The best Wilson Six One 95?

LiquidWhip

LiquidWhip

Rookie
My current weapon of choice is the Wilson Six One 95 BLX 16x18 (2010 version) which I keep coming back to despite having flings with the Blade 93, Blade 98, Pro Staff Six One 95, various Pro Staff 90s, Head Youtek IG Radical Pro and Prince EXO Tour 3. For me, I love it’s combination of crispness, rock solid stability, massive plow-through and spin potential which few, if any, of its rivals can offer.

I’ve also played with the nSix One 95 in the past which I enjoyed before switching to the BLX version. However, I skipped the K Six One 95 and the current BLX 2012 version. Now with the 2014 version coming out and seriously tempting me, I thought I’d pause for breath and ask what, in your view, is the best Six One 95?
 
for me it ranks as
1) pro staff 6.1 classic (open pattern) . the crispness of this graphite is unmatched in any other version i've hit with
2)blx six one 95 16x18 pattern (the mostly red paintjob. the most maneuverable version i've hit with and nice softer feel
3) k factor six one 95. could absolutely crush the ball with this one. very solid, huge sweet spot.

for reference i've hit with the first blx version, the n code, the hyper pro staff and the nsix-one 95 team
 
I've played with the k-factor, 2010, and 2012 16x18s. I did not like the 2010 version. For some reason, it played very stiff for me. I think the k-factor is the most solid and has the most plow through and feel. It varies which one I play best with though. I think the ampli-feel is kind of gimmicky, but it is unique. All I hear is that the 2013s are the 2012s with updated paint.

I'm about to take a furlough and cheat on these guys and experiment with some more control-oriented frames, but I enjoy playing with these 6.1s the best.
 
AYone said:
I've played with the k-factor, 2010, and 2012 16x18s. I did not like the 2010 version. For some reason, it played very stiff for me. I think the k-factor is the most solid and has the most plow through and feel. It varies which one I play best with though. I think the ampli-feel is kind of gimmicky, but it is unique. All I hear is that the 2013s are the 2012s with updated paint.

I'm about to take a furlough and cheat on these guys and experiment with some more control-oriented frames, but I enjoy playing with these 6.1s the best.
Click to expand...

Me too and I prefer the 2012 16X18, or what is called the BLX Amplifeel 6.1 95.
 
Looking at the responses so far, it looks like there have been marginal improvements in the line over the years.

With that in mind, it seems logical that the latest iteration would be a worthy sucessor to my current stick. Time for a demo I think!
 
I play with the 2010 and must say it's a very hard racquet to replace. Whatever I try (including the new 6.1 95), I always come back to them.

The last two model (2012 + 2013) are a bit less headlight (despite what the specs say) and have a bit less swingweight. They also have a slightly narrower head than the 2010, barley noticeable but somehow I can feel it. The control is phenomenal, as it plays almost like a 93 inch IMO. The 2012 model also has a more cushioned feel, and is overall a very good racquet.

I still prefer my 2010, probably cause I'm used to them. But I don't fear the moment they will crack, because the 2012 will be there, and they're good enough.
 
DonDiego said:
I play with the 2010 and must say it's a very hard racquet to replace. Whatever I try (including the new 6.1 95), I always come back to them.

The last two model (2012 + 2013) are a bit less headlight (despite what the specs say) and have a bit less swingweight. They also have a slightly narrower head than the 2010, barley noticeable but somehow I can feel it. The control is phenomenal, as it plays almost like a 93 inch IMO. The 2012 model also has a more cushioned feel, and is overall a very good racquet.

I still prefer my 2010, probably cause I'm used to them. But I don't fear the moment they will crack, because the 2012 will be there, and they're good enough.
Click to expand...

Yeah I still keep 3 2010 around, in case I want to go back to them :D
 
I'm a long time 6.1 95 (16x18) user (the 12oz + models), beginning with the HyperPro Staff version. Here's my order of preference:

1) nCode. I like everything about this version except that it now feels slightly heavy to me. So I don't use it much any more. Also, I only have one of it and its pretty worn out ! I found that it has a great combo of power and control, along with feel, touch and especially comfort.

