PistolPete23
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I need to get my hands on one of these. Never played with one before; think I'm missing out.
I need to get my hands on one of these. Never played with one before; think I'm missing out.
please tell me youve at least used a PS85 given that username.........................................![]()
Duh, of course! Well, not really used extensively, but several of my teammates in high school used it and I've hit with it ... Don't really remember the hitting sensation to be honest; at that age, I was naive and only cared about the newest releases.
Should I go for the PS90 or PS85? Also, TW still sells the PS85 ...I think you need to run to e..Bay and fix this situation
PS85 is the GOAT hitting sensation in the sport of tennis, when you strike it dead center, ofc
Definitely both!Should I go for the PS90 or PS85? Also, TW still sells the PS85 ...
What's the primary difference between the two besides the 5 sq in? Feel the same?Definitely both!
Should I go for the PS90 or PS85? Also, TW still sells the PS85 ...
Definitely both!
What's the primary difference between the two besides the 5 sq in? Feel the same?
Awesome thank you mate - appreciate you all
I have quite a few 2010 BLX90's (red and black) and K90s, and the beam width for each model (at least in my collection) is the same: 17.5mm. I suspect maybe a rounding-up type of reporting when the K was released?
Within my sample size of 15, the K's have an average SW of +5 over the BLX (335 to 330 on average), and similar for the weight (365 for the K, 360 for the BLX, with over grip and dampener).
The K's do play slightly stiffer. That, combined with the overall increase in weight and swing weight help make it a bit more powerful.
I personally don't think any of them feel the same as the 85. Some seem to think the 2014 PS gets close. But generally depends on which of the 90s you're looking at. There are marginal but real differences in feel across the various Tour/PS 90s - Hyper, nCode, K-Factor, BLX white, BLX black, PS90, etc., as well as some spec differences (some are higher/lower SW/TW). Also, the drill pattern was changed after nCode. And the PS85 is a 16x18 while the Tour/PS 90s are 16x19. The 5 square inches feels significant to me. Nothing really comes close to the PS85 if you're looking for purity of shot -- hitting a clean shot with it is just heaven. The 85 plays like a low powered frame unless you dime it, then it's like a rifle. The 90s are generally more forgiving and the K90 in particular is pretty powerful. For me the two biggest differences are that the 85 feels most direct, like it's the frame that you are feeling vs. the stringbed, like the 90s have a bit more give, and that 90s generally feel more polarized to me -- in essence I feel the 85 is a bit more swift/direct/raw.What's the primary difference between the two besides the 5 sq in? Feel the same?
Sure thing man!The feeling is fully reciprocated, man.
Nice! Thanks for the information, really interesting. Quite curious to see if the older frames really had a different mould (along with the drill pattern) or if in their case the width was just rounded down.
Yes, what's up with this?? Noticed that about the PS90 2014s too.Sure thing man!
Both the n90 and the black-carbon-yellow PS did have a different drill pattern, 5 cross strings between the PWS vs. the 4 that all of the K and later models had. In addition, (though I never measured the beam width on those 2), I remember those frames feeling tad thinner, maybe 17 instead of 17.5. But that is memory, and memory, well...
Another observation on the 2014 PS90 (the white with gold stripes, Fed never played, was the last one prior to RF97, the one many feel is closest to the 85). I had quite a few of those as well, but ultimately sold them because I preferred the heft and power of the BLX and K. I agree that it felt the most like the 85 (but still quite different) and I believe two things may have contributed to that.
First, I had 7 of them and all of them measured longer than 27", sometimes 27 and 1/8 and one was almost 27 and 1/4. I found that interesting...that would effectively move the Center of Percussion farther away from the hand as all extended rackets do, and all things being equal, smaller-headed rackets do. So with the 90" and slightly longer length, maybe that COP was closest to what we feel with the 85.
The second thing was the average swing weight of the 2014 PS90 (the 7 I had) was around 325. That made the SW on the 2014 PS -5 from the BLX and -10 from the K. So the racket was indeed quite a bit faster to swing, more like the 85.
As gino eloquently described above, the yolk of the 90's flexes different than the 85, and the 2014 PS90 was no different...the 85 feels more solid, more direct. So even thought the 2014 is light and fast, and the contact fairly crisp, still quite a bit different to the 85 IMO.
Totally! I thought maybe 1 or 2 of the 7, but no, it was all 7, all were longer. And I measured them unstrung, as we know that certain string choices and tensions can modify the hoop shape and potentially lengthen or shorten the racket.Yes, what's up with this?? Noticed that about the PS90 2014s too.
Related to the beam width discussion, I imagine the intent was for all of these molds to be the same but bad QC led to these differences in length and beam thickness haha.Totally! I thought maybe 1 or 2 of the 7, but no, it was all 7, all were longer. And I measured them unstrung, as we know that certain string choices and tensions can modify the hoop shape and potentially lengthen or shorten the racket.
With all 7 being a bit longer, I'm not sure that was intentional or just another example of poor QC.
