The new blade V7 May just be the best blade so far

[haqq777]

Yeah man, I am so used to RS Lyon that I never think of the weight of other strings. Quite honestly it does make it a difference when it’s 10 SW points, like you are saying. The problem for me is the Blade is so new that I don’t notice that stuff yet. Something to keep in mind. You are right, RS and a dampener is 30 SW points, so thats what I am used to.

A new string adding 10 SW points is indeed significant. Personally, I am not that impressed with HHT after my first session with it. I will give it another shot, but RS Lyon plays much better for me at least in the Blade. If I knew HHT added that much SW I probably would not have tried it out. Oh well I had the pack sitting around so it was worth a shot.

Hey PP, yeah definitely worth a try if you have a pack lying around. Really doesn't sound like the kind of string I would personally enjoy though, from what little I have read. I have played with regular Head Hawk and that is a good string. But Touch is a very different string apparently.

I haven't moved on from RS in years now. I always find myself back to it after trying all these new strings. Feels right at home. And 10 points swingweight is definitely significant. I am at the usual low to mid 330s just like you and jumping 10 points would start showing in my game. Even if I adjusted, I would start getting late on every ball and with a different string in there, I would be very unconfident.

I see that you are loving the Blade and getting dialed in. Awesome. I wanted to demo but had an unfortunate accident a couple of weeks back. Sob story: twisted my knee shrugged it off at that time but pain wouldn't go away even after a few days. Later, after a doc visit and getting MRI scan, it turned out to be torn meniscus. Have an arthroscopic meniscal repair surgery scheduled for next month. PT will be 8 weeks after that and so tennis is out for next 3-4months. Pretty bummed about it. Anway, will be vicariously living through you guys now until I feel bummed out enough to just not log in till I am back on the court.

 

[topspn]

Hey PP, yeah definitely worth a try if you have a pack lying around. Really doesn't sound like the kind of string I would personally enjoy though, from what little I have read. I have played with regular Head Hawk and that is a good string. But Touch is a very different string apparently.

I haven't moved on from RS in years now. I always find myself back to it after trying all these new strings. Feels right at home. And 10 points swingweight is definitely significant. I am at the usual low to mid 330s just like you and jumping 10 points would start showing in my game. Even if I adjusted, I would start getting late on every ball and with a different string in there, I would be very unconfident.

I see that you are loving the Blade and getting dialed in. Awesome. I wanted to demo but had an unfortunate accident a couple of weeks back. Sob story: twisted my knee shrugged it off at that time but pain wouldn't go away even after a few days. Later, after a doc visit and getting MRI scan, it turned out to be torn meniscus. Have an arthroscopic meniscal repair surgery scheduled for next month. PT will be 8 weeks after that and so tennis is out for next 3-4months. Pretty bummed about it. Anway, will be vicariously living through you guys now until I feel bummed out enough to just not log in till I am back on the court.

Omg, that’s terrible man! Hopefully a quick recovery. I also like HH but never tried tour version and wasn’t tempted to be honest. About to try some Silver 7 tour and see what that’s like.

 

[haqq777]

Omg, that’s terrible man! Hopefully a quick recovery. I also like HH but never tried tour version and wasn’t tempted to be honest. About to try some Silver 7 tour and see what that’s like.

Thanks! So far everyone has said it is just a small procedure and you will be back to 100% in no time but I've never had any invasive surgeries before so freaking out a bit. But yeah, hopefully everything goes smooth.

I actually tried HH because of you in the Angell thread in my TC100, if you remember. I really liked it too. But this Touch version apparently is a different string altogether. Tourna Silver 7 Tour is making a lot of waves. Our local college coach is having the boys in his team try it out these days. Hearing positive things so far.

 

[haqq777]

I am using Head Hawk Touch 17g and it came out to SW of 343 with dampener. Dampener added 2 SW so the string added about 38 to the SW.

Yep, definitely very heavy then. Never seen 17g string add that much swing weight. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[topspn]

Thanks! So far everyone has said it is just a small procedure and you will be back to 100% in no time but I've never had any invasive surgeries before so freaking out a bit. But yeah, hopefully everything goes smooth.