2) 2010 BLX. This is my current go-to racket. For me it's the closest racket to the nCode version that I've found. However, I find that it feels and swings slightly lighter than the nCode, which is a big plus. And it still has a great combo of power and control, along with feel, touch and comfort. I was very happy that I was able to find a replacement for the nCode version.

3) 2012 BLX. This one feels more like an improved K version to me(better control and comfort) than an upgraded 2010 BLX. I know others have said that it feels lighter than the 2010 BLX, but it's the opposite for me. It feels and swings heavier than the 2010 BLX to me. Also, the balance doesn't feel quite the same as the 2010 BLX. I use this version for matches I don't care too much about and as my backup to the 2010 BLX. (I only have one of each racket). I find it has more power and less control than the 2010 BLX, so I string it tighter than the 2010 BLX to harness the power.

4) HyperPro Staff. I liked this racket a lot when I was using it prior to the nCode. I thought it was a great control racket but not as comfortable and powerful as the nCode. And it felt heavier to me than the nCode.

5) Kfactor. I didn't like this one at all compared to the others. It had great power, but I couldn't control it. And I didn't think it was comfortable. I believe it gave me arm problems which is one of the reasons I didn't play with it more, although the lack of control with it was a big problem for me. I do know a couple of hard hitters who loved this version. It just wasn't for me.

I'm really looking forward to reading the feedback of long time 6.1 95 users to the latest version (2013), especially those who favor the nCode and 2010 BLX. I'll probably buy one eventually unless the long time users are really negative about it. I'm really hoping it plays closer to the nCode and 2010 BLX than the other versions.
 
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I'll chime it too. I also can't find a replacement for my 10' 6.1 95 16x18's. I tried the 99s and it was too light and no control, as well as the blade. Hoping the new 95's are good for me, since mine are really getting beat up. I'll probably stick with a 16x18 string pattern.
 
Great to see some love for the 2010 version. Shame they are increasingly hard to come by in the UK, particularly the 16x18 version, otherwise I'd stock up on a couple more.

Have put my name down for a demo of the 2014 version so I'll be able to provide a comparison soon.
 
TripleB said:
I agree with Ronaldo....Hyper ProStaff 6.1 was the best one in my opinion - nothing since has come close. Only one close to it was the Classic 6.1 95 from back in the late 80s.

TripleB
Click to expand...

Got this idea from Tom Martinez. Still prefer Ultra Fpk 95 but those are the 80s. And Tom Martinez' idea.
 
I only ever played with the original six one 95. I lived the racket for all the reasons you mention. But then I got offered an Angell Custom deal (it was Vantage back then). I simply went for the same specs and expected a very similar experience.

I was in for a big surprise; the Angell is noticeably more solid/stable and, with the thinner beam) a fraction faster swinging.

When I tried the Wilson again it was impossible to go back.

It sounds silly to order a custom frame to stock specs of another racket, but I'm very glad I did.
 
officerdibble said:
I only ever played with the original six one 95. I lived the racket for all the reasons you mention. But then I got offered an Angell Custom deal (it was Vantage back then). I simply went for the same specs and expected a very similar experience.

I was in for a big surprise; the Angell is noticeably more solid/stable and, with the thinner beam) a fraction faster swinging.

When I tried the Wilson again it was impossible to go back.

It sounds silly to order a custom frame to stock specs of another racket, but I'm very glad I did.
Click to expand...

Interesting. I'm guessing you ordered the one with a flex of 70, and not the one with a flex of 63, right?
 
Another vote for the Hyper Pro Staff 6.1 95, I've tried the nCode, K-Factor and BLX but none of those felt as good as the HPS, such a great frame.
 
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I used the 2010 six one 95 18x20, and I felt that it was also much more stable in the 2010 version than the 2012. I would be interested to try the 2014 six ones if I weren't having so much fun playing my customized blade 104.
 
After all this years, I demoed a 6.1. I was a long time user of the ProStaff 85 and remember thinking the 6.1 was an old lady's racquet at the time. :)

I bought two of the BLX model. I love them. Right now, I'm getting my setup right, but natural gut in the mains and poly crosses seem to work best, tweaking tension now.
 
