Wilson PS85 discussion thread...

[onehandbh]

A couple versions of Pro Staff 85 to add to the mix.

(top to bottom)
1) Wilson Pro Staff Limited Midsize 95
2) Wilson Pro Staff 85 Pete Sampras Autograph
3) Wilson Hyper Pro Staff 85 2000 Special Edition

Using my construction calipers, I took a few measurements of the widths of the frames and also the width of the throat areas (when placed on a table) and noticed that the PS 85 and Limited PS 95 are very similar but one is 95 sq inches. The Sampras Autograph is slightly different, though.

Frame / frame width / throat width

Hyper Pro Staff 85 / 17.0mm / 30.6mm (top of head says "Hyper carbon / Braided Technology)
Limted Pro Staff 95 / 17.1mm / 30.6mm
Prostaff 85 Sampras Auto / 17.7mm / 28.6mm (throat says "80% Graphte+20% Kevlar")

 

[Cris8]

May I ask what the stiffness of the limited edition 95 is? I just found two of these rackets.

 

[BreakPoint]

What strings and guage do you use?

Typically a hybrid of a multi with a syn gut, both 16g.

 

[onehandbh]

May I ask what the stiffness of the limited edition 95 is? I just found two of these rackets.

Not sure. Haven't had it measured. I've only hit with it once. Will try to play with it again this week.

 

[onehandbh]

Typically a hybrid of a multi with a syn gut, both 16g.

Wow. That's pretty loose. When I was using full synthgut years ago in my PS85, I strung it at about 66lbs.

 

[BreakPoint]

Wow. That's pretty loose. When I was using full synthgut years ago in my PS85, I strung it at about 66lbs.

I prefer a nice and comfortable stringbed and the additional power.

 

[clutch21]

Hit with my PS85 tonight for the first time in a few months. I switched to the RF97 back in May, hoping I wouldn't have to work as much against some of the harder hitters. While the RF definitely checks that box, I've been missing the supreme control and touch the 85 provides.

I'm a 4.5 lefty and play a crafty chess sort of game. My weapon is my forehand, but I hit consistent low BH slices and wait patiently for opportunities to attack. The 85 was a great fit for that game but I was just looking for more pop.

After giving the 85 a spin tonight, all I can say is woah! After getting used to the RF97, I was shocked by just how much more touch and control the PS85 has. That stick really is just an extension of the arm. All I had to do is decide where I wanted to hit the ball. The RF isn't even in the same class in this aspect.

The other surprise for me was spin. I was using X-1 biphase strung around 60 on both sticks. I'm actually able to generate more spin on both the forehand and serve with the 85. Despite the denser stringbed of the 85, I think it's maneuverability allowed me to generate more racquet head speed, thus more spin. Even the spin/slice serve is great with the PS85.

After dropping some serious cash on the RF, I might find my way back to my beloved PS85s!

 

[Deleted member 742196]

Hit with my PS85 tonight for the first time in a few months. I switched to the RF97 back in May, hoping I wouldn't have to work as much against some of the harder hitters. While the RF definitely checks that box, I've been missing the supreme control and touch the 85 provides.

I'm a 4.5 lefty and play a crafty chess sort of game. My weapon is my forehand, but I hit consistent low BH slices and wait patiently for opportunities to attack. The 85 was a great fit for that game but I was just looking for more pop.

After giving the 85 a spin tonight, all I can say is woah! After getting used to the RF97, I was shocked by just how much more touch and control the PS85 has. That stick really is just an extension of the arm. All I had to do is decide where I wanted to hit the ball. The RF isn't even in the same class in this aspect.

The other surprise for me was spin. I was using X-1 biphase strung around 60 on both sticks. I'm actually able to generate more spin on both the forehand and serve with the 85. Despite the denser stringbed of the 85, I think it's maneuverability allowed me to generate more racquet head speed, thus more spin. Even the spin/slice serve is great with the PS85.

After dropping some serious cash on the RF, I might find my way back to my beloved PS85s!

Yeah - same for me. I get more precision, power and spin off the 85 than every other racket I play with. My one and only issue with is a small sweet spot (relative to what most opponents are playing with) so I also give away more short balls/errors in a rally/match. But this is technique and fitness, things I'm working on to improve. Feedback on this frame is truly worth its legendary status.

 

[morten]

Nothing comes close to the ps85.. RF97A was never right for me. The only racket bigger than 90sq.in that feels closer to ps85 is the Yonex Vcore dual 97 330. Much sweeter than RF97A, more control, more feel and as stable. Thinner and just a great racket.

