Modern alternative to Wilson Six.One 95 18X20? Blade's and VCORE's aren't making the cut.

Bottle Rocket

Hall of Fame
So here I am, almost 10 years later, and I still haven't found a replacement for my beloved Wilson BLX Six.One 95 18X20. Am I doomed forever?

Here are its specs:
  • Swingweight: 338
  • Strung weight: 351.5 g (with tourna grip & 1.30 mm Cyber Flash full bed, which is about 3g more than a 17 gauge string bed)
  • Balance: 32 cm
For me, the BLX 95 has the perfect weight and balance, power level, response from the string bed (some call it dead), and spin levels. Unfortunately, even when I am hitting cleanly I end up with pain. Sometimes it's my wrist/hand, sometimes forearm, sometimes shoulder. I tend to blame myself for these issues, however, I've used some other frames for months (in some cases years) at a time including the Yonex VCORE Pro 97 330, Wilson Blade 98 18x20 v7 (most recent), Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph, and haven't had any of these issues. When playing with the Yonex and the Blades, I've often played for significantly longer periods of time with absolutely zero pain during or after play. 10 years ago when I was in my 20's I didn't have issues with the BLX (or I did and didn't care?), but in my 30's now, my body just isn't thrilled.

I jumped on the hype train for the Blade v7 recently and gave it a shot (somewhat comparable swing weight, low static weight, super squishy, intriguing concept) for the last 3 months or so. It's comfortable and soft, but I can't remember playing with another frame that gives back so little compared to what you put into it, even with string tensions near 50. I'm a bit shocked that this frame is as popular as it is, but I suspect the low power (with great sound indicative of a harder shot) is just a major confidence builder for those using it.

The RF97 is a non-starter for me because it eats through strings like scissors (even 16g poly's such as 4G), the trajectory of the ball off the string bed (string pattern too open) is annoyingly high, and the weight and balance is a bit goofy (Wilson quality control?). It's just too heavy and swings oddly.

The Yonex has been my primary racket for the last couple of years and it swings right and has great specs (mine has a sw of 333, total weight of 352.5, and balance at 32cm), but it feels a bit unpredictable to me, probably due to the more open string pattern and significantly higher power. Pace of the ball off the string bed is consistently impressive and I've never experienced any pain or discomfort, but I've struggled to gain confidence on the backhand side. Something about the combination of spin to power just isn't jiving with me compared to the Six.One 95.

Right now I am going down a mental path of convincing myself that the re-issue of the K Six.One 95 will provide me a fresh version of this stick that will miraculously be more comfortable, while providing me with matching specs to what I'm used to. Am I insane? What else is out there? For those Six.One fanatics out there, how are you living in today's racket world?
 

Alexh22

Professional
I would highly doubt there are anything today that is close to the 6.1 95. I had then but I cannot hit the ball deep enough and gave up. Only Delpo still uses it but he has monster fh.
 

McGradey

Hall of Fame
Super interested to see what people have to say about this.

I adore my 6.1s but the fact is they don’t make them any more and trawling the second hand market can be a drag. And sometimes you want the option to buy something new...

I’m gonna demo the Volkl C10 pro. The specs are about as close to a 6.1 as I can find available for demo.

Tempted to demo the Blade v7 too based off the glowing reviews but the balance is totally different to a 6.1!
 
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D

Deleted member 756272

Guest
I thought the Pure Strike 18x20 3rd gen with a lot of lead tape felt like the 6.1s. Emphasis on the "lots of lead tape" part.

Tennis Warehouse Europe has the Six.One (all whites) on sale. TW US has the K6.1s for a limited time. If you prefer to go with what you know.
 

Big Bagel

Professional
It's a little softer, but I'd consider the Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18x20. You will need to add lead tape, but it responds really well to customization. I don't know that it'll solve your problem, but it might work.
 

Bottle Rocket

Hall of Fame
...adore my 6.1s but the fact is they don’t make them any more and trawling the second hand market can be a drag. And sometimes you want the option to buy something new...

