macguyvur
Rookie
You guys are getting on my nervesI 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
Haha get it get it get it!
2019 Wilson Blade
- Thread starter TennisCounrty
- Start date
Haha get it get it get it!
Haha yup... this forum is why I have way more frames than I should have at homeDo you now see why you’re annoying?Just kidding!
Honestly the K7 lime is the easiest playing 18x20 frame out there, by a lot! It plays so much easier than my Ultra Tour or 2015 Blades. Dont buy the Blade 18x20 if you thought the K7 lime was difficult to play with, you will be disappointed.
bertrevert
Legend
Clash does have a vagueness where you sorta wonder where is it in the sweetspot? So in the Blade you reckon a fb of poly is still going to be ok on sensitive elbows?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
You will get used to the sw if you stay with it. The beauty of it is that you can control the stroke a little more and not over swing and you wont lose power on your shots.
The next level is once you get used to it and start plowing the ball. Once i got dialed in with my 2011 blade i was able to get the sharpest drops on the ball. It really has a lot of spin and the ball wont sit up too high after.
parasailing
Legend
2 more hours on the tennis court hitting with the Blade v7 18x20 and liking it more. I'm still struggling with hitting backhand slices as they don't penetrate the court and sit a bit higher than my 2015 model but my two handed backhand is getting more dialed in.
Forehands are better because you actually feel more connected when striking the ball. The Blade v7 is a bit softer which helps with dwell time compared to the 2015 Blade. I feel that I can strike a better ball with the Blade v7.
The only area where the 2015 Blade holds the edge is maneuverability but that might be due to using the same racquet for the past 4 years and this one, I haven't had a chance to use it long enough to adjust yet.
Still in the honeymoon phase and haven't had a chance to try volleys or serves so probably another 10 to 20 hours before deciding whether this will replace my 2015 model but things are looking promising.
Forehands are better because you actually feel more connected when striking the ball. The Blade v7 is a bit softer which helps with dwell time compared to the 2015 Blade. I feel that I can strike a better ball with the Blade v7.
The only area where the 2015 Blade holds the edge is maneuverability but that might be due to using the same racquet for the past 4 years and this one, I haven't had a chance to use it long enough to adjust yet.
Still in the honeymoon phase and haven't had a chance to try volleys or serves so probably another 10 to 20 hours before deciding whether this will replace my 2015 model but things are looking promising.
topspn
G.O.A.T.
lol..really I’m tempted just don’t know how I can juggle more then 3 racquets right now.
dgoran
Hall of Fame
I went out to serve for 2 hrs to compare gravity pro and Blade and in the beginning I ended up going back and forth liking one minute blade and other minute gravity pro... I simply could not decide. I would be happy with either...
Blade is still with 4g and it has softened. Its down to 42 now and Gravity with typhoon was at 45lb. Blade really feels like a pro stock racquet now. Really nice. Maybe in between pt57 and h22 in terms of pop just way easier to use.
I noticed blade is flexing differently than the gravity pro. Blade has more hoop give and Gravity Pro has totally uniform flex. Blade is more powerful where gravity kind of helps keep the ball in by taking away pop.
Not sure if that is the string or what but just my observation.
What surprised me the most as the hours were ticking by that towards the end I could only serve with Blade. My back was too weak for Gravity.
Gravity was easier to achieve variety and kicks (when I was fresh) Blade was more precise.
My conclusions are that as far as serving is concerned I have to stay with Blade if I want to stay competitive at my fitness level. Gravity is a better choice for somebody in better shape or who plays at least 2 times a week . I think Gravity would really shine in College kids hands. I simply don't have time to stay competitive with this racquet no matter how much I like it.
I still have to play a full match with each to compare side by side but unless gravity has way better feel on ground strokes I am going to go with Blade.
Blade is still with 4g and it has softened. Its down to 42 now and Gravity with typhoon was at 45lb. Blade really feels like a pro stock racquet now. Really nice. Maybe in between pt57 and h22 in terms of pop just way easier to use.
I noticed blade is flexing differently than the gravity pro. Blade has more hoop give and Gravity Pro has totally uniform flex. Blade is more powerful where gravity kind of helps keep the ball in by taking away pop.
