2019 Wilson Blade

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Specs are right on target since I asked for the service of picking one. It will be delivered strung up with BBO @49lbs. Mine will be 16x19

Yeah but I think they will write them down for you - like the unstrung SW..stuff like that. I used the service a while ago but I forgot exactly how they did it.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I finally hit with Gravity Tour. I think this is going to be very very very similar to Blade... I'll drop some impressions into Gravity thread. Getting my Blades today!

I dont know 325 SW versus ~334 is a pretty big difference but lets see how it goes for you.
 

AA7

Hall of Fame
Compare it to the Vcore Pro 310? (And Textreme Tour 100 if you have used that)
I can whip the VCP 310 through the air and get that top spin.
Might ditch the TT100 310 due to sluggishness.
Is the blade almost as fast as the VCP?
I'd say that it would be unlikely that Blade would feel more maneuverable in general than TT100 310. It's balance is quite a bit more HH. I just hit with Gravity Tour 305gr and I have to measure the strung balance but it really is more sluggish than TT100 (310). that's not necessarily a bad thing. You get fantastic plow, stability... Even though, it's thinner beam will give you some whip.. Head balance will more than compensate for it.. But i will know soon to better answer your question b/c TT100 (310) has been my racket of choice up until now.. And it may stay that way but testing Gravity Tour, TT100 (310) and Blades.. see who wins (for my game).
 

AA7

Hall of Fame
I dont know 325 SW versus ~334 is a pretty big difference but lets see how it goes for you.
the things is... i have to measure my gravity tour... I think mine is even balance after strung... it really felt bigger than 325SW... i know b/c my TT100 310 is 325ish... and this thing was hitting much heavier ball and i had to adjust b/c i was more late.... interesting.... But you are absolutely right... 325 vs 334 is a very big difference... I actually may not be able to wield the blade after all...
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
the things is... i have to measure my gravity tour... I think mine is even balance after strung... it really felt bigger than 325SW... i know b/c my TT100 310 is 325ish... and this thing was hitting much heavier ball and i had to adjust b/c i was more late.... interesting....

Even? Wild, but yeah maybe its off spec. the Blade should be 4-5 pts HL which will make it easier to swing with the same plow. Hopefully yours are on spec. Thats a lot of frames to mess with, I would imagine you won’t find a clear winner for a few weeks. Not a bad problem to have though.
 

BobbyDe

New User
Interested in comparisons to the 2015 blade and the Countervail.

I’ve been using ig Speed 18x20 mp for a while now and would like something a bit meatier. Used to use 2015 blade, loved it but mine cracked, then tried Countervail 16x19 but CV felt very mediocre. There was nothing separating it from any cheap old racquet in my opinion.

It’s between 18x20 v7 blade and prince tour 310. Would rather not buy both
 

AA7

Hall of Fame
Even? Wild, but yeah maybe its off spec. the Blade should be 4-5 pts HL which will make it easier to swing with the same plow. Hopefully yours are on spec. Thats a lot of frames to mess with, I would imagine you won’t find a clear winner for a few weeks. Not a bad problem to have though.
yes absolutely correct. that is a lot of frames... and I will not find it for a while... but it will be fun. I am in no rush.. I am not in a league competing or anything... just a rec player that is little obsessed and plays 4 times a week with friends and sometimes clinics...
 

Automatix

Legend
the things is... i have to measure my gravity tour... I think mine is even balance after strung... it really felt bigger than 325SW... i know b/c my TT100 310 is 325ish... and this thing was hitting much heavier ball and i had to adjust b/c i was more late.... interesting.... But you are absolutely right... 325 vs 334 is a very big difference... I actually may not be able to wield the blade after all...
I'd love to see your raw specs for both the Blade and Gravity - unstrung, no overgrip, no lead.
 

AA7

Hall of Fame
Interested in comparisons to the 2015 blade and the Countervail.

I’ve been using ig Speed 18x20 mp for a while now and would like something a bit meatier. Used to use 2015 blade, loved it but mine cracked, then tried Countervail 16x19 but CV felt very mediocre. There was nothing separating it from any cheap old racquet in my opinion.

