Wilson Pro Labs: Blade Pro Official Thread

jdang311 · Apr 1, 2021

Got my 2nd BP. 312 unstrung with plastic. 32.4 balance and 316 SW without strings. If strings add 18g, what would the SW estimate be with strings on a 316SW without strings?
My first BP one was 312 unstrung. I did not measure the SW unstrung. It is 330g strung, 32.9 balance, but 350 SW. It hits great during short sessions, but I can't play long with it as it feel sluggish when I start getting tired and footwork starts slipping.

Thinking about sending new one back as the 312 (w/plastic) unstrung weight seem on the high end from reports on this post, but I am more concerned about the Swing Weight with strings. I usually play with a Blade V7 18M or Yonex VC95 and about 4.5 NTRP. I would prefer a strung SW in 330's max, so any estimates on SW for my unstrung spec of 312g, 32.4, 316g SW would be appreciated.

AA7 · Apr 1, 2021

jdang311 said:
what would the SW estimate be with strings on a 316SW without strings?

Add about 31pts for 17g... Your are like almost 350. Yes that is really on the high end...

Dishiki · Apr 1, 2021

My Ultra Pro has been off the court for two months. I have settled on the BP 16 as my main. I have two of them, a BP 18, and a UP 18. For now, my string setup is Cyclone 17 g, NRG2 17g at 53/51. I played 3 hours with this setup but not sure it will last 4. The NRG2 is on the verge of snapping. Might just go with Gosen 16g and see how that feels.

I still like the hammer feel of the BP 18, and the plushness of the UP 16, but for consistency and reliability, I really have the BP 16 dialed in. Of course, part of that is due to the fact that I have only played with it for the past two months.

Paul Y · Apr 1, 2021

dave t said:
Just got more Still loving it. Can't believe guys are already moving off this frame. This place cracks me up.

We had no choice. My son is having some pain while using the racquet.

jdang311 · Apr 1, 2021

AA7 said:
Add about 31pts for 17g... Your are like almost 350. Yes that is really on the high end...

350 Swing Weight would be same as my first BP and that won't work. Will be sending it back to Wilson. Gonna order 2 more and hope 1 is a bit closer to spec. Thanks for the input.

Rvansmith · Apr 1, 2021

jdang311 said:
350 Swing Weight would be same as my first BP and that won't work. Will be sending it back to Wilson. Gonna order 2 more and hope 1 is a bit closer to spec. Thanks for the input.

They don’t have a spec for swing weight that I could find.

Your static weight with plastic is 312, so minus 2-2.5g for that and you are at 310 which is 305 +\- 7 which I think is “within spec”

Power Player · Apr 2, 2021

jdang311 said:
350 Swing Weight would be same as my first BP and that won't work. Will be sending it back to Wilson. Gonna order 2 more and hope 1 is a bit closer to spec. Thanks for the input.

spec is high 340s to 350ish with most H22. Hoping for a light SW one is playing the lottery. Its a frame thats generally coming stock with high sw. you add a leather grip and play. Thats what these frames are about.

Deleted member 780456 · Apr 2, 2021

Currently using the blade pro 16x19, with weight in the handle to make it a bit more headlight - really clicking with this thing. So with overgrip and dampener coming in about 340 strung and 6 points hl.
However since using this frame I’ve been experiencing arm pain for the first time. I know form etc play a part in this, but haven’t had this issue with any other racquets (recent racquets used extensively are TF40 305 and Rf97a). Anyone else experiencing arm issues with this frame?
Concerned I’m going to have to move on despite clicking so well with this thing.

sphinx780 · Apr 2, 2021

How long have you been using it? Wondering if you're past the point of muscle soreness from a different weight/balance?

snoflewis · Apr 3, 2021

i traded a couple sticks i wasn't using for a BP18, and man, it's so much heavier than the BP16s that i have. feels like Thor's hammer and i'm clearly not worthy

Deleted member 780456 · Apr 3, 2021

sphinx780 said:
How long have you been using it? Wondering if you're past the point of muscle soreness from a different weight/balance?

