SupremeCourt
Rookie
how do you feel the X and ISO 305 compare?
Wilson Pro Staff X V14 Thread
- Thread starter danbrenner
- Start date
how do you feel the X and ISO 305 compare?
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
This is exactly how I found the X to play. Mine was 2pts less HL than it should be (5pts rather than 7pts). Do you have your specs?
Tan Tennis
Rookie
I think ISO305 is a bit more powerful, because of higher SW. I can generate topspin better with PSX. Both have great control, but I lay toward PSX precision, despite its 100si. Both have somewhat medium-high launch angle, good net clearance. I like the balance on the PSX more, and it takes less effort to swing and get the same result.
Blade_X
Professional
Despite being 100inch do you think X would be as smooth as V8 for the one hand backhand ? Let aside weight differences….
justinhaughtmd
Rookie
Don’t have the specs but it feels about the same as the regular PS 97 V13.
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
My X is definitely a bit more HH feeling than a typical PS97, and that's either the stock balance, or the Sensation 15 strings. It plays great so far, but I'd like to modify it with a leather grip or 6g in the butt, but I can't as it's a demo. I feel the X is going to be very popular. Serves and slices are excellent.
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
What strings are people enjoying in the X so far? My demo has Sensation 15, which actually feels great, but I can imagine Champions Choice or a poly/multi hybrid would be amazing.
Vicious49
Legend
What I posted in another thread. 3.5 doubles guys is where I usually do a lot of my early demoing and testing against.
Got back home from my cruise this morning so I set up a doubles match this evening so I could try out the PSX. My thoughts after a few sets of hitting against 3.5ish doubles players.
- Good power, high launch angle, easy spin. Good stability as well.
- This is a frame where it does best when youre swinging at about 75-80%. Similar to the PA23 if you take a full cut the ball may fly on you.
- i definitely cant aim for lines or hit my sharp cross court angles with it like i can with the Regna.
- if you swing at big targets at 80% you wont miss and push people back with good depth and spin.
- LOVED it for my OHBH. Good stability and nice high launch angle from that wing. Its like the VC95 for the one hander but more stable .
Got back home from my cruise this morning so I set up a doubles match this evening so I could try out the PSX. My thoughts after a few sets of hitting against 3.5ish doubles players.
- Good power, high launch angle, easy spin. Good stability as well.
- This is a frame where it does best when youre swinging at about 75-80%. Similar to the PA23 if you take a full cut the ball may fly on you.
- i definitely cant aim for lines or hit my sharp cross court angles with it like i can with the Regna.
- if you swing at big targets at 80% you wont miss and push people back with good depth and spin.
- LOVED it for my OHBH. Good stability and nice high launch angle from that wing. Its like the VC95 for the one hander but more stable .
Luxilon Element 130 forest Green... feels and looks great in this frame
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
I was thinking Element in bronze would almost match the red colour of the X you seem to get in natural light, although not the orange shade you get indoors.
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
I noticed that although there was reasonable flex for a Pro-Staff, so overall mid-60s feel, the upper hoop was firmer than most. This gives a nice stability and matches the high string-bed sweet-spot position, but I have a feeling there might be a bit of harshness over time. I didn't play long enough, and used a multi so didn't notice any problems, but that would be a potential area to watch.
danbrenner
Legend
So how would you stack it against the BP. Or standard blade ?
D
Deleted member 775108
Guest
Vicious49
Legend
The v8 16/19 Blade is more maneuverable and has better control But less power.
The BP had better control and feel obviously. I cant recall which one would have more power.
Znak
Hall of Fame
I have yet to hear Beckett speak louder than a whisper, his reviews feel like ASMR videos.
Blade_X
Professional
Despite its thin mold it doesn’t feel as quick through the air as an 98 inch. For example gravity tour gave me a more slim sensation. I feel more weight placement on the throat area. It gives me the sense that 315 is more than enough for me and that its weight could drag me out after a while. We shall see. First impressions on the next few hours.
Blade_X
Professional
First impressions and probably last. Not gonna lie. I didn’t gel with this stick. Wilson should have offered it at 305gr!
