Dolgopolov & Dimitrov: What's all the racket about?

[danbrenner]

Ok. So two of the most exciting players on the tour, are using sticks that Wilson doesn't even make. 18x16 for Dolgopolov, and 18x17 for Dimitrov. So firstly, are these sticks even Pro Staffs? and secondly, what string set ups are they using? I think they are both using a gut/4g combo. But I'm not sure which is in the mains, and what the tensions are. These guys are playing such great and inspired tennis, that this should be a very relevant thread. Thank you TT faithful, for helping us with these questions. Dan.

 

[crobison]

Prostaff 95 and Prostaff 95s

I used to use the Prostaff 6.1 90, but my arm was falling off because of the weight, 364 grams. I was playing very well, but my arm started to bother, so I had to lay off tennis for about a month. On a trip to New York City I stopped by Roman Prokes **** to look at rackets and buy some handle pallets for my Head Prestige TGK 238.1 and after speaking with Roman I decided to buy 2 Wilson Prostaff 95, he mentioned that he recommends the Wilson Prostaff 95 for traditional type of players, hit flat, one handed backhand, etc and the 95s for people that hit with topspin and want massive amounts of topspin. He also said that in order to get the racket to perform in this manner you need to use poly strings, but the control on these rackets isn´t as good as the Prostaff 95. I really like this Prostaff 95 and the weight is perfect 340g. Sure many of this pros use rackets that are custom, but there have to be certain features that have to be taken and sold to us the public..

 

[danbrenner]

Cool. I have modded a few sticks with Roman. But he may be a little off the mark if he's calling the 95 a flat hitter. Dolgopolov and Dimitrov are hitting with more spin than a laundromat, and are using sticks with 18 mains, albeit less crosses. So we need to dig into this subject, and get to proverbial bottom of it.

 

[danbrenner]

I am also one of the contingent that is not impressed by super open string patterns. And neither are any of the pros.

 

[crobison]

Remember what I said at the beginning, that the rackets that are available to dolo and dimitrov are custom made. I remember in my early years that mark woodforde tried an extremly open pattern, but I don´t think it really made an impact on people buying them. I think with extremely open patterns you probably get alot of spin, but control would be an issue.. Nastase a spagetti stringing once at a tournament and the racquet was banned... jejejej

 

[danbrenner]

Remember what I said at the beginning, that the rackets that are available to dolo and dimitrov are custom made. I remember in my early years that mark woodforde tried an extremly open pattern, but I don´t think it really made an impact on people buying them. I think with extremely open patterns you probably get alot of spin, but control would be an issue.. Nastase a spagetti stringing once at a tournament and the racquet was banned... jejejej

I agree. And that is why the Pro Staff 18x16/17 now seems like a really nice choice of stick. And so to Dolg and Dimis string setup. So we need our TT faithful to bring the noise, and go to school on the subject..

 

[BreakPoint]

Ok. So two of the most exciting players on the tour, are using sticks that Wilson doesn't even make. 18x16 for Dolgopolov, and 18x17 for Dimitrov. So firstly, are these sticks even Pro Staffs? and secondly, what string set ups are they using? I think they are both using a gut/4g combo. But I'm not sure which is in the mains, and what the tensions are. These guys are playing such great and inspired tennis, that this should be a very relevant thread. Thank you TT faithful, for helping us with these questions. Dan.

Well, Wilson does indeed make them because they made them for Dimitrov and Dolgopolov. They just don't sell them to the general public....at least right now.

 

[danbrenner]

Well, Wilson does indeed make them because they made them for Dimitrov and Dolgopolov. They just don't sell them to the general public....at least right now.

yeah. thats a darn shame isnt it. Wilsons 3 standout players, Dolg, Dimi, and of course the big kahuna, the Fed, are all using sticks that arent even available. Shame on Wilson.

 

[lidoazndiabloboi]

Dolgopolov is using a Wilson ProStaff 6.0 95 with the 18x16 string patter.
Dimitrov is using a Wilson Prostaff 93? S with the 18x17 pattern

Both are custom rackets by Wilson.
On the other hand, the Prostaff 95S is a pretty decent racket, very nice feel. The sweetspot felt really big. Only drawback was the low power.