I actually tried HH because of you in the Angell thread in my TC100, if you remember. I really liked it too. But this Touch version apparently is a different string altogether. Tourna Silver 7 Tour is making a lot of waves. Our local college coach is having the boys in his team try it out these days. Hearing positive things so far.

Oh yeah, it did help with the TC100 lol forgot about that. Great to hear feedback on S7T, I have a couple of packs coming in 1.25 and 1.30. I will try 1.25 on the blade.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Hey PP, yeah definitely worth a try if you have a pack lying around. Really doesn't sound like the kind of string I would personally enjoy though, from what little I have read. I have played with regular Head Hawk and that is a good string. But Touch is a very different string apparently.

I haven't moved on from RS in years now. I always find myself back to it after trying all these new strings. Feels right at home. And 10 points swingweight is definitely significant. I am at the usual low to mid 330s just like you and jumping 10 points would start showing in my game. Even if I adjusted, I would start getting late on every ball and with a different string in there, I would be very unconfident.

I see that you are loving the Blade and getting dialed in. Awesome. I wanted to demo but had an unfortunate accident a couple of weeks back. Sob story: twisted my knee shrugged it off at that time but pain wouldn't go away even after a few days. Later, after a doc visit and getting MRI scan, it turned out to be torn meniscus. Have an arthroscopic meniscal repair surgery scheduled for next month. PT will be 8 weeks after that and so tennis is out for next 3-4months. Pretty bummed about it. Anway, will be vicariously living through you guys now until I feel bummed out enough to just not log in till I am back on the court.

Sorry to hear that @haqq777

I hope the procedure goes smoothly and that the recovery is swift and very effective. I too have been having challenges that have kept me away... very frustrating when you just want to get out there and enjoy the sport you love... My thoughts are with you.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

@parasailing @Power Player @topspn ... or anyone else for that matter, not sure if I've asked this before (too many conversations and threads to keep track), have you tried Tecnifibre Ice Code before? If so, how would that compare to the RS Lyon? Stiffer?

Thanks

 

[topspn]

@parasailing @Power Player @topspn ... or anyone else for that matter, not sure if I've asked this before (too many conversations and threads to keep track), have you tried Tecnifibre Ice Code before? If so, how would that compare to the RS Lyon? Stiffer?

Thanks

Never tried ice code

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Never tried ice code

Thanks... It had positive reviews from the TW guys... just thought it might be interesting in the Blade.

How's your v7 experience going?

 

[haqq777]

Sorry to hear that @haqq777

I hope the procedure goes smoothly and that the recovery is swift and very effective. I too have been having challenges that have kept me away... very frustrating when you just want to get out there and enjoy the sport you love... My thoughts are with you.

Thank you my friend!

 

[Power Player]

Hey PP, yeah definitely worth a try if you have a pack lying around. Really doesn't sound like the kind of string I would personally enjoy though, from what little I have read. I have played with regular Head Hawk and that is a good string. But Touch is a very different string apparently.

I haven't moved on from RS in years now. I always find myself back to it after trying all these new strings. Feels right at home. And 10 points swingweight is definitely significant. I am at the usual low to mid 330s just like you and jumping 10 points would start showing in my game. Even if I adjusted, I would start getting late on every ball and with a different string in there, I would be very unconfident.

I see that you are loving the Blade and getting dialed in. Awesome. I wanted to demo but had an unfortunate accident a couple of weeks back. Sob story: twisted my knee shrugged it off at that time but pain wouldn't go away even after a few days. Later, after a doc visit and getting MRI scan, it turned out to be torn meniscus. Have an arthroscopic meniscal repair surgery scheduled for next month. PT will be 8 weeks after that and so tennis is out for next 3-4months. Pretty bummed about it. Anway, will be vicariously living through you guys now until I feel bummed out enough to just not log in till I am back on the court.

Oh man im sorry to hear that. Im dealing with a shoulder injury. I can still play but I definitely think about how it sucks if it gets worse and it may, ill have to stop. So i know where you are at. 3-4 months, ugh. Get better man. Happens to us all and it sucks regardless.

At least by then we will have sorted out a bunch of frames and saved you some cash hopefully!

