Wilson Pro Staff 6.0 85

[VGP]

The KPS88 has been my main stick for over 2 years, and to me, the PS85 didn't feel that different. I've read a lot of people here that have used both have said that they are two different beasts all together. [/b]For me, though, the 85 basically just felt like a slightly lighter version of my 88's. That was the puzzling part to me. [/b]Looking at specs alone, I was thinking the 85 would be significantly lighter than my 88's, but it didn't. Maybe it's just a case of Wilson QC.

Anyways, I will be hitting with it much more extensively this weekend, but as of right now, the 85 didn't really impress me all too much. It just seems that what I can do with the 85, I can just do with the 88 better.

Ah, the type of review experience that I was hoping to read.....

Don't doubt your experience just because of what people say around here. I didn't think the kPS88 was the "cast iron skillet" that stevewcosta says it is. Since I lead up my PS85s I found the kPS88 a nice hit, but a touch too powerful. I added extra spin to manage my shots. I'd definitely have to do a side-by-side to see if getting more action on the serve is what I was perceiving with the kPS88.

I thought the kPS88 is a fine frame.

Sorry to call you out stevewcosta. I know that you've been wishing (hard) for a Pro Staff 6.0 90 and 95 from Wilson (calling them stupid). My opinion is if you change a major component of a racket's design it becomes a different frame. "Just making a 90 or a 95" can't be a trivial matter. The engineering must change.

I know there was a proliferation of 90 ad 110 versions of frames in years past, but whenever I tried them I always thought they played differently....as well as they should. They may look the same, but they are different.

The same would go for a 90 sq. in. PS85. In the case of the PS 6.0 95, the beam thickness was different and so was the flex and the weight. I didn't like that frame at all. I'm curious to know what you'd want in a PS 6.0 90. Even if you just make the hoop bigger, would you welcome a 16x19 string pattern or would you maintain the 16x18? Based on string pattern alone, I think if you're going 16x19 then you're in k90/BLX90/kPS88 territory, and if you keep the 16x18 it opens it up even more and might get more of an uncontrolled, trampoline effect off the stringbed. IMO, that was the centralized drill pattern of the retail versions n90 and PST90. People saw that it was different in Federer's frames and complained big time.

I'm not claiming to know much about the engineering that goes into these things, but changing one thing has to affect others.....

 

[geese_com]

I just restrung my PS85s (two PS85s in an 75 minutes on a drop weight, boy do I love my PS85s). One has PSGM16 in the mains at 52 and BHSR 17 in the crosses at 52 and the other has BHSR17 at 52 in a full string job. I'll be going out to hit about an hour from now. Let's see if my crosscourt forehand improves with either of these string setups.

 

[drakulie]

Look at the guy's footwork. His footwork allows him to set up and use a frame such as the PS 85. You make it look so easy.

Drak, your wife must be a pretty good tennis player too.

yes she is, and now that she is playing more frequently, watch out. She was a top ranked junior in Poland before having a knee injury and leaving the game for some time.

Thanks for posting Drak! I agree with the above; your shots had high trajectory and were likely to be nasty and deep! Too bad we can only imagine how good she must be!
PS- Great one hander Drak!

Thanks Roundiesee.

Aaarrrgg. He catches most of the backhands a few ms late. That is such an annoying thing to see because I do it too - it is so common in 1hbh players. Nice hitting overall though.

Perhaps the camera angle, but I'm not catching the shots late, I'm actually hitting them very much in front.

Drak, thanks for the review.. thanks for sharing the clip too... nice hitting.. particularly like those forehands from around 1min on

I picked up one of these ps85s too, strung it up with klip legend/lux rough.. with o/grip, comes in at 366g. Going to give it a hit over the weekend..

aimr, being that you also hit with a one-hander, I'm looking forward to your review.

I just restrung my PS85s (two PS85s in an 75 minutes on a drop weight, boy do I love my PS85s). One has PSGM16 in the mains at 52 and BHSR 17 in the crosses at 52 and the other has BHSR17 at 52 in a full string job. I'll be going out to hit about an hour from now. Let's see if my crosscourt forehand improves with either of these string setups.

geese, look forward to reading your thoughts after you hit with a string that is more to your liking, and if it made a difference in your thoughts of the frame.

