Wilson Pro Labs: Blade Pro Official Thread

Y

Yamin

Hall of Fame
Stringing up the 16x19 high to see how it behaves. Only real complaint I have is that control isn't the best. My touch shots are also pretty trash in general so hopefully this will help. Going to 59 from 55 with Hyper g soft.

Stiffness wise, I tried out a radical pro recently with lynx tour at 50 and the stiffness was FAR greater than the BP with Hyper G Soft at 55. Pretty impressed by how high I can get in tension with Hyper G soft without breaking my arm.

Update: 59 was a bit too high. 55 was perfect originally, but wasn't the best after tension loss. Lots of control at 59 and great for all out attacking but lost a lot of the softness and mid power ease. 57 might be the sweet spot.
 
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Classic-TXP-IG MID

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Every time I pull this racquet out of the bag it impresses me...it never fails.

I'm still searching for the right string and tension combo, but this part of the journey will be much faster now that I have purchased a stringing machine. I always felt like I needed to extract every ounce of value out of the string job in order to justify the cost, but now I will be able to experiment more.

So far, even when the string or tension choice has not been ideal, the racquet has been amazing... so, when I hit that golden combination (personal to me)... I can only imagine how good this is going to feel and how devastatingly effective this racquet is going to be.

The adventure continues.
 
U

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Classic-TXP-IG MID said:
Every time I pull this racquet out of the bag it impresses me...it never fails.

I'm still searching for the right string and tension combo, but this part of the journey will be much faster now that I have purchased a stringing machine. I always felt like I needed to extract every ounce of value out of the string job in order to justify the cost, but now I will be able to experiment more.

So far, even when the string or tension choice has not been ideal, the racquet has been amazing... so, when I hit that golden combination (personal to me)... I can only imagine how good this is going to feel and how devastatingly effective this racquet is going to be.

The adventure continues.
Click to expand...

Great frame. T1: Black Knight 1.23 @ 48 is the best I have found for my game.
 
Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I‘m going to move on from my 1/4 16x19s just because I really am liking the PA19 and Ripstick and I don’t need extra frames lying around. Got a pair that’s very close in spec that ill probably list soon.

Love these offerings from Wilson. Just awesome that we are finally able to buy them at a fair price.
 
Addxyz

Addxyz

Hall of Fame
Power Player said:
I‘m going to move on from my 1/4 16x19s just because I really am liking the PA19 and Ripstick and I don’t need extra frames lying around. Got a pair that’s very close in spec that ill probably list soon.

Love these offerings from Wilson. Just awesome that we are finally able to buy them at a fair price.
Click to expand...

Thats shocking, :cry:
 
Classic-TXP-IG MID

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Power Player said:
I just have better touch and hit even heavier with those frames. So it’s all about playing my best. I gave the BP’s a lot of time though but they can’t beat out the Babs for my style of play.
Click to expand...

Fair enough... but I'm surprised since you were such an enthusiastic proponent of the BP 16x19. At the end of the day, it's about finding the racquet that best suits us and allows us to maximize our game.
 
Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Classic-TXP-IG MID said:
Fair enough... but I'm surprised since you were such an enthusiastic proponent of the BP 16x19. At the end of the day, it's about finding the racquet that best suits us and allows us to maximize our game.
Click to expand...

I still am but I am just being honest about my experience. The BP is a great feeling frame and lets me play a big game with it. But when I first got one (underspecced), the PD21 smoked it. Then I revisted and got proper ones with big SW. Used them non stop for 6-8 weeks and really enjoyed them a lot, but I could not dial in touch shots and slice to the level I prefer.

Pulled out the PD21, was told I hit even bigger with it. That frame is too stiff for me to use full time, so I got a PA19. Was told there was no dropoff from the PD21, so here we are. The PD/PA are simply easier frames to use and I can play the same style of tennis except I have better touch with them (for whatever reason, I think the feedback just works with my hands better).

So yeah, no real need for me to keep these frames when others are out there hunting quality ones with the right specs.
 
Addxyz

Addxyz

Hall of Fame
Power Player said:
I still am but I am just being honest about my experience. The BP is a great feeling frame and lets me play a big game with it. But when I first got one (underspecced), the PD21 smoked it. Then I revisted and got proper ones with big SW. Used them non stop for 6-8 weeks and really enjoyed them a lot, but I could not dial in touch shots and slice to the level I prefer.

