Wilson ProStaff Original 6.0

The Wilson ProStaff Original 6.0 is a tennis racquet made by Wilson that garnered much attention when tennis great Pete Sampras used it throughout much of his career. Its current successor is known as the Wilson kSix-One, which is currently used by ATP Pro Roger Federer. Players must, however, note that Federer's racquet is custom made for him by Wilson and thus will play considerably differently to an off-the-shelf (stock) kSix-One. Indeed, the make of Roger's racquet beneath its paintjob has for some time been a subject of avid and heated speculation by a large number of racquet enthusiasts on a number of tennis forums, with the general consensus being that Roger Federer is using a specially designed Prostaff 6.0 Original, altered to a 90 sq.in. head but with the same string pattern and frame composition as the 6.0. While from a distance the racquet appears to be a Tour 90, upon closer examination, the throat and custom made extended handle are clearly of the Prostaff 6.0 mould. Nonetheless, the paintjob, tapered throat flanges (not present in the Prostaff 6.0 Original 85) and extended handle ensure that the true identity of Roger Federer's racquet remains a mystery to all, perhaps including Federer himself.

A Prostaff 6.0 Original. Note the lead taping placed at 3 and 9 o'clock to further increase weight and stability, as well as at 12 for added swingweight. This racquet has been strung with graphite strings. At the bottom of the stringbed is a Pete Sampras vibration damper.

History

Originally manufactured in Chicago, Illinois and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the ProStaff was Wilson's answer to the Prince Original Graphite and the Dunlop 200G Max. Several ATP and WTA Touring pros used the ProStaff but one in particular stood out, a young Pete Sampras from Southern California emerged on the tennis scene, shocking many by winning the U.S. Open at age 19 in straight sets over Andre Agassi with the racquet. Other notable players who have used the Prostaff Original 6.0 to considerable success are Stefan Edberg, Jim Courier, Chris Evert and Mary Pierce. Together, their grand slam singles total is a substantial 43 championships.

pecifications

The 6.0 is manufactured in 2 head sizes, 85 and 95 square inches. The 85 is unforgiving with its 12.6 ounce (357 g) weight and extremely low power. The 95 is much more forgiving with an overall weight of 12.2 ounces (346 g) and a lower swingweight (317 as opposed to the 85's 326). Both have a 16x18 string pattern making the frame more open and easier to generate spin albeit the user must generate much of the spin's power with timing and wrist pronation. The Prostaff 6.0 also performs admirably well with flatter hitters (as evidenced by the success of Pete Sampras and Mary Pierce) as a result of its considerable heft and control. A flat hitting power-oriented game will therefore benefit considerably from the inherent control and stability of the frame. The small headsize of the 85 and Perimeter Weighting System also minimize the torque on off-center hits, further enhancing control at impact.

Of particular interest is the frame composition of 80% graphite and 20% kevlar. The high percentage of graphite allows for a 'softer' feel, while the kevlar provides more strength in the frame. Also unique is that the graphite in the Prostaff 6.0 Original is braided. While more modern racquets consist of many pieces of graphite spliced to the framework of the racquet, the braided graphite construction of the Prostaff 6.0 is such that only a single, long piece of graphite is used, which is then 'braided' around the frame. This creates more strength and stability in the racquet, while increasing the weight of the frame.

ignificance

Besides being used by many pros and club players in its heyday, the ProStaff 6.0 continues to have a cult-like following. Its initial success is due in part to tennis legend Pete Sampras who used the frame in his career, it should be noted however, that Sampras did not use a stock version but a customized heavier and weaker version. The racquet has brought on many variations such as the 6.1 and the ROK models, both of which are still favoured in the tennis world. The St. Vincent make, favoured by Sampras himself, became the choice racquet for collectors. Since the St. Vincent factory closed down, demand for the iconic St. Vincent Prostaff 6.0 is causing an increase both in its rarity and its price.

Criticism

The 6.0 85 has drawn criticism for its weight, small head and low power. Though the small head may be consistent, it has forced many mis hits from players. Many counter by saying that the head does not matter, but that the timing and technique of the stroke is of greater importance. In addition, the head light balance provides substantial control while also making the racket deceptively maneuverable in the execution of a wide variety of strokes. In particular, the weight of the racket provides unparalleled control at the net. Despite this, its heavy weight and low power deter many players as current users eschew the Pro Staff 6.0 in favor of more modern Midplus and Oversize rackets for greater power and a greater hitting range.