2019 Wilson Blade

I think he used the h22 and then went back to the 2013 blade. Or vice versa.


Not very familiar with H22 mold but these recent pics look like a Blade. Wouldn’t be surprised if he was experimenting with the H22 at one point though. I don’t understand why he would be playing with the K blade, since it seems he was definitely playing with a stock 2013 in juniors.

On another note, can’t wait to get my hands on some glossy V7s, hopefully soon through Wilson Custom!
 

dgoran

Hall of Fame
Hmm, not saying you’re wrong because I don’t have any hard evidence but I have seen multiple posts about him using the 2013 blade. One guy said he used to train at Stef’s club and said he would rant and rave about the 2013 model and tried the 2015 and hated it. There was also another post where somebody said they talked to Stef and he confirmed to be using the black and white BLX.
I'm just basing this on this info. As you can see RA is 68 and assuming RA measurement is correct it has to be kblade as all others were 65 or below...
Tsitsipas.jpg
 

petetennis54

New User
I tried tail weighting the 18x20 for better maneuverability, however it seem like the inside is foam filled... any suggestions?
You should be able to dig out the foam that fills the space in the two tubes. I use tungsten fishing weights because they are small enough to fit inside the tube. Hold in place with silicone caulk. Was using hot melt glue but it would rattle after a while.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Yeah a lot of the younger guys are using stock Blade type weight now and crushing the ball. It makes sense, you get higher racquet head speed but you still get the control and plow of a good SW. Tsitispas, Tiafoe, Thiem are all pretty much the same. They may add a little beef to it, but not much from what we can buy off the rack.

I served and worked on groundies with the Blade today. What I like is it is very easy to play loose and relaxed and really get nice pace. If you have a habit of muscling the ball at times and need to stay loose, having that HH balance and higher SW is a really big help.
 
You should be able to dig out the foam that fills the space in the two tubes. I use tungsten fishing weights because they are small enough to fit inside the tube. Hold in place with silicone caulk. Was using hot melt glue but it would rattle after a while.

Honestly, I think it makes a lot more sense to just put lead under the grip. Personally, I added 10 grams at the top of the handle (I do have a OHBH so doesn’t bother me) and 3 right above the buttcap, as well as a leather grip and 5 grams under the bumper.

The lead I’ve added above the buttcap definitely does not build up the grip size. As long as it’s evenly spaced you should be golden.
 

Fxanimator1

Hall of Fame
Trying to fit some mounting putty but it seems to be too thick to fit, debating putting a couple of pennies in there and calling it good...
Grab some needle-nosed pliers and pull some of that foam out. I put 12 grams of Blue Stik in there. You're making a bigger deal out of this than necessary.
 

petetennis54

New User
Honestly, I think it makes a lot more sense to just put lead under the grip. Personally, I added 10 grams at the top of the handle (I do have a OHBH so doesn’t bother me) and 3 right above the buttcap, as well as a leather grip and 5 grams under the bumper.

The lead I’ve added above the buttcap definitely does not build up the grip size. As long as it’s evenly spaced you should be golden.
I wanted to get more head light and needed it at the butt cap. Ended with 330 gms and 7 pts hl.
 

Addxyz

Hall of Fame
Honestly, I think it makes a lot more sense to just put lead under the grip. Personally, I added 10 grams at the top of the handle (I do have a OHBH so doesn’t bother me) and 3 right above the buttcap, as well as a leather grip and 5 grams under the bumper.

The lead I’ve added above the buttcap definitely does not build up the grip size. As long as it’s evenly spaced you should be golden.

I've thought about doing that, but wouldn't a leather grip + top of the handle increase SW? I thought someone mentioned their SW got up to 340 stock because of QC? For me, I prefer SW in the 330-335 range so I may just end up putting all the weight in the trap door. Though if someone could say that adding weight to the top of the handle provides some other benefit like less shock or something, I'd be willing to try.
 
