Wilson Pro Staff 6.0 85

[BreakPoint]

Hmm, the iPrestige definitely has a sharper feel than any of the other Prestige Mids (something I didn't particularly like) so I'm not sure how I'd feel about the PS85. Personally, I prefer that heavy, 'thuddy' feel you get from racquets like the Max200G and the original Prestige Mid. No doubt it's all imagined but crisp doesn't feel as controlled to me.

I found the k90 easier to swing but I just didn't like the feel, not in the slightest. Funnily enough, it is the most popular iteration in my area whereas people haven't taken to the blx90. Never seen one of the Asian models so no idea how they compare (didn't you and BHBH use Asian blx90's?)

The Asian versions are exactly the same as the standard versions except just a little lighter. The feels are all the same. And just like I find the standard nCode 90 to feel more sluggish than the standard K90, I also find the Asian nCode 90 to be more sluggish than the Asian K90. This is because they use the same weight distribution as the standard versions but just use less overall weight.

Yes, all of the standard Tour 90's will feel more solid and stable and more substantial than this new PS 6.0 85, due to the higher swingweights and all the "modern" materials they've thrown in them to make them more solid feeling and stable (and stiffer).

BTW, I don't think you'll find that Max200G feel in any racquet available today (or even back then for that matter).

 

[Smasher08]

If I had one I'd definitely use it a few times at my weekly doubles league.

Bingo. I think this is one of the very best doubles rackets ever made.

Tough to use it for singles against 5.0+ players with modern strokes and poly strings due to the tiny sweet spot. But in doubles it should really roar.

 

[nguyendat9]

this racquet make me a better player for sure, specially when serving, love to play doubles with this racquet

 

[roundiesee]

Hmm, the iPrestige definitely has a sharper feel than any of the other Prestige Mids (something I didn't particularly like) so I'm not sure how I'd feel about the PS85. Personally, I prefer that heavy, 'thuddy' feel you get from racquets like the Max200G and the original Prestige Mid. No doubt it's all imagined but crisp doesn't feel as controlled to me.

I found the k90 easier to swing but I just didn't like the feel, not in the slightest. Funnily enough, it is the most popular iteration in my area whereas people haven't taken to the blx90. Never seen one of the Asian models so no idea how they compare (didn't you and BHBH use Asian blx90's?)

Andrew, have you tried the KPS 88? I think the feel is somewhat similar to this latest PS 85 but (to me) heavier and more "substantial" when you make contact with the ball. Of course, the downside is that it is more sluggish and less maneuverable

 

[hcb0804]

Give people some credit. I don't think there's a huge population of players who are convinced that they're going to whip out their PS 85s and start dominating. Many want one for their collection because they have fond memories of the frame. Additionally, people just want to fool around with it for harmless fun. I'd never use it as my regular frame, but I'd love to go out and hit with it.

Also, there's a small population of players who actually could probably play with it given that they're either very good and it fits their game style, or they're playing other players (like older slice-and-dice guys) where having a "modern" bigger frame isn't really necessary.

If I had one I'd definitely use it a few times at my weekly doubles league.

Count me in here; I just ordered one of the remaining 4 1/2s. Just had to have one in my collection.....I will play test it though to see if I can re-capture my youth and re-live the dream.

 

[AndrewD]

Andrew, have you tried the KPS 88? I think the feel is somewhat similar to this latest PS 85 but (to me) heavier and more "substantial" when you make contact with the ball. Of course, the downside is that it is more sluggish and less maneuverable

I did give it a try but, unfortunately, it was a little bit too sluggish up at net for me. I've got pretty good hands but they're not quick enough for the 88. I did also find it a bit too stiff for my tastes.

 

[geese_com]

geese, now I'm really looking forward to your review after you play a league match. Thanks for the update.

Well, I have a somewhat disappointing report from my league match tonight. I lost in a close 3 setter. The first two sets I played with the PS85 and the last one I took out my PT630.

The first set was only about 10-15 minutes long and the score was 6-1. I was did not have a very high first serve percentage but the kick serve to the backhand was saving me on service games. My one hander was working well and I was ending point and forcing errors with my forehand. I did not come to the net much, but when I did I was almost always successful.

The second set was a completely different story. The best way to summarize this set is "shank-mode-Federer-esque". I think that I felt too comfortable with the one set lead and my level just dropped and never really returned. I think this is a constant problem with my game I figured out because I have lost matches were I have won the first set. I think that I like having a competitive match, but I do not really have that "killer instinct" to close out a match. I guess you can call me a "choker", but that is a discussion for another day. My opponent figured out that low slices close to the net on my forehand side were almost certainly an error. I just could not get the timing of trying to hit a topspin forehand while running towards off a slice ball down close to my shoelace. That is when my confidence just went rock bottom. The only thing that was keeping me in the set was my first serve. I lost all confidence on my return and was just blocking/slicing the ball back, but that put me immediately in a defensive position. I lost the second set 4-6.