 

[YesTennis]

I used to use the Prostaff 6.1 90, but my arm was falling off because of the weight, 364 grams. I was playing very well, but my arm started to bother, so I had to lay off tennis for about a month. On a trip to New York City I stopped by Roman Prokes **** to look at rackets and buy some handle pallets for my Head Prestige TGK 238.1 and after speaking with Roman I decided to buy 2 Wilson Prostaff 95, he mentioned that he recommends the Wilson Prostaff 95 for traditional type of players, hit flat, one handed backhand, etc and the 95s for people that hit with topspin and want massive amounts of topspin. He also said that in order to get the racket to perform in this manner you need to use poly strings, but the control on these rackets isn´t as good as the Prostaff 95. I really like this Prostaff 95 and the weight is perfect 340g. Sure many of this pros use rackets that are custom, but there have to be certain features that have to be taken and sold to us the public..

Just to clarify, did Roman say to use full poly in both the standard ProStaff 95 and the 95S, or just the 95S? Thanks.

 

[crobison]

He mentioned the poly for the 95s...

 

[joshtige600]

after demoing 20+ rackets over 3-4 months I settled on the PS 95. (played prestiges for 15+years) I string it with gut in the mains and poly in the crosses and it gives me everything I want. Still very control oriented but plenty of power when I let it fly. plenty of spin. I thought the extra spin of the 95s was unnecessary and wanted the better control offered by the 95. just my two cents...

 

[danbrenner]

after demoing 20+ rackets over 3-4 months I settled on the PS 95. (played prestiges for 15+years) I string it with gut in the mains and poly in the crosses and it gives me everything I want. Still very control oriented but plenty of power when I let it fly. plenty of spin. I thought the extra spin of the 95s was unnecessary and wanted the better control offered by the 95. just my two cents...

Cool. I have never valued the super open patterns either. And literally no pros are using it. So what does that tell you.

 

[NLBwell]

Cool. I have never valued the super open patterns either. And literally no pros are using it. So what does that tell you.

That pros don't need open patterns in order to generate lots of spin and more control is now more important to them than more spin.

 

[Bobby Jr]

Dolgopolov is using a Wilson ProStaff 6.0 95 with the 18x16 string patter....

Both are custom rackets by Wilson.

The only thing truly custom about Dolgopolov's frame is that it's been painted. Other than that you could buy them for many years.

 

[Lefty78]

The only thing truly custom about Dolgopolov's frame is that it's been painted. Other than that you could buy them for many years.

I want what you're smoking.

 

[Bobby Jr]

I want what you're smoking.

I understood, from threads here over the years, that his frame is the original Prostaff 95. It's just painted like a newer model.

Edit > pic added. See the lighter marks around the bumper strip? Those were on the original PS95. All of the modern frames have smooth bumpers that I recall.

Orig

 

[PCS_Super]

Not sure about Dolgopolov... but Dimitrov must have changed his setup if what is being said above is right... i was a stringer at the Brisbane International earlier this year and his racquet was a 16x16 pattern with share holes... cant remember tension (around 24 KGs) but he was playing Gut mains with 4G crosses. The mould looked pretty similar to the current model PS95 spin weighed around 350 thats my judgement...Hope that helps

 

[Lefty78]

I understood, from threads here over the years, that his frame is the original Prostaff 95. It's just painted like a newer model.

Edit > pic added. See the lighter marks around the bumper strip? Those were on the original PS95. All of the modern frames have smooth bumpers that I recall.

Well if you find a new picture jr, the Dog is using 18x16 these days. That's kind of what this thread is about.

 

[Lefty78]

 

[Bobby Jr]

Well if you find a new picture jr, the Dog is using 18x16 these days. That's kind of what this thread is about.

Yeah... he had the same frame painted like a BLX previously also. The paint has changed but not sure the frame has - unless someone can find new pics which are high enough res to show some difference. The PS original 95 was 18x16 so that detail doesn't really change anything.

