2019 Wilson Blade

Holdfast44ID

Holdfast44ID

Semi-Pro
Do any of you find the 18x20 v7 is perfectly stable in stock form or did you need to add a little lead tape? At around 11.5 oz strung, it just seems like it would still get pushed around. 11.7 oz seems like a good weight for these sticks. On the 18x20, I'd probably add equal weight at 12 and inside the buttcap to retain the same balance. In stock form, it feels very light even though it is head heavy. Hopefully, no rain this weekend so I can test it out (two weeks without hitting!).
 
M

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
Holdfast44ID said:
Do any of you find the 18x20 v7 is perfectly stable in stock form or did you need to add a little lead tape? At around 11.5 oz strung, it just seems like it would still get pushed around. 11.7 oz seems like a good weight for these sticks. On the 18x20, I'd probably add equal weight at 12 and inside the buttcap to retain the same balance. In stock form, it feels very light even though it is head heavy. Hopefully, no rain this weekend so I can test it out (two weeks without hitting!).
Click to expand...
Very stable in stock form for me and I asked for the lightest SW stick the store had on hand. Are you finding that you are getting pushed around? Or you just feel it would based on the static weight?
 
Holdfast44ID

Holdfast44ID

Semi-Pro
mad dog1 said:
Very stable in stock form for me and I asked for the lightest SW stick the store had on hand. Are you finding that you are getting pushed around? Or you just feel it would based on the static weight?
Click to expand...
I have some new 18x20 frames and will hit with them this weekend for the first time. I have several 16x19 frames and had to add weight to make them feel more stable. So it is a little disconcerting to feel the weight difference between frames. Just looking forward to more control and plow with the 18x20 sticks. I might keep the 16x19s as backups.

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
 
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Holdfast44ID

Holdfast44ID

Semi-Pro
AA7 said:
Heheh. Did you end up playing with 18x20 yet?

I gave v7 16x19 a shot today... easier power but not as much plow/power when going all out... i actually do not find massive difference in feel at all.. feels like the same racquet with little bit easier power and slightly less control but i like swinging away with v7 18x20 better.. i have a bit higher confidence swinging with it..both great...
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Will do so this weekend, weather permitting. :)

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
 
G

gutfeeling

Semi-Pro
Holdfast44ID said:
Do any of you find the 18x20 v7 is perfectly stable in stock form or did you need to add a little lead tape? At around 11.5 oz strung, it just seems like it would still get pushed around. 11.7 oz seems like a good weight for these sticks. On the 18x20, I'd probably add equal weight at 12 and inside the buttcap to retain the same balance. In stock form, it feels very light even though it is head heavy. Hopefully, no rain this weekend so I can test it out (two weeks without hitting!).
Click to expand...
It really depends on the swingweight. My 18x20s are 328 grams with overgrip but swingweight is 334. Balance is 3.5 points HL. They do not get pushed around against 4.5s and 5.0s. Maybe they would at a higher level of play but that’s not my use case.
 
ChaelAZ

ChaelAZ

Legend
Holdfast44ID said:
Do any of you find the 18x20 v7 is perfectly stable in stock form or did you need to add a little lead tape?
Click to expand...
Super stabel for me, but I did test lead in the butt cap to fudge balance. Scrapped that though and hit stock now.

For me this would be an ideal stick if it was the exact same frame, but with the balance ****fed more HL.
 
djNEiGht

djNEiGht

Hall of Fame
Holdfast44ID said:
Do any of you find the 18x20 v7 is perfectly stable in stock form or did you need to add a little lead tape? At around 11.5 oz strung, it just seems like it would still get pushed around. 11.7 oz seems like a good weight for these sticks. On the 18x20, I'd probably add equal weight at 12 and inside the buttcap to retain the same balance. In stock form, it feels very light even though it is head heavy. Hopefully, no rain this weekend so I can test it out (two weeks without hitting!).
Click to expand...
I found it played well in stock form. I prefer the feel of a leather grip and don't mind it being a bit more HL. I've done that and found the RHS on serves to improve for me. I might add some putty to see how that does for more of a change in balance. This racquet (as well as the TF40) I've noticed is very stable for a sub 12 oz racquet. I don't always hit a clean ball and this helps me a bunch
 
