2019 Wilson Blade

Power Player

Bionic Poster
First, I was an avid Blade (18x20) 2015 user for two years but decided I need more spin so I switched. I would consider myself a big fan of the 2015 Blade but hated CV. Second, I've never personally hyped the RF97A myself so you can't just assume that an uber-hyped racquet that I'm using is hyped by me. I use RF97A & RPM blast at high tension because it suits my ultra aggressive game not because it was hyped. Do I think the RF97A deserves it's hype? Absolutely. Do I also think that it's a bit overrated? Of course. But it's the best-selling Wilson racquet for a reason, no? Again, not the reason why I play with it and I'm also not even a Federer fan. I've never been a fan of the Blade 16 x 19 as I think it lacks control and just doesn't excel in any department in general, but that's just my personal opinion. The Blade 18x20 on the other hand is a fantastic racquet with great control and plow despite it's lack of weight. The reason why I think the 2015 Blade18x20 works well is because of that pop and feel you get on the ball. It's already a dense racquet, so you need that extra feel and pop. Unfortunately, Wilson took that feel away when they updated it to CV and now it's still missing with v.7.

I agree with your assessment of the Blade 18x20, but I don't find the feel missing in the v7. Of course I like old school, muted frames that open up with harder hitting. How did you string yours up and what tension?
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
IMO it is not a bad racket at all, but really not a good racket for a recreational players, there are better options in the same league. On the other hand it must be leaded for competitor players to get the best out of it.

This is a very general statement that makes no real sense without specifics. The first thing is saying it "must be leaded" for competitive players is just complete ignorance. There are incredible players who use the Blade at stock weight, which ends up being a bit over 330 grams if you use an OG and dampener. Not sure the obsession some have with thinking every racquet needs lead, but I suspect they should pay more attention their footwork which is what gets the best out of a racquet. If you can't compete at a high level with a static and swing weight in the 330s then lead's not fixing that. But that's just common sense. Not even sure what competitive means, I guess you are attempting to say pro's which doesn't apply to anyone here. FYI tiafoe's current specs with his yonex are currently 330/333 and 33.2 balance. Is he competitive enough or nah?

To be good to get the most out of the Blade, I would say yes, but what does that actually mean? I would say that means its probably a frame for someone who plays tennis 3-4x a week. If you play once a week or so , I agree there are far better frames to choose from. If you play often and have good strokes, you can use a Blade just fine.

Softness is trendy - Is this a joke?
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Only got to hit ten minutes before it rained. First impressions, with gut/poly, 16x19 with OG, it feels head heavy, high trajectory, really comfy, but a bit too plush, not as much connection/feel as my Yonex. I use Duel G 310 at 342g 9 pts HL with gut/poly.

I'm adding a leather grip and a couple grams at 7" for this aftertoon's hit, I'll have a better idea, but it's lacking that graphite type feedback from the Duel.

Yeah the Duel is a bit stiffer and I imagine it would show if you put gut in the blade. It is a plusher frame for sure. I think it will boil down to what type of swing weight you prefer. I really like the feel of the yonex's and I know what you mean when you say graphite type feedback. To me the Duel G was a little too muted and I liked the vcore pro better, if I had to split hairs.

I love those yonexes. They feel great to hit with. For me I just need more weight towards the head and more SW. I think that is the deciding factor when choosing between these two frames. I also think gut could end up being too soft in this Blade and it responds better to full poly. Just a guess though. The soft racquet/full poly combo works very well for my game, but it's not for everyone.
 

Wilsonbro

Semi-Pro
IMO it is not a bad racket at all, but really not a good racket for a recreational players, there are better options in the same league. On the other hand it must be leaded for competitor players to get the best out of it.

I believe that softness is trendy at the moment, but just this softness ("FeelFlex" was moved from throat in Clash to 3 and 9 in Blade) will cause many buyers will switching soon. You really have to be good to get the most out of Blade.


Dude the Blades are the most popular and used tennis raquet on the planet. It a very solid raquet
 

tribesmen

Professional
Dude the Blades are the most popular and used tennis raquet on the planet. It a very solid raquet
On the planet - I don't believe :), but for USA is probably true. The situation in the EU is different. A lot of people test the Blade, but they don't decide to buy it, on the contrary, the Clash sells itself, without testing. The power of marketing.
 

