterpunch game.

 

[Backhanded Compliment]

I havent hit with the TC97 but the TC95 was the stick I found after hitting with a ps85 last year and yearned for that foam filled and dynamic response, here is a whole thread devoted to it

The TC95 does have a bit of a prostaff meets dunlop and fischer sense to it, like the PS85 it has that extra dynamic combo of super control but big firepower when you connect... but in much bigger head with modern spin potential.

 

[tarkowski]

I'm trying to find an alternative to my PS85 (stock form, no mods) which I've been hooked on for a few years now. I play 4.5 and have had good success with it in league, even against the more powerful spin players. With that said, I do get pushed around a little more than I'd like. I want something with more pop and a larger head size, but still having the incredible feel and touch of the PS85. I'm a counter puncher with a strong top spin forehand and a very reliable backhand slice. I play a counterpuncher game and tend to stick around the baseline. I'm looking for something very dependable with slices and predictable so I can take big cuts on the forehand side.

I've tried a few racquets including the PS97, RF97, PAT, V core 310, PB10 mid, TT95, and the DR98. The TT95 felt the most like the PS85, and I enjoyed it but I'd like something with a slightly bigger head size (same reason I'm passing on the K90 and KPS88). I enjoyed the RF97 but it felt a little bulky and hard to maneuver over the course of a match. I've chosen the DR98 for now, but am not sure if it really is a great fit. The forehand side feels solid, but has more free power than I'm looking for. Moreover, my slice tends to float which is quite problematic.

Any suggestions for a stick that my fit my needs? I'm thinking I might demo the Yonex duel G330.

IMO, the Babolat Pure Control (Tour version) is most like the Prince TT 95, albeit with a bigger head at 98". Great feedback and fast swinging.

 

[liner]

My suggestion is: Head Prestige MP especially IG version.

 

[KaiserW]

I am intrigued with the PS97S given the thinner beam. The least enjoyable aspect of the RF97 for me was the thicker beam. The maneuverability of the racquet felt less manageable in the context of a thicker beam. I'm not sure about the more even balance and open string pattern of the 97S though.

Haven't really considered the burn 95. Might have to add that to the demo list.

I'm still thinking about calling up tennis warehouse and seeing if they have RF97's in stock at ~340 grams or so. Might help greatly with the maneuverability of the stick.

I am confused as to why a 340 g one would help when that is the target spec? Just an fyi I removed the leather grip and replaced with bab skinfeel. I am now at 352 g down from 360 g. It does help with manuverability imo.

 

[clutch21]

I am confused as to why a 340 g one would help when that is the target spec? Just an fyi I removed the leather grip and replaced with bab skinfeel. I am now at 352 g down from 360 g. It does help with manuverability imo.

Yeah, I misspoke. I liked the way the RF97 hit, it just was a tad hard to maneuver for my liking. It wasn't a static weight issue. I think if I can find an RF97 with a sub 330 SW, that'd be a sweet stick for my game.

Given this, removing the grip to take away weight would probably hurt my game rather than help since I prefer a very HL stick.

 

[chunlimeyers]

If you can find one, try Dunlop 200G muscle weave with 18 guage poly. I have both the ps85 reissue and the 200G, as I wanted a 95 sq. in. version of the ps85 to play doubles with and volley easier with. They are both braided graphite, both super flexible, and even though the muscle weave is 18x20, because of the super long dwell time of the frame, I also make more spin with it. I juggle between my main AI98 and muscle weave depending how hot it is outside, how bouncy the balls are, and the type of player I am hitting with.

Still love the ps85, but the muscle weave does everything a bit better and easier.(possibly if I put the same 18 guage in the ps85 I'll have a new winner, but so far have been too lazy to do that.) haha

 

[morten]

Yeah, I misspoke. I liked the way the RF97 hit, it just was a tad hard to maneuver for my liking. It wasn't a static weight issue. I think if I can find an RF97 with a sub 330 SW, that'd be a sweet stick for my game.

Given this, removing the grip to take away weight would probably hurt my game rather than help since I prefer a very HL stick.

The dual G from yonex is a great frame if you can get the swingweight down or low. I cut half the bumper. Its perfect at 322 now. I am/ was a ps85 player for 22 years. Searched for years for a replacement. Not easy. Prince tour95(not TT) is good too but a bit flexible. To me Angells were not similar to ps85. Not the other Wilsons mentioned either including ps 95 6.0. I have not made the switch yet and still use my ps85 with low tension (44lbs) multi, maybe you should try that, really expands the sweetspot and loads of power. 5.0 ntpr player..