 

[Deleted member 742196]

Nothing comes close to the ps85.. RF97A was never right for me. The only racket bigger than 90sq.in that feels closer to ps85 is the Yonex Vcore dual 97 330. Much sweeter than RF97A, more control, more feel and as stable. Thinner and just a great racket.

Interesting. Prior to taking a chance with Angell TC95 [and a 97 for good measure] I was thisclose to biting on a Yonex 330g Tour G - it was the closest thing out there to a thin beam, sort of closed pattern, and kind of HL. I'm addicted to the feedback of these PS85's, heck I can't stop blabbering about it.

When paired with gut, hitting that S spot is orgasmic.

PS
Yeah, kind of hate later versions of Pro Staffs - the 90 is good too, but I don't much like open patterns. No matter what I try I'm always back to the 85 one way or another.

 

[Deleted member 742196]

I want! I want! I want! I can never tire of having enough classic Pro Staffs. Hyper Pro Staff? Hyper Carbon? Haha. The 80's were a glorious decade.

 

[BreakPoint]

The 80's were a glorious decade.

Yeah, not only were the racquets better, but so was the music.

 

[Deleted member 742196]

Yeah, not only were the racquets better, but so was the music.

I was very recently having a conversation with with someone about The Far Side, the old Gary Larson strip. The thing about the 80's was we took a lot at face value, for better or worse. Glam metal bands, Michael Jackson red jackets, evil dictators and ideologies, our humour, indeed hyper carbon tennis technology. It seemed a simpler time because I didn't need to second [or hundred] guess every little thing. I could just buy into whatever the premise was, irrespective of logic.

Where I used to look at a world and think "why not?", nowadays it seems more like "why?" Perhaps the difference is important in some little way.

It's not the forum or place to yammer on about this stuff, I understand that. If I do so it's because along with our Pro Staff 85's and these pictures, and the mention of music, I feel just a bit like sharing whatever's on my mind right at this exact moment. It was the 80's, and for some of us that lived through them the "why not?" giddiness was quite memorable.

I suppose this is a "why not?" post.

 

[TennisElbowDude]

Was wondering if someone would tell me if i scored on this garage sale buy or not?

 

[TennisElbowDude]

http://a63.tinypic.com/16bhocx.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mhkeuns]

Was wondering if someone would tell me if i scored on this garage sale buy or not?

Congratulations. I'm so jealous. I will never get tired of the St. Vincent made Pro Staff mids. They are special, even in today's standards.

 

[Z--Man]

Hello PS85 lovers, I've been itching to buy the ones TW is selling and had some string related questions.

Is there much difference in spin between a 16g and 17g string?

How much higher should I string to compensate for the shipping time?

I typically play with the K90 but since a flared grommet occurred I cant the get the bumper back on and had to switch to my Ncode 6.1 I hadn't touched in 10 years and always felt sluggish. Usual tension range I string is 53-55 with 16g. Strings I've been looking at for the PS85 are Kirschbaum multifiber touch 17g and mainly just for curiosity, RS Lyon 17.

Thanks

 

[clutch21]

Hello PS85 lovers, I've been itching to buy the ones TW is selling and had some string related questions.

Is there much difference in spin between a 16g and 17g string?

How much higher should I string to compensate for the shipping time?

I typically play with the K90 but since a flared grommet occurred I cant the get the bumper back on and had to switch to my Ncode 6.1 I hadn't touched in 10 years and always felt sluggish. Usual tension range I string is 53-55 with 16g. Strings I've been looking at for the PS85 are Kirschbaum multifiber touch 17g and mainly just for curiosity, RS Lyon 17.

Thanks

You can't beat the price TW is selling those sublime sticks for. Buy one (or two) sooner rather than later. You won't regret it!

I've found full bed multifilaments work great in the PS85. I use X-one biphase at 58 lbs. many people suggest stringing lower though to help with power. To answer your question about gauge, I've personally found a big difference in spin between 16 vs 17 in x one biphase. I don't notice any trade off in control and am able to get much better spin generation with the 17g. Not sure if this would be as noticeable with other string types.

 

[vsbabolat]

In 1983 Jimmy Connors was using experimenting with the Pro Staff Prototype and the Pro Staff was not released until 1984.
November 1983 was the first time Connors used the Prototype in competition according the the announcers.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/arch...doubles/95753cf7-e44d-4b77-84d7-6fbb0d61b1ee/

He's playing with it here and they talk about it around 14 min.

 

[frinton]

In 1983 Jimmy Connors was using experimenting with the Pro Staff Prototype and the Pro Staff was not released until 1984.
November 1983 was the first time Connors used the Prototype in competition according the the announcers.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/arch...doubles/95753cf7-e44d-4b77-84d7-6fbb0d61b1ee/

I watched part of the video... Very cool. However, Conners' racket looks like the head compared to the throat seems big, not PS85-like. Color wise, the racket seems not to be black but more like a dark silver-ish? On the other side, Andrea Jaeger's racket looks more like a PS85. Surprised to hear that Jimmy was testing the prototype because his t-2000 was discontinued but Chris' still plays a wooden racket. When did she switch to the PS85? Thoughts?