It’s between 18x20 v7 blade and prince tour 310. Would rather not buy both
I will be able to help you but at least not for a week.. I need to login reasonable amount with blade....
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
yes absolutely correct. that is a lot of frames... and I will not find it for a while... but it will be fun. I am in no rush.. I am not in a league competing or anything... just a rec player that is little obsessed and plays 4 times a week with friends and sometimes clinics...
Sweet, you have all the best new releases IMO. 4x a week is a nice rate of play. You will get it sorted pretty fast.
 

AA7

Hall of Fame
I'd love to hear your raw specs for both the Blade and Gravity - unstrung, no overgrip, no lead.
i measured the G tour unstrung and it was 304gr... (on spec)... i thought the balance was about 5ish HL unstrung (off memory... definitely no more than 6)... which would bring me to 2-3ish strung and it does feel like it.. fine maybe not even but it's getting up there... I am getting blades today...
 

AA7

Hall of Fame
This is day one and honeymoon stage, so I probably need more time. Ill still give it my initial thoughts, although they may change a little.

Power - 8
Control - 11, seriously insane
Stability - 9.8
Comfort - 10
Touch/Feel - 9.5
Serves - 8.5, need more time here
Returns - 8.5
Groundstrokes - 9.5 - a joy so far
Slice - 9 - still getting used to it, but its nasty.
Topspin - 9. Super tight and heavy. Very impressed with the spin
Volleys - 9. I volleyed well tonight
Overall - 9.5

I cant find really any fault with the frame, but this is obviously honey moon stage. That said, it was an incredible first impression. For me to go from an open patterned power tweener right to this and play 4.5 competition without missing a beat was very, very encouraging. Let me add that the humidity was 85% tonight. Thats no joke, even breathing was tough and due to this my heart rate was on average 165 for 2 hours and hit 186 bpm. I say this just to share how this frame was no problem to use in stressful conditions, and never got sluggish for me.
@Power Player

thanks for this.. Awesome!
 

topspn

Legend
Yeah but I think they will write them down for you - like the unstrung SW..stuff like that. I used the service a while ago but I forgot exactly how they did it.
Oh they do it right on the order online on TW. They may also have it on the order sheet in the box
 

Fxanimator1

Hall of Fame
Have you strung a blade in a while? Interested in how you tie off that bottom cross. I flew through stringing this frame, super easy until i got to that point.

I just got finished stringing the 16x19 this morning. It is exactly like the previous blades. The bottom tie-off is no problem on this one.
 

anfield

Semi-Pro
I finally hit with Gravity Tour. I think this is going to be very very very similar to Blade
I'd say they will play different because the Gravity has a 100 sq head that is shaped like a lollypop -- I found it a bit clunky, but it does have headlight going for it. I'm still waiting on my blade, but I've hit with others and the thin 98 sq oval shape will feel faster. I'm not just talking about RSP, but those quick transition and defence moments.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I'd say they will play different because the Gravity has a 100 sq head that is shaped like a lollypop -- I found it a bit clunky, but it does have headlight going for it. I'm still waiting on my blade, but I've hit with others and the thin 98 sq oval shape will feel faster. I'm not just talking about RSP, but those quick transition and defence moments.

The oval shape does indeed feel faster. I have an Extreme mp as well. It has a little lower SW to it but it does not come through the air as fast as the blade.
 

whorng

Rookie
I'd say that it would be unlikely that Blade would feel more maneuverable in general than TT100 310. It's balance is quite a bit more HH. I just hit with Gravity Tour 305gr and I have to measure the strung balance but it really is more sluggish than TT100 (310). that's not necessarily a bad thing. You get fantastic plow, stability... Even though, it's thinner beam will give you some whip.. Head balance will more than compensate for it.. But i will know soon to better answer your question b/c TT100 (310) has been my racket of choice up until now.. And it may stay that way but testing Gravity Tour, TT100 (310) and Blades.. see who wins (for my game).
I'll keep my eyes peeled for the comparison. :)
 

Fxanimator1

Hall of Fame
I’m talking about the 18x20 in this case.