The third set was interesting to say the least. I lost all confidence in playing with the PS85 and switched to the PT630 (which I have played all my other league matches with this year). There was a little bit of a learning curve and I was down 2-5. Then I just started to swing out and not worry. That then lead to me forcing a tiebreak. The tiebreak was at 5-5 and I hit an inside out forehand with considerable topspin that I was sure was in, but it was called. I was later told by my teammate that the ball was in (damn cheater!). I lost the tie break 6-8.

I guess I'm going to have to hit with the PS85 more to feel more comfortable with it and understand how to hit certain shots with it.

 

[HiroProtagonist]

Well, I have a somewhat disappointing report from my league match tonight. I lost in a close 3 setter. The first two sets I played with the PS85 and the last one I took out my PT630.

The first set was only about 10-15 minutes long and the score was 6-1. I was did not have a very high first serve percentage but the kick serve to the backhand was saving me on service games. My one hander was working well and I was ending point and forcing errors with my forehand. I did not come to the net much, but when I did I was almost always successful.

The second set was a completely different story. The best way to summarize this set is "shank-mode-Federer-esque". I think that I felt too comfortable with the one set lead and my level just dropped and never really returned. I think this is a constant problem with my game I figured out because I have lost matches were I have won the first set. I think that I like having a competitive match, but I do not really have that "killer instinct" to close out a match. I guess you can call me a "choker", but that is a discussion for another day. My opponent figured out that low slices close to the net on my forehand side were almost certainly an error. I just could not get the timing of trying to hit a topspin forehand while running towards off a slice ball down close to my shoelace. That is when my confidence just went rock bottom. The only thing that was keeping me in the set was my first serve. I lost all confidence on my return and was just blocking/slicing the ball back, but that put me immediately in a defensive position. I lost the second set 4-6.

The third set was interesting to say the least. I lost all confidence in playing with the PS85 and switched to the PT630 (which I have played all my other league matches with this year). There was a little bit of a learning curve and I was down 2-5. Then I just started to swing out and not worry. That then lead to me forcing a tiebreak. The tiebreak was at 5-5 and I hit an inside out forehand with considerable topspin that I was sure was in, but it was called. I was later told by my teammate that the ball was in (damn cheater!). I lost the tie break 6-8.

I guess I'm going to have to hit with the PS85 more to feel more comfortable with it and understand how to hit certain shots with it.

Sounds like it went pretty well overall with the PS85 and you just need to get used to/more confidence with it which might be worth it sense you said you were serving well, pretty awesome to win a set with it regardless.

I had a crazy experience hitting today with PS85 for about an hour then I pick up my main stick the iPrestige mp and it actually felt hollow and tinny! My silicone injected 370g iPrestige mp!

I actually had to put a dampener in and I never use dampeners in these things. I think the unquestionably solid/plush/thwompy feel of the PS85 is deluding my tennis senses lol. Also I think the cyclone could have just gone dead, but it scarred me a bit because after 6 months off the PS85 is fun but not entirely practical for getting my timing back.

Oh and the first day I've been back to this specific park I used to play at I saw another kid around my age wielding a BLX'd PS85 and I asked if he wanted to hit but he said he was enjoying practicing serves to much to stop

 

[roundiesee]

Well, I have a somewhat disappointing report from my league match tonight. I lost in a close 3 setter. The first two sets I played with the PS85 and the last one I took out my PT630.

The first set was only about 10-15 minutes long and the score was 6-1. I was did not have a very high first serve percentage but the kick serve to the backhand was saving me on service games. My one hander was working well and I was ending point and forcing errors with my forehand. I did not come to the net much, but when I did I was almost always successful.

The second set was a completely different story. The best way to summarize this set is "shank-mode-Federer-esque". I think that I felt too comfortable with the one set lead and my level just dropped and never really returned. I think this is a constant problem with my game I figured out because I have lost matches were I have won the first set. I think that I like having a competitive match, but I do not really have that "killer instinct" to close out a match. I guess you can call me a "choker", but that is a discussion for another day. My opponent figured out that low slices close to the net on my forehand side were almost certainly an error. I just could not get the timing of trying to hit a topspin forehand while running towards off a slice ball down close to my shoelace. That is when my confidence just went rock bottom. The only thing that was keeping me in the set was my first serve. I lost all confidence on my return and was just blocking/slicing the ball back, but that put me immediately in a defensive position. I lost the second set 4-6.

The third set was interesting to say the least. I lost all confidence in playing with the PS85 and switched to the PT630 (which I have played all my other league matches with this year). There was a little bit of a learning curve and I was down 2-5. Then I just started to swing out and not worry. That then lead to me forcing a tiebreak. The tiebreak was at 5-5 and I hit an inside out forehand with considerable topspin that I was sure was in, but it was called. I was later told by my teammate that the ball was in (damn cheater!). I lost the tie break 6-8.

I guess I'm going to have to hit with the PS85 more to feel more comfortable with it and understand how to hit certain shots with it.

