Which to buy BLX Prostaff 90 or Yonex Vcore Tour 89

[Ronski]

Hi guys...

Need help in choosing which racket to buy the BLX Prostaff 90 or the Vcore tour 89. I've been using Wilson rackets for several years now and I can definitely wield a racket with a small headsize(i got a PS85, KPS88 and K90). But after watching TW's video review and reading their review on the Yonex Vcore Tour 89, wow what a nice racket!!! and I love the pj , but now i'm confused which racket to buy. It's a natural upgrade for me to buy BLXPS90 but then again the 89T "might be" a better choice.

Help... Help... Help...

It would be nice if could demo one but I live in the Philippines and there is no Demo Program here...

 

[Jonny S&V]

I mean, the safe bet would be the BLX PS, since you're used to that line of racquets. However, and this is my personal opinion of Yonex vs Wilson, I feel that most Yonex racquets are somewhat superior because they are very well made (Wilson's quality control is, well, eh...). Yonex's racquets also tend to be more flexible, which is what I look for in racquets.

That being said, if I were in your situation and felt that my current racquet wasn't hurting me, I would go with the Yonex, and then if I didn't like it, sell it on here or the 'bay as a 9.5/10 racquet (you could get around 3/4s the money back). The BLX line has not been as nice as the K-Factor line, IMO.

 

[Ronski]

I mean, the safe bet would be the BLX PS, since you're used to that line of racquets. However, and this is my personal opinion of Yonex vs Wilson, I feel that most Yonex racquets are somewhat superior because they are very well made (Wilson's quality control is, well, eh...). Yonex's racquets also tend to be more flexible, which is what I look for in racquets.

That being said, if I were in your situation and felt that my current racquet wasn't hurting me, I would go with the Yonex, and then if I didn't like it, sell it on here or the 'bay as a 9.5/10 racquet (you could get around 3/4s the money back). The BLX line has not been as nice as the K-Factor line, IMO.

Thanks Jonny
Your comment on Wilson's quality control is something to really ponder about...

 

[ASH1485]

the 0.5 oz difference in weight is a factor to consider, for me the BLX 90 is just too heavy.

 

[Ronski]

Has anyone here have used both rackets??? your opinions?

 

[Dgdavid]

I've owned both and still have the 89 Tour but qualify my comments in that I am probably not quite good enough to wield either as absolute weapons in the way I can with a 98 or 95 but my comments are:

Both play very nice and solid
The 89 Tour plays much bigger to me and is more forgiving.
Both needed to be string low for me to be effective.
I am better in match with the 89T (I hit flat on fh side).
I prefer the 90 just on hitting (and prefer the prestige mid over both in that regard).

I suspect if you are a strong player, it is splitting hairs. Both amazing rackets if you have the technique.

 

[000KFACTOR90000]

IG Prestige mid should be on the table too, the best since the classic apparently.

 

[Ronski]

I've owned both and still have the 89 Tour but qualify my comments in that I am probably not quite good enough to wield either as absolute weapons in the way I can with a 98 or 95 but my comments are:

Both play very nice and solid
The 89 Tour plays much bigger to me and is more forgiving.
Both needed to be string low for me to be effective.
I am better in match with the 89T (I hit flat on fh side).
I prefer the 90 just on hitting (and prefer the prestige mid over both in that regard).

I suspect if you are a strong player, it is splitting hairs. Both amazing rackets if you have the technique.

Thanks for the comments Dgdavid... very much appreciated
I do string my mids with poly with a low tension...

 

[Matchball]

I 've played with both.

The Yonex feels stiffer and has easier pop, easy power (and spin, but for some reason power comes first to mind).

The BLX 90 (at least the amplifeel I 've played with) feels softer, is more control oriented and has the "power on reserve" type of pop. You can see it on all groundstrokes, slice e.t.c. and even with your footwork if you see what I mean.

The sweetspot of the Yonex feels larger and I could claim that it is placed a tad higher compared to the Wilson one (check it out when you serve).

If you like low tension for your strings, the BLX could work better, I guess.
I also tend to prefer the thinner beam. That said, I do love the Yonex, the Vcore 89 is one vicious stick !!

Another factor for consideration: If you want to order 2 or more sticks, going with Wilson without explicitly asking for racquet matching is surely a problem.