As I said, as far as we can tell for a long time his frame has effectively been one you could buy - simply with a paint-job to reflect a current retail frame.

 

[BreakPoint]

Yeah... he had the same frame painted like a BLX previously also. The paint has changed but not sure the frame has - unless someone can find new pics which are high enough res to show some difference. The PS original 95 was 18x16 so that detail doesn't really change anything.

As I said, as far as we can tell for a long time his frame has effectively been one you could buy - simply with a paint-job to reflect a current retail frame.

Wrong as usual. The PS 6.0 95 Original was 16x18, NOT 18x16. Pretty big difference.

 

[Bobby Jr]

Wrong as usual. The PS 6.0 95 Original was 16x18, NOT 18x16. Pretty big difference.

Sorry, my mistake. That's what I meant. He's used a 16m x 18c frame for years, and the current one is the other way around? Same frame with new drilling?

 

[danbrenner]

Sorry, my mistake. That's what I meant. He's used a 16m x 18c frame for years, and the current one is the other way around? Same frame with new drilling?

Either way it's a custom Job. And not available in this configuration as a Pro Staff. I hope Wilson will change that being that these two gun slingers are achieving their highest levels of success with 18 string mains. Makes me want one.

 

[BLX_Andy]

Cool. I have modded a few sticks with Roman. But he may be a little off the mark if he's calling the 95 a flat hitter. Dolgopolov and Dimitrov are hitting with more spin than a laundromat, and are using sticks with 18 mains, albeit less crosses. So we need to dig into this subject, and get to proverbial bottom of it.

I agree about Dolgopolov's ability to spin. I watched his match live against Nadal and the spin action he was getting was insane. He was getting more RPM's than Nadal probably that match.

 

[Broly4]

Either way it's a custom Job. And not available in this configuration as a Pro Staff. I hope Wilson will change that being that these two gun slingers are achieving their highest levels of success with 18 string mains. Makes me want one.

Six one 95 S, is the closest you can get.

 

[danbrenner]

Six one 95 S, is the closest you can get.

This is true. But I have gotten used to the grip shape of the PS and Blade line. The 6.1 albeit too heavy, also has the rounder Wilson pallet. I'm not so I to it.

 

[Rabbit]

I froze the picture when they were showing Dogolopov's frame. I counted 18 mains and 16 crosses. Anyone have a better view?

 

[darklore009]

 

[HRB]

18x16...clear as day! So not PS Classic 6.1 95...or 6.0 95 which we all know are/were 16x18...and awesome BTW. Isn't this the 95S set up?

 

[carlosoki]

Dolgopolov plays 18x16 in a PS 95 and Dimitrov plays 18x17 in a PS 93 or 95???

 

[volleynets]

18x16...clear as day! So not PS Classic 6.1 95...or 6.0 95 which we all know are/were 16x18...and awesome BTW. Isn't this the 95S set up?

No the 95S Prostaff is 16x15. Even more open than Dolgo. The Wilson Sixone 95S is the 18x16 but the Wilson Prostaff 95S has 16x15.

Dimitrov's frame is the custom 93 Boxbeam Prostaff with 18x17. I guess closest retail frame would be the Wilson Prostaff 95 with 16x19 pattern or the Profstaff 95S with 16x15 pattern.

 

[dgoran]

Cool. I have never valued the super open patterns either. And literally no pros are using it. So what does that tell you.

Just to put things in perspective for you: when they first brought pure drive (pro player tweener stick ) to the market no one was using it right away... you need to give some time only time will tell...

Suddenly Escude started playing out of his mind with it following Moyas and Roddicks success and rest is history...

 

[Bhagi Katbamna]

yeah. thats a darn shame isnt it. Wilsons 3 standout players, Dolg, Dimi, and of course the big kahuna, the Fed, are all using sticks that arent even available. Shame on Wilson.

Honestly, the problem with our games isn't really that our rackets have a 16x19 stringing pattern rather than 18x17 pattern.

