NOS Wilson Ceramic Midsize 85

[Snaab]

Found one of these in museum condition, stored in the factory full length cover, literally time capsule perfect.
Unique in that it has a blue bumper guard but white side and throat grommets.
I'm itching to string this but am wondering what are the chances of the white grommets splintering and shattering immediately upon stringing?
Sounds like the ProStaff 85 black grommets will fit?

 

[georgeyew]

The wilson grommets from the 80's were pretty good. I had a couple of ceramic 85's and the grommets held up on both. Just to be safe, I would pull the tension slowly.

 

[Kevo]

It probably depends on how it was stored. If they dried out then I would guess they will either crack when stringing or else they will shortly after you start playing with it. I would say it would be very hard to know for sure without potentially sacrificing one as a test.

 

[teachingprotx]

I’ve strung a million of these over the years ( we’ll not millions) but Way more than the OG pro staff 85. Who knew !
I have never seen the grommets in bad enuff shape to warrant new grommets. Not even any tubing wAs ever required

 

[Snaab]

I’ve strung a million of these over the years ( we’ll not millions) but Way more than the OG pro staff 85. Who knew !
I have never seen the grommets in bad enuff shape to warrant new grommets. Not even any tubing wAs ever required

Thanks for your input, that is very promising. I also saw a used one recently and all of the grommets were surprisingly fine, so I'm feeling more optimistic about stringing it. Of course, will pull tension slowly.....

 

[teachingprotx]

Slow is the way of the walk .. with this one . It should string up fine no drama

 

[Ronaldo]

Replacement PS 6.0 85 grommet sets are more expensive than the racquets

 

[Snaab]

Replacement PS 6.0 85 grommet sets are more expensive than the racquets

Yeah, I've noticed.

 

[georgeyew]

Yeah, I've noticed.

The PS85 grommets are not a direct replacement. You have to cut the grommet to fit them into some of the holes. The spacing on some of the holes are 2mm off.