Wilson Quality Control

[kenshireen]

I have 3 k blade teams... I decided to measure them to see if they were 27.3 inches.
I used a glass top table that was perfectly level..

Results:
One was 27 flat; another 27 1/8 and a third 27 1/4. All racquets were properly strung.

I then went back to my 6 wilson prostaff 7.0. Supposed to be 27 inches.
Only one hit the 27 the others ranged between 26.5 and 27.

Is this normal for all companies or just wilson

Thanks

 

[movdqa]

Wilson is awful for weight. I think that my K90s and KPS88s are fairly close in length though I've never lined them all up to measuer them.

 

[wilfreb]

wilson have the worst quality control ever.

yonex, dunlop have excellent QC

 

[Pleb123]

Not much has changed in the last 7 years:

 

[AMGF]

Terrible, even for Wilson.

Did you measure the weight/balance/sw? I bet they are far apart. Getting the lenght right is (usually) the easiest part.

 

[Crocodile]

If Wilson was a car brand it would be somewhere between a Citroen, Renault and a Saab.
Pacific, Yonex, Volkl and Dunlop are the Lexus and Infiniti of the tennis industry.

 

[letstakeourshirtsoff]

If Wilson was a car brand it would be somewhere between a Citroen, Renault and a Saab.
Pacific, Yonex, Volkl and Dunlop are the Lexus and Infiniti of the tennis industry.

except Wilson outclassed all the mentioned brands numerous times when it comes to playability of the racquets imo.

the QC is horribad though. I have a bunch of 6.1's that are more like lead tape with a little bit of racquet than the other way round...

 

[Steve Huff]

1/2" difference in length. Are you sure you didn't get an extended version of your racket. I can't imagine even Wilson being that far off.

 

[UCSF2012]

old rackets with old graphite compress on tensioning the strings. Mains are strung higher than crosses, even if they''re both "strung" at the same tension. Crosses having to weave through the mains create a resulting lower tension in the crosses.

 

[Crocodile]

except Wilson outclassed all the mentioned brands numerous times when it comes to playability of the racquets imo.

the QC is horribad though. I have a bunch of 6.1's that are more like lead tape with a little bit of racquet than the other way round...

It's an interesting point - Playability v build quality equation.

 

[letstakeourshirtsoff]

It's an interesting point - Playability v build quality equation.

I somewhat doubt that Wilson really has subpar build quality. Given the fact that a frame with modern construction needs to be weighted to reach typical weights of 310-350g, I suspect the factory workers to mess it up during weighting process; the basic quality of molding/baking seems to be just fine imo.

I also have the most experience with Wilson frames from around 2000 - 2010, so things might indeed have changed for the worse. Owning both k90's and blx90's, I have to say that they stepped down big time on paintjob quality from the k's to the blx's.

the spec differences in the french video posted by Pleb123 aren't that much more off compared to other brands neither. I had staff weighting both head and babolat sticks in local shops showing similar differences, and even angell which gets a lot of love around here for quality, was more than 6 grams off of the desired specs on a stick I demoed.

 

[Crocodile]

I somewhat doubt that Wilson really has subpar build quality. Given the fact that a frame with modern construction needs to be weighted to reach typical weights of 310-350g, I suspect the factory workers to mess it up during weighting process; the basic quality of molding/baking seems to be just fine imo.

I also have the most experience with Wilson frames from around 2000 - 2010, so things might indeed have changed for the worse. Owning both k90's and blx90's, I have to say that they stepped down big time on paintjob quality from the k's to the blx's.

the spec differences in the french video posted by Pleb123 aren't that much more off compared to other brands neither. I had staff weighting both head and babolat sticks in local shops showing similar differences, and even angell which gets a lot of love around here for quality, was more than 6 grams off of the desired specs on a stick I demoed.

It's not just the specs. It's other things including paintwork and length. For example who would have thought that in 2018 you buy 2 Ultra Tours and after 20 minutes of coaching with them there is paint chipping off everywhere. You spend $500 on buying the things and then you have to take them back snd wait for weeks while they assess them. Once you get them back you have to string them again amd is that's another $80 on top. The other example is a customer of mine who buys two RF 97 autographs that are not the same length.

 

[letstakeourshirtsoff]

It's not just the specs. It's other things including paintwork and length. For example who would have thought that in 2018 you buy 2 Ultra Tours and after 20 minutes of coaching with them there is paint chipping off everywhere. You spend $500 on buying the things and then you have to take them back snd wait for weeks while they assess them. Once you get them back you have to string them again amd is that's another $80 on top. The other example is a customer of mine who buys two RF 97 autographs that are not the same length.

I'd never buy racquets without checking length to begin with. I also just realized the last off the shelf stick I bought was in 2014, and I sent that one back almost instantly.