 

[roundiesee]

To me the Yonex Tour G is the most "pro-staff" - like racket out there; so I would probably try the Duel G 330 if the tour G 310 wasn't your cup of tea,

 

[penguin]

you might want to think about getting a slightly extended length racquet because smaller head sizes play longer because of the sweet spot position

 

[fuzz nation]

My first graphite racquets were Donnay's version of the Wilson 6.0 85 - the Pro Cynetic One. After the early years with those frames, I moved into the 6.1 Classics, which were a great fit for my serve and volley style of play. Eventually though, I wanted more control around the baseline than I could get with those 6.1 Classics and I found it with softer alternatives, including the Volkl C10.

The C10 is a great blend of old-school softness, heft, and somewhat narrow beam combined with a more modern 98" head. I like having a little more HL balance than what I get with these in their stock layout, so I've added lead to my handles to get up near 10 pts. HL.

Although I'm rather of both Volkl as well as yesteryear style mids (I have a few), I was disappointed when I quickly sampled somebody's PB 10 mid demo. I wasn't wild about its stock balance, but even after playing around with it for 10-15 minutes, I couldn't find its sweet-spot at all. Just my findings.

The other racquet I keep in my bag is Volkl's newer Organix 10 325g - this has been replaced with the Super G line having the same 98" hoop and 325g stock heft. I've added some lead to both the hoops and handles of my O10's to get a better fit and my tuning gave me tremendous results here. These are still lighter than my C10's, but have acceptable stability, deliver boat-loads of spin and control, and also have more moderate softness (they're slightly more "snappy" feeling). Great alternative for less than top speed slugging, nice for doubles, and like them for teaching/coaching duties.

The RF 97 has only given me the impression of a newer 6.1 Classic with a slightly larger hoop. I get a much better fit with my Volkls, including generally more predictable hits compared with stiffer rigs like those Wilsons. My fit may not be best for you, but these Volkls have been unbeatable for me and may be worth a look.

Also keep in mind that you may get an okay fit with something like the Yonex DR 98 or Wilson PS97, but need to do a little of your own tuning to really get the balance, stability, etc. truly dialed in for you. Experimenting with lead tape is rather simple and it's also easy enough to peel it off if it doesn't give you a good result. It won't fix every issue with every racquet out there, but it might turn a relatively dull performer into a much better tool to suit your needs.

 

[The Dark Knight]

I'm trying to find an alternative to my PS85 (stock form, no mods) which I've been hooked on for a few years now. I play 4.5 and have had good success with it in league, even against the more powerful spin players. With that said, I do get pushed around a little more than I'd like. I want something with more pop and a larger head size, but still having the incredible feel and touch of the PS85. I'm a counter puncher with a strong top spin forehand and a very reliable backhand slice. I play a counterpuncher game and tend to stick around the baseline. I'm looking for something very dependable with slices and predictable so I can take big cuts on the forehand side.

I've tried a few racquets including the PS97, RF97, PAT, V core 310, PB10 mid, TT95, and the DR98. The TT95 felt the most like the PS85, and I enjoyed it but I'd like something with a slightly bigger head size (same reason I'm passing on the K90 and KPS88). I enjoyed the RF97 but it felt a little bulky and hard to maneuver over the course of a match. I've chosen the DR98 for now, but am not sure if it really is a great fit. The forehand side feels solid, but has more free power than I'm looking for. Moreover, my slice tends to float which is quite problematic.

Any suggestions for a stick that my fit my needs? I'm thinking I might demo the Yonex duel G330.

I would suggest something far bigger than I'm about to suggest but I realize that I have to move slower with a "virgin"

I would recommend the Vortex tour 95. Here is the description from the website.....you have been very conservative ...dare to be different ....this is a game changer !

Description

The Vortex Tour 95 is our premiere players racket. Sporting a thin beam of 21.5mm, and 12pts HL unstrung, the Tour 95 is extremely maneuverable. Combine this with an open pattern of 14m x 17c with a 70#RA stiffness, creates a powerful stick with extreme spin. And at 11 ounces unstrung has plenty of weight to plough through heavy balls.

Length: 27 in.
Weight: 11 ounces unstrung
Balance: 12 pts HL unstrung
Pattern: 14m x 17c
Flex: 70#RA
Beam: 21.5mm straight beam

 

[clutch21]

The dual G from yonex is a great frame if you can get the swingweight down or low. I cut half the bumper. Its perfect at 322 now. I am/ was a ps85 player for 22 years. Searched for years for a replacement. Not easy. Prince tour95(not TT) is good too but a bit flexible. To me Angells were not similar to ps85. Not the other Wilsons mentioned either including ps 95 6.0. I have not made the switch yet and still use my ps85 with low tension (44lbs) multi, maybe you should try that, really expands the sweetspot and loads of power. 5.0 ntpr player..

