So, 7 months after getting kicked in the a*% by Wilson QC and getting two blade PROs with a strung SW of 350 and 351, i decided to sell both of them and try my luck again, just got them measured on a head 3-in-1 machine. 295SW and 300SW unstrung, both with 307g. I really can't complain this time.
Wilson Pro Labs: Blade Pro Official Thread
- Thread starter haqq777
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dgoran
Hall of Fame
If you can wield it for 3 sets than Blade Pro but Speed pro is a very sweet stick kind of like Blade Pro Lite
Currently use a radical pro at around 350 so do you reckon that there will be a big difference between using the radical 2021 and Wilson blade pro and why is the blade pro better from the back of the court compared to the speed pro?
Crashbaby
Semi-Pro
Any thoughts on the polarity of this stick? I added a leather grip early on and this made the racquet way more user friendly for me. I was thinking of adding more weight and not sure whether to add it to the butt or top of the handle.
Will added weight at the top of the grip further increase the “ease of use” factor?
My stick(16m) has a sw of 344 and bal of 324mm and currently weighs 343g with og and dampener.
I remember reading increased polarity makes timing the ball more difficult, so top of the handle should be the preferred option for more weight?
I have committed to this racquet for a quite a while, but need it to be a little more user friendly if possible?
Will added weight at the top of the grip further increase the “ease of use” factor?
My stick(16m) has a sw of 344 and bal of 324mm and currently weighs 343g with og and dampener.
I remember reading increased polarity makes timing the ball more difficult, so top of the handle should be the preferred option for more weight?
I have committed to this racquet for a quite a while, but need it to be a little more user friendly if possible?
Hi all,
Last year I got 2 Blade Pro 18x20, original specs unstrung with plastic were weight: 310-312 gr, balance 33.0-33.1 cm
With a Wilson leather grip + Babolat Feel overgrip + 1-2 gr of lead mid handle I got them to specs I like a lot! weight 343 gr balance 32.7 cm.
I just got 2 new ones for future use as those Blade Pros are working well for me, and I'm not sure how long Wilson is going to sell them since they seem to change their lineup every year around the US open timeframe...
The specs of the new ones, with the 3gr plastic on again, are so different though... weight 308-309 gr balance 32.3-32.4 cm
Now I'm struggling to understand how I'm going to match the new ones with the ones from last year... or if i should return the new ones I just got and order again hoping to get specs closer to last year's ones...
What balance specs are most people on this forum getting? Is your balance closer to 32.3-32.5 like the new ones I got? Or more like 33-33.1 like what I got last year??
Thanks so much for your help!
Last year I got 2 Blade Pro 18x20, original specs unstrung with plastic were weight: 310-312 gr, balance 33.0-33.1 cm
With a Wilson leather grip + Babolat Feel overgrip + 1-2 gr of lead mid handle I got them to specs I like a lot! weight 343 gr balance 32.7 cm.
I just got 2 new ones for future use as those Blade Pros are working well for me, and I'm not sure how long Wilson is going to sell them since they seem to change their lineup every year around the US open timeframe...
The specs of the new ones, with the 3gr plastic on again, are so different though... weight 308-309 gr balance 32.3-32.4 cm
Now I'm struggling to understand how I'm going to match the new ones with the ones from last year... or if i should return the new ones I just got and order again hoping to get specs closer to last year's ones...
What balance specs are most people on this forum getting? Is your balance closer to 32.3-32.5 like the new ones I got? Or more like 33-33.1 like what I got last year??
Thanks so much for your help!
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Any thoughts on the polarity of this stick? I added a leather grip early on and this made the racquet way more user friendly for me. I was thinking of adding more weight and not sure whether to add it to the butt or top of the handle.
Will added weight at the top of the grip further increase the “ease of use” factor?
My stick(16m) has a sw of 344 and bal of 324mm and currently weighs 343g with og and dampener.
I remember reading increased polarity makes timing the ball more difficult, so top of the handle should be the preferred option for more weight?
I have committed to this racquet for a quite a while, but need it to be a little more user friendly if possible?
