How much lead and where, PS 6.0

[jlui21]

I wanted to know HOW MUCH lead you should add and where for the Wilson Prostaff 6.0?

One of my PS 6.0s weighs about 375g with double layers of lead at the 3 and 9 position. However, it feels a bit off balanced hitting, but I like the added power. Is there anywhere else I should add it?

My other PS 6.0 has one layer of lead at the 3, 6, and 9 positions, weighing at about 370g. It feels pretty nice, but I need to play with it again to determine if I should match this setup. However, someone mentioned that I really shouldn't add lead to the 6 position. Any suggestions would be really helpful and why.

BTW, an unweighted PS 6.0 feels nice but doesn't have enough "umph."

Miscellaneous question - how would one compare the PS 6.0, tour 90, and the classic 6.1?

 

[PrestigeClassic]

I wanted to know HOW MUCH lead you should add and where for the Wilson Prostaff 6.0?

One of my PS 6.0s weighs about 375g with double layers of lead at the 3 and 9 position. However, it feels a bit off balanced hitting, but I like the added power. Is there anywhere else I should add it?

My other PS 6.0 has one layer of lead at the 3, 6, and 9 positions, weighing at about 370g. It feels pretty nice, but I need to play with it again to determine if I should match this setup. However, someone mentioned that I really shouldn't add lead to the 6 position. Any suggestions would be really helpful and why.

BTW, an unweighted PS 6.0 feels nice but doesn't have enough "umph."

There is not a specific amount of mass to be added to any specific place. According to what you have described, it's hard to say how much and where it would be best for you. Off-balanced? Do you mean you don't like the new balance point? In that case, you can try moving some of the lead to the throat. If still too head-heavy, then move it to the handle area. You can also just move all of the lead to the throat. See whichever way that is best for you, don't worry, lead tape comes off.

I would listen to the person that says that you should not add lead to 6. In my opinion, lead placed there just inefficiently makes up somewhat for sloppy hitting.

Miscellaneous question - how would one compare the PS 6.0, tour 90, and the classic 6.1?

By playing with them?

 

[ps 6.0]

3 & 9 or 2 & 10 up to your desired swingweight. I prefer 3&9 simply because the ratio of increased stability to increased swingweight is what i prefer. i.e. more stability with minimal addition of swingweight.

 

[jlui21]

There is not a specific amount of mass to be added to any specific place. According to what you have described, it's hard to say how much and where it would be best for you. Off-balanced? Do you mean you don't like the new balance point? In that case, you can try moving some of the lead to the throat. If still too head-heavy, then move it to the handle area. You can also just move all of the lead to the throat. See whichever way that is best for you, don't worry, lead tape comes off.

I would listen to the person that says that you should not add lead to 6. In my opinion, lead placed there just inefficiently makes up somewhat for sloppy hitting.



By playing with them?

Yes, I meant playing with them. I own the PS tour 90 and 6.0, and I pick the Tour 90 for overall playability because of the extra pace behind the serve as compared to the PS 6.0. However, I haven't tried out the PS Classic 6.1, but I've heard good things about it so I wanted yours or anyone elses opinion.

when I said "off-balance," I didn't know how else to describe it because it just felt weird. In actuality, I don't know the whole balance point thing but I know that I didn't like the overall feel of the 18g distributed to the 3 and 9 positions.

 

[louis netman]

Although I really liked the 6.0 95, problem I had was by the time I counter-balanced the weight to remedy the somewhat fluttery, upper hoop, there was just too much lumber to lug around...

 

[jackson vile]

Are you talking about the 95 or 85?

You want to add lead to the lower top part of the handle 1-3oz, just keep adding until you dislike the feel and then back track. Note: This would be for stability and would add limited power to the racket.

For more out right power add to 12 as this will directly increase the swing weight and thus the hitting mass meaning more power.

 

[jlui21]

clarification

Are you talking about the 95 or 85?

You want to add lead to the lower top part of the handle 1-3oz, just keep adding until you dislike the feel and then back track. Note: This would be for stability and would add limited power to the racket.

For more out right power add to 12 as this will directly increase the swing weight and thus the hitting mass meaning more power.