I hope you find this helpful, but do demo before you decide.

Good luck !

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

If you don't have the opportunity to demo and have to make a blind purchase, I would stick with the Wilson. Simply because you're used to Wilson frames.

The square-ish head shape of Yonex is hard to get used to. I've never owned a Yonex frame but I have played with a few, and that square-ish shape is extremely awkward to me.

I could be wrong, but unless you grew up using a Yonex, switching to a Yonex may not be the easiest thing to do.

 

[eurotennis]

get the BLX in 4 1/4 and stay away from Yonex...with a lower tension string has enough power +the accuracy of Wilson is well beyond yonex......obviously besides guys like Leyton H and a couple more but look at Ivanovic, Caroline W. and next is Wavrinka

 

[Ronski]

I 've played with both.

The Yonex feels stiffer and has easier pop, easy power (and spin, but for some reason power comes first to mind).

The BLX 90 (at least the amplifeel I 've played with) feels softer, is more control oriented and has the "power on reserve" type of pop. You can see it on all groundstrokes, slice e.t.c. and even with your footwork if you see what I mean.

The sweetspot of the Yonex feels larger and I could claim that it is placed a tad higher compared to the Wilson one (check it out when you serve).

If you like low tension for your strings, the BLX could work better, I guess.
I also tend to prefer the thinner beam. That said, I do love the Yonex, the Vcore 89 is one vicious stick !!

Another factor for consideration: If you want to order 2 or more sticks, going with Wilson without explicitly asking for racquet matching is surely a problem.

I hope you find this helpful, but do demo before you decide.

Good luck !

Thanks Matchball!!!

Hmm... so the 89T is more on the power side than spin...

 

[Ronski]

If you don't have the opportunity to demo and have to make a blind purchase, I would stick with the Wilson. Simply because you're used to Wilson frames.

The square-ish head shape of Yonex is hard to get used to. I've never owned a Yonex frame but I have played with a few, and that square-ish shape is extremely awkward to me.

I could be wrong, but unless you grew up using a Yonex, switching to a Yonex may not be the easiest thing to do.

Thanks Say Chi Sin Lo!!!

I don't have a problem with the square-ish shape, i didn't grew using a yonex but i've tried hitting with a yonex once in a while...

 

[Ronski]

get the BLX in 4 1/4 and stay away from Yonex...with a lower tension string has enough power +the accuracy of Wilson is well beyond yonex......obviously besides guys like Leyton H and a couple more but look at Ivanovic, Caroline W. and next is Wavrinka

Thanks eurotennis!!!

'accuracy' checked...

 

[Timbo's hopeless slice]

I agree with Johnny, The Yonex should suit you very well and at least you know it will be the spec is it meant to be, unlike a Wilson..
(great frames, HORRIBLE quality control, a fellow coach just got his new Juices and there was a mind boggling 40grammes between the lightest and the heaviest!)

 

[Matchball]

Thanks Matchball!!!

Hmm... so the 89T is more on the power side than spin...

He, he, there's ample access to spin but the power from the stick, the ease with which you can get it, is definitely not typical of a mid.

 

[syke]

get the BLX in 4 1/4 and stay away from Yonex...with a lower tension string has enough power +the accuracy of Wilson is well beyond yonex......obviously besides guys like Leyton H and a couple more but look at Ivanovic, Caroline W. and next is Wavrinka

You seriously think Yonex is responsible for their poor performance?
In that case the OP should just buy a Head racquet, Novak played better with a Head than a Wilson.

Lame..

Most if not all of these pros aren't even using anything similar to the retail ones.

 

[Korso]

When I first swung the PS90 I liked it a lot, especially on the backhand. Then I tried to serve with it and found it heavy to swing through the air. I found myself getting tired quickly during the demo.
The yonex 89T glides through the air on serves and in my opinion it is the best racket I have hit a one handed backhand with. Solid quality shots from every where on the court with good footwork.

 

[eurotennis]

You seriously think Yonex is responsible for their poor performance?
In that case the OP should just buy a Head racquet, Novak played better with a Head than a Wilson.

Lame..

Most if not all of these pros aren't even using anything similar to the retail ones.