Great post geese and thanks for sharing.
My feeling is that your first set with the PS 85 was one-sided because it was new to you, and somehow you were not fearful of going for your shots. You probably swung out freely and won that set easily, hence the lopsided score. However, when you began to tire a bit in the second, your racket was more a "liability", and though the PS 85 was good enough to keep you close to the score with your first serves, you eventually lost that set narrowly. I think you made the right decision to change back to your regular stick, and this kept you close all the way till the breaker. You just lost, but really there was no shame in it at all when the calls were so close Tough luck! If you play that well with the PT 630 there really is no need to change rackets I think.

 

[BreakPoint]

Just stick to the PT360. If Sampras uses a 98 Babolat now, and Federer abandoned this racquet and those are two of the most talented ball strikers in the history of the game, I think amateurs too will have more success with a more reasonable racquet.

If you watch tapes of young Federer playing when he used the PS 6.0 85, he was incredibly good with that racquet. In fact, I actually think his backhand was better with the PS 6.0 85 than it is today with his Tour 90s. His volleys were also better. I'm convinced that he would have had just as successful of a career if he had stayed with the PS 6.0 85 and never switched.

Just one example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRLeMNhwKDM&feature=related

 

[Chopin]

If you watch tapes of young Federer playing when he used the PS 6.0 85, he was incredibly good with that racquet. In fact, I actually think his backhand was better with the PS 6.0 85 than it is today with his Tour 90s. His volleys were also better. I'm convinced that he would have had just as successful of a career if he had stayed with the PS 6.0 85 and never switched.

Just one example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRLeMNhwKDM&feature=related

Fair enough.

 

[Cavaleer]

Not sure why everyone get's this wrong, but although the head size of the 88 is small, it has one of the largest if not the largest sweet spot of any racquet sold today. It's actually very easy to hit with if you can handle the mass. It is the heaviest racquet sold in the world and it has the largest sweet spot. Get it moving and you can destroy the ball.

Good info. I didn't know that. Sounds like Wilson hit the nail and didn't know it, at least the sales didn't reflect it I suppose.

I still think if they had made a lighter, less stiff version that retained that classic pro staff feel, it would've sold well. But I suppose it was easier to just re-introduce the 85.

Maybe when Fed retires they'll put the 88 tech into a 90'' package.

 

[movdqa]

It sounds like you should practice against low forehand slices.

When you play somewhat decent, they're always looking for your weaknesses.

I generally avoid playing matches with a new frame - too many potential differences and confidence issues.

 

[Cavaleer]

If you watch tapes of young Federer playing when he used the PS 6.0 85, he was incredibly good with that racquet. In fact, I actually think his backhand was better with the PS 6.0 85 than it is today with his Tour 90s. His volleys were also better. I'm convinced that he would have had just as successful of a career if he had stayed with the PS 6.0 85 and never switched.

Just one example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRLeMNhwKDM&feature=related

In general I agree but I think the sticks that replaced the 85 had more pop and forgiveness/versatility from the baseline, and ultimately Fed's not a S&Ver, he's a very gifted baseliner who can S&V on occasion.

But I agree his shots looked better- sharper and more fluid with the 85.

Once the grass at Wimbledon slowed down, in '02 I believe, that was was that for the 85 in Fed's hands- in my mind at least.

Interestingly enough, to me the BLX 90 plays closer to the 85 than any of the others.

 

[tperrott]

Obviously natural gut, but what other strings have you guys found go well with the PS 85?

 

[dgoran]

Well, I have a somewhat disappointing report from my league match tonight. I lost in a close 3 setter. The first two sets I played with the PS85 and the last one I took out my PT630.

The first set was only about 10-15 minutes long and the score was 6-1. I was did not have a very high first serve percentage but the kick serve to the backhand was saving me on service games. My one hander was working well and I was ending point and forcing errors with my forehand. I did not come to the net much, but when I did I was almost always successful.

The second set was a completely different story. The best way to summarize this set is "shank-mode-Federer-esque". I think that I felt too comfortable with the one set lead and my level just dropped and never really returned. I think this is a constant problem with my game I figured out because I have lost matches were I have won the first set. I think that I like having a competitive match, but I do not really have that "killer instinct" to close out a match. I guess you can call me a "choker", but that is a discussion for another day. My opponent figured out that low slices close to the net on my forehand side were almost certainly an error. I just could not get the timing of trying to hit a topspin forehand while running towards off a slice ball down close to my shoelace. That is when my confidence just went rock bottom. The only thing that was keeping me in the set was my first serve. I lost all confidence on my return and was just blocking/slicing the ball back, but that put me immediately in a defensive position. I lost the second set 4-6.

The third set was interesting to say the least. I lost all confidence in playing with the PS85 and switched to the PT630 (which I have played all my other league matches with this year). There was a little bit of a learning curve and I was down 2-5. Then I just started to swing out and not worry. That then lead to me forcing a tiebreak. The tiebreak was at 5-5 and I hit an inside out forehand with considerable topspin that I was sure was in, but it was called. I was later told by my teammate that the ball was in (damn cheater!). I lost the tie break 6-8.

