Federerkblade
Hall of Fame
How does the 100x compare to blade 100 ?
Wilson Pro Staff X V14 Thread
- Thread starter danbrenner
- Start date
ClownCar96
Professional
My hitting partner texted me to say he took the day off today to recover from wrist soreness after facing me with the “copper pro staff” yesterday!!
Power Player
Bionic Poster
100x has more feel and substance to it. The 100 blade can literally do about anything you want and is more adaptive to your style of play. The 100x seems to really work best with an all court attacking style, for a player who likes to come into net behind big shots. On defense it is quite good but the blade 100 is probably one of the best ever for that.
So blade 100 can really suit a grinder and X really suits more of an attack style. You can do whatever style you want with either frame but that’s just the impressions I get from using them.
FourOutOfFive
Rookie
@Power Player What string setups do you like best in the X? Have you tried anything other than the razorcode soft/hit pro hybrid you mentioned?
Have an X demo coming in this week, I suspect the PS97 might be more to my liking control-wise but I haven’t been able to score a demo yet. But the X intrigues me because I really like the Gravity Pro and the thought of some extra punch and a more traditional head shape might make this a winner..
Have an X demo coming in this week, I suspect the PS97 might be more to my liking control-wise but I haven’t been able to score a demo yet. But the X intrigues me because I really like the Gravity Pro and the thought of some extra punch and a more traditional head shape might make this a winner..
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I have not tried any other setups yet. I think a controlled string like durafluxx could be a great fit in it though.
SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
fwiw I have Tru Pro Atomos 17 in it at 23kg and love it. It’s a spin friendly poly with decent zip to it and good control. I’d probably just not use something super stiff and crisp like 4G, other than that I’d expect the frame not to be too string sensitive.
iLuveKetchup
New User
I have an X coming in tomorrow. Very excited. The only other Pro Staff, or Wilson, I've tried was the original PS85. Coming from a Head Radical Tour MP (1998).
Let me know how it goes. I haven't mained a pro staff since the PS85 and 6.0 95....but the X and six.one 95 has me intrigued
forzamr_b
Rookie
I came from the 6.0 95 but switched to the X nearly a year ago. Today I had to switch back to the 6.0 95 mid-set as I snapped the strings on the X. It was a stark reminder of how much better the X is for me in singles. Larger sweet spot, more plow, more spin. I went from dominating the match to being dominated. I might still use the 95 for doubles (if I ever play any) as it is more nimble.
iLuveKetchup
New User
I've hit with a few balls with the X and here are my initial thoughts...
At the moment, it is strung with Solinco Tour Bite 1.15 at 48lbs. I think I'll go with a thicker string next time and at higher tension i.e. 50lbs to tame the racquet.
- Crikey! This thing has too much power. I had to slow my strokes and consciously hit with as much top spin as I can in order to control the ball. I don't like this at all.
- One of the concerns I had was the size of the 100sq frame, but surprisingly didn't feel any less maneuverable or clumsy as I thought. OHBH with the X felt fine.
At the moment, it is strung with Solinco Tour Bite 1.15 at 48lbs. I think I'll go with a thicker string next time and at higher tension i.e. 50lbs to tame the racquet.
SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
1.15 is very thin for such an open string pattern yeah
tophersuwita
Rookie
Will Confidential work with this racket? IMO 4G is too overpriced for such short playability. My main string is Lynx Tour champagne 17 but the racket will get too head-heavy with the string. I string Lynx Tour for added weight in my Pure Strike VS.
danbrenner
Legend
Where are your x coming in weight wise with og. ?
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
334-336g depending on string (with OG).
danbrenner
Legend
mine is 339 g.
And 9.8 pts head light. Is that normal.
I’m especially asking about the balance
danbrenner
Legend
With dampener. But I’m concerned is the headlight balance too much at 9.8
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
With 2-3g in the butt cap, I got up to 337-338g, 7HL Mine is probably a little underspec and yours is overspec.
Mine is 340g strung with 1.25 4G and overgrip but no dampener. Between 6 and 7pts headlight strung. At first it felt a little sluggish, but I am getting used to it. How does yours feel when swinging? Is it more whippy being so headlight?
danbrenner
Legend
Yeah, mine is whippy as hell. But that’s not how it was built to be. I think I don’t know.
danbrenner
Legend
I mean, talk about QC
I'm not sure either, as I only have this one. It is very stable, and it helps me feel in control of my swing. It also kind of forces me to prep quicker since I know that it isn't whippy.