Rabbit said:
After all this years, I demoed a 6.1. I was a long time user of the ProStaff 85 and remember thinking the 6.1 was an old lady's racquet at the time. :)

I bought two of the BLX model. I love them. Right now, I'm getting my setup right, but natural gut in the mains and poly crosses seem to work best, tweaking tension now.
Click to expand...

I have a similar string set up to yours albeit with Pacific Space Power (natural gut in the Autumn/Winter is a no, no in the UK if you play predominately outdoors like I do) in the mains at 53lbs with Alu Power Rough in the crosses at 50lbs and it works perfectly for me. Doesn't last long but the playability is absolutely superb in the 10-15 hours I get with it.
 
Picked up a demo of the 2014 Six One 95 16x18 today and will be hitting with it tonight.

The first thing I noted was the paintjob, which isn't as bad as some people have made out. In fact, it has a lot of similarities to the n-code paintjob which is one of my favourite paintjobs of all time.

The other thing I've noticed is the grip, specifically the butt cap. It uses the rounded, more flared one which I can't say I'm a huge fan of and find quite uncomfortable. I'll definitely be replacing it with the more traditional squarer one if I decide to buy.

I'll post an update and comparison to my current 95 after I've had a hit tonight.
 
Honestly, the best 6.1 95 for me is between the N-code and the red Amplifeel 2012 versions. I have yet to try the new one but will likely wait until next year to demo.
 
I managed to get a couple of hours on court with the racquet and what struck me immediately was that it felt lighter than the 2010 version. So after playing I put it on the scales and it turns out it actually is - by a not inconsiderable 10 grams.

Even though there was a 10 gram weight difference it still had the same rock solid stability and plowthrough on groundstrokes and volleys that I have grown used to. Service returns were also a dream with the racquet.

The only area which I seemed to be missing the extra weight was in the serve as they appeared to lack some of the oomph I'm used to getting with my 2010 version (though this may have been due to it being very cold outside - about 3 degrees)

The touch and feel offered by the racquet was incredibly impressive, perhaps even more so than my 2010 version, and allowed me to comfortably put away several delicate little drop shots.

There were a couple of things I didn't like, the first and foremost being the butt cap. For me, the new style ones (which are much more rounded and bulbous) are just uncomfortable to use after 30 minutes or so. I would swap the new one for the older more square style which I believe are superior. The other thing I noticed was that I felt that it didn't offer as much spin as my current racquet but I'm confident that if I changed the strings to my current set up this would be a non-issue.

All in all it’s a very good racquet. I’m not sure if I’d go as far as to say it’s the best version as I haven’t tried every iteration and I’ve only had two hours of play time with it but so far, so good.
 
I've hit with every incarnation, starting with the Classic 6.1si 16x18...since then tried every version with success up till 2012 BLX (hollow feeling to me, could have been bad strings).

Recently found a Classic 6.1si that literally had 2 hours use...so went back to it and ended up selling off the HPS, N-Code, and K-Factor....just no need for them with a "new" Classic available!
 
It seems pretty much all the cats who have chimed in have not hit with the latest iteration. I have, in fact I just bought it. I have hit with the Ncode and K Factor. The first racquet I owned was the 2010 6.1 18x20 string pattern. I was looking for some extra pop so I demoed the 2012 16x18 and absolutely loved it. I was on the court with it 5-6 times. I went ahead and ordered the latest update and REALLY love the stick. I held the last two versions side by side and the newest one felt more solid, stable, stiff. On the court the new 6.1 is super plush and for some reason has more maneuverability and is easier to yield. I believe Mark the play tester mentioned the same thing. But the racquet absolutely crushes the ball as to be expected. Having played with the last two frames back to back I believe there is something to the parallel drilling. I have to really shank it to feel any vibration, the sweet spot and power are enhanced. Volleys is where this racquet really shines and where I notice the biggest difference. I felt the older sticks were a little rigid, combined with the 95 head and weight made it tough at the net. The new racquet is very quick and very silky around the net.
I believe this latest is the best of older and new. It has that solid heavy feel when picked up but plays faster and.is very plush on contact.
 
how is K factor 18x20 vs 2012 18x20 vs 2014 18x20 . Now i'm playing with pure drive roddick and I tested one of my friends K-Factor 18x20. not the same power as roddick but this is fine for me . way more control. i like it and i want to switch
 
I'm not sure there is a best as such because apart from factory variances in weight, which can make two identical 6.1s swing quite differently, the only real difference in my mind between the generations is the feel, and that's pretty individual to the particular player's preference.