I guess I'm going to have to hit with the PS85 more to feel more comfortable with it and understand how to hit certain shots with it.

Ha ha this is exactly my findings...In my case all my PT630's are 350 grams while ps85 are about 365 so my timing goes to hell if I get use to ps85 timing and than try to switch. You sound like me in my league matches switching every set lol

 

[geese_com]

Ha ha this is exactly my findings...In my case all my PT630's are 350 grams while ps85 are about 365 so my timing goes to hell if I get use to ps85 timing and than try to switch. You sound like me in my league matches switching every set lol

Funny thing is that the PS85 and PT630 are pretty much the same weight. The PS85 is 365 and 9pts HL and the PT630 is 370 and 12pts HL. I think the thing that was getting me was that I kept on thinking about the 85 sq in. head and how much more I can shank a ball. That was keeping me from just swinging loosely especially against the low slices to the forehand. I'm going to have to work on those in my future hitting sessions.

 

[dgoran]

In my case PS85 definitely made me correct some bad habits I picked up while lighter rackets (I sue to call ps85 "the coach" lol) but size of the head did not bother me, that being said I had natural gut and alu in it and it did hurt my wrist and shoulder so I am done with it and back to my pt630 while ps85 will have a new home on the wall

PS BTW I am not sure how sensitive you are to specs but for me its a huuughe difference even if the stick is one point HL and 2-3 grams of difference. But not everyone is like that I have seen and witnessed some people that can take any racket and play good. Not me on the other hand I can measure flex by taking a racket in my hand lol one local pro shop told me that they will sell their Babolat machine and call me for flex measurements

 

[Tar Heel Tennis]

I think the thing that was getting me was that I kept on thinking...

this is not a 'troll' response, but as you have determined, this was your problem. An excellent example of how important the psychological aspect of tennis can be. If you can learn to turn your brain off during matches, and rely on your talent, you will find yourself winning these matches (quite possible in straight set blowouts) in the future.

Good luck!

 

[geese_com]

this is not a 'troll' response, but as you have determined, this was your problem. An excellent example of how important the psychological aspect of tennis can be. If you can learn to turn your brain off during matches, and rely on your talent, you will find yourself winning these matches (quite possible in straight set blowouts) in the future.

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice, Tar Heel Tennis. I should really reread The Inger Game of Tennis and practice more pressure situations. I know the shots are there, I just need the confidence to rely on them at crucial points during a match. I work so hard setting points up for my forehand just to mess it up. Practice and self belief will surely remedy that no matter what racquet I am using.

Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk

 

[stevewcosta]

Funny thing is that the PS85 and PT630 are pretty much the same weight. The PS85 is 365 and 9pts HL and the PT630 is 370 and 12pts HL. I think the thing that was getting me was that I kept on thinking about the 85 sq in. head and how much more I can shank a ball. That was keeping me from just swinging loosely especially against the low slices to the forehand. I'm going to have to work on those in my future hitting sessions.

FWIW, if my opponent gives me low slices to the forehand, I'll punish him with thew 6.0. Now, huge kick serves to the backhand are a different story.

 

[geese_com]

FWIW, if my opponent gives me low slices to the forehand, I'll punish him with thew 6.0. Now, huge kick serves to the backhand are a different story.

The slices were pretty close to the net (before the service line) so my problem was trying to scoop them up with enough topspin to get the ball over the net, but still land in the court. I just kept hitting them out (most off the bottom of the frame). After 3-4 in a row of missed forehands (some on break points), my confidence in that shot was low. I do have to say that this guy did not play like most of my hitting partners who hit with good pace and topspin. I would say he was almost junkballer like.

 

[BreakPoint]

In general I agree but I think the sticks that replaced the 85 had more pop and forgiveness/versatility from the baseline, and ultimately Fed's not a S&Ver, he's a very gifted baseliner who can S&V on occasion.

But I agree his shots looked better- sharper and more fluid with the 85.

Once the grass at Wimbledon slowed down, in '02 I believe, that was was that for the 85 in Fed's hands- in my mind at least.

Interestingly enough, to me the BLX 90 plays closer to the 85 than any of the others.

With all this talk about this new China PS 6.0 85, I decided to go on YouTube and watch some of Federer's old matches when he used the China PS 6.0 85 which I had never seen before. The only one I had seen previously was the 2001 Wimbledon match with Sampras. I couldn't believe how good Federer was with this racquet at a young age. He was already really good from the baseline and already had that monster forehand, but what's interesting is that he had a better backhand, IMO. He used to actually hit out on his backhand returns, whereas now he tends to just chip it much more. Could it be less confidence he has in his Tour 90's than he had in his PS 6.0 85? :shock:

There are matches of him using the 85 on all surfaces and he was equally good on all surfaces. He even volleyed better than he does now. There's even a Wimbledon doubles match when he was 18 years old playing with young Hewitt against experienced Rafter and Bjorkman (Rafter made the singles final that year) and Federer was holding his own and was the best player of the four on the court.