Pros:
-Super stable
-Great connected feel…. It’s like pro staff and blade had a baby. Or you can say a softer pro staff.
Cons:
-Not gonna help with spin. You must do the work.
-Same with free power while on defence….. it’s not gonna help you if you won’t produce a full swing even under pressure.
-it gives you the needed power and spin if you set up properly.
-It feels thick and heavy. Not easy to manoeuvre.
Gravity tour / pro > pro staff X in every category!
Pros:
-Super stable
-Great connected feel…. It’s like pro staff and blade had a baby. Or you can say a softer pro staff.
Cons:
-Not gonna help with spin. You must do the work.
-Same with free power while on defence….. it’s not gonna help you if you won’t produce a full swing even under pressure.
-it gives you the needed power and spin if you set up properly.
-It feels thick and heavy. Not easy to manoeuvre.
Gravity tour / pro > pro staff X in every category!
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
They do offer it in 305g, the regular six one 100. Obviously not box beam though.
Blade_X
Professional
I ve tried the previous one and it’s even bulkier.
D
Deleted member 775108
Guest
I initially would have agreed with you about the 305g but after trying it a couple sessions I disagree. At 315g it gives me all the benefits of the 97 but just a little more forgiveness. Most 97/98 to 100 switches by manufacturers drop weight BUT also increase beam width and power and change balance. The X avoid those pitfalls - Despite 315g unstring its only 320SW strung. So with 305g and nothing else changing it might have been 308-310SW and EVERYONE would be complaining instead of a few.
First 3 of the 4 cons actually could be Pros for a "Pro Staff". Yes I agree on the 4th one when especially when compared to 20mm beam racquets.
I find the X very very impressive in every way with nice feel and flex. I really did not want to like it but did and I'm happy a lot of people are liking it as well. It works great with slightly stiffer strings as well and retains a lot of the feel aspect even with those strings.
Any doubters : Hit a previous generation PS97 and the new one with 4G at the same tension....
Grigore Petre
Rookie
Somebody played with PA23 and can compare with PS X ?
chizzle
Rookie
I'm also loving the X after about 5/6 weeks with it, starting to gel well. Loving it in all aspects, very consistent, very solid. Not a stick you can just arm of course, but much more forgiving than the 97 (as you said).
I just completed a few sessions (including a match) with HyperG 1.20 and so far it's my favorite string after having tried 4G 1.25, Alu 1.25. I have another strung with Alu 1.20 so look forward to trying that and Cyclone 1.20 and Tour Bite Soft 1.20.
Happy hitting.
PS - I dabbled with my PD 21 and while it's solid, I found it a little light/vague feeling still compared to the X (have not tried the PA23).
Vicious49
Legend
The PA23 swings easier and faster. It provides easier depth and spin. The PSX requires you to put in more energy on each swing but has better feel.
chizzle
Rookie
Definitely gel’ing with this X more and more. I can’t get over how solid/stable it is (esp returns). Gaining more and more confidence with serves and groundies.
Enjoyed 4G 1.25
really liked hyper G 1.20
went back to ALU, and that felt great as well.
next is ALU 1.20 then cyclone 1.20
Enjoyed 4G 1.25
really liked hyper G 1.20
went back to ALU, and that felt great as well.
next is ALU 1.20 then cyclone 1.20
Chris Wilson
Rookie
I'm really enjoying the X too. I've had a number of different people comment how much heavier my ball has been lately. (Hopefully it's not just the honeymoon phase!) I'm interested in how you like the string set up. I tried it with Confidential and hated it, but loved it with Alu. I'm going to try Head Lynx Tour next, which in my Dunlop is my go-to string.
The Element 130 feels nice on mine but will try Grapplesnake M8 150 next... love this string
I have trouble choosing my favorite frame for this season... Pro Staff X or Gravity MP (with 10gr added to the handle)
X is definitely more stable
Gravity MP is more quick and easier on the arm...
tough choice
I have trouble choosing my favorite frame for this season... Pro Staff X or Gravity MP (with 10gr added to the handle)
X is definitely more stable
Gravity MP is more quick and easier on the arm...
tough choice
chizzle
Rookie
Yea, I get the honeymoon concern. I actually played a poor match (bad L TBH) with the X already and let doubts creep in, but stuck with it and decided to keep marching on improving my FH and serve. After a few sessions I've realized the process is there to enjoy, I will not always have my best and to let the process be the reward (it's a constant that I have to remind myself).
chizzle
Rookie
Yea, the GMP in (stock form) feels so quick, and the X does not. I have Element in the queue as well, so glad to hear the feedback there. Usually don't wander too far away from the popular strings (eg that TW carries).