I’ve had my blade pro for approx 2 months and average around 2-3 hits a week. Think my arm is just feeling the mishits a lot more with this stick - which I realise the misthitting is the issue, just odd I haven’t had the pain from mishits with my other 2 sticks in the past.

danbrenner · Apr 3, 2021

Question for you guys.
I have two BP 16. I’m trying to maximize this stick with a few different looks at string set ups.
My first stick I just had restrung with hyper g 120 @48lbs. Which is perfect tension IMO. Gives a little bit of string movement which you def need on this frame going all poly.
So on my second frame I’m going to experiment with gut mains amd poly crosses. So my question is. Based on the fact that I like my first stick at 48lbs with full hg 17 @48. What would you recommend the tension for champions choice on the other. Mains and then crosses ??

Bobble · Apr 3, 2021

snoflewis said:
i traded a couple sticks i wasn't using for a BP18, and man, it's so much heavier than the BP16s that i have. feels like Thor's hammer and i'm clearly not worthy

Yea, the 18m is a big boy stick. I've begged for a "pro" stick for years, and now I'm realizing I'll never make the jump from 4.5 to top ten.

Is there anyone here with enough experience with both the 18m and the 16m to make me try the 16m? I play well with the 18m, but end up with inner arm pain and left wrist pain due to physical weakness...just wondering if the 16m is an actual lesser level of difficulty. I love my PAs, but if I could get even half of that spin with any of the feel of the blade pro, I might be able to take a break from this forum

snoflewis · Apr 3, 2021

Bobble said:
Yea, the 18m is a big boy stick. I've begged for a "pro" stick for years, and now I'm realizing I'll never make the jump from 4.5 to top ten.

Is there anyone here with enough experience with both the 18m and the 16m to make me try the 16m? I play well with the 18m, but end up with inner arm pain and left wrist pain due to physical weakness...just wondering if the 16m is an actual lesser level of difficulty. I love my PAs, but if I could get even half of that spin with any of the feel of the blade pro, I might be able to take a break from this forum

i have all three sticks you mentioned and main the PA. I prefer the 16 over the 18 but that's all personal preference. The 16 is still pretty dense for an open pattern but still a boom stick like the 18. It really is hard to compare the BP to the PA because they're so far apart in specs. The biggest hindrance to spin in either BP is the swingweight. If you can wield it, it would be less of an issue

sphinx780 · Apr 3, 2021

KesselRun said:
I’ve had my blade pro for approx 2 months and average around 2-3 hits a week. Think my arm is just feeling the mishits a lot more with this stick - which I realise the misthitting is the issue, just odd I haven’t had the pain from mishits with my other 2 sticks in the past.

What are your other two sticks?

Deleted member 780456 · Apr 3, 2021

KesselRun said:
Currently using the blade pro 16x19, with weight in the handle to make it a bit more headlight - really clicking with this thing. So with overgrip and dampener coming in about 340 strung and 6 points hl.
However since using this frame I’ve been experiencing arm pain for the first time. I know form etc play a part in this, but haven’t had this issue with any other racquets (recent racquets used extensively are TF40 305 and Rf97a). Anyone else experiencing arm issues with this frame?
Concerned I’m going to have to move on despite clicking so well with this thing.

In my original post - rf97a and tf40 305. Just searched through this thread and can see some people have found the same (a very small amount of people I should note) so can only assume it’s something to do with how the individual uses it in a certain way - as can see overall consensus from this thread is no pain from this stick. My experience feels like it’s generally coming from serving initially - then feel it in general after the pain comes. Interesting to note i experienced it in the first set of a game the other day, then moved to my friends ultra tour for the second set and didn’t feel it from then on.

Sad times - as this frame is a thing of beauty. Will most likely have to try the v7 18x20 as something that is most likely the most similar frame out there to this but hopefully more arm friendly for my situation.

