2015 blade 98 comfort level

[prosealster]

Hi guys, I was wondering what are your consensus on the difference between the 2015 blade 98 16X19 vs 18X20, particularly the comfort level.

I read that the 16x19 is a little stiffer on rdc, but with more open string pattern just wondering if it will feel softer or not

THanks in advance

 

[Jay2014]

I played with the 16x19 the other day. Felt like a rubbish, light block of metal. So if that's your bag.....

Can't imagine the 18x20 is that much different. Don't use it anymore but the HGRP was streets ahead IMHO if you are after a very stiff powerful modern frame.

 

[djkahn86]

I use the 98S .. open pattern helps with comfort. used the previous model and this way more comfortable...
note: i hit with VCORE tour G, RF97, pure drive roddick, prince 97 response... this is the most comfortable

 

[prosealster]

I played with the 16x19 the other day. Felt like a rubbish, light block of metal. So if that's your bag.....

Can't imagine the 18x20 is that much different. Don't use it anymore but the HGRP was streets ahead IMHO if you are after a very stiff powerful modern frame.

thanks for the input, I asked coz we can't get them in my country . I have the 18x20, and it feels very plush to me,. I dint actually want more power, just after more spin.
Maybe I should give the hgrp a go

 

[prosealster]

I use the 98S .. open pattern helps with comfort. used the previous model and this way more comfortable...
note: i hit with VCORE tour G, RF97, pure drive roddick, prince 97 response... this is the most comfortable

Good to know it's more comfortable than the vcore tour g.. Coz that's already a very comfortable stick
Cheers for your input

 

[Claudia Tennis]

I played with a Blade 98 18x20 2015 for the first time today. What an amazing racquet. So much control.

My arm is tired after 3 hours of doubles so that is my only concern. Singles will be more tiring.

I have not adjusted the stock racquet apart from putting on an overgrip.

I'm coming off a BLX Pro Open that I had weighted a little at 3 and 9. I think the 2 have roughly the same static weight but I think the Pro Open is still more HL despite the lead and that is what could be making the difference in terms of arm tiredness.

But I absolutlely love the raquet.

So if anyone has any tips for ensuring my arm can handle it I would be grateful. Perhaps some arm strength training is needed at the gym? Push ups? Pull ups?

I am female 5.11ish - not a wimp but also not massively beefy.

Would adding some weight to the handle help? I'm reluctant thought because it is playing so well and also I don't really want to increase overall weight.

 

[Claudia Tennis]

Just to add to the above in case it makes a difference. The strings are stock Wilson Sensation 16g.

 

[LeeD]

You can lower string tension to take away the shock from impact.
Blades are comfy at low 60 flex, and somewhat normal at 323SW's, so if you're getting tired or sore, it could just be from too much tennis too intensely.
Then again, you didn't mention your previous racket and whether or not you're in match tennis shape.

 

[LaZeR]

I played with a Blade 98 18x20 2015 for the first time today. What an amazing racquet. So much control. My arm is tired after 3 hours of doubles so that is my only concern. Singles will be more tiring. I have not adjusted the stock racquet apart from putting on an overgrip. I'm coming off a BLX Pro Open that I had weighted a little at 3 and 9. I think the 2 have roughly the same static weight but I think the Pro Open is still more HL despite the lead and that is what could be making the difference in terms of arm tiredness. But I absolutlely love the raquet. So if anyone has any tips for ensuring my arm can handle it I would be grateful. Perhaps some arm strength training is needed at the gym? Push ups? Pull ups? I am female 5.11ish - not a wimp but also not massively beefy. Would adding some weight to the handle help? I'm reluctant thought because it is playing so well and also I don't really want to increase overall weight.

First off, Welcome to the Blade Player's Club!!! Secondly, I would like to recommend 2 things:

1) simple dumbbell arm exercises are fine, and/or go to the gym to work out your arms with a variety of other machines, and

2) you might be pleasantly surprised by checking out the Wilson Blade 104. Start with this thread here: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=535194

 

[LeeD]

Remember, SW is 327 or so, and might be higher than than what you're used to.
And never will you be on court for 3 hours playing singles.

 

[mrtrinh]

from personal experience yes, the open string pattern does make it feel softer. however, you can easily get the same feel by lowering the string tension or changing strings. I think the better question to ask is, which string pattern do you prefer?