Per my original post, and part of the motivation for this discussion, is that they're for sale again on TW - https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Wilson_K_Six_One_95_18x20_Racquets/descpageRCWILSON-K6195.html

This implies to me that either a) Wilson doesn't believe they have a viable alternative even in their own product line, or b) they know there are people like me out there that may do something irrational. Or both.
 

Bottle Rocket

Hall of Fame
Tempted to demo the Blade v7 too based off the glowing reviews but the balance is totally different to a 6.1!

Blade v7 feels like a Six.One with weight hollowed out and a Head Flexpoint hole added to the throat to increase flex and absorb energy that you wish went back into the ball.

With that said, it does feel damn good when you connect and the sound is phenomenal.
 
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Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
@Bottle Rocket have you tried the Tecnifibre TFight 305 XTC? With some modifications for weight and a tad of Tungsten tape in the head, you might be able to get there. When I held it in my hand, the first thing I thought was this is a copy of the 6.1 95 (when it comes to mold at least, certainly not weight-wise).
 

McGradey

Hall of Fame
Thanks @Bottle Rocket
Love the description of the Blade. I'm still curious to try it, but dropping 25-30g of strung weight I think it's going to feel like a toy compared to a 6.1
 

Bottle Rocket

Hall of Fame
Thanks @Bottle Rocket
Love the description of the Blade. I'm still curious to try it, but dropping 25-30g of strung weight I think it's going to feel like a toy compared to a 6.1

Yeah, can definitely see how people would find some joy and success with the Blade given enough added weight and an interest in experimenting. It's a pretty neat weight distribution for a stock racket.
 
Try an Angell TC95 18x20? Two stiffness options but either will probably be more comfortable than yours. It’s not the exact same as a 6.1 obviously but with good technique and the right setup the tc95 can be a monster too and play a similar style (crushes flat shots)
 

colan5934

Professional
I second the Dunlop CX 200 18x20 suggestion. Nice and crisp will plenty of predictable zip off the stringbed which is why I like the 6.1. I also think it responds well to some lead. VCORE 95 has been likened to the 6.1 95 for some too. I also notice little difference between the re-released K6.1 and the one I have lying around from 2008 or whenever they came out. Older one feels less stiff and smoother, but it’s seen more than its fair share of court time in its years and is probably a bit broken down.
 

snoflewis

Legend
I havent tried the v7, but the 2015 blade is the closest thing ive tried to a blx 6.1 95 in terms of feel and response. I've used all iterations of the six one including all 3 versions of the 16x18 blx models, and it's closest to the first black/red one. There are the obvious differences in string pattern and weight, but the feel of the 1st blx six one was the best imo, and the 2015 blade is the closest it'll get to that. Unfortunately, that blade is hard to find as well.

i'd look into the six one 2017 reissues on TWE if you can find a way to have them shipped overseas.
 

Rally

Professional
I hear the Head Gravity Pro has been getting rave reviews. It's still a bit of a light-weight at only 11.7 ounces strung, but slapping on a leather grip and overgrip should bring it to a healthy 12-12.1 ounces.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
 

fuzz nation

G.O.A.T.
Right now I am going down a mental path of convincing myself that the re-issue of the K Six.One 95 will provide me a fresh version of this stick that will miraculously be more comfortable, while providing me with matching specs to what I'm used to. Am I insane? What else is out there? For those Six.One fanatics out there, how are you living in today's racket world?

I think you need to sample the Volkl C10. Stay away from poly if you need some comfort - I string mine with snug beds of syn. gut - and you might be good to go.

These frames give me more of the impression of a 95" racquet than a 98", including how dense the pattern gets in the heart of the string bed. I got into the C10's when I was looking for a softer alternative to my old Wilson 6.1 Classics. All I've done with my C10's is add a little weight to the handles to get another point or two of head-light balance that I prefer in a frame with this heft.