I know Novak isn't using the retail Head you can buy....however it is Head racquet(PT 630) ; also I don't think Caroline W and Ivanovic , Wavrinka trained any less or worse after they switched to Yonex.....I'm just looking at their "sudden" results....
in conclusion all I said is that the BLX 90 is much more of a precision and stable racquet than any Yonex

 

[Ronski]

When I first swung the PS90 I liked it a lot, especially on the backhand. Then I tried to serve with it and found it heavy to swing through the air. I found myself getting tired quickly during the demo.
The yonex 89T glides through the air on serves and in my opinion it is the best racket I have hit a one handed backhand with. Solid quality shots from every where on the court with good footwork.

+ for the 89T on serve... thanks Korso...

 

[Sander001]

in conclusion all I said is that the BLX 90 is much more of a precision and stable racquet than any Yonex

And your conclusion is based on pro match results.
Lame indeed.

 

[rader023]

When I first swung the PS90 I liked it a lot, especially on the backhand. Then I tried to serve with it and found it heavy to swing through the air. I found myself getting tired quickly during the demo.
The yonex 89T glides through the air on serves and in my opinion it is the best racket I have hit a one handed backhand with. Solid quality shots from every where on the court with good footwork.

Agree with the 1hbh point and serves. I would say this is easily the best serving racquet I have ever used. It's not even close really.

 

[tistrapukcipeht]

I know Novak isn't using the retail Head you can buy....however it is Head racquet(PT 630) ; also I don't think Caroline W and Ivanovic , Wavrinka trained any less or worse after they switched to Yonex.....I'm just looking at their "sudden" results....
in conclusion all I said is that the BLX 90 is much more of a precision and stable racquet than any Yonex

I think your points are just frivolous remarks.

Considering my tests though, I can tell you the EZONE Xi is a lot more stable and in a total different league than the Wilson Pro staff 100, so in this case I can guarantee you with the better quality product than Yonex the 89 T will be a superior racquet to pro staff 90, reading some reviews dont cost anything and some experts say the 89T is one of the best mid size racquets made which the pro staff 90 is nowhere close.

What do you play with by the way, you show up here and is telling everybody about racquets.

 

[Sander001]

Considering my tests though, I can tell you the EZONE Xi is a lot more stable and in a total different league than the Wilson Pro staff 100, so in this case I can guarantee you with the better quality product than Yonex the 89 T will be a superior racquet to pro staff 90, reading some reviews dont cost anything and some experts say the 89T is one of the best mid size racquets made which the pro staff 90 is nowhere close.

Yeah I didn't want to derail the thread by giving opinions on other(though similar) racquets, but since we're here: I have similar opinions about previous Yonex mids vs. previous Wilson 90's. [Specifically, RDX500, RDS001, nCode90, K90, Tour90, which I've all owned]

 

[Ronski]

Chris Edwards' pick

+ again for the 89T

I e-mailed Chris Edwards the other day and ask for his help on choosing between the PS90 and the 89T and this is his reply...

Ron,
Out of the two, I'd have to pick the Yonex as my favorite. I find I can get it through the contact zone faster, yet it feels every bit as solid as the Tour 90. I prefer the PS 85 over all of the Tour 90s and I think the Yonex plays between the two. It comes through fast like the PS 85, yet feels more forgiving like the Tour 90.

When it comes to the dislikes, two of our testers felt the headsize was smaller than they were comfortable with, and two had no dislikes – so we were split. Hence the "nothing we could agree on."

Hope that helps.
C.

Thanks again Chris...

 

[mykoh]

don't see how you could not go with the 89t. it's an awesome awesome stick.

that being said, i'd also recommend you get a PS95 and lead it up as well, just for kicks.

 

[JGads]

Agree what someone said earlier about the IG Mid getting thrown into this fight. The Yonnie 89 and the IG Mid are a step up from the PS 90, though the PS 90 is excellent, too. The 89 and IG Mid are just plain beauties, though - the 89 sweet spot is massive for a mid, while the IG Mid gets through the air quicker. Both sticks are just epic for those good enough and strong enough to handle them. 89 is a serious bat to get around consistently over three sets but the serves are positively massive.

 

[Ronski]

don't see how you could not go with the 89t. it's an awesome awesome stick.

that being said, i'd also recommend you get a PS95 and lead it up as well, just for kicks.