What's even more interesting is that you would think switching to a larger head size would have helped him on slow, high-bouncing red clay more than any other surface but the actual results at the French Open show the opposite. In 2000 and 2001, when he was 18 and 19, respectively, Federer got to the 4th round and the quarters of the French Open, respectively, where he lost to Corretja both times (who was still Top 10 and got to the finals in 2001), using the PS 6.0 85. Then after switching to the Tour 90, Federer loses in the 1st round of the French in both 2002 and 2003, both in straight sets, to 45th ranked Arazi in 2002 and to 88th ranked Horna in 2003. You would think the bigger racquet, and the fact that he was older, stronger, and more experienced would have helped him do better at the French but that was clearly not the case. Who knows, maybe if he had stayed with the PS 6.0 85 he would have won the French Open a lot sooner than he did? :shock:

 

[BreakPoint]

The slices were pretty close to the net (before the service line) so my problem was trying to scoop them up with enough topspin to get the ball over the net, but still land in the court. I just kept hitting them out (most off the bottom of the frame). After 3-4 in a row of missed forehands (some on break points), my confidence in that shot was low. I do have to say that this guy did not play like most of my hitting partners who hit with good pace and topspin. I would say he was almost junkballer like.

But why do you have to scoop them up with topspin? When I get a short, low slice like that to my forehand, I get my racquet under the ball and hit a slice forehand approach shot with sidespin deep and attack the net. I do this regardless of the racquet I'm using. Try it, it works.

 

[geese_com]

With all this talk about this new China PS 6.0 85, I decided to go on YouTube and watch some of Federer's old matches when he used the China PS 6.0 85 which I had never seen before. The only one I had seen previously was the 2001 Wimbledon match with Sampras. I couldn't believe how good Federer was with this racquet at a young age. He was already really good from the baseline and already had that monster forehand, but what's interesting is that he had a better backhand, IMO. He used to actually hit out on his backhand returns, whereas now he tends to just chip it much more. Could it be less confidence he has in his Tour 90's than he had in his PS 6.0 85? :shock:

There are matches of him using the 85 on all surfaces and he was equally good on all surfaces. He even volleyed better than he does now. There's even a Wimbledon doubles match when he was 18 years old playing with young Hewitt against experienced Rafter and Bjorkman (Rafter made the singles final that year) and Federer was holding his own and was the best player of the four on the court.

What's even more interesting is that you would think switching to a larger head size would have helped him on slow, high-bouncing red clay more than any other surface but the actual results at the French Open show the opposite. In 2000 and 2001, when he was 18 and 19, respectively, Federer got to the 4th round and the quarters of the French Open, respectively, where he lost to Corretja both times (who was still Top 10 and got to the finals in 2001), using the PS 6.0 85. Then after switching to the Tour 90, Federer loses in the 1st round of the French in both 2002 and 2003, both in straight sets, to 45th ranked Arazi in 2002 and to 88th ranked Horna in 2003. You would think the bigger racquet, and the fact that he was older, stronger, and more experienced would have helped him do better at the French but that was clearly not the case. Who knows, maybe if he had stayed with the PS 6.0 85 he would have won the French Open a lot sooner than he did? :shock:

But why do you have to scoop them up with topspin? When I get a short, low slice like that to my forehand, I get my racquet under the ball and hit a slice forehand approach shot with sidespin deep and attack the net. I do this regardless of the racquet I'm using. Try it, it works.

That is exactly what I did as well! I think we watched the same vids on Youtube. I also watched the Hamburg match against Guga because I think he was using a PS85 under a HPS paintjob. He was playing some pretty good clay court tennis against one of the best clay courters of the time.

As for the forehand, I guess I just was used to being able to play that shot with the PT630 (I actually was able to do the shot again once I switched to the PT630), but in the future I'll try to remember your tip. Thanks.

 

[Keifers]

Keifers,

Do you think you could also draw some comparisons to the BLX90 or the K90 ?

I've been playing with the BXL90 of late but this version of the 6.0 85 is more in line with what I prefer specs-wise.

Andrew,

I finally was able to hit with the demo PS85 and a BLX90 side by side.The BLX measured 356g/9 pts HL, just about right on spec; its sw felt like 333, too.

I found these two examples to be very close in the way they swung and hit. I say 'these two examples' because the PS85 demo I received measured 362g/8.2 pts HL (not the spec 354g/10 pts HL) and its sw felt closer to 333 than 321 -- it seemed to have more mass where the throat meets the hoop. So Wilson's manufacturing tolerances came into play here to make the two racquets swing pretty similarly.

Where they differed: the BLX90 was noticeably more forgiving on off-center hits, and while it was more crisp than I expected, the PS85 edged it in terms of the feel I like.

