Wilson Pro Staff 6.0 85

[WilsonPlayer101]

I've hit with the YouTek Prestige Pro, and although it's not stiff by today's standards, I'd say this PS 6.0 85 re-issue is even less stiff. It really is a very comfortable racquet to play with. I've had a history of elbow problems in the past but playing with this PS 6.0 85 has given me zero elbow twinges at all. Whereas, hitting with the BLX Blade Tour gave me wrist and elbow twinges after just 5 minutes.

Thanks for the comparison between the Prestige and the PS85. I have to try one out now, you got me curious about this. My screen name is WilsonPlayer101 because I was using Wilson, the Jim Courier, PS 6.6 95 when I created my screen name, then I went to Head. Maybe after trying the PS 6.0 85 I will be a true WilsonPlayer again if I like it.

 

[WilsonPlayer101]

one factor for the increased comfort now could be string tension. i recall 20 years ago, string tensions were higher at 55-65 lbs for mids and 65-75 lbs for OSs. from what i'm seeing now, alot of folks here are stringing their PS85s in the 45-55 which goes quite a ways in improving comfort.

That's a great point and could be the case to. I didn't think of that but that sounds true too.

 

[Lendl]

Very true and I experienced that yesterday. I bought six of these to tuck away and someday either sell them or use them for fun but of course I had to string one now (natural gut even) and test it out for old times sake. I am currently using the Organix 8 315 which I really like and when hitting with this old school 6.0 it felt like a noodle but it really is not, it is all relative to today's rackets.

It's amazing because back in the day the PS 6.0 85 was considered one of the stiffest racquets on the market. In fact, I hated it because I loved ultra flexy racquets like my Dunlop Max 200G. But today's racquets have gotten so ridiculously stiff (think Babolat and the like), that now the PS 6.0 85 is considered one of the most flexy racquets available. The new re-issue is flexy and very comfortable to play with. :shock:

 

[baek57]

I am demoing this bad boy now. Went out for my first hitting session with it. I am soooo tempted to switch from my k90's already. It serves better, volleys better, even my groundstrokes are better. What the heck are its downsides? I don't notice the headsize being a problem. If anything, the k90's headsize is too big.

 

[JoelDali]

I am demoing this bad boy now. Went out for my first hitting session with it. I am soooo tempted to switch from my k90's already. It serves better, volleys better, even my groundstrokes are better. What the heck are its downsides? I don't notice the headsize being a problem. If anything, the k90's headsize is too big.

This racquet is changing lives at only $149 a pop.

Unreal.

 

[baek57]

This racquet is changing lives at only $149 a pop.

Unreal.

But everybody knows you can't buy just one. 2 is the minimum if you plan on actually playing with the racquet. 3 is probably better.

 

[Hooked]

I am demoing this bad boy now. Went out for my first hitting session with it. I am soooo tempted to switch from my k90's already. It serves better, volleys better, even my groundstrokes are better. What the heck are its downsides? I don't notice the headsize being a problem. If anything, the k90's headsize is too big.

Same experience here. It is better than the K90 at everything. I also have a KPS88 and the PS85 also beat that frame on everything except stability. The KPS88 is really challenging to play matches with. I'm going to hang on to my K90 for nostalgia purposes as it was my first players frame, but had the PS85 been available new at the time, it would have been a different story. On the other hand, I probably wouldn't have appreciated the PS85 as much as I do, if I hadn't made the long journey to finally arrive at it. Bought 2 reissues from TW and waiting on a pair of Saint Vincents that I got lucky to win on auction for a great price so I can compare the new to the old.

If you haven't already pulled the trigger on a the PS85, what are you waiting for? Knock over a few convenience stores if you have to. Also, be sure to use the TW matching service. I used it for the first time with my 85's and they matched them on weight, balance and swingweight. I confirmed the weight and balance using my postal scale and balancing jig. Spot on. The frames are within 1 gram (strung) and both balanced at the same point. Perfecto. I think you have to call to get the service, but it is the best $10 you can spend if you are buying more than one frame...