 

[prosealster]

from personal experience yes, the open string pattern does make it feel softer. however, you can easily get the same feel by lowering the string tension or changing strings. I think the better question to ask is, which string pattern do you prefer?

I prefer the 16x19, was just worried about the higher stiffness rating on the rdc compared to the 18x20. I love the plushness and the solidarity of the18x20 but I think the 16x19 would suit me better if it still have the same plushness. Cheers

 

[Claudia Tennis]

@prosealster Hope I'm not derailing your thread by going on about the 18x20 but hope stuff on comfort is somewhat relevant.

@LaZeR I am so pleased to be a member of the Blade Players Club. I really loved the racquet. I think the difference for me was that given its precision and control I was able to take swings with confidence. I am a bit of a wild hitter but I was not spraying and I was able to direct the ball well. The more I played the more confident I got. Mental game for me is so important.

I did play test the 104 (2015 version) and didn't really like it as much. It felt more flimsy and did not give me the control I needed. (Although the whip round of the head did feel nice on some strokes)

@LeeD I think you're right. I just need to adjust to the swingweight. (I now remember having tired arm after I weighted my BLX Pro Open at 3 and 9 which then dissipated).

This forum is great. The raquet section really help me choose my racket and I am very happy.

What I think I 'may" do is:

- add a second overgrip. My pro open is a European size 3 but in the Blade I was only able to buy a 2. If I add another overgrip at least the grip size wont be an additional adjustment my arm has to make. It may also slightly increase the balance a tiny bit towards HL.

- I may add a dampener. Although I do like the feel without one.

Thanks everyone. I feel like heading over to the Live by the Blade die by the Blade thread now.

 

[fuzz nation]

I'm coming off a BLX Pro Open that I had weighted a little at 3 and 9. I think the 2 have roughly the same static weight but I think the Pro Open is still more HL despite the lead and that is what could be making the difference in terms of arm tiredness.

I think this is a significant issue for you here. I've always been a fan of heavier racquets with significant HL balance in the neighborhood of 10 pts HL. Sampling lighter racquets is always tough for me when that racquet only has a few pts. HL balance, even when that racquet is lighter than my regular 12+ oz. players.

I tried the new Blade 98 18x20 last weekend at the club where I work. Smaller 4 3/8" grip size than my usual 4 5/8" Volkls, much less HL balance than I prefer, and this demo was strung with a full bed of poly... I never use poly. The difference in balance with this Blade made me work hard for a little while to adjust to its behavior and swing with mildly different timing. I could imagine it would be rather rough going out to compete with this racquet without any time for adjustment.

Upside? I thought this racquet was terrific. I'm actually contacting the Wilson rep I met Saturday to help me buy a small package of Wilson gear including a pair of these Blades. I've been looking for a "work racquet" to use at least over there, but haven't liked anything in the Wilson stable until this one.

Enough plushness to feel rather good to me, even with a full poly bed, and a very civilized player. No issues with spin production for me, probably because of the overall lighter weight, and I was even rather comfortable hitting my one-handed backhand. Worth a try, at least for me, but I have NO plans to dump my Volkls... EVER!!

If you need to get a little relief with this racquet, consider adding some weight to the handle to get a little more HL balance with it. I've never had a racquet feel more sluggish after adding lead to a handle even though it becomes heavier overall like that. My heaviest "trainers" are 13.4 oz. mids, which took over a half-ounce of lead tape on their handles to get them much more maneuverable and playable for my needs.

The first string I'll try in this denser layout will likely be a 17 ga. syn. gut. I have both some Kirschbaum and Prince w/Duraflex. Since I was okay with a bed of poly, I'll do fine with skinny syn. gut at the right tension for sure.

 

[Claudia Tennis]

@fuzz nation Really useful information here, thanks.

Interesting that you never had a racquet feel more sluggish after adding weight to handle. I think that's the way I'll go with this racquet if I continue with having a tired arm.

But an adjustment period may be all I need.

 

[JonnyAbs]

I used the 2015 Blade 18x20 for the first half of this season. I switched because I got tired of the head heavy feel and lack of spin. I do find that open string patterns are usually more comfortable than closed ones. I demo'd the 98s and 16x19 blade before I bought the 18x20 a few months ago, and they would both launch the ball more and they did not feel as stable. I think the extra weight of the strings in the head of the 18x20 contributed to me liking it more in comparison to the other two because it made it feel less pushed around, but it's also one of the things that made me change racquets because it lacked maneuverability and could get tough to swing over the course of a match.