I do own a PS95 but it's not the BLXPS... I also have a ProStaff Classic 95 and a Ktour...

But when i use these rackets my control is not as good as using 85sq.in. or a 90 sq.in. racket...

 

[mykoh]

wow you sound should be playing with a 79sqi rac. lol

well you may want to consider that the 89t is lighter than the ps90 so it'll give you more room for customization which i think the 89t needs.

 

[corners]

If someone likes the PS90 but wants a lighter racquet with greater plow like the 89t, just replace the leather grip of the PS90 with a lightweight synth (like Prince Resithin or Bab Skinfeel) and add four grams at 10&2. That will more or less match a PS90 to stock 89t specs. Then a playtester can compare the frames on merit and feel, rather than on spec differences.

 

[Ronski]

wow you sound should be playing with a 79sqi rac. lol

well you may want to consider that the 89t is lighter than the ps90 so it'll give you more room for customization which i think the 89t needs.

well i think i could even hit with a 65sq.in. racket... lol... when i was young i got a chance to hit my fathers Wilson Jack Kramer Pro Staff which is a 65sq.in. wood racket... and I started playing using a an aluminum Wilson Racket im not specifically sure how big the head is but im sure that its less than 80sq.in... and also a kennex aluminum racket with the same specs...

I could hit with these racket and rally a bit but that's all, i won't dare use them in a game =)

 

[Herve]

Get your facts right

get the BLX in 4 1/4 and stay away from Yonex...with a lower tension string has enough power +the accuracy of Wilson is well beyond yonex......obviously besides guys like Leyton H and a couple more but look at Ivanovic, Caroline W. and next is Wavrinka

That has got to be the lamest, most unsubstantiated contribution to an otherwise constructive string of advice / opinions. Have you ever tried an 89T, obvioulsy not, so don't try and comment about things you haven't the faintest clue about.

Unlike you, I've used the Wilson and the Yonex. And I'm a die hard PS85 guy. I can tell you that in terms of power, precision, stability, spin potential, the 89T leaves nothing to be desired compared to the BLX90, if anything, it's actually more manoeuverable, more like the original PS85, very similar sensations.

And let's not even mention Wilson's shocking QC. I didn't let dogma blur my vision, when the 89T surfaced and i read the comments i thought it would be like the proper PS85 replacement Wilson has never been able to come up with. A few hours of play later, I'm a convert. That stick is amazing! yes, i would have preferred my stick to be black, with pws, yellow and red trimming and a big "W", but if Wilson can't conjure up a decent racket, i'll go with the next best thing.

 

[Ronski]

That has got to be the lamest, most unsubstantiated contribution to an otherwise constructive string of advice / opinions. Have you ever tried an 89T, obvioulsy not, so don't try and comment about things you haven't the faintest clue about.

Unlike you, I've used the Wilson and the Yonex. And I'm a die hard PS85 guy. I can tell you that in terms of power, precision, stability, spin potential, the 89T leaves nothing to be desired compared to the BLX90, if anything, it's actually more manoeuverable, more like the original PS85, very similar sensations.

And let's not even mention Wilson's shocking QC. I didn't let dogma blur my vision, when the 89T surfaced and i read the comments i thought it would be like the proper PS85 replacement Wilson has never been able to come up with. A few hours of play later, I'm a convert. That stick is amazing! yes, i would have preferred my stick to be black, with pws, yellow and red trimming and a big "W", but if Wilson can't conjure up a decent racket, i'll go with the next best thing.

Yey... a fellow PS85 user... Thanks Herve for your comment...

+ again for the 89T

 

[Herve]

Yonnie 89T

You're welcome. If you love the PS85 but feel that it lacks oomph in the modern game, especially in defense when pushed around by a heavy top-spinner, but love the scalpel-like precision on your slices (never been any other stick better for chip & charge) you will be won over by the 89T.

The spin generation is unreal for such a small head. In other words, it feels tight and laser-like when you want it to, but if you want to hit a biblical cross-court topspin shot that will leave your opponent out of reach, it seems to morph into a much larger headshape, unbelievable!

the 90 feels like a club in comparison and is a real pain to wield after one set, think about that. that's why i stopped playing with the KPS88, great stick for 10 minutes, all downhill after that!