Pulled out the PD21, was told I hit even bigger with it. That frame is too stiff for me to use full time, so I got a PA19. Was told there was no dropoff from the PD21, so here we are. The PD/PA are simply easier frames to use and I can play the same style of tennis except I have better touch with them (for whatever reason, I think the feedback just works with my hands better).

So yeah, no real need for me to keep these frames when others are out there hunting quality ones with the right specs.
Click to expand...

Not to mention the Ripstick love. :)
 
U

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Classic-TXP-IG MID said:
Thanks for that. T1 BK is on my list, I was going to pair it with a very soft round poly cross or Multi cross, but I'm also happy to try it in a full-bed.
Click to expand...

Have thought about a multi crosses but the frame is tough on a string bed. I’m afraid the multi would go quickly.
 
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U

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Paul Y said:
Try Triax at 16g it lasts awhile but also what do you consider awhile
Click to expand...
I’m at $3.50-$4.00 a frame now with the strings I’m using and playing some of the best tennis I’ve played in 10yrs. In the past have only gotten 2-3hrs with a multi cross in Pro Staff 97’s. Multi just means more money.
 
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Classic-TXP-IG MID

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
USPTARF97 said:
Have thought about a multi crosses but the frame is tough on a string bed. I’m afraid the multi would go quickly.
Click to expand...

I used Weiss Cannon Explosiv... worked well.

The problem I've had was that on my first string my stringer (who's very experienced) said the BP (H22) was very powerful and therefore to go with higher tensions. So, I tried 53 lbs Mains MSV Co-Focus Black (1.18mm) and 57 lbs Crosses of WC Explosiv. I ended up with a Dynamic Tension of 40, which is higher than I like and usually I find it starting to be on the stiff side. It was firm-ish yet stayed comfortable enough for me not to cut it out. Played with it for 4 weeks or so, had great control, plenty of power, good serving... but wanted to make the string bed a little softer. So, I thought since I still have the other two halves of both of the above-mentioned strings (and they played well), I'll use them again but I will lower the tension to 50M/ 53C. When the racquet came back it still had a DT of 40... so, again so as to not waste my money I have played with it, and it plays well... but is that fraction stiffer than I would like.

So next, I think I may try T1 BK in the Mains at 48 (as you suggested) and either go with the WC Explosiv at 50 (I have a whole reel to use up) or go with Ashaway MonoGut ZX at 48 with a 10% pre-stretch.

If you find that you destroy multis really easily, maybe try something like Babolat Origin (or equivalent since they don't sell that anymore) as they don't fray and still play softer. That's where MonoGut ZX comes in... soft, plush, very powerful, yet not a Multi or Syn Gut, but not a poly either. Just a thought.
 
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U

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Classic-TXP-IG MID said:
I used Weiss Cannon Explosiv... worked well.

The problem I've had was that on my first string my stringer (who's very experienced) said the BP (H22) was very powerful and therefore to go with higher tensions. So, I tried 53 lbs Mains MSV Co-Focus Black (1.18mm) and 57 lbs Crosses of WC Explosiv. I ended up with a Dynamic Tension of 40, which is higher than I like and usually I find it starting to be on the stiff side. It was firm-ish yet stayed comfortable enough for me not to cut it out. Played with it for 4 weeks or so, had great control, plenty of power, good serving... but wanted to make the string bed a little softer. So, I thought since I still have the other two halves of both of the above-mentioned strings (and they played well), I'll use them again but I will lower the tension to 50M/ 53C. When the racquet came back it still had a DT of 40... so, again so as to not waste my money I have played with it, and it plays well... but is that fraction stiffer than I would like.

So next, I think I may try T1 BK in the Mains at 48 (as you suggested) and either go with the WC Explosiv at 50 (I have a whole reel to use up) or go with Ashaway MonoGut ZX at 48 with a 10% pre-stretch.

If you find that you destroy multis really easily, maybe try something like Babolat Origin (or equivalent since they don't sell that anymore) as they don't fray and still play softer. That's where MonoGut ZX comes in... soft, plush, very powerful, yet not a Multi or Syn Gut, but not a poly either. Just a thought.
Click to expand...

Playing great with T1: Black Knight, no complaints and no reason to change. Something I have never understood about the high end Multis is that for not much more in cost one can play with Natural Gut and have better playability and durability. It’s actually more cost productive to play with Natural Gut.
 