 

[realed]

Day 2 of hitting and after about a total playing time of 3 hours the strings pop. I went with a simple TNT2 syn gut and will definitely need something more durable.

 

[drakulie]

Hmmm. I noticed the OP changed his post yesterday.

He has also been:

 

[rudester]

Recieved 2 matched PS85's on tuesday, decided to string them up with Genesis Natural Gut/Luxilon Ace Hybrid, strung one at 55/52, the other at 58/55. Used to string full bed natural gut at 67 back in the day, but actually preferred the 55/52 Hybrid this time around. Loving the reunion.

 

[geese_com]

geese, look forward to reading your thoughts after you hit with a string that is more to your liking, and if it made a difference in your thoughts of the frame.

Well....I'm going to have to say that the difference was night and day. My go to forehand was there today, I was able to crush backhands, and even desperation lunges felt pretty good.

The hitting session today was about 2 hour long and it consisted of playing 21s. No serving today, so I can't really report on that. I have another hitting session tomorrow and I'll make sure I get some serves in so I can report on that.

Once again, my hitting partner (a different one from yesterday) said that my shots were definitely heavier than with the PT630. I was seeing that some of my forehands were spinning up to my opponent's head. The one handed was nice and solid and I felt like can swing out with confidence.

I would have to say that the multi mains PS85 had more spin and feel compared to the full BHSR PS85, but I do not know how the durability will be on that string setup, so I think that might be the deciding factor. I was able to hit some very good droppers and low slices. Volleys had punch and touch to them and I felt like Pete Sampras hitting half volleys.

I am definitely going to enjoy hitting with this racquet more in the next coming weeks. I think I am going to play my #1 singles 4.0 match next week with the PS85s and I will have to give another report after that.

 

[Cavaleer]

Exactly. 88 has no appeal in my opinion. It's the only racquet I've ever played with that felt like a cast iron skillet. Just awful. Although I applaud Wilson for reissuing the 6.0, they are pretty damn stupid. "Yeah, Wilson...the 6.0 is selling better than every other racquet in your line. Do you think you could perhaps learn something from that? I'll give you a hint. Slash the losers in your line (like most of them) and manufacture a 6.0 90 and 95..." God, most companies are so clueless it's painful.

Agreed about Wilson' strategic numbness but the 88 is absolutely DIVINE for me.

It's 95% of the advantages of the 85 with none of the baseline, longer rally shortcomings.

It's like a fusion of the classic 6.1 95 and the 6.0 85.....it's ultra-stiff, small sweet spot, thin, heavy, precise, merciless, unforgiving and oh so rewarding.....I guess that is what a cast-iron skillet feels like...to the ball especially.....haha

Perfect for me but clearly not for everyone. haha

 

[roundiesee]

Agreed about Wilson' strategic numbness but the 88 is absolutely DIVINE for me.

It's 95% of the advantages of the 85 with none of the baseline, longer rally shortcomings.

It's like a fusion of the classic 6.1 95 and the 6.0 85.....it's ultra-stiff, small sweet spot, thin, heavy, precise and merciless......I guess that is what a cast-iron skillet feels like...to the ball especially.....haha

Perfect for me but clearly not for everyone. haha

I didn't think the KPS 88 was so bad either. I'm just curous- for people who have played with the KPS 88, and who have been "re-united" with the PS 85 recently, which do you think is better and which would you play with if a match was on the line?

 

[drakulie]

I didn't think the KPS 88 was so bad either. I'm just curous- for people who have played with the KPS 88, and who have been "re-united" with the PS 85 recently, which do you think is better and which would you play with if a match was on the line?

In comparing the 88 to the 85, I would say it has one "weakness" that is simply too hard to overlook, and puts a shadow on all the things it does better than the 85, and that is the balance/maneuvarability.