 

[WilsonPlayer101]

Hooked, I have been playing tennis since I was a kid in the '70s but not sure how this balancing service works. Could you please explain how they match the racquets and the purpose of it? I only recently bought a new frame for the first time in about 15 years so I am behind in terms of technology.


Thanks

 

[rudester]

Hooked, I have been playing tennis since I was a kid in the '70s but not sure how this balancing service works. Could you please explain how they match the racquets and the purpose of it? I only recently bought a new frame for the first time in about 15 years so I am behind in terms of technology.


Thanks

Purchased 2 matched ps85's in July, TW sent the racquets with the specs of each written on a piece of tape applied to the racquet, they were exactly same weight and balance. cost me an extra $20.

 

[Hooked]

Hooked, I have been playing tennis since I was a kid in the '70s but not sure how this balancing service works. Could you please explain how they match the racquets and the purpose of it? I only recently bought a new frame for the first time in about 15 years so I am behind in terms of technology.


Thanks

They go through the frames and find two that are matched. There is manufacturing variances in all frames that are pretty wide so if you buy two there is a good chance they will feel slightly different. I found this out with my K90s. I bought them at different times and they have significantly different balances. TW will go through the frames and find two that are the same weight, balance and swing weight. This will help to ensure that the only difference in the frames will be your strings and any mods you make. It's a great way to try some things out. If you keep one racquet stock you can try different strings, tensions and other mods. That way you can compare them to see if you made an improvement or not. The other reason with the PS85 is that we don't know if and when they'll ever reissue them again. The people that like them seem to be the vocal minority and you may want to stock up while you can.

 

[baek57]

Same experience here. It is better than the K90 at everything. I also have a KPS88 and the PS85 also beat that frame on everything except stability. The KPS88 is really challenging to play matches with. I'm going to hang on to my K90 for nostalgia purposes as it was my first players frame, but had the PS85 been available new at the time, it would have been a different story. On the other hand, I probably wouldn't have appreciated the PS85 as much as I do, if I hadn't made the long journey to finally arrive at it. Bought 2 reissues from TW and waiting on a pair of Saint Vincents that I got lucky to win on auction for a great price so I can compare the new to the old.

If you haven't already pulled the trigger on a the PS85, what are you waiting for? Knock over a few convenience stores if you have to. Also, be sure to use the TW matching service. I used it for the first time with my 85's and they matched them on weight, balance and swingweight. I confirmed the weight and balance using my postal scale and balancing jig. Spot on. The frames are within 1 gram (strung) and both balanced at the same point. Perfecto. I think you have to call to get the service, but it is the best $10 you can spend if you are buying more than one frame...

Well, they are out of 1/4 grip. So that is one thing holding me back. And I still have time left on my demo so I'm going to make use of it to see if I change my mind. If I don't, the only question would be, how many to buy?

 

[WilsonPlayer101]

They go through the frames and find two that are matched. There is manufacturing variances in all frames that are pretty wide so if you buy two there is a good chance they will feel slightly different. I found this out with my K90s. I bought them at different times and they have significantly different balances. TW will go through the frames and find two that are the same weight, balance and swing weight. This will help to ensure that the only difference in the frames will be your strings and any mods you make. It's a great way to try some things out. If you keep one racquet stock you can try different strings, tensions and other mods. That way you can compare them to see if you made an improvement or not. The other reason with the PS85 is that we don't know if and when they'll ever reissue them again. The people that like them seem to be the vocal minority and you may want to stock up while you can.

Thanks Hooked for the info on watch matching up racquets means. Figured that they were all exactly the same but that's naive I guess. I play guitar and I know not all like guitars are the same either, so figures racquets are the same way.

 

[mars76]

Hi All,

I have the following prostaff racquets already and wondering whether i should get this or not..

Prostaff 6.0 Original 95 Mid Plus
Prostaff 85 Midsize

How different it is from Prostaff 85 Midsize ( I think this is the racquet used by sampras).