Rvansmith · Apr 5, 2021

KesselRun said:
In my original post - rf97a and tf40 305. Just searched through this thread and can see some people have found the same (a very small amount of people I should note) so can only assume it’s something to do with how the individual uses it in a certain way - as can see overall consensus from this thread is no pain from this stick. My experience feels like it’s generally coming from serving initially - then feel it in general after the pain comes. Interesting to note i experienced it in the first set of a game the other day, then moved to my friends ultra tour for the second set and didn’t feel it from then on.

Sad times - as this frame is a thing of beauty. Will most likely have to try the v7 18x20 as something that is most likely the most similar frame out there to this but hopefully more arm friendly for my situation.

I have two v7 16x19. I played with the BP for an hour, then switched to the v7 and was taken by how much difference there is in the feel of these two. The BP just plows through the ball so much more, and the v7 feels more like the ball is pushing around the racket some. I really liked the v7, until I played with the BP.

AA7 · Apr 5, 2021

Rvansmith said:
I have two v7 16x19. I played with the BP for an hour, then switched to the v7 and was taken by how much difference there is in the feel of these two. The BP just plows through the ball so much more, and the v7 feels more like the ball is pushing around the racket some. I really liked the v7, until I played with the BP.

Yup.. v7 16m.. only if it were a bit more solid/stable. BP is in a different universe

Rvansmith · Apr 6, 2021

AA7 said:
Yup.. v7 16m.. only if it were a bit more solid/stable. BP is in a different universe

What is your favorite string setup in this racket? I am currently running gut mains at 54 and alu power rough crosses at 50.

danbrenner · Apr 6, 2021

Rvansmith said:
What is your favorite string setup in this racket? I am currently running gut mains at 54 and alu power rough crosses at 50.

Hey Is this in the BP 16? Amd if so how is the tension holding with this set up. I’m asking because I have champions choice and I’m about to string it on my BP

Rvansmith · Apr 6, 2021

danbrenner said:
Hey Is this in the BP 16? Amd if so how is the tension holding with this set up. I’m asking because I have champions choice and I’m about to string it on my BP

Yep, BP 16m, feels pretty good to me still.

danbrenner · Apr 6, 2021

Rvansmith said:
Yep, BP 16m, feels pretty good to me still.

Great. So if you were to restring. You would choose these same tensions ?

Rvansmith · Apr 6, 2021

danbrenner said:
Great. So if you were to restring. You would choose these same tensions ?

Yep, no complaints with current setup. I am getting my second racket today (fingers crossed it has similar specs to first) and I like to play with strings with second racket. I am thinking of trying full set of Monogut ZX Pro in that one, probably about 54/54.

Crashbaby · Apr 6, 2021

Champions choice at 55/52 lost 15% in two weeks. Previous string job I accidentally strung it at 55/55 and it took six weeks to loose 15%. I’m starting to think the 3 pounds lower on the cross (fed like scenario) is only good for a short time. Rec players expect string jobs to last a while. Since poly looses tension fast, maybe rec players should not be stringing crosses lower like pros, who only need 7 games or 40 mins of practice hitting. Anyone else have thoughts on this?

danbrenner · Apr 6, 2021

Rvansmith said:
Yep, no complaints with current setup. I am getting my second racket today (fingers crossed it has similar specs to first) and I like to play with strings with second racket. I am thinking of trying full set of Monogut ZX Pro in that one, probably about 54/54.

That’s cool. I have hyper g in one of mine. Full bed @48lbs. Amd its very stiff feeling. I feel that this frame is strung sensitive. And I’m looking for comfort.

danbrenner · Apr 6, 2021

Crashbaby said:
Champions choice at 55/52 lost 15% in two weeks. Previous string job I accidentally strung it at 55/55 and it took six weeks to loose 15%. I’m starting to think the 3 pounds lower on the cross (fed like scenario) is only good for a short time. Rec players expect string jobs to last a while. Since poly looses tension fast, maybe rec players should not be stringing crosses lower like pros, who only need 7 games or 40 mins of practice hitting. Anyone else have thoughts on this?