While we're thinking retro (I think?) I'll also bring up the Prince Phantoms, including the 93". These look like gummy-bears on a stick (super soft). Another one to check out could be the ProKennex Ki Q+ Tour Pro 325 - haven't sampled either of these myself just yet.
 

penguin

Professional
I would highly doubt there are anything today that is close to the 6.1 95. I had then but I cannot hit the ball deep enough and gave up. Only Delpo still uses it but he has monster fh.
Edmund and Evans use it and others also I am sure
 

Hww

Rookie
Try an Angell TC95 18x20? Two stiffness options but either will probably be more comfortable than yours. It’s not the exact same as a 6.1 obviously but with good technique and the right setup the tc95 can be a monster too and play a similar style (crushes flat shots)

I second the TC95 and would further push for the 63RA version, however this comment is only for the V2. I have never played with the TC95 V3. Personally, I now play with a Phantom 93p because I wanted an even more lower-powered racket. Both rackets are great for your elbow.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

smalahove

Hall of Fame
Have you tried the VCORE 95 yet? Better than those you listed.


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The VCore 95 falls into the 6.1 95 category to me (whereas the VCore Pro 97 and VCore 98 have very little in common with it, ime).

After owning a lot of rackets, I find that the physical attributes of the frame most often are a good indicator of common traits. The last versions of the 6.1 95 had a a 21-22 mm constant taper (flat) and roundish beam. However this is not _always_ the case, as the other new 6.1. 95 alternative I've tried, is the Tecnifibre TF40 305, which is a bit more squarish with reg to beam profile. The VCore 95 needs a little led to play as the 6.1 95 (which might not give you the result/feel you want as lead did alter the feel for me), whereas the TF40 was super solid right of the bat.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
How about customizing an Ultra Tour to match the 6.1?

That's what I've done... when it comes to weight, balance, and SW (approximately)... However, the feel and the softness of the UT is different, so then it becomes an issue of personal preference... and I prefer lower RA, plush racquets, therefore, I would choose the UT.

I also very much enjoy the 6.1 95 as I find that it's solid-built feel and balance when both being held and swung are almost perfect and hard to replicate... I just wish it was plusher. It definitely produces very penetratingly, weighty shots, and gives the opponent a workout.
 

Bottle Rocket

Hall of Fame
I second the TC95 and would further push for the 63RA version, however this comment is only for the V2. I have never played with the TC95 V3. Personally, I now play with a Phantom 93p because I wanted an even more lower-powered racket. Both rackets are great for your elbow.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Definitely intrigued by this Angell concept and am taking it more seriously than I have before. Looks like it ends up being about $230 shipped to the U.S.?
 

hurworld

Hall of Fame
Definitely intrigued by this Angell concept and am taking it more seriously than I have before. Looks like it ends up being about $230 shipped to the U.S.?
You can look into the For Sale / For Trade section of the forum and see if anyone is selling a used one in the US. Best thing about Angell is quality control. If you like the used one you bought and thinking of getting another one you can get another one with almost exact same spec. None of that +/- 7g bullsh*t.
 
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brownbearfalling

Hall of Fame
@Bottle Rocket have you tried the Tecnifibre TFight 305 XTC? With some modifications for weight and a tad of Tungsten tape in the head, you might be able to get there. When I held it in my hand, the first thing I thought was this is a copy of the 6.1 95 (when it comes to mold at least, certainly not weight-wise).

agree that Tecnifibre is worth a try. The only other frame that came close to feeling as good as the six one is the tecnifibre V02 max 325 18x20. Had the same crispness. If they kept the mold the same the Tfight series is worth a try. Stay away from the “limited 98” or tf40 models. Those are more like Dunlop 300 molds.

all that said, it doesn’t solve your issue of discomfort coming from the six one
I havent tried the v7, but the 2015 blade is the closest thing ive tried to a blx 6.1 95 in terms of feel and response. I've used all iterations of the six one including all 3 versions of the 16x18 blx models, and it's closest to the first black/red one. There are the obvious differences in string pattern and weight, but the feel of the 1st blx six one was the best imo, and the 2015 blade is the closest it'll get to that. Unfortunately, that blade is hard to find as well.

i'd look into the six one 2017 reissues on TWE if you can find a way to have them shipped overseas.
100% agree that the 2010 Red/black BLX is the best model. I am still playing it and no other racquet has been close to kicking them out of the bag.
 
