KPS88 vs original PS85

[tribunal4555]

HOT DAMN...


I just realized something. The best stick I ever played with went out of production (curse you Wilson)- the PS85. I never even tried the KPS88. After reading some feedback on the forums, I see that the KPS is a lot less maneuverable; however, I did lead up the PS85, so I would probably do the same with the KPS. If leaded up to make it around 8-9pts HL, would the racquet be similar to the PS85 or should I just stick w/ my Head racquet?

 

[ckledzepplin]

I'd try the K90, cause its about the same weight and balence as the ps85.

 

[coloskier]

Lead up the KPS88 any more and your arm will fall off. Having played with the PS85 for 15 years and the KPS88 for now 8 months I'd say the difference is that the KPS88 is a little less manuverable, has more plowthrough, is stiffer, is definitely heavier, but is more suited to today's tennis than the PS85.

 

[tribunal4555]

I wouldn't call myself a "modern" tennis player by any standards- I'm an all-courter who frequently serve-and-volleys. Thanks for the feedback though; I'll try out! As for the leading, I'm used to 13+ oz sticks, so that shouldn't be a problem!

 

[matchmaker]

In my humble opinion, the KPS turned out to be quite different from the classical 85 s.i. frames.

It is a very stiff and powerful racquet and lends itself much more to semiwestern forehand topspin hitting to tame the power than a classical eastern forehand flat style of play.

I think the K90 is a better fit for the 6.0 lovers. It is more flexy, taking away just the right amount of power to control the ball, but on the other hand the 90 s.i. head gives you more pop than an 85 s.i.

 

[dr_punk]

I also agree with the K90 similarity to the PS85, but the later flexier versions. I felt like the kps was stiffer than the k90

 

[tribunal4555]

I've demo'ed the K90- great stick, had some of that "buttery" feel that the PS85 did... but the extra pop was a little difficult to handle. I'll have to retry it and see if I can get used to it.

 

[matchmaker]

I've demo'ed the K90- great stick, had some of that "buttery" feel that the PS85 did... but the extra pop was a little difficult to handle. I'll have to retry it and see if I can get used to it.

If you found the K90 to have a lot of pop, you will find the KPS to be uncontrollable, I think.

The K90 has that little flex to control the ball, while the KPS is the Pure Drive among the mids, it is very powerfull and you need to put spin on the ball to keep it in the court.

 

[Keifers]

Yes, many of us wanted (and still want) a 90" version of the PS 85 and the KPS is definitely not that.

It's more like a battle sword to the scalpel-like 85. Takes much more effort and good technique to wield, but you get tremendous plow and authority -- it hits a very heavy ball, it bullies the ball, treats a heavy-topspin incoming ball like it has no topspin whatsoever. Noticeably less feel than the 85.

The KPS generates surprising spin -- the most spin (and the nastiest slice bh spin) that I've ever experienced with a Pro Staff. Its resistance to twisting on off-center shots is unparalleled.

Imo, this is a groundbreaking, envelope-pushing design. Given the specs of the OP's modified 85s, I definitely recommend a demo. Enjoy!

 

[tribunal4555]

Thanks for the feedback; I called my local pro shop and will be demoing it later today. By later, I mean as soon as I get my lazy butt over there :twisted:

 

[Keifers]

Hope you have fun.

Don't know whether this will help or hinder... People have reported KPS balances ranging from 4 to 8 pts HL (strung), due to manufacturing tolerances I'm sure. I chose mine to be around 8 pts HL. 4 or 5 or 6 pts would make it impossible for me to play with it.

(Something to keep in mind if you decide to purchase. TW can select sticks with your preferred specs from their stock. Of course, you might not be as sensitive to balance (and maneuverability) as I am.)

 

[tribunal4555]

Just got back after a lengthy playtest. True to nature, my buddy at the pro shop leaded up the racquet for me to 9 pts HL; it was about 13.3 or so ounces in weight. Great racquet! Love the plow-through of this frame. The power level was wayyyy too high for me though, so I started to brush up more on the back of the ball. I just hit a much heavier ball; the amount of kick and the crazy angles I generated were incredible. I had the stick restrung with a less lively duo: Klipper Ultimate Hybrid at 56# mains, 58# X's. This helped tone down the power. All in all, great stick! I'm definitely thinking about this one, especially since I only ordered one YT so far, and it is in great condition- I can definitely fetch a decent price for it.

 

[Keifers]

Good for you. If you can handle 13.3 ozs (and obviously you can), a 9 pts HL KPS with the right string(s) and tension(s) can be a wondrous weapon. I know of no other stick that can even approach its performance.

 

[tribunal4555]

Thanks. I just pulled the trigger on four of these, along with a few reels of string! Can't wait to string 'em up (after leading them, of course) for my tournament next week!

 

[kanjii]

I played with the kps earlier but put it down for the k90. After reading how much you enjoyed it, I am thinking of bringing it back out and hit again