Two very light ProStaff BLX 90's

[PeterFig]

Hello all,

Thought I'd share some interesting specs about a couple of ProStaff BLX 90's I just received from TW.

I ordered them the day they came out for 'pre-order' on TW. I asked for their "Matched Racquet" service ... i.e.: they find racquets in their inventory that match my requested specs closest - this does not include any customization, just stock frames closest to my desired specs.

I wanted two racquets that were as close to each other as possible but also were on the lighter side. My request was as follows:

• Closest matched with lowest swing weight
• Closest matched with the lowest static weight
• Closest matched balance

The two frames just arrived and to my surprise the specs were WAY below what Wilson has them at. Check out the specs of the two racquets I received (note they both have the same specs and these are unstrung specs)

RACQUETS I RECEIVED:
Static Weight: 11.8oz
Balance Point: 11 15/16"
Swingweight: 287

ADVERTISED WILSON SPECS:
Static Weight: 12.0oz
Balance Point: 12"
Swingweight: approx 300 ** I don't have unstrung numbers for this, but strung TW lists this as 327 and from looking around ( link ) it seems like unstrung this should be right around 300

So looks like Wilson QC strikes again.

Now i'm not actually complaining. I wanted 'lighter' PS BLX90 sticks so I'm really happy with these specs. I did the same with the original BLX90 and remember it coming in at or a bit over printed specs so it was actually on the heavy side so these new 'lighter' PS BLX90's should be fun to hit with. Just thought I'd share this info.

 

[Irony Zealot]

Cool story, bro

 

[fattsoo]

seems about right with wilson's qc

 

[Centryx]

I was going to make a thread about this asking what specs everyone got for their PS 95s was wondering what the variable on that one is going to be

 

[Deleted member 232704]

Well well well, you got a unique racquet sonny boy!

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

So you got yourself some Asian spec'ed PSBLX90? Congrats!

 

[PeterFig]

So you got yourself some Asian spec'ed PSBLX90? Congrats!

Hahaha... Seems like it! Although I've been using the Asian BLX 90 the last year or so and hitting with the new ps BLX 90 tonight I could instantly notice how much more solid it feels and really has more plowthrough. I was hitting some big serves tonight thanks to the extra mass

 

[morten]

wow, keep us informed...

 

[FireMan12]

I was going to make a thread about this asking what specs everyone got for their PS 95s was wondering what the variable on that one is going to be

I got my PS95 yesterday from my local tennis shop. I was pleasantly surprised, I was able to get unstrung weights on all the 4 3/8's (7 or so?) racquets and they were either 11.1oz or 11.2oz. I wasn't able to get swing weights or any other specs but I thought that was a good start. Strung and with an overgrip it was 11.85oz's. Unlike a lot of posters I really like this racquet and find it very easy to customize.

 

[michaelscoots]

I tend to add lead to mine after the fact. But I have 3K's that are not matched. So this time I requested Wilson spec sticks 12.08 (taking into account the handle wrap which weighs .08oz)
12pts headlight with cardboard removed and handle wrap. If handle wrap is not removed then take that into account.
65-65.5 stiffness (they're going to tell me what the actual stiffness is so I can match that in the future).

Love this stick, my only knock is the swing weight. I can definitely feel a difference when switching to and from the K90. The stick is, however, just slightly more maneuverable and headlight. I plan on adding lead to bring up the swing weight to 338-340.

 

[PeterFig]

I replace the grip on my new PS BLX90's today and thought I'd share some photos of the "Amplifeel" system in the grip, plus the silicone injected in the handle. The Amplifeel seems to feature strips of basalt (?) that are sunken into the grip pallet. There are 6 strips, each being only about 1mm thick. The meterial (Basalt?) feels like a lighter plastic / graphite type of substance.

 

[Thepowerofchoice]

Hello all,

Thought I'd share some interesting specs about a couple of ProStaff BLX 90's I just received from TW.

I ordered them the day they came out for 'pre-order' on TW. I asked for their "Matched Racquet" service ... i.e.: they find racquets in their inventory that match my requested specs closest - this does not include any customization, just stock frames closest to my desired specs.