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Classic-TXP-IG MID

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
USPTARF97 said:
Playing great with T1: Black Knight, no complaints and no reason to change. Something I have never understood about the high end Multis is that for not much more in cost one can play with Natural Gut and have better playability and durability. It’s actually more cost productive to play with Natural Gut.
Click to expand...

Maybe that's the case in the US... here in Australia multis are around $25 and Gut is around $50-80 for a set... so a big difference. Furthermore, if one lives in a humid part of the country, gut is going to get destroyed pretty quickly, so can only be used in the drier winter months.
 
U

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Classic-TXP-IG MID said:
Maybe that's the case in the US... here in Australia multis are around $25 and Gut is around $50-80 for a set... so a big difference. Furthermore, if one lives in a humid part of the country, gut is going to get destroyed pretty quickly, so can only be used in the drier winter months.
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Here in the states the difference between a quality multi and natural gut is $20 vs $29 and the natural gut lasts on average about 3 times that of the multi even playing in 90% humidity.
 
LiamMiguel

LiamMiguel

Semi-Pro
I currently use the Blade V7 16x19. I currently am under the junior sponsor program at Wilson and I have access to both the Blade Pro and Ultra Pro. Which one should I get if I do switch to these pro stocks? Also, how long is the lifetime of these rackets compared to normal retail rackets? If they are longer, I might use them till the end of college haha.
 
Y

Yamin

Hall of Fame
LiamMiguel said:
I currently use the Blade V7 16x19. I currently am under the junior sponsor program at Wilson and I have access to both the Blade Pro and Ultra Pro. Which one should I get if I do switch to these pro stocks? Also, how long is the lifetime of these rackets compared to normal retail rackets? If they are longer, I might use them till the end of college haha.
Click to expand...

If you're ready for a big change weight wise that will screw up your game for a while, Blade Pro is solid. Ultra pro will be easier to jump to but you'll need to beef it up..... Honestly assuming you need to stay in your prime for college I would say neither. 18x20 blade if you need something more stable and controlled.
 
P

Paul Y

Rookie
We might be selling our Blade Pros 18x20 grip 1. We are going to try power pads to see if it will help with the string vibration. Below are the unmodified weights and balance. My son loves them but can‘t deal with the vibrations.

R1
Balance: 32.5 CM
Weight: 310g
R2
Balance: 32.5 CM
Weight: 310g
R3
Balance: 33 CM
Weight: 306g
R4
Balance: 32.75 CM
Weight: 306g
Strung 329g 33.25CM
 
5.0 in 3.0 Body Guy

5.0 in 3.0 Body Guy

Rookie
The Blade Pro seems to have the number one frame on the two tours combined and by a pretty wide margin. I wonder how many are actually using a Blade Pro as opposed to just the BP paint job?
 
R

Rvansmith

New User
Got mine today, 16x19 unstrung and plastic on grip with the following measurements:
Balance: 32.1
Weight: 304
Swing weight: 301
Flex: 64
 
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A

AA7

Hall of Fame
Rvansmith said:
I was thinking since it was so head light, it needed weight in the hoop to boost swingweight a tad? I am new to racket customizing.
Click to expand...
yeah. that makes sense. of course... your preference. there is no right way... I am partially joking.

For me this would be perfect. I have mine just in those specs, except I did put about 7gr under the buttcap to get them 32.2cm (strung and OG), 335grams static weight and they ended being about 331 sw... I have 3 of them. It's a fantastic racket. I am working back up to it after the winter hiatus/covid.. It is not the most forgiving racket in the control area... if you are late or early in where you meet the ball, then it will not particularly do you a ton of favors but it's an awesome racket.
 
R

Rvansmith

New User
AA7 said:
yeah. that makes sense. of course... your preference. there is no right way... I am partially joking.

For me this would be perfect. I have mine just in those specs, except I did put about 7gr under the buttcap to get them 32.2cm (strung and OG), 335grams static weight and they ended being about 331 sw... I have 3 of them. It's a fantastic racket. I am working back up to it after the winter hiatus/covid.. It is not the most forgiving racket in the control area... if you are late or early in where you meet the ball, then it will not particularly do you a ton of favors but it's an awesome racket.
Click to expand...

Wilson already did some silicone under the butt cap for mine. It must have been a very light racket out of the mold.
 
Classic-TXP-IG MID

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Rvansmith said:
I was thinking since it was so head light, it needed weight in the hoop to boost swingweight a tad? I am new to racket customizing.
Click to expand...