Not sure if that is the string or what but just my observation.
What surprised me the most as the hours were ticking by that towards the end I could only serve with Blade. My back was too weak for Gravity.
Gravity was easier to achieve variety and kicks (when I was fresh) Blade was more precise.
My conclusions are that as far as serving is concerned I have to stay with Blade if I want to stay competitive at my fitness level. Gravity is a better choice for somebody in better shape or who plays at least 2 times a week . I think Gravity would really shine in College kids hands. I simply don't have time to stay competitive with this racquet no matter how much I like it.
I still have to play a full match with each to compare side by side but unless gravity has way better feel on ground strokes I am going to go with Blade.
parasailing
Legend
I also tried out the Gravity Pro and currently testing the new Blade. Your review is pretty spot on regrading both racquets. Power wise, the Blade takes left effort to generate power whereas the Gravity Pro requires more racquet speed to generate the same amount of power.
I had both racquets with the same string so I can confirm that Blade is more powerful than Gravity Pro. It just plows through the ball better than the Pro unless you can generate a lot of racquet head speed on your shots.
If you want power and less effort on your shots, go with the Blade. The Gravity Pro is very whippy and more manueverable than the Blade. Both great racquets so it really comes down to what you are looking for in a racquet.
dgoran
Hall of Fame
I remembered your words when I was hitting today lol ... “...damn he was right...”
parasailing
Legend
LOL.
Tennusdude
Semi-Pro
Tested the 98 18x20, 16x19 and the 100L All had less POP and connection to ball than previous models. I guess if you like the muted feel of the clash you will alps like the new blade.
Lozannois
Rookie
Wilson Blade 98 V7 (16 x 19) Racket Review - The Tennis Bros
Read Our Brutally Honest Wilson Blade 98 V7 (16 x 19) Racket Review. Read Leading Tennis Equipment Reviews at TheTennisBros.com. Click Here!
thetennisbros.com
New Review guys ! Interesting to see the difference between this review and the one from TW
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tennis347
Hall of Fame
Wilson Blade 98 V7 (16 x 19) Racket Review - The Tennis Bros
Read Our Brutally Honest Wilson Blade 98 V7 (16 x 19) Racket Review. Read Leading Tennis Equipment Reviews at TheTennisBros.com. Click Here!
New Review guys ! Interesting to see the difference between this review and the one from TW
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Great review. It’s definitely overall more positive than the TW review which was a mixed bag.
I can see that the new Blade 16 x 19 v7 clearly has an edge from the CV for feel and comfort as well a little more pop and similar control. The low flex rating along with the feel and some additional pop is appealing to me. I used the 2015 Blade for a while and liked a lot but it was a little too HH.
The newer version is a little more HL. The only modification for me would possibly be adding a few grams of lead to the butt of the handle to make it a drop more headlight. I think Wilson has made a real winner! My racquet is expected for delivery on Weds and truly looking forward to playing with it!!
BBender716
Professional
To set the record straight here, I think for me at least, the feel was just jarringly muted and my own fault was also stringing it way too high for a closed pattern, low flex frame. I'm still going to end up going with the 16x19 most likely but I'm not super concerned. I still have the 2015 Blade I demo'd 4 years ago stuck in my head (ultimately went with the 6.1).
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Honestly..I'd say yes. I think a fullbed of poly would play comfortably even for players with sensitive joints, but given the lack of static mass I would string low with a softer poly. I don't have any elbow issues so I'm not an authority in this area. As mentioned previously, mine is string with Head Sonic Pro Edge 16 at 47 lbs. With this string, 18/20 plays remarkably well --comfort, feel and just enough power/spin for my tastes.
My usual string is Solinco Revolution 16 if that helps with a comparison.
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Thanks! I have been following these guys a while . I like their reviews quite a bit in general...Wilson Blade 98 V7 (16 x 19) Racket Review - The Tennis Bros
Read Our Brutally Honest Wilson Blade 98 V7 (16 x 19) Racket Review. Read Leading Tennis Equipment Reviews at TheTennisBros.com. Click Here!