I actually forgot that I had a Taiwan version stowed away. I got it a number of years ago, tried to install a bumper guard but had a lot of difficulty doing so, then put it away. Going to give it another go!Definitely get a PS85. I still use it intermittently and it's holds up at the 4.5/5.0 USTA level. It's almost magical how well it swings for a 350g frame.
Nice! Please report back. Taiwan #1!!!I actually forgot that I had a Taiwan version stowed away. I got it a number of years ago, tried to install a bumper guard but had a lot of difficulty doing so, then put it away. Going to give it another go!
Sure thing man!
Both the n90 and the black-carbon-yellow PS did have a different drill pattern, 5 cross strings between the PWS vs. the 4 that all of the K and later models had. In addition, (though I never measured the beam width on those 2), I remember those frames feeling tad thinner, maybe 17 instead of 17.5. But that is memory, and memory, well...
Another observation on the 2014 PS90 (the white with gold stripes, Fed never played, was the last one prior to RF97, the one many feel is closest to the 85). I had quite a few of those as well, but ultimately sold them because I preferred the heft and power of the BLX and K. I agree that it felt the most like the 85 (but still quite different) and I believe two things may have contributed to that.
First, I had 7 of them and all of them measured longer than 27", sometimes 27 and 1/8 and one was almost 27 and 1/4. I found that interesting...that would effectively move the Center of Percussion farther away from the hand as all extended rackets do, and all things being equal, smaller-headed rackets do. So with the 90" and slightly longer length, maybe that COP was closest to what we feel with the 85.
The second thing was the average swing weight of the 2014 PS90 (the 7 I had) was around 325. That made the SW on the 2014 PS -5 from the BLX and -10 from the K. So the racket was indeed quite a bit faster to swing, more like the 85.
As gino eloquently described above, the yolk of the 90's flexes different than the 85, and the 2014 PS90 was no different...the 85 feels more solid, more direct. So even thought the 2014 is light and fast, and the contact fairly crisp, still quite a bit different to the 85 IMO.
Totally! I thought maybe 1 or 2 of the 7, but no, it was all 7, all were longer. And I measured them unstrung, as we know that certain string choices and tensions can modify the hoop shape and potentially lengthen or shorten the racket.
With all 7 being a bit longer, I'm not sure that was intentional or just another example of poor QC.
This has been discussed regularly over the years. I suggest searching through the threads. I think the general consensus seems to be that the short answer is no regarding replicating the feel.Guys, what would be comparable strings to Luxilon Alu Power Rough? I love the feel of this string as a cross in my PS90....but $20 bucks per pack along with its tension maintenance....lol
Maybe try Luxilon EcoRough, I think it's $15, and while not identical feeling to ALU, a nice feeling string in its own right.Guys, what would be comparable strings to Luxilon Alu Power Rough? I love the feel of this string as a cross in my PS90....but $20 bucks per pack along with its tension maintenance....lol
I actually forgot that I had a Taiwan version stowed away. I got it a number of years ago, tried to install a bumper guard but had a lot of difficulty doing so, then put it away. Going to give it another go!
Guys, what would be comparable strings to Luxilon Alu Power Rough? I love the feel of this string as a cross in my PS90....but $20 bucks per pack along with its tension maintenance....lol
Wow, thanks again. I noticed a bit of mismatch when overlapping my ProStaff 90 (2014) with some tweener or the other and show the "small head = shank" crew that the difference is hardly relevant and/or the "small head = no spin" folks that the string spacing is virtually the same, but always thought of it as a consequence of tweeners' tapered beam forcing to keep the ProStaff inclined. Never realised it was actually different in length.
(if I recall correctly the 2014 technology, at least for what concerns the ProStaff line, was advertised as a return to the [K]Factor feel, as opposed to some new stuff, after all).
..
Does anyone have less far-fetched theories?
Max power roughGuys, what would be comparable strings to Luxilon Alu Power Rough? I love the feel of this string as a cross in my PS90....but $20 bucks per pack along with its tension maintenance....lol
If you like the string, pay the increased price is the easiest way to solve your issue. Alternatively, you can buy reel from Europe site. its cheaper there…iGuys, what would be comparable strings to Luxilon Alu Power Rough? I love the feel of this string as a cross in my PS90....but $20 bucks per pack along with its tension maintenance....lol
I promise you that it won’t feel as good as in your memory. Even you grabbed a new old stock, your body won’t. We are aged……I want a freaking K90 so badly. I regret ever selling mine. That thing felt so damn good.
I personally like the reissues a lot. Less beefy but more playable. The STV ones have the aura about them because of Pete and are real heavy weapons, which is nice, but I find them to be harsh occasionally. My favorite is actually the bumperless Chicago - it's raw af. Another lesser known version I really enjoy is the Hyper PS85 limited edition from 2000.Going to take a few minutes tomorrow to hit with a st Vincent ps85. I’m curious how the reissues feel in comparison? From reading here you all seem to like the reissues a lot.
I am stringing up a pc 2.0 reissue tonight. It would be awesome to have an 85 as well. I have basically given up on finding a k90. People on the bay are asking silly prices for beaten up ones.
