Keizer
Hall of Fame
Was browsing the regular prostock forums and saw a listing for a Blade Prostock belonging to Svitolina in 16x20. Wonder if that means anything?
2019 Wilson Blade
- Thread starter TennisCounrty
- Start date
Was browsing the regular prostock forums and saw a listing for a Blade Prostock belonging to Svitolina in 16x20. Wonder if that means anything?
Just had a hit after scraping snow off the courts here in the UK.
Playing 16x19 version, 1.18 MSV Focus Hex Soft and 1.15 MSV Co Focus string at 58/56 lbs. The weight was bang on spec so I was lucky in that regard not measured anything else.
I added 2 overgrips, Wilson Sensation and Head Xtreme soft, mainly because I accidentally bought a grip 1 racket.
Pretty much the worst conditions for my arm wet heavy balls and weird bounces and yet the racket was still like a pillow.
Also, weirdly I could hit a really consistent single handed backhand despite not really playing that shot much at all in recent times. It made me convert back to it for this session.
Seems great for defensive shots out of position almost as if the power level from there is the same as a normal stroke.
Great spin and it dropped in most of the time even when I hit up too much on the ball and leant back. Didn't feel the launch angle was mega high.
Not amazing power but it was there when you needed it and the racket head speed meant when you really went for it, the ball would be plenty powerful.
I was surprised by how manoeuvrable it was, this also made volleys a breeze.
Serves were point and shoot with plenty of movement.
Very happy with this racket so far, and you lot say the 18x20 is much better, so I may have to try it!
1HBHfanatic
Legend
@vanworth
-the 18/20 v7 blade is more low power, more control
-the v7 is faster ,(in the air) than the countervail v6 version,
-the launch angle is lower!, as expected on a 18/20 vs a 16/19
-at this stage in my life, i prefer/like the 16/19 version
-the 18/20 version would be a great option/recommendation for people who break polys quick/often/fast (1, 2, 3 days)
-the 18/20 v7 blade is more low power, more control
-the v7 is faster ,(in the air) than the countervail v6 version,
-the launch angle is lower!, as expected on a 18/20 vs a 16/19
-at this stage in my life, i prefer/like the 16/19 version
-the 18/20 version would be a great option/recommendation for people who break polys quick/often/fast (1, 2, 3 days)
1HBHfanatic
Legend
-i was reviewing some of the new sticks coming out soon (2021), and a common theme started to show up!! in my mind anyway!?!? 
-"MESH dampening material"!!?!!
-i'm just guessing here!!, but this is where i think/surmise the v8 blades might be heading
-mesh dampening on the v8 blades would make the racquet slightly heavier = more stable than the v7,
-but not as heavy as the v6 (countervail)
-with a slightly more dampened feel
-and of course a new paintjob
-"MESH dampening material"!!?!!
-i'm just guessing here!!, but this is where i think/surmise the v8 blades might be heading
-mesh dampening on the v8 blades would make the racquet slightly heavier = more stable than the v7,
-but not as heavy as the v6 (countervail)
-with a slightly more dampened feel
-and of course a new paintjob
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
I don’t think the V7 blades need more dampening. They are some of the most comfortable frames out right now.-i was reviewing some of the new sticks coming out soon (2021), and a common theme started to show up!! in my mind anyway!?!?
-"MESH dampening material"!!?!!
-i'm just guessing here!!, but this is where i think/surmise the v8 blades might be heading
-mesh dampening on the v8 blades would make the racquet slightly heavier = more stable than the v7,
-but not as heavy as the v6 (countervail)
-with a slightly more dampened feel
-and of course a new paintjob
1HBHfanatic
Legend
-i tend to agree, i like the v7 as is,,,
-but if you HAD to update a line,,, "this line (blades)", what would you change/modify/update??
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Change it back to the 2015 blade.
tennis347
Hall of Fame
Making the V7 Blade slightly more with HL balance. Otherwise, I would not change anything.
TypeRx
Semi-Pro
Simple, more weight. This applies to the v7 16x19. I don't think more weight on the 18x20 (which has higher swing weight stock) will be as valuable.
Also, I have posted before but I have converted from the 98 v7 16x19 to the 104 v7 16x19. When a bit of weight is added, performance-wise, it is equal to better in every way than the 98 IMO. When switching between the two, the one difference between the 104 and 98 I can perceive is that the 98 feels more 'solid' (it does have a 2 point higher RA than the 104). If they could make a 104 with this same characteristic even better. For those that haven't tried the 104....demo it and keep an open mind.
SinneGOAT
Hall of Fame
Make the 16/19 have a higher swingweight while still being headlight, and just make the whole line more headlight at that point. The 16/19 just doesn’t have the same feel and response as the 18/20. 16/19 and 18/20
Blades should be 6 points headlight, even if it means going up a few grams.
parasailing
Legend
-i would also like to see a 16/20 blade!!, but sadly i think thats a pipe dream??!!