I agree on paintwork though; seems like wilson asked Yonex how to save some extra bucks during the paintjob.

 

[Racketdesign]

I somewhat doubt that Wilson really has subpar build quality. Given the fact that a frame with modern construction needs to be weighted to reach typical weights of 310-350g, I suspect the factory workers to mess it up during weighting process; the basic quality of molding/baking seems to be just fine imo.

I also have the most experience with Wilson frames from around 2000 - 2010, so things might indeed have changed for the worse. Owning both k90's and blx90's, I have to say that they stepped down big time on paintjob quality from the k's to the blx's.

the spec differences in the french video posted by Pleb123 aren't that much more off compared to other brands neither. I had staff weighting both head and babolat sticks in local shops showing similar differences, and even angell which gets a lot of love around here for quality, was more than 6 grams off of the desired specs on a stick I demoed.

Just to clarify, The Angell frame you demoed was not built or supplied by Angell directly. The retailer you received the frame from has not been authorised by Angell for many years, partly due to the lack of control over build
Quality.

 

[letstakeourshirtsoff]

Just to clarify, The Angell frame you demoed was not built or supplied by Angell directly. The retailer you received the frame from has not been authorised by Angell for many years, partly due to the lack of control over build
Quality.

this has me interested; I got to fill out a form similar to the one on your page and the sticks are advertised to be Angell indeed. Is the retailer buying duds from your manufacturer that you refused to use?

something's fishy here. And I can't imagine you to risk reputation over just one racquet clearly off spec by lying on one of the biggest tennis forums so I have to assume the retailer we are talking about does shady stuff. Feel free to send me a short pm if you have any further information you don't want to share publicly.

 

[Crocodile]

I'd never buy racquets without checking length to begin with. I also just realized the last off the shelf stick I bought was in 2014, and I sent that one back almost instantly.

I agree on paintwork though; seems like wilson asked Yonex how to save some extra bucks during the paintjob.

You can't compare the two brands. Yonex quality is way above anything Wilson can muster. The other problem many Wilson's suffer is internal rattles that you can't release because they have foam filled handles. I've got 10 year old Volkl racquets that still have perfect paint jobs with no chips.

 

[BorgCash]

except Wilson outclassed all the mentioned brands numerous times when it comes to playability of the racquets imo.

the QC is horribad though. I have a bunch of 6.1's that are more like lead tape with a little bit of racquet than the other way round...

What Wilson racquets outclassed what Pacific ( ex-Fischer), Yonex (Made in Japan), Volkl and Dunlop? And what do you mean for playability?

 

[BorgCash]

You can't compare the two brands. Yonex quality is way above anything Wilson can muster. The other problem many Wilson's suffer is internal rattles that you can't release because they have foam filled handles. I've got 10 year old Volkl racquets that still have perfect paint jobs with no chips.

You know, Fischer was good for quality, think Pacific also, Volkl and Yonex also great, and Dunlop also. Wilson is not close by quality.

 

[letstakeourshirtsoff]

the mighty k90's (and to a lesser degree the 95's) outclassed the Yonex sv 95, the Volkl power bridge mid 10 and the Volkl c10 (though i really like the power bridge).

I don't have experience with pacific and dunlop sticks.

 

[zalive]

What quality control?

 

[BorgCash]

I can see only one advantage Wilson has over these four brands - wide world marketing. And this is very doubtful advantage, especially for non competent customers who decided what to buy during watching TV.

 

[letstakeourshirtsoff]

I can see only one advantage Wilson has over these four brands - wide world marketing. And this is very doubtful advantage, especially for non competent customers who decided what to buy during watching TV.

If you read my posts in this thread, you might realize I'm well aware with quality issues relating to paintwork, frame length and stuff when it comes to wilson.

but are you seriously trying to tell me now what racquets play best for me?

Yonex feel odd to swing to begin with; the Volkls are nice, but I just can't find the directional control that I have with my wilsons.

be happy you found something you consider much higher quality than wilson, just as I am happy playing my wilsons.

 

[Racketdesign]

this has me interested; I got to fill out a form similar to the one on your page and the sticks are advertised to be Angell indeed. Is the retailer buying duds from your manufacturer that you refused to use?

something's fishy here. And I can't imagine you to risk reputation over just one racquet clearly off spec by lying on one of the biggest tennis forums so I have to assume the retailer we are talking about does shady stuff. Feel free to send me a short pm if you have any further information you don't want to share publicly.

Nothing shady or suspicious. The retailer was previously part of our distributer network but we no longer support this system as it was not possible to control the accuracy of how the frames were assembled.

 

[BorgCash]

the mighty k90's (and to a lesser degree the 95's) outclassed the Yonex sv 95, the Volkl power bridge mid 10 and the Volkl c10 (though i really like the power bridge).