Forgiveness vs. Precision: The PS85 required more concentration on my part; off-center hits could be jarring, not super harsh but definitely not pleasant. With the BLX, I could feel it when I didn't hit the sweetspot, but there was more 'give' and less of that jarring sensation. The other side of this coin is precision, of course, and well-connected hits with the PS85 felt more accurate and precise.

Feel: The BLX's feel surprised me. Having playtested the BLX 6.1 16x18 just before its release, I was expecting a more dampened feel, but the 90 felt pretty crisp and I liked it. (I'm guessing the box beam construction has a lot to do with that.) However, the feel of the PS85's 80 graphite/20 kevlar composition is still one of my all-time favorites -- hitting a slightly lighter ball such as the Wilson US Open (as opposed to a heavier ball like the Dunlop Championship) with the PS85 was a pure delight for me.


I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.

You mentioned you like the 'thick' feel of the BLX 90 more than the crisp feel of the PS but you prefer specs like the PS85's. I'm thinking one possibility is to take advantage of Wilson's manufacturing tolerances and find a BLX90 with specs like a PS85. That could be a bit of a pain, though, I realize.

Like you, I probably won't be buying a new PS85 this time around. But I'd be mighty tempted if TW announced that there were no more coming in the foreseeable future.

 

[mad dog1]

...but what's interesting is that he had a better backhand, IMO. He used to actually hit out on his backhand returns, whereas now he tends to just chip it much more. Could it be less confidence he has in his Tour 90's than he had in his PS 6.0 85? :shock:

as part of the normal aging process, reaction time slows. it has nothing to do w/ the racquet.

 

[BreakPoint]

as part of the normal aging process, reaction time slows. it has nothing to do w/ the racquet.

Most players' reactions don't slow from the age of 19 to the age of 24. Most players are also better at age 24 than they were at age 19. Look at Djokovic.

 

[AndrewD]

Andrew,

I finally was able to hit with the demo PS85 and a BLX90 side by side.The BLX measured 356g/9 pts HL, just about right on spec; its sw felt like 333, too.

I found these two examples to be very close in the way they swung and hit. I say 'these two examples' because the PS85 demo I received measured 362g/8.2 pts HL (not the spec 354g/10 pts HL) and its sw felt closer to 333 than 321 -- it seemed to have more mass where the throat meets the hoop. So Wilson's manufacturing tolerances came into play here to make the two racquets swing pretty similarly.

Where they differed: the BLX90 was noticeably more forgiving on off-center hits, and while it was more crisp than I expected, the PS85 edged it in terms of the feel I like.

Forgiveness vs. Precision: The PS85 required more concentration on my part; off-center hits could be jarring, not super harsh but definitely not pleasant. With the BLX, I could feel it when I didn't hit the sweetspot, but there was more 'give' and less of that jarring sensation. The other side of this coin is precision, of course, and well-connected hits with the PS85 felt more accurate and precise.

Feel: The BLX's feel surprised me. Having playtested the BLX 6.1 16x18 just before its release, I was expecting a more dampened feel, but the 90 felt pretty crisp and I liked it. (I'm guessing the box beam construction has a lot to do with that.) However, the feel of the PS85's 80 graphite/20 kevlar composition is still one of my all-time favorites -- hitting a slightly lighter ball such as the Wilson US Open (as opposed to a heavier ball like the Dunlop Championship) with the PS85 was a pure delight for me.


I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.

You mentioned you like the 'thick' feel of the BLX 90 more than the crisp feel of the PS but you prefer specs like the PS85's. I'm thinking one possibility is to take advantage of Wilson's manufacturing tolerances and find a BLX90 with specs like a PS85. That could be a bit of a pain, though, I realize.

Like you, I probably won't be buying a new PS85 this time around. But I'd be mighty tempted if TW announced that there were no more coming in the foreseeable future.

Thanks mate, greatly appreciated. I'll give the blx90 a trial for the rest of the year but if TW does a second run of the 85, I'll buy one then.

Good tip regarding the Wilson tolerances.I'll get the pro shop to see if they can find one that comes in under the wire on swingweight (so long as it is still 8ptsHL minimum). The Asian blx90 would have appealed but I'm just not interested in chasing after them. Easier to work with what I can easily get my hands on.

 

[Keifers]

Thanks mate, greatly appreciated. I'll give the blx90 a trial for the rest of the year but if TW does a second run of the 85, I'll buy one then.

Good tip regarding the Wilson tolerances.I'll get the pro shop to see if they can find one that comes in under the wire on swingweight (so long as it is still 8ptsHL minimum). The Asian blx90 would have appealed but I'm just not interested in chasing after them. Easier to work with what I can easily get my hands on.

No problemo, glad to do it. Let's compare notes again when we buy our BB PS85s (as in BLX Buttcap ).

 

[faultfoot]

That is exactly what I did as well! I think we watched the same vids on Youtube. I also watched the Hamburg match against Guga because I think he was using a PS85 under a HPS paintjob. He was playing some pretty good clay court tennis against one of the best clay courters of the time.