-on your second point, thats a HUGHE stretch, (i would not put money on that),, they do have a 95" that no one picked up!!, the wilson.ULTRA that nishikori played with
-as far as i know, not many people considered it, since it was soo stiff
-in todays game (spin and defense), anything smaller than a 95" is a bit too hard to play with IMO
-but i hope im wrong and they do listen to you, and we get to enjoy some heavenly 1HBH rackets!!
Yeah, the second one is not likely but you never know about a 16x20. That would be the best of both Blades. I got the Blade 98S with 18x16 string pattern and I love the 18 mains but if it had maybe 2 more crosses, it would be nice.
parasailing
Legend
I wonder how a 16x20 frame would play. The last 16x20 frame I had was the Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT and I love how that felt on groundstrokes. You could crush the ball better than the Blade but on serves, it felt sluggish.
Keizer
Hall of Fame
I'm hearing good things about the new vcore 95 that is 16x20.
But honestly, if the rumors are true and they're re-releasing the 2015 Blade, I will buy two of those and never look back.
parasailing
Legend
If they re-releasing the 2015 Blade, I guess we won't have a truly new Blade for another 2 years.
SinneGOAT
Hall of Fame
It will most likely be like the k six one 95 18/20 where it is cheaper and just a re release while the blade will still come out later in 2021.
1HBHfanatic
Legend
-i like this advise!!
-i got to try mine with 1' of lead under the handle,, about 10pt HL,,, AWSOME!!
1HBHfanatic
Legend
-agree
-this is where i think its headed!!?!
-i think they are going to add weight at strategic spots ,(mesh dampening) to make it feel slightly heavier at impact, without going into the weight from the countervail model
-i also see a few more 1HBH players now on tour,, so i can only hope the manufacturers are modeling some of their frames for us (1HBH'rs) also
1HBHfanatic
Legend
-i do like the 2x 98" offerings, 16/19 and 18/20
-but seriously, i would not complain if they came out with a 16/20 blade
-i switched from a 18/20-blade-93" to a 16/20-y.vcore.tour.g-97, years ago
-but seriously, i would not complain if they came out with a 16/20 blade
-i switched from a 18/20-blade-93" to a 16/20-y.vcore.tour.g-97, years ago
AM75
Hall of Fame
2015 >>> V7
2015 18x20 >>>> 2015 16x19
2015 16x19 >>>>>>>>>>>>>> V7 16x19
V7 16x19 is almost unplayable (for me).
AndyBarronMuzza
Rookie
Interesting. I'll give the v7's a demo. What did you dislike about the v7's?
What I really enjoyed about the 2015's was how crisp and solid they felt, in the 18x20 version at least.
AM75
Hall of Fame
It feels to me too plush and very underpowered. V7 16x19 also doesn't give you much control.
What is we bring the 2013 Blade into the mix?
Keizer
Hall of Fame
What is we bring the 2013 Blade into the mix?
I haven't played the V7 yet, but by all accounts the 2013 is stiffer and crisper than 2015 and 2017. I honestly think these sticks appeal to different players. I noticed that the V7 thread was full of people comparing the 18x20 to some of the Head sticks of old, but that comparison would definitely not apply to the 2013 (or 2012, for that matter). I use those two as my main sticks and also dabble with different variants of the PT280, and they have very different feels.
Yeah I can see the relationship. I believe the Head PT57 would be directly comparable to the Blade/H22 versions, whereas the H19 is more of the Head Prestige.
I have another session next week, I may string up/tinker a 2015 to go against the 2013 and PT280, and maybe a gen 1 Pure Strike 16x19.
Keizer
Hall of Fame
Yeah I can see the relationship. I believe the Head PT57 would be directly comparable to the Blade/H22 versions, whereas the H19 is more of the Head Prestige.
I have another session next week, I may string up/tinker a 2015 to go against the 2013 and PT280, and maybe a gen 1 Pure Strike 16x19.
Depends on the layup. PT57A2 was PT280/630, but PT57E was i.prestige. Honestly, I identify the PT280 and more recent Prestiges (up until IG) with the same classic feel. H19 was made to switch these Presitge players over to Wilson.
H22 was originally a Radical clone for Novak/other players to switch from the LM Rads, so definitely more powerful. I have never played with H22, but I always thought it was very different from the retail Blades, from beam shape onward.
If I were to guess, 2013 > 2015 >> PT280 in terms of crispness. I honestly think 2015 is the Goldilocks stick. I hope there's some truth to the re-release rumor!