I have too many racuqets (Head, Dunlop, Wilson) and resisting to not to order these

Thanks

 

[jdunnie014159]

Here's a short review from someone who never hit with the original 6.0 85. I'll

I'm a 4.0 who just ordered 2 of these matched I've hit with a ton of frames but mainly LM Prestige Mids, Youtek Mids, Dunlop 100s and 300s. The frame I'm currently using is a modded AD 4D 300.
I love the Wilson shaped grip and the feel of the matte paint job when holding the throat of the racquet while hitting. Everything else was lost on me. This is a frame I want to like more than anything. I respect the history and the tradition of it, but this frame suits a very particular niche.
Ground strokes: Forehands were enjoyable, as I usually find them to be with smaller head sized frames. I found this 6.0 to be less whippy and maneuverable than I expected when considering the balance point. My reference frame is 347 grams and 6 points headlight, so I don't think I'm out of line here. Backhands--when coming over the ball, one-handers were more fun than 2 handers. Slice backhands were biting with good penetration when hit perfectly.
Serves: I expected a bit more pop because of the string pattern, 1.20 mm thin powerful poly string I had, and the stiffness rating. Spin was OK on the 2nd serve, control was unbelievable especially on my slice serve which I have issues controlling.
Volleys: Like I said, less maneuverability than expected at the net. Volleys feel great when "stuck" perfectly. That being said, I found this frame to be less stable at 9 and 3 o'clock on volleys than my reference stick (which has lead), and Prestige Mids in stock form.

In short, this is a very unforgiving frame as I'm sure you all know. However, it's also an extremely responsive frame. The feedback from the racquet to the player was simply amazing, even with poly string and a dampener. If your ball is not struck 100% "clean", you'll know it, and have some idea of how and why. Anyone hitting with this frame should walk into the experience knowing they won't get away with anything--lazy footwork, minor breakdowns in form when tired, anything that compromises your ability to strike the ball cleanly will be exposed. This is the particular niche this racquet fills for the modern player. Step on the court for a focused, dialed-in hitting session with this frame and you'll learn a lot about your strokes and mechanics. The frame could be looked at as a tool in this regard. Also, anyone interested in the frame for nostalgic purposes as well should take it for a hit. If you're trying to hit the court for 2 hours and simply produce the best tennis you're capable of, don't bother with the Pro Staff 6.0 85. I don't think this statement only applies to upper end players as I would think even the most consistent ball strikers should expect more out of a racquet than to simply not get in the way of their game.

 

[Hooked]

Hi All,

I have the following prostaff racquets already and wondering whether i should get this or not..

Prostaff 6.0 Original 95 Mid Plus
Prostaff 85 Midsize

How different it is from Prostaff 85 Midsize ( I think this is the racquet used by sampras).

I have too many racuqets (Head, Dunlop, Wilson) and resisting to not to order these

Thanks

It is a reissue of the PS85 Midsize. Same one Sampras hit although he was known to only use the ones produced in St. Vincent. There's a long back story but the St. Vincent frames are 18mm and the others produced elsewhere are 17mm. The St. Vincent versions are the most sought after - probably due mostly to Pete's insistence on them and his tremendous success with the frame. Many other high profile players also add to the frames mystique.

So the answer to your questions depends on which version PS85 Midsize you have. People that know much more than I feel that the reissues are most like the late model PS 85s produced in China which was the last manufacturing site before they discontinued it.

 

[WilsonPlayer101]

Got some demo racquets from TW yesterday. One of them is the PS85. Owned one in the early '90s but don't know if it was the St. Vincent or the other one. Back then I didn't like this racquet, I felt it hurt my arm a bit so I sold it. This time around I don't feel that my arm is hurting, then again I did not play against someone since I had no one to play. Hit against the wall in the racquet ball courts at the LA Fitness.

