Blade 98 16x19 2013 Short review

[teocem]

Originally Posted by CheekyMullet

A couple of comments on customer reviews section say that the handle is a little short for a DHBH. Care to comment?

I almost always use DHBH, I do not think it is a necessity to have a longer than normal handle for it anyway.

[mrmo1115]

Originally Posted by CheekyMullet

A couple of comments on customer reviews section say that the handle is a little short for a DHBH. Care to comment?

Handle does seem to be a bit short. I always overgrip it much higher though to solve that issue.

[realplayer]

Originally Posted by teocem

I wonder if I will have a more forgiving stick with a larger sweetspot if I decrease the tension of 18x20. I like the control but it feels too boardy on a day that I am less than my best.

I think lowering the tension with 5 lbs and using a thinner string will solve the problem and the sweetspot definitely gets bigger.
That's what I experienced.

[teocem]

Originally Posted by realplayer

I think lowering the tension with 5 lbs and using a thinner string will solve the problem and the sweetspot definitely gets bigger.
That's what I experienced.

There is no gut thinner than I use. Any better suggestions for crosses?

[realplayer]

Originally Posted by teocem

There is no gut thinner than I use. Any better suggestions for crosses?

Try the 18x20 first at 5-8 lbs lower than the 16x19 with the same type of strings and same gauge. Then you have an accurate and fair comparison between them.
After you know the differences between them it is time to think about strings.
At least, this is how I should do it.

[parasailing]

Originally Posted by Joun S.

i checked it with my other frame.same length with pro staff 90.i think its not short for dhbh

The length of the racquet is the same as others but the handle is shorter from the butt cap to the throat. I am not sure why they did this hopefully not to save some cost.

[Joun S.]

Originally Posted by parasailing

The length of the racquet is the same as others but the handle is shorter from the butt cap to the throat. I am not sure why they did this hopefully not to save some cost.

i mean its hendle length is same as pro staff's handle

[Broly4]

It does run short

[teocem]

Originally Posted by realplayer

Try the 18x20 first at 5-8 lbs lower than the 16x19 with the same type of strings and same gauge. Then you have an accurate and fair comparison between them.
After you know the differences between them it is time to think about strings.
At least, this is how I should do it.

5-8 lbs is a lot of difference; I wonder what sort of calculation makes you quote this difference ? Some sort of formula, experience or gut feeling ? Thanks.

[realplayer]

Originally Posted by teocem

5-8 lbs is a lot of difference; I wonder what sort of calculation makes you quote this difference ? Some sort of formula, experience or gut feeling ? Thanks.

It is from own experience and there is also a formula for it.

Check this link: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=359416

Just try it!

[fgs]

teocem,

the general rule is somewhere about 2-3kg as also previously stated by some other posters and it has to do mainly with the distance between the strings. if you take a look at two different sticks with a 16 x 19 pattern you will find out that some are spaced wider than others. the wider the spaces the higher the difference in order to obtain the same stringbedstiffness and hence have some comparable results from this point of view.

[teocem]

Originally Posted by fgs

teocem,

the general rule is somewhere about 2-3kg as also previously stated by some other posters and it has to do mainly with the distance between the strings. if you take a look at two different sticks with a 16 x 19 pattern you will find out that some are spaced wider than others. the wider the spaces the higher the difference in order to obtain the same stringbedstiffness and hence have some comparable results from this point of view.

If instead of using 26-24 kg, I go down to 24-22 I am afraid that it will cause a tramboline effect!

[Power Player]

I use a DHBH and never though the handle was short. I have encountered short handles before (old Tfight 320).

I use the 18x20 prior version (same frame). I am loving Dunlop Ice at 50 and OGSM at 53. I can go tighter sometimes to 52/54.

Try this if you want an incredible control setup. Lux 4G also works great at the same tension in the mains.

[fgs]

teocem,

if you like 26-24 on the 16mains version than you will also like 24-22 on the 18 mains version - i can assure you you have no trampoline effect (if strung with a poly, at least the mains).

[teocem]

Originally Posted by fgs

teocem,

if you like 26-24 on the 16mains version than you will also like 24-22 on the 18 mains version - i can assure you you have no trampoline effect (if strung with a poly, at least the mains).

Babolat VS 17 Gut mains / Luxilon ALU Rough crosses ?

[fgs]

no trampoline for sure!

[skeeter]

Anyone played with gut mains and poly or co-poly crosses on the new Blade yet? I just received the new 18x20 and normally play with gut/poly hybrid on my racquets, so interested if anyone's tried this yet, and any tension recommendations.

[parasailing]

Originally Posted by skeeter

Anyone played with gut mains and poly or co-poly crosses on the new Blade yet? I just received the new 18x20 and normally play with gut/poly hybrid on my racquets, so interested if anyone's tried this yet, and any tension recommendations.

Only on the 16x19 version with tension around 55lbs on gut mains and 50lbs on poly cross. My usual setup is 58/52 but the recent 40s degree day temperatures had me drop it by a few lbs to reduce the stiffness.

[mrmo1115]

^ PS ever play the Donnay 97 Pro One? Specs look pretty enticing.

[parasailing]

Originally Posted by mrmo1115

^ PS ever play the Donnay 97 Pro One? Specs look pretty enticing.

Spec looks good but tried it out and not really impressed with Donnay in general. I tried out a lot of their different model racquets and the Pro One was the best of all the Donnays but still no match for the PSTGT.

When I hit with it, my tennis partner told me to stick with the PSTGT and he was using one of the old school Agassi Donnay's . He said I hit a heavier ball with the PSTGT.