Why older versions of the PS85?

[goosala]

Why do most people here like the older versions of the Pro Staff 85? I personally have owned two of the Taiwanese made and now three of the Chinese made Pro Staffs. I like the newer version because they feel a little lighter and more forgiving on my arm. I guess most people here are even more hardcore traditionalists than I am.

 

[psp2]

There's no right answer to the question. It's all based on personal preferece.

I currently have 4 PS85 (Chicago, SV, Chiao Ta, China) that I hit with and they all "feel" different somewhat. A buddy of mine gave me his latest China version (has Pro Staff 6.0 on the side, black buttcap, etc.). I like that one the LEAST. I prefer the feel of the Chicago one the best. I really can't describe to you the "feel" of these different makes. Words aptly can't describe the delicate disparities between the racquet. If you ever get a chance to hit with some of the older ones, I hope you can experience it for yourself.

 

[goosala]

Please elaborate on why the Chicago, SV, and Taiwanese versions feel better to you. Is it because of the heavier weight and stiffer flex?

 

[VGP]

That's why I like my Taiwanese frames better than the new ones....

 

[psp2]

Please elaborate on why the Chicago, SV, and Taiwanese versions feel better to you. Is it because of the heavier weight and stiffer flex?

They all weigh about the same, roughly around the 13.2 oz. area. My Chicago one weighs 13.4 oz. b/c I put on a brand new Fairway grip. The balances are around 9pts HL for all of them, give or take a point. I do find the latest version to be stiffer than my other 3.

 

[superstition]

I have had three, and my least favorite is the latest one. The handle felt too light, and the head flexes oddly. It doesn't seem stable like my previous two.

 

[armand]

Wow 13.2 ounces? I have an older China version(white buttcap) that's more solid and heavier than the current ones but still only weighs 358 grams. Woohooo!

 

[goosala]

Man, the older versions are pretty darn heavy.

 

[drakulie]

I prefer the feel of the Chicago one the best.

I'm with you.

However, they are all awesome. the problem for me with the newer China models, is they have a "hollow" feel compared to the others.

 

[superstition]

Yes. Hollow is a good adjective to describe them.

 

[onehandbh]

I agree. I have 3 Chinese models -- PS 85's, that is.
Two of them (older ones) feel very solid and the newer
one feels hollow. Even though the balance and weight are
almost identical between two of them, the older one feels
much better.