As for the forehand, I guess I just was used to being able to play that shot with the PT630 (I actually was able to do the shot again once I switched to the PT630), but in the future I'll try to remember your tip. Thanks.

The excitement is contagious. You guys prompted me to also revisit some old vids of Federer.

One of my favorites is the 2002 Key Biscayne semi-final against Hewitt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INLYCn4PSBw

Hewitt was in his prime at the time (#1 IIRC) and Fed took him out 3 and 4 with his trusty 6.0 85 (albeit paintjobbed with the HPS 6.1 95 colors).

The backhand was surely working that day and it was as clean a tennis match from Federer as I’ve seen (against a tough competitor no less.)

The 85 really was a weapon in Fed's hands. Good stuff.

 

[ssonosk]

I still don't see how an ps6.0 is useless. It's just as heavy as every frame that has a 90 headsize. The only difference is it has a smaller head size, and even then it's really not a huge difference

 

[hcb0804]

Everyone is making a big deal out of the "small" head size of the PS 85 and being too small for the modern game. Well, I took my PS 85 and laid it on top of the hoop of my supposed 100 sq in PK Ki5, and as you can see there is a very small difference in head size. If I am going to shank it with the PS 85, I am going to shank it with the PK Ki5 too. I'm just sayin'......

 

[MrFlip]

Those who complain about small headsizes play with a western grip and most likely have a windshield whiper forehand. Legitimate point, but they're silly for complaining in the first place.

 

[safinator]

Now that I have received my PS85 and finally got the chance to hit with it I feel I gotta make my review of the legend.

Just to put up the scene.
I played before with the Pure Storm Ltd (non gt), with no lead and strung with multies. I play semi-western with an innuendo of western forehand, and a quite flat 2HBH. Used to have awesome volleys that misteriously disappeared after a two year hiatus.

My brother used to play with a Tour Diablo Mid, leaded up to something like 370-375 gramms, strung with multies. He plays with semi-western, more like an eastern forehand, one handed backhand. All court playa who sometimes struggles with the backhands.

Now, although we usually don't play with same sticks, here our wishes were the same, so both of us switched to the PS85. He had no concerns whatsoever about the change. I was a little concerned about the weight (just a little) and a little more about the head size affecting my 2HBH. We did not modify the sticks, only put a TurnaGrip (yeah, yeah, I know it sounds like a cliche, but from the very beggining we played with TurnaGrip).

The overall impression was awesome even before the first hit. The stick feels good in the hands. Then, from the very first stroke it felt so different to the Pure Storm Ltd!! Can't explain in operative terminologies the feeling, but can only say I loooved it.

On the forehands had no problems at all. As a matter of fact, the stick has surprised me a lot. First of all - power. It was so damn powerful, that my main concern was to adapt to that power. Then was the spin! The stick is small, but god does it spin the ball! My brother who never really liked to spin, and therefore never did so, was hitting the balls with such a spin! I just could not adapt to his "new" backhand. If before it was completely flat, now after bouncing it just "jumped" on me. His forehands were also heavy. I loved the control of the racquet. Yes, I did shack the ball from time to time, but not really more than with the PSLtd. And even when I did shack, it still ended inside the court because of such a heavy spin.

Then the backhands. Really did not have any problems with the size of the stick. Yet again, the only thing that needed adaptation was the inmense power. My brother did not notice it so much, but guess a 370g Diablo hits harder that the PSltd.... The slice was also very nice - loved it. Yet again, sometimes shacked the ball, but I put all of my body weight into the shots, so even when I shack the ball it still kicks *** to most people.

At the net I did not really practice a lot, but really loved it the few times I did come to the net. Did not have any troubles with maneuvrability. Stability was nice, as well as control. Yet again, the power, I still gotta learn to control so much power!

Serves, really did not have time to serve much, but the few times I did serve I liked it. The serves were not weaker than normal, and it's alright, cause I don't really imagine my serves to be any more powerful. It is funny, but I usually injure most ppl I play with when I serve. I don't really control the direction, just try to make it in. But it clocks so fast that sometimes they hit the oponnents, and it hit them hard...

Overall I just say one thing - if that stick goes out again in August, I'll get one more for sure!!! As long as you have the strength to weild it, you can just dance with it on the court. I really loved my tennis with it. You don't need to force anything, just swing it long and smooth, and everything will be just fine!!

Would be grateful to other playas who used this stick to give a comparison - what is closer to THIS PS85, the Youtek Prestige Mid or the BLX90?

Thanks for your attention.

 

[BreakPoint]

Everyone is making a big deal out of the "small" head size of the PS 85 and being too small for the modern game. Well, I took my PS 85 and laid it on top of the hoop of my supposed 100 sq in PK Ki5, and as you can see there is a very small difference in head size. If I am going to shank it with the PS 85, I am going to shank it with the PK Ki5 too. I'm just sayin'......