"Why should I be unpleasant when I can just as well be nice?"

 

[gino]

Anybody looking to liquidate a few ? I am a 4 3/8... PM me

 

[vsbabolat]

I watched part of the video... Very cool. However, Conners' racket looks like the head compared to the throat seems big, not PS85-like. Color wise, the racket seems not to be black but more like a dark silver-ish? On the other side, Andrea Jaeger's racket looks more like a PS85. Surprised to hear that Jimmy was testing the prototype because his t-2000 was discontinued but Chris' still plays a wooden racket. When did she switch to the PS85? Thoughts?


"Why should I be unpleasant when I can just as well be nice?"

Chris Evert switched to the Pro Staff in 1984 when the Pro Staff was released to the public. Andrea Jeager was using the Wilson Utra 2

 

[Brokenstrings]

So I finally pulled the trigger on a new 85 from TW. I usually play with a RF97A strung at 55lbs with 17g Hyper G. You guys think 50 lbs is a good starting point for this racquet?

 

[BreakPoint]

So I finally pulled the trigger on a new 85 from TW. I usually play with a RF97A strung at 55lbs with 17g Hyper G. You guys think 50 lbs is a good starting point for this racquet?

Might even want to try 46 lbs. since you're using poly.

 

[Brokenstrings]

Might even want to try 46 lbs. since you're using poly.

Thanks, we'll give it a shot and see.

 

[Brokenstrings]

Man, what a great racquet. I could almost make this my regular stick. High 40's was good for tension.

 

[dtomelden]

I have a Gray with Blue 85sq in Wilson Graphite Fiberglass racquet. It looks to be made in the same mold as the PS85 with PWS in the right place. It is quite flexible and I have it strung low tension Sigma Pro Poly Plasma 16g. Sweet spot feels quite large and I resort to my old style of play with looping topspin. Plow through is fun given the weight of the stick. I could play matches with this but will stick with my PSC 6.1 Stretch cut down to 27", dense pattern with gut/SPPP at low tension. Yes, my primary racquet is close to 25yrs old, can't find anything to match the feel of braided graphite/kevlar.

 

[gino]

A couple versions of Pro Staff 85 to add to the mix.

(top to bottom)
1) Wilson Pro Staff Limited Midsize 95
2) Wilson Pro Staff 85 Pete Sampras Autograph
3) Wilson Hyper Pro Staff 85 2000 Special Edition

Using my construction calipers, I took a few measurements of the widths of the frames and also the width of the throat areas (when placed on a table) and noticed that the PS 85 and Limited PS 95 are very similar but one is 95 sq inches. The Sampras Autograph is slightly different, though.

Frame / frame width / throat width

Hyper Pro Staff 85 / 17.0mm / 30.6mm (top of head says "Hyper carbon / Braided Technology)
Limted Pro Staff 95 / 17.1mm / 30.6mm
Prostaff 85 Sampras Auto / 17.7mm / 28.6mm (throat says "80% Graphte+20% Kevlar")

@onehandbh how long did wilson produce the Wilson Hyper Pro Staff 85 2000 Special Edition? It's an amazing looking frame

 

[Ignatz Tushwop]

Hey guys I recently purchased a PS 85 from TW and like it alot.
Was wondering what strings does everyone like the most with this stick.
I'm using tourna poly silver string 53lbs atm.
Wison recommends Sensation at 57lbs so I ordered a set.
The demo had a label wilson synthetic gut 57lb. Nice sound when hitting with that.
I couldn't find this string by name from wilson, offer synthetic gut power or control strings.

 

[MT Dunlop]

Hi, I wondered quite a long time if there is a great difference between the PS 85 and the Dunlop 200g in terms of feel and play? I had considered to by a PS 85. Then I saw that there is the origianl PS 85 and a Jack Kramer PS 85 from the 80's , what is the difference between them or is it only the paintjobb that is different ??

 

[Ignatz Tushwop]

Hey guys I recently purchased a PS 85 from TW and like it alot.
Was wondering what strings does everyone like the most with this stick.
I'm using tourna poly silver string 53lbs atm.
Wison recommends Sensation at 57lbs so I ordered a set.
The demo had a label wilson synthetic gut 57lb. Nice sound when hitting with that.
I couldn't find this string by name from wilson, offer synthetic gut power or control strings.

Bumping..