I wanted two racquets that were as close to each other as possible but also were on the lighter side. My request was as follows:

• Closest matched with lowest swing weight
• Closest matched with the lowest static weight
• Closest matched balance

The two frames just arrived and to my surprise the specs were WAY below what Wilson has them at. Check out the specs of the two racquets I received (note they both have the same specs and these are unstrung specs)

RACQUETS I RECEIVED:
Static Weight: 11.8oz
Balance Point: 11 15/16"
Swingweight: 287

ADVERTISED WILSON SPECS:
Static Weight: 12.0oz
Balance Point: 12"
Swingweight: approx 300 ** I don't have unstrung numbers for this, but strung TW lists this as 327 and from looking around ( link ) it seems like unstrung this should be right around 300

So looks like Wilson QC strikes again.

Now i'm not actually complaining. I wanted 'lighter' PS BLX90 sticks so I'm really happy with these specs. I did the same with the original BLX90 and remember it coming in at or a bit over printed specs so it was actually on the heavy side so these new 'lighter' PS BLX90's should be fun to hit with. Just thought I'd share this info.

I just bought one today from the local store here. I picked out the lightest one.

11.7 oz (332 grams) ADVERTISED WILSON SPECS>>> 12 oz (339 grams)

13 pts HL ADVERTISED WILSON SPECS>>> 12 pts HL

Can't wait to take it for spin tomorrow.

 

[UCSF2012]

You guys assume your scale is accurate. Ever weighted yourself on a bathroom scale, then the locker room scale, and doctor's office scale? My weight's changed up to 10 lbs in the same day. Your measurement's only as accurate as the scale you're using.

 

[PeterFig]

You guys assume your scale is accurate. Ever weighted yourself on a bathroom scale, then the locker room scale, and doctor's office scale? My weight's changed up to 10 lbs in the same day. Your measurement's only as accurate as the scale you're using.

The measurements I posted in the initial post were done by TW. I used their Matched Racquet service so I'm sure these were done on their in-house equipment and are quite accurate. When you use their Matched Racquet service they provide a sticker on the handle of each frame with the measurements:

 

[Thepowerofchoice]

Great point but I used digital scale and balance board at the shop then came home and recheck it...perfect matched.

 

[PeterFig]

You guys assume your scale is accurate. Ever weighted yourself on a bathroom scale, then the locker room scale, and doctor's office scale? My weight's changed up to 10 lbs in the same day. Your measurement's only as accurate as the scale you're using.

You mean I could be 10lb fatter than I think I am??? hahaha
Well I guess it's salad for lunch today.

 

[michaelscoots]

I replace the grip on my new PS BLX90's today and thought I'd share some photos of the "Amplifeel" system in the grip, plus the silicone injected in the handle. The Amplifeel seems to feature strips of basalt (?) that are sunken into the grip pallet. There are 6 strips, each being only about 1mm thick. The meterial (Basalt?) feels like a lighter plastic / graphite type of substance.

That's odd, my demo didn't resemble these photos. I wonder if they made the demo's extra nice (I've heard that before, but never believed it). My demo didn't have any staples in the ampelfeel. Also, there was no silicone under the trap door. Just the tape on the butt cap, and the foam all the way to the end of the mold where there was a plastic divider.

I should also point out that the 95 version had a metal rod in the foam on one side...it almost looked like it was added there to balance the stick out. Not sure, but also no silicone on that one.

 

[PeterFig]

That's odd, my demo didn't resemble these photos. I wonder if they made the demo's extra nice (I've heard that before, but never believed it). My demo didn't have any staples in the ampelfeel. Also, there was no silicone under the trap door. Just the tape on the butt cap, and the foam all the way to the end of the mold where there was a plastic divider.

I should also point out that the 95 version had a metal rod in the foam on one side...it almost looked like it was added there to balance the stick out. Not sure, but also no silicone on that one.

