2019 Wilson Blade

[whorng]

Just logged 2 hours of play with it. Ask any questions you want.

Compare it to the Vcore Pro 310? (And Textreme Tour 100 if you have used that)
I can whip the VCP 310 through the air and get that top spin.
Might ditch the TT100 310 due to sluggishness.
Is the blade almost as fast as the VCP?

 

[Wilsonbro]

Overall what would you rate this frame out of 10.

 

[Power Player]

Couple other things while they are on my mind. I strung this frame a little too loose I think. The control was still incredible, but I imagine it may get a little shaky over time as the tension drops. Of course the first string job is always going to be like that due to the new grommets. I’d probably suggest 50#s to start instead of 45#, but that said the control was still incredible. A standout.

Trajectory is awesome for such a tight pattern. I did not have any issues generating lots of net clearance. I did hit a few shots in the net, but over the course of two hours, thats nothing out of the ordinary.

 

[Power Player]

Compare it to the Vcore Pro 310? (And Textreme Tour 100 if you have used that)
I can whip the VCP 310 through the air and get that top spin.
Might ditch the TT100 310 due to sluggishness.
Is the blade almost as fast as the VCP?

VCP 310 doesnt have the punch. It has nice power but you have to really like to whip the frame hard over and over. I liked that but my shoulder did not after a while. Blade has easier punch to it and a tighter rotation on the ball. I think the 310 is a great frame for someone who thinks the Blade is sluggish. For me, after a while I thought the 310 was a little too fast through the air for me and added weight to it to slow it down. The Blade already has the plow that I want. I would not say it is as fast as the 310, I think you will need to have a little more power in your swing to handle the Blade, but that said, its not too bad.

 

[Power Player]

Power Player
Power		Serves
Control		Groundstrokes
Maneuverability		Returns
Stability		Slice
Comfort		Topspin
Touch/Feel		Volleys
		Overall

This is day one and honeymoon stage, so I probably need more time. Ill still give it my initial thoughts, although they may change a little.

Power - 8
Control - 11, seriously insane
Stability - 9.8
Comfort - 10
Touch/Feel - 9.5
Serves - 8.5, need more time here
Returns - 8.5
Groundstrokes - 9.5 - a joy so far
Slice - 9 - still getting used to it, but its nasty.
Topspin - 9. Super tight and heavy. Very impressed with the spin
Volleys - 9. I volleyed well tonight
Overall - 9.5

I cant find really any fault with the frame, but this is obviously honey moon stage. That said, it was an incredible first impression. For me to go from an open patterned power tweener right to this and play 4.5 competition without missing a beat was very, very encouraging. Let me add that the humidity was 85% tonight. Thats no joke, even breathing was tough and due to this my heart rate was on average 165 for 2 hours and hit 186 bpm. I say this just to share how this frame was no problem to use in stressful conditions, and never got sluggish for me.

 

[whorng]

VCP 310 doesnt have the punch. It has nice power but you have to really like to whip the frame hard over and over. I liked that but my shoulder did not after a while. Blade has easier punch to it and a tighter rotation on the ball. I think the 310 is a great frame for someone who thinks the Blade is sluggish. For me, after a while I thought the 310 was a little too fast through the air for me and added weight to it to slow it down. The Blade already has the plow that I want. I would not say it is as fast as the 310, I think you will need to have a little more power in your swing to handle the Blade, but that said, its not too bad.

Thanks, sounds I need an extended demo.

 

[PhxRacket]

This is day one and honeymoon stage, so I probably need more time. Ill still give it my initial thoughts, although they may change a little.

Power - 8
Control - 11, seriously insane
Stability - 9.8
Comfort - 10
Touch/Feel - 9.5
Serves - 8.5, need more time here
Returns - 8.5
Groundstrokes - 9.5 - a joy so far
Slice - 9 - still getting used to it, but its nasty.
Topspin - 9. Super tight and heavy. Very impressed with the spin
Volleys - 9. I volleyed well tonight
Overall - 9.5

I cant find really any fault with the frame, but this is obviously honey moon stage. That said, it was an incredible first impression. For me to go from an open patterned power tweener right to this and play 4.5 competition without missing a beat was very, very encouraging. Let me add that the humidity was 85% tonight. Thats no joke, even breathing was tough and due to this my heart rate was on average 165 for 2 hours and hit 186 bpm. I say this just to share how this frame was no problem to use in stressful conditions, and never got sluggish for me.

How does it compare to the CV? I had no issues with the CV, but a more comfortable Blade sounds like magic. I may go straight to purchase.

