Need advice: Wilson Pro Staff 6.0 95 vs. Wilson Pro Staff Classic 6.1

[double13]

Hello,

All Wilson Pro Staff fans out there, I need some advice.

I bought my first Wilson Pro Staff, the model Edberg was using, back in 1989. I was in high school back then but now, I don't have as much arm power and energy to run around and hit the ball precisely.
I need a lighter, a little bigger racket (90-95 sq) that has the plow through similar to PS. All those new rackets from Babolats, Dunlop and light rackets from Wilson were either too powerful or way too light. K-Six One 95 somehow didn't feel good either, not Head Light as I like it to be.

After trying many models, I settled w/ Yonex RDis 100 Mid Plus
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Yonex_RDiS_100_Midplus/descpageRCYONEX-IS1HM.html
but the plow through is not there and I guess I couldn't make the switch to Yonex after all. I loved the feel initially.

So now, I am looking for something that similar to my old PS but lighter and bigger. I just found out Wilson had made the 95 sq inch ver. of my PS, Wilson Pro Staff 6.0 95 and it looks like it is easier to handle, 9 grams less than the Edberg racket. http://ontennis.com/products/wilson-prostaff-6.0-original

Or I could go for the Wilson PS Classic 6.(?) which has thicker frame and also lighter. I assume this one will be lighter than PS 6.0 95.
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=246450

Problem about this racket is the air cushion grip.

For the Yonex I just bought, I replaced the cheap air cushion grip w/ the Babolat leather grip but it still didn't fit my hand (4 1/2) just right like my old PS 6.0. I guess Wilson makes its leather-griped racket's handle very angular so the octagonal shape is accentuated and therefore less round.

To be safe, I should go w/ PS 6.0 95sq than the PS Classic. The only good thing about the classic would be more power due to its thicker frame?

Anyone who has experience comparing them?
These 2 rackets are not avail for demo anymore.
Also, I don't feel like spending another $200 for brand new rackets; maybe that new Wilson BLX Six One 95 is a candidate.

I am not a super strong, arm muscle type of player. I learned my SH backhand copying Edberg and my forehand has a longer swing but wouldn't mind making shorter swings when I'm pressed for time.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks so much for reading.

 

[tennisinoc]

Hello,
I need a lighter, a little bigger racket (90-95 sq) that has the plow through similar to PS.....I settled w/ Yonex RDis 100 Mid Plus but the plow through is not there.....I am looking for something that similar to my old PS but lighter and bigger

These statements are the Catch 22 statements of a lot of players who are looking for the "Old School" feel and play but in a lighter and bigger package.

Unfortunately, the reason this is a Catch 22 is because it's the Heavy weight that creates a lot of the plow through you are seeking. You may be able to find a larger headsize nowadays (90-95) but moving to a lighter racket just doesn't substitute for that feel that you are seeking. (ie. Battle Axe vs. Sword)

My advise is to find rackets that are around the 12oz weight.
Or modify a lighter racket to the 12oz range.
This way you might be able to get the best of both worlds, just not the PS world.

Your concerns is why I still have my Trusy Heavy POG's in my bag. There just isn't anything like the "Old School" sticks.

 

[fuzz nation]

I'm getting the feeling that you might be better off with the PS 6.0 95, since that one would be more of the "larger, lighter version" of the old 6.0 85 that you seem to be looking for. I still use my 6.1 Classics a bit and while I love them for doubles or serve and volley play, I like a softer racquet for more all court stuff. I agree that the 6.1 Classic would be the more powerful option in case that's what it comes down to for you.

Not many current frames with that old school sort of performance. Our pal "tennisinoc" is on the money with that observation, but that doesn't mean that all is lost. I think that there are a few newer racquets that aren't just middleweights with a lot of stiffness and power, but no feel to them - that feel issue will ultimately come down to what you prefer, though.

I really enjoy the Volkl C10 Pro for all court play. For me, it's turned out to have enough heft and softness that I get some old school personality with it, but it also delivers a nice degree of power for me despite its extra flex. In general terms, I often feel like I can do more from more areas of the court with this racquet compared with my 6.1 Classics.

If you're looking at Yonex, I think you'd be smart to get a test drive with their RDS 002 Tour. I enjoyed this racquet, but it just didn't replace the others that I was already using all the time (my Wilsons, Volkls, etc.). There are also a few mids around that you could sample. The good news with those is that even if they are rather light, you can easily put just a little lead tape on the hoop to steady things. I'll bet that if the 6.0 95 seems a little lacking, you could try a little lead tape on that one, too.