 

[Power Player]

@parasailing @Power Player @topspn ... or anyone else for that matter, not sure if I've asked this before (too many conversations and threads to keep track), have you tried Tecnifibre Ice Code before? If so, how would that compare to the RS Lyon? Stiffer?

Thanks

I have not. I suspect it is a stiffer string. Anything with the word ice in it usually was not kind to my joints. Lol

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I have not. I suspect it is a stiffer string. Anything with the word ice in it usually was not kind to my joints. Lol

 

[BBender716]

Given the string talk here, any recommendations on a Blade layup for a 3.5 rated player who right now plays with a full bed of hyper g in a stiffer TC95? I'm thinking RS Lyon or Tour Bite @ 50 for the 16x19?

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

 

[parasailing]

@parasailing @Power Player @topspn ... or anyone else for that matter, not sure if I've asked this before (too many conversations and threads to keep track), have you tried Tecnifibre Ice Code before? If so, how would that compare to the RS Lyon? Stiffer?

Thanks

Haven't tried it either. When I found Head Hawk Touch, I kinda stop testing new strings.

 

[topspn]

Thanks... It had positive reviews from the TW guys... just thought it might be interesting in the Blade.

How's your v7 experience going?

Still to early for me to really make determinations. I did play today but hit with my Dahcor. I do like the feel, comfort and connection but all I could say for now.

 

[parasailing]

After 4 hours of hitting between the new Blade v7 18x20 and 2015 18x20, the jury is still out on which one is better which is a good sign unlike the Blade CV which I didn't like after hitting with it for an hour.

Initial thoughts is that it is going to depend on what you are looking for. The Blade v7 and 2015 model play slightly different and it may come down to preference as which is one you prefer. For me, I still need more time to figure out which racquet works best. I can't really go wrong with either one and each racquet has strong points and weak areas as well so it's just splitting hairs at the moment.

The Blade v7 feels like a Head PT 630 but with a bigger sweetspot. It hits the same type of ball. I am not saying it is the PT 630 as there is nothing like it but for a retail racquet, it comes close. I like the feel more than the 2015 model which says a lot about this racquet since the 2015 is pretty good.

Forehand of both slices and topspin were better on the v7 model but backhand slice and topspin favor the 2015 model. Perhaps I need more time to adjust to the new racquet.

On volleys, the v7 model was more solid and stable.

For those with two handed backhands, you will be happy with the new v7 model. It has better ergonomics with the throat not digging into your top hand when using a two handed backhand. But I struggled hitting my two handed backhands and slices weren't as low or penetrating.

I had both racquets strung up at 48lbs mains/44lbs crosses using Hawk Touch 17g.

If you have any questions, ask away.

Forever Blade!

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Still to early for me to really make determinations. I did play today but hit with my Dahcor. I do like the feel, comfort and connection but all I could say for now.

Thanks

 

[mrmike]

The comments about the new Blade having that PT630 feel seem to be a common trend recently. Same comments have been made about the Head Gravity Pro. I for one am happy that racquet manufacturers are finally providing some alternatives to the overly stiff frames they had been churning out.

 

[DJTaurus]

The comments about the new Blade having that PT630 feel seem to be a common trend recently. Same comments have been made about the Head Gravity Pro. I for one am happy that racquet manufacturers are finally providing some alternatives to the overly stiff frames they had been churning out.

At the end of the day baboblast players will get all the trophies and others will be left admiring the classic feel of their sticks. #sarcasmModeoff

 

[Dansan]

Tennis is all about footwork

Using a heavy racquet, ipso facto ---> poor or slow footwork throughout a long match, for me personally. I love watching people down here in Florida try to use an RF97A for 2 hours in 95 degree 100% humidity and keep their footwork going. A large portion of tennis players will see their performance drop dramatically by the second set. I've gone through this mental calculus already and have determined the blade is a better match performer for these reasons. My RF has been a great fitness trainer however

 

[Power Player]

Using a heavy racquet, ipso facto ---> poor or slow footwork throughout a long match, for me personally. I love watching people down here in Florida try to use an RF97A for 2 hours in 95 degree 100% humidity and keep their footwork going. A large portion of tennis players will see their performance drop dramatically by the second set. I've gone through this mental calculus already and have determined the blade is a better match performer for these reasons. My RF has been a great fitness trainer however

Yeah the humidity is out of control right now here. Keeping the footwork going with the racquet head speed as well is a big challenge. The Blade is definitely a big help. Before the Blade arrived I was using my Pure Aero+s and Extreme MP for some free power, but I really started missing control and softness after a while.