I am a better player now than then so I appreciate this racquet more. Been years since I hit with a small head so I thought I would have a hard time with this headsize but I didn't. Well, I did and I did not. Been playing for years with a 95 sq Jim Courier Wilson then onto some Heads at 98 which put against a Wilson 95 looks to be the same size. With the 85 sq inch PS I did not hit the frame with the ball like I thought I would but I did hit near the frame around the edge half the time, therefore missing the sweet spot. When I did hit the sweet spot I can say the feel of the shot was unbelievable. Now I know what you guys are talking about when you say what a great racquet it is. When I hit the sweet spot the feeling was like no other racquet. I would consider buying one but I need to demo more in order to tell if I could adjust my shots and hit within the sweet spot more. I hope I can hit with a friend on Friday because hitting in the racquet ball room is not the best indicator of how it is, I need to hit with someone.

Side note, I also have a Head Youtek Radical MP as a demo and altho I have the MG version I could not hit with this YT version. I can't understand it. It could be the strings, they were poly and shinny. Looked slippery to me. But the MG version of this is an amazing racquet if you ask me. I am not to the YT Prestige MP now as my current racquet. I like the feel of it but the Wilson PS85 feels great too but diff when hitting in the sweet spot when I can. I think overall the Head Prestige is better for my playing purposes, maybe the bigger head size but I have to demo the Wilson more and see how I do with it over the week I get to demo.

 

[BeGreat]

But everybody knows you can't buy just one. 2 is the minimum if you plan on actually playing with the racquet. 3 is probably better.

4 is great.
but 5 is what i would recommend.
although, 6 wouldn't be to bad.
7 would be best.

 

[BeGreat]

*too bad...

 

[BeGreat]

I was a huge PS85 fan (and actually recently started playing with it again). But then I tried the PS Tour 90 many years ago. This was Federer's racquet right after the PS 85. THAT is the greatest frame i've played with, ever. I'm glad I bought 6! still have 3 new ones.

 

[acehigh]

The PS 6.0 85 is like a good sports car. It feels like crap the first time you drive it. The ride is raw, hard and rough. You fell every bump on the road. Any mistakes and you’ll know about it. There is no honeymoon period. You will not get that wow feeling. Now, here’s the deal. Because of all the feedback you get from the frame, your body learns very fast to fine tune itself to automatically find that small but the sweetest of all sweet spot. Rackets that do most of the work and lets you get away with mistakes will make you become a lazier player. The PS 6.0 85 makes you do all the work, and you’ll become a better play for it. No pain, no gain. Give it a few months of constant play and you’ll find everything will suddenly just click without you thinking about it. Your wish and the ball will magically do it. This is when the PS will start wowing you. You will be wowing at shots like “did I really do that?” Like the sports car, you will learn to appreciate the feed back, response, stability, move ability, accuracy and control it gives you. Only then will you will understand why people describe it as a magic wand or a scalpel. A word of warning, be unfaithful and not play with it for a while and you’re back to square one.

 

[mars76]

The PS 85 Mid Size i have is not made in China. It has KWQ on the butt cap.

It is a reissue of the PS85 Midsize. Same one Sampras hit although he was known to only use the ones produced in St. Vincent. There's a long back story but the St. Vincent frames are 18mm and the others produced elsewhere are 17mm. The St. Vincent versions are the most sought after - probably due mostly to Pete's insistence on them and his tremendous success with the frame. Many other high profile players also add to the frames mystique.

So the answer to your questions depends on which version PS85 Midsize you have. People that know much more than I feel that the reissues are most like the late model PS 85s produced in China which was the last manufacturing site before they discontinued it.

 

[mad dog1]

The PS 85 Mid Size i have is not made in China. It has KWQ on the butt cap.

sounds like you may have a St Vincent version.