Sorry. I meant the PS 85. I am trying to find the best combination for myself and even what others use. A large majority of persons add to the 3 and 9 position because it adds stability and power without adding to the swingweight, right?

You mentioned adding to the "lower top part of the handle," and what exactly does that mean? Do I wrap lead tape around the top of handle where the throat meets the handle, or does it mean that I have to unwrap the grip and add some tape (or weights) to the handle itself? Thanks.

 

[DURICA533]

The PS 6.0 85 never gave me as much power as the ROK which I have been using for 2.5 yrs. I've had a PS 85 all the while with 18g at 3 & 9 (9 grams each). This is what I call the "Sampras" style. Although it is nowhere near his real weight, I noticed he had it at 3 & 9. I saw a post here possibly a year ago from someone who had acquired Federer's actual racket (from an auction?). I remember they said it was more like an 88 rather than a 90 sq. in. I also remember that under the racket head guard he had lead tape (along with leather power pads). As the post said perviously, this is where you are going to get maximum power. I switched my 18 grams to the under the guard last week and BLAM! Whoa! I am now seriously considering switching rackets. Unbelievable explosivity and great range of depth!!! I now see the greatness of this racket! I had this in high school and back then it didn't seem so underpowered. Against the modern rackets I just used it for training. Now with the weight change, I am.... speechless. Really, really good feeling. Good luck.

 

[Galactus]

The PS 6.0 85 never gave me as much power as the ROK which I have been using for 2.5 yrs. I've had a PS 85 all the while with 18g at 3 & 9 (9 grams each). This is what I call the "Sampras" style. Although it is nowhere near his real weight, I noticed he had it at 3 & 9. I saw a post here possibly a year ago from someone who had acquired Federer's actual racket (from an auction?). I remember they said it was more like an 88 rather than a 90 sq. in. I also remember that under the racket head guard he had lead tape (along with leather power pads). As the post said perviously, this is where you are going to get maximum power. I switched my 18 grams to the under the guard last week and BLAM! Whoa! I am now seriously considering switching rackets. Unbelievable explosivity and great range of depth!!! I now see the greatness of this racket! I had this in high school and back then it didn't seem so underpowered. Against the modern rackets I just used it for training. Now with the weight change, I am.... speechless. Really, really good feeling. Good luck.

How does your ProStaff 6.0 85" compare, power-wise with the lead-tape being switched to the top of the racquet, under the hoop as opposed to the sides?
I also have mine at 3 and 9 o'clock (25g total) and the ball really flies when I middle a flat-serve.

 

[khadaji]

Durcia: ?

Durcia,

So where under the guard did you try that was better? I assume 12 o'clock, or 11 & 1? Did you move all weight away from 3 & 9?

For years I also used 3 & 9 on the 85. However, I found that I achieved a move even balance (and eliminated sweet spot drift ), by using 3 & 9, coupled with 1/11 & 5/7.

Years ago I was going to buy a stick to Sampras spec. from Nate Ferguson, I never did because I couldn't justify the cost to myself while in college. In hindsight I should have. Has anyone else sampled an actual Sampras stick from Nate? (how much on the head, and how much on the handle?)

Best,

 

[jlui21]

How does your ProStaff 6.0 85" compare, power-wise with the lead-tape being switched to the top of the racquet, under the hoop as opposed to the sides?
I also have mine at 3 and 9 o'clock (25g total) and the ball really flies when I middle a flat-serve.

Durica: I too would also l ike to know...

Galactus: does the racquet feel too weird with all the weight merely added here (3 & 9 position)? I've added 18g and thought it felt to awk, but maybe I need to step it up and add another layer of lead to the 3 & 9.

Everyone else: has anyone added lead to the throat? Also, has anyone added lead to the handle? Thanks.

 

[khadaji]

i should clarify, i've tried both w/ & w/o counterweighting --(have tried combinations of handle, butt & throat)--

ultimatly, i perfer counterweight to bottom of butt cap --if only bc I like the added heft & it brings the sweet spot back down. I usu have a 1-hand BH w/ S&V game.

However, if, for variety, i'm playing a stick of 95 sq in. or larger, i enjoy (in addition) wraping a chunk of lead around the top of handle, below throat, & I use my 2-handed BH, w kick serves.