It's also massively stable, i can now return straight down the line and paint the lines, whereas i always struggled a bit with precision before.

even the way it feels in your hands, that old-school thin beam, is great, the way it travels through the air and seems self-propelled once the momentum gets going. just like the old PS85, get your timing right, aim, launch and let the racket do the rest.

 

[Ronski]

You're welcome. If you love the PS85 but feel that it lacks oomph in the modern game, especially in defense when pushed around by a heavy top-spinner, but love the scalpel-like precision on your slices (never been any other stick better for chip & charge) you will be won over by the 89T.

The spin generation is unreal for such a small head. In other words, it feels tight and laser-like when you want it to, but if you want to hit a biblical cross-court topspin shot that will leave your opponent out of reach, it seems to morph into a much larger headshape, unbelievable!

the 90 feels like a club in comparison and is a real pain to wield after one set, think about that. that's why i stopped playing with the KPS88, great stick for 10 minutes, all downhill after that!

It's also massively stable, i can now return straight down the line and paint the lines, whereas i always struggled a bit with precision before.

even the way it feels in your hands, that old-school thin beam, is great, the way it travels through the air and seems self-propelled once the momentum gets going. just like the old PS85, get your timing right, aim, launch and let the racket do the rest.

Can you generate more topspin with the 89T than with the PS90? what string/s do you recommend and what tension?

I did also play with the KPS88 for 7 months control and power was really great but reality bites after playing 3 sets its hard to get a good service in... im not young anymore to use the KPS88

 

[Ronski]

Well majority of the comments are pointing to the 89T's direction
thank you guys...

 

[Mick3391]

Hi guys...

Need help in choosing which racket to buy the BLX Prostaff 90 or the Vcore tour 89. I've been using Wilson rackets for several years now and I can definitely wield a racket with a small headsize(i got a PS85, KPS88 and K90). But after watching TW's video review and reading their review on the Yonex Vcore Tour 89, wow what a nice racket!!! and I love the pj , but now i'm confused which racket to buy. It's a natural upgrade for me to buy BLXPS90 but then again the 89T "might be" a better choice.

Help... Help... Help...

It would be nice if could demo one but I live in the Philippines and there is no Demo Program here...

Buy the PS BLX 90, I'm biased because to me it's the greatest racquet I've ever played, ever. It puts the ball wherever your mind tells it to.

 

[sepidoel]

Reading this thread I'm getting interested in buying 89T. If anyone kind enough to translate important notes in this review I'm very thankful (perhaps the OP would be too).

 

[andrei1306]

yonex versus wilson

I played with both the yonex mid and all the versions of the Wilson Prostaff starting with the PS 85 and ending with the BLX 90 20 years later. They are both rock solid and aside from minor differences in power and sweet spot they both do the the job just fine assuming that you have the proper mechanics to get them to the ball in time and you are playing a right hander that hits with moderate spin and primarily flat old school shots. Try using those against a lefty that is rated well above 4.5 that hits with loads of spin and variety into your old school one handed backhand and see how well those 2 sticks handle that. Let me submit to you that both of these rackets will not do well at all and you'll find yourself shanking a large percentage of your shots regardless which one you use. Federer against Nadal is the best example of this. For the last year and a half I've been using the Vcore 97 tour and it has served me incredibly well against all types of players. It provides the same control ,acuracy and plow through as the mids but it has more power and spin and is a lot more forgiving on the return of serve. Why struggle with those demanding mids when you have much better options out there. Even the original proponents of these puny classics like Sampras and Courier have left those outdated sticks in the closet in favor of Mid Plus frames.

 

[usta2050]

Hi guys...

Need help in choosing which racket to buy the BLX Prostaff 90 or the Vcore tour 89. I've been using Wilson rackets for several years now and I can definitely wield a racket with a small headsize(i got a PS85, KPS88 and K90). But after watching TW's video review and reading their review on the Yonex Vcore Tour 89, wow what a nice racket!!! and I love the pj , but now i'm confused which racket to buy. It's a natural upgrade for me to buy BLXPS90 but then again the 89T "might be" a better choice.

Help... Help... Help...

It would be nice if could demo one but I live in the Philippines and there is no Demo Program here...

get a tour 90. if you don't like it, it's easier to sell