Other than that, it has more power, spin, feels great at contact, and is head and shoulders way better of a return of serve racquet. The 88 is simply a tank that bludegeons the ball. Love hitting with that frame, but the balance kills it for me. I had to tinker with it way too much to get it balanced where I felt comfortable and still, it seemed lacking compared to the simplicity of the 85.


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

 

[Fliparoni]

In comparing the 88 to the 85, I would say it has one "weakness" that is simply too hard to overlook, and puts a shadow on all the things it does better than the 85, and that is the balance/maneuverability.

I felt the same way about the 88 for the first month or so that I was using it. After a couple years of exclusively using the 88, I don't really have any maneuverability/balance issues anymore. Also, I wish I had some way to find out the balance and exact weight of the 85 I got, because after hitting with it today, I honestly found that the way that it swung through the air, its maneuverability, etc, were not very different from my 88's.

 

[stevewcosta]

Ah, the type of review experience that I was hoping to read.....

Don't doubt your experience just because of what people say around here. I didn't think the kPS88 was the "cast iron skillet" that stevewcosta says it is. Since I lead up my PS85s I found the kPS88 a nice hit, but a touch too powerful. I added extra spin to manage my shots. I'd definitely have to do a side-by-side to see if getting more action on the serve is what I was perceiving with the kPS88.

I thought the kPS88 is a fine frame.

Sorry to call you out stevewcosta. I know that you've been wishing (hard) for a Pro Staff 6.0 90 and 95 from Wilson (calling them stupid). My opinion is if you change a major component of a racket's design it becomes a different frame. "Just making a 90 or a 95" can't be a trivial matter. The engineering must change.

I know there was a proliferation of 90 ad 110 versions of frames in years past, but whenever I tried them I always thought they played differently....as well as they should. They may look the same, but they are different.

The same would go for a 90 sq. in. PS85. In the case of the PS 6.0 95, the beam thickness was different and so was the flex and the weight. I didn't like that frame at all. I'm curious to know what you'd want in a PS 6.0 90. Even if you just make the hoop bigger, would you welcome a 16x19 string pattern or would you maintain the 16x18? Based on string pattern alone, I think if you're going 16x19 then you're in k90/BLX90/kPS88 territory, and if you keep the 16x18 it opens it up even more and might get more of an uncontrolled, trampoline effect off the stringbed. IMO, that was the centralized drill pattern of the retail versions n90 and PST90. People saw that it was different in Federer's frames and complained big time.

I'm not claiming to know much about the engineering that goes into these things, but changing one thing has to affect others.....

I didn't love the PS 6.0 95 either (too thick, too flexible in upper hoop but still much better than the tubular, dead, thick BLX and K crap). "Stupid" may be a somewhat harsh characterization of Wilson, but they have at least ten too many frames in their offering (call it a herd mentality I guess). Back to the 6.0 95 - I would hope they would modify to make it no thicker than 19mm (18 better) and stiffer upper hoop. Certainly they can cull some of the garbage they make and concentrate a little harder. The thin box beam, kevlar mix has been a huge success for them. As for the 88, in stock form it is simply not a user-friendly racquet (maybe for 5 people on this board). I don't care that they offered this club, but there is nothing in between that shares these great Pro Staff characteristics. You would think the "duh" light bulb would go off...Wishful thinking most likely. And so what if they fail a few times, they have already failed a million times. 88 - you can always add lead but removing weight is much more difficult...

 

[stevewcosta]

I didn't think the KPS 88 was so bad either. I'm just curous- for people who have played with the KPS 88, and who have been "re-united" with the PS 85 recently, which do you think is better and which would you play with if a match was on the line?

Exactly what drakulie said. It was just over the hump of being too unwieldy for my game - sure I would rather have a 90, but the 85 still wins in almost every other category (including power - too much for me, but probably due to balance and being late on the ball...). At my age, I simply couldn't handle it beyond a 45-minute hit. I do agree that the 88 is better for returns...that's the toughest part of the game for me with the 85.