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brownbearfalling

Hall of Fame
Bottle rocket:
I understand your predicament. If you’re looking for more comfort K6.1 is definitely not the answer. It’s the most crisp and solid of the 6.1’s but also the most harsh.

2017 issue is pretty comfortable. Worth a try. I still prefer the 2010 BLX.
 

brownbearfalling

Hall of Fame
Bottle rocket:
I understand your predicament. If you’re looking for more comfort K6.1 is definitely not the answer. It’s the most crisp and solid of the 6.1’s but also the most harsh.

2017 issue is pretty comfortable. Worth a try. I still prefer the 2010 BLX.

Have you ever tried a Prestige MP? It doesn’t have the same crispness as the 6.1 but it has the control and responsiveness. Both the dense and open pattern models are awesome. I would highly recommend getting the grip pallets from the speed line and replacing them. The speed pallets are more Wilson like where as the prestige pallet is more oval.
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Have three of the 6.1 95 18x20 2017 Re-issue frames. Bought them on Amazon over stocked for $89.99 each and then bought one from a TW member that was basically brand new for $75. Hard to beat those frames if 6.1 95 is what you are used to playing. My concern is not being able to find more of them.
 

n8dawg6

Legend
6.1 95 18x20 ( 2017 Re-issue)
Kfactor 6.1 95 18x20 (2019 Re-issue)
just curious, has anyone actually tried these reissues side by side? i see comments that the original kfactor was harsh, but it seems entirely possible that the 2019 reissue is more like the 2017 reissue than the original kfactor.
 
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snoflewis

Legend
100% agree that the 2010 Red/black BLX is the best model. I am still playing it and no other racquet has been close to kicking them out of the bag.

Have you tried the 2015 blade 18x20? It's the only racket ive tried that is close to it in feel with a more predictable response off the stringbed compared to the 16x18 six one. There is the obvious weight difference, but despite being a full oz lighter, the stability is there.
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Have you tried the 2015 blade 18x20? It's the only racket ive tried that is close to it in feel with a more predictable response off the stringbed compared to the 16x18 six one. There is the obvious weight difference, but despite being a full oz lighter, the stability is there.

That is the Wilson frame that I see the majority of collegiate players using. See some with the new V7 but primarily they use the 15’ 18x20.
 

Bottle Rocket

Hall of Fame
That is the Wilson frame that I see the majority of collegiate players using. See some with the new V7 but primarily they use the 15’ 18x20.

Yeah, interesting. I was certainly hopeful when I got the V7, but it just feels so totally different. How is the 15' thought of compared to the current v7?
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Yeah, interesting. I was certainly hopeful when I got the V7, but it just feels so totally different. How is the 15' thought of compared to the current v7?

I asked several of the players which are foreign for the most part what they thought about the V7. They simply pointed to the 2015 and said “dis one good”. “that was followed by Yea, Yea, Yea” from the others. Have seen a number of the players using Yonex but not even sure which ones they are using.
 

TennisHound

Legend
The Blade 18x20s aren’t very HL. To get them as HL as a Six one 95 will take a whole lotta weight in the handle. I actually think you should buy new pro stock six ones if you like them that much.
 

