The Pro Staff 6.1 has been a mainstay on the professional tour for years. It started out as the original Pro Staff 6.0 classic, but in the late 80's the racquet was modified to be a little more "user friendly" and the Pro Staff Classic 6.1 was born. The 6.1 featured a larger headsize, and a more aerodynamic frame geometry. The original player to use the frame was Stefan Edberg, but he later switched back to the original 6.0. Even though Edberg wasn't convinced thousands of top players loved the racquet, and the Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 stayed in the Wilson line until it was replaced by the Hyper Pro Staff 6.1 in 2001.

The Hyper Pro Staff was equally as successful as players who loved the original 6.1 eagerly snached up the lighter, more powerful version made of double braided hyper carbon and graphite. This racquet was the most popular racquet on the ATP (men's) Tour and was another huge seller for the #1 Brand in Tennis. The Hyper Pro Staff 6.1 would stay in the line until June of 2004.

Now the future is here with n-code technology. The n stands for nanotechnology, and nano is one billionth of a meter, or roughly the size of a golf ball in comparison to the Earth. What it means in terms of the racquet is that at the nanoscopic level, spaces between graphite fibers are filled with silicone oxide crystals to make the racquet perform better. All you have to remember is this code: 2-2-22. That translates into n-code racquets are 2 times stronger, 2 times more stable, and 22% more powerful than ordinary racquets.

Having played with the racquets, I can tell you that they are more stronger and stable, but it is tough to determine if the frame is 22% more powerful. This can be manipulated by changing the string tension or adding weight to the frame, so I'm not sure on the 22 part of the code.

The n-code 6.1 plays great. It is definitely an improvement on the older models. For me the 6.1 has always been a little too flexible for my taste in racquets, so I have always leaned towards the 6.0, but with the n-code technology the racquet feels stiffer than its older siblings. Advanced players will get the most out of these frames. Power is plentiful if you can generate it, and there is great touch at the net. My favorite thing about the racquet is the manuverability. Pro Staff racquets are head light, meaning that they are quicker at the net than head heavy frames, which Wilson calls Hammer or H series. In fact as far as Wilson goes, unless it says Pro Staff on it it is probably a head heavy racquet.

The n-code 6.1 comes in two head sizes, 95 sq. inches, and the Tour model which is 90 sq. inches. Wimbledon champion Roger Federer uses the n-code 6.1 Tour and the 95 will probably take the throne as the most played racquet on tour. The 95 also comes in two different string patterns, 16x18 and 18x20. The first number represents the number of main strings (up and down), the second number is cross strings (across). The more strings or denser the pattern the more control and spin. The Tour model is for extremely advanced players only. If you aren't at least a 5.0 NTRP don't even try, the 95 is the one for you. Trust me you'll thank me later.

I'm lucky, as a Wilson Advisory Staff member I get a couple of these for free, but you will probably pay between $180-$200 for this racquet (make sure stringing is included in this price), but it is worth it. If you are looking for the Tour model they are sold in pairs so they can be as close to identical as possible, expect to pay the same price times two. Also, see if you can find one of the limited edition n-code bags, they have been out for awhile so good luck!

So if you loved the old 6.1, and judging by the reviews for the old frame you do, give this racquet a shot. I guarantee you will be happy!


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