 

[LaZeR]

... I demo'd the 98s and 16x19 blade before I bought the 18x20 a few months ago, and they would both launch the ball more and they did not feel as stable. I think the extra weight of the strings in the head of the 18x20 contributed to me liking it more in comparison to the other two because it made it feel less pushed around, but it's also one of the things that made me change racquets because it lacked maneuverability and could get tough to swing over the course of a match.

I can understand the difference in weight between the racquets as a whole, but how much is "the extra weight of the strings in the head" between a 16x19 and 18x20 string pattern in the same family line of racquets? I looked at the published Wilson stringing specs, and correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the string square footage almost the same - perhaps a 2 ft difference?

If that is correct, how much is the extra weight if you use the same string on both racquets -- less than 1 gram??? A dampener can weigh less!!! How does around a gram have that much of an impact on weight or make a substantial difference??

 

[CopolyX]

Comfort = Volkl goal
Feel = is Wilson's goal

 

[Claudia Tennis]

Back out today with the Blade 98 18x20 and again was impressed with how much control and precision it gives me.

It's definitely a work out. But swing at the ball and it really delivers.

I have ended up with 2 overgrips and about 4g of lead in trap door. 333g static weight and around 2pts headlight (estimated by balancing on table edge and measuring)

 

[LaZeR]

Back out today with the Blade 98 18x20 and again was impressed with how much control and precision it gives me. It's definitely a work out. But swing at the ball and it really delivers.

@ Claudia Tennis, what do you mean "It's definitely a work out"? I thought an important aspect of your racquet is that it should NOT be a "work out".

Also, could you plz post the comparative differences between the Blade 104? Thanks!~

 

[Claudia Tennis]

@LaZeR the Blade 98 has a heavier swing weight than I am used to so I am becoming more tired when I play with the Blade. Hence the workout reference. But so far it's worth it. The shots I produce are significantly improved from my previous racquet. I'm probably at my limit swing weight wise but if I can handle it, become a little stronger/fitter and adjust to the Blade it will definitely be worth it for my game.

I tested the 104 Blade (2015) for couple of hours and found that while it was lighter and less tiring, my consistency fell. I was hitting balls out and making too many unforced errors. I was able to shape some nice topspin forehands but consistency is more important for me. I have a tendency to be a little wild on court and take big swings so the greater control from the Blade 98 is what I needed.

 

[LaZeR]

I have ended up with 2 overgrips ...

@Claudia Tennis - everyone has their own opinions but here's mine just for the hell of it because this is an open forum

Although it's a very Minor and Tiny difference, every layer on top of the bare handle increases a tiny bit of resistance away from the racquet, and adds a tiny bit to "work". First you have your replacement grip, then your overgrip which btw might add another ~5 grams, and then with another 2nd overgrip you might be up to around an additional ~10 grams, plus even more resistance away from the bare racquet. One guy at my club puts on around 5 overgrips, which makes his handle almost round, not to mention you can't even see or feel the bevels! lol

Have you considered a thicker replacement grip?

 

[Claudia Tennis]

Lazer - thanks for that. I agree that adding 2 overgrips plus the lead in the trap door has the effect of increasing weight overall and adding to the "work" I have to put in to swing the racquet. But at the same time I'm hoping that since the weight at the handle has shifted the racquet from being roughly even balance to perhaps around 2 pts headlight, this may make it easier overall for me to generate head speed.

Does that make sense to you?

 

[LaZeR]

Lazer - thanks for that. I agree that adding 2 overgrips plus the lead in the trap door has the effect of increasing weight overall and adding to the "work" I have to put in to swing the racquet. But at the same time I'm hoping that since the weight at the handle has shifted the racquet from being roughly even balance to perhaps around 2 pts headlight, this may make it easier overall for me to generate head speed. Does that make sense to you?

Don't the specs on the racquet label say around ~6 points Head Light? With strings (and maybe a dampener) you should at be around ~3 points head light.

I'm not an expert but I thought adding more weight to the handle increases "head light"(?!), i.e. since there's more weight on the handle, you're moving the balance towards the handle, and away from the head, hence more "head light". But you said you went less, to 2 points head light.