But it's not just about shanking. It's also about power. An even slightly bigger hoop will give you more power due to the greater trampoline effect of a bigger stringbed with longer strings (all else being equal).

 

[Mick]

if you are good enough, you can play with any racquet. the problem is when you face a player who is just as good as you are and he is using a modern racquet, he is going to make you feel the deficiency of using a racquet designed 25 years ago.

 

[Kemitak]

^^^
I've never lost a tight match to an equally good player just because he was playing with a racquet that had a more recent ad campaign. I have, however, come up with more convincing excuses for losing than the one you just gave.

 

[ssonosk]

But it's not just about shanking. It's also about power. An even slightly bigger hoop will give you more power due to the greater trampoline effect of a bigger stringbed with longer strings (all else being equal).

with these heavy frames power isn't an issue

All new racquets are doing are just getting bigger heads, lighter frames, and different types of shock absorbtion.

If you're good with a newage frame you can be good with one of these. People are forgetting that frames don't make the player (although the right frame does help)

 

[Mick]

^^^
I've never lost a tight match to an equally good player just because he was playing with a racquet that had a more recent ad campaign. I have, however, come up with more convincing excuses for losing than the one you just gave.

actually, it's not an excuse because people who would use ps 6.0 85 make that choice when they start the match. if they lose, they can't say they lost the match because of the racquet they had chosen to play with

 

[BreakPoint]

actually, it's not an excuse because people who would use ps 6.0 85 make that choice when they start the match. if they lose, they can't say they lost the match because of the racquet they had chosen to play with

Yeah, but that always makes for a great excuse, doesn't it? LOL

 

[Mick]

Yeah, but that always makes for a great excuse, doesn't it? LOL

haha. the other day, i had a really good service game and i told the guys there, it's not me, it's the racquet, pete sampras' racquet. actually i lied, it was a ps. 6.0 95 but nobody there could tell the difference

 

[T21D]

Fell for the hype. Ok not really had one of the China OG versions can't find it though.

 

[macias]

I've read all pages, and I didn't find the answer so if I may -- is this racquet originally (i.e. by Wilson) stringed? Or does it come with empty frame?

Thank you for clarifying this issue.

 

[luv2volley]

good blog, yes it needs shoulder strength more than lighter racquets for sure. It works fine for me but I have a long swing. I wonder how the modern compact swing will work with this heavier racquet. Have anyone played testing this new PS85 with the old PS85 St. Vincent and Chicago? I also have China PS85 but they're not exactly playing the same and one is really flexy.

 

[tperrott]

I've read all pages, and I didn't find the answer so if I may -- is this racquet originally (i.e. by Wilson) stringed? Or does it come with empty frame?

Thank you for clarifying this issue.

The racquet does not come pre-strung from Wilson. I ordered mine unstrung from TW, but of course they offer endless options if you want them to string it (them).

 

[paulcd77]

updated assessment

so after three additional hitting sessions, the demo started to become surprisingly comfortable. i can only surmise that the racquet forced me to concentrate more on mechanics. as a result, the frequency of mishits diminished and i really started to dial in my groundstrokes and serves. volleys were still sketchy, but i hit enough of them decently that i could attribute the poor ones to the aforementioned inconsistency and laziness.

overall, the good moments far outweighed the bad. maneuverability on reflex shots was a slight issue, but i think prolonged use would help me adapt to the extra weight. also, no tennis elbow to speak of, which was a problem with previous versions. the lowered flex likely helped, yet unlike others, i didn't find that made it difficult to counter heavier shots.

it seems i may have demoed myself into purchasing one when the new batch arrives.

 

[trilix]

so after three additional hitting sessions, the demo started to become surprisingly comfortable. i can only surmise that the racquet forced me to concentrate more on mechanics. as a result, the frequency of mishits diminished and i really started to dial in my groundstrokes and serves. volleys were still sketchy, but i hit enough of them decently that i could attribute the poor ones to the aforementioned inconsistency and laziness.

overall, the good moments far outweighed the bad. maneuverability on reflex shots was a slight issue, but i think prolonged use would help me adapt to the extra weight. also, no tennis elbow to speak of, which was a problem with previous versions. the lowered flex likely helped, yet unlike others, i didn't find that made it difficult to counter heavier shots.

it seems i may have demoed myself into purchasing one when the new batch arrives.

Nice! You won't regret it. Won my first match yesterday with this racquet. It's the first racquet that doesn't get in the way. The thin beam makes me feel & see the complete string surface. Something I have issue with on the ps 6.0 95

 

[JoelDali]

Hate to report it but my 5 year old China plays soooo much better than the BLX 85.

I have a feeling the BLX crystal injection is a fail on the new release.

I'm waiting for Sampras to voice his opinion on it first before I decide to sell it.

 

[trilix]

I have a feeling the BLX crystal injection is a fail on the new release.

Is there BLX tech in the new released PS's other than the buttcapps?