 

[mad dog1]

The PS 6.0 85 is like a good sports car. It feels like crap the first time you drive it. The ride is raw, hard and rough. You fell every bump on the road. Any mistakes and you’ll know about it. There is no honeymoon period. You will not get that wow feeling. Now, here’s the deal. Because of all the feedback you get from the frame, your body learns very fast to fine tune itself to automatically find that small but the sweetest of all sweet spot. Rackets that do most of the work and lets you get away with mistakes will make you become a lazier player. The PS 6.0 85 makes you do all the work, and you’ll become a better play for it. No pain, no gain. Give it a few months of constant play and you’ll find everything will suddenly just click without you thinking about it. Your wish and the ball will magically do it. This is when the PS will start wowing you. You will be wowing at shots like “did I really do that?” Like the sports car, you will learn to appreciate the feed back, response, stability, move ability, accuracy and control it gives you. Only then will you will understand why people describe it as a magic wand or a scalpel. A word of warning, be unfaithful and not play with it for a while and you’re back to square one.

so true. the ps85 is definitely not a stick for everyone.

 

[Hooked]

The PS 85 Mid Size i have is not made in China. It has KWQ on the butt cap.

Probably a St Vincent's. The codes end in Q. The other sign is red primer. If there are any scratches that reveal red primer under the paint then you definitely have one. If you are the original owner, then the butt cap code is enough. If it was bought used, the primer is the best way to know for sure. The St Vincent's sell for a premium so there is ample incentive for people to fake them.

 

[baek57]

The PS 6.0 85 is like a good sports car. It feels like crap the first time you drive it. The ride is raw, hard and rough. You fell every bump on the road. Any mistakes and you’ll know about it. There is no honeymoon period. You will not get that wow feeling. Now, here’s the deal. Because of all the feedback you get from the frame, your body learns very fast to fine tune itself to automatically find that small but the sweetest of all sweet spot. Rackets that do most of the work and lets you get away with mistakes will make you become a lazier player. The PS 6.0 85 makes you do all the work, and you’ll become a better play for it. No pain, no gain. Give it a few months of constant play and you’ll find everything will suddenly just click without you thinking about it. Your wish and the ball will magically do it. This is when the PS will start wowing you. You will be wowing at shots like “did I really do that?” Like the sports car, you will learn to appreciate the feed back, response, stability, move ability, accuracy and control it gives you. Only then will you will understand why people describe it as a magic wand or a scalpel. A word of warning, be unfaithful and not play with it for a while and you’re back to square one.

I certainly didn't feel like the ps85 played like crap the first time I hit with it. But I did hit quite a few shots where I wowed myself. Perhaps my technique is already decent enough not to need to fine tune anything.

Anyways, I took it out to play for the second time. Played the first set with the ps85 and the second set with my normal k90. Won first set 7-6(3), and was losing the 2nd set 2-4 in tie breaker before the lights turned off. My hitting partner told me I hit a lot more junk with my k90 and he was having trouble finding a rhythm. Which is funny, because he was winning and also because the entire time I was thinking man, I sure do frame a lot more shots with the k90 than I do with the ps85. That was after I shanked a shot in virtually every point in one of his service games, and I started laughing when I shanked 3 backhands in a row in the same point that all landed in. Paradoxically, I hit the ball extremely clean with the ps85 despite its smaller headsize. Perhaps I was subconsciously changing the way I swing with the k90 trying to put more spin on it since it has a bigger head. Who knows. Got a few more days left on the demo to find out.

 

[mars76]

HI baek57,

Also it might be some thing to do with the mindset. That happens to me all the time.

When i get a new racquet ( used ones which are considered rare to find or good players racquets) and the first few sessions are always great ( Except with Head Radical Tour XL Zebra. some how i tried few times and never felt comfortable). Also i don't string them with fresh strings. i generally play with what ever the string it comes with !!.

At lease in my case i came to the conclusion it's all in my mind how confident and calm i was when playing with the racquet.

 

[MAXXply]

Slightly annoyed my 3/8 fitted with one Tournagrip blows out the grip to whatever the fraction is that's between 1/2 and 5/8. My TW PS85 grip definitely runs big.

 

[Shaochieh]

Just pull the original leather off and regrip it super tight. It will give you a smaller feel.