 

[Power Player]

How does it compare to the CV? I had no issues with the CV, but a more comfortable Blade sounds like magic. I may go straight to purchase.

I never used the CV. I have not used the Blade since 2012-2013 and I stopped after half a year or so because it was a bit stiff. I said back then if they ever made a soft Blade I would buy it day 1 and I was able to stick to my word on that. Safe to say this was a highly anticipated purchase for me and I am happy that Wilson really seemed to have nailed it.

I think any regular Blade user will be very very happy. It plays just like I expected and was basically like breaking an old favorite out of the closet again.

 

[BBender716]

Really considering this to go with my Pure Aero Tour. Need to liquidate my K7 Lime to fund it first or my wife will kill me!

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

 

[Power Player]

Really considering this to go with my Pure Aero Tour. Need to liquidate my K7 Lime to fund it first or my wife will kill me!

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

Isn’t the K7 Lime awesome though? I never used it but it sounds similar to the Blade. Maybe I am wrong.

 

[n8dawg6]

humidity was 85% tonight. Thats no joke, even breathing was tough and due to this my heart rate was on average 165 for 2 hours and hit 186 bpm.

youre in florida, right? i can confirm that the weather tonight was NASTY in the dirty south. also that sounds like my heart rate in an OTF class ...

also also, i want to hold one of these blades ... can it possibly replace my camo blades ...

 

[mad dog1]

It’s right up there. Easier to generate spin, softer feel, a little more free power although the P93 can crush the ball. Difference is the Blade can too and weighs almost 30 grams less.




I can make one, but I figured so many people will have one soon that I should probably keep it here. the P93 was so underground that I felt it deserved a thread. But let me know.



Medium. There is some nice free power there. I did not feel out manned or exhausted and I have been using an Extreme and PA+ the past few months. I actually had more energy due to the plow of the frame. This frame is like 324 or so grams strung (with no overgrip or dampener) and you can crack the ball with it.



Feel is muted but I still felt very connected to the ball. You need to be a fairly big hitter to get the most out of this frame. Not a pro or anything, but if you can’t hit clean on a regular basis you probably wont make heavy enough contact to enjoy how nice the sweetspot is on it. In that way it definitely reminds me of a prestige classic or a PT280. But it’s easier to use than those racquets. Flex is awesome, lot of comfort but it doesnt play like a noodle. It plays like you would expect a blade to play. In fact it hit pretty much just like my old 2011s in terms of the ball I was generating. There is no vibration. I framed a couple shots and I felt the vibration very faintly but nothing that jolted me or hurt my arm at all.

Let me add that the sound of this frame..oh man. It will bring a smile to your face instantly. Sounds and feels like you want a frame to feel. And it even had that sound when I warmed up playing mini tennis!

Where’s the gd “like” button???

 

[n8dawg6]

like

 

[mad dog1]

Couple other things while they are on my mind. I strung this frame a little too loose I think. The control was still incredible, but I imagine it may get a little shaky over time as the tension drops. Of course the first string job is always going to be like that due to the new grommets. I’d probably suggest 50#s to start instead of 45#, but that said the control was still incredible. A standout.

Trajectory is awesome for such a tight pattern. I did not have any issues generating lots of net clearance. I did hit a few shots in the net, but over the course of two hours, thats nothing out of the ordinary.

Yeah. I always go +2# higher when stringing up rackets with new grommets to account for the tension loss as the strings settle into the grommets.

 

[Power Player]

youre in florida, right? i can confirm that the weather tonight was NASTY in the dirty south. also that sounds like my heart rate in an OTF class ...

also also, i want to hold one of these blades ... can it possibly replace my camo blades ...

Yeah man. It was crazy. The air was like water almost. I burnt 1000 calories. Lol. Fun stuff

 

[Power Player]

Yeah. I always go +2# higher when stringing up rackets with new grommets to account for the tension loss as the strings settle into the grommets.

Have you strung a blade in a while? Interested in how you tie off that bottom cross. I flew through stringing this frame, super easy until i got to that point.

 

[Automatix]

The Head Gravity and Wilson Blade threads are going neck and neck.
A Gravity vs Blade thread is soon to follow if this keeps up...

 

[FedGR]

Just logged 2 hours of play with it. Ask any questions you want.

Don't you just love it already?

Like

Do you have a 1 hander? And if so, how did that shot feel with this frame? Did you get the 18x20 or 16x19? I'm too lazy to scroll.

I have a OHBH and today with the v.7 I hit the best BHs I've ever hit. The racket is extremely solid on that side, very surprised honestly.

