KPS88 vs BLX90

[atomicbluecivic]

I'm at it again: Comparing the 6.1/6.0 lineage frames.

I've already played with the SV, China PS85, K90, and the KPS88. This is my test of the BLX90 vs KPS88.

In my past review, I thought the KPS88 played very similar to the SV model. Very close. The China PS85 and K90 were on opposite sides. PS85, very quick and mobile with loss of stability. K90 VERY stable, too stable. Odd given it's HL pts. I guess it was too polarized. KPS88, was just a slight heavy SV Prostaff. I would say the mold of the PS85 china is entirely different than the SV Prostaffs. I wouldn't even call them the same racket line really. The KPS88 is more like the SV Prostaff in every way. Including dimension. The KPS88 was just as thick and just as large. The SV PS was thicker and has a bigger head than the China iterations.

Back to the review. I get the B90. Instantly, I know it's lost the polarization of the K90. Gone will be the slice of the K90. I see why so many have complained about the B90. As I hit with it, I notice it's a lot quicker through the hitting zone, very quick. Fast as the China PS85. FH is easy to control if you are one that makes last minute adjustments. It lacks the plow of the K90 and the KPS88, but it so quick that you can generate more spin at will. In my opinion, you give up plow for directional control at the last minute. I would go with the B90 overall. My 1HBH is more consistent, but I can't hit winners like with the KPS88 and the K90. Trade-off is less errors versus more winners. No gain/loss there. Volley's the stick outdoes my KPS88 and the K90. KPS88 is better if I am in the right spot. If I have to reach of a volley, the B90 is wonderful. The K90 is just awful at the net. Volley, the B90 wins. Server, the B90 is great at picking angles. I never liked the K90, the KPS88 was good at serving, but the B90 was just ridiculous. Serves BLX90.

Overall, I would chose the BLX90 over my KPS88 in normal circumstances. The times I want my KPS88 is when I'm aggressive and attacking. The KPS88 should only be used to force the issue. However, if I played a better player, I would want the BLX90 just so I have more flexibility in my game. Ideally, I might change my setup to have 2 BLX90 and 1 KPS88. That way, I can chose the weapon for my opponent.

 

[atomicbluecivic]

Oh, the most important thing. I personally think the BLX90 is a 90si version of the China PS 6.0 (85). That's the way it feels in my hand. I would actually prefer the BLX90 over a PS85 China, since the PS85 China was horrible for my 1HBH.

 

[Kemitak]

That sounds about right.

 

[sliceboy33]

Great review!

I've never played with the SV nor the KPS88 but your observations on the BLX were spot on with my own impressons. I've got my BLX 90s for less than a week (I'm have to play more with it before writing a thorough review) but they feel very similar to the old Chinese PS85s indeed. My BLX 90s swing at 325 which is exactly the same as the PS85 and much faster than the K-90s at 336.

They do however feel much more confortable and muted than the PS85s while retaining that legendary pinpoint directional control.

They're arguably the best sticks I've played with but let's wait until the honeymoon period is over.

 

[roundiesee]

Great review!

I've never played with the SV nor the KPS88 but your observations on the BLX were spot on with my own impressons. I've got my BLX 90s for less than a week (I'm have to play more with it before writing a thorough review) but they feel very similar to the old Chinese PS85s indeed. My BLX 90s swing at 325 which is exactly the same as the PS85 and much faster than the K-90s at 336.

They do however feel much more confortable and muted than the PS85s while retaining that legendary pinpoint directional control.

They're arguably the best sticks I've played with but let's wait until the honeymoon period is over.

Yes, agreed, and to the OP- good review. But it is this "mutedness" that some hate, because it seems to lack feel. Nonetherless still an excellent racket; balance much more manageable cf that heavy stick, the KPS88. I think re the BLX90, Wilson got it right in terms of balance and comfort.

 

[sliceboy33]

I know what you mean. It felt a bit too cushioned at first and I've even tried playing without a dampener - I never play without one because the pinging sound annoys me too much. But I do like that dry thud against the strings. I reckon that it may be a bit dull for some but I don't think it's a lack of feel - just a different one.

 

[atomicbluecivic]

mutedness

roundiesee, I know what you mean about the 'mutedness.' The PS85 Chinas has that raw buttery feel. If the BLX90 was say 85si, i think that will fix the muted issue. The K90 didn't feel muted b/c its weight distribution and stiffness gave it that raw feel. Once you took the stiffness and distribution away, it became the BLX90 with the muted feel. Now a BLX85 will be something sweet. I would pay for that in a heartbeat.

Wilson marketing, how about a BLX85 for sheets and giggles?

 

[volleynets]

I hit with the 90BLX today and it felt like a fly swatter. I couldn't tell how hard or soft I was hitting the ball. It feels weirdly light because of the new weight distribution.

 

[roundiesee]

Atomic, some players can't seem to get past this muted feeling; I think for people who have not played with previous versions of the ProStaff it may not be such a big deal, but for players who have had exposure to the PS85, Tour90, K90 etc, these players may tend not to like the new BLX. Nonetheless I still feel that the BLX was a fine stick, it just takes a while to get used to the new "feel".

 

[Devilito]

I don’t get it. I love the muted feel, I even put a Sampras O dampener on it to further mute it. If I could play with a racquet that had zero feel I would. I never understood what people meant by “feel”. By the time you swing and hit the ball, any feeling you get back is totally irrelevant. The ball has already left the strings and there is no adjustment you can make to change that. If I could find a racquet that had zero feeling when I hit the ball it would be a dream. The only thing that determines where the ball goes is your stroke mechanic. The feel of the racquet is irrelevant. But that’s just the way I “feel” about it. To me the BLX 90 is a true evolution of the PS85 and I love it.

 

[acm]

In my opinion the kps88 is a monster in every aspect, but you have to be in a good shape in order to performance well for 3 plus sets. I don't know how the blx90 compare with the k88 but, according to one of my friends the blx90 is less stiff/ more maneurable.

 

[Edberg]

Here are the weights and balances of the 2 racquets. Strung with the same strings, one overgrip and dampener each.

BLX90
13.1 ounces
12 points HL

K90
12.7 ounces
8 points HL

I have a pair of each of these racquets. Both weighing very close to the above posted specs. I think Wilson did not even use basalt in the BLX, they have just simply played with the weight and balance.