 

[klementine]

Slightly annoyed my 3/8 fitted with one Tournagrip blows out the grip to whatever the fraction is that's between 1/2 and 5/8. My TW PS85 grip definitely runs big.

That would be 9/16's..... or 4.5/8th's... and that's a pretty 'meaty' grip.

Just pull the original leather off and regrip it super tight. It will give you a smaller feel.

^This usually works.... but a bit surprising as Wilson grips with leather always feel a bit slimmer than the norm.

------

Tempted to order a PS 6.0 85 just for fun..... never played with the original.... but an easier to swing 90 and a bit more pliable as well seems attractive.

 

[baek57]

Ok. After playing 7 times with this ps85 demo, I have come to the conclusion that I play better with my k90s. At best, when I'm fully rested and on top of my game I might play marginally better with the 85. Under normal circumstances, slightly fatigued, lack of concentration, whatever, the ps85 becomes all but unusable compared to the much more forgiving k90. It became largely apparent when playing for the 3rd, 4th and 5th day in a row. As it stands now, I won't be switching to this racquet. At best, it might be worth another demo to change my mind.

 

[mad dog1]

Ok. After playing 7 times with this ps85 demo, I have come to the conclusion that I play better with my k90s. At best, when I'm fully rested and on top of my game I might play marginally better with the 85. Under normal circumstances, slightly fatigued, lack of concentration, whatever, the ps85 becomes all but unusable compared to the much more forgiving k90. It became largely apparent when playing for the 3rd, 4th and 5th day in a row. As it stands now, I won't be switching to this racquet. At best, it might be worth another demo to change my mind.

you've got to be focused when hitting w/ the PS85. if you're tired, you'll be late hitting the ball. if you're not concentrating and intently watching the ball, you'll probably be late again.

the other thing which i'm discovering w/ the PS85...it's sensitive to strings and tension moreso than some of my other racquets. i've been loving the PS85 w/ a full bed of Iontec 17 at 47.5/46. i just tried TourBite 16L at 47.5/46 and it transformed the PS from a magic wand to an unresponsive log. no feel, no pop, sluggish, and just plain dead feeling. the wonderful touch i was experiencing on all strokes especially volleys w/ iontec had completely vanished. since TB is considerably stiffer than IT, it may just be that i need to string TB another 4-5 lbs lower at ~42/41.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Mad dog, are you an aficianado of wilson mids? I played five sets of singles and dubs with the blx 85 and it was goating in singles but very challenging in dubs. I was missing that 5 si of the kps88, blx90.

 

[JoelDali]

The 85 is revolutionizing the spoart. Give it a few more tries. You'll come around to abhor the K90.

 

[VGP]

You don't have to make the guy like the PS85. If he prefers the k90 and it suits his game, then that's good for him and it's one more step in reassuring him he's made the right choice.

 

[JoelDali]

You don't have to make the guy like the PS85. If he prefers the k90 and it suits his game, then that's good for him and it's one more step in reassuring him he's made the right choice.

LoL....I was yoking yo.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Really torn between getting the 85 and staying with roger.

 

[baek57]

You don't have to make the guy like the PS85. If he prefers the k90 and it suits his game, then that's good for him and it's one more step in reassuring him he's made the right choice.

It's not that I don't like the ps85. I do like it actually. But it had become apparent to me that I play better with the k90. By comparison, I also demo'd the blx90. It only took about 5 minutes of hitting to determine I didn't like it.

 

[mad dog1]

Mad dog, are you an aficianado of wilson mids? I played five sets of singles and dubs with the blx 85 and it was goating in singles but very challenging in dubs. I was missing that 5 si of the kps88, blx90.

i can't say i was an aficionado of wilson mids before but i guess i am now especially having spent some time w/ the reissued blx85. i don't play much dubs but i can definitely see how quick reaction volleys w/ a small headed ~12.6 oz would be challenging.