That’s the crux of my thought process. We Rec players need these set ups to last us. So yeah this is a very good point you bring up

Rvansmith · Apr 6, 2021

Crashbaby said:
Champions choice at 55/52 lost 15% in two weeks. Previous string job I accidentally strung it at 55/55 and it took six weeks to loose 15%. I’m starting to think the 3 pounds lower on the cross (fed like scenario) is only good for a short time. Rec players expect string jobs to last a while. Since poly looses tension fast, maybe rec players should not be stringing crosses lower like pros, who only need 7 games or 40 mins of practice hitting. Anyone else have thoughts on this?

In my v7 Champions Choice setup at 52/49 my string setup lasted 39 days before my gut mains broke. I think the playability was good the entire time.

Rvansmith · Apr 7, 2021

Well I think I got lucky. First and second racket measurements:
Balance 32.1 vs 32.3
Weight 304 vs 309
Swingweight 301 vs 302
Stiffness 64 vs 64

JGads · Apr 7, 2021

Rvansmith said:
Well I think I got lucky. First and second racket measurements:
Balance 32.1 vs 32.3
Weight 304 vs 309
Swingweight 301 vs 302
Stiffness 64 vs 64

You win life.

sphinx780 · Apr 8, 2021

I think I've finally dialed in the string for myself. Comfort is the ultimate goal for my arm.

Wilson NG mains at 54 and Volkl V feel (stiffer multi with good spin) at 54. I've been using the RFA exclusively for 3-4 years and always went with a 55 mains and 52 crosses which seemed to open the sweet spot. That method on the BP led to some string bed inconsistency. I didn't know whether I was going to hit that rally ball or have the random rocket launch off the swing. This gave me the free power on serve that the RFA always gave me and more importantly...my wrist was pain free after the match.

So, I guess what I'm saying is that if anyone can't seem to dial in their BP and would want to trade for a unwrapped and unstrung RFA v13. DM me.

Deleted member 780456 · Apr 8, 2021

For any Australia based people out there, I asked Wilson if they will be stocking the blade pro 18x20 anytime soon and unfortunately the answer was there just doesn't seem to be enough interest in the 18x20 version for them to consider stocking at the moment given more retail consumers are purchasing 16x19 these days. This is a fair enough assessment by them, but just letting you know if you are interested in it to give them a call or send through an email to let them know - enough interest may bring the chance of stock coming in the future

Classic-TXP-IG MID · Apr 8, 2021

KesselRun said:
For any Australia based people out there, I asked Wilson if they will be stocking the blade pro 18x20 anytime soon and unfortunately the answer was there just doesn't seem to be enough interest in the 18x20 version for them to consider stocking at the moment given more retail consumers are purchasing 16x19 these days. This is a fair enough assessment by them, but just letting you know if you are interested in it to give them a call or send through an email to let them know - enough interest may bring the chance of stock coming in the future

I have the BP 16x19 and it's awesome. Do you feel that the 18x20 is significantly better? For the price, and with the QC of Wilson, I wouldn't want to waste my time if it wasn't significantly better. I can hit all my shots with the BP 16x19... even more precision would be awesome, and make the racquet insane... it would be better on slices, I suppose... but then there would also be drawbacks (needing to make mods at hefty SWs or too low of a launch angle, etc).

Let us know. Cheers

Deleted member 780456 · Apr 8, 2021

I only have the 16x19 and really like it - my racquet of choice at the moment. I just really flatten out my backhand so wanted to see how I gel with an 18x20 compared to a 16x19 - agree with risks of an 18x20 with the QC issues, the extra risk of unmanageable swing weight and heady heavy balance point is concerning. Anyone had any luck asking Wilson on purchase to look for a certain spec? or does that just not happen lol. For what its worth my dealing with their customer service on that phone call was really good, I should of asked then regarding spec requests.