Honestly I may be ok with l3 in this case. I can play that grip size, I just prefer 1/4. Maybe the leather has tightened up a good bit anyway.I personally like the reissues a lot. Less beefy but more playable. The STV ones have the aura about them because of Pete and are real heavy weapons, which is nice, but I find them to be harsh occasionally. My favorite is actually the bumperless Chicago - it's raw af. Another lesser known version I really enjoy is the Hyper PS85 limited edition from 2000.
If you're OK with L3 I have some K90s, which I would let go at less-than-bay prices but still not-cheap.
Cortex is dead as dead. Kfactor is coming back in a big fuchen way.Going to take a few minutes tomorrow to hit with a st Vincent ps85. I’m curious how the reissues feel in comparison? From reading here you all seem to like the reissues a lot.
I am stringing up a pc 2.0 reissue tonight. It would be awesome to have an 85 as well. I have basically given up on finding a k90. People on the bay are asking silly prices for beaten up ones.
There were few versions of reissues. They are fine racquets and hitting experience isn’t terrible. However, the feel and performance isn’t close to original. On theother side, finding an original in good condition without hefty price is hard. Thus, hitting a good 85” reissue isn’t bad. alternative, hitting an original ultra 2 mid or Japanese reissue is also possible for a 85” racquet.Going to take a few minutes tomorrow to hit with a st Vincent ps85. I’m curious how the reissues feel in comparison? From reading here you all seem to like the reissues a lot.
I am stringing up a pc 2.0 reissue tonight. It would be awesome to have an 85 as well. I have basically given up on finding a k90. People on the bay are asking silly prices for beaten up ones.
Don't do that, don't give me hope...Cortex is dead as dead. Kfactor is coming back in a big fuchen way.
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Luckiest day of my racquetaholic life. The used sporting goods store did not know it had a treasure.I need to get my hands on one of these. Never played with one before; think I'm missing out.
Check out my flea bay if you want another !Luckiest day of my racquetaholic life. The used sporting goods store did not know it had a treasure.
Cleaned it up and replaced the old leather with OEHMS leather grip. I tried two setups, first full poly at 45 lbs. It was not a good feel, very harsh. I think with stiff Pro Staffs in general, going full poly isn’t going to work. I had previously strung a Taiwan PS85 with full bed poly and hated it. I then switched to Triax at 53 lbs. Oh boy, what a difference. It’s still stiffer than what I typically use but has a really solid and dense feel, not like the other modern stiff racquets I’ve hit with that were hollow feeling. And I feel super connected to the ball, more so than with the PC 2.0, my favorite mid up to this point. I haven’t decided whether I enjoy the Prestige more or the K90.
After moved on to bigger ProStaffs, latest the v14 X. ( works quite well for my aging body) ,recently I wipped out the beloved K90 and played some doubles. It felt soooo sweet again even with a dead multi on it. I weighted it again and couldn’t believe I added so much lead and made it 370g when I played with it 10 years ago. This is no longer feasible with me now, so I removed all the junk and replaced the raw grip as well.
Now it’s about 340g and ready for action again once I put on new string. Can’t wait to relive the good old feel again
+1 I put triax in my BLX 90 it was the smoothest thing everCleaned it up and replaced the old leather with OEHMS leather grip. I tried two setups, first full poly at 45 lbs. It was not a good feel, very harsh. I think with stiff Pro Staffs in general, going full poly isn’t going to work. I had previously strung a Taiwan PS85 with full bed poly and hated it. I then switched to Triax at 53 lbs. Oh boy, what a difference. It’s still stiffer than what I typically use but has a really solid and dense feel, not like the other modern stiff racquets I’ve hit with that were hollow feeling. And I feel super connected to the ball, more so than with the PC 2.0, my favorite mid up to this point. I haven’t decided whether I enjoy the Prestige more or the K90.
I hit the K90 and PC2.0 today. I think I still prefer the feel of the Prestige. The K90 just isn’t as comfortable, but it hits a heavier ball and has a more direct, connected feel with the ball.
Prestige Classic (and assuming the same for the 2.0 version) has always been significantly softer in flex than the Pro Staff 6.0 frames. So yeah, that's what you're feeling.I hit the K90 and PC2.0 today. I think I still prefer the feel of the Prestige. The K90 just isn’t as comfortable, but it hits a heavier ball and has a more direct, connected feel with the ball.
I'm curious, have you tried hitting with a soft string in the mains yet? More so than most other racquets, I strongly believe that the Wilson mids were meant to be played with natural gut, multi, or syngut in the mains.I hit the K90 and PC2.0 today. I think I still prefer the feel of the Prestige. The K90 just isn’t as comfortable, but it hits a heavier ball and has a more direct, connected feel with the ball.
I had it strung with a full bed of TriaxI'm curious, have you tried hitting with a soft string in the mains yet? More so than most other racquets, I strongly believe that the Wilson mids were meant to be played with natural gut, multi, or syngut in the mains.
Sorry about that, didn't realize Triax was a multi.I had it strung with a full bed of Triax