A Classic
Written: Dec 26 '99 (Updated Feb 10 '00)
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Pros: excellent control, excellent playability, solid racket
Cons: heavy, not for the beginner
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| kornell_911's Full Review: Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 |
I agree with Bryknowsit's opinions on the Wilson Pro Staff 6.1.
The 6.1 is not at all intended for everyone. It's an advanced level racket that offers great touch, control, and consistency. The 6.1 has been around for a while.
Time and time again, this racket will perform consistently at the same levels that players demand. It's built solidly (graphite and kevlar) and will not crack as fast as the other poorly constructed sticks(Prince rackets are the worst...remember: CTS Synergy, Precision, Approach, Double Bridge System of ten years past???). The fact that this racket will perform the same (playability-wise) time and time again is the main reason top players choose the 6.1 over any other racket.
CONS
Another reason why the pros choose the 6.1 is because of weight. At 12.1 oz this mother is heavy. Of course, the heaviness is a pro for the pros, and a con for the beginner.
Lots of the Hammers/Hammer Lites weigh in at less than 5 ounces. Of course, pros don't play with these rackets. But for the beginner, weight is a big concern. More weight is proportional to the amount of power that must be exerted. More experienced players who can generate their own power need only control which the 6.1 and many other heavier models offer (e.g. Muster's Head Touring Pro, Sampras' Wilson Classic 6.0).
Beginners (lower than 3.0) will have a problem generating their own power with this racket. I've seen many many people turn away this racket after just weeks of playing with it, simply because of the racket's weight and their lack of power from it.
The 6.1 is also a bit on the stiff side. It doesn't give back much compared to the Head Classic or other rackets in its class. It's solidly built and stiff, but not quite as stiff as say the Wilson Hammers (e.g. 3.0 and above)
PRO
This racket is one of a few that offers great control and stability. I had been playing with the 6.1 for a while until I demo'd the Head Classic. I couldn't believe the feel on the Classic; it offers such remarkable control. Mind you, this racket is also pretty hefty at around 12.1 oz.
The 6.1 is not at all head heavy or anything like the hammer rackets with their hammer system technology. This racket is perfectly balanced. It's a conventional frame, <not a widebody > constructed in the aero flat beam design. The 6.1 made a slight adjustment from the 6.0 in this aero design. As you can tell, the 6.0 is entirely flat beam. The aero design adds to a better feel of the racket. I believe it also adds to better touch on shots and balance on the racket.
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Wilson promotes this racket for players with long loopy strokes and fast swing speeds. I agree it is for those with fast swing speeds and loopy groundstrokes like Stefan Edberg; however this does not exclude those with different shots, playing styles. Players, like me, with short compact groundstrokes also benefit from this racket.
This is a perfect companion to serve and volleyers who love this racket because of the touch and control it offers on volleys. Rafter has been using the 6.1 as racket of choice <if I recall correctly>, for a while now.
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The recommended tension on this piece is around 60 lbs. A lot of pros string it around 70 lbs with gut (sometimes they jack it up to 80) to improve playability and add to the racket's stiffness. This racket can be strung between 55-65 lbs. I recommend synthetic gut or Pro Blend. Pro Blend adds to the stiffness of the racket without having to kill the frame, stringing it at 80 lbs.
OVERALL
For those advanced players looking for great control and stability in a racket, the Wilson 6.1 is for you. You've most likely heard and even demo'd the 6.1 for yourself. It's hefty. You generate your own power. It doesn't allow too much leeway for off-centered shots, frame shots. The sweet spot is smaller than in most rackets.
For mid to advanced players looking for a solidly built racket that will provide you with great control in a light racket, turn to the Yonex series. They are solid and light and offer loads of leeway on your shots.
Recommended:
Yes
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