Bottle Rocket

Hall of Fame
To update anyone who may stumble upon this thread, I've actually ended up switching to the Blade v7 18X20. I've been playing almost everyday now for the past couple of weeks during baby #1's nap (on paternity leave for baby #2) and it's been exceptional. Great feel, great sound, zero pain, zero soreness, and good results. When I go back to the Wilson now it feels much less forgiving and as demanding and occasionally jarring as I remember (and honestly, not as satisfying as a clean hit on the Blade). Given that I am quite a bit less fit now than I was in my 20's, I'm finding the Blade to be something I can play with still for extended periods of time. I've fully come around so far as appreciating the flex and the feel that originally turned me away and the lower power (on a clean hit) is an acceptable tradeoff for improved overall consistency and tolerance to the frame. Just bought another couple of them, so I should be all set for this decade?

(I've also finally transitioned away from that old 1.30mm poly I was using for the last 10-15 years and am making a full transition to Solinco Confidential 16L, which has certainly contributed to my increasingly positive opinion on this frame)
 

Chezbeeno

Professional
I used the BLX 6.1 95 18x20 as well, and I struggled to find something that had similar feel. RF97 was close, but honestly the racquet that I found that I enjoyed the most was the CV Blade. It's stiffer and more powerful than the V7, and the muted feel makes it hit like a much beefier, more solid frame. Posters here generally hate the CV Blades, but most of them also tend to hate them because they're familiar with the feel of the Blade line, which changed dramatically with the CV's. I tend to hear much better feedback about the CV Blades from folks who have switched from other frames altogether.
The new Blade Pro is another option, it feels rock solid, but pretty powerful (much more so than the V7). It's much more demanding, though, so who knows how your arm would feel. Also they're pretty darn expensive.
 

ryushen21

Legend
Calling @ryushen21 for his expertise on the 6.1s
You invoked my name so here I am.

The short answer here is that there isn't exactly going to be a direct replacement for the 6.1 95. That's because nothing out there swings and crushes the ball the same way that the 6.1 does. It's that combination of a high static weight combined with a relatively lower swingweight from the HL balance the frame carries.

Before I decided that swinging the 6.1 in competition was no longer a good idea, I was looking to the Babolat Pure Strike 18x20 as a possible option. If you don't mind spending $250 per frame, you can also order the v13 6.1 directly from Wilson.

I love the 6.1s and I would love to name an equivalent, but I really can't.
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
You invoked my name so here I am.

The short answer here is that there isn't exactly going to be a direct replacement for the 6.1 95. That's because nothing out there swings and crushes the ball the same way that the 6.1 does. It's that combination of a high static weight combined with a relatively lower swingweight from the HL balance the frame carries.

Before I decided that swinging the 6.1 in competition was no longer a good idea, I was looking to the Babolat Pure Strike 18x20 as a possible option. If you don't mind spending $250 per frame, you can also order the v13 6.1 directly from Wilson.

I love the 6.1s and I would love to name an equivalent, but I really can't.

prince phantom 93p is pretty much the same specs as the 6.1. Minus the harsh feel. It probably is lower powered because of the lower RA. But hey, that’s why it’s more comfy. But it certainly has that beautiful balance. Just needs tensions in the 40’s to get juice out of it.
 

ryushen21

Legend
prince phantom 93p is pretty much the same specs as the 6.1. Minus the harsh feel. It probably is lower powered because of the lower RA. But hey, that’s why it’s more comfy. But it certainly has that beautiful balance. Just needs tensions in the 40’s to get juice out of it.
Have you ever hit with the 6.1? I can assure you that the 93P will not feel anything like the 6.1.

A lot of racquets look like the 6.1 on paper but that is where the similarities end. There is a uniqueness that the 6.1 has in terms of its swing feel and how responds to the ball. To that you have to add it's nearly absurd level of stability, ability to handle any shot that's thrown at it, and that it's a defensive shot WMD.

The 6.1 has a massive spot in my tennis heart and I may not be entirely impartial when it comes to new recommendations. But I think the OP will be hard pressed to find something that comes even remotely close on the current market.
 

SaaKha

Semi-Pro
Gonna echo what others said already and say you should try out any version of the C10 Pro you can get your hands on.

Perhaps a weighted up VCore 95 as well.
 
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