Personally, I like the 2010(?) red/black BLX version. Just feels slightly softer and more diffuse than the red Amplifeel version that replaced it.
 
I would vote:
1.classic
2.close between hyper and n maybe giving n the nod...really like the closed pattern N
3. Blx models kfactor and current version....I once again bought the new one thinking it would be better than five Christmases and I just couldn't keep the ball in the court with it. I hit my classic and hyper side by side with it and there is just no comparison...the feel, spin, and control on every shot is just so much better. I find I have to string the more recent versions so tight with poly that they are rough on my arm...the classic is just a champ regardless of the string and tension....not many racquets you can say that for.
 
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TripleB said:
I agree with Ronaldo....Hyper ProStaff 6.1 was the best one in my opinion - nothing since has come close. Only one close to it was the Classic 6.1 95 from back in the late 80s.

TripleB
Click to expand...

For my taste HPS=Classic=NCode

KFactor a little below those, but still playable as hell.

2010 BLX...disappointing hollow feel.

Haven't tried anything newer than 2010 BLX because figured Wilson continued to ruin them and cheap out on quality like all manufacturers.
 
I loved the K6.1 95 18x20, for the ridiculous amount of control it offers on big shots (the only other racquet I've tried with so much control on big shots is a PC600), because of the really dense pattern and the ridiculous stability.

However IMO the best 6.1 is the current spin effect racquet. The combination of the control from the stable 6.1 frame, with 18 mains, combined with the open spin effect pattern makes it the best aggressive baseline stick I have ever tried. It allows you to easily hit both big loopy topspin shots and flat drives into the corners, something no other racquet I have tried offers to the same degree.
 
Torres said:
I'm not sure there is a best as such because apart from factory variances in weight, which can make two identical 6.1s swing quite differently, the only real difference in my mind between the generations is the feel, and that's pretty individual to the particular player's preference.

Personally, I like the 2010(?) red/black BLX version. Just feels slightly softer and more diffuse than the red Amplifeel version that replaced it.
Click to expand...

thank you Torres . Probably i will buy the 2012. TWE has great prices for them.
 
I haven't played with other Six.One racquets, but the 95S is a sweet stick with awesome directional control. As far as the spin goes, I didn't notice much difference, but my hitting partners told me that the balls bounce much faster and higher, which they had harder time timing the ball. Overall, I'm very impressed with the racquet.
 
GoudX said:
I loved the K6.1 95 18x20, for the ridiculous amount of control it offers on big shots (the only other racquet I've tried with so much control on big shots is a PC600), because of the really dense pattern and the ridiculous stability.

However IMO the best 6.1 is the current spin effect racquet. The combination of the control from the stable 6.1 frame, with 18 mains, combined with the open spin effect pattern makes it the best aggressive baseline stick I have ever tried. It allows you to easily hit both big loopy topspin shots and flat drives into the corners, something no other racquet I have tried offers to the same degree.
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Yeah I agree, I thought the 6.1 95s was the best of the new lot, I wish it had a little more mass stock, but overall it is a very nice frame.
 
How do you find string durability on the 6.1 95s? I'm interested in the stick but am slightly concerned with how frequently I would have to restring the racket.
 
LiquidWhip said:
How do you find string durability on the 6.1 95s? I'm interested in the stick but am slightly concerned with how frequently I would have to restring the racket.
Click to expand...

I didn't hit it long enough to pop a string, but the etching seemed consistent with the open pattern version of the regular 6.1. I was thinking about buying one to play around with, but there are so many new frames coming out, I thought I might order 4 demos at the end of this month. I was fortunate in one of my buddies just broke down and bought the 6.1 95s..he also has a steam 99s...I thought the 95s was the keeper out of those two. I wanted to try the pro staff 95s too, but the lack of mass makes me a little hesitant. I hated the pure storm limited and the specs (besides the open pattern) leave me a little fearful that I may be back in that territory again. The weight and descriptions of the pure strike tour have me a little bit intersted in giving that baby a go...I am not super wild on closed patterns though.
 