JoaoN

Semi-Pro
On the planet - I don't believe :), but for USA is probably true. The situation in the EU is different. A lot of people test the Blade, but they don't decide to buy it, on the contrary, the Clash sells itself, without testing. The power of marketing.

Here in Brazil the Blade is also one, if not the, most popular racquet among juniors and more advanced players, followed by speeds and radicals. But among recreational players nothing beats babolats, pure aero and pure drive dominates that field.
 

RobS

Rookie
I have about 10 hours under my belt with the 16x19 V7 Blade. Having played or hit many of the Blades of the past, I find the V7 to play very similar to the 2015 16x19. The V7's I have spec out almost identical to the 2015's I played and performance wise, it's splitting hairs. The V7 has a softer, more muted feel and the more I hit with it the more I'm inclined to say I prefer it. The softer feel is most noticeable to me when I hit with relatively hard hitters. I'm playing with ALU Power @ 50lbs and experiencing no discomfort or arm fatigue. So far so good. Only thing I would change is the paint. I'd much prefer glossy over flat. Overall, I think this stick has what everyone expects from the Blade line. Good feel and control with a lot of stability and pop for a relatively light players frame.

I'd also note that either Wilson's QC has improved or I got lucky. The random pair I received came in unstrung at 306g/32.2cm/298sw and 307g/32.1cm/297sw.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Anyone hit the Tec TF40 305? Seems like an 18x20 blade doppelgänger.

The Tec TFight 305 XTC is more of a doppelgänger than the TF40 305. Although they are all very similar in spec. Not quite sure what the Tecnifibre people were going for when they created the TF40, as it's very close in spec with the TFight 305 XTC, it's not softer than the TFight 315 Ltd XTC, and it's not as low in RA as 2013 TFight 315 Limited. It's kind of a mixed bag, rush job, with no clear identity... unless I'm missing something. What a pitty and a missed opportunity to create something special (especially if they phase out the Limited TFight model).

Back to the Blade v7...
 

glenWs

Semi-Pro
I’m just saying.....Not a fan of “Global Playtest” thing. It’s getting very Tennis Expressy:-D:-D
Agreed. Let’s go around the world to hear people say essentially the same thing we just said. There isn’t much variety in these reviews. Boone is the best.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
On the planet - I don't believe :), but for USA is probably true. The situation in the EU is different. A lot of people test the Blade, but they don't decide to buy it, on the contrary, the Clash sells itself, without testing. The power of marketing.

Can you show us evidence of a lot of people in Europe demoing the blade and not buying it? I love how you make insanely unfounded claims on here constantly. Lol. Its comedy.
 

anfield

Semi-Pro
I could not get used to the balance of the stick. Even with a leather grip, I think it's tougher for those with OHBH. Even with gut/poly with the 16x19 I get more spin with my 16x20 Yonex. I'm putting it up on the boards.
 

AA7

Hall of Fame
I could not get used to the balance of the stick. Even with a leather grip, I think it's tougher for those with OHBH. Even with gut/poly with the 16x19 I get more spin with my 16x20 Yonex. I'm putting it up on the boards.
Have you used 4pt hl stick before?
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
I could not get used to the balance of the stick. Even with a leather grip, I think it's tougher for those with OHBH. Even with gut/poly with the 16x19 I get more spin with my 16x20 Yonex. I'm putting it up on the boards.

I found the 2015 Blade 18x20 to be fabulous on my OHBH... all personal really... but I also love my VCore 95D and Ezone DR98 on the BH side too...
 

anfield

Semi-Pro
Have you used 4pt hl stick before?
I had the PS97s for a bit, it felt better. With this, with leather and a bit of tungsten in the in under the trapdoor it still felt too HH for me. It's just more noticeable with the blade, not my thing.
 

Lozannois

Rookie
Looking forward to see the written review of the 18x20. Can we expect it this week end @TW Staff ?