Yes the Element felt nice in the X but I asked a 22kg tension.. when I got the stick tension was 17kg and now after 2 sessions it's 15kg and clearly unplayable...
Not the first time it happens. I string my rackets myself now as the string jobs from TW are really getting poor
Not the first time it happens. I string my rackets myself now as the string jobs from TW are really getting poor
I really like this frame more and more...
I dont know why but it really reminds me of the Pure Strike 16x19.... same controlled power feeling... maybe also because my X came with a 330 SW strung due to a slightly more head heavy balance...
That's also the reason I don't know if I can handle it for long matches especially outdoor in not summer (I don't stand hot weather well)... 315 static weight along with a 330 SW is pretty hefty for my intermediate level...
Should I try to order a second one and chose one with a lower SW closer to the advertised specs?.
Also currently sting mine with Grapplesnake M8... what's your stri g of choice for the PSX??
I dont know why but it really reminds me of the Pure Strike 16x19.... same controlled power feeling... maybe also because my X came with a 330 SW strung due to a slightly more head heavy balance...
That's also the reason I don't know if I can handle it for long matches especially outdoor in not summer (I don't stand hot weather well)... 315 static weight along with a 330 SW is pretty hefty for my intermediate level...
Should I try to order a second one and chose one with a lower SW closer to the advertised specs?.
Also currently sting mine with Grapplesnake M8... what's your stri g of choice for the PSX??
Chris Wilson
Rookie
I'm having the same issue. When I'm "on," this racket is like magic. But sometimes, it feels a bit slow and hard to swing. I can't measure the swingweight for mine, but maybe it's on the high side? I did notice that it never felt sluggish when I strung it with Alu Power, but it has felt sluggish with Head Lynx Tour. Maybe it's string sensitive?
Lynx Tour is one of the most heavy poly and it adds easily 3-4 points of swingweight!!
Keep alu or try Hyper G Soft that is on the light side!!
And go with 125 not 130 gauge!!
Chris Wilson
Rookie
Interesting. I'd heard that before but wasn't sure if it was true. Too bad, because I really like the feel and performance of Lynx Tour. What other strings have worked for you in the X?
Fighting phoenix
Professional
I’ve read that it’s string sensitive - tennis nerd liked it a lot with 4G. I’m a huge fan of Lynx tour, and yes it is slightly heavier but I measured only 2g more of swingweight when I used that vs other polys. Love it in my shift 315, but haven’t tried the X yet.
FREDerer_NadAUGUSTO
New User
How is Pro staff X doing in spin department so far compared to spin tweeners like Head Extreme MP, Yonex Vcore 100 and Pure Aero?
I would like to hear this - I'm currently debating the vcore100 vs the PS X. I was never thinking about the specs of my gear - was gifted a pair of PS97 around 7-8 years ago by my father, who obviously is a huge Rafa fan, and was just changing generations because of the new color scheme.
Tried the PS X demo from TW, but I had the feeling the strings have seen better days. Im playing with the PS97, and in comparison the new PS X felt really nice.
It was like meeting an old friend - the control and power and pop have been like I'm used to, but maneuverability was a lot better. The bigger sweetspot made it more forgiving, also the spin potential was there! (none of it in the PS97 in my game) Well, it definetely has its own vibe, which I like and am used to. However, after playing a couple of years with the PS series I must say - the weight (315) is a bit hefty. Without making a day off between court outings my shoulder hurts a bit. Also I suffered a terrible shoulder dislocation, but that was a head prestige before that
So... my coach insisted on me trying the vcore100. And I dont know what to say - its a very good stick. Nice performance, quite forgiving, easier spin access, obvious comfort, but it doesnt feel connected, a bit too plush. Sometimes I overhit, or find myself hitting at the baseline, even though I'd say it'd be an out.
