Not Powerful in a Literal Sense, BUT...
Written: Nov 30 '02 (Updated Nov 30 '02)
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Pros: Very light, Easy to maneuver, Nice features, Precise level of control
Cons: Lacks power, Scary to play the net with
The Bottom Line: The 6.4 has been my Control-oriented workhorse for three years, and it still serves me very well. I'm sure you'll be satisfied with this rack as well.
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| cerberus435's Full Review: Wilson Hammer 6.4 Power Holes |
OVERVIEW
Allow me to elaborate on myself as a tennis player, before we get to the review. I played tennis for five years. I first started when I was a sophomore in high school, as a "project" of my tennis coach. I progressed far enough to play second singles for our varsity team on my junior and senior years. I'm a prototypical "young" player; big, loopy swing, emphasis on power, and a baseliner. At my peak, I may have been a 3.5. Now, three years removed from my varsity years, I'm probably a 2.5.
Throughout my tennis career, I used four different rackets: A generic pre-strung Wilson, the Wilson Hammer 5.0, the Head Ti S5, and the Wilson Hammer 6.4. I kept the latter three in my arsenal and used each one for various purposes. I used the Hammer 5 if I felt rusty and I just wanted to make contact. The 5.0 was my only oversize racket, so it did that job nicely. If I wanted to devastate my opponent with raw power, I used the S5. It's somewhat smaller than the 5.0, but it generated LOTS of power.
If I felt very good and I wanted to make my opponent run in circles around the court, I'd utilize the pinpoint control of my trusty Hammer 6.4.
You may wonder why I would use a "Power" racket for control. Read on, and you'll know why this racket should replace the "Power Holes" monicker with something more appropriate.
FEATURES
The Wilson Hammer 6.4 Power Holes was one of Wilson's top quality rackets when it was first released three or so years ago. It had technologies that were not present in previous versions of the Hammer.
Mid-plus Head Size
At a 95 sq. in. head size, the mid-plus head size affords better control at the cost of a decreased string bed area. Better control is established at the cost of power and tolerance.
Head-heavy Weight Distribution
The head-heavy weight distribution places the center of gravity toward the head of the racket. This is done by making the materials in the head heavier than the throat and grip materials and, in Wilson's case, placing small weights on the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions on the head. Wilson calls this the "Perimeter Weighting System." Head heavy designs offer greater power at the cost of some maneuverability. That's why this line of tennis rackets are called "Hammers." However, you'll hardly notice the difference with the 6.4. It is so light that you wouldn't notice that it's head-heavy.
27 Inch Length
The 6.4 is 27" long. That is somewhat short by today's standards. Some rackets exceed 30". Wilson compensates the small head by extending the length of the grip. I found the length suitable for most shots, but you may find it somewhat difficult to get cannonball serves over the net with the short length.
Wilson Cushion Aire Grip
Wilson uses its own tacky rubber grip. Although it does a good job in absorbing your sweat and keeping the racket from slipping out of your hands, I found it too abrasive for my hands. Off-center hits causes the racket to twist quite a bit, and the grip would scrape against the base of my fingers. If you don't want to get blisters, use the softer over-grips, preferably the neon-looking ones made by Gamma.
100% Graphite Body
Graphite may be the lightest yet strongest material you can find on a tennis racket. Even though Wilson claims the strung weight of the 6.4 is ~ 11 oz., I beg to differ. The 6.4 feels more like a feather (Ok... 2 oz. lighter than advertised.) Those of you who have played with heavier rackets may find this a bit awkward to adjust to, but you'll appreciate the extra swing speed.
Power Holes Technology
Finally, we come to the "Power Holes." Power Holes are wide, rectangular grommets (instead of small and circular) that the strings pass through on the head. Their purpose is to allow the strings to move more freely upon impact. This makes the string bed into a springboard and causes the ball to stay on the string bed a few milliseconds longer. According to Wilson, this "springboard effect" should put more power into your shots.