The Amplifeel™ doesn't actually have staples. It's glued in. Those things that look like staples are actually part of the makeup of the Amplifeel™ material (carbon?) ... it's like they are cross-fibres or something.

The 95 might have a different handle insert material - it is a considerably lighter frame.

 

[UCSF2012]

The measurements I posted in the initial post were done by TW. I used their Matched Racquet service so I'm sure these were done on their in-house equipment and are quite accurate. When you use their Matched Racquet service they provide a sticker on the handle of each frame with the measurements:

Meaningless. If they don't recalibrate their equipment to a known standard, everything could be off. The same uncalibrated machine to measure thousands of rackets. And what's the motivation to recalibrate? It's just tennis rackets they're measuring. They're not measuring amounts of chemical for a published journal, for example.

I can tell you now, commercial scales aren't the slightest bit accurate. All the food scales you all bought for $25 off Amazon aren't accurate. (Good enough for the intended purpose, but not accurate).

Regardless, the precise weight of the frame is irrelevant if you're going to shoot the racket up with silicone in the handle.

 

[UCSF2012]

The Amplifeel™ doesn't actually have staples. It's glued in. Those things that look like staples are actually part of the makeup of the Amplifeel™ material (carbon?) ... it's like they are cross-fibres or something.

The 95 might have a different handle insert material - it is a considerably lighter frame.

Can you take a close-up of the amplifeel fibers?

 

[michaelscoots]

The Amplifeel™ doesn't actually have staples. It's glued in. Those things that look like staples are actually part of the makeup of the Amplifeel™ material (carbon?) ... it's like they are cross-fibres or something.

The 95 might have a different handle insert material - it is a considerably lighter frame.

I was referring to the 90, there was no silicone in that stick. I have heard from others that 90's have had the metal rod within the foam. Again, I saw this on the 95 demo but not the 90.

 

[PeterFig]

I was referring to the 90, there was no silicone in that stick. I have heard from others that 90's have had the metal rod within the foam. Again, I saw this on the 95 demo but not the 90.

Weird --- I'll have to pop open my two 90's again and really look at the silicone and see if there is anything else 'stuck' in there. Interesting that there are variations of the sticks .... wonder if during the early demos out they got feedback on them and made alterations by official launch.

 

[michaelscoots]

My theory is that Wilson received feedback that counter balance rods (not ampilfeel) were falling out of the foam in the handle. So, in the sticks that needed these inserted, they used some silicone to help hold it in place.

 

[Thepowerofchoice]

Just opened up the trap door of my 90 and my also have silicone in it.

 

[PeterFig]

Just popped open both my PSBLX 90's ... both have silicone and nothing else. However if you poke into the silicone it seems like it's only 1-2" deep at most... after that it seems like it's the handle foam or something like that. No 'steel rods' to be seen.

Had a hit with the 90's yesterday. Really enjoyed it. A bit less muted than the BLX90, but comfortable feeling. I like the weight / balance of it. Didn't have any issues coming through/around the ball. A bit weird seeing all the bright white while swing the frame. I never really noticed the racquet with the old BLX or even the K90 ... this one I kept catching the white out of the corner of my eye. I'm sure i'll get used to it but it was a bit weird at first.

 

[Centryx]

Ok here are specs from my PS 95
328g with plastic/cardboard etc
309g unstrung/unwrapped with balance at 10 pts

hope to hear from others that got their PS 95s!

 

[JGads]

Just popped open both my PSBLX 90's ... both have silicone and nothing else. However if you poke into the silicone it seems like it's only 1-2" deep at most... after that it seems like it's the handle foam or something like that. No 'steel rods' to be seen.

Had a hit with the 90's yesterday. Really enjoyed it. A bit less muted than the BLX90, but comfortable feeling. I like the weight / balance of it. Didn't have any issues coming through/around the ball. A bit weird seeing all the bright white while swing the frame. I never really noticed the racquet with the old BLX or even the K90 ... this one I kept catching the white out of the corner of my eye. I'm sure i'll get used to it but it was a bit weird at first.

So what's your strung weight and swingweight? Any idea?