M

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
Holdfast44ID said:
I have some new 18x20 frames and will hit with them this weekend for the first time. I have several 16x19 frames and had to add weight to make them feel more stable. So it is a little disconcerting to feel the weight difference between frames. Just looking forward to more control and plow with the 18x20 sticks. I might keep the 16x19s as backups.

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
The 16/19 I had fluttered on groundstrokes against moderate pace and had no stability at all on volleys. The 18/20 (I requested the lowest SW) has no stability issues at all.
 
P

parasailing

Hall of Fame
Holdfast44ID said:
Do any of you find the 18x20 v7 is perfectly stable in stock form or did you need to add a little lead tape? At around 11.5 oz strung, it just seems like it would still get pushed around. 11.7 oz seems like a good weight for these sticks. On the 18x20, I'd probably add equal weight at 12 and inside the buttcap to retain the same balance. In stock form, it feels very light even though it is head heavy. Hopefully, no rain this weekend so I can test it out (two weeks without hitting!).
Click to expand...
In stock form it plays great so long as the SW with strings is not beyond 330 to 335 for me. I like an underspec Blade as well so I can keep the racquet head whippier by adding a little more weight in the handle making it more polarized and headlight and easier to swing. 2 of my Blade v7 have SW around 330-332 and 1 of my Blade v7 is SW of 343 and I found it a bit more sluggish to swing.

The Blade is just a solid racquet that gets even better with added weight in the handle. If you keep putting in time to improve your game, the Blade will be the racquet that will reward you for your effort.
 
Holdfast44ID

Holdfast44ID

Semi-Pro
parasailing said:
In stock form it plays great so long as the SW with strings is not beyond 330 to 335 for me. I like an underspec Blade as well so I can keep the racquet head whippier by adding a little more weight in the handle making it more polarized and headlight and easier to swing. 2 of my Blade v7 have SW around 330-332 and 1 of my Blade v7 is SW of 343 and I found it a bit more sluggish to swing.

The Blade is just a solid racquet that gets even better with added weight in the handle. If you keep putting in time to improve your game, the Blade will be the racquet that will reward you for your effort.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the feedback. I used to be a 5.5 many (many, many) years ago and still can hit big shots. I just can't run like I used to (working on that) lol. I used to play with 12.5 oz Pro Staffs but I think Blades around 11.7 oz is my current sweet spot. The 18x20 has a little added weight at 12 and behind the buttcap bringing it in at 332 grams strung. I'll test it with the added weight and without it. I have not set up a way to test actual swing weight.
 
P

parasailing

Hall of Fame
Holdfast44ID said:
Thanks for the feedback. I used to be a 5.5 many (many, many) years ago and still can hit big shots. I just can't run like I used to (working on that) lol. I used to play with 12.5 oz Pro Staffs but I think Blades around 11.7 oz is my current sweet spot. The 18x20 has a little added weight at 12 and behind the buttcap bringing it in at 332 grams strung. I'll test it with the added weight and without it. I have not set up a way to test actual swing weight.
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The is a manual way to measure SW that you can probably find on this forum but see if you can find your local tennis shop who would be willing to do this for you. I think Blade around 11.7oz is pretty solid and I think you will like some weight in the handle as it makes it easier to swing. The Blade has plenty of SW in the hoop so I don't think you will need lead tape for that.
 
Crisp

Crisp

Professional
gutfeeling said:
Generally not a huge fan of 4G, but in this frame it works really nicely.
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I used Alu rough for a really long time and then tried quite a few different polys, red code wax was a good one but 4g seemed to last and last tension wise and felt really good too so I made the switch to that.
 