 

[DURICA533]

I have moved all of the weight off of the 3 & 9 and placed it into one long strip, layered under the upper hoop. I have it beginning and ending where the racket guard begins and ends.

I have a fast swing and I could never understand how Federer got so much power from his Tour90. Sampras I can understand 'cause that guy had a lot more weight. Once I placed the weight in the upper hoop, the physics became clear. The balance is slightly different. I actually was hitting more stable shots with it in the upper hoop than in the 3 & 9.

The weight being at 3 & 9 was placed closer to my arm based on (of course) its placement. Being in the upper hoop, the weight had more of a pendulum effect. I think it is the swing speed moving the pendulated mass that cradles the ball even better with less resistance and releases it with heaviness and SPIN. I wasn't getting that at 3 & 9. It felt like I really had to hit the sweet spot (hard thing to do on the 85) before the ball popped. In the upper hoop, the sweet spot moved up to where I like to hit, and getting that much pendulated mass moving quickly totally got rid of instability.

As far as hitting quality to me, it felt like the racket opened up. There are other rackets that I own that have the weight at 3 & 9. When I bang my other hand aginst the string bed checking for the string resonance I always notice the 3 & 9 producing quite a bit of ping or 'BLAM' power in the center. Depending on the the racket, that sweet spot could get even smaller. For the PS 6.0 85 that was too small and unenjoyable compared to my ROKs. Placed in the upper hoop, man, a different racket with not much difference in the feel of swinging. I enjoy the pendulum effect on that racket even more. If it was a bigger racket maybe, psychologically, it might get to me. But being that the 85 is this small black 'bat-a-rang' of a racket I enjoy it even more.

Summary: With the weight in the upper hoop the racket feels like any other 95 (in power and forgiveness) but with more precise targeting which I have always loved about the 85. I just love how open it feels. At 3 & 9 I felt like I had to measure to get that BLAM effect.

Hope this helps. Try it out. Let us know what your results are.

 

[Marius_Hancu]

check my postings here:

Wilson ProStaff Original 6.0 85: just bought one...
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=72201

 

[Galactus]

Durica: I too would also l ike to know...

Galactus: does the racquet feel too weird with all the weight merely added here (3 & 9 position)? I've added 18g and thought it felt to awk, but maybe I need to step it up and add another layer of lead to the 3 & 9.

Everyone else: has anyone added lead to the throat? Also, has anyone added lead to the handle? Thanks.

jlui21 - no, the racquet doesn't feel weird or even too head-heavy....but then I grew up using a 14oz+ Donnay Borg Allwood when I was a kid and I'm a pretty big guy so brandishing a 385g Prostaff is easy for me anyway.
The only downside for me is that I'm not that technically proficient at topspin shots, so with using a 85" head is even harder -nearly all of my shots are flat, except my serve.

I'm going to be using this for the next month or so and probably add more weight to the handle-area.
For me, heavier, is definately better...I can't wield sub-330g racquets at all.

 

[Galactus]

I have a fast swing and I could never understand how Federer got so much power from his Tour90. Sampras I can understand 'cause that guy had a lot more weight. Once I placed the weight in the upper hoop, the physics became clear. The balance is slightly different. I actually was hitting more stable shots with it in the upper hoop than in the 3 & 9.

Federer used about 5g of lead under the headguard on his PS Tour90 and 5g and 4g at the headguard and throat, respectivley on his PS Original 6.0 85".

Having a racquet weighing around 360-365g rather than a hefty 390g explains his tremendous racquet-head speed.

 

[Bill Tilden]

I add 110 grams at the top of the handle and the raquet is fantastic, no vibration,solid. The raquet now weight approximately 460 grams.

 

[jlui21]

I add 110 grams at the top of the handle and the raquet is fantastic, no vibration,solid. The raquet now weight approximately 460 grams.

When you say add to the top of the handle, you mean just wrap the lead around the top of the handle where it meets the base OR unwrap the grip, then wrap the lead, and then rewrap it with the grip? You don't add anywhere else? With your 460g racquet, do you generate a lot of power/pace or you just like a solid stick?