 

[double13]

Unfortunately, the reason this is a Catch 22 is because it's the Heavy weight that creates a lot of the plow through you are seeking. You may be able to find a larger headsize nowadays (90-95) but moving to a lighter racket just doesn't substitute for that feel that you are seeking. (ie. Battle Axe vs. Sword)

Thanks tennisinoc
Yes I agree w/ you, I found that out the hard way after putting lead tapes on my Yonex which made it heavier but destroying the natual balance of the racket. Using PS for many years, I have developed this swing which relies on early prep and letting it go so the racket did the work. But that kind of swing wasn't giving me enough zip using lighter rackets.

Just like in that movie "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" by Ang Lee, the Green sword (PS 6.0) is very heavy and only a master swordsman can bring out its best.

Fuzz Nation

Thanks for the tip on RDS 002 Tour.
I kind of had my eye on it reading the review on it.

However, the Volkl C10 Pro is an awesome recommendation
since I have been feeling tennis elbow recently using PS 6.0 (haven't felt elbow since when I was a beginner and it's only when I'm tired), I think I'll demo it right away.

thanks so much guys.

 

[double13]

fuzz nation

One more question, is there a different generation of Volkl C10 Pro out there? Some people's posting seems to suggest that so wondering which one you are using.

I live in Canada and just learned Volkl went out of business, Boris Becker bought the company. They no longer distribute Volkl in Canada, some in US so that means I will be looking out used ones on the internet.

thanks again

 

[meowmix]

There are various iterations of the c10 Pro, but they're RELATIVELY similar. TW sells the current version.

 

[jayserinos99]

fuzz nation

One more question, is there a different generation of Volkl C10 Pro out there? Some people's posting seems to suggest that so wondering which one you are using.

I live in Canada and just learned Volkl went out of business, Boris Becker bought the company. They no longer distribute Volkl in Canada, some in US so that means I will be looking out used ones on the internet.

thanks again

Meowmix is right, there are different iterations (fishnet yellow, non-fishnet yellow, black) but they're pretty similar so getting the current one would seem to fit your needs.

If you're looking for a PS 6.0 95, one frame that is basically a clone is the Pro Supex Nano Energy. They copied the mold and drill pattern exactly iirc. Not sure about the composition (could be all graphite, not graphite/kevlar) and I think it may be slightly lighter and the balance could be changed.

 

[jayserinos99]

Thanks tennisinoc
Yes I agree w/ you, I found that out the hard way after putting lead tapes on my Yonex which made it heavier but destroying the natual balance of the racket. Using PS for many years, I have developed this swing which relies on early prep and letting it go so the racket did the work. But that kind of swing wasn't giving me enough zip using lighter rackets.

Just like in that movie "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" by Ang Lee, the Green sword (PS 6.0) is very heavy and only a master swordsman can bring out its best.

Just curious, when you added lead to the hoop, did you also add the corresponding amount in the handle to counterbalance the weight in the hoop? Basically if you wanted slightly more plow but keeping the same balance, you would add the same amount in the 3/9 position and also in the handle (or on the handle in the form of lead tape) as well.

You also mentioned that the Yonex grip shape is rounder than Wilson. IMO, Yonex and Prince are the roundest grips and Wilson is slightly more rectangular. What you can do is if you didn't counter balance your frames, you can add lead tape to the sides of the handle to add weight and to also make your handle slightly more rectangular. People have also added duct tape or electrical tape to change the shape of the grip. I've used balsa wood and that works pretty well too.

 

[prostaff junkie]

Hi,

I've got a matched pair of PS 6.0 95's if you're interested. I'm in the UK.

PM me.

Cheers.

 

[Meaghan]

Hi,

I've got a matched pair of PS 6.0 95's if you're interested. I'm in the UK.

PM me.

Cheers.

Come join us in UK racketaholics in Odds and Ends you'll probably sell them there to someone in the UK


As for the OP question, a lot of us are in the same boat and after some research and demoing etc Ive ended up with the Vantage 95, a custom built racket with a number of different specs to meet your requirements. Very similar to the PSC with a larger sweetspot. I came from the kps88 and found this racket to be even better and slightly easier to use.