 

[0d1n]

Just to put things in perspective for you: when they first brought pure drive (pro player tweener stick ) to the market no one was using it right away... you need to give some time only time will tell...

Suddenly Escude started playing out of his mind with it followed by Moya and Riddick success and rest is history...

Escude was still playing a prestige or pro tour 630 long after Moya was playing with a Babolat. Maybe long after Roddick was doing that as well.

Honestly, the problem with our games isn't really that our rackets have a 16x19 stringing pattern rather than 18x17 pattern.

That remark hit the sweetspot .

 

[mmk]

Honestly, the problem with our games isn't really that our rackets have a 16x19 stringing pattern rather than 18x17 pattern.

Nooooooo!!! I know that the only thing that keeps me from being as good as Fed is his custom racquet.




Okay, maybe talent, fitness, youth (relatively speaking), dedication, desire, and a whole laundry list of other things as well. Seriously, this particular forum is full of dreamers, just find a stick that works for you.

 

[dgoran]

Escude was still playing a prestige or pro tour 630 long after Moya was playing with a Babolat. Maybe long after Roddick was doing that as well.



That remark hit the sweetspot .

I know I just screwed up my English expressions I fixed it in my orig. post...
What I was trying to say to the op is it takes years for something to catch on... Nothing is overnight

 

[WINZOWAR]

So maybe the pattern isn't working for D&D. Will they switch back?

 

[darklore009]

They would have some break-in time if they were to switch back to their former rackets.

 

[WINZOWAR]

After hearing about Agassi switching from 20-21 to 16-19, I'm starting to think it wouldn't be that difficult.

 

[TennisAddiction]

After hearing about Agassi switching from 20-21 to 16-19, I'm starting to think it wouldn't be that difficult.

When did he use a 16x19? I thought he went from 20x21 to an 18x19.

 

[WINZOWAR]

I'm just repeating what the other thread says, but May 96 and April 98.

 

[ProStringing]

Photos of Alexandr's rackets

Here are a few photos of Alexandr Dolgopolov's rackets taken recently:

I have also posted recent pictures of Grigor Dimitrov's rackets in this thread.

Hope these can be of help,

ProStringing

 

[BreakPoint]

Here are a few photos of Alexandr Dolgopolov's rackets taken recently:

Thanks for the pics.

That looks like the PS 6.0 95 Original that he's always used but with a 18 x16 string pattern. Just look at the throat. Just a new paintjob on his old racquet but with a different drill pattern it seems.

 

[adip89]

Here are a few photos of Alexandr Dolgopolov's rackets taken recently:

I have also posted recent pictures of Grigor Dimitrov's rackets in this thread.

Hope these can be of help,

ProStringing

Does Dolgo use a leather or a synthetic grip? What tension was he using at Queen's?
Thanks.

 

[tennisfan17]

Here are a few photos of Alexandr Dolgopolov's rackets taken recently:

I have also posted recent pictures of Grigor Dimitrov's rackets in this thread.

Hope these can be of help,

ProStringing

im still relatively new so i wouldnt know, but does he not have lead tape added to his racquet?

 

[Lukhas]

im still relatively new so i wouldnt know, but does he not have lead tape added to his racquet?

Well first, avoid quoting big pictures. Then, you can hide lead tape under the bumper guard. It's fairly practical.

 

[tennisfan17]

Well first, avoid quoting big pictures. Then, you can hide lead tape under the bumper guard. It's fairly practical.

all right thanks! I will keep that in mind for the future! and does anyone know his set up exactly?

 

[mrravioli]

Dolgo smashed a racquet today in Shanghai and threw it into the watching crowd. Failed to catch it but holded it in hand for awhile. According to my estimation, it was about 350g, much lighter than my imagination. (It was strung with 4g in main and NG in cross, just as showed above)

 

[TennisAddiction]

Dolgo smashed a racquet today in Shanghai and threw it into the watching crowd. Failed to catch it but holded it in hand for awhile. According to my estimation, it was about 350g, much lighter than my imagination. (It was strung with 4g in main and NG in cross, just as showed above)

Did you see any lead?