I have added weight both to the top of the handle and the butt cap (as well as to the head). It plays great.
My unstrung specs (with two overgrips and the weight added to the head and handle all-inclusive - only needs strings and rubber band dampener) are 343g, 324SW, 305mm balance.
It plays great, there is no problem with maneuverability, excellent on offense and defense, and wonderful to serve with and volley.
Hope that helps
Well... the TW university racquet customization worksheet (http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/customizationReverse.php), some basic math, the right leather grips and a bit of lead in various places helped... I just finished customizing the racquets and was able to get all 4 to 346 gr balance 32.6.cm.
Those specs feel great on shadow swings. I will need to confirm on the court tomorrow as that's a bit more head light than what I've been using, but I'm thinking that'll help with maneuverability and racquet head speed... Footwork and patterns of play are more important anyway
Let's all thank Wilson for providing us with the Blade Pro 18x20, the very best racquet on the market right now!
I believe the RA is 64. As far as the Gravity Pro, i own the GP and i find it to be a solid stick, but i find it to be a bit sluggish especially for a 1 handed back hand. My Blade Pro's are easier to swing compared to the GP and are more plush feeling and solid at contact. My Blade Pro's are weighted up 336 and 340G so they are very comparable to my stock GP.
How does one measure swing weight? Don't you need a special machine?
I have a local shop, Racquet Quest, in Orlando area that has a Babolat machine. I have 2x blade pro 16x19 and now 1x 18x20. My first step is always to go to Racquet Quest and get it measured before removing plastic from the grip!
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Let us know your impressions of the 18x20... and how it compares to the 16x19.
Cheers
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I'll be trying the BK with Head Syn Gut PPS 1.25mm (it has one of the best string-to-string friction values of any Syn Gut on the TW string database.
I also have some nice and smooth Klip Syn Gut that is not on the TW String database that I will try.
I've also tried WC Explosiv as a cross (1.30mm - which is a Multi and worked really well but is much more expensive per string job). I've also used Ashaway MonoGut ZX Pro 17 as a cross, which felt very nice (in other racquets), but it too would be more expensive per string job.
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What tension you been using. Have played a few setups at 44/48. Going to try Alu Power/ PSG at 48/48.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Last string job, I had the poly (Cyclone 18L - 1.15mm) at 50 lbs... and the WC Explosiv (1.30mm) at 54 lbs. I found the stringbed to be a little too tight and the DT (Dynamic Tension) was too high for my liking. I think the next stringing will be either 50/50 or 48/48. Then take it from there based on the experience.
The Cyclone/ WC Explosiv was still comfortable and had great control and power, but was firmer than I'd like. So going lower in tension will only improve things, in my view.
H22 fan
Semi-Pro
The same issue I had on the h22’s 18x20, but now I am using Wilson knot for final tie off and the grommet tube after a few strig jobs has some flare, even enough space for a Parnell knot.
LiamMiguel
Semi-Pro
Got news on the new Blade Pro paint job. It will release alongside the v8 this September. (Note: This is at least for Wilson Corporate Tennis Academies and such)
danbrenner
Legend
Great. September. 1st?
LiamMiguel
Semi-Pro
Should be
onehandbh
G.O.A.T.
I just tried a full bed of BK 16g (1.28) at 50 lbs. Good control and spin after the initial tension drop in the first hour or two. Feels soft but has decent control.
Nice. Keep us updated. I put a full bed of Ghostwire 17g in at 47 lbs. Hit a bit the other day. Good access to spin, nice touch on volleys. Will see how it holds up. I've been playing with Cyclone Tour/Gosen and Black Knight/Gosen but wanted to see how a full poly bed would feel.
onehandbh
G.O.A.T.
I've been using full bed Volk Cyclone 17g for several years now. Tried 16g & 18g and didn't like it in my Yonex 95D.