----
I just played another 1,5 hours with the Blade today and .... I still find it amazing. Random thoughts below:

It is an extremely solid racket. The weight feels maybe a bit more on the hoop and less on the throat than before. If the reason you've stayed away from the Blade in the past is the maneuverability, look elsewhere, this is not the racket for you. If the stiffness is why you stayed away from the Blade before or you are already a Blade user, then you need to try this racket. I can promise you that you will love it. Honeymoon period or not, my OHBH is better than any other racket I've used and my main stick is the 2015 18x20. Strung with Alu Power silver at 50# it had plenty of power, maybe a bit more than I expected, very nice spin production and predictability. Feel is spectacular. I love it. It just gives you so much feedback, you know exactly where the ball is going. The V.7 is so solid that it made me switch between top spin and flatter on demand, very confidently and successfully.

Sorry for all the randomness, still trying to process the racket. Here resting with it's older sisters...

 

[n8dawg6]

Yeah man. It was crazy. The air was like water almost. I burnt 1000 calories. Lol. Fun stuff

it felt better when our match started at 7:30 than it did at 5 when the sun was still out. the humidity was so ridiculous though that sweat goes nowhere. there is no “dri fit” in this weather

 

[Power Player]

The Head Gravity and Wilson Blade threads are going neck and neck.
A Gravity vs Blade thread is soon to follow if this keeps up...

I bet the gravity feels similar. I think the blade suits a player like myself who likes a beefier swingweight and a low static weight. The gravity seems a little more traditional in its specs. There is of course the tour version, but the specs on the blade are truly dialed in just right.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

It’s great. I couldn’t measure speed but I loved serving with it. Very effective flats and slice. It is very, very precise.



I have a 2 hander which I had been struggling with for a while. The combo of the high SW and tight pattern, plus some reworked mechanics on my end made a big difference tonight. My backhand was back and I was also able to defend off that side and keep the ball nice and deep.

18x20



My outfit matched, but not the raquet. Thats a tricky color scheme to match clothes to due to the lime green. Lol

 

[Power Player]

Don't you just love it already?


I have a OHBH and today with the v.7 I hit the best BHs I've ever hit. The racket is extremely solid on that side, very surprised honestly.

----
I just played another 1,5 hours with the Blade today and .... I still find it amazing. Random thoughts below:

It is an extremely solid racket. The weight feels maybe a bit more on the hoop and less on the throat than before. If the reason you've stayed away from the Blade in the past is the maneuverability, look elsewhere, this is not the racket for you. If the stiffness is why you stayed away from the Blade before or you are already a Blade user, then you need to try this racket. I can promise you that you will love it. Honeymoon period or not, my OHBH is better than any other racket I've used and my main stick is the 2015 18x20. Strung with Alu Power silver at 50# it had plenty of power, maybe a bit more than I expected, very nice spin production and predictability. Feel is spectacular. I love it. It just gives you so much feedback, you know exactly where the ball is going. The V.7 is so solid that it made me switch between top spin and flatter on demand, very confidently and successfully.

Sorry for all the randomness, still trying to process the racket. Here resting with it's older sisters...

Yes for sure i love it! And it is incredible on the backhand side for me as well. Alu power is probably incredible in it. Rs lyon really plays nicely and very controlled. I will try my max power rough in it next since those are my two main strings.

 

[Automatix]

I bet the gravity feels similar. I think the blade suits a player like myself who likes a beefier swingweight and a low static weight. The gravity seems a little more traditional in its specs. There is of course the tour version, but the specs on the blade are truly dialed in just right.

I find it a bit funny that both Wilson and Head introduced something as good as these offerings at the same time... Have to say that other new offerings might have a tough time punching through (think Yonex Vcore).

 

[Power Player]

it felt better when our match started at 7:30 than it did at 5 when the sun was still out. the humidity was so ridiculous though that sweat goes nowhere. there is no “dri fit” in this weather

Yeah this is why i cant always go minimal with a little tennis backpack. I need a bag with spare clothes and a dirty clothes areas I changed shirts multiple times. Wristbands too.

 

[JOSHL]

Where’s the gd “like” button???

Seriously! I want to give likes like Oprah gives cars!

 

[BBender716]

Isn’t the K7 Lime awesome though? I never used it but it sounds similar to the Blade. Maybe I am wrong.

It's super muted, a tight 18x20, and super head light. Need something between a tweener and that lol

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

 

[Power Player]

I find it a bit funny that both Wilson and Head introduced something as good as these offerings at the same time... Have to say that other new offerings might have a tough time punching through (think Yonex Vcore).

