Blade 98 16x19 2013 Short review

[sundaypunch]

Originally Posted by JackB1

I think the "control" part is overrated at anything less than 4.5 level.
You can add more control with string types and tension. You will not be hitting the back fence. If you want to paint the lines at the 3.5 -4.0 level, you are going to play low percentage tennis which won't translate to winning at this level. Only valid reason I see for 18x20 at this level is if you prefer hitting a flatter ball or lower trajectory. Lower trajectory = more risk = more errors.

I think it depends on the person. I see a lot of 3.5 - 4.0 players hitting spinny, but loopy and ineffective groundstrokes. Some of these people would be better off hitting thru the court more. An 18x20 Blade will still give you plenty of spin providing you have the technique.

It is hard to make a recommendation without being familiar with someone's game.

[dgoran]

Are you one or two hander? I am a one hander and for whatever reason open pattern never provides me with the same control as closed one. Not to say I cannot play with either just feel more connected more secure with closed.

Also one little advice sensation is very very light string approx 11 grams on average if I remember correctly in comparison to gut poly or full poly that is 18 grams that is a big difference and that will impact your swing weight and everything else. Don't be surprised if you don't find it maneuverable or whippy after you buy it and string it up with your fav gut poly lots of honey moons get ruined right there

[Power Player]

Originally Posted by JackB1

I think the "control" part is overrated at anything less than 4.5 level.
You can add more control with string types and tension. You will not be hitting the back fence. If you want to paint the lines at the 3.5 -4.0 level, you are going to play low percentage tennis which won't translate to winning at this level. Only valid reason I see for 18x20 at this level is if you prefer hitting a flatter ball or lower trajectory. Lower trajectory = more risk = more errors.

I think a closed pattern works at any level, it just matters how you hit the ball. tennis is not so black and white.

[raguhtheman]

Originally Posted by JackB1

I would go with the open pattern. From what I recall, it wasn't "that" open in the center of the racquet, so you should have plenty of control. At the 3.5 level, spin and consistency win over pinpoint accuracy and that's why I would pick the 16x19.

If difference between 16x19 and 18x20 is not that much, choose 16x19 one if you string your own racquets. 18x20 is always pain to string, nervous last few minutes wondering if u would be able to finish the last mains!! I hate that feeling!

[dgdawg]

Originally Posted by dgoran

Are you one or two hander? I am a one hander and for whatever reason open pattern never provides me with the same control as closed one. Not to say I cannot play with either just feel more connected more secure with closed.

Also one little advice sensation is very very light string approx 11 grams on average if I remember correctly in comparison to gut poly or full poly that is 18 grams that is a big difference and that will impact your swing weight and everything else. Don't be surprised if you don't find it maneuverable or whippy after you buy it and string it up with your fav gut poly lots of honey moons get ruined right there

1H backhand....this was one of the 1st things I noticed demoing both frames. My 1h-bh w/16x19 seemed to be a little "flighty" & more unpredictable than the 18x20. I got the unpredictability w/my BLX Team, as well. (tighter pattern, more head area).

I'm hearing you from both angels....

Thanks so much peeps for all your thoughts & suggestions. It still comes down to this (and it's what I tell my 325+ stringing customers): It's a unique thing.......personal preference. What works & feels right for one, doesn't necessarily apply to another.

This is absolutely what I was hoping for, tho. Input & suggestions from a bunch of different ppl/players.

Keep it coming...I need to quit dropping so much cash on frames, so I'm hoping this frame will be the last for a few years. (momma needs new shoe's, don't ya know )
and also....I have no illusion one frame is going to make a "night & day" difference in my game. I do believe the right equipment can bring out the best in a player

[dgdawg]

Originally Posted by raguhtheman

If difference between 16x19 and 18x20 is not that much, choose 16x19 one if you string your own racquets. 18x20 is always pain to string, nervous last few minutes wondering if u would be able to finish the last mains!! I hate that feeling!

I learned my lesson the hard way a few years ago. When in doubt.....go long, string is cheap.

Some OS, tight pattern frames require 22'-M's. When stringing hybrid & using a pack, as apposed to a spool, you end up with about a 3" tail on the last M pull.....time to break out the starting clamp for a jumper......but I hear what you're saying!!!

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by Power Player

I think a closed pattern works at any level, it just matters how you hit the ball. tennis is not so black and white.

I agree. I was just making a generalization. I just think control per se, is not a high criteria at lower-level tennis. You just want to get the ball back over the net for the most part.

[dgdawg]

Originally Posted by JackB1

I agree. I was just making a generalization. I just think control per se, is not a high criteria at lower-level tennis. You just want to get the ball back over the net for the most part.