I don't have experience with pacific and dunlop sticks.

These are completely different racquets. Volkl got that specific buttery feeling that no one Wilson stick got. Especially C10 Pro. PB Mid is also very unique. Don't use SV95, but RD-7, RDX500, VCore 89 and RDIS 100 could hardly be outplyed by any racquet. The same with Pacific clone of Fischer Vacuum Pro 90 and Dunlop 200 series.

 

[BorgCash]

If you read my posts in this thread, you might realize I'm well aware with quality issues relating to paintwork, frame length and stuff when it comes to wilson.

but are you seriously trying to tell me now what racquets play best for me?

Yonex feel odd to swing to begin with; the Volkls are nice, but I just can't find the directional control that I have with my wilsons.

be happy you found something you consider much higher quality than wilson, just as I am happy playing my wilsons.

You did not mention that Wilsons played better for you, you just post " except Wilson outclassed all the mentioned brands numerous times when it comes to playability of the racquets imo."

And you never tried Pacific and Dunlop.

 

[BorgCash]

the mighty k90's (and to a lesser degree the 95's) outclassed the Yonex sv 95, the Volkl power bridge mid 10 and the Volkl c10 (though i really like the power bridge).

I don't have experience with pacific and dunlop sticks.

The magic K90 had gone long ago.

 

[letstakeourshirtsoff]

Nothing shady or suspicious. The retailer was previously part of our distributer network but we no longer support this system as it was not possible to control the accuracy of how the frames were assembled.

ah ok I see. thanks for clarification

 

[letstakeourshirtsoff]

You did not mention that Wilsons played better for you, you just post " except Wilson outclassed all the mentioned brands numerous times when it comes to playability of the racquets imo."

And you never tried Pacific and Dunlop.

what? can you even read?

wilson outclassed x numerous times when it comes to playability imo = wilson plays better for me.

is it the acronym imo (= in my opinion ) that you don't understand? otherwise this is just plain silly

 

[Racketdesign]

ah ok I see. thanks for clarification

You're very welcome.

 

[BorgCash]

I like Wilson racquets, but mostly old manufactured, PS 6.0 85 and PS 6.1 Classic.

 

[letstakeourshirtsoff]

I like Wilson racquets, but mostly old manufactured, PS 6.0 85 and PS 6.1 Classic.

so now you're dodging my question. nice one. learn to read man...

 

[BorgCash]

what? can you even read?

wilson outclassed x numerous times when it comes to playability imo = wilson plays better for me.

is it the acronym imo (= in my opinion ) that you don't understand? otherwise this is just plain silly

I can read, i can write, i don't understand very controversial statements based on a little experience.

 

[Crocodile]

You know, Fischer was good for quality, think Pacific also, Volkl and Yonex also great, and Dunlop also. Wilson is not close by quality.

This seems or appears to be the reality. The problem Wilson have is that they have many different models which are marketed everywhere so they are widely exposed to consumers who buy a lot of them. The blade CV i think were rushed on to the market on masse and they have had a lot of problems with balance variation, so much that many retailors here either sent them back or had each one re-measured and labelled so customers could choose 2 frames with the most similar specs. The older burn FST which was well finished had problems when you put them on a stringing machine and they got stuck on there when it was time to take them off so you had to be very careful with them.
It's kind of strange because the current range of CV racquets look very upmarket. The black RF's look beautiful and the blades, burn snd Ultra's very distinctive.
Pacific at the other end of the scale have very limited market exposure so while their quality seems great they aren't out there in large numbers so it's much harder to gauge. The only problem I noticed with them was in the older X Feel Pro's handle system had a problem where the pallet screws broke. The current X Tour 97 has a different system.
Yonex is brand whose sales are on the increase so their quality will be there to be seen. I've only noticed some problems with their DR light range with the grips coming apart snd having to be rewrapped.
Volkl, which I have had a fair bit of experience with has been very good. The only thing I,be noticed with these frames is that over a few months of using them on a daily basis that the pallets shrink, so you need to replace them.
While I have no experience with the new Dunlop frames the biomimetic range going back a few years were very good and this is more impressive considering they were much cheaper to buy in the first place.

 

[BorgCash]

so now you're dodging my question. nice one. learn to read man...

No way, man, you you better learn to think before you write. I like old Wilsons, now it's a completely another story.

 

[letstakeourshirtsoff]

I can read, i can write, i don't understand very controversial statements based on a little experience.

that's not what you said was your problem with my comments regarding wilsons playability

let's leave it at that, I'm not here to pick a fight with you over my playing preferences. belittling my experience won't help your case here neither, but I guess that's too much for you to understand.

have a nice day.