Yeah, I know, that's why I wrote "on this one". At any rate the cross tie off is at 7 throat for the 16x19.
Mine came off the stringer at 326 gm. I am not sure how it hits just yet.
I am going to try it stock first but this is 22 gm lighter than my currently set-up Blades.

Blade_V7.jpg
 
Last edited:

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Yeah, I know, that's why I wrote "on this one". At ant rate the cross tie off is at 7 throat for the 16x19.

Blade_V7.jpg


Thats cool, I know where the tie off hole is. I think you would just have to see the 18x20’s to really know what I am talking about. It’s tough to describe.
 

Turbo-87

G.O.A.T.
I had money to have fun with so I bought the 18x20 98. I am very interested to see how it will go for me transitioning from a RF 97A. The RF was a great racquet for me when I was stronger but I have lost a bit and am often late. I am hoping a slight reduction in weight and different characteristics will add to my enjoyment of the game.
 

FedGR

Professional
Yes for sure i love it! And it is incredible on the backhand side for me as well. Alu power is probably incredible in it. Rs lyon really plays nicely and very controlled. I will try my max power rough in it next since those are my two main strings.

I actually haven't tried any of these strings. I guess I should. Which one is more lively?

AP in the Blade felt... typical AP. It was doing everything great.


If I get the Blade v7, then I will rip off the factory grip and put 5 grams of lead at the base of the handle (maybe more, maybe 10 grams) then wrap a leather grip over the top of it + overgrip over that. That will make it more headlight to my liking.

Yeap, 10 grams could make a big difference. Which stick do you use now?

Good stuff guys, thanks for posting. I am DYING to get my hands on the 18x20 right now, and I can't beleive my shop guy hasn't got it to me yet. I was ready to order the 16x19 I was that happy with it, but I NEED to be patient and try that 18x20 before I do. I keep watching for the text that 18x20 is available to hit and thinking....

When you get it, make sure you string it 1 or 2 pounds higher than what you are stringing your 2015. Happy hitting! It is truly an excellent racket.

Interested in comparisons to the 2015 blade and the Countervail.

I’ve been using ig Speed 18x20 mp for a while now and would like something a bit meatier. Used to use 2015 blade, loved it but mine cracked, then tried Countervail 16x19 but CV felt very mediocre. There was nothing separating it from any cheap old racquet in my opinion.

It’s between 18x20 v7 blade and prince tour 310. Would rather not buy both

Easier to use than the CV, less muted, much better feel, same power.
 

MajesticMoose

Hall of Fame
I actually haven't tried any of these strings. I guess I should. Which one is more lively?

AP in the Blade felt... typical AP. It was doing everything great.




Yeap, 10 grams could make a big difference. Which stick do you use now?



When you get it, make sure you string it 1 or 2 pounds higher than what you are stringing your 2015. Happy hitting! It is truly an excellent racket.



Easier to use than the CV, less muted, much better feel, same power.

I was using a head microgel prestige mid earlier this summer then switched back over to my wilson six.one 95 18x20 (reissue from 2017).

I tend to gravitate towards heavy racquets usually in the mid 12oz range but I've been wanting to get down into the 340-346 gram range which is 12oz - 12.2oz total weight. The high praise from the new Blade looks promising but so does the new VCORE Pro 97 HD. By the time I customize the blade, the specs will be in line with the new Pro 97 HD since they'll both be around 8pts headlight and 12.2 oz. I just don't know what the stiffness and swingweight will be on the new Yonex. I've got it narrowed down to these 2 frames I think. Hard decisions.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I was using a head microgel prestige mid earlier this summer then switched back over to my wilson six.one 95 18x20 (reissue from 2017).

I tend to gravitate towards heavy racquets usually in the mid 12oz range but I've been wanting to get down into the 340-346 gram range which is 12oz - 12.2oz total weight. The high praise from the new Blade looks promising but so does the new VCORE Pro 97 HD. By the time I customize the blade, the specs will be in line with the new Pro 97 HD since they'll both be around 8pts headlight and 12.2 oz. I just don't know what the stiffness and swingweight will be on the new Yonex. I've got it narrowed down to these 2 frames I think. Hard decisions.