Thank you
Cheers

Envoyé de mon ONEPLUS A5000 en utilisant Tapatalk
 

Gemini

Hall of Fame
I just picked up an 18x20 off the shelf at one of my local shops. Strung with Head Sonic Pro Edge 16 just to get something in it just to gauge the overall feel of the racquet.

My strung specs: 4-1/4 grip, 320 grams, 33.7 cm balance, approximately 335 swingweight (using the TW calculator).

The current sample size is too small to gauge if there's an improvement in Wilson's QC without investing in additional frames off the shelf. That investment depends on whether or not I like how the racquet plays. It's a bit too light in stock form for me. I'll add some electrical tape to reshape the handle and add a leather grip to see where the specs fall and go from there.
 
I have about 10 hours under my belt with the 16x19 V7 Blade. Having played or hit many of the Blades of the past, I find the V7 to play very similar to the 2015 16x19. The V7's I have spec out almost identical to the 2015's I played and performance wise, it's splitting hairs. The V7 has a softer, more muted feel and the more I hit with it the more I'm inclined to say I prefer it. The softer feel is most noticeable to me when I hit with relatively hard hitters. I'm playing with ALU Power @ 50lbs and experiencing no discomfort or arm fatigue. So far so good. Only thing I would change is the paint. I'd much prefer glossy over flat. Overall, I think this stick has what everyone expects from the Blade line. Good feel and control with a lot of stability and pop for a relatively light players frame.

I'd also note that either Wilson's QC has improved or I got lucky. The random pair I received came in unstrung at 306g/32.2cm/298sw and 307g/32.1cm/297sw.

You got lucky with the racquets when it came to quality control.
 
After 4 hours of hitting between the new Blade v7 18x20 and 2015 18x20, the jury is still out on which one is better which is a good sign unlike the Blade CV which I didn't like after hitting with it for an hour.

Initial thoughts is that it is going to depend on what you are looking for. The Blade v7 and 2015 model play slightly different and it may come down to preference as which is one you prefer. For me, I still need more time to figure out which racquet works best. I can't really go wrong with either one and each racquet has strong points and weak areas as well so it's just splitting hairs at the moment.

The Blade v7 feels like a Head PT 630 but with a bigger sweetspot. It hits the same type of ball. I am not saying it is the PT 630 as there is nothing like it but for a retail racquet, it comes close. I like the feel more than the 2015 model which says a lot about this racquet since the 2015 is pretty good.

Forehand of both slices and topspin were better on the v7 model but backhand slice and topspin favor the 2015 model. Perhaps I need more time to adjust to the new racquet.

On volleys, the v7 model was more solid and stable.

For those with two handed backhands, you will be happy with the new v7 model. It has better ergonomics with the throat not digging into your top hand when using a two handed backhand. But I struggled hitting my two handed backhands and slices weren't as low or penetrating.

I had both racquets strung up at 48lbs mains/44lbs crosses using Hawk Touch 17g.

If you have any questions, ask away.

Forever Blade!
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Excellent review - like.

Agree that the blade is pretty great on the 2 hander. For me i think it is the control of it combined with the plow that gives me a lot of confidence off that side.
 

Injured Again

Hall of Fame
Testing a Blade 98 v7 18X20 that belongs to a friend who is connected with Wilson. It was originally strung with Luxilon Smart string at a pretty low tension. To say I didn't like that string is an understatement. It had no grip on the ball in this dense pattern and I couldn't tell any difference between it and a regular string in how it was supposed to firm up or play soft depending on how hard the ball was hit. I cut it out and restrung it with my go-to Tourna Silver 7 Tour 17 gauge at 46 pounds. Had about a 30 minute ball machine session tonight.

I have no experience with any previous generation Blades as I was a Babolat player until the beginning of this year when I switched to the SW104. Countervail and arguments about what it adds or subtracts from a frame's feel is kind of lost on me because I've never had an extended hit with a Blade that didn't have it.

Two immediately obvious things. It's an inch shorter than the racquet I'm using, and it's also about 35 grams lighter. My current racquet has a swingweight of just under 350 and the Blade v7 18X20 is supposed to be 334, but it feels like it is less than that.