 

[roundiesee]

Exactly what drakulie said. It was just over the hump of being too unwieldy for my game - sure I would rather have a 90, but the 85 still wins in almost every other category (including power - too much for me, but probably due to balance and being late on the ball...). At my age, I simply couldn't handle it beyond a 45-minute hit. I do agree that the 88 is better for returns...that's the toughest part of the game for me with the 85.

Steve, how about if you just blocked back returns and get into position to rally, rather than trying to hit it hard? Would that particular technique work with the 85?

 

[stevewcosta]

Steve, how about if you just blocked back returns and get into position to rally, rather than trying to hit it hard? Would that particular technique work with the 85?

Not unless you hit the sweet spot dead on with the 85, otherwise it would be a somewhat anemic return (at least for me). With the 88, as you know, that brick wall is a returning beast.

 

[Keifers]

Thanks for the reviews to those who've posted and to those who will. I appreciate you sharing your opinions.

Thanks for posting a video drakulie (along with your straightforward review). You always abide by your "put up or shut up" attitude.

I'm just enjoying some nice PS85 discussion that's not relegated to the back corners of the classic racket forum.

LONG LIVE THE 85, indeed!

VGP,

Your expert knowledge of the PS Midsize/6.0 85 -- and your generosity in sharing what you know -- has been a mainstay of the classic racket forum for years now.

Always much appreciated!

 

[Keifers]

It's tough to accurately describe what I mean by 'thick' which is how I ended up with such a vague term. The racquet feels more solid than later versions; less mobile but more substantial in contact with the ball. It does have a more muted feel and the flex is very uniform so you don't really feel it in one particular area (I found more recent Prestige Mids have a discernable flex in the throat). It's almost like a Dunlop Max 200G which is certainly a flexible frame but offers a very solid hit because of the consistent flex (among other things).

Im not sure if I'll take the plunge with the PS 85 this time around. If TW release a new shipment later in the year I'll most likely grab one then but, for now, I'm not a collector and I'm not selfish so I don't want to buy something that will sit in my bag when it could be used by someone else; especially when the current supply is limited.

Andrew,

I did not have a chance to compare with the BLX 90 yesterday. Will try to do in the next few days.

In terms of racquets with noticeably uniform flex and a substantial, solid feel, have you tried the X Feel Pro 90 Vac and X Feel Pro 95? I was very impressed by them for having just this property and I described them as feeling very much 'of a piece' -- the 90 more than the 95, as you would expect. Pretty unique among today's racquets. Delicious sensations.

 

[JoelDali]

I tried hard to resist this thread and the BLX 85.

So, instead I took out the China and had it restrung the other day with NXTtour 17 at 62.

Hit last night with my 5.0+ chick friend and was in love with the 85 again. What a perfect little setup. It was so perfect. After playing a K90 the past month, the 85 gave me so much more all around consistency. I GOATed some Peteresque DTL flat forehands that just screamed.

I had no issue at all readjusting strokes or anything. It just felt so damn good.

I just ordered a BLX 85. I'm back.

It goes without saying that next up to throw me in the wrong direction raquet-wise for the 10th time --- the new Fed stick I'm sure.

There is a reason the 85 is such a classic. Like the ex with delicious boobies u just can't let go of no matter how hard you try........

 

[tnsanydy]

'Just came back after 2 hours of play with my new PS85 and like everybody's expectations, it came back with flying colors! I mean it swings a lot lighter than my PSC 6.1 95s and I'm hitting everything deep and with good control that I'm like a psychic where I know where my ball is going to land everytime! Just fantastic, fantastic racket! And to think that I'm playing it with the freebee 16g syn gut with the leather grip slippin' and sliding my hand, I'm still in total control of my shots! I got home and removed the leather grip and will replace it with a tacky grip. My only complaint....the paint chipped so easily after I tossed it on top of my racket bag and hit another racket! I don't know if the paint was baked in because it really is very delicate! Well, I gathered all my PSCs, whispered thank you and said goodbye.... it will be showing in the "for sale" section sometime tomorrow for those who wants to continue it's legacy! I have moved on....backward you might say... but for the better!

 

[geese_com]

Anyone else have issues with lead tape not sticking on the PS85? I have lead at 3&9 and every so often one goes flying off.