Power Player

Power Player

Talk Tennis Guru
Holdfast44ID said:
Do any of you find the 18x20 v7 is perfectly stable in stock form or did you need to add a little lead tape? At around 11.5 oz strung, it just seems like it would still get pushed around. 11.7 oz seems like a good weight for these sticks. On the 18x20, I'd probably add equal weight at 12 and inside the buttcap to retain the same balance. In stock form, it feels very light even though it is head heavy. Hopefully, no rain this weekend so I can test it out (two weeks without hitting!).
Click to expand...
There are pros playing with 305 racquets. So thats not an issue. The main thing is the swingweight, which i would suggest getting as high as you can handle.

The blade feels light but swings with serious plow. Thats why i love it so much.
 
P

parasailing

Hall of Fame
The amazing thing about the Blade v7 18x20 is that it has great plow and stability yet swings effortlessly and comfortable on the arm which is very unique. I don't think I ever tried a racquet with all these characteristics.

Add Hyper-G string 17G strings and you got yourself a racquet with control, spin, stability, and comfort all in a single racquet.
 
Holdfast44ID

Holdfast44ID

Semi-Pro
Power Player said:
There are pros playing with 305 racquets. So thats not an issue. The main thing is the swingweight, which i would suggest getting as high as you can handle.

The blade feels light but swings with serious plow. Thats why i love it so much.
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Yeah. I might find it plays fine at 11.5 oz with no extra weight. I'll try it at 11.7 oz and 11.5 oz to see what the difference is on the court. It felt light at 11.5 so, in my head, I was thinking it might not be stable on the court without a little lead tape and putty. I can feel the slightest in changes to my racquets...

Finally, no rain in the schedule for this weekend here after being rained out the last two weekends! :)

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
 
Znak

Znak

Professional
My first time with champions choice, strung it at 55/50 — I was surprised I didn't love it at first but at the 5hr mark when the tension had dropped and settled by 3.5 lbs all I can say is wow.

It's interesting because I found there was only an hour break in period when using NRG2 and Sensation.

I don't know if I love the crispness of alu rough (I'm sure I'm in an extreme minority), I think I preferred 4g and RS Lyon so far in this racquet.

Next time I might string it at 48/54 or 53?
 
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S

soundofatrain

New User
gutfeeling said:
It really depends on the swingweight. My 18x20s are 328 grams with overgrip but swingweight is 334. Balance is 3.5 points HL. They do not get pushed around against 4.5s and 5.0s. Maybe they would at a higher level of play but that’s not my use case.
Click to expand...
How did you measure the SW? I recently purchased an 18x20 to test against the 16x19 and I am finding it takes a little more effort to swing the 18x20, anyone else notice this? i am beginning to wonder if I might have an above spec model?
 
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McGradey

McGradey

New User
soundofatrain said:
How did you measure the SW? I recently purchased an 18x20 to test against the 16x19 and I am finding it takes a little more effort to swing the 18x20, anyone else notice this? i am beginning to wonder if I might have an above spec model?
Click to expand...
I think the 18x20 has a higher SW because there is more weight in the head from the strings. So it'll feel heavier to swing as a result.
Not sure if the layup of the frame is identical other than that.
18x20 also has a higher twistweight.


See below:

 
Classic-TXP-IG MID

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
McGradey said:
I think the 18x20 has a higher SW because there is more weight in the head from the strings. So it'll feel heavier to swing as a result.
Not sure if the layup of the frame is identical other than that.
18x20 also has a higher twistweight.


See below:

Click to expand...
This Comparison Tool says it all. The 18x20 has the same weight, same balance, higher SW, same flex, higher TW, less vibration, more power, and a larger Sweet Zone. Game over from where I'm seating.
 