Hitting groundstrokes with it is kind of surprising. There's an unexpectedly high amount of power considering how light it feels. The impact feel is crisp with no extraneous vibrations. It's a very solid and dampened, but not muted, contact feel. I really wouldn't call it a plush feel though. The sweetspot feels large and wide for the size of frame, and seems located just slightly below the center of the stringbed. My SW104 doesn't have that lively, springy feel on impact, and that may be what countervail is removing from the feel. I had more troubles with my forehand than my backhand - my forehand is a more complicated stroke that can really go off when the timing is bad, and it was just hard to get the right timing with such a large weight difference from my normal racquet.

Volleys were tough for me. I kept mis-hitting high on the stringbed and there's just not enough mass for the racquet to make a good shot off that kind of contact - the ball tends to pop up and the racquet deflects a lot. Mis-hits off to the side also twist the racquet a fair amount. Catch the ball slightly low on the stringbed and there's really good feel with excellent control and ball speed.

Once I got used to the shorter racquet, slightly low sweetspot, and light swingweight, serves and overheads were good. The high power levels made it easy to generate pace, and the low twistweight made it feel easy to hold off pronation until the last moment, generating even more racquet head speed.

Launch angle is slightly lower than with my SW104 and its 18X19 pattern. The lack of mass in the hoop also made the Blade 98 feel less capable when trying to hit a looping topspin shot. It just doesn't feel like I can get the ball to compress and the strings to bite the ball the same way as with my heavier SW104. At the stock weight, it just feels like a better racquet for a flatter hitter. Underspin backhands had a tendency to float more as well, and lacked a bit of pace and penetration. That could likely be helped a bit by going down a few pounds in tension.

Overall, the v7 Blade 98 feels like a very good platform for customization. Other than the one inch shorter length, the other stability and plow through issues I had seemed like they could all be fixed by adding weight to the frame. I like the impact feel better than my SW104, which is pretty clublike and muted.

Here's four minutes of raw hitting against a ball machine.

 

BobbyDe

New User
After 4 hours of hitting between the new Blade v7 18x20 and 2015 18x20, the jury is still out on which one is better which is a good sign unlike the Blade CV which I didn't like after hitting with it for an hour.

Initial thoughts is that it is going to depend on what you are looking for. The Blade v7 and 2015 model play slightly different and it may come down to preference as which is one you prefer. For me, I still need more time to figure out which racquet works best. I can't really go wrong with either one and each racquet has strong points and weak areas as well so it's just splitting hairs at the moment.

The Blade v7 feels like a Head PT 630 but with a bigger sweetspot. It hits the same type of ball. I am not saying it is the PT 630 as there is nothing like it but for a retail racquet, it comes close. I like the feel more than the 2015 model which says a lot about this racquet since the 2015 is pretty good.

Forehand of both slices and topspin were better on the v7 model but backhand slice and topspin favor the 2015 model. Perhaps I need more time to adjust to the new racquet.

On volleys, the v7 model was more solid and stable.

For those with two handed backhands, you will be happy with the new v7 model. It has better ergonomics with the throat not digging into your top hand when using a two handed backhand. But I struggled hitting my two handed backhands and slices weren't as low or penetrating.

I had both racquets strung up at 48lbs mains/44lbs crosses using Hawk Touch 17g.

If you have any questions, ask away.

Forever Blade!
Which is softer , 2015 or v7? Love the 2015 blade but also appreciate the firmer feel of my ig Speed mps.
 

Holdfast44ID

Semi-Pro
I hit with the 16x19 for about three hours yesterday. I am adding 5g total to 3 & 9 and 5g behind the buttcap to see if it feels a little more stable when I hit today. The racquet weighs in at 11.8 oz now.

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Thanks! How are you liking your Blade so far?