 

[Dgpsx7]

I just got my PS85 in the mail!! I am way too excited. This will be my first time ever using a ps85.

 

[VGP]

I think that it should be mandatory that PS85 nubies need to post their impressions!

 

[racquetlab]

It will be interesting to compare this one with my Chicago.

I'll string it up sometime next week.

 

[stevewcosta]

I tried hard to resist this thread and the BLX 85.

So, instead I took out the China and had it restrung the other day with NXTtour 17 at 62.

Hit last night with my 5.0+ chick friend and was in love with the 85 again. What a perfect little setup. It was so perfect. After playing a K90 the past month, the 85 gave me so much more all around consistency. I GOATed some Peteresque DTL flat forehands that just screamed.

I had no issue at all readjusting strokes or anything. It just felt so damn good.

I just ordered a BLX 85. I'm back.

It goes without saying that next up to throw me in the wrong direction raquet-wise for the 10th time --- the new Fed stick I'm sure.

There is a reason the 85 is such a classic. Like the ex with delicious boobies u just can't let go of no matter how hard you try........

Exactly right. Haven't tried my two "BLXified" 85s yet but I just crushed my opponent today with the 6.0 China. Same opponent kicked my *** all over the court with my modern, advanced Donnay Gold 99 last week. 6.0 & the DLT OHBHs were en fuego! Awesome. Just a fluid serve motion CRUSHES serves! I hope I like my 2 "BLX-jeweled" 85s as much. The touch on droppers unmatched. Now, I need better cardio...just horrendous in this humid weather.

 

[courtking]

it's so funny that Wilson try to come up some gimmick B.S ncode, K90, BLX.. and they re introduce an 80s pro staff that sold out within a week.. I think Wilson definitely take note and re lease a pro staff 93 for Federer up comming new racket.. Yeah.. Head will soon re release the original Head Prestige classic 600.., Prince re release POG 93 MID 4 stripes.. that will make the current line of rackets ON SALE so fast.. Yup, Babolat will come out and re release original pure drive and aero pro drive..

 

[courtking]

By the way, I love my KPS88 but still there is nothing compare with the PS85.. I kept going back to my PS85 St. Vincent when I play against some tough opponents..

Would anyone please compare between the new PS85 china and St. VIncent and Chicago..??

 

[stevewcosta]

By the way, I love my KPS88 but still there is nothing compare with the PS85.. I kept going back to my PS85 St. Vincent when I play against some tough opponents..

Would anyone please compare between the new PS85 china and St. VIncent and Chicago..??

China feels less dense than the StV and Chicago's. I've actually learned to prefer the feel of the Chinas. You can feel the flex...china's are crisp and maneuverable with not as much thumping solidity, but I guess I'm strange because I prefer them. An on day with the heavier St. V though brings the smiles...a bit much to handle for me as my go-to frame.

 

[stevewcosta]

it's so funny that Wilson try to come up some gimmick B.S ncode, K90, BLX.. and they re introduce an 80s pro staff that sold out within a week.. I think Wilson definitely take note and re lease a pro staff 93 for Federer up comming new racket.. Yeah.. Head will soon re release the original Head Prestige classic 600.., Prince re release POG 93 MID 4 stripes.. that will make the current line of rackets ON SALE so fast.. Yup, Babolat will come out and re release original pure drive and aero pro drive..

Don't worry courtking. If they do make a Fed 93, the retail version will suck and will be dead like the others. I'm sure Fed will get whatever layup he wants though. The masses will get El Cheapo In Cognito that will sell like hotcakes for 15 months to people who don't know better...14 year old kids who can spend their parent's money...

 

[faultfoot]

Anyone else have issues with lead tape not sticking on the PS85? I have lead at 3&9 and every so often one goes flying off.

Interesting you brought this up.

I recevied my frames last week (I bought 2). Though I did not place lead tape on the frame (to see if there are any surface sticking issues), I do notice something "different" with the finish of this re-issued version.