Also, I thought the more Head Light you go, that's what increases/generates head speed coz you have more of a "handle" on it (no pun intended), and also increases maneuverability. I THINK that with the amount of weight you've added to the handle you SHOULD be at around 4 points Head Light. But also IMO that's a good thing.

What do the Balance specs say on the racquet label? Thanks!

 

[Claudia Tennis]

@LaZeR - Yes we are on the same page. I don't have a balance board but it seemed to me from my table edge balancing measurement that with string the blade is roughly evenly balanced. In other words stock racquet with strings is not head light at all. So adding weight to handle increased the head light balance to 2 pts, more or less.

 

[LaZeR]

@LaZeR - Yes we are on the same page. I don't have a balance board but it seemed to me from my table edge balancing measurement that with string the blade is roughly evenly balanced. In other words stock racquet with strings is not head light at all. So adding weight to handle increased the head light balance to 2 pts, more or less.

Stock = 6 pts Head Light.

Add Strings = 2 to 3 pts Head Light.

Add Lead Tape + Overgrip to Handle = 3 to 4 pts Head Light.

 

[Claudia Tennis]

You may well be right Lazer and my measurements at home are not completely accurate. Or my racquet differs slightly from stock.

But the upshot is my racquet now is a few points headlight and playing well....

 

[superdave3]

I think this is a significant issue for you here. I've always been a fan of heavier racquets with significant HL balance in the neighborhood of 10 pts HL. Sampling lighter racquets is always tough for me when that racquet only has a few pts. HL balance, even when that racquet is lighter than my regular 12+ oz. players.

I tried the new Blade 98 18x20 last weekend at the club where I work. Smaller 4 3/8" grip size than my usual 4 5/8" Volkls, much less HL balance than I prefer, and this demo was strung with a full bed of poly... I never use poly. The difference in balance with this Blade made me work hard for a little while to adjust to its behavior and swing with mildly different timing. I could imagine it would be rather rough going out to compete with this racquet without any time for adjustment.

Upside? I thought this racquet was terrific. I'm actually contacting the Wilson rep I met Saturday to help me buy a small package of Wilson gear including a pair of these Blades. I've been looking for a "work racquet" to use at least over there, but haven't liked anything in the Wilson stable until this one.

Enough plushness to feel rather good to me, even with a full poly bed, and a very civilized player. No issues with spin production for me, probably because of the overall lighter weight, and I was even rather comfortable hitting my one-handed backhand. Worth a try, at least for me, but I have NO plans to dump my Volkls... EVER!!

If you need to get a little relief with this racquet, consider adding some weight to the handle to get a little more HL balance with it. I've never had a racquet feel more sluggish after adding lead to a handle even though it becomes heavier overall like that. My heaviest "trainers" are 13.4 oz. mids, which took over a half-ounce of lead tape on their handles to get them much more maneuverable and playable for my needs.

The first string I'll try in this denser layout will likely be a 17 ga. syn. gut. I have both some Kirschbaum and Prince w/Duraflex. Since I was okay with a bed of poly, I'll do fine with skinny syn. gut at the right tension for sure.

Fuzz Nation, which Volkl do you prefer?

 

[Keflex]

Just switched to Blade 98 18x20 a few weeks ago after using the same racket for the last 15 years. I demoed both the 18x20 and 16x19 versions and roughly were the same to me, but felt the 18x20 was better. I generate alot of spin with my strokes already and with my old 16x19 racket I chewed through strings. Currently using full bed of ALU Power @ 50lbs.

With the 18x20 Blade, I figure strings should last longer and will make gut/poly hybrids an option without alot of hurt on my wallet.

 

[LaZeR]

... I demoed both the 18x20 and 16x19 versions and roughly were the same to me, but felt the 18x20 was better. ...

@ Keflex ~ did you ALSO demo the 104? Thanks!

 

[Keflex]

@ Keflex ~ did you ALSO demo the 104? Thanks!

I did not. I didn't want to go above 100. I was even looking at 95 rackets.

 

[prosealster]

Just switched to Blade 98 18x20 a few weeks ago after using the same racket for the last 15 years. I demoed both the 18x20 and 16x19 versions and roughly were the same to me, but felt the 18x20 was better. I generate alot of spin with my strokes already and with my old 16x19 racket I chewed through strings. Currently using full bed of ALU Power @ 50lbs.