 

[morten]

I would reccomend multifilament strings for this frame. See learning section at TW. I use low tension. 43lbs Tecnifibre xone 16gauge

 

[Ignatz Tushwop]

I would reccomend multifilament strings for this frame. See learning section at TW. I use low tension. 43lbs Tecnifibre xone 16gauge

Thankyou sir
Cheers
Ignatz

 

[clutch21]

Bumping..

I especially enjoy X-one biphase full bed in this frame. There is a volume discount on TW currently!

 

[onehandbh]

@onehandbh how long did wilson produce the Wilson Hyper Pro Staff 85 2000 Special Edition? It's an amazing looking frame

I'm not sure how long it was produced. Maybe a year?

 

[Ignatz Tushwop]

Hi Clutch,
It was strung with wilson sensation at 54lbs. I hit a few balls with it and the strings moved alot if I took a good swing ..sigh

I will be trying x one biphase
also thankyou sir cheers
Ignatz

 

[ushynoti]

I would reccomend multifilament strings for this frame. See learning section at TW. I use low tension. 43lbs Tecnifibre xone 16gauge

How do you use so low for a multi? Doesn't it feel super mushy?

 

[morten]

No its great . For this frame. Tecnifibre x one 16g. Crisp. Sometimes i go up 2 or 3 pounds for the indoor season.

 

[asifallasleep]

Yesterday I hit with my PT280, PS85, PS88 and RF97. By far the most solid and sublime feeling and fun frame in the bunch was my Saint Vincent PS85. Maneuverable, fast, whippy, and the stability of a freaking tank. The feel of this frame is unmatched by any frame ever created. Feels like a wood, graphite combo, stiff but plush..................pure amazing. The only downside is you can't blow the ball past most higher rated players using modern frames. If you can end the points quickly or keep them short, you are golden. Definitely great for serving and volleying and working the point from the baseline. PS85 is more fun and feels better but with the same stroke using my RF97, the ball is ripped past my opponent for a winner.

 

[MRfStop]

Hello PS85 lovers, I just picked up a PS85 off of fleabay for cheap and I believe it is a earlier Chinese version but am not certain. The white butt cap code is GAW and it has the "Pro Staff 6.0" lettering on the throat/hoop area.

Is this the Chinese version?

 

[racquetfreak]

Hello PS85 lovers, I just picked up a PS85 off of fleabay for cheap and I believe it is a earlier Chinese version but am not certain. The white butt cap code is GAW and it has the "Pro Staff 6.0" lettering on the throat/hoop area.

Is this the Chinese version?

definitely chinese. if buttcap white it is fairly early (earliest were pro staff vs pro staff 6,0). if black buttcap later version.

 

[MRfStop]

definitely chinese. if buttcap white it is fairly early (earliest were pro staff vs pro staff 6,0). if black buttcap later version.

Thank you. That's what I figured but the seller didn't specify so I wasn't sure.

This is the 2nd PS85 that I have bought without the original leather grip

 

[Jeff756]

I Love my 95. I have not used it though.

 

[racquetfreak]

Hello PS85 lovers, I just picked up a PS85 off of fleabay for cheap and I believe it is a earlier Chinese version but am not certain. The white butt cap code is GAW and it has the "Pro Staff 6.0" lettering on the throat/hoop area.

Is this the Chinese version?

the first china ps85 had buttcap code Cxx above the W, came with fairway leather grip and labeleled "Pro Staff" on face of throat and "Wilson MIDSIZE 85" on lateral outside surface of throat.

 

[MRfStop]

Does any one know the specs of Federer's PS85?

 

[morten]

Stock. .. only small bits of lead to match them.

 

[xanderw0lfe]

hello. can anyone help me identify if this racquet is authentic st. vincent?

the butt cap has "K N O" letters.

red primer?

the texture is matte-like; not shiny-smooth. bought it for about 100$ (5,000 pesos in our currency)

 

[mhkeuns]

hello. can anyone help me identify if this racquet is authentic st. vincent?

the butt cap has "K N O" letters.

red primer?

the texture is matte-like; not shiny-smooth. bought it for about 100$ (5,000 pesos in our currency)

Everything looks legit, except for that "made in st. Vincent" sticker. That's actually the first time I have ever seen it like that.

 

[xanderw0lfe]

If I may ask how should the sticker be?

 

[AlexR]

If I may ask how should the sticker be?

I've seen the sticker on the butt cap, reading either "made in st. vincent" or "st. vincent, wi", but there was a lot of random stuff going on w/ these frames. The red primer and the fact it has a headguard is basically proof positive that its a SV. i have read that some late SV's were finished in Taiwan when they moved production, but that's just painting and putting the grip on, so it's still a SV underneath. so i think you're good.