......ouch......

This is what seems to be my main issue w/"lower level tennis". Pushers just getting the ball back. You can read the name on the ball when it's coming at you. I seem to be pretty successful against 4.0+ rated opponents. Was undefeated in League play @ #2 singles....
All anyone wants to do is play the type of tennis you like to play....I like somewhat of a pace game......I end up spraying balls playing "just get it back"..... Story of my life. We've all been there. Maybe with a little more patience and a "control oriented" frame, I may be able to leave the ranks of "lower level tennis"

[Power Player]

Placement over power can win at any level. Once you hit 4.0 down here the placement becomes key to getting better.

If you can get good net clearance with the tight pattern you will be fine. I tended to hit dangerously close to the baseline with more open patterns, and now i can reign it in a lot better.

[tennis_enthusiast]

Can anybody compare this to the Aero Storm GT?

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by dgdawg

......ouch......

This is what seems to be my main issue w/"lower level tennis". Pushers just getting the ball back. You can read the name on the ball when it's coming at you. I seem to be pretty successful against 4.0+ rated opponents. Was undefeated in League play @ #2 singles....
All anyone wants to do is play the type of tennis you like to play....I like somewhat of a pace game......I end up spraying balls playing "just get it back"..... Story of my life. We've all been there. Maybe with a little more patience and a "control oriented" frame, I may be able to leave the ranks of "lower level tennis"

I am not talking about pushing the ball back with no pace or spin. I'm talking about good solid deep groundstrokes with good net clearance.

[dgoran]

Originally Posted by tennis_enthusiast

Can anybody compare this to the Aero Storm GT?

I found aero to be very similar to pro staff 95 blx with some added lead to pro staff to increase the sw and with much better feel and flex

Blade does not have that hollow babolat feel and it's probably closer to old pure storm tours carbon extreme ones with even more feel and plush on contact almost pro stock h22 like

[Ross K]

Originally Posted by dgoran

I found aero to be very similar to pro staff 95 blx with some added lead to pro staff to increase the sw and with much better feel and flex

Blade does not have that hollow babolat feel and it's probably closer to old pure storm tours carbon extreme ones with even more feel and plush on contact almost pro stock h22 like

dgoran - Your comments interest me. I've never played any version of the Blade and the new open pattern version had definitely caught my attention. However, I recently concluded it would probably be a little too demanding for me. But... well, I used to play the first PST - the carbon extreme one, preferred it actually to later GT iteration, so... hmm, food for thought.

[dgdawg]

I just spent. 3 more hrs hitting w/the 18x20.....hands down the most enjoyable frame I've ever hit with. I've definitely made my decision.
I'm thinking Santa just may deliver me 2 of these bad boys in a cpl days.

Merry Christmas peeps... Thanks for all your input!!!!

[dgoran]

Congrats if it's good enough for raonic and goffin it's good enough for you

[teocem]

Originally Posted by tennis_enthusiast

Can anybody compare this to the Aero Storm GT?

Aero Storm is much more head light and less swing weight compared to Blade 98; I would call them flimsy...

[teocem]

I played more with Blade 98 16x19 over the weekend and I am just loving it more. The only concern is its overpower at times the stick is out of my control. I already have the second one and also ordered a 18x20 version. I will have that strung exactly in the same order (mains vs 17 gut 26 kg, shorts luxilon rough 24 kg) and will provide you with a mini-comparison review later this week. But I should say whatever the result will be these will remain in my tennis bag for a long while because I really started to enjoy more hitting balls with these new Blades.

[Pure Babs]

I think I'm going to have to go with the 18x20. Since I am having such trouble deciding, either one would work for me. I tend to hit a flatter ball though, and the 18x20 seems to be the best choice in that regard. I get plenty of spin with it as well. Great frame!

[dgdawg]

I just picked up a Blade18x20. I'll get another (or 2) when Wilson drops another load on my local Pro Shop. I don't think I've ever been this excited about a frame.
I think I'll use Tecnifibre X-1 Biphase 17g M's @ 50lbs & Lux 4G 17g X's @ 46lbs....5% pre stretch on both.
I've never been wild about any kind of Luxilon but a pack was given to me w/frame.They usually string purchased frames gratis with the string of your choice, but they just give me string.
I can't freakin wait to hit with my own Blade 18x20

Merry Christmas, peeps!!!! .....I'm out!

[teocem]

As I said earlier, I will play with both 16x19 and 18x20 with the exact string settings over the weekend and will post here a comperative mini review. I am looking forward to it very much myself too...