 

[Anton]

Using a heavy racquet, ipso facto ---> poor or slow footwork throughout a long match, for me personally. I love watching people down here in Florida try to use an RF97A for 2 hours in 95 degree 100% humidity and keep their footwork going. A large portion of tennis players will see their performance drop dramatically by the second set. I've gone through this mental calculus already and have determined the blade is a better match performer for these reasons. My RF has been a great fitness trainer however

I don't understand this. Using a "standard weight" racket is very tiring for me, I like to just sling it from the hip and let the natural lag and momentum do the rest. "Arming" to guide the stroke is more work.

 

[Dansan]

I don't understand this. Using a "standard weight" racket is very tiring for me, I like to just sling it from the hip and let the natural lag and momentum do the rest. "Arming" to guide the stroke is more work.

Not sure what you are getting at.

I don't "arm" my strokes. I have used both heavy and light raqcuets. Some even think the blade is considered "heavy". To me, it's light in stock form.

It's physiology ....like the natural laws and rules of human biology and fitness along with thermodynamics? Swing a sledge hammer 150 times. Then swing a carbon fiber light weight stick 150 times. Run while you are doing it.

You'll get tired faster swinging the sledge hammer. It's pretty simple to understand that concept I think.

 

[Anton]

Not sure what you are getting at.

I don't "arm" my strokes. I have used both heavy and light raqcuets. Some even think the blade is considered "heavy". To me, it's light in stock form.

It's physiology ....like the natural laws and rules of human biology and fitness along with thermodynamics? Swing a sledge hammer 150 times. Then swing a carbon fiber light weight stick 150 times. Run while you are doing it.

You'll get tired faster swinging the sledge hammer. It's pretty simple to understand that concept I think.

It's not about how many times you swing, but how efficient you are at creating momentum.

Those 150 swings with the sledge hammer will produce tons more force than 150 swings of a light stick....unless maybe if you slow down the hammer swings way way down and start putting in more effort to accelerate the light stick on every swing.

So now back to tennis: what I'm saying is you can create solid momentum with a more relaxed technique when using a "heavy" (340-350sw) racket, compared to having to jump out of your shoes to create same momentum with a "normal" 320 sw racket.

 

[[d]ragon]

Got my demo coming tomorrow. Still swinging the BLX Blades so I'm excited at the prospect of upgrading (and so is the Wilson rep)

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I'm excited at the prospect of upgrading (and so is the Wilson rep)

 

[Jdawgy]

Sh

One thing I have never had is a modern playing frame that feels like a classic one. Thats a rare,rare combo, mostly reserved for pro stocks like the H22.

Try the prince textreme tour 100p

 

[Power Player]

Sh

Try the prince textreme tour 100p

SW is too low for me. I checked it out and prefer the new Blade. The best Prince imo is the Phantom 93.

 

[parasailing]

Another couple hours with the Blade v7 18x20 and loving it more. I think I am going to switch over from my 2015 Blade 18x20.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Another couple hours with the Blade v7 18x20 and loving it more. I think I am going to switch over from my 2015 Blade 18x20.

Looks like the v7 Blade Slayed... or Blade v7 is sent straight from Heaven...

 

[parasailing]

Looks like the v7 Blade Slayed... or Blade v7 is sent straight from Heaven...

It felt like a better racquet and liking it more and more as I continue to get use to the racquet.

 

[DJTaurus]

It felt like a better racquet and liking it more and more as I continue to get use to the racquet.

What about ball feedback on contact compared to 2015 ? Also does the ball stays long on the string or it is more firm ?

 

[parasailing]

What about ball feedback on contact compared to 2015 ? Also does the ball stays long on the string or it is more firm ?

The 2015 feels like the ball dwells on the stringbed whereas the v7 feels like the ball dwells of the stringbed and the hoop of the racquet so the entire racquets flexes a bit.