 

[mad dog1]

It's not that I don't like the ps85. I do like it actually. But it had become apparent to me that I play better with the k90. By comparison, I also demo'd the blx90. It only took about 5 minutes of hitting to determine I didn't like it.

don't worry baek57...i hit well w/ the ps85 for about 60-90 mins. after that i start tiring and it gets too heavy and can't get the stick around quick because my fitness isn't good enough. then i pull out my vantage. it's just a super, duper fun stick to pull out of my bag. for the first hour or so, it's just amazing and that's good enough for me.

 

[baek57]

don't worry baek57...i hit well w/ the ps85 for about 60-90 mins. after that i start tiring and it gets too heavy and can't get the stick around quick because my fitness isn't good enough. then i pull out my vantage. it's just a super, duper fun stick to pull out of my bag. for the first hour or so, it's just amazing and that's good enough for me.

Yeah when I use the ps85 I feel like I really have to get at it and use my legs a lot. Once my legs stop cooperating all my balls start landing short and then it's all but over. Also, the ps85 demo was 4 grams heavier than my k90 which is already pretty much at the maximum weight I can handle without dropping performance (any lead tape added, even 1g makes me play worse). And yes, I could feel the weight difference even before I measured it. I noticed myself doing a lot more wristy flick shots with my k90 as well. I wonder if that was due to the weight, headsize, grip size, or some combination of those factors. It might be worth another demo. It was fun to use at times.

 

[BreakPoint]

Yeah when I use the ps85 I feel like I really have to get at it and use my legs a lot. Once my legs stop cooperating all my balls start landing short and then it's all but over. Also, the ps85 demo was 4 grams heavier than my k90 which is already pretty much at the maximum weight I can handle without dropping performance (any lead tape added, even 1g makes me play worse). And yes, I could feel the weight difference even before I measured it. I noticed myself doing a lot more wristy flick shots with my k90 as well. I wonder if that was due to the weight, headsize, grip size, or some combination of those factors. It might be worth another demo. It was fun to use at times.

Yes, but the weight distribution and balance of the PS 6.0 85 BLX makes it so much easier to swing and maneuver than the K90. My 13 oz. PS 6.0 85 BLX swings and feels like it's 11 oz or less, while my 13 oz. K90 swings and feels like.....well, like 13 oz. or more.

 

[Hooked]

Ok. After playing 7 times with this ps85 demo, I have come to the conclusion that I play better with my k90s. At best, when I'm fully rested and on top of my game I might play marginally better with the 85. Under normal circumstances, slightly fatigued, lack of concentration, whatever, the ps85 becomes all but unusable compared to the much more forgiving k90. It became largely apparent when playing for the 3rd, 4th and 5th day in a row. As it stands now, I won't be switching to this racquet. At best, it might be worth another demo to change my mind.

What are the weights and balances of your PS85 and K90? I have both frames and I find the PS85 to be noticeable easier to play with. My guess is that your game has been so accustomed to the K90 that it hasn't adjusted to the PS85. Perhaps more time is required?

My PS85 is 12.8oz and 10 HL and my K90 is 12.9oz and 9 HL. Not much of a delta on paper (I've seen bigger variations on "identical" frames), but the PS85 does feel significantly more manuevarable and easier to play - to me anyway.

 

[VGP]

Yes, but the weight distribution and balance of the PS 6.0 85 BLX makes it so much easier to swing and maneuver than the K90. My 13 oz. PS 6.0 85 BLX swings and feels like it's 11 oz or less, while my 13 oz. K90 swings and feels like.....well, like 13 oz. or more.

I'm sure that's one of the big differences between the k90/blx90/psb90 and the PS85.

I'm sure Federer and the "modern" game is adopting what we call a "polarized" weight distribution that's different from the traditional even weight distribution of the PS85.

The static weight and balance of the frames might be similar, but when you cut them up into sections from top to bottom and weigh the parts, it might reveal this.

I'm sure that's why I didn't like the blx90 and prefer the PS85 and conversely why baek57's preferences reflect the opposite of mine.