LiquidWhip said:
How do you find string durability on the 6.1 95s? I'm interested in the stick but am slightly concerned with how frequently I would have to restring the racket.
Click to expand...

I didn't have any problem with the 95S with the strings. Nothing unusual. I think the issue is more-or-less with the more open Steam 99S. Mine was strung with Poly main and multi cross. I bought it like that..., and honestly, I don't know if that combination is the best for it, but it plays nicely.
 
Mine is full poly, no problem with string breakage - plenty of control and topspin.

The strings are going dead before changing for me ATM.
 
I've just picked myself up a Hyper Pro Staff 95 at a price that was too good to let pass by.

After a few hours with it I must admit I'm impressed (though I guess that should come as no surprise to a Six One 95 user). Compared to my BLX (2010) it feels a little stiffer and slightly less muted which I rather liked, especially on touch shots. Other than that, everything felt familiar - right from the balance and weight to the hefty plowthrough I enjoy when attacking the ball.

If it weren't for the fact they are so hard to get hold of in the UK then I might consider switching.
 
Yllion said:
It seems pretty much all the cats who have chimed in have not hit with the latest iteration. I have, in fact I just bought it. I have hit with the Ncode and K Factor. The first racquet I owned was the 2010 6.1 18x20 string pattern. I was looking for some extra pop so I demoed the 2012 16x18 and absolutely loved it. I was on the court with it 5-6 times. I went ahead and ordered the latest update and REALLY love the stick. I held the last two versions side by side and the newest one felt more solid, stable, stiff. On the court the new 6.1 is super plush and for some reason has more maneuverability and is easier to yield. I believe Mark the play tester mentioned the same thing. But the racquet absolutely crushes the ball as to be expected. Having played with the last two frames back to back I believe there is something to the parallel drilling. I have to really shank it to feel any vibration, the sweet spot and power are enhanced. Volleys is where this racquet really shines and where I notice the biggest difference. I felt the older sticks were a little rigid, combined with the 95 head and weight made it tough at the net. The new racquet is very quick and very silky around the net.
I believe this latest is the best of older and new. It has that solid heavy feel when picked up but plays faster and.is very plush on contact.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the write-up on the latest version. I'll need to give this one a try.
 
I cheated on my six ones these past few months. But again, I'm coming back home to my beloved 2010 6.1 95 16x18. There is no perfect racquet, but this one is the closest for me.
 
I recently found a classic si. Can't wait to try it, but one thing bugs me, it's 15g heavier than my blx (2010). Hope it will still be maneuverable.

Edit: Any of you can tell me which one (between BLX 2010 and Classic si) should be more arm-friendly?
 
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TripleB said:
I agree with Ronaldo....Hyper ProStaff 6.1 was the best one in my opinion - nothing since has come close. Only one close to it was the Classic 6.1 95 from back in the late 80s.

TripleB
Click to expand...

For those so inclined, on the bay there is a seller with more than 10 HPS 6.1s in a 3 for sale, all brand new.
 
Can someone tell me if there's anything you do not like about the 2012 six one 95 blx 16x18? I keep reading about the 2010 and the 2014, but not the 2012.

I haven't demoed it yet, it's on the way...it's currently on sale and only certain grip sizes left. Would you buy any more?
 
As I've mentioned before on this forum I use the 2014 Wilson Six One 95.

I keep it not in my bag but on my lounge suite when at home.

Have added 4-5g of weight butt side of balance point to make it even more HL.

The plough through,feel on contact are different class.

The full poly Volkl Cyclone at 45 pound tension adds tremendous spin,grip and control to the natural power of the 12 plus ounce frame.

Believe I have increased the size of the sweet spot by tensioning low and added further power.

The launch angle i find with this frame is low for a 16 by 18 pattern.

Whenever I play with another stick my level goes down significantly,enough said.
 
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