AlexKangaroo
Rookie
What strings and tensions are people using with the PS X?
forzamr_b
Rookie
Gut mains, Poly crosses: 65.5 / 62 lbs
Multi/Syn gut mains, Poly crosses: 56.5 / 53.5 lbs
Full Poly: 49.5 / 47 lbs
AlexKangaroo
Rookie
Thanks a lot. I ordered mine and had TWE string it with Luxilon Elements @24kg. Let's see how it turns out to be. Maybe it will be strung a bit too stiff, but the demo I had with I believe 4G desert bronze was at 24kg, and it felt good.
MSV Focus Hex plus25 (1.25 white) - full poly 20 kg
I presume you already know this and it's what your aiming for, but full-bed Element is going to feel noticeably softer/flexier/bouncier and less controlled than full-bed 4G at the same tension. Two fairly different strings. So if playability feels "off" during your first few hits, apart from the strung spec being off from the demo, the difference in string setup would be why. So just buffer your expectations a bit.
AlexKangaroo
Rookie
TWU spces give these poly quite high tension loss. Do you often need to restring, or are they good/durable in the real world in actual use? The price is tempting.
Thanks for the heads up, and yes I was prepared to be hit with difference in quality and the changes in strings. Preferably I would like to bring the price down for the strings. 4G is a bit expensive for a poly that needs to be restrung often (I guess). So I figured to start the search for my perfect strings from the same manufacturer
. An alternative of course would be to search for a cheaper stiff string like the 4G. Due the need to pay for stringing service, I would like to find strings to be just under 10€ per racquet.
ZeroandOne
Rookie
4G is one of the few strings that holds its playability for a long period, provided your arm isn't bothered
Understandable, but do keep in mind cost vs. performance hours. Depending on how much you do or don't value the playability that 4G offers, you might value it's relatively high playable longevity enough to still make it worth it, even versus the best alternatives. That said, 4G still has its limitations, and can't stay in the racquet forever, so if you're going to be cutting it however often, a less costly alternative may just be a better move. If you do like its characteristics (very firm, low powered, very controlled), then here are several strings with at least similar-ish playability, for lower cost:Preferably I would like to bring the price down for the strings. 4G is a bit expensive for a poly that needs to be restrung often (I guess). So I figured to start the search for my perfect strings from the same manufacturer
- Dunlop Explosive Speed (only if you want a string even more stiff and dead than 4G; 150€/reel at TWE, so ~9,4€/racket)
- Head Hawk (continually 120€/reel, 7,5€/racket)
- Kirschbaum Max Power Silver (120€/reel, 7,5€/racket, often cheaper)
Hopefully that helps a bit.
AlexKangaroo
Rookie
Thanks for the corrections @Trip @ZeroandOne I got it a bit twisted on durability and quality over time with the 4G.
Is the Hawk good to string lower than 23kg?
I see this recommended quite a lot (Intuitive Tennis and Tennis Nerd). My club stringer has it and I have used in a Babolat Pure Drive @23kg. Put it also on my ncode PS95. Felt pretty good on PD, haven’t had a good chance to try the PS.
Is the Hawk good to string lower than 23kg?
Hawk is a great string overall, provided you're looking for something lower-powered and more controlled. It's an all-time-great cross in a hybrid to calm down higher power mains like gut, or as a durable but slick and crisp option for crossing a sharper shaped poly main, and it almost never notches or dents, and holds its slickness pretty much permanently. It's been a bit overshadowed in the past several years due to Head focusing more on newer poly's and synthetics, several of which are a better fit for many (most?) rec players because they offer a bit more easy pop/power than Hawk, but for its main strengths (low power, control, durability and good to very good tension maintenance) it's still a top choice (I used it often as a cross to shaped poly mains in my Prestige MP-L's).
And yes, because it's a mostly firm string, not only is it fine to string lower than 23kg, many would say it's optimal, and that you don't really want to string it any higher than that, at least not in a full bed in most sub-100" head sizes and/or denser string patterns.
Hope that helps.
And yes, because it's a mostly firm string, not only is it fine to string lower than 23kg, many would say it's optimal, and that you don't really want to string it any higher than that, at least not in a full bed in most sub-100" head sizes and/or denser string patterns.