Get the frame you wont need to customize. I think the only frame I customized and kept to this day was the Tfight 315ltd. I doubt the Vcore will have a 334 SW, so you just have to ask yourself what your ideal SW is. For me, I simply hit more consistently if mine is in the 330s so that keeps my options pretty low.

I would expect the Yonex to be 325 if I had to guess. It’s a traditional players frame spec, a 12 ounce frame when strung basically.

The Blade has a certain magic to it with that 330s weight on both the SW and static. More pros even use a variant of this now and of course many use the beefed up version of the more classic headlight weighting of the vcore too. I’d pick what works best for you. Sounds like you enjoy heavier HL frames. The Blade is more geared towards folks who want a lighter static weight.
 
The oval shape does indeed feel faster. I have an Extreme mp as well. It has a little lower SW to it but it does not come through the air as fast as the blade.

I had a chance to demo the g360 extreme mp and it is nice for a Babolat style racquet with less stiffness but it is a bit less maneuverable compared to the Blade.

I think the more time you spend with the Blade, you will probably end up being a an convert.

Still waiting for my Blades to arrive.
 

Turbo-87

G.O.A.T.
I should get a cut, his lime top matches the frame and red cap matches the buttcap. Wilson could als start their new range in men's sports bras ;-)
The cool thing is that his green shirt in the Sureshs Legend video matches his signature Blade color scheme. Anyway, not to derail a good thread...
 

topspn

Legend
With just a touch little change and an OG, my blade is at 331.8g and 32.5cms. Fairly light so will see how it plays tomorrow hopefully
 

Hypnos

New User
Hello,
I am very thankfull for all this helpfull reviews. I just can not decide, which racket to buy - too many good rackets out there! I am considering the Blade 18x20, Clash 98 or Clash Tour. I guess the problem with all the reviews I read is that I am just a normal club player (playing just 1x a week on a normal / low lvl) and not a semi-pro like you guys ;). I play a OHBH (often with slice) and most points are long rallies from the baseline without too much risk on my side.
I haven’t found any comparisons between the clash and the blade yet. Maybe you can help me here :).
 

JOSHL

Hall of Fame
So I preordered mine from Wilson on the 8th. I thought they had shipped it and it would arrive today. What arrived was the free NXT strings and on the Wilson site it looks like my blade hasn’t even shipped yet. Ugh.
 

Jouke

Professional
Hello,
I am very thankfull for all this helpfull reviews. I just can not decide, which racket to buy - too many good rackets out there! I am considering the Blade 18x20, Clash 98 or Clash Tour. I guess the problem with all the reviews I read is that I am just a normal club player (playing just 1x a week on a normal / low lvl) and not a semi-pro like you guys ;). I play a OHBH (often with slice) and most points are long rallies from the baseline without too much risk on my side.
I haven’t found any comparisons between the clash and the blade yet. Maybe you can help me here :).
Get the Clash. Blade is very nice, but nowhere near as easy to play with as the clash.
 

AA7

Hall of Fame
I'd love to see your raw specs for both the Blade and Gravity - unstrung, no overgrip, no lead.

Ok it turns out I dont know what I am talking about gravity tour.. for some reason it felt not enough head light but turns out dead on spec.. it was about 304gr unstrung and 6pts hl... so now here are the specs

Blade 18x20 unstrung
304.5gr
32.4cm 6pts hl

Blade 16x19
301.1gr
32.5cm 6pts hl

Gravity tour strung + yonex overgrip
326.8gr
33cm 4pts hl
Sw 324-328... as accurate as I can get with in house manual measurement
 

dgoran

Hall of Fame
Live from on court impressions:
This thing feels like Dunlop 300g
Comfortable but not quite gravity pro or pt57 comfort but nice.

Super precise, control really is out of this world...

Probably enough for most people
 
Top