4.5 hours in and I am quite happy. Need a few more weeks before I decide to go with it for sure. It will probably be the Blade or the Extreme MP. Different frames in terms of power and pattern but at similar weight and balance. The comfort level and control of the Blade gives it a solid advantage for me. Plus my backhand is so much easier to hit with the tighter pattern. Ill dial in the strings as well, going to try typhoon at 48#s next, some of my max power and then choose between using those or ordering another reel of RS Lyon. I’d like something that I can play with at around 45#s once the tension drops and RS so far has shown that it is a good candidate for that.
 

topspn

G.O.A.T.
I hit another 1.5hrs today and this frame is growing on me. Unfortunately, hitting partner didn’t want to do a practice set or two so relegated to just hitting around. Feel and connection is certainly a highlight as most have agreed. Pretty good stick for setting up points and looking for a put away. Really nice at net and having no trouble reacting quickly. Hitting wise it is a bit more forgiving then a TC95 or my Dahcor 97s. I am hitting with BBO @49lbs yet still this one is more realm of plush then other two. Will see how well it stakes up in matches to truly assess this frame
 
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EP1998

Semi-Pro
I have just got the 18/20 version and also the 100L version. I have customized the 100L straight away. A heat shrink sleeve to increase both weight, dampening and balance and some silicone inside the handle. Now unstrung weight is 310 grams and balance unstrung 31 cm sharp. Strung with Cyberflash 1.30 mm in 48 lbs. Will try this weekend.

Please report thoughts on 100L if possible! Thx
 

Gemini

Hall of Fame
After customizing to 343g/12.1 oz and 31.75cm/8 pts HL and 21.4kg/47 lbs, I took the 18x20 out for a test drive last night and again this morning. First impression is that it definitely shares the Clash line's comfort technology, but in a more responsive/"I know exactly where the ball is on the string bed" way. When I hit the Clashes, I felt the softness but didn't have a great sense of where I was making contact. The Blade solved that issue. Mind you, the response is firmer and I, personally, felt the racquet flex/give and then snap back which gave it probably the best feel/responsiveness of any frame that I've hit in a long time.

I know others have complained about the previous countervail version being muted to the point where you couldn't feel the ball on the strings. I have no experience with that version or any version after the BLX series but if lack of feel was an issue with the countervail this new version definitely remedies that.

Honestly, this frame worked well for my game. When I'm actively playing on a regular basis, I play as somewhat run-and-gun/shotmaking style of tennis a la Hicham Arazi/Marcelo Rios.

Some other thoughts:
1. This is definitely a control oriented frame. The frame rewards long/fast strokes. Even in its weighted up form, my frame still required me to put some effort into reflex shots such as block returns or quick volleys.
2. For an 18/20, I thought it delivered better than average spin. Could be a combination of the flex and the lower tension that let me hold the ball just a bit longer that helped.
3. Like the previous Blades, this one is no different in that it suits a wide variety of playing levels and if I were going to pick a racquet for an absolute beginner, I'd probably choose the Blade 16/19 or 18/20. These are frames that a player can absolutely "grow" into as their skills improve and the 62 flex is probably the sweetspot of being just flexible enough to be comfortable and just stiff enough to deliver decent power.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I hit another 1.5hrs today and this frame is growing on me. Unfortunately, hitting partner didn’t want to do a practice set or two so relegated to just hitting around. Feel and connection is certainly a highlight as most have agreed. Pretty good stick for setting up points and looking for a put away. Really nice at net and having no trouble reacting quickly. Hitting wise it is a bit more forgiving then a TC95 or my Dahcor 97s. I am hitting with BBO @49lbs yet still this one is more realm of plush then other two. Will see how well it stakes up in matches to truly assess this frame

Yeah I agree with this. I think the Blade is a frame for a player who likes to hit hard and values ball feel and control. A great pattern for the Blade is an i/o forehand followed by a backhand slice to the opposite side. It’s a nice pattern with any frame but the Blade lets me get it tighter to each side line, which helps open things up a little more. The frame has a really great balance of feel and power while still maintaining a nice light weight. Really great job by Wilson.
 
Which is softer , 2015 or v7? Love the 2015 blade but also appreciate the firmer feel of my ig Speed mps.

I would say the v7 is a bit softer and the 2015 is a bit crisp but this is only when compared to each other. I found that the 2015 model is pretty arm friendly so really small difference. I need more time on the court with the v7 to get a better idea since I am been playing with the 2015 for a long time.
 

gutfeeling

Hall of Fame
Caved and bought two 18x20s. Will do an extended demo of the one that is closest to spec. If I decide to keep it hopefully the other one will be somewhat close enough in spec that I can match it to the first. Here we go!
 