 

[mad dog1]

What are the weights and balances of your PS85 and K90? I have both frames and I find the PS85 to be noticeable easier to play with. My guess is that your game has been so accustomed to the K90 that it hasn't adjusted to the PS85. Perhaps more time is required?

My PS85 is 12.8oz and 10 HL and my K90 is 12.9oz and 9 HL. Not much of a delta on paper (I've seen bigger variations on "identical" frames), but the PS85 does feel significantly more manuevarable and easier to play - to me anyway.

same here...

 

[Panda The Panda]

So I demoed the 85. For some reason I just couldn't serve with it. Flat serves felt dull. Kickers just sat up to be spanked. My "serve and volley" game was more like "serve and watch another return winner pass me". Had a tendency to hit late on the backhand side, but lovely feel when I got it right plus it looks retro and cool. PS85 is an awesome fun and cool racket if you really like to lose matches.

 

[BreakPoint]

So I demoed the 85. For some reason I just couldn't serve with it. Flat serves felt dull. Kickers just sat up to be spanked. My "serve and volley" game was more like "serve and watch another return winner pass me". Had a tendency to hit late on the backhand side, but lovely feel when I got it right plus it looks retro and cool. PS85 is an awesome fun and cool racket if you really like to lose matches.

What's your usual racquet?

For most people, the PS 6.0 85 is the best serving racquet ever.

 

[baek57]

What are the weights and balances of your PS85 and K90? I have both frames and I find the PS85 to be noticeable easier to play with. My guess is that your game has been so accustomed to the K90 that it hasn't adjusted to the PS85. Perhaps more time is required?

My PS85 is 12.8oz and 10 HL and my K90 is 12.9oz and 9 HL. Not much of a delta on paper (I've seen bigger variations on "identical" frames), but the PS85 does feel significantly more manuevarable and easier to play - to me anyway.

The ps85 was 360g 10hl 325sw. My k90s are 356g 9hl 329sw. Perhaps I am just used to the k90. I have been using it for the last 3-4 years or so compared to a week of the ps85. But I certainly didn't get the impression that it was noticeably easier to play with. I felt like the sweet spot was much smaller.

I'm sure that's one of the big differences between the k90/blx90/psb90 and the PS85.

I'm sure Federer and the "modern" game is adopting what we call a "polarized" weight distribution that's different from the traditional even weight distribution of the PS85.

The static weight and balance of the frames might be similar, but when you cut them up into sections from top to bottom and weigh the parts, it might reveal this.

I'm sure that's why I didn't like the blx90 and prefer the PS85 and conversely why baek57's preferences reflect the opposite of mine.

Actually I hate the blx90. It doesn't feel at all similar to the k90 and that's probably why I didn't hit with it for more than 5 minutes. The headsize isn't even the same, it's bigger. Also, I do like the ps85, but I feel like it's a bit too demanding. Also I know what you're talking about with the weight distribution. I noticed it too but don't know if it's a positive or negative. I might demo it again at some point. I demoed the k90 3 times before I decided to buy it.

 

[Panda The Panda]

What's your usual racquet?

For most people, the PS 6.0 85 is the best serving racquet ever.

RD-Ti80 and RDS002 before recently moving back to the slazenger PBs. I don't know why, but the PS 6.0 85 and Prestige Mids are two serving sticks that just didn't work for me and make me lose heaps.

 

[rudester]

What's your usual racquet?

For most people, the PS 6.0 85 is the best serving racquet ever.

+1.............

 

[JGads]

String setup is HUGE with this new 85 (and maybe for the old 85s? don't know). Practicing serves -- and after an initial warmup -- I found the heater pretty easily with Mad Dog's 85 when I was testing his with a full poly (Iontec) in the high 40s; then when I ordered mine with Tour Bite in the low 50s, the deadness Panda described (no pace, and sitting-duck kickers) was exactly what I had, too. Tour Bite is definitely not a good match for this stick, I don't think, but the huge difference in performance really led me to believe that this stick is hugely string sensitive. Felt like two different sticks.