BLX Blade, how is it?

[LanEvo]

Hey guys, for the price, I am really thinking about getting one to try, I use a PDR and have a couple of N95s 18x20 and 16x18.

How is this frame? I tried searching, but could not find too many solid reviews aside from TWs.

[zapvor]

much better dude get it

[LanEvo]

Anyone else have an opinion?

[MikeHitsHard93]

PP should be posting anytime soon...

The gold blx is a great racket. Maneuverable, yet powerful and spin friendly. It is basically a more controlled and laser shooting version of the apdgt, but more aerodynamic. That's my opinion.

[LanEvo]

Originally Posted by MikeHitsHard93

PP should be posting anytime soon...

The gold blx is a great racket. Maneuverable, yet powerful and spin friendly. It is basically a more controlled and laser shooting version of the apdgt, but more aerodynamic. That's my opinion.

Pink one is only sale for $69 right now...

[zapvor]

get the pink thats what i want

[YesTennis]

Looking forward to some reviews from those that have played with the new 16X19. Fairly luke warm comments from the TW play testers.

[db10s]

Its not that bad if the specs are what you like.

[MikeHitsHard93]

Originally Posted by LanEvo

Pink one is only sale for $69 right now...

They're the same racket. No worries. I just wanted to make sure you didn't think I was talking about the brand new one

[Ronaldo]

Originally Posted by LanEvo

Pink one is only sale for $69 right now...

The Pink and Black Attack

[Prodigy1234]

I really need to convince myself that pink is a great color on rackets... $69 is amazing

[Power Player]

Yeah $69 is a score, ill probably buy one soon and skip on the new black one for now.

[fuzz nation]

Pretty sure that both of the sluggers on the h.s. teams I coach switched into those racquets from stiffer Babolats. They liked the extra touch and control that came with the extra flex - both hit with plenty of power, so they didn't have problems there. In both cases, these kids (one plays for a college team now) seem to get at least as much spin with their Blades as they did with their old racquets, too.

Considering the specs of the Blade though, you might experience a performance drop-off coming from using the PDR and N 6.1 95. I'm pretty sure that both of your current frames are both more hefty and more stiff. Switching into something with less backbone and less beef might make it tougher to really work the ball well without over-swinging, but maybe not.

I had some trouble when I switched away from my old 6.1 Classics. I tried a lot of different gear and picked up a pair of LM Radicals for myself along the way. Their extra flex was a nice addition, but because the Radicals were significantly lighter, they just didn't work for me. I've settled in with the Volkl C10, which I've made more head-light by adding lead to their handles. The flex has given me lots of comfort and control, but these Volkls are only slightly less heavy than my old Wilsons, so I still get "enough" power and stability with them.

Just something to look out for.

[Power Player]

Fuzz, you are correct. One thing I noticed coming from to the Blade though was that it hits a heavier ball than the PD or APD. It is just so solid. I also work a little more, but not much. I never have to overswing, and I think that is really what stood out to me considering the racquet is a little under 330 grams.

So while there is a little bit of a dropoff on power, it is welcome to me because the Blade still hits really big, but now I have much better control.

[LanEvo]

Should I buy 1 or 2?

[Boricua]

Originally Posted by LanEvo

Should I buy 1 or 2?

3 ten characters

[ALC]

Any thoughts on the BLX Pro Open (now $79)? Wondering if this can tide me over until I can decide about the Blade 98 (16x19). Can someone comment how this stick plays and if its fairly comfortable on the arm?

[UCSF2012]

Spend $69 and $4 for a can of black spray paint.

I own a pink Blade 98, and learned I'm not a big fan of powerful rackets. I don't like serving 140mph 1 foot long every time, and 100mph forehands that either land 1 ft in or 1 yd long. If you like the Pure Drive, then this 98's good for you. No arm problems.

$69 is below dealer cost.

[LanEvo]

Originally Posted by UCSF2012

Spend $69 and $4 for a can of black spray paint.

I own a pink Blade 98, and learned I'm not a big fan of powerful rackets. I don't like serving 140mph 1 foot long every time, and 100mph forehands that either land 1 ft in or 1 yd long. If you like the Pure Drive, then this 98's good for you. No arm problems.

$69 is below dealer cost.

I like my PDRs, perfect as they are, and my go to all day long. I just figure for the price, it is worth a pickup for demo, and if I dont like it, I can always resell it for near cost.

Or if I can pick up a used one, I would buy that as well.

[UCSF2012]

I can only compare it to the 6.1 95's. I don't have experience with the Pure Drive.

I strung the 98's 2lbs higher with the same string combo, and the stringbed feels more bouncy. It swings faster and generates the same amount of spin. However, this spin comes with increased power. This has a big implication: with the 98, there is less ability to increase net clearance. No loopy shots. Aim 1 ft above the net. If you aim 1.5 ft, you start hitting a few long.

My playing style changed to 3/4 swings, guiding the ball. Full RHS is either a winner or a UE.

Kick serves jump forward with the 98. It jumps high with the 6.1.

Less stable in off-centered shots.

No arm problems with the 98, partly because the stringbed is so cushioned. You can feel the ball sit on the strings longer.

Anything else you wanna know?