I Have this racquet and find it almost schitzophrenic. I think the tension has to be high. I have played with freshly strung and it was great, however it got to a point when it was the most awful racquet ever, then had to get it strung and it was great again. no racquet i've played with has been this sensitive to string tension and type. Poly at 55+ works best IMO
I played the latest prestige mid and mid plus. Prestige mid was great but a bit too stiff for me at the moment. I used to play the flexpoint prestige mid so it was pretty familiar. Can keep the same swing path as the blade for flat shots so switching between the two if you play flatter is very easy. Going from 98 to 93 was a bit tough though as I play western and framed some shots. It's very "point and shoot" though. I prefer the 98 head size these days so I passed on that.
The prestige mid plus was softer than the mid and why I tried it, but it really didn't provide anything over the blade aside from a more head light balance. At that point I'd try the Yonex 18x20 (can't remember the name) lower RA and similar specs.
I'll see if I can try out a Speed pro this week.
SonRK
Semi-Pro
I got my hands around a 98s v7 (18x16) and that racquet hits like a beaut...
I switched over to the Wilson Clash from a Prince Beast because of the feel (very soft and flexy). It was a great few months but then I tried my friend's 98v7 16x19 and I thought it was a great stick. It reminded me of my old Prince Speedport Tours, but I am no longer as quick or as...free of arm pain as I was back then. I really liked the thin beam and how it cut through the air (but wish it was a little easier to use / had higher launch angle).
Then (as a member of the racquetholic club) acquired a 98s v7 and with a little lead, it's everything I wanted in a frame so far. It has deeper court penetration and even more spin than my Beast/Clash setups of similar strings. It's soft and comfortable and It literally feels like cheating, it's going to be a great stick once it warms up here in the NJ. Perhaps the only con will be string longevity, but I string for myself and don't mind it, especially if its leads to more wins/more confidence/and better arm health.
I switched over to the Wilson Clash from a Prince Beast because of the feel (very soft and flexy). It was a great few months but then I tried my friend's 98v7 16x19 and I thought it was a great stick. It reminded me of my old Prince Speedport Tours, but I am no longer as quick or as...free of arm pain as I was back then. I really liked the thin beam and how it cut through the air (but wish it was a little easier to use / had higher launch angle).
Then (as a member of the racquetholic club) acquired a 98s v7 and with a little lead, it's everything I wanted in a frame so far. It has deeper court penetration and even more spin than my Beast/Clash setups of similar strings. It's soft and comfortable and It literally feels like cheating, it's going to be a great stick once it warms up here in the NJ. Perhaps the only con will be string longevity, but I string for myself and don't mind it, especially if its leads to more wins/more confidence/and better arm health.
Played the speed pro today. Was strung with tour bite soft 17 at unknown tension though felt high 40's low 50's. Great racket. Had to double check the string pattern because it had a lot of spin and a higher launch angle. Had good power... thicker beam than I recall in the past. It actually played pretty similar to my Youtek 16x19 speed pro. The swing weight felt a little low and was very light compared to the blade but my blade is over spec. The power and spin made up for the difference. Balance was easy to work with too and control was good.
I feel like the 360+ speed pro hasn't gotten much attention but it's a great racket. In stock form would easily recommend it to most people who aren't hard hitters or playing against them over the blade. Higher levels it will need a little weight.
The Gravity pro is more comparable to the blade but the blade is better than the gravity IMO.
Speed pro really just shares the same string pattern but not much more. Easier to use, more spin friendly, lighter.... great racket. The 62 RA was comfortable but more of a hollow feeling.
Blade has better plow through, better.... "softness" feel, more control, more stable.
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n8dawg6
Legend
wish they had brought that 98s to the states.
I still play with both blades 16x19 and 98s 18x16. I couldn’t play enough between lockdowns to decide which one I prefer. Both are great.
n8dawg6
Legend
98s swings easier and can make some wicked spin. downside is that the stringbed doesnt stay consistent for long.
I have weight both franmes almost the same. And yes, the 98S feels easier to swing. Cyclone last me 7h and broke but Max Power is still going after 15h. A bit mushy but with a bit of adjustment is still really good. Cyclone gave me lots more spin. With this racket 98S i can hit both spin and flatten the shots without any problems. I can't finish the points as fast as with 16m but feels great to be in charge and make the opposition run side to side.
n8dawg6
Legend
my last string job was v-torque at 52 lbs. barely lasted 4 hrs. clearly that isnt the string for this frame ...
n8dawg6
Legend
and mine is a 2015 98s, not sure what difference that makes
Lol - looks like they have explored all locations except for the butt cap for the green PJ... maybe that’s where the green will be for the V8..
What an awful pj
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
It´s unsurprisingly horrendous
What an awful pj
Znak
Hall of Fame
Is this someone's custom pj or a look at the 2021 model?
What an awful pj
SinneGOAT
Hall of Fame
Most likely a custom pj of the v7 like the reverse of the countervail, I don’t think they would put out something so ugly and call it the v8.
Znak
Hall of Fame
I was gonna say!
Znak
Hall of Fame
djNEiGht
Legend
ahahah...that is pretty bold
Znak
Hall of Fame
You are correct, v8 late 2021