I disagree.
I feel it puts more spin on your shot. Because the ball stays on the string bed longer, this gives it enough time to impart more spin onto the ball. Believe me, I put some wicked spins on this racket that I couldn't do with my other two racks. One time, I hit a drop shot that sailed too high. My opponent rushed in to try and kill it. However, when the ball hit the ground, it bounced away from my opponent, over the net, and into my side of the court. We were utterly surprised; we didn't know how to score that point.
"Spin holes" may be a more appropriate name for the 6.4.
PERFORMANCE
The Hammer 6.4 has plenty of nice features. Do these features hold up on the court?
The Service Game
Serving with the 6.4 can be a mixed bag, depending on how you serve. If you are a cannonball server, you may find it difficult to get your shots over the net. The 6.4 is somewhat shorter than your average racket, so you won't have the extra reach. Also, the power in your shot will decrease somewhat. This racket is better suited for spin servers. The amount of spin you can effect on the ball is amazing. You can keep your opponent off-balanced all day by simply varying the spin on your serve.
Spin servers will love it. Power servers may not like it at all.
Baseline Play
This is where the 6.4 truly shines. The 6.4 rewards consistent play. Unlike most power rackets, the shots here are easy to place. Applying spin on the ball is easier, thanks to the springboard effect of the string bed.
Pace may be a concern for some people. Those who have long, loopy swings can counteract the limited power supplied by the racket. The 6.4 has minimal "body flex" (the amount in which the head of the racket bends back, believe it or not, when you hit the ball) so you'll have to create your own power. Those with short, effortless swings will struggle with pace.
The pace issue can be good or bad, depending on your game and swing style. I like to employ my long swing to bolster my power game, and the 6.4 does a great job in regulating my pace and keeping the ball in play. I simply hit the ball with lots of topspin. If I did this with my power rackets, I'd be hitting long balls all day.
Net Play
Looks like we found a pretty big chink in the armor. Playing net with the 6.4 can be a harrowing experience.
Imagine playing a doubles game. You're currently playing the net, against another player using a power racket (say, a Wilson Sledgehammer.) Your partner unwittingly hits a lob that falls short. The opposing player gets into position, sets his Sledgehammer on the ball, and hits a smash. You, probably on the receiving end of this assault, are grasping onto your 6.4, your mind going through a blur of possibilities. What do you do?
If I had the 6.4, I'd run back and take my chances on the baseline. Even if my opponent decides to hit a hard volley, I will still retreat. The 6.4 is an adventure to use on the net. Because of the light weight and the limited head size, it's very difficult to keep the racket stable when your volley connects. Even center hits can cause some annoying vibrations. I hardly feel those when I play net with my Ti S5.
The only redeeming component of the 6.4 is that its light weight allows you to position the racket more quickly. For light volleys, the 6.4 can hold on its own. However, for the hard stuff, you'd better be truly on your game if you want to intercept that incoming screamer heading down the alley.
Longevity
The graphite weave is very strong. You don't have to worry about breaking this racket. The scratch guards on top of the head are some of the strongest I've ever seen. The racket head makes solid contact with the ground whenever I try to hit those shoe-string slices, and the guards are still intact.
This is a very tough racket. It will take almost any kind of abuse you can give it. It will even hold up to your most frustrating moments (we all have those, and our racket's ability to survive our abuse is always an important factor to consider when buying rackets.)
CONCLUSION
The Hammer 6.4 has served me very well. While I haven't played any matches for almost a year, this racket still sees heavy action in the squash courts.
If you want a racket that will supply you with long life, precise control, and light weight, look no further. Control freaks will adore the 6.4. Short swingers need not apply.
Wilson no longer makes the 6.4, but you can find plenty of players who sell these rackets for as little as $60. That's how much I bought mine. This is a worthwhile investment for the established tennis player.
Recommended:
Yes
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cerberus435
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