With the 18x20 Blade, I figure strings should last longer and will make gut/poly hybrids an option without alot of hurt on my wallet.

So u went with 18x20 instead of 16x19 because of string life or were there other reasons as well? Thanks for your input

 

[LaZeR]

I did not. I didn't want to go above 100. I was even looking at 95 rackets.

Figure if Federer goes from 85 -> 90 -> 98, then for mere mortals 95 -> 98 -> 104 is a good balance!

 

[parasailing]

I have the 2015 18x20 Blade 98 and I customized it to about 12oz and 8pts HL. SW doesn't increase much because I have most of the lead inside the butt cap trap door and this makes the racquet more head light to my liking and also a lot more stable.

I string this up with Head Hawk Touch at 50lbs and love how solid and stable the racquet feels.

 

[FluidTennis]

While Blade 98 static weight is not that high, it's swingweight is quite hefty. So if you are sensitive to swingweight (or balance) consider using the TW matching service to confirm specs. Or if you're buying in person at a pro-shop, see if you can test the balance in the shop before you buy. I know a couple of people who have ended up with a Blade 98 that has static weight that is on spec but a swingweight that is well over spec due to balance being even rather than a couple of pts headlight. (If you end up with a higher than spec swingweight your room for customization decreases.)

 

[barry]

Funny, I am still using the Blx 98 from couple years ago. The strung weight is 11.8 ounces. Only change I made was added a leather grip. Love the 18x20 use to play with the Wilson 6.1 16x18, but get more control with the 18x20 pattern. Only issue for me is the grip size. Wilson dropped the 4 5/8, so plan on trying the 2015 in a 4 1/2. By far the best racket Wilson ever made! I also string my rackets at 50 pounds and have zero string movement!

 

[DJTaurus]

We need more opinions on the 2015 blade line. S vs 16x19 and 18x20. I tried the 18x20 and it is super easy and rock stable with lots of feel on contact. I also tried the 16x19 2013 blade and hated (too soft and less control...but I didn't like the 18x20 2013 blade either... Too powerless) a lot like the unbalanced 2013 S model. This time around I hear great comments about the blade S 2015. Decisions decisions....

 

[FluidTennis]

DJTaurus - Yes my reference above about off-spec swingweights is to do with 2015 Blade 18X20. BTW I thought you were sold on the Ai 98 and had moved away from the Blade to the Yonex?

 

[DJTaurus]

DJTaurus - Yes my reference above about off-spec swingweights is to do with 2015 Blade 18X20. BTW I thought you were sold on the Ai 98 and had moved away from the Blade to the Yonex?

I still love ai98 but after an hour and a half the extra weight is sth I cannot handle (serves become more cumbersome) when i am tired. Near the net i need sth lighter to use. I will probably return to home (some blade of the 2015 line) but I am curious to first test the PD15. All of my friends told me that it is not sth exceptional.... It's just an overall decent stick (less stiff than the old model despite the same RA) that does many things good but in the end they win games effortless. And that is sth we must seriously consider. What would anyone should do when he doesn't enjoy the feel of a stick so much but he achieves his best results with it on tournaments....?

 

[FluidTennis]

That's interesting. I find the Blade 98 18x20 to be much more tiring than the Ai 98 once I get into the 3rd set.

 

[Muppet]

You may well be right Lazer and my measurements at home are not completely accurate. Or my racquet differs slightly from stock.

But the upshot is my racquet now is a few points headlight and playing well....

There's another location on the handle where you can add weight to make your racquet more manageable. Try moving 2 of the grams from inside the trap door up to the top of the handle, 7" above the butt. For best effect, put the lead on the handle pallet underneath the grips. Where you have your 4g of lead, it is giving the racquet more maneuverability. At 7", the 2g will make the racquet swing more efficiently and easily. It gives you more leverage on the balance point.

 

[Keflex]

So u went with 18x20 instead of 16x19 because of string life or were there other reasons as well? Thanks for your input

I did say I felt the 18x20 was somewhat better. I think it was more precise and reviews seem to back that. If the 16x19 provided more spin I didn't notice it.

The comment about string life is just side affect of choosing an 18x20 vs 16x19. I'm not even sure if it's true as I've hit with the same 16x19 racket for the last 15 years (Prince Triple Threat Graphite).