Yeah i agree. The vcores are so awesome too. I think if someone wants a traditional weighted frame that swings faster than the blade then they have that option in the vcore. But the hype on the blade and gravity is probably not going away.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Seriously! I want to give likes like Oprah gives cars!

The minute it's gone... you just want to hit that little button all-day long... psychology... Hang on, what are we talking about again...

 

[mad dog1]

Have you strung a blade in a while? Interested in how you tie off that bottom cross. I flew through stringing this frame, super easy until i got to that point.

I haven’t. Actually sold my cv and 2015. Only version I have left is the black and gold blx. Will check on the cross tie off.

 

[Power Player]

I haven’t. Actually sold my cv and 2015. Only version I have left is the black and gold blx. Will check on the cross tie off.

Ok cool. Its a weird one.

 

[Automatix]

Yeah i agree. The vcores are so awesome too. I think if someone wants a traditional weighted frame that swings faster than the blade then they have that option in the vcore. But the hype on the blade and gravity is probably not going away.

On my local message board Gravity MP and Tour are getting high praises... time will tell but it's nice to see these companies making a step in the right direction after all the blunders...

 

[n8dawg6]

Yeah i agree. The vcores are so awesome too. I think if someone wants a traditional weighted frame that swings faster than the blade then they have that option in the vcore. But the hype on the blade and gravity is probably not going away.

i think wilson and head at least forced yonex’s hand ... we only got the vcore pro for about a year before they “updated” it

 

[mad dog1]

Ok cool. Its a weird one.

Tied off at 7 throat

 

[bertrevert]

I turned on Eng subtitles and somewhere they said... "it's delicious because it's the best power"

 

[JOSHL]

Tied off at 7T

Is that one parallel drilled? I think the newer ones are. Not sure if that makes a difference.

 

[DJTaurus]

What’s the new basic grip they are using ? Sublime is out.

 

[mad dog1]

Is that one parallel drilled? I think the newer ones are. Not sure if that makes a difference.

Not parallel drllled.

 

[parasailing]

On my local message board Gravity MP and Tour are getting high praises... time will tell but it's nice to see these companies making a step in the right direction after all the blunders...

I tried both Gravity MP and Pro and I think the Tour might be the closet ticket to the Blade due thicker beam than Pro and ability to customize to your liking. Neither MP nor Pro hits like the 2015 Blade.

 

[jmacdaununder2]

Seriously! I want to give likes like Oprah gives cars!

LIKE!!

 

[parasailing]

Does anyone know where I can get the Wilson t-shirt that says I am Blader? The review team from the Japanese shop, TennisProShop LAFINO, were wearing them when they were play testing the new Wilson Blades.

 

[Gemini]

He said it was with the plastic on handle and foil. Mine was right at 318 too with all that stuff and it weighed 305 with everything off. Once you add an OG and dampener it will balance around 4-5 pts hl and weight around 330-332 depending. In other words, he is most likely in great shape.

Ah..okay. I didn't quite decipher the part about the plastic wrap and cardboard insert still being on the frames. Again..balance matters.

 

[DJ-]

Here is the tennis taste guy's review, love his reviews, has good write ups, he rated this one pretty high

Home - Fabio Ferro

Tennis Padel

tennistaste.com

Some similar thoughts as you @Power Player except you are using the 18x20

p.s just change to English at the top

 

[Power Player]

Is that one parallel drilled? I think the newer ones are. Not sure if that makes a difference.

It says they are on the Wilson page. Unfortunately I’m not sure what that looks like.

 

[topspn]

Latest UPS update shows its on the truck and being delivered today. I am curious if there is any foam filling at all? Maybe just in the handle. I’ll pop the trap door and check when I get it

 

[MajesticMoose]

Don't you just love it already?


I have a OHBH and today with the v.7 I hit the best BHs I've ever hit. The racket is extremely solid on that side, very surprised honestly.

----
I just played another 1,5 hours with the Blade today and .... I still find it amazing. Random thoughts below:

It is an extremely solid racket. The weight feels maybe a bit more on the hoop and less on the throat than before. If the reason you've stayed away from the Blade in the past is the maneuverability, look elsewhere, this is not the racket for you. If the stiffness is why you stayed away from the Blade before or you are already a Blade user, then you need to try this racket. I can promise you that you will love it. Honeymoon period or not, my OHBH is better than any other racket I've used and my main stick is the 2015 18x20. Strung with Alu Power silver at 50# it had plenty of power, maybe a bit more than I expected, very nice spin production and predictability. Feel is spectacular. I love it. It just gives you so much feedback, you know exactly where the ball is going. The V.7 is so solid that it made me switch between top spin and flatter on demand, very confidently and successfully.