To me the Yonex Tour G is the most "pro-staff" - like racket out there; so I would probably try the Duel G 330 if the tour G 310 wasn't your cup of tea,

I have a demo of the Duel G 330 on the way that I'm looking forward to. The SW does scare me though. If that stick doesn't work out I might just order an Angell in my spec range. I don't necessarily have to have a racquet that feels like the PS85.. rather something that will transition nicely from it.

 

[clutch21]

you might want to think about getting a slightly extended length racquet because smaller head sizes play longer because of the sweet spot position

Interesting. Is this consistent with all midsized racquets? Maybe this is why I had trouble finding the sweet spot on some racquets such as the DR 98.

 

[clutch21]

I would suggest something far bigger than I'm about to suggest but I realize that I have to move slower with a "virgin"

I would recommend the Vortex tour 95. Here is the description from the website.....you have been very conservative ...dare to be different ....this is a game changer !

Description

The Vortex Tour 95 is our premiere players racket. Sporting a thin beam of 21.5mm, and 12pts HL unstrung, the Tour 95 is extremely maneuverable. Combine this with an open pattern of 14m x 17c with a 70#RA stiffness, creates a powerful stick with extreme spin. And at 11 ounces unstrung has plenty of weight to plough through heavy balls.

Length: 27 in.
Weight: 11 ounces unstrung
Balance: 12 pts HL unstrung
Pattern: 14m x 17c
Flex: 70#RA
Beam: 21.5mm straight beam

Whoa, that's an open pattern. I think the static weight might be a tad low, for what I'm looking for. I love that HL balance though!

 

[The Dark Knight]

Whoa, that's an open pattern. I think the static weight might be a tad low, for what I'm looking for. I love that HL balance though!

So? Increase the weight of you like ....that's easy enough .

Trust me it's not the open pattern that makes the stick amazing .

It's amazingly stable due to its wife technology .....it's plays like a 12 ounce racquet .

The question is do you dare to be different and take a chance ?

Remember Columbus said the world was round and no one believed him either .

 

[n8dawg6]

you should try a pure drive, dude. it will add 1.0 to your USTA rating.

 

[The Dark Knight]

you should try a pure drive, dude. it will add 1.0 to your USTA rating.

I did ! It added half a point ....from 4.0 to 4.5.

The Vortex ES 116 gave me another half to 5.0 now .

If I went back to a ps 85 I still would be only a 4.0.

That's not to suggest this is the fix for everyone but it made a huge difference in my game .

I think I'm done improving though . The only thing left is maybe conditioning or possibly extending the length of my current stick.....but I play so well with it that I'm scared to change a thing ......maybe in a year or so ? But I'm not doing a thing for now .

 

[Deleted member 3771]

Interesting. Is this consistent with all midsized racquets? Maybe this is why I had trouble finding the sweet spot on some racquets such as the DR 98.

To check for yourself just overlay the ps85 on top of a regular 27 inch 95" racquet and you will find that the handle is too short on the standard length 27" 95" racquet so you need about a 27.5 to 28" 95-98" racquet for it to have the same similar familiar proportions as the ps85.

 

[n8dawg6]

in all seriousness there are good suggestions on this thread ... i'd think about a "modern" player's frame. it's really easy to get a more forgiving, powerful racquet than the ps85 without going to a thick-beam tweener.

or you could get two tweeners to paradise, make some pretty serious adjustments to your game, and then see how you like power/spin/and ... uh ... kinda hollow stiff uncomfortable feel.

 

[wsk429]

I'm trying to find an alternative to my PS85 (stock form, no mods) which I've been hooked on for a few years now. I play 4.5 and have had good success with it in league, even against the more powerful spin players. With that said, I do get pushed around a little more than I'd like. I want something with more pop and a larger head size, but still having the incredible feel and touch of the PS85. I'm a counter puncher with a strong top spin forehand and a very reliable backhand slice. I play a counterpuncher game and tend to stick around the baseline. I'm looking for something very dependable with slices and predictable so I can take big cuts on the forehand side.