New Review guys ! Interesting to see the difference between this review and the one from TW
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DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
Wilson Blade 98 V7 (16 x 19) Racket Review - The Tennis Bros
Read Our Brutally Honest Wilson Blade 98 V7 (16 x 19) Racket Review. Read Leading Tennis Equipment Reviews at TheTennisBros.com. Click Here!
New Review guys ! Interesting to see the difference between this review and the one from TW
Envoyé de mon ONEPLUS A5000 en utilisant Tapatalk
Thanks for the review.
The Tennis Bros
Thetennisbros.com aim to do all the hard work reviewing tennis rackets so you don't have to. We provide video reviews of all the major racket brands, includi...
www.youtube.com
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Thx...wonder if I should pick up 98L while they are still around...
Power Player
Bionic Poster
What tension would you suggest Typhoon in the Blade? I was thinking around 48/46.
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
TW Staff
Administrator
topspn
G.O.A.T.
Sorry Brittany, I’d like to give your post a like but can’t anymore
ChaelAZ
G.O.A.T.
Thanks Brittany. Supposed to have one to demo by tomorrow so interesting to see what others think. I don't expect muhc difference form the 16x19 I hit with, but as an 18x20 user, we will see.
ChaelAZ
G.O.A.T.
Sorry Brittany, I’d like to give your post a like but can’t anymore
Amen. Exactly.
haha.... yes I "like" Britanny's post as well. I also would like to "like" your post.... Who knew life w/out "likes" was so debilitating..Sorry Brittany, I’d like to give your post a like but can’t anymore
Lozannois
Rookie
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
Likes increase narcissist behavior. People checking their posts like heroin addicts on various social junk apps. We don’t need this here. It was a good move by TW
Fxanimator1
Hall of Fame
So I hit with the new Blade 16x19 yesterday...
In a nutshell, I am buy more. The set up I use is Wilson NXT Power 16 in the mains and Cream 16 in the crosses, at 54 lbs. I also added 12 gm into the handle, which is down 8 gm from my current 16x19 Countervail Blades. So the static weight is 336 and the balance 33 cm.
This new Blade is extremely solid at contact, it feels like a pro stock.
My Countervail Blades feel more flexible to me, but it could be the extra weight in the hoop and the fact that they're 2 years old. The new Blade V7 doesn't feel like it needs weight in the hoop for my liking.
It is so solid that all other racquets feel like toys compared to this. No damper needed or wanted in this frame, as there is no pinging, rattling of flimsy-ness in the V7 at all.
My wife used for a half hour and is getting 2 for herself, she is currently an Ultra Tour user, but she could tell immediately that this is a better racquet for her, I could also tell from my side she was hitting
a heavier more consistent ball with the Blade.
The launch angle on this 16x19 seems a little higher than on my CV ones, so a bit of adjustment happened there, but it really hits a nice ball.
If I had to describe it in one word it would be "solid".
We also did the Clash tour when it came to the USTA campus in Orlando. The Clash felt fairly solid, but you were never exactly sure where all the power was going to direct the ball, it would go on target mostly, but you would get a few strays in there too. Not with the Blade V7.
Wilson did a really good job on this one.
In a nutshell, I am buy more. The set up I use is Wilson NXT Power 16 in the mains and Cream 16 in the crosses, at 54 lbs. I also added 12 gm into the handle, which is down 8 gm from my current 16x19 Countervail Blades. So the static weight is 336 and the balance 33 cm.
This new Blade is extremely solid at contact, it feels like a pro stock.
My Countervail Blades feel more flexible to me, but it could be the extra weight in the hoop and the fact that they're 2 years old. The new Blade V7 doesn't feel like it needs weight in the hoop for my liking.
It is so solid that all other racquets feel like toys compared to this. No damper needed or wanted in this frame, as there is no pinging, rattling of flimsy-ness in the V7 at all.
My wife used for a half hour and is getting 2 for herself, she is currently an Ultra Tour user, but she could tell immediately that this is a better racquet for her, I could also tell from my side she was hitting
a heavier more consistent ball with the Blade.