It all depends on your personal preferences. For me, the racquet needed a tiny bit more weight in the head to increase the SW, TW, stability on off-centre hits, and give it a greater weight-of-shot and court penetration. I then counter-balanced with lots of weight in the handle at 7" above the butt cap and inside the butt cap, 2 overgrips (just what I do - therefore I get a grip size lower than needed to compensate), and a dampener. My unstrung static weight is around 340g, the balance is 305mm, and I think the SW is around 323 (from memory).

But that's just what I like... so you need to do what suits you. Everyone will have a slightly or massively different set-up. It's personal.
 
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R

RVAtennisaddict

Professional
AA7 said:
BP has more power, stability, spin and plow... V7 will be better with control and more manageable/whipper. BP will be better on serve and defensive shot. It also has a bigger sweet spot. BP's feel is sublime...in a different league.
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Interesting. I cam from ultra tour to ultrapro 16x19. to v7 16x19. I like the ultrapro feel better, but everyone who hits or plays against me says the blade v7 16x19 is much harder to play against (i.e. i play better, win more). Was wondering the the bladepro will be in the middle... may have to pull the trigger.
 
A

AA7

Hall of Fame
RVAtennisaddict said:
Interesting. I cam from ultra tour to ultrapro 16x19. to v7 16x19. I like the ultrapro feel better, but everyone who hits or plays against me says the blade v7 16x19 is much harder to play against (i.e. i play better, win more). Was wondering the the bladepro will be in the middle... may have to pull the trigger.
Click to expand...
BP will hit a bigger ball than both of those.. no question about it. Unless you get something over spec BP is probably much more complete but like everything else you have few disadvantages... Quite a bit higher SW than both... So everything that comes with that. To me only other challenge with BP is that if timing is off it will not necessarily do you many favors in the control.. it has really good directional control and you can flatten the ball plenty. I am talking about racket demanding a solid contact and timing from the player vs other sticks that provide a bit more support even when your timing is off... with BP.. if you are late in contact you will hit long possibly more often than other sticks etc.. it's a fantastic racket.. you have to wield it as it demands.. i am not trying to say it's so hard to wield or anything.. in some aspects it's easier than v7 bc it has a bit more free power even . Just few things to highlight, that's all.
 
JGads

JGads

G.O.A.T.
AA7 said:
BP will hit a bigger ball than both of those.. no question about it. Unless you get something over spec BP is probably much more complete but like everything else you have few disadvantages... Quite a bit higher SW than both... So everything that comes with that. To me only other challenge with BP is that if timing is off it will not necessarily do you many favors in the control.. it has really good directional control and you can flatten the ball plenty. I am talking about racket demanding a solid contact and timing from the player vs other sticks that provide a bit more support even when your timing is off... with BP.. if you are late in contact you will hit long possibly more often than other sticks etc.. it's a fantastic racket.. you have to wield it as it demands.. i am not trying to say it's so hard to wield or anything.. in some aspects it's easier than v7 bc it has a bit more free power even . Just few things to highlight, that's all.
Click to expand...

Post stamped for 100 percent accuracy.
 
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studpuffin

New User
RVAtennisaddict said:
How does blade pro 16x19 compare to the v7 blade 16x19?
Click to expand...
The BP also had a less dense string pattern compared to the v7, so it has a slightly higher launch angle. It’s also more head heavy and feels more stable compared to the v7.

Edit: Would also add that the beam width on the BP is a hair wider and feels marginally stiffer, but it's still a great feeling racket - one of the nicest feeling rackets IMO.
 
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D

dave t

Semi-Pro
I find it easier to play with than the blade 16x19. Weight distribution is a bit more polarized. I get more SW with less overall weight. The extra power, SW and stability makes it feel like I can swing easier.
 
R

Rvansmith

New User
RVAtennisaddict said:
How does blade pro 16x19 compare to the v7 blade 16x19?
Click to expand...

I played with my blade pro for the first time tonight. I have it strung the same, gripped the same, using same dampener, as my v7. Their static weight is 1 gram difference. The pro feels like a more substantial racket. It doesn’t get pushed around in my hand like the v7. I can’t think of a shot I wasn’t hitting better with the pro. I switched back to v7 at the end of the night to let someone try, and it just felt much whippier, and I could feel the racket being pushed by the ball where the pro felt more like I was going through the ball on strong hits. I am probably about a 3.5 player, but I don’t think I’ll be going back to the v7.
 
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