 

[ShooterMcMarco]

I added 3 layers of 6 inch long strips of lead at 3 & 9 with more length towards the upper half of the racquet on my 6.0 95

 

[Bill Tilden]

When you say add to the top of the handle, you mean just wrap the lead around the top of the handle where it meets the base OR unwrap the grip, then wrap the lead, and then rewrap it with the grip? You don't add anywhere else? With your 460g racquet, do you generate a lot of power/pace or you just like a solid stick?

I can generete a lot of Power/pace an a lot of spin, I can compete against hard hitter too. I put the lead under the over grip

You found all in this topic.

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=83394

 

[jackson vile]

I add 110 grams at the top of the handle and the raquet is fantastic, no vibration,solid. The raquet now weight approximately 460 grams.

Bill you need to also add lead right under the head guard, this will make the hits more solid. Just take some of the lead from the up part of the handle and put it in the tip/nose of the racket, more stable more power ect.

This is something that you have to do after you have added to the static weight.

 

[jlui21]

The PS 6.0 85 never gave me as much power as the ROK which I have been using for 2.5 yrs. I've had a PS 85 all the while with 18g at 3 & 9 (9 grams each). This is what I call the "Sampras" style. Although it is nowhere near his real weight, I noticed he had it at 3 & 9. I saw a post here possibly a year ago from someone who had acquired Federer's actual racket (from an auction?). I remember they said it was more like an 88 rather than a 90 sq. in. I also remember that under the racket head guard he had lead tape (along with leather power pads). As the post said perviously, this is where you are going to get maximum power. I switched my 18 grams to the under the guard last week and BLAM! Whoa! I am now seriously considering switching rackets. Unbelievable explosivity and great range of depth!!! I now see the greatness of this racket! I had this in high school and back then it didn't seem so underpowered. Against the modern rackets I just used it for training. Now with the weight change, I am.... speechless. Really, really good feeling. Good luck.

I moved my lead from the 3 and 9 to the 12 (and not under the head guard) and left some lead in the throat. Did not like it at all unless I need to add more and under the head guard, and of course, try it out for a longer period of time. But as of right now, I will go back to the drawing boards are find a better combination.

So my question is, what is the length of tape added to the 3 and 9 positions (for the PS 85)? And what is the optimum weight to be added?

Federer used about 5g of lead under the headguard on his PS Tour90 and 5g and 4g at the headguard and throat, respectivley on his PS Original 6.0 85".

Has anyone tried Federer's PS 85 set up?

 

[Bill Tilden]

Bill you need to also add lead right under the head guard, this will make the hits more solid. Just take some of the lead from the up part of the handle and put it in the tip/nose of the racket, more stable more power ect.

This is something that you have to do after you have added to the static weight.

I will try, thanks

 

[Galactus]

I moved my lead from the 3 and 9 to the 12 (and not under the head guard) and left some lead in the throat. Did not like it at all unless I need to add more and under the head guard, and of course, try it out for a longer period of time. But as of right now, I will go back to the drawing boards are find a better combination.

So my question is, what is the length of tape added to the 3 and 9 positions (for the PS 85)? And what is the optimum weight to be added?

Has anyone tried Federer's PS 85 set up?

jlui21,

I have added a total of 24g of lead tape to my own Prostaff Original 6.0 85 - at 3 and 9 o'clock, with strips measuring 6" long (my lead tape is the Babolat variety, extra heavy) so each strip measuring 6" long and 1/4" wide weighs 3g.

This makes my Prostaff's overall weight at 380g.

I haven't tried re-customizing it to the PS 6.0 85 Federer setup as I feel this would be less for power and more for touch. However, I have tried the Prostaff Tour90 Federer setup.

 

[rocket]

Geez, you guys make my arm hurt!!! As if playing with a PS 85 wasn't crazy enough, some of you add layers upon layers of lead... how can you react to a fast serve or a passing-shot attempt with such weight?

I only use 2g (4" of 1/2" tape, cut in half) on each side for added stability. I tend to take a full fast swing so I need that maneuvrability for split-second reactions. Anyone else sets up their sticks this way?

 

[Galactus]

Geez, you guys make my arm hurt!!! As if playing with a PS 85 wasn't crazy enough, some of you add layers upon layers of lead... how can you react to a fast serve or a passing-shot attempt with such weight?

