ProStaff Original 6.0
Review
Classic. How many racquets introduced in the
last 30 years can rightfully claim this distinction? For wood
racquets, candidates would be the Wilson Jack Kramer and Dunlop
Maxply. In the aluminum category it'd be the Wilson T-2000, Prince
Classic, Head Master and the aluminum/graphite crossover, Head
Arthur Ashe Competition. Graphite models would certainly include
the Dunlop Max 200G (of the '80s), Prince Graphite (Original)
Classic, Head (Prestige) Classic and the Wilson ProStaff 6.0
(Original).
Of these racquets, the
only models still being sold are the Head Classic, the Prince
Graphite Classic and the Wilson ProStaff 6.0. These 3 models
continue to be popular with ATP touring professionals, as well as
serious club and college players. They aren't 'high-tech' or 'game
improvement' racquets. There's no titanium or Hyper Carbon. No
Power Holes or Sweet Spot Suspension. No vibration absorbing handle
systems. These racquets are the epitome of 'player's'
racquets.
With the U.S. Open upon
us, we chose to review the ProStaff 6.0 - Pete Sampras' racquet.
Now available in 85 and 95 head sizes, the 6.0 continues to be one
of Wilson's most popular selling racquets. In fact, the 85 still
enjoys almost a cult status among 5.0+ and wannabes. This is likely
due, in no small part, to some of the famous players who have used
this racquet (link to ProStaff Pros). It's Pete Sampras, however,
who has had the greatest influence on 6.0 sales over the last 7
years.
There's also the mystique
of the long-since closed Wilson factory in St. Vincent, The
Grenadines, where the original ProStaffs were manufactured. What
secret brew was used to make the racquets that Pete uses
exclusively? Was it voodoo? Or is it a solid formula of materials
(graphite & kevlar), lay-up (braided construction) and timeless
design that has extended the popularity and lifecycle of this
racquet?
The introduction of the
ProStaff 6.0 95 was evolutionary and necessary to broaden the
appeal of the 6.0. It's not just 10 square inches larger than the
85 either. The 6.0 95 has a wider beam (20mm vs. 17mm), is slightly
lighter (12.3 ounces vs. 12.6 ounces) and is balanced more
head-light (10 points HL vs. 8 pts. HL) than the 6.0 85. The result
is a slightly more powerful, more maneuverable, more comfortable
and more forgiving racquet for players who find these
characteristics lacking in the 6.0 85.
We put both models through
extensive on-court testing (a few of our playtesters didn't want to
put them down) and here are our findings. Although both models come
with a leather Fairway grip, we replaced both with Wilson
Cushion-Air Perforated grips.
ProStaff 6.0 Original 85
Just picking up this
racquet makes you feel like a player. Perhaps it's the image of
Pete Sampras using this stick, or Stefan Edberg or Jim Courier. A
racquet with this much heft and tiny head certainly requires a
superior level of competence to bring out its best qualities. Dan
offers, 'There should be a warning on this racquet - 'enter at your
own risk; racquet may bite'. There's not much forgiveness here.
Either you're on the sweetspot and loving it or off and hating it.
There is no in-between.' Drew continues, 'you don't need to be a
pro to use the 6.0 85 but solid mechanics and some strength are a
must. The best comparison is with cameras - most of us like compact
racquets that auto-focus, auto flash, etc. As you become a better
photographer, you want a camera that does less and less for you.
Why? Because you want complete control over the final result.
People choose the 6.0 85 for the same reason. They don't want the
tool interfering with the shot.'
From the baseline, the 6.0
85 is like a PT boat - small but deadly when fired properly;
deceptively heavy (despite its size), yet maneuverable when
operated by a well-trained skipper. At almost 13 ounces strung,
getting the 6.0 85 in motion in time requires early preparation.