 

[PeterFig]

So what's your strung weight and swingweight? Any idea?

I haven't weighed / tested either of those... but strings usually add .5 oz to the static weight so must be right around 12.3oz strung. Swingweight is just a guess ... I would say 320-ish based on some other similar frames I've played with. It's for sure a bit easier to swing than the BLX90 I played with about a year+ ago, but it's also not as easy to swing as my Asian BLX90.... however the extra mass, stability makes up for that easily.

 

[JGads]

I haven't weighed / tested either of those... but strings usually add .5 oz to the static weight so must be right around 12.3oz strung. Swingweight is just a guess ... I would say 320-ish based on some other similar frames I've played with. It's for sure a bit easier to swing than the BLX90 I played with about a year+ ago, but it's also not as easy to swing as my Asian BLX90.... however the extra mass, stability makes up for that easily.

Sounds like a cool stick you have. I have dreams at night of box beam feel in a more forgiving package than the 90s usually offer. Unfortunately the 95 didn't cut it in the beef department; didn't have enough of it.

 

[michaelscoots]

Just popped open both my PSBLX 90's ... both have silicone and nothing else. However if you poke into the silicone it seems like it's only 1-2" deep at most... after that it seems like it's the handle foam or something like that. No 'steel rods' to be seen.

Had a hit with the 90's yesterday. Really enjoyed it. A bit less muted than the BLX90, but comfortable feeling. I like the weight / balance of it. Didn't have any issues coming through/around the ball. A bit weird seeing all the bright white while swing the frame. I never really noticed the racquet with the old BLX or even the K90 ... this one I kept catching the white out of the corner of my eye. I'm sure i'll get used to it but it was a bit weird at first.

I'm having Tennis Warehouse match a racquet for me to listed specs. The closest they could find were racquets that were 11.90 (once the plastic wrap is removed from the handle). I was going to take one of them but, it also had silicone added in the handle, so much so that the tech said it would be difficult to get lead in there. Bummer! I'll be waiting for the next batch to come in - hopefully they're more in line with specs.

The tech said many of the sticks had silicone added but not all. To him it appeared Wilson was adding it to get the sticks closer to listed specs. That might also be the reason for the added metal rods on some sticks.

 

[Kal-El 34]

these do feel like they swing lighter. the black out demo i had was a massive club, but the retail one at our shop in town swings way lighter...

 

[Thepowerofchoice]

I just bought one today from the local store here. I picked out the lightest one.

11.8 oz (335 grams) ADVERTISED WILSON SPECS>>> 12 oz (339 grams)

14 pts HL ADVERTISED WILSON SPECS>>> 12 pts HL

Can't wait to take it for spin tomorrow.

Here is my strung "light" BLX PS 90 specs:***(overgrip and rubberband included)***
Strung Weight: 356 grams
Balance: 10 pts HL
Swingweight: 320


Wilson Specs from TW:
Strung Weight: 12.6oz / 357.2g
Balance: 8 pts HL
Swingweight: 327

 

[PeterFig]

Here is my strung "light" BLX PS 90 specs:***(overgrip and rubberband included)***
Strung Weight: 356 grams
Balance: 10 pts HL
Swingweight: 320


Wilson Specs from TW:
Strung Weight: 12.6oz / 357.2g
Balance: 8 pts HL
Swingweight: 327

Those are some nice specs for your frame - i especially like the 10pts HL strung

 

[courtking]

I bought 1 of the BLX PS 90 grip 4 1/4 last week without reading this thread.. Strung it up with ALU Power, VSGut.. dampener, overgrip.. Total weight is 354g.. so it's like 8-10g off the specs..

I went back to my local store with my mini digital scale and weight 6 frames they have ranging from grip 4 1/8 to grip 4 1/2.. it seems most of them off the specs in the lighter side.. 330g-337g (plastic still on the grip).. there is 1 4 1/8 that is like 342g which is almost identical to the specs.. so watch out.. these new PS BLX 90 QC is terrible.. it is the worse I have seen in this premier line in years.. make sure you weight your frame so you know the exact specs..