One, in comparison with the previous China versions, the paint seems a bit thicker/richer in texture. Still matte finish, but the paint is discernibly different. If I could describe it better, I would say the paint texture is thick and perhaps even painted less even throughout (if that makes any sense). Unfortunately, I tried (to no avail) to take some closeup pics of the surface, but my camera quality is just not good enough to provide any visual evidence of what I'm stating. -- sorry.

Two, the overal surface is a bit slick/greasy. There are literally some oil smudges/ residue on my frames (possibily attributed to being fresh off the mfr line.)

As such, perhaps these are the reasons why your lead tape is not sticking as well as they should be (?).

Then again, the above is just what I've noticed about my frames, and others who have purchased this stick may think I'm absolutely loco for even noticing these things!

 

[Shangri La]

Anyone else have issues with lead tape not sticking on the PS85? I have lead at 3&9 and every so often one goes flying off.

Yes. Mine doesnt really fly off, but it just doesnt stick as well on the new 85.

 

[BreakPoint]

it's so funny that Wilson try to come up some gimmick B.S ncode, K90, BLX.. and they re introduce an 80s pro staff that sold out within a week.. I think Wilson definitely take note and re lease a pro staff 93 for Federer up comming new racket.. Yeah.. Head will soon re release the original Head Prestige classic 600.., Prince re release POG 93 MID 4 stripes.. that will make the current line of rackets ON SALE so fast.. Yup, Babolat will come out and re release original pure drive and aero pro drive..

Maybe Wilson re-released the PS 6.0 85 now because Federer is planning to switch back to the PS 6.0 85?

 

[geese_com]

Interesting you brought this up.

I recevied my frames last week (I bought 2). Though I did not place lead tape on the frame (to see if there are any surface sticking issues), I do notice something "different" with the finish of this re-issued version.

One, in comparison with the previous China versions, the paint seems a bit thicker/richer in texture. Still matte finish, but the paint is discernibly different. If I could describe it better, I would say the paint texture is thick and perhaps even painted less even throughout (if that makes any sense). Unfortunately, I tried (to no avail) to take some closeup pics of the surface, but my camera quality is just not good enough to provide any visual evidence of what I'm stating. -- sorry.

Two, the overal surface is a bit slick/greasy. There are literally some oil smudges/ residue on my frames (possibily attributed to being fresh off the mfr line.)

As such, perhaps these are the reasons why your lead tape is not sticking as well as they should be (?).

Then again, the above is just what I've noticed about my frames, and others who have purchased this stick may think I'm absolutely loco for even noticing these things!

Yes. Mine doesnt really fly off, but it just doesnt stick as well on the new 85.

Well, I played again today. Last night, I wiped down the area that I put the lead tape on and let it sit overnight. No issues with flying lead tape. I did have issues with flying balls with my PSGM mains PS85. The tension has dropped so much overnight that I a lot of forehands long. I then switched to the BHSR PS85 and that seemed to solve the issue. I guess I am going to have to string the PSGM higher the next I use that string job so that the stringbed doesn't become a trampoline once the tension drops.

 

[Dgpsx7]

I think that it should be mandatory that PS85 nubies need to post their impressions!

I definitely will. I was supposed to play today but then it started raining . What a tease, I have been trying to get a hold of on of these for years..

 

[rudester]

Anyone else have issues with lead tape not sticking on the PS85? I have lead at 3&9 and every so often one goes flying off.

I did notice that the stringing label i placed on frame won't stay on. Anyway your quote caught my eye.

 

[Tough Gut]

I missed my chance to get one in 3/8. I'm 14 years old and really wanted to try this racket. I really loved the head youtek prestige mid and Dunlop black max, so can anyone tell me how this compares to them?

 

[roundiesee]

I missed my chance to get one in 3/8. I'm 14 years old and really wanted to try this racket. I really loved the head youtek prestige mid and Dunlop black max, so can anyone tell me how this compares to them?

Can't say anything about the Black Max, but the YTP Mid is indeed a fine racket! But to me this has a very dense pattern, and the feel and "control" was slightly different when I played with this as compared to the PS 85. Both a very good but I daresay quite "different" in a way; I guess you really have to try the PS 85 yourself to see which you prefer.