Hope that helps.
Can anyone compare PSX to Head Prestige Pro 16x19 (2023)?
I demoed the PSX long ago, and I have an idea how it plays. I remember it was pretty nice except it twisted little when I hit my OHBH even when it was not an off center shot.
PSX being stiffer than Prestige Pro, does it have more power?
I demoed the PSX long ago, and I have an idea how it plays. I remember it was pretty nice except it twisted little when I hit my OHBH even when it was not an off center shot.
PSX being stiffer than Prestige Pro, does it have more power?
SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
Tru Pro Atomos 17 @ 24kg
I’m a newly promoted 4.0 doubles player (51 years) and been playing with the X for about a month, coming from a Clash 98 v1 and then (briefly) from a Pure Drive +. I have had comfort issues for the last couple of years in the wrist and shoulder despite using gut and syn gut hybrids mostly, and doing a fair amount of PT to try to get over it (and rest, at times). I am playing well with the X and I can feel my wrist and shoulder are happier. I do feel just the slightest amount of elbow discomfort though after playing, however at my playing frequency it is not escalating. More or a concern is that while I am playing at an overall improving level with the X, on some days I am burning out rather quickly. I used to be able to play 4-5 sets with my buddies…I am now finding excuses to quit after 3. I used to be someone who got better after the first set and now it is the other way around.
This feels like a fatigue issue to me. Is there a normal adjustment period to higher static and SW? Clash 98 was pretty heavy…it was just way too soft. Interested on thoughts concerning acclimation period or different racquet choice which preserves the things I like about the X (stability, comfort, and confidence that the ball is going where I want it to on overheads and volleys). Been eyeing Blade 100 v9 for example. If X is the “easy Pro Staff”….is there something that is the “easy X”?
This feels like a fatigue issue to me. Is there a normal adjustment period to higher static and SW? Clash 98 was pretty heavy…it was just way too soft. Interested on thoughts concerning acclimation period or different racquet choice which preserves the things I like about the X (stability, comfort, and confidence that the ball is going where I want it to on overheads and volleys). Been eyeing Blade 100 v9 for example. If X is the “easy Pro Staff”….is there something that is the “easy X”?
forzamr_b
Rookie
I would definitely demo the Blade 100 v9 specifically, I can’t vouch for the previous Blade 100s. I too have been searching for a lighter PS X, but more so to see if I can gain more RHS and racket mobility than fatigue whilst retaining what I love the PS X brings. It is early days for myself, but the v9 100 seems very similar in Pros to the X: large sweet spot, very forgiving, is stable, and has similar stiffness/feel. It may not be as precise but I have indeed gained RHS which has translated to faster serves and heavier ground strokes.
I’ve been playing the v9 with a leather grip and overgrip so it is a little heavier in static weight and more HL in balance than stock. But still lower in static weight than my PS Xs. The Blade is higher in SW though as mine is a bit over-spec-ed at 325-330 SW depending on what strings I use. My Xs range in 315-325 in SW.
AlexKangaroo
Rookie
At least based on discussion on TT yes there is of course more effort required from heavier frames be it static or SW. Of course the nature of power from the frame will also affect how much effort you have to put into every shot. I think the PS X is a bit cumbersome compared to some fast racquets so even something small like preparation and unit turn will sap just a little bit more energy from you every time you do it. At this point I have only played 1 hour matches with the racquet, so can't comment my own experiences with longer matches. I could see myself get tired much easier compared to playing with a Pure Drive for example. PD (2021) and PS X are both fairly close with SW, but the 15g difference in static is pretty big in my opinion and affects a lot of things.
Closest option, provided you have the skill, tools and motivation, and don't mind the clunkier beam (thicker in both width and height), would be a customized Pro Staff Team v14, with about 25-30g of added weight, specifically 10g putty under the butt cap, 8g of lead tape spiral-wrapped under the base grip from the top of the butt cap taper (so ~1.5" up the handle) up to about 3" up the handle, then 3g of lead tape at 9 and 3 on the hoop (1.5g on each side) and 6g at 12, for an estimated strung spec of around 322g / 32.5cm / 320sw with a typical 17g hybrid, slightly head heavier and a few point more swing weight if you go full-bed poly. With the PS Team, you'll get more or less the same feel, flex and string bed as the X, but benefit from much less heaving weight and way more help from the beam, for way less exhaustion. And that beefier beam size will help do a better job of deforming less on impact, providing better "cradling" as you come through contact. Downsides will of course be the level of customization required and the clunkier beam vs the 97 and X. Could be worth an experiment, though.