Been considering switching to the Blade Pro and at first I used Cyclone 17g but didn't like it. Felt too soft in the Blade Pro 16x19. Tried increasing tension and it felt slightly better. Also tried BK 17g. So far I prefer BK 16g. A bit more control and feel like I can swing more freely from the baseline. Still adjusting for touch shots like dropshots and angle touch shots near the net.
danbrenner
Legend
There is no cooler stuck in the world than the BP H22. I’m using it now as my main. Took a while to adjust to. But it’s so incredibly cool that I kept hanging in there even after selling my initial frames and then rebuying. There was always something there pulling me back in. And here’s the thing. If you are able to use it effectively there is no reason to ever switch to another racquet because of the fact that it has that pro stock cool factor.
Right now I have mayami your hex @50 in a full bed. It’s firm but comfy on impact. Low powered and super controlled. I really love it. But sure I’m open to trying other set up’s. My first thought would be gut poly champions choice. Got in the mains. And rhen a soft poly like poly tour pro 120 or 125 full bed. What do you guys think.
Right now I have mayami your hex @50 in a full bed. It’s firm but comfy on impact. Low powered and super controlled. I really love it. But sure I’m open to trying other set up’s. My first thought would be gut poly champions choice. Got in the mains. And rhen a soft poly like poly tour pro 120 or 125 full bed. What do you guys think.
Crashbaby
Semi-Pro
Totally agree on the cool factor! Mine will stay in the collection and its my main stick, although my ability and its suitability are sometimes in question...
On string:
I just put Poly Tour Pro 120 in mine few weeks ago, was using champions choice (incredible) until winter hit in my country, then switched to strike 1.25 which was also very good.
Poly tour pro initially felt too soft, overpowered and a little muted compared to the strike that I was used to. But now after a few hits I've gotten used the 1.2mm pro and don't mind it. Comfort is now next level and it really highlights how buttery smooth and soft this frame actually is. Serve speed is also up and manoeuvrability is also better as strike 1.25 is a heavier string. If you like a crisp feel, pro 1.2mm at 50 lbs will not deliver it in this frame, it does in an Ezone though as a comparison.
Getting back to Champions choice, that is crazy special in this frame and if funds and your local weather conditions allow, that's what id be using. Tension at least 55 for me and in this frame I found using the same tension on the cross worked better, both with launch angle and playability duration
danbrenner
Legend
That’s awesome. So you have really the same taste in strings as I do.Totally agree on the cool factor! Mine will stay in the collection and its my main stick, although my ability and its suitability are sometimes in question...
On string:
I just put Poly Tour Pro 120 in mine few weeks ago, was using champions choice (incredible) until winter hit in my country, then switched to strike 1.25 which was also very good.
Poly tour pro initially felt too soft, overpowered and a little muted compared to the strike that I was used to. But now after a few hits I've gotten used the 1.2mm pro and don't mind it. Comfort is now next level and it really highlights how buttery smooth and soft this frame actually is. Serve speed is also up and manoeuvrability is also better as strike 1.25 is a heavier string. If you like a crisp feel, pro 1.2mm at 50 lbs will not deliver it in this frame, it does in an Ezone though as a comparison.
Getting back to Champions choice, that is crazy special in this frame and if funds and your local weather conditions allow, that's what id be using. Tension at least 55 for me and in this frame I found using the same tension on the cross worked better, both with launch angle and playability duration
So first question is if you ramped the poly tour pro up to let’s say 57. Will it allow for max spin like the sharper edged polys do. ?
Then with the champions choice. You’re saying 55 git mains. And also 55 crosses ?
Usually people dial the corpses down a few pounds ?
I’m actually using miyami tour hex. Unique because it’s comfy on impact yet firm and has edges. So it’s an amazing control string.
I’m really looking forward to the new paint for the BP. Should be avail 9/1. With the new release of the. Blades. Which also should be good. 66 ra amd 22 mm beam on the standard 98. Quite a change.
Crashbaby
Semi-Pro
Yes 55 mains and crosses, cross tension affects launch angle and the Bp 16m has a high launch angle, so to me it makes sense not to go fed style. I have never strung full poly above 50 pounds, so I can’t advise on poly tour pro at 57. Some reviews and thoughts of members here suggest poly tour pro is better at lower tensions. Can’t hurt to try it for a single string job and see if you like it. Being a soft racquet, it may suit. I will go a little higher next time if i put the yellow in again.
