Wilson Tennis, What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Apr 26 '01
The Bottom Line As far as tennis lines go, Wilson has very extensive, high quality, products. I highly recommend it to all levels of players.
Wilson, along with Prince and Head, is one of the three biggest companies for total sales of tennis products worldwide. This includes Clothing, Strings, Grips, Racquets, Footwear, and Accessories. They sell products for extreme beginners all the way to the top players in the world like Pete Sampras. Because of this, there are many products to choose from, and you want to make an informed decision. That is why i am writing this opinion.
I will break the Wilson line down by the seven categories I listed above, Clothing, Strings, Racquets, Grips, Footwear, and Accessories. When appropriate I will give suggested retail prices and specifications. Let's begin.
Why is Plumdogger qualified to write this opinion on Wilson's Tennis Line?
Well, I am currently on Wilson's Advisory/Teaching Staff. Because of my certification with the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), Wilson contracts me to use, sell and promote their products. Wilson is also the official racquet of the USPTA.
Clothing
New this season Wilson introduces Hyper-Tek clothing. They are using their Hyper Carbon technology that has made racquets so much lighter to improve their clothing line. Hyper-Tek wisks sweat off of your skin to keep you cool in the hottest of situations on the court. This is similar to Nike’s Dri-Fit technology. Wilson manufactures clothing for men, women and children; including warm-ups, shorts, skirts, tops, and socks. Wilson’s Tour Blend socks are considered some of the top socks for cushioning and comfort. With the purchase of most women’s clothing, Wilson will make a donation to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Just look for the pink ribbon logo on the packaging or tag.
Strings
Wilson offers a variety of strings for a wide variety of players. There are strings for spin players, frequent string breakers, touch players, etc. I will break down each string and what it can do for your game.
Sensation NXT
Gauges: 17, 16, 15L
Colors: Natural
Suggested Cost of Stringing: $39.99
This synthetic string has been rated the best playing synthetic gut (17 Gauge) by the United States Racquet Stringers Association 1999 String Survey. Wilson describes it as, “Optimal combination of feel and durability.” This string also offers less shock for people with arm injuries. I have used this string and it honestly does not last very long. Players with a lot of power or topspin will probably find that this string break too often.
Sensation Supreme
Gauges: 17, 16
Colors: Natural
Suggested Cost of Stringing: $34.99
This is the new string for 2001 by Wilson. It is described as a string with, enhanced feel, and advanced performance. It is also the exclusive string with Elastothane Coating. This string offers an upgrade from the original Sensation.
Sensation
Gauges: 17, 16, 15L
Colors: Natural, Red, Orange, Yellow, Blue
Suggested Coat of Stringing: $34.99
The original of the Sensation string family. It offers “optimal feel which makes every racquet play better.” It also offers reduced shock for players with arm injuries. This is a very good string. I use this string in my racquet because it a great all around string. It offers good durability, good feel, and it keeps it’s tension well.
Sensation ICE
Gauges: 17, 16
Colors: Crystal
Suggested Cost of Stringing: $29.99
This string is a stiffer version of the Sensation string. It has a very crisp feel for players who like a stiff string. Another advantage is added durability.
eXtreme Control
Gauges: 17, 16
Colors: Natural, White, Orange, Blue, Yellow
Suggested Cost of Stringing: $24.99
This string is a synthetic gut designed for players who seek a control-oriented string with added durability.
eXtreme Synthetic Gut
Gauges: 17, 16, 15
Colors: Natural, White, Black, Gold, Purple
Suggested Cost of Stringing: $19.99
This is just your everyday, average, synthetic gut with added durability.
eXtreme Spin
Gauges: 15
Colors: White, Yellow
Suggested Cost of Stringing: $24.99
This string is eXtreme Synthetic Gut with added grip for extra spin. Perfect for players who want added spin.
eXtreme Nylon
Gauges: 16, 15
Colors: Natural, White
Suggested Cost of Stringing: $14.99
This is the bottom of the line string by Wilson. This is for very cost conscious players. Good durability, terrible playability.
HammerLast
Gauges: 16/17, 19/16
Colors: Natural (mains), White (crosses)
Suggested Cost of Stringing: $29.99
This is a hybrid string that is designed for players who want the best in durability, but because of that durability you sacrifice playability. If you want added playability go for the 19/16 gauge.