Presuming the above is more outside your wheelhouse than you care to mess with (and I wouldn't blame you), then I would recommend the following, each with handle weight and/or a heavier base grip, to make them more head-light:
- Babolat Pure Strike 100 16x19
- Dunlop CX 400 Tour, only via matching service, for unstrung SW of >290 but <294
- ProKennex Ki 5, with 1-2g lead at 12 and/or 10 & 2
- ProKennex Black Ace 105
- Volkl Vostra 8
- Wilson Blade 100 v9
- Yonex Percept 100, with 1-2g lead at 10 & 2
Hope some of that helps. Any question, feel free.
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Thanks Trip, I always value what you have to say on these subjects. I am definitely more of an off-the-shelf guy. Was familiar with the Blade and Percept as being possible alternatives, but you’ve given me a few more to think about!
Very welcome. I figured "off the shelf", as you put it, would be preferable, and I really can't blame you. I would have been remiss not to at least mention the PS Team, but obviously the heavy level of customizing is not most people's cup of tea. Total understandable for all the obvious reasons.
As for the others, I would say, start with a demo of the Blade and Percept. Maybe throw an extra over-grip on both, as an easy way to simulate having a heavier base grip. And this is optional, but I also like to have a pack of TW tungsten tape, cut into 1g pieces, on hand when I demo, ready to apply to any that might need a bit of weight in the hoop. In this case, I think you'll find the Percept might need just a tad up top around 10/2 or 12.
Interested to know how you progress, as you have time.
PhxRacket
Hall of Fame
Gave away my X. It went to someone who had grown tired of overhitting with an extended length racquet with a thicc frame and super open pattern. He loves it. He has it strung with natural gut-short choppy slices and an old fashioned American Twist serve-he couldn’t be happier!
That pretty much tracks!
Update on my situation:
Shortly after writing this I gave the Blade 100 v9 a try and it didn’t work for me. It felt much softer than the X, but in a way that very quickly bothered my wrist. I wasn’t getting as much easy depth and pace as I was with the X. Yes it was lighter.
I went back to the X and I seem to have gotten over the hump in terms of it wearing me out. I think this is at least partially due to a bit more emphasis in my routines on conditioning.
I was intrigued by the suggestion of a Black Ace 105 because I have felt a modest OS would be good for my game if it maintained a robust SW. So I was able find one and I have to say that I might like it the best. It feels like a lighter X, but with most of the same qualities. Even though the SW is the same…it does feel easier to whip around. Am hitting a better 2HBH than with any other frame I have tried. Have always struggled to drive that shot but it came very easy to me with the 105 without any adjustment. The touch and feel around the net are excellent. The stability is definitely there. Relative to the X the only thing that feels a small step back is my backhand slice.
So I think I will keep playing the 105 and see how my arm feels after a more extended period. Both BA 105 and X strung with Lux gut mains and Prince Lightning Pro Syn gut at 50/48.
Shortly after writing this I gave the Blade 100 v9 a try and it didn’t work for me. It felt much softer than the X, but in a way that very quickly bothered my wrist. I wasn’t getting as much easy depth and pace as I was with the X. Yes it was lighter.
I went back to the X and I seem to have gotten over the hump in terms of it wearing me out. I think this is at least partially due to a bit more emphasis in my routines on conditioning.
I was intrigued by the suggestion of a Black Ace 105 because I have felt a modest OS would be good for my game if it maintained a robust SW. So I was able find one and I have to say that I might like it the best. It feels like a lighter X, but with most of the same qualities. Even though the SW is the same…it does feel easier to whip around. Am hitting a better 2HBH than with any other frame I have tried. Have always struggled to drive that shot but it came very easy to me with the 105 without any adjustment. The touch and feel around the net are excellent. The stability is definitely there. Relative to the X the only thing that feels a small step back is my backhand slice.
So I think I will keep playing the 105 and see how my arm feels after a more extended period. Both BA 105 and X strung with Lux gut mains and Prince Lightning Pro Syn gut at 50/48.