Rvansmith · Apr 8, 2021

KesselRun said:
I only have the 16x19 and really like it - my racquet of choice at the moment. I just really flatten out my backhand so wanted to see how I gel with an 18x20 compared to a 16x19 - agree with risks of an 18x20 with the QC issues, the extra risk of unmanageable swing weight and heady heavy balance point is concerning. Anyone had any luck asking Wilson on purchase to look for a certain spec? or does that just not happen lol. For what its worth my dealing with their customer service on that phone call was really good, I should of asked then regarding spec requests.

I asked if they did spec matching if you bought multiple rackets and got a negative.

USPTARF97 · Apr 9, 2021

Crashbaby said:
Champions choice at 55/52 lost 15% in two weeks. Previous string job I accidentally strung it at 55/55 and it took six weeks to loose 15%. I’m starting to think the 3 pounds lower on the cross (fed like scenario) is only good for a short time. Rec players expect string jobs to last a while. Since poly looses tension fast, maybe rec players should not be stringing crosses lower like pros, who only need 7 games or 40 mins of practice hitting. Anyone else have thoughts on this?

Strung this frame at 55/52 with VS/4g and it was fairly stiff. Thinking about just going 52/49. Differential just generates more spin and makes it a bit easier on the arm.
Also going to experiment with the natural gut in the crosses.
See more players using poly/gut in the H22 than gut/poly. May be a reason for this with the Blade Pro.
Full poly at 47-48 plays really well in this frame but I’m looking to give the arm a break.

AA7 · Apr 9, 2021

Rvansmith said:
What is your favorite string setup in this racket? I am currently running gut mains at 54 and alu power rough crosses at 50.

It plays well with HG 1.20mm. Lynx tour was too powerful, although feels amazing. Tour Sniper is really solid. Tour bite 1.20 is great (not as stiff as other gauges of TB)..

I think you just need no-nonsense, no-frills polys here that do their job.. Racket has a ton of power and spin already so I focus on dead control oriented strings with this one. I have not tried but YPTP could also fit well.

tolsen · Apr 11, 2021

I have a question for the group. I’m in the process of choosing my next racket. I just finished a play test with the blade v7 18x20 and really enjoyed it, but I’ve been reading up on the blade pro and am leaning towards the pro. I’ve noticed a lot of people are leaning towards the 16x19 bp over the 18x20. Is there a reason for this? How do the pros feel compared to the v7?

USPTARF97 · Apr 11, 2021

tolsen said:
I have a question for the group. I’m in the process of choosing my next racket. I just finished a play test with the blade v7 18x20 and really enjoyed it, but I’ve been reading up on the blade pro and am leaning towards the pro. I’ve noticed a lot of people aren’t leaning towards the 16x19 bp over the 18x20. Is there a reason for this? How do the pros feel compared to the v7?

Did you intend to say that people “are” leaning toward the 16x19? I’m seeing more people go with the 16x19.

Rvansmith · Apr 11, 2021

tolsen said:
I have a question for the group. I’m in the process of choosing my next racket. I just finished a play test with the blade v7 18x20 and really enjoyed it, but I’ve been reading up on the blade pro and am leaning towards the pro. I’ve noticed a lot of people aren’t leaning towards the 16x19 bp over the 18x20. Is there a reason for this? How do the pros feel compared to the v7?

I can give my non-pro take. I liked both the 18x20 and 16x19 blade v7. They played similarly to me. The 18x20 I had a touch more control, and the 16x19 won me over because when I really swung into the ball, the 16x19 felt better. The pro is just a completely different racket. I didn’t play the 18x20, but I own 2 16x19. I think the swing weight on the 16x19 is typically a bit lower. My as played 16x19 is about 230 swing weight with no additional weights than overgrip, strings and dampener. The 18x20 would be over 240. I would love to try an 18x20, but don’t think I’m missing much over the 16x19.

tolsen · Apr 11, 2021

USPTARF97 said:
Did you intend to say that people “are” leaning toward the 16x19? I’m seeing more people go with the 16x19.