 

[LeeD]

Twas talking to a top junior girl a month ago about her new Blades. She and her sister were using the older ,heavier SW Blades for 3 years already.
Both said the new one is easier to swing when late, quicker to accelerate into serves, and not much different on overall power on their groundies. But, both have gotten better, bigger, and stronger.
However, neither has to face consistent strong serves, so the impression might change if their competition starts to start to hit harder also.

 

[LaZeR]

Twas talking to a top junior girl a month ago about her new Blades. She and her sister were using the older ,heavier SW Blades for 3 years already. Both said the new one is easier to swing when late, quicker to accelerate into serves, and not much different on overall power on their groundies. But, both have gotten better, bigger, and stronger. However, neither has to face consistent strong serves, so the impression might change if their competition starts to start to hit harder also.

Which Blade model(s) are you referring to?

 

[LaZeR]

We need more opinions on the 2015 blade line. ...

Ya especially the Blade 104!

 

[DJTaurus]

Ya especially the Blade 104!

Most of the comments i read on the 104 is that only the PJ changed compared to the 2013 model.

 

[Stefos]

We need more opinions on the 2015 blade line. S vs 16x19 and 18x20. I tried the 18x20 and it is super easy and rock stable with lots of feel on contact. I also tried the 16x19 2013 blade and hated (too soft and less control...but I didn't like the 18x20 2013 blade either... Too powerless) a lot like the unbalanced 2013 S model. This time around I hear great comments about the blade S 2015. Decisions decisions....

After trying blade 98s 2013 16x18 (good power, impressive spin, but for an intermediate tweeter like me, it was impossible to control it), I tried 98 2013 16x19. Less spin, a little better control, more stable and balanced.
Still want to try the 18x20 series.
Also demoed PD15 (with soft and harder strings) and I was not impressed. I still prefer PD13.
Demo, demo and demo again!

 

[DJTaurus]

After trying blade 98s 2013 16x18 (good power, impressive spin, but for an intermediate tweeter like me, it was impossible to control it), I tried 98 2013 16x19. Less spin, a little better control, more stable and balanced.
Still want to try the 18x20 series.
Also demoed PD15 (with soft and harder strings) and I was not impressed. I still prefer PD13.
Demo, demo and demo again!

I tried the PD15 only for warm up and honestly didn't like it. It's a hybrid of APD and PD. The first thing you notice is the higher SW that makes it more cumbersome to move compared to the super fast swing of the old PD. I can't comment anything more cause i want to demo it first. All of my friends told me that it needs time to connect with it. In the end it is even more stable and with more power and control than the old model. My friends have achieved their best tournaments results with PD15 than any other stick. Their main concern is the lack of feel (they want sth more surgical to play with).....but on the other hand they win games (most of their opponents when they use the PD15 they feel them more) and it's not easy for them to move to another stick.

As for blade the new 2015 18x20 is an amazing stick. Wilson achieved to add plush a little bit pop and softness without reducing feel and old school crispness. Well done Wilson. It definitely swings faster that the 2013 and 2011 blade without sacrificing plow. Super stable and solid on impact. The comment from TW that it lacks spin is a total BS....they just needed to add sth on the cons list. Ok you don't have easy access on spin like 16x19 but come on they presented it like its a big deal or that it totally lacks spin. Easier to serve, killer winner approach and generally more power and depth from the baseline. I absolutely loved it. I just need to demo the S version and then purchase the god dammit stick

Ps i didn't found the new blade to be more comfortable than the 2013 model. Those who had arm issues with blades in the past beware.

 

[FluidTennis]

DJTaurus SW is higher on Blade 2015 18x20 than Ai98. So maybe try it for a few sets first if you can. Just mentioning it because you said that you found Ai98 tiring after a while.

 

[DJTaurus]

DJTaurus SW is higher on Blade 2015 18x20 than Ai98. So maybe try it for a few sets first if you can. Just mentioning it because you said that you found Ai98 tiring after a while.

Yeap I know but i ve been playing with blades since i started tennis and i know them well. My issue with ai was on doubles when playing on the net. It's weird but i couldn't maneuver it like the blade. Nevertheless ai is an overall great stick but it lacks plow and I don't want to make it heavier by adding lead at 3 and 9.