Racquets
This is the heart of the Wilson line. They offer racquets for all levels of players from extreme beginner to ATP/WTA players. Some of their Tour Players are; Pete Sampras, Lindsay Davenport, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Magnus Norman, Todd Martin, and dozens more. I will outline one aspect of Wilson’s racquets below, the performance series.
Wilson’s newest racquet technology is Rollers. Rollers technology according to Wilson, “takes the place of conventional grommets in the racquet head allowing the strings to move 31.5% more than conventional grommets.” The result is maximum energy transfer. The rollers move both vertically (to increase the trampoline effect of the strings), and horizontal (so the strings move freely in a pully motion for softer feel).
The #1 racquet technology over the last 10 years is Wilson’s Hammer technology. This technology creates a racquet that has more mass in the head of the racquet for increased stability and added power. It also creates a larger and higher (on the string bed) sweetspot.
Hyper Carbon is widely regarded as the #1 material in racquets now. Hyper Carbon is 4 times stiffer, 65% lighter, and 4 times stronger, than titanium.
Some people may wonder what the numbers in the racquet manes mean. There are two ways to explain the Wilson swing index scale.. The first is the lower the number, the more powerful the racquet. For example a 2.6 is a very powerful racquet, while a 7.6 is more control oriented. The second way to explain the numbers is in relation to a players swing style. If you have a very compact swing, you should probably look for a lower number, and if you have a large loopy swing you will probably do better with a higher number.
*Note: All weights given are strung.
Hyper Hammer 2.6 w/ Rollers
Head Size: 115 square inches
Length: 28”
Player Swing Speed: Slow
Stroke Style: Compact
Weight: 9.2 ounces
Price: $349.99
This is the ultimate recreational player racquet. It has all of Wilson’s technology in one frame, which you pay for. It has a huge sweetspot, is very stiff, and ultra powerful.
Hyper Hammer 3.3
Head Size: 135/115 square inches
Length: 28.5”/ 28”
Player Swing Speed: Slow
Stroke Style: Compact
Weight: 8.9/8.5 ounces
Price: $249.99
This is another recreational level racquet. It doesn’t have all of the technology of the Hyper Hammer 2.6 but is still very powerful, stiff, and has a large sweetspot.
Hyper Hammer 3.6 w/ Rollers
Head Size: 115 square inches
Length: 28”
Player Swing Speed: Slow
Stroke Style: Compact
Weight: 9.2 ounces
Price: $279.99
Ideal for players with short aggressive strokes. This racquet also uses all of Wilson’s technology, which recreational player can appreciate.
Hyper Hammer 4.3
Head Size: 110/100 square inches
Length: 27.5”
Player Swing Speed: Moderate
Stroke Style: Full
Weight: 9.0/9.5 ounces
Price: $229.99
This is the racquet of choice for Venus Williams. It is a powerful racquet designed for intermediate to advanced players, but would also work well for beginners.
Hyper Pro Staff 5.0
Head Size: 110/95 square inches
Length: 27.5”/27”
Player Stroke Speed: Moderate
Stroke Style: Full
Weight: 12.3/12.0 ounces
Price: $189.99
This is my racquet of choice. For a more detailed review you can visit my opinion on this frame here at Epinions.com. This racquet is for intermediate to advanced players. This frame is too heavy for most beginners.
Hyper Hammer 5.2
Head Size: 106/95 square inches
Length: 27.5”/27.25”
Player Swing Speed: Moderate
Stroke Style: Moderate
Weight: 10.6 ounces
Price: $179.99
A slightly heavier Hammer for more advanced players. The 106 model offers a Hyper Bar for increased stability. This is a new racquet for 2001.
Hyper Hammer 5.3
Head Size: 110/95 square inches
Length: 27.5”
Player Swing Speed: Moderate
Stroke Style: Full
Weight: 8.9/10.2 ounces
Price: $199.99
The racquet of choice for Lindsay Davenport. This frame is designed for intermediate to advanced players. This is Wilson’s #1 selling racquet.
Hyper Hammer 5.6 w/ Rollers
Head Size: 110/95 square inches
Length: 27.5”
Player Swing Speed: Moderate
Stroke Style: Full
Weight: 9.6/10.4 ounces
Price: $209.99
Perfect for players with aggressive full strokes. Good for tournament or country club players. The 110 head size offers a hyper bar for extra stability. New for 2001.
Hyper Hammer 5.9
Head Size: 110/95 square inches
Length: 27.5”
Player Swing Speed: Moderate
Stroke Style: Full
Weight: 10.0 ounces
Price: $149.99
Great choice for an all around player. Good racquet at a great price. New for 2001.