Yes, I did mean that. Gotta love auto correct!

tolsen · Apr 11, 2021

Rvansmith said:
I can give my non-pro take. I liked both the 18x20 and 16x19 blade v7. They played similarly to me. The 18x20 I had a touch more control, and the 16x19 won me over because when I really swung into the ball, the 16x19 felt better. The pro is just a completely different racket. I didn’t play the 18x20, but I own 2 16x19. I think the swing weight on the 16x19 is typically a bit lower. My as played 16x19 is about 230 swing weight with no additional weights than overgrip, strings and dampener. The 18x20 would be over 240. I would love to try an 18x20, but don’t think I’m missing much over the 16x19.

Thanks for your input! I usually go with an 18x20 pattern, but I think the 16x19 sounds like a better option... especially with Wilson’s quality control being what it is.

Deleted member 780456 · Apr 11, 2021

I assume it is coming down to specs rather than anything string pattern specific- these racquets are right on the limit of weight, swing weight, balance combination for playability for most enthusiasts - the 18x20 just pushes that limit a little extra with the qc issues at hand. That being said I would love to try an 18x20 though as I like to flatten out the backhand side a lot, but would be testing the specs I receive before committing.

dnguyen · Apr 12, 2021

Wish Pro Lab should offer options of PS80 and PS 90 with 17mm. What Wilson didn't think of that?

dgoran · Apr 12, 2021

Crashbaby said:
Champions choice at 55/52 lost 15% in two weeks. Previous string job I accidentally strung it at 55/55 and it took six weeks to loose 15%. I’m starting to think the 3 pounds lower on the cross (fed like scenario) is only good for a short time. Rec players expect string jobs to last a while. Since poly looses tension fast, maybe rec players should not be stringing crosses lower like pros, who only need 7 games or 40 mins of practice hitting. Anyone else have thoughts on this?

This is exactly my thinking I NEVER string poly crosses lower. By the time I hit the floor crosses are at least 10% lower vs nat gut mains anyway lol

USPTARF97 · Apr 13, 2021

Rvansmith said:
In my v7 Champions Choice setup at 52/49 my string setup lasted 39 days before my gut mains broke. I think the playability was good the entire time.

Strung one at 55/52 with Gut/poly and the first hour was good and then it felt like I was working way too hard to hit the ball. Not so easy on the arm like Gut/poly normally performs. Stringing next at 52/49.

USPTARF97 · Apr 13, 2021

dgoran said:
This is exactly my thinking I NEVER string poly crosses lower. By the time I hit the floor crosses are at least 10% lower vs nat gut mains anyway lol

Im getting 10-12hrs out of Wilson frames with a 3lb differential. Normally end up cutting them out.

Addxyz · Apr 13, 2021

USPTARF97 said:
Strung one at 55/52 with Gut/poly and the first hour was good and then it felt like I was working way too hard to hit the ball. Not so easy on the arm like Gut/poly normally performs. Stringing next at 52/49.

Aren't you stringing your RF97 around 57/54-58/55? It'd seem weird that the BP needs much lower tension.

USPTARF97 · Apr 13, 2021

Addxyz said:
Aren't you stringing your RF97 around 57/54-58/55? It'd seem weird that the BP needs much lower tension.

Yes, the BP definitely likes the lower tension for me as compared to the RF97. I think the stiffness of the RF97 requires the higher tension to stay under control.

barca · Apr 15, 2021

Should I give the BP a try? I am a college player that uses the v6 and I was wondering if buying the v7 (that i tried) or give the BP a try. I do not know if I should take the risk of paying for a racket that I have not tried yet.

studpuffin · Apr 15, 2021

barca said:
Should I give the BP a try? I am a college player that uses the v6 and I was wondering if buying the v7 (that i tried) or give the BP a try. I do not know if I should take the risk of paying for a racket that I have not tried yet.

Did you like the v7? If you want something head heavier compared to the v7 with more plow/stability, then yes, give it a shot. Although I would take advantage of Wilson's free returns policy and try to get it measured before getting it strung/taking off the plastic in case you get something that is very off spec.

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