Hmnnn

Hmnnn

New User
I bought the 18x20 to replace my old T-Fight 315 Ltd. With the lead I had on the Tec the two had similar sw and balance, while the Tec is about 10g heavier. Both strung with Tour Bite Soft @48 lbs. The Blade has loads more power, and I love the feel, but am hitting forehands and first serves consistently long. I also love that the sweet spot on the Blade is bigger than the Tec’s (easier on the arm when off-center), and I don’t want to give up on it yet, but I have find a way to tame it.
 
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G

gutfeeling

Semi-Pro
soundofatrain said:
How did you measure the SW? I recently purchased an 18x20 to test against the 16x19 and I am finding it takes a little more effort to swing the 18x20, anyone else notice this? i am beginning to wonder if I might have an above spec model?
Click to expand...
I measure sw with a diagnostic machine called an Alpha Accuswing 2. It’s the cheaper alternative to the Babolat RDC with less features. There are other methods that do not require machines but I do not think they are as reliable.

I honestly think the 18x20 and 16x19 are the same layup i.e. materials and construction techniques. However, I think their weight distribution is different, with the 18x20 having more weight at the head/handle (more polarized, higher sw and tw) and the 16x19 having more weight in the throat. It’s a subtle difference of 5-10 sw points but the 18x20 feels much more substantial on ball impact.

You could always take a 16x19 and add weight to the head and handle and likely get the solid feel of the 18x20. The trade off is that your static weight will be higher to achieve the same sw and balance as the 18x20. As many posters have pointed out though, the beauty of the Blade is the high sw, low static weight combo.
 
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G

gutfeeling

Semi-Pro
Hmnnn said:
I bought the 18x20 to replace my old T-Fight 315 Ltd. With the lead I had on the Tec the two had similar sw and balance, while the Tec is about 10g heavier. Both strung with Tour Bite Soft @48 lbs. The Blade has loads more power, and I love the feel, but am hitting forehands and first serves consistently long. I also love that the sweet spot on the Blade is bigger than the Tec’s (easier on the arm when off-center), and I don’t want to give up on it yet, but I have find a way to tame it.
Click to expand...
The non-soft version of tour bite will tame the power. 1.25 or 1.20.
 
time_fly

time_fly

Hall of Fame
Classic-TXP-IG MID said:
This Comparison Tool says it all. The 18x20 has the same weight, same balance, higher SW, same flex, higher TW, less vibration, more power, and a larger Sweet Zone. Game over from where I'm seating.
Click to expand...
Most of those differences are 2% or less. That could be within the range of frame-to-frame variation or even round-off error since the table uses whole numbers. I suspect based on the bump in twist weight and and swing weight that the 18x20 has a bit more mass at 3 and 9 but I haven't compared them side by side so I'm not sure.
 
Classic-TXP-IG MID

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
time_fly said:
Most of those differences are 2% or less. That could be within the range of frame-to-frame variation or even round-off error since the table uses whole numbers. I suspect based on the bump in twist weight and and swing weight that the 18x20 has a bit more mass at 3 and 9 but I haven't compared them side by side so I'm not sure.
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Yeah, I understand. We all need to play with whatever suits us. I currently have 2 Blades that I play with, a Pro Stock Blade 98 and a 2015 Blade 98, and both are 18x20. They provide all I'm looking for and I can hit all my shots with them. I also prefer a more HL balance, and therefore, I have modified them to my liking.

At some point, I will look to add the v7 Blade 98 18x20 due to the rave reviews, but that may be some way down the road.
 
A

AA7

Semi-Pro
gutfeeling said:
I honestly think the 18x20 and 16x19 are the same layup i.e. materials and construction techniques. However, I think their weight distribution is different, with the 18x20 having more weight at the head/handle (more polarized, higher sw and tw) and the 16x19 having more weight in the throat. It’s a subtle difference of 5-10 sw points but the 18x20 feels much more substantial on ball impact.
Click to expand...
This... best summary.. everything else is conspiracy
 
A

axnthn

New User
Question for people who have played with both the v7 18x20 and TF40 305.. Which one has a higher launch angle and does the TF40 305 have a bigger sweetspot/more power? Thank you.
 
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