 

[drakulie]

I missed my chance to get one in 3/8. I'm 14 years old and really wanted to try this racket. I really loved the head youtek prestige mid and Dunlop black max, so can anyone tell me how this compares to them?

Ahh, the Dunlop Black Max. My first graphite frame. Played with it until switching to the 85. Has way more flex than the 85, and from what I recall not as much pop/control.

 

[Applesauceman]

Sorry, but I've never used a Prince NEOS 1000 stringer so I can't help you. Maybe someone else or TW Staff can chime in to help you?

I figured it out. One of my brake screws was sticking up enough just inside the slide bar channel that my slide bar was unable to reduce enough to string my PS85. Never noticed it before because the smallest racquets I've been asked to string were 93s.

 

[martini1]

I finally got a chance to hit with the PS6.0 85 today, blx butt cap ver. I used to be "afraid" of the small head size. But coming from the 88 and k90 I don't shank any more than I do with these sticks.

The 85 feels a lot lighter than the 88, and even the k90. The feel on contact is very soft and no dampener is needed at all. There is definitely power and spin.

In comparing the 88 to the 85, I would say it has one "weakness" that is simply too hard to overlook, and puts a shadow on all the things it does better than the 85, and that is the balance/maneuvarability.

Other than that, it has more power, spin, feels great at contact, and is head and shoulders way better of a return of serve racquet. The 88 is simply a tank that bludegeons the ball. Love hitting with that frame, but the balance kills it for me. I had to tinker with it way too much to get it balanced where I felt comfortable and still, it seemed lacking compared to the simplicity of the 85.


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

 

[courtking]

wowow.. PS 6.0 original all gone .. only a few piece left for grip 4 1/2.. This is amazing.. awesome!!.. TW should order more of PS 6.0 85, and Head prestige classic 600 in smaller grip size.. it will sold out like Apple Ipad 2.. !!.. And it's always a marketing power for TW.. NONE other online competitor can do it.. !!

 

[sargeinaz]

So I got to hit with a ps85 for the first time ever (BLX buttcap version). Mind everyone I'm like a 3.0 and play for fun only:

1) it is solid and stable, but the sweetspot is small (expected)
2) I was very surprised how much power it had when a ball was well struck. The balls clear the net low like bullets and penetrate the court well. Not to mention it has great precision and control. A very point-and-shoot kind of frame
3) it's a slice machine. Seems like these stiff, box beam wilson are all slice machines. It's addicting and made me want to keep hitting slices since they skid so low and hard.
4) great at the net, stable and fairly easy to move for an almost 13oz stick
5) it's not that comfortable or forgiving and I have full VS17 at 50lbs. I felt off center shots in my elbow
6) Serves were amazing. I was in the groove fairly quickly. Flat and slice serves, I mean this racket is very impressive on the serve
7) the paint scratches and chips extremely easily. My fischer pro1 has far higher quality paint, but I didnt buy it for the paint
8 ) comparing to my cousins K90, the K90 is easier to use, has a bigger sweetspot and to me is far more comfortable (never felt anything in my elbow the numerous times ive hit with it).

Overall, it's a fun racket to use. It was never meant to be my main stick, but I'm glad I bought it and will definitely be using it occasionally and not having it hang on a wall.

 

[movdqa]

> 3) it's a slice machine. Seems like these stiff, box beam wilson are all
> slice machines. It's addicting and made me want to keep hitting slices
> since they skid so low and hard.

Apparently the PS 85 is only 62 flex so it's not in the category of stiff like the KPS (67) and K90 (67).

> 4) great at the net, stable and fairly easy to move for an almost 13oz stick

Strung weight should be 12.5 oz.

5) it's not that comfortable or forgiving and I have full VS17 at 50lbs. I felt off center shots in my elbow

 

[sargeinaz]

> 3) it's a slice machine. Seems like these stiff, box beam wilson are all
> slice machines. It's addicting and made me want to keep hitting slices
> since they skid so low and hard.

Apparently the PS 85 is only 62 flex so it's not in the category of stiff like the KPS (67) and K90 (67).

