Open to suggestions !

[1972murat]

Wow, almost 11 years since my last post...Life, business, baby, etc. I hope everyone is well
Getting back to playing after a lengthy break, I discovered that I am old now, and swinging my Wilson N Code 95 is not as easy as it used to be. I love everything about this racket, but I wish it was 10-15 grams lighter.
I have only played Wilson in my 45 years of playing. Old school pro Staff (Sampras, Edberg) , The newer version, BLX...The question is, what is out there these days? Does Wilson have a more forgiving version of what I have, maybe a 98? Am I missing out on other brands? What would be the closest to my N Code 95 without being so heavy? Any suggestions will be highly appreciated

 

[A_Instead]

Easy Peasy... 2023 Yonex Vcore 95
Old school heritage.. but with new school performance.

 

[SupahMan5000]

I think CX200 Tour maintains that old school feel as well but more modern and under 12oz fairly low SW

There’s many low powered 98s that are 305 grams. But this may require some customization and weight to make it more solid like that old 95 of yours

 

[Airspun]

Grab your Rafa pure aero on sale now 100sq

 

[Soundbyte]

Get the CX200 Tour. Good feel with plenty of room to customize to your liking.

 

[Crocodile]

I like the feel of the new Pro Staff 97. It’s pretty easy to use . The Ultra Pro and Clash Pro are nice as well.

 

[Trip]

For those who might need a refresher, @1972murat is coming from a 330g, medium-firm, meaty, thuddy, 10pt HL (!) control stick with a static/consistent string bed and a lot of stock plow:

​

For close to the same but in a 20g lighter package, I'd second the suggestion of a Dunlop CX 200 Tour 16x19, customized with a leather grip and lead -- 2-3g @ 9 & 3 each, 3-4g @ 12.

For a little more forgiveness, via a slightly larger 97-98" head size:
- Dunlop CX 200 with leather and 2g lead @ 9 & 3 each, 3-4g @ 12
- Head Radical Pro with leather and 1-2g @ 12
- Wilson Pro Staff 97 v14 - possibly playable w/ just an over grip

If you're willing to go softer in flex:
- Babolat Pure Strike VS w/ leather and 1-2g @ 9 & 3 each, 3-4g @ 12
- Prince ATS Tour 98 w/ leather and 1-2g @ 12

If I had to guess, with you being a Wilson guy, I'd presume the Pro Staff 97 v14 will feel the most like home, and also need the least, if any, customization, and that's the one you'll probably pick.

Hope that helps, and welcome back! Any questions, feel free.

 

[Chris Wilson]

Get the CX200 Tour. Good feel with plenty of room to customize to your liking.

I'd recommend trying the CX400 Tour also. A bit more pop, same good feel. Both need extra weight, though.

 

[TennisHound]

Wow, almost 11 years since my last post...Life, business, baby, etc. I hope everyone is well
Getting back to playing after a lengthy break, I discovered that I am old now, and swinging my Wilson N Code 95 is not as easy as it used to be. I love everything about this racket, but I wish it was 10-15 grams lighter.
I have only played Wilson in my 45 years of playing. Old school pro Staff (Sampras, Edberg) , The newer version, BLX...The question is, what is out there these days? Does Wilson have a more forgiving version of what I have, maybe a 98? Am I missing out on other brands? What would be the closest to my N Code 95 without being so heavy? Any suggestions will be highly appreciated

If you like Wilson, then the new V14 Pro Staff 97. It won’t feel as solid as you 6.1 but powerful and light nonetheless.

 

[McGradey]

Try a Blade? If you’re a Wilson guy.

The Blade is basically the modern successor to the 6.1. The archetypal modern player’s frame. It has a more even balance than a 6.1 which takes some adjusting to, but it offers more power and forgiveness in a lighter package.

V7 has more plow and will be cheaper than current V8 if you can find one.

 

[Fintft]

Shift 300 or Blade Pro v8

 

[1972murat]

All the info and suggestions are super appreciated guys, thank you so much. I will go to my local shop and demo as many of the suggestions above . The Dunlop is intriguing. If I know me though, another Wilson may end up doing the trick We are creatures of habit, no?
Thank you @Trip for posting the specs ! I wanted to upload them from my computer but could not figure out that option
In the meantime, I had a chance to hit with Shapo's Yonex and even though it felt well, the size and the shape and the sweet spot took some time getting used to. But I am also aware it will take time to get back into shape. My hands are a good 5.5 but my fitness is 2.0 I am currently arming a lot of shots because the body is not there yet. I am working on it !

 

[A_Instead]

Maybe even the ProStaff RF97...

 

[Tranqville]

Does Wilson have a more forgiving version of what I have, maybe a 98?

Wilson recently developed a frame called ProStaff X that is intended as more accessible player's frame. Gets some nice reviews. Check it out.

 

[Trip]

swinging my Wilson N Code 95 is not as easy as it used to be. I love everything about this racket, but I wish it was 10-15 grams lighter.

Maybe even the ProStaff RF97...

That's moving in the wrong direction. Too much static weight, and even slightly more stock swing weight. The OP would like to reduce static weight by 10-15g.