Agreed, upcoming new paint in gloss should look pretty sweet, I like gloss way more than Matt on most sticks.
LiamMiguel
Semi-Pro
Erm we got another update from Wilson and contrary to what I was told, Blade Pro will NOT be released to its corporate academies and such on 9/1. Will update once I get a date because I'm gonna buy the new paintjob on BP lol.
danbrenner
Legend
Does anyone know when the new blade pro in new paint will be available ?
So I picked up one of the new Pro Staffs 100. Unstrung came in about the same as my BP 18x20 at 307g. Balance was very similar. I strung it up with same thing I play in my BP (Cyclone Tour/NRG at 53/51). Strung it came in at 326g. On my BPs I have a leather grip, overgrip, and lead at 2 and 10 and it plays at 336 and 337.
The Pro Staff was so much fun to hit with. Way more free power, and really not a big loss in control or the ability to carve out good angles. I played it at stock. I am going to hit with a few more times then weight it up similarly to my BPs. I will say it might be a keeper. My wife has a Clash Pro, and I cannot get consistency or feel. This feels like almost as good as the BP while having a tad more forgiveness. Sweet spot is huge. I didn't notice a big difference in the openness of the string pattern (16x19) compared to the BP (18x20). I will report back when I get a few more sessions in.
The Pro Staff was so much fun to hit with. Way more free power, and really not a big loss in control or the ability to carve out good angles. I played it at stock. I am going to hit with a few more times then weight it up similarly to my BPs. I will say it might be a keeper. My wife has a Clash Pro, and I cannot get consistency or feel. This feels like almost as good as the BP while having a tad more forgiveness. Sweet spot is huge. I didn't notice a big difference in the openness of the string pattern (16x19) compared to the BP (18x20). I will report back when I get a few more sessions in.
Automatix
Legend
More changes e.g. end of the hairpin is different.
babolatPDstandard
New User
Pleasantly surprised to see the BPv8 was released so soon, following B98v18 release (and at same price). Will be interesting to see if paint is the same or glossier on the BP. Also how QC comes out on this latest batch
I'm on the fence regarding the new paint / color. Prob need to see in person to truly judge. The v7 was a great looking racquet, v8 is more out there
I'm on the fence regarding the new paint / color. Prob need to see in person to truly judge. The v7 was a great looking racquet, v8 is more out there
Tsitsipas77
New User
Is it us release only so far?
danbrenner
Legend
LOOKS like its the same exact spec.. i was hoping they would change the balance a drop.
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
Now... who is going to get one first???
WillGinRVA
Rookie
I ordered mine last night. I don't have a "v7" Blade Pro to compare it to though.
From Wilson's front-on pictures though it looks pretty similar, with the same string spacing.
v7 Blade Pro:
WR059711U_0_BLADE_PRO_V7_16X19_BL_GR.png.cq5dam.web.1200.1200_1200x.jpg (1200×1200) (shopify.com)
v8 Blade Pro:
a6b432c4b2c606015ffabea7c15c17aba7520037_WR088611U_0_Blade_Pro_98_v8_16x19_Iridescent.jpeg (1200×1200) (wilson.com)
danbrenner
Legend
should be identical
Tsitsipas77
New User
Can’t find it at Wilson eu… Us only so far ?
PS - I called Wilson support to see what they said about v7 vs v8 Blade Pro and they said the v8 has easier access to power and spin, they tried to use a lighter material, and it is easier to add weights for customization. These statements didn't quite make sense to me as they are the same static weight, so not sure if this means anything or if it is just a support guy who got bad talking points.
danbrenner
Legend
cmoplete bs
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Might be just marketing bs. The only way we will know for sure is when people start buying them and reporting the SW and TW figures. If these are lower on average, then maybe they put less material in the head or in certain areas. We'll see. The proof will be in the figures.
They certainly look very beautiful to me though.
danbrenner
Legend
i wish they had made a change. there is too much damn weight in the head. and the new one is the exact same balance. so regardless if they used twaron or whatever other nonsense graphite the result will be the same. a sledgehammer.
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