Tennis Warehouse Playtest: 2016 Wilson Blade Family (98 16x19, 98 18x20 and 98S)

[Chezbeeno]

Yeah I strung mine at 54 with Luxilon Element and then 52 with Kirschbaum Competition, I like both setups, but I think I prefer the second setup. I'll probably try 48 or 50 next time, I just assumed that going in the 40's wouldn't feel great since I'm coming from the RF97 which really doesn't thrive with tensions below about 52.
I also really like the new Blade a ton (after like an hour of good hitting with it), but I have no experience with previous generations, so I can't really speak much to the effectiveness of Countervail, aside from the fact that it feels like I'm hitting with a shock absorber, except without a shock absorber. I'm assuming that means it actually does something, and hopefully it doesn't just change the sound, like a shock absorber.

 

[Deleted member 19728]

Actually in reading you are into the RF97, I can see how the new one is up your alley. I thought the same thing that anyone who liked the Rf97 would like the power and feel of this one. I liked the higher tensions in both of those raquets personally.

For whatever reason my swing doesn't lend itself to the rf97, I have a long stroke and tend to send the ball sailing if I am not really careful. That carried over to the CV 16x19 but I get along really well with the 2015 model.

 

[parasailing]

The 2015 Blade is definitely more flexible and much more forgiving on off center and shanks. I wasn't really surprised that the new CV version wasn't going to beat out the 2015 model. The 2015 model feels more balance throughout the racquet and has more feel than the Blade CV.

Maybe I tried two racquets that had really poor Wilson QC but the Blade CVs weight distribution wasn't as balanced. It felt a lot more sluggish even though SW was similar to my 2015 Blades.

This makes it easier for me to pickup the old models at a cheaper price.

 

[Daddy's]

Bringing this thread back. I was one of the playtesters that couldn't get along with the 18x20 CV. I couldn't find timing and control with mine at 2pts headlight and a lot of swing weight. I just couldn't feel where the racquet face was, consequently I was late and spraying things all over. I just put it down and went to my Radical MG MP at about 11.8 6pts HL. The CV just looked so pretty on the wall I had to give it another chance. TW leather grip, OG and enough BluTac in the butt to get it to 6 pts HL that brought weight up to 12.4. The thing is with the extra weight the racquet feels lighter swinging it than it did with less overall weight but balanced towards head. I don't feel all the swing weight with more weight to counter balance it out. I played a guy today with a big serve today and did great blocking it back deep or if he put in in my strike zone going offensive on the return. Good power and spin off both wings and great feel at net. This was playing it with some old BPHT at 50 lb in it. The racquet has a lot going for it if you're willing to modify it some