After customizing to 343g/12.1 oz and 31.75cm/8 pts HL and 21.4kg/47 lbs, I took the 18x20 out for a test drive last night and again this morning. First impression is that it definitely shares the Clash line's comfort technology, but in a more responsive/"I know exactly where the ball is on the string bed" way. When I hit the Clashes, I felt the softness but didn't have a great sense of where I was making contact. The Blade solved that issue. Mind you, the response is firmer and I, personally, felt the racquet flex/give and then snap back which gave it probably the best feel/responsiveness of any frame that I've hit in a long time.

I know others have complained about the previous countervail version being muted to the point where you couldn't feel the ball on the strings. I have no experience with that version or any version after the BLX series but if lack of feel was an issue with the countervail this new version definitely remedies that.

Honestly, this frame worked well for my game. When I'm actively playing on a regular basis, I play as somewhat run-and-gun/shotmaking style of tennis a la Hicham Arazi/Marcelo Rios.

Some other thoughts:
1. This is definitely a control oriented frame. The frame rewards long/fast strokes. Even in its weighted up form, my frame still required me to put some effort into reflex shots such as block returns or quick volleys.
2. For an 18/20, I thought it delivered better than average spin. Could be a combination of the flex and the lower tension that let me hold the ball just a bit longer that helped.
3. Like the previous Blades, this one is no different in that it suits a wide variety of playing levels and if I were going to pick a racquet for an absolute beginner, I'd probably choose the Blade 16/19 or 18/20. These are frames that a player can absolutely "grow" into as their skills improve and the 62 flex is probably the sweetspot of being just flexible enough to be comfortable and just stiff enough to deliver decent power.

Like!
 

BobbyDe

New User
I would say the v7 is a bit softer and the 2015 is a bit crisp but this is only when compared to each other. I found that the 2015 model is pretty arm friendly so really small difference. I need more time on the court with the v7 to get a better idea since I am been playing with the 2015 for a long time.
Thanks.
 

BBender716

Professional
Man, trying to decide between 18x20 and 16x19. Lots of people enjoying the 18x20 here but I've been playing 16x19 on my TC95...

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
 

DANMAN

Professional
Hit again with my 16x19 today. Played much better. I was much more impressed with the frame today. Great pace and control of the forehand with good spin. I lacked a little spin on my two handed but was hitting much better slices with more time with the frame. This frame volleys well and has really good feel at the net. I didn’t hit any serves today but feel that the frame is very on par with the pure strike project one 7 I had been playing with in terms of most attributes but is definitely more comfortable.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Man, trying to decide between 18x20 and 16x19. Lots of people enjoying the 18x20 here but I've been playing 16x19 on my TC95...

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

If you struggle with the Angell K7 Lime, the Blade 18x20 is a tight pattern with a beefy SW. I like it a lot but, I'd probably enjoy the K7 Lime too. Blade's balance is going to be more head heavy and you will need to be cool with that. Bonus is the feel is very classic and it plays rather big for being soft. But if you can generate the tip speed it won't matter. 16x19 would probably be more ideal.
 

BBender716

Professional
If you struggle with the Angell K7 Lime, the Blade 18x20 is a tight pattern with a beefy SW. I like it a lot but, I'd probably enjoy the K7 Lime too. Blade's balance is going to be more head heavy and you will need to be cool with that. Bonus is the feel is very classic and it plays rather big for being soft. But if you can generate the tip speed it won't matter. 16x19 would probably be more ideal.
Awesome. Ty!

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
 

BobbyDe

New User
You haven’t by any chance played with the prince tour 100 310? Im trying to decide whether to go with that or the new blade. Long time Head ig Speed mp user but looking for something with more oval shaped head and bit beefier which I think will help on approach shots and net play. Dug out my old 2015 blade and it felt great, but then on going back to my speeds I really appreciated the firmer feel. Can’t demo where I am. Heart says blade, head says prince tour 310 due to higher stiffness.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
You haven’t by any chance played with the prince tour 100 310? Im trying to decide whether to go with that or the new blade. Long time Head ig Speed mp user but looking for something with more oval shaped head and bit beefier which I think will help on approach shots and net play. Dug out my old 2015 blade and it felt great, but then on going back to my speeds I really appreciated the firmer feel. Can’t demo where I am. Heart says blade, head says prince tour 310 due to higher stiffness.