After playing with it a couple times I can say, that overall my game improved compared to the PS97, but it lacks "something" - the pop definetely. The power is there, but in some other, mysterious way Its a bit like choosing a toyota - they are great, REASONABLE cars and all, but just lack the thrill. Still Im considering it because of the lower weight.
Tried the PS v14L, but apart from amazing maneuvrability didnt like it - I was struggling with power and overhitting, without the sweetspot improvement, no more spin, well I would describe it as a stick for an old, stubborn PS-RF fan, who just isnt able to swing the 315g anymore.
Im curious on your thoughts.
Tried the PS X demo from TW, but I had the feeling the strings have seen better days. Im playing with the PS97, and in comparison the new PS X felt really nice.
It was like meeting an old friend - the control and power and pop have been like I'm used to, but maneuverability was a lot better. The bigger sweetspot made it more forgiving, also the spin potential was there! (none of it in the PS97 in my game) Well, it definetely has its own vibe, which I like and am used to. However, after playing a couple of years with the PS series I must say - the weight (315) is a bit hefty. Without making a day off between court outings my shoulder hurts a bit. Also I suffered a terrible shoulder dislocation, but that was a head prestige before that
So... my coach insisted on me trying the vcore100. And I dont know what to say - its a very good stick. Nice performance, quite forgiving, easier spin access, obvious comfort, but it doesnt feel connected, a bit too plush. Sometimes I overhit, or find myself hitting at the baseline, even though I'd say it'd be an out.
After playing with it a couple times I can say, that overall my game improved compared to the PS97, but it lacks "something" - the pop definetely. The power is there, but in some other, mysterious way
Its a bit like choosing a toyota - they are great, REASONABLE cars and all, but just lack the thrill. Still Im considering it because of the lower weight. Tried the PS v14L, but apart from amazing maneuvrability didnt like it - I was struggling with power and overhitting, without the sweetspot improvement, no more spin, well I would describe it as a stick for an old, stubborn PS-RF fan, who just isnt able to swing the 315g anymore
.Im curious on your thoughts.
chizzle
Rookie
I would like to hear this - I'm currently debating the vcore100 vs the PS X. I was never thinking about the specs of my gear - was gifted a pair of PS97 around 7-8 years ago by my father, who obviously is a huge Rafa fan, and was just changing generations because of the new color scheme.
Tried the PS X demo from TW, but I had the feeling the strings have seen better days. Im playing with the PS97, and in comparison the new PS X felt really nice.
It was like meeting an old friend - the control and power and pop have been like I'm used to, but maneuverability was a lot better. The bigger sweetspot made it more forgiving, also the spin potential was there! (none of it in the PS97 in my game) Well, it definetely has its own vibe, which I like and am used to. However, after playing a couple of years with the PS series I must say - the weight (315) is a bit hefty. Without making a day off between court outings my shoulder hurts a bit. Also I suffered a terrible shoulder dislocation, but that was a head prestige before that
So... my coach insisted on me trying the vcore100. And I dont know what to say - its a very good stick. Nice performance, quite forgiving, easier spin access, obvious comfort, but it doesnt feel connected, a bit too plush. Sometimes I overhit, or find myself hitting at the baseline, even though I'd say it'd be an out.
After playing with it a couple times I can say, that overall my game improved compared to the PS97, but it lacks "something" - the pop definetely. The power is there, but in some other, mysterious way
Tried the PS v14L, but apart from amazing maneuvrability didnt like it - I was struggling with power and overhitting, without the sweetspot improvement, no more spin, well I would describe it as a stick for an old, stubborn PS-RF fan, who just isnt able to swing the 315g anymore
Im curious on your thoughts.
Interestingly I think the PSX is somewhere in the middle of the Vcore 100 and the PS7. While it's true it will lean closer to the PS97 due to weight, design, balance, etc. To me it's much more forgiving than the 97 but with pretty good feel. Bonus for me is in the approaches and net - volleys, slice, approaches, overheads feel old school, but you still get the pop you need elsewhere.
I get the quandary tho, the vcore can really make the ball move, dive etc.