 

[BorgCash]

This seems or appears to be the reality. The problem Wilson have is that they have many different models which are marketed everywhere so they are widely exposed to consumers who buy a lot of them. The blade CV i think were rushed on to the market on masse and they have had a lot of problems with balance variation, so much that many retailors here either sent them back or had each one re-measured and labelled so customers could choose 2 frames with the most similar specs. The older burn FST which was well finished had problems when you put them on a stringing machine and they got stuck on there when it was time to take them off so you had to be very careful with them.
It's kind of strange because the current range of CV racquets look very upmarket. The black RF's look beautiful and the blades, burn snd Ultra's very distinctive.
Pacific at the other end of the scale have very limited market exposure so while their quality seems great they aren't out there in large numbers so it's much harder to gauge. The only problem I noticed with them was in the older X Feel Pro's handle system had a problem where the pallet screws broke. The current X Tour 97 has a different system.
Yonex is brand whose sales are on the increase so their quality will be there to be seen. I've only noticed some problems with their DR light range with the grips coming apart snd having to be rewrapped.
Volkl, which I have had a fair bit of experience with has been very good. The only thing I,be noticed with these frames is that over a few months of using them on a daily basis that the pallets shrink, so you need to replace them.
While I have no experience with the new Dunlop frames the biomimetic range going back a few years were very good and this is more impressive considering they were much cheaper to buy in the first place.

That is very professional review. Pre Biomimetic Dunlops were even better.

 

[letstakeourshirtsoff]

Back to topic: I've heard from numerous sources that there were problems with the blx-buttcaps. Mine seems to be fine.

I hope they fixed that for the current models.

 

[BorgCash]

that's not what you said was your problem with my comments regarding wilsons playability

let's leave it at that, I'm not here to pick a fight with you over my playing preferences. belittling my experience won't help your case here neither, but I guess that's too much for you to understand.

have a nice day.

The same to you, just don't value what is too much and what is not for another person who you don't know. First try to play with at least with 300 different racquets like me, then we will discuss your experience.

 

[BorgCash]

Back to topic: I've heard from numerous sources that there were problems with the blx-buttcaps. Mine seems to be fine.

I hope they fixed that for the current models.

Never heard, the buttcaps are ok.

 

[Crocodile]

That is very professional review. Pre Biomimetic Dunlops were even better.

Thanks, I try to expose myself to all brands and not link myself to any product. This means spending my own money buying different products and experiencing first hand. I also get to see how my customers get on with their purchases and how satisfied they are.
There is a lot out there to experience and most of the general public don't get a chance to see.

 

[letstakeourshirtsoff]

The same to you, just don't value what is too much and what is not for another person who you don't know. First try to play with at least with 300 different racquets like me, then we will discuss your experience.

man, you're just an idiot; going around telling people what to do on an internet forum. in case you missed it: I'm not interested in a discussion about playability of racquets with you. I prefer to play them and choose what fits me.

 

[letstakeourshirtsoff]

Never heard, the buttcaps are ok.

even on TT there are people complaining about buttcaps coming loose.

 

[Simon_the_furry]

Back to topic: I've heard from numerous sources that there were problems with the blx-buttcaps. Mine seems to be fine.

I hope they fixed that for the current models.

Odd. Only racquets I've ever seen have issues with the buttcaps are the EXO3 Prince Warrior Models.
Those things come off if you look at them the wrong way.

 

[BorgCash]

even on TT there are people complaining about buttcaps coming loose.

man, you're just an idiot; going around telling people what to do on an internet forum. in case you missed it: I'm not interested in a discussion about playability of racquets with you. I prefer to play them and choose what fits me.

Telling peope, not dumbs like you. If you want to play just don't enter here with your stupid unprofessional comments.

 

[BorgCash]

man, you're just an idiot; going around telling people what to do on an internet forum. in case you missed it: I'm not interested in a discussion about playability of racquets with you. I prefer to play them and choose what fits me.

You're on forum here and you can't choose who you will discuss with.

 

[BorgCash]

even on TT there are people complaining about buttcaps coming loose.

Many racquets, many buttcaps, many people.

 

[BorgCash]

even on TT there are people complaining about buttcaps coming loose.

"even on TT" ?

 

[BorgCash]

Odd. Only racquets I've ever seen have issues with the buttcaps are the EXO3 Prince Warrior Models.
Those things come off if you look at them the wrong way.

The buttcaps are ok, the racquets are not.

 

[TennisManiac]

Wilson has the worst quality control out of all the manufacturers on the market. Always has... always will. But yet I play with them. Go figure.

 

[movdqa]

Wilson has the worst quality control out of all the manufacturers on the market. Always has... always will. But yet I play with them. Go figure.

Good marketing.

Get the lightest frames you can and match/customize up.