What balance and SW do you prefer? Prince is a little heavier, more HL, lighter SW compared to the lighter Blade with the more HH balance and bigger SW.
 

topspn

G.O.A.T.
You guys are getting on my nerves :rolleyes: I have my Dahcors, ASL2 on the way and blade 16x19. I don’t want to grab a blade 18x20 as I am generally not for that string pattern anyway but am intrigued :X3:
 

AA7

Hall of Fame
You haven’t by any chance played with the prince tour 100 310? Im trying to decide whether to go with that or the new blade. Long time Head ig Speed mp user but looking for something with more oval shaped head and bit beefier which I think will help on approach shots and net play. Dug out my old 2015 blade and it felt great, but then on going back to my speeds I really appreciated the firmer feel. Can’t demo where I am. Heart says blade, head says prince tour 310 due to higher stiffness.
Prince is not going to feel stiffer if that's what you mean.. twaron is really magic... plays like 61... but will get you power more. Like @Power Player said they are actually quite a bit different frames.. prince is a superb all rounder... does everything fairly well. Its heavier but it will feel actually much lighter (320 swingweight)... I just had a hit with 18x20 blade... 2.5 hours.. Balance and sw is new to me. I loved it. People non stop complemented my strokes. Evem my coach said thay was one of my best hits.. This control/precision is really addictive. I cant quite whip it around like I can do my prince but I can live with that... mine has yonex overgrip + dampener which adds 8 gr and keeps the balance stock.. it came 4pts. I added about 6gr to handle to get it to more like 5pts hl... now it weighs 337gr. more up my alley with the balance
However my forearm is hurting now. Not due to stifness. I think higher sw is not something I am used to... I am hoping I will grow out of it... did do bunch of flexbar and some weight extension exercises to stay on top of it. I loved the frame. Ton of power and insane control.. really really precise frame. Will update with more hits.
 

AA7

Hall of Fame
You guys are getting on my nerves :rolleyes: I have my Dahcors, ASL2 on the way and blade 16x19. I don’t want to grab a blade 18x20 as I am generally not for that string pattern anyway but am intrigued :X3:
This blade 18x20 precision is addictive
 

macguyvur

Rookie
After customizing to 343g/12.1 oz and 31.75cm/8 pts HL and 21.4kg/47 lbs, I took the 18x20 out for a test drive last night and again this morning. First impression is that it definitely shares the Clash line's comfort technology, but in a more responsive/"I know exactly where the ball is on the string bed" way. When I hit the Clashes, I felt the softness but didn't have a great sense of where I was making contact. The Blade solved that issue. Mind you, the response is firmer and I, personally, felt the racquet flex/give and then snap back which gave it probably the best feel/responsiveness of any frame that I've hit in a long time.

I know others have complained about the previous countervail version being muted to the point where you couldn't feel the ball on the strings. I have no experience with that version or any version after the BLX series but if lack of feel was an issue with the countervail this new version definitely remedies that.

Honestly, this frame worked well for my game. When I'm actively playing on a regular basis, I play as somewhat run-and-gun/shotmaking style of tennis a la Hicham Arazi/Marcelo Rios.

Some other thoughts:
1. This is definitely a control oriented frame. The frame rewards long/fast strokes. Even in its weighted up form, my frame still required me to put some effort into reflex shots such as block returns or quick volleys.
2. For an 18/20, I thought it delivered better than average spin. Could be a combination of the flex and the lower tension that let me hold the ball just a bit longer that helped.
3. Like the previous Blades, this one is no different in that it suits a wide variety of playing levels and if I were going to pick a racquet for an absolute beginner, I'd probably choose the Blade 16/19 or 18/20. These are frames that a player can absolutely "grow" into as their skills improve and the 62 flex is probably the sweetspot of being just flexible enough to be comfortable and just stiff enough to deliver decent power.

What a great review! I will be considering the 16x19, and I hope I can get it to 7-8pts headlight with a static weight of 335 including leather and OG, which would give me a little room to add a touch of weight to the hoop if necessary.
 
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