Sorry for all the randomness, still trying to process the racket. Here resting with it's older sisters...

If I get the Blade v7, then I will rip off the factory grip and put 5 grams of lead at the base of the handle (maybe more, maybe 10 grams) then wrap a leather grip over the top of it + overgrip over that. That will make it more headlight to my liking.

 

[ChaelAZ]

This is day one and honeymoon stage, so I probably need more time. Ill still give it my initial thoughts, although they may change a little.

Power - 8
Control - 11, seriously insane
Stability - 9.8
Comfort - 10
Touch/Feel - 9.5
Serves - 8.5, need more time here
Returns - 8.5
Groundstrokes - 9.5 - a joy so far
Slice - 9 - still getting used to it, but its nasty.
Topspin - 9. Super tight and heavy. Very impressed with the spin
Volleys - 9. I volleyed well tonight
Overall - 9.5

I cant find really any fault with the frame, but this is obviously honey moon stage. That said, it was an incredible first impression. For me to go from an open patterned power tweener right to this and play 4.5 competition without missing a beat was very, very encouraging. Let me add that the humidity was 85% tonight. Thats no joke, even breathing was tough and due to this my heart rate was on average 165 for 2 hours and hit 186 bpm. I say this just to share how this frame was no problem to use in stressful conditions, and never got sluggish for me.

Don't you just love it already?


I have a OHBH and today with the v.7 I hit the best BHs I've ever hit. The racket is extremely solid on that side, very surprised honestly.

----
I just played another 1,5 hours with the Blade today and .... I still find it amazing. Random thoughts below:

It is an extremely solid racket. The weight feels maybe a bit more on the hoop and less on the throat than before. If the reason you've stayed away from the Blade in the past is the maneuverability, look elsewhere, this is not the racket for you. If the stiffness is why you stayed away from the Blade before or you are already a Blade user, then you need to try this racket. I can promise you that you will love it. Honeymoon period or not, my OHBH is better than any other racket I've used and my main stick is the 2015 18x20. Strung with Alu Power silver at 50# it had plenty of power, maybe a bit more than I expected, very nice spin production and predictability. Feel is spectacular. I love it. It just gives you so much feedback, you know exactly where the ball is going. The V.7 is so solid that it made me switch between top spin and flatter on demand, very confidently and successfully.

Sorry for all the randomness, still trying to process the racket. Here resting with it's older sisters...

Good stuff guys, thanks for posting. I am DYING to get my hands on the 18x20 right now, and I can't beleive my shop guy hasn't got it to me yet. I was ready to order the 16x19 I was that happy with it, but I NEED to be patient and try that 18x20 before I do. I keep watching for the text that 18x20 is available to hit and thinking....

 

[Power Player]

Good stuff guys, thanks for posting. I am DYING to get my hands on the 18x20 right now, and I can't beleive my shop guy hasn't got it to me yet. I was ready to order the 16x19 I was that happy with it, but I NEED to be patient and try that 18x20 before I do. I keep watching for the text that 18x20 is available to hit and thinking....

dude, the 18x20 is so good. I am really glad I got it and I would strongly recommend you get that one since you are used to the Blades. The level of control is insane, plus the trajectory is really good and not too low. Of course the extra plow is a huge bonus. The 16x19 may be a good option for someone who finds the 18x20 to be sluggish.

 

[Power Player]

Latest UPS update shows its on the truck and being delivered today. I am curious if there is any foam filling at all? Maybe just in the handle. I’ll pop the trap door and check when I get it

Yeah I haven’t checked, but I will. I’d suggest stringing it up at 50#s as a starting point if you are going full poly. I am guessing they will write the specs down for you?

 

[topspn]

Yeah I haven’t checked, but I will. I’d suggest stringing it up at 50#s as a starting point if you are going full poly. I am guessing they will write the specs down for you?

Specs are right on target since I asked for the service of picking one. It will be delivered strung up with BBO @49lbs. Mine will be 16x19

 

[AA7]

The Head Gravity and Wilson Blade threads are going neck and neck.
A Gravity vs Blade thread is soon to follow if this keeps up...

I finally hit with Gravity Tour. I think this is going to be very very very similar to Blade... I'll drop some impressions into Gravity thread. Getting my Blades today!