I only use 2g (4" of 1/2" tape, cut in half) on each side for added stability. I tend to take a full fast swing so I need that maneuvrability for split-second reactions. Anyone else sets up their sticks this way?

A 385g racquet, to me doesn't feel heavy at all - I can 'waft it' about with ease.
I don't know what level you play at to determine what constitutes a 'fast serve' ...and being 6'3" I can move around the court quite easily o avoid being passed.

 

[rocket]

A 385g racquet, to me doesn't feel heavy at all - I can 'waft it' about with ease.
I don't know what level you play at to determine what constitutes a 'fast serve' ...and being 6'3" I can move around the court quite easily o avoid being passed.

Ahh, your height explains it! 6'3" with muscle power is massive.

A fast serve? A full, flat, over 110mph bullet that'll startle you if you get hit. Also, I like to 'wack' the ball back with equal pace, so I need to swing my stick pretty fast.

 

[jlui21]

jlui21,

I have added a total of 24g of lead tape to my own Prostaff Original 6.0 85 - at 3 and 9 o'clock, with strips measuring 6" long (my lead tape is the Babolat variety, extra heavy) so each strip measuring 6" long and 1/4" wide weighs 3g.

This makes my Prostaff's overall weight at 380g.

I haven't tried re-customizing it to the PS 6.0 85 Federer setup as I feel this would be less for power and more for touch. However, I have tried the Prostaff Tour90 Federer setup.

Thank you mista G.

Now my next question: is there any optimum length of lead tape that should be added or is it what you like? Acutally, do you feel as if you need to add weight else where to "balance" the weight added to the 3 n 9 positions like in or on the handle?

To all: how long did it take you to find the right combination of added lead (tape) to your frame? It's been a few weeks now for me, and I still have not found a set up that I like.

OF course, I haven't been using lead for that long but it feels like its gonna take a few more weeks before I find the right one. I like the feel of a stock frame but miss the power from the lead so any other suggestions would be nice. Thanks.

 

[jlui21]

Preferred setup for Prostaff 6.0 85

I add 110 grams at the top of the handle and the raquet is fantastic, no vibration,solid. The raquet now weight approximately 460 grams.

I hadn't realize this, but I started up a similar thread that focuses more on adding lead to the handle. So I thought this is a good time to revisit this thread.

Mr. Bill T, you added 110g to the handle on what I presume is the PS 6.0 85. If that is true, how does it feel? Adding weight to the 3 and 9 siginificantly adds more power than MOST places with the exception at the 12 position, and adding lots of weight to the handle gives significantly more spin potential.

As for my second racquet, I just recently added 6g to the 3-9 position, and 24g to the handle, lengthwise along the handle starting from the butt of the cap.

So my question to all is: What is your preferred LEAD setup (or PS 6.0 85)?

 

[Galactus]

Ahh, your height explains it! 6'3" with muscle power is massive.

A fast serve? A full, flat, over 110mph bullet that'll startle you if you get hit. Also, I like to 'wack' the ball back with equal pace, so I need to swing my stick pretty fast.

I don't know exactly what speed I can consistently serve at, but I did catch one that 'jammed' into the body of my opponent last week which he completely missed.
However, the ball didn't miss him. :mrgreen:

It caught him high on the thigh where he now has a nice brown/purple patch of about 6" in diameter! :mrgreen:

 

[Galactus]

Thank you mista G.

Now my next question: is there any optimum length of lead tape that should be added or is it what you like? Acutally, do you feel as if you need to add weight else where to "balance" the weight added to the 3 n 9 positions like in or on the handle?

To all: how long did it take you to find the right combination of added lead (tape) to your frame? It's been a few weeks now for me, and I still have not found a set up that I like.

OF course, I haven't been using lead for that long but it feels like its gonna take a few more weeks before I find the right one. I like the feel of a stock frame but miss the power from the lead so any other suggestions would be nice. Thanks.

So far, I've experimented with adding lead-tape to 3 and 9 o'clock on the frame. In total, 26g in 6" x 1/4" strips layered on top of each other.
This is the setup that Sampras had done for his racquets...although I suspect some more may have been added to the handle.
I also did a similar experiment with my Prestige Classic 600 with lead-tape at the 12 o'clock position - this gave me elbow ache quite quickly.