Pro Staff 6.0
Head Size: 95/85 square inches
Length: 27”
Player Swing Speed: Fast
Stroke Style: Long, Loopy
Weight: 12.1/12.6 ounces
Price: $189.99
Pete Sampras’ racquet. This is the Wilson racquet with the least amount of new technology. Only serious players need apply. The 85 square inch head size may be the purest racquet made. For a more details see my epinion on this frame.
Hyper Hammer 6.3
Head Size: 110/95 square inches
Length: 27.5”/27”
Player Swing Speed: Fast
Stroke Style: Long, Loopy
Weight: 9.6/9.7 ounces (light bumper)
9.8/9.9 ounces (traditional bumper)
Price: $179.99
This is the racquet of choice of Serena Williams. Good control, good power, very head heavy. A neat feature of this frame is the customizable bumper guard. You can use the traditional or light weight bumper depending on your taste. Wilson’s #2 selling racquet.
Hyper Pro Staff 6.5
Head Size: 110/95 square inches
Length: 27”
Player Swing Speed: Fast
Stroke Style: Long, Loopy
Weight: 10.6 ounces
Price: $169.99
This is a great all around frame. Ideal for players who like a traditional feel, and can produce their own power. I consider it the diet version of the Hyper Pro Staff 5.0.
Hyper Hammer 6.6 w/ Rollers
Head Size: 98 square inches
Length: 27.25”
Player Swing Speed: Fast
Stroke Style: Long, Loopy
Weight: 10.7 ounces
Price: $199.99
This racquet has the most technology of all of Wilson’s “player” racquets. Good for power players who want a softer feel. New for 2001.
Pro Staff Titanium 6.6
Head Size: 110/95
Length: 27”
Player Swing Speed: Fast
Stroke Style: Long, Loopy
Weight: 10.2 ounces
Price: $99.99
A great value. Not a big performance racquet, but it is light weight, and it’s low price makes it a good starter racquet.
Hyper Pro Staff 7.6 w/ Rollers
Head Size: 98
Length: 27.25”
Player Swing Speed: Fast
Stroke Style: Long, Loopy
Weight: 11.8 ounces
Price: $189.99
The most flexible Pro Staff ever. Great control racquet, Rollers technology makes it super comfortable. Not for players looking for a power frame. New for 2001.
Grips
Wilson make s grips that fit into two main categories, Replacement grips (which replace the grip that came on the ), and overgrips (which go over the top of the factory grip). Those two main categories can then be broken into three sub categories; Enhanced Feel, Absorption, and Tack.
Replacement Grips
Contour
Sub category: Enhanced Feel
Description: This grip has raised contours for comfort.
Price: $7.99
Conform
Sub Category: Enhanced Feel
Description: Smooth grip with concave channels.
Price: $7.99
Sponge
Sub Category: Absorption
Description: Dimpled surface to absorb sweat
Price: $7.99
Conform Sponge
Sub Category: Enhanced Feel
Description: Combination of Conform and Sponge grips. Also available in two tone colors (black with yellow, silver, or orange)
Price: $7.99
Solution
Sub Category: Absorption
Description: Extra absorbent and textured for enhanced slip control.
Price: $7.99
Overgrips
H2Overgrip
Sub Category: Absorption
Description: Overgrip that actually gets better as it gets wetter.
Price: $5.49 (3 pack)
Supertack
Subcategory: Tack
Description: Ultra tacky surface for ultimate traction.
Price: $5.49 (3 pack)
Footwear
Wilson has a fine line of tennis specific footwear, and also cross training shoes for off the court.
The premier technology in Wilson’s footwear is DST (DynoSphere Technology). DST is superlight foam material in the shape of spheres for added cushioning. These spheres are placed in the heel and forefoot in certain shoes. Look for this technology if you are interested in a well cushioned shoe. For more information on Wilson Footwear visit. www.wilsonsports.com.
Accessories
Accessories include everything from vibration dampeners, Headbands, wristband, keychains, stencils, and stencil ink. Wilson produces and sells all of these things. Most of these things will improve the performance of your racquet in one way or another. All Wilson accessories are high quality, and made to last.
**All specific information taken from Wilson’s published materials.
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Plumdogger
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Member: Jeremy Plumley
Location: The Nation's Capital
Reviews written: 117
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A man surrounded by his three beautiful girls... And now a son!
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