Kevlar Pro

Old Wilson Pro Staff Classic?

I used to be a very serious player, but by the early 1980s I was not playing very frequently. The last racquet I bought was a Wilson Pro Staff Classic, made with Kevlar. I suffered a right shoulder injury and basically retired, but recently started learning to play left-handed. Anyway, this raquet still seems to be a useable racquet. My question is, is it? Can I bring it back up to proper tension and start using it seriously some 20 or 25 years later? (It is still in great shape, not warped or anything.) Which among the newer racquets might make sense for my next purchase? Thanks.

First lets look at why you like that racket!
Its a narrow beam racket…its thin bodied. This allows the racket to flex more, providing greater feel for the ball. When a player feels the ball they push against what they feel and generate their own power. That’s truly what makes for what I call a ‘players’ racket! Although some may think of these rackets as stiff they are not. They had greater reflex time and gave the players of that time a little more “pop” on their shots. The small head of the racket also made for for more precise movement of the racket.
I do not recommend using this racket for too long. Rackets of this ilk do suffer from stress and time, especially if the racket has seen a lot of use in the past. And also keep in mind that you are older and your bones are not used to and have not built up to using a racket that is as heavy as the 6.1.
The racket that I think you would really like a lot is the Wilson NBlade. The new ones are due out in January, so that will give you some time to play with your ‘Staff.
While a little lighter, the racket has a ‘pro’ string bed, that means 18 main strings. This provides optimum feel and less trampolining, as well as less string movement!
The beam is just a bit wider making for a larger sweet spot, with no loss of control. This is the racket Novack Jocovich uses, and he’s number three in the world, oh and I use it too!
Oh and I do not nor have I ever worked for Wilson Sporting goods. Its just my professional opinion!
I string mine with the New Prince 17 gauge Multi-filament Synthetic Gut at 58 lbs playing tension. That means I set the Prince 3000 stringing machine at 53 lbs to get the desired “playing tension.”
I think you would really like this combination, I am 47 years old and I love it!

New Triple X 52″ Kevlar Pro Series Skimboard $249.99

Jackets4bikes

We get this question form a lot of people who are NOT certain what type of jacket they need. Following are the Pro and Cons for leather, mesh and textile jackets.

Leather jackets are the most popular ones. Leather jackets come in different types ‘cow, sheep’ leather. Leather jackets are more durable and protective then textile or mesh jackets. Most of the leather jackets are NOT water proof and they are NOT good for extreme warm weather. If you like leather and you are riding in hot weather then you should buy perforated leather jacket. Leather jackets are expensive as compare to mesh or textile jackets.

Mesh jackets are very good for warm weather. They offer excellent ventilation, with limited protection. Mesh jackets with good zip out liner can be used in cold weather. Mesh jacket are usually very cheap in price.

Textile Jackets including Cordura and other nylon based materials could do wonderful things for motorcycle clothing. Textile jackets require less maintenance as compare to leather jackets and most of the textile jackets are windproof and waterproof. Textile jackets usually have more pockets. Textile jackets are cheaper than leather jackets.

If you want to know more about Mesh Jackets, we assume that you have already crossed out Cordura or Leather Jackets from your list. You are likely considering a mesh riding jacket because you love the freedom of riding and want all the fresh air around you to keep you cool. Most important consideration when buying a mesh jacket is what material is exactly the shell made of. Most common types used today in market are:

1. Polyester Mesh

2. Nylon Mesh

3. Poly or Nylon Mesh with Leather

4. Poly or Nylon Mesh with Cordura

1. Polyester Mesh is thick yet very light weight. It is ideal for riders who want a extremely light weight jacket with decent protection. One such example is Jackets4Bikes‘s Air Mesh Jacket made of poly mesh it is available for only $60. We offer built in extra EVA padding around shoulder and back to re-enforce polyester mesh in our jackets.

2. Nylon Mesh is heavier but it offers better abrasion resistance. When the extra weight is worth it is a choice of personal preference. Jackets4Bikes offers a nylon and leather hybrid jacket (more details coming next on this).

3.  Poly or Nylon Mesh with Leather is another choice getting popular these days. Nothing beat leather in abrasion resistance – by blending leather and nylon mesh pieces manufacturers can offer ideal combination with good abrasion resistance and great air flow. Jackets4Bikes jacket not only sells these jackets – in fact they come with added feature of 360 degree reflective tape around chest.

4. Poly or Nylon Mesh with Cordura offer advantages similar to leather and mesh jacket. Most manufacturers use this combination to cut cost.

Other things to consider are what type of liner is used in the jacket, what type of protectors are used in the jacket and what are additional features available (e.g. is there extra protection in form of back hump, is there reflective tape or piping used etc.).

About the Author

Jackets4Bikes is a USA based leather jackets manufacturer, who discusses benefits of using Mesh Jackets and Cordura Jackets.