> 4) great at the net, stable and fairly easy to move for an almost 13oz stick

Strung weight should be 12.5 oz.

5) it's not that comfortable or forgiving and I have full VS17 at 50lbs. I felt off center shots in my elbow

Well to be fair, to me the k90 does not feel like a 67 flex, it feels flexier. The kps88 feels like 67, but was never uncomfortable to me. Perhaps I shouldve said these box beam wilsons.

As far as the "almost 13oz" part, I figure after overgrip and dampener, its like 12.7 hence the almost 13.

 

[movdqa]

The KPS is fairly comfortable to me because the mass kills shock and vibration despite the stiffness. I sometimes get a shock up my elbow on the K90 on mishits that's pretty harsh.

 

[Dgpsx7]

I got my new PS85 on friday and used it a little yesterday and today. I was lucky enough to get it in 4 1/4. This is my first time using a PS85 but I have a lot of experience with the KPS88(in my top 2). All my other frames are 4 3/8 or 4 1/2. This are my initial impressions:

The PS85 is cosmetically a beautiful racket and has an even thinner beam than I expected. It is amazing how easy it is to swing. Although I definitely ordered the wrong string setup I still tried my best to give a fair assessment of the racket. This racket seems like it needs livelier strings. I put a full bed of poly but a thicker gauge than I am used to and I can feel a negative difference in the playability compared with my other rackets. My topspin strokes as of now are not great with this racket. My forehand often falls short, my two handed backhand is either weak or a mishit. However 1hbh is good. I am pretty sure I can fix these issues by adding some weight to the head. It just doesn't feel right yet. Slice on the other hand was amazing right out of the box. I have never seen my backhand slice go over the net like that and dip so low. In stock form this racket (or the one I got) is too light for me and I can tell from balancing the racket with my finger that it is about 8 pts head light(with strings). I Prefer 6 or 7 points so adding weight should fix this issue and make me less hesitant with my groundstrokes. I play net very little but the frame is solid as I expected but my much heavier KPS88 still edges it in that department.

In regards to serving this may be the best serving racket of all time. It is hard to explain how or why it does what it does but my serves come off this frame at a completely different trajectory. I have never felt anything similar to this with any other frame and I like it.

I don't mind the head size because I can comfortably play with a wooden racket that is about 65sq inches. The PS85 swings too easily for me now but I am very excited to put an overgrip on it as well as some lead under the bumper for its next test. It serves and slices amazingly well and I see a lot of potential in it. I've wanted this frame for years and I am happy to finally own one.

 

[BreakPoint]

I got my new PS85 on friday and used it a little yesterday and today. I was lucky enough to get it in 4 1/4. This is my first time using a PS85 but I have a lot of experience with the KPS88(in my top 2). All my other frames are 4 3/8 or 4 1/2. This are my initial impressions:

Nice initial review. I'm just curious, but why do you say you were lucky to get a 4 1/4 grip when you also say all your other racquets are 4 3/8 or 4 1/2?

 

[Dgpsx7]

Nice initial review. I'm just curious, but why do you say you were lucky to get a 4 1/4 grip when you also say all your other racquets are 4 3/8 or 4 1/2?

The 4 1/4 sold out first. I remember the grip on my KPS88 ran a little larger and after adding an overgrip it became uncomfortable. So I ordered a 4 1/4 which would let me add an overgrip with no issues knowing I could always make the grip larger but not smaller. I mentioned it in the review because it could be part of the reasoning for some of the initial feelings of the racket and now that I think of it probably one of the reasons my 2hbh feels uncomfortable when I choose to hit it flat. The smaller grip actually helps me a lot while serving and when I add my Volkl cotton overgrip it will be perfect.

 

[Snype]

.

 

[VGP]

Looks nice, you just swapped the cap/trap door and not the whole butt cap, right?

 

[VGP]

I'm curious which retailers are selling these. TW says that it's not exclusive to them. Yesterday I went to a major retailer near me (MWTO). They didn't have it. I checked the websites of H-bird and Tennis X-press and they don't offer it on the web.....