The launch angle on this 16x19 seems a little higher than on my CV ones, so a bit of adjustment happened there, but it really hits a nice ball.
If I had to describe it in one word it would be "solid".
We also did the Clash tour when it came to the USTA campus in Orlando. The Clash felt fairly solid, but you were never exactly sure where all the power was going to direct the ball, it would go on target mostly, but you would get a few strays in there too. Not with the Blade V7.
Wilson did a really good job on this one.
grhcan99
Semi-Pro
Good feedback. Be interested to know how you felt comfort-wise between the two? Which to you felt plusher/softer? I just got the Pro. My current stick is the C10 Pro. While both racquets to me were equal in practically all areas (stability, power, control, spin) I had to admit the C10 Pro trumps the GPro in comfort. C10 Pro felt more plush. I strung both with the same string using Sergetti with C10 at 45/43 and GPro at 45. I do consider that the C10's strings have a few more hours on it maybe at least 5 hrs. while I played the GPro same day after I strung it. So I'll keep hitting with the GPro and see what happens after strings have stretched a bit.
ChaelAZ
G.O.A.T.
Likes increase narcissist behavior. People checking their posts like heroin addicts on various social junk apps. We don’t need this here. It was a good move by TW
Like
Fxanimator1
Hall of Fame
I "Like" this!Likes increase narcissist behavior. People checking their posts like heroin addicts on various social junk apps. We don’t need this here. It was a good move by TW
FedGR
Professional
Put another 1,5 hour on the racket and my impressions haven't changed. The racket is super solid, OHBH is phenomenal, serve takes some effort. I predict that a lot of people will like this but also a bunch will think it's not the easiest racket to play with. And it wasn't meant to be this way so all good.
Comfort is great, feel at impact is excellent. I still haven't fine tuned my slicing though.
I also heard people complaining about their FHs with this stick? My opinion is that they like their BHs a lot and they go for too much on the FH side.
Comfort is great, feel at impact is excellent. I still haven't fine tuned my slicing though.
I also heard people complaining about their FHs with this stick? My opinion is that they like their BHs a lot and they go for too much on the FH side.
Tennusdude
Semi-Pro
Actually I think Wilson revolve on the mains and sensation on the crosses works well on the 16 by 19 but not so much on the 18 x 20 that I would use something like 18 gauge black widow and the full string bed on the 18 x 20 strung at 50 lb whereas is 16 by 19 string between 50 and 55
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I'm still sorting that out myself but I really liked Rs Lyon at 45#s so far. Trying Typhoon next at a slightly higher tension and then I will probably wrap things up with Max power rough.
Holdfast44ID
Semi-Pro
I think I posted this already but cannot tell if there were no "likes". Anyway, my first day hitting with the 16x19, it felt a little unstable. So I added tungsten tape to 3 and 9 (5g total) and 5g behind the buttcap. With 10g weight added, the racquet came in at 11.8 oz. I hit for 2 1/2 hours the next day and the difference was night and day. Much more stable and more plow through. Good control with power. Used a full-bed of poly at 47 lbs. I previously hit with the Clash 98, Pure Strike 16x19 (Project " whatever") and the RF 97 the past four years.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
parasailing
Legend
How does it compare to the rf 97 in terms of comfort and power?
If you added lead to the hoop, that means you probably around sw of 340.
What type of poly string and tension did you have the racquet strung?
I think 16x19 swingweight is 328 (vs 18x20 is 334)... he also added counter-weight under the buttcap... so net net balance is probably little bit more headlight... my guess would be that 330sw at best...
BBender716
Professional
Just bought my Blade 16x19. Going with gut/soft poly combo to start! I'm pumped.
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Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
Holdfast44ID
Semi-Pro
Easier on the arm for sure. I'd say a little more power but with control. This stick was strung with Signum Pro Experience 17g at 47 lbs. I also have GrappleSnake strings in my two other Blades but am waiting to get more tungsten tape to put on them.
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anfield
Semi-Pro
100% the Lime is the best 18x20 I've ever played, I might go back to it one day. Just wish the pattern was more open or Angell made it in 16x20.
anfield
Semi-Pro
For sure, imagine if TW brought in the downvote?