 

[jlui21]

Experimentation continues w/ lead

So far, I've experimented with adding lead-tape to 3 and 9 o'clock on the frame. In total, 26g in 6" x 1/4" strips layered on top of each other.
This is the setup that Sampras had done for his racquets...although I suspect some more may have been added to the handle.
I also did a similar experiment with my Prestige Classic 600 with lead-tape at the 12 o'clock position - this gave me elbow ache quite quickly.

Did you find it excessively heavy? I have just 12 g, and though I can wield the power, after two months, I began to field a small difference in the swing. Thus, that is why I am wanting to counterbalance. Stock form is great, but the 12g that I had at the 3-9 position has now been updated with 12g on the handle too, but I have yet to try it out b.c it is raining.

Racquet 1: 12g 3-9 + 12g on handle
Racquet 2: 6g 3-9 + 24g on handle

 

[Deleted member 6835]

for me, putting lead at 3 and 9, and twice that amount on the handle (12g and 24g) made my oversize tweener racket play like a dream. best thing i could've done, because its now 3-4 pts headlight and very stable. even on mis-hits

 

[travlerajm]

for me, putting lead at 3 and 9, and twice that amount on the handle (12g and 24g) made my oversize tweener racket play like a dream. best thing i could've done, because its now 3-4 pts headlight and very stable. even on mis-hits

I found that the FP Radical OS played best with a similar setup - 26 g in the handle and 2 g at 10:30 and 1:30.

 

[Deleted member 6835]

I found that the FP Radical OS played best with a similar setup - 26 g in the handle and 2 g at 10:30 and 1:30.

i havent tried putting tape at 10 and 2, but im not going to now, im happy with what i have. maybe later

 

[Galactus]

Did you find it excessively heavy? I have just 12 g, and though I can wield the power, after two months, I began to field a small difference in the swing. Thus, that is why I am wanting to counterbalance. Stock form is great, but the 12g that I had at the 3-9 position has now been updated with 12g on the handle too, but I have yet to try it out b.c it is raining.

Racquet 1: 12g 3-9 + 12g on handle
Racquet 2: 6g 3-9 + 24g on handle

At 382g, I didn't find my Prostaff 6.0 heavy...I was going to add another 8-10g but ran out of lead tape.
It does start to show when you play a 3hr match though...around about the 2-hr mark, I noticed that my serves become a bit lazy, more double-faults and I lose concentration more...

 

[paulfreda]

Interesting thread.
My nCode 6195 weighs in at 14.1 oz
About 60gm well distributed in the handle; 20gm at 3 and 9.
Plays like a tweener with loads of power and stability.
Volleys like a dream; ball seems to hit a brick wall.
Feels very light and manuverable as it measures out at 12-15pts headlight.

Wish I had discovered this years ago.

 

[jlui21]

12g at 3-9, 24g on handle

I found that the FP Radical OS played best with a similar setup - 26 g in the handle and 2 g at 10:30 and 1:30.

I was serving for the first time with both my newly weighted racquets, and I must say, having the additional weight in the handle felt rather nice. Too bad I didn't hit with someone otherwise I would really know what I am looking forward.

So in summary, 12g at the 3-9 and 12g in the handle didn't win me over but 6g at the 3-9 and 24g in the handle really surprised me. It felt rather nice (for the 30 minutes I served with it). I am leaning towards making it 12g at the 3-9 and 24g on the handle, which is quite similar to tennis_nerd22 even though his is an OS radical and mine is a PS 6.0 mid.

 

[tonyjh63]

I've just added 3 grams each to the 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions, but I haven't had a chance to play with it yet. Can I reasonably expect to really notice any difference with these miniscule amounts of added weight? Thanks!

Btw, I use a PS 6.0 85

 

[travlerajm]

I've just added 3 grams each to the 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions, but I haven't had a chance to play with it yet. Can I reasonably expect to really notice any difference with these miniscule amounts of added weight? Thanks!

Btw, I use a PS 6.0 85

Yes. A little weight makes a big difference.

 

[big_banger]

There is a website www.ursa.com and it will tell you all about lead weight, string,balance etc x