I've thought about doing that, but wouldn't a leather grip + top of the handle increase SW? I thought someone mentioned their SW got up to 340 stock because of QC? For me, I prefer SW in the 330-335 range so I may just end up putting all the weight in the trap door. Though if someone could say that adding weight to the top of the handle provides some other benefit like less shock or something, I'd be willing to try.

Yeah, weight at the top of the grip does add to the SW a bit however it helps a lot with stability imo plus I just wanted to add a bit to the static weight.

I don’t think a leather grip adds to the SW that much, but you can always skip that and just add lead above the buttcap if you want the lowest SW possible.

The reason I’m not directly adding weight into the butt is because I don’t want to mess with the foam filling, since it does contribute to the overall feel of the racquet.
 
Last edited:
Not sure if all you guys have experience with H22 – but I am so impressed with the feel of v7 that I was wondering if this frame is anything close to H22?

Also which other Blade is close to v7 feelwise/balance/SW? I demo'ed 2013 black-silver BLX2 Amplifeel and this one felt really stiff. It was during my TE and I started my affair with ProKennexQTour/Tec315Ltd and HEAD prostocks later on.

I was really loyal HEAD fan, but after v7 I might need to reconsider my love for Prestige MP and Radicals (as lighter Prestiges – I just treat Prestige S as the new Radical – don't like the new Graphene mold).
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Not sure if all you guys have experience with H22 – but I am so impressed with the feel of v7 that I was wondering if this frame is anything close to H22?

Also which other Blade is close to v7 feelwise/balance/SW? I demo'ed 2013 black-silver BLX2 Amplifeel and this one felt really stiff. It was during my TE and I started my affair with ProKennexQTour/Tec315Ltd and HEAD prostocks later on.

I was really loyal HEAD fan, but after v7 I might need to reconsider my love for Prestige MP and Radicals (as lighter Prestiges – I just treat Prestige S as the new Radical – don't like the new Graphene mold).

I think the 2015 is supposed to be close. The thing about this Blade that makes it so special is the lower RA, yet it still hits such a heavy ball. In that way it is very reminiscent of the H22. I have not played a Blade before that feels like this one though.
 

tennis347

Hall of Fame
I think the 2015 is supposed to be close. The thing about this Blade that makes it so special is the lower RA, yet it still hits such a heavy ball. In that way it is very reminiscent of the H22. I have not played a Blade before that feels like this one though.

I added a little bit of weight to my Blade 16 x 19 v7 and it now weighs 11.7 ounces with a small tourna dampener. IMO it plays a little more stable and has a little more pop with the added weight. The swing weight is right in my wheelhouse. I have played with the Blade twice for 2 long sessions and will be buying a second one shortly! The overall playability and comfort is top notch for a players frame!! I finally found a modern racquet that doesn’t beat up my elbow and shoulder!!
 

dgoran

Hall of Fame
So as you may know I decided to use only blade for a week to not polute what I’m experiencing with other racquets, that failed miserably when I found new pure strike 16x19 for demo in the club. Long story short honestly I did not find much difference if at all comparing to last version of strike 16x19. It’s not bad, it is easier to use then blade v7 because of stiffness and better maneuverability but it’s not special in any way like for example blade. Hitting back to back new blade and strike it’s like hitting with pro stock vs any ol racquet. During this made it obvious to me one downside of the blade I was experiencing.
So if I play moderate pace relaxed it’s good great feel and everything but if I tee off on my forehand it feels like it bands and opens up racquet face and sends the ball long. At first I though it was me but I was able to reproduce this with my forehand. Maybe I’m hitting more toward the tip on my fast forehands and it bends? I don’t know. The only other racquet I have experienced this was c10 if my memory serves me right
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
So as you may know I decided to use only blade for a week to not polute what I’m experiencing with other racquets, that failed miserably when I found new pure strike 16x19 for demo in the club. Long story short honestly I did not find much difference if at all comparing to last version of strike 16x19. It’s not bad, it is easier to use then blade v7 because of stiffness and better maneuverability but it’s not special in any way like for example blade. Hitting back to back new blade and strike it’s like hitting with pro stock vs any ol racquet. During this made it obvious to me one downside of the blade I was experiencing