Granville comments, 'if you can get the racquet to the ball, then
you'll hit the ball with good pace, simply due to its mass.' Mark
concurs, 'surprisingly maneuverable for such a heavy racquet. if I
could get the racquet to the ball, it did most of the work on
groundstrokes. Although my arm tired after a while from the
racquet's weight, there was none of the shock or vibration I feel
when using a lightweight racquet.'
Control is the 6.0 85's
most widely acclaimed attribute. This is why it is or has been the
racquet of choice for players like Jim Courier, Stefan Edberg and
Pete Sampras. Drew offers, 'you can feel the control of the 85.
Unlike any other racquet, it seems built to keep the ball in the
court.' Dan adds, 'control is outstanding but only if preparation
is good and your timing is on. It's very easy to swing late with
this racquet. However, when everything falls into place, there
isn't a better control racquet out there.'
Power is predictably low
with the 6.0 85. 'Shorter and mid-swing types need not apply',
declares Dan. Indeed, the 6.0 85 requires a full swing to generate
adequate power and depth. Don concurs, 'I never could play with
this racquet. With my medium swing, the 85 just doesn't offer
enough punch. I simply need more racquet and a little less weight.
Unless I have time to set up and take a full swing at every shot,
my balls land too short or too soft. I found myself slicing almost
every backhand because I was late. Also, the sweetspot is about the
size of a tennis ball. Mis-hits are not very
forgiving.'
Serves and overheads are
solid due to the 85's overall weight and head-light balance. Don
says, 'the one shot I hit well with the 85 is the serve. I could
hit with good pace and spot-on precision.' Dan continues, 'serves
and overheads were very solid but hitting either one near the top
of the stringbed costs you big time (at least a 30% drop in power).
Those with high service tosses beware - your timing must be that
much better to hit the tiny sweet spot.' Over a 2-3 set match,
serving with the 12.7 ounce 85 can tire all but the fittest
players. Drew comments, ' obviously, the racquet is capable of
hitting great serves. However, your mechanics need to be excellent
and over a long match, that's hard to
maintain.'
Volleys are surprisingly
stable for such a small headed racquet. This is likely due to the
85's weight and Perimeter Weighting System (PWS). Drew offers,
'ordinarily, I'd say you couldn't volley effectively with an 85
square inch head but the mass and stability of this racquet allow
you to block shots with a minimal stroke and still achieve good
power and excellent control. Technique and preparation are key. If
you're late, forget it.' Dan continues, 'volleys felt incredible
and, at times, you see why Sampras loves this frame. Touch and feel
are unequaled. Players with short, mechanically sound volleys will
do well. Players not experienced at net or who like to hit swinging
volleys should choose a different racquet.'
Serve returns, approach
shots and reaction volleys can be hit effectively with the 6.0 85
due to it's mass and stability. Once again, though, mis-hits are
penalized due to the small head. Slice shots must be hit with a
longer stroke and overall, the 6.0 85 seems to favor flatter
strokes. Players who hit with excessive spin will generally prefer
the 95.
There's no doubt about the
limited appeal of the 6.0 85. It's not for everyone. However, for
the purist player, who possesses solid strokes and is accustomed to
a hefty, smaller head, the ProStaff 6.0 85 is as good as it gets.
In fact, 2 of our playtesters have switched back to this racquet
after 2 weeks of playtesting.
Wilson ProStaff 6.0 85
Technical & Statistical Data
(Scores are determined by averaging
individual play test scores)
Technical
Specifications
|
Length
|
27
inches
|
69
centimeters
|
Head Size
|
85 square
inches
|
548 square
centimeters
|
Weight
|
12.6
ounces
|
357
grams
|
Balance Point
|
12.50 inches
31.5 centimeters
|
8pts
Head Light
|
Shaft Width
|
17mm Straight
Beam
|
Composition
|
Braided
Graphite & Kevlar
|
|
Babolat RDC
Ratings
|
|
Score
|
Grade
|
Flex Rating
|
66
|
Range:
0-100
|
Swing Weight
|
329
|
Range:
200-400
|
Maneuverability
|
67
|
A
|
|
|