PSX feels nice with alu, hyper-g and 4g so far.
Chris Wilson
Rookie
Just my two cents here, but the X is a very different racket from the Extreme, VCore or Aero. The X isn't a spin racket. It certainly can produce plenty of spin, but spin is not as readily or automatically there, and you need the right swing mechanics to get spin out of it, especially given its heft. The X, however, will have a much better connection to the ball, and certainly be much more precise and much better at flattening out shots than those other frames. It will also be a lot more stable if you're up against harder hitters or blocking hard returns. Given that it has significant more mass than those other frames, the X will also likely hit a heavier ball, but the mass does make it harder to swing.
FREDerer_NadAUGUSTO
New User
Thanks! I kinda know the feel of Pro Staff cause I ve using them since Six.one 90 from 2010; Only in 2021 I tried something different with a Pure Drive that I customized to have similar specs to what I am used to, but, despite its great power, this racquet messed my rotator cuff so I got back to my six.one 100 v13 (Babolat nevermore).
1) How does the Pro Staff X fare in "two nets margin" kind of game?
2) Is original Leather Replacement Grip enough to add 2 points Head Light from 7 to 9 to become similar balance of Pro Staff 90 and RF97? Because I ve read that the grip that comes with this racquet unfortunately is not real leather....
Chris Wilson
Rookie
The X's standard grip doesn't feel like leather to me. It looks a bit like it, but I don't think it's leather. I would bet that a leather grip would help with balance, but I'm not sure by how much. (I do think the X should be a bit more head light than it is to make it feel whippier, so adding tail weight seems like a good idea. I haven't tried that yet, but I might in the future.) I'm not sure what the "two nets margin" game is -- sorry!
FREDerer_NadAUGUSTO
New User
"Two nets margin" is trying to not hit the ball close to the net everytime. It's trying to visualize/imagine a second net above the "real" net and hit the ball above it. It is not necessarily a defensive moonballer game, because you can hit agressive high percentage topspin shots like Nadal;
Kinda like this:
Grafil Injection
Hall of Fame
2] The included grip is a synthetic leather, which should weigh around 14-18g installed. Most real leather grips are around 22-26g installed so you should get about an 8g increase in weight, which will usually shift the balance point by 0.5cm or 1.75pts.
Hey there everyone,
I wanted to share my experience with the X racket that I recently purchased. As someone who has been an old RF97A player, I hadn't played in a while and was eager to try out this new racket. In my first official single match, my slice was decent, but my forehands were just floating out and I ended up losing the match due to too many unforced errors. I was struggling to connect with the racket and find my rhythm.
However, in my second official match, I was able to keep the balls in play, my slices and returns were solid, and I didn't have any nasty surprises. Despite still being cautious with my forehands due to the racket's power, I was able to spin the ball more to keep it in. My serves were also good, with no faults on my second serve. After these two matches, I realized there was a lot of potential power in this racket that I needed to tap into.
In my third official match, I decided to add three overgrips to the 3 grip, as I have big hands, and it made a huge difference. Something clicked with my swing, and I was able to fire and forget, resulting in some nice heavy balls. Overall, this racket is a winner for me, and I believe that with some time to adjust, others will enjoy it as much as I do.
I wanted to share my experience with the X racket that I recently purchased. As someone who has been an old RF97A player, I hadn't played in a while and was eager to try out this new racket. In my first official single match, my slice was decent, but my forehands were just floating out and I ended up losing the match due to too many unforced errors. I was struggling to connect with the racket and find my rhythm.
However, in my second official match, I was able to keep the balls in play, my slices and returns were solid, and I didn't have any nasty surprises. Despite still being cautious with my forehands due to the racket's power, I was able to spin the ball more to keep it in. My serves were also good, with no faults on my second serve. After these two matches, I realized there was a lot of potential power in this racket that I needed to tap into.
In my third official match, I decided to add three overgrips to the 3 grip, as I have big hands, and it made a huge difference. Something clicked with my swing, and I was able to fire and forget, resulting in some nice heavy balls. Overall, this racket is a winner for me, and I believe that with some time to adjust, others will enjoy it as much as I do.