I've tried a few racquets including the PS97, RF97, PAT, V core 310, PB10 mid, TT95, and the DR98. The TT95 felt the most like the PS85, and I enjoyed it but I'd like something with a slightly bigger head size (same reason I'm passing on the K90 and KPS88). I enjoyed the RF97 but it felt a little bulky and hard to maneuver over the course of a match. I've chosen the DR98 for now, but am not sure if it really is a great fit. The forehand side feels solid, but has more free power than I'm looking for. Moreover, my slice tends to float which is quite problematic.

Any suggestions for a stick that my fit my needs? I'm thinking I might demo the Yonex duel G330.

Huh? The PS85 getting pushed around? I thought the only thing that can come close to the PS85 is a baseball bat. If you're missing the sweet spot because of the head size, that one thing. But nothing can push a PS85 around, especially when a 4.5 is commanding it.

 

[Backhanded Compliment]

Interesting. Is this consistent with all midsized racquets? Maybe this is why I had trouble finding the sweet spot on some racquets such as the DR 98.

possibly.. i used a prince black long body for a short while when I was coming back to the game and it helped me transition.

perhaps a very slightly extended frame makes a lot of sense but at the same time because I have a really long stroke on my back hand it uktimately just handcuff me... and I made a transition no matter what any frame is going to be a transition from the Pro Staff 85 nothing really plays like it out there

right now there are things that are somewhat similar and have similar qualities particularly on contact ... but the way they move through the air, not so much. at least with the angells it has a somewhat thinner beam and foan filked,...than most of the other options

tc95 is more muted/plush because of the "D" beam construction

tc97 because of the Box beam has a somewhat more traditional feel

 

[penguin]

Interesting. Is this consistent with all midsized racquets? Maybe this is why I had trouble finding the sweet spot on some racquets such as the DR 98.

yes, it's just the way it works. midsize compared to standard plays maybe 1/3 inch longer as I understand it, and that can be a part of what makes some people particularly prefer them.

 

[movdqa]

I played with the KPS88 and went to the YT Prestige MP (modified) afterwards. The YT Prestige MP felt like a KPS88 with a bigger headsize. So that may be an option if you can source them.

 

[Crocodile]

I would definately go with one of the current models available including the Yonex Duel G models, Prince Textreme 95 and 100P and one of the Volkl's say SG 10 mp 325.
Like everything it takes time to make the change.

 

[bkfinch]

I'm trying to find an alternative to my PS85 (stock form, no mods) which I've been hooked on for a few years now. I play 4.5 and have had good success with it in league, even against the more powerful spin players. With that said, I do get pushed around a little more than I'd like. I want something with more pop and a larger head size, but still having the incredible feel and touch of the PS85. I'm a counter puncher with a strong top spin forehand and a very reliable backhand slice. I play a counterpuncher game and tend to stick around the baseline. I'm looking for something very dependable with slices and predictable so I can take big cuts on the forehand side.

I've tried a few racquets including the PS97, RF97, PAT, V core 310, PB10 mid, TT95, and the DR98. The TT95 felt the most like the PS85, and I enjoyed it but I'd like something with a slightly bigger head size (same reason I'm passing on the K90 and KPS88). I enjoyed the RF97 but it felt a little bulky and hard to maneuver over the course of a match. I've chosen the DR98 for now, but am not sure if it really is a great fit. The forehand side feels solid, but has more free power than I'm looking for. Moreover, my slice tends to float which is quite problematic.

Any suggestions for a stick that my fit my needs? I'm thinking I might demo the Yonex duel G330.

I used to play with the PS85 when I was training/competing as a junior. My coaches thought I was crazy but I developed a very good technique with that racket.

I've found it very difficult to move away from midsize rackets since midplus rackets- even the 'players' frames, just have so much more readily available power than the mids. The 100" headsize rackets boded even worse. Great for blasting serves though.

The best midplus frame which seemed to really 'replace' the 85 while keeping many great qualities for me is the Pro Tour 630. It has that sweet midsize feel but it hits bigger and it's quite headlight as well. The feel is also not ruined if you put in poly strings, something which bugged me about the 85, it would lose its feel without high end multi/gut strings. Then of course it would break very fast. Before that I was using PC600/Microgel Prestige Mid. I find most rackets made today to be so alien to this classic feel that they are not worth investigating further. Just look at what Head has done to their rackets. Their consumer level rackets are not even worth bothering anymore.

Now what I'm very curious to hit with in the next few days is the Pro Staff 6.0 95 which I never tried, because well, they were/are pretty hard to find(!) I wonder if with some lead mods and the right strings it can 'work'.

Good luck and don't be surprised if you are not satisfied by the end of the day (!)