The PT 630 has the same response but has a small sweet spot compared to the Blade v7.

 

[DJTaurus]

The 2015 feels like the ball dwells on the stringbed whereas the v7 feels like the ball dwells of the stringbed and the hoop of the racquet so the entire racquets flexes a bit.

The PT 630 has the same response but has a small sweet spot compared to the Blade v7.

My favorite racquet in terms of flex was dr98 were all the throat was bending on contact.

1) Have you tried Clash 98 ?
2) I would also love your thoughts on PS17 98 compared to your blade 2015.
3) Does the v7 has the same feedback on contact like 2015 were you always know where the ball will land ?

 

[ron schaap]

The proof of the pudding is in the eating, they say.
Im not willing to buy other racquets again in the short term.
Only a mass trade in of their exclusive h19 and h22 frames of sponsored Wilson pros for the new v7, and not the usual new paint job only, would convince me however. Lol

 

[Power Player]

My favorite racquet in terms of flex was dr98 were all the throat was bending on contact.

1) Have you tried Clash 98 ?
2) I would also love your thoughts on PS17 98 compared to your blade 2015.
3) Does the v7 has the same feedback on contact like 2015 were you always know where the ball will land ?

I can tell you #3 - I know where the ball is going as soon as I hit it. It has a very connected feel to it. Great frame.

 

[Songs For A Dead Pilot]

Just bought Blade 18x20 today. I remember using nBlade for a while years ago.

 

[Songs For A Dead Pilot]

Blade v7 (18x20) with competitors –

 

[Power Player]

Blade v7 (18x20) with competitors –

Nice. Some of these racquets are more classic balanced, so I am curious what you think of how the Blade swings. If you can generate the tip speed, the feel is there. It’s not super heavy through the air, but some folks don’t like the balance on their shots.

At this point people who like the feel of classic frames are looking at 3 solid new options if they stick to the major brands. The Head Gravity, which has classic weighting and seems to suit guys who don’t mind less whip through the ball. The Yonex Vcore HD, which should come through the air fast and really suit the all-court player with high tip speed. And the Blade which is best for players who prefer higher SWs, heavy baseline play and finishing off some points at the net.

 

[Songs For A Dead Pilot]

Nice. Some of these racquets are more classic balanced, so I am curious what you think of how the Blade swings. If you can generate the tip speed, the feel is there. It’s not super heavy through the air, but some folks don’t like the balance on their shots.

At this point people who like the feel of classic frames are looking at 3 solid new options if they stick to the major brands. The Head Gravity, which has classic weighting and seems to suit guys who don’t mind less whip through the ball. The Yonex Vcore HD, which should come

I find Blade v7 super easy to use and to customize if it is necessary (let's say add some silicon to have more HL racket). The feel is really great – it is simply a joy to play with this stick. It is easier from most of my rackets. I must admit I've never played too much with bigger frames (I mean bigger than 95") – and sometimes I find Blade to powerful – but will work on adding some spin to the game next sessions. I've played nBlade for some time years ago, but tested most of recent edition from silver-black to CV one (most were too stiff and too HH – but I thought that green-black 2015 edition was okay). Anyway – Blade v7 highly recommended racket!

For sure I will check Yonex Vcore HD – especially against my IG Prestige MP, AeroGel 4D 200, Muscle Eave 200G, Bio 200 and Radical Tour 630. I've tested last VCore Pro 310g and it was only OK. Enough control, but very stiff and feel not so great at all. I guess VCore Tour G was the best feeling one since 95D and all those older and flexy frames. I was never a huge fan of that brand, so missed most of them (also didn't like the painjobs as well). This one also looks like a classic Yonex frame.

And HEAD Gravity. I am not sure if 100" frame is something I really find necessary to have more modern and a bit easier to use racket. I thought YouTek/IG Speed wasn't that bad – but I simply find them too big. I know that Speed Pro has really tight string pattern – but still it could be not enough for control stick. The head shape is not helping either.

 

[kailash]

Initially I thought that this is a just a hype thread.

Demoed some of the new racquets; 2019 strikes, Head Gravity line etc. Blades were not in the radar. Since the new Yonex VCores haven't arrived, and the 2019 Blade was in front, just took it. 18x20. Tried it; WOW! The feel is excellent!

Except the almost even balance, I do not see any flaws with the racquet. Wilson has done s good job. Son tried it and switching to this! I prefer this over strikes, gravity line. Not tried the new vcores yet.

 

[parasailing]

Blade v7 is the real deal. I play tested TF40, Gravity Pro, Vcore Pro 97 HD, and Blade v7 and currently leaning to using the Blade v7 over my trusty 2015 Blade. It provides that extra plush feel while retaining what made the 2015 Blade a keeper: power, stability, control, and comfort all in a single racquet.

My preferred specs for all these racquets are 330-340 SW, 340 grams static weight, and about 6 pts HL balanced.

 

[DJTaurus]

Blade v7 is the real deal. I play tested TF40, Gravity Pro, Vcore Pro 97 HD, and Blade v7 and currently leaning to using the Blade v7 over my trusty 2015 Blade. It provides that extra plush feel while retaining what made the 2015 Blade a keeper: power, stability, control, and comfort all in a single racquet.

My preferred specs for all these racquets are 330-340 SW, 340 grams static weight, and about 6 pts HL balanced.

You haven’t played new strike and gravity tour yet

 

[parasailing]

You haven’t played new strike and gravity tour yet

I wasn't selected for the Pure Strike TW playtest so it will be a while before I can try them out since the demos are out of stock at TW. As for the Tour, I don't think I will bother since I tried both the Pro and the MP and they felt similar but not good enough to replace the Blade for me.

After the Pure Strike, I am officially done with all these play test as I am getting tired of stringing up all these racquets.

 

[mad dog1]

Blade v7 is the real deal. I play tested TF40, Gravity Pro, Vcore Pro 97 HD, and Blade v7 and currently leaning to using the Blade v7 over my trusty 2015 Blade. It provides that extra plush feel while retaining what made the 2015 Blade a keeper: power, stability, control, and comfort all in a single racquet.

My preferred specs for all these racquets are 330-340 SW, 340 grams static weight, and about 6 pts HL balanced.

How’s the vcp97 HD?

 

[parasailing]

How’s the vcp97 HD?

I left my initial impression on the Yonex thread. I will need more time with it but I am liking it more than the Gravity Pro but it probably won't make me leave the new Blade v7. I still have another Blade v7 that I got with closer spec to my 2015 so I can test that one out. The SW of my current Blade v7 is 343 which is higher what I use on my 2015 Blades measured at 330-335 SW.

 

[DJTaurus]

I wasn't selected for the Pure Strike TW playtest so it will be a while before I can try them out since the demos are out of stock at TW. As for the Tour, I don't think I will bother since I tried both the Pro and the MP and they felt similar but not good enough to replace the Blade for me.

After the Pure Strike, I am officially done with all these play test as I am getting tired of stringing up all these racquets.

Gravity Tour was the favorite of the bunch for European TW playtesters. Unfortunately head didn’t bring it on the US.

 

[dgoran]

Blade v7 is the real deal. I play tested TF40, Gravity Pro, Vcore Pro 97 HD, and Blade v7 and currently leaning to using the Blade v7 over my trusty 2015 Blade. It provides that extra plush feel while retaining what made the 2015 Blade a keeper: power, stability, control, and comfort all in a single racquet.

My preferred specs for all these racquets are 330-340 SW, 340 grams static weight, and about 6 pts HL balanced.

Hey Para
What did you think of TF 40 my suspicion is that it’s gonna play very similar to six one 95 from a few years ago. Or is it much softer everybody’s raving about how comfortable it is but I’m thinking it cannot be more comfortable than the blade I haven’t tried it but I really don’t feel like demoing yet another stick

 

[parasailing]

Hey Para
What did you think of TF 40 my suspicion is that it’s gonna play very similar to six one 95 from a few years ago. Or is it much softer everybody’s raving about how comfortable it is but I’m thinking it cannot be more comfortable than the blade I haven’t tried it but I really don’t feel like demoing yet another stick

The TF 40 is very solid racquet and stable racquet but is not as maneuverable as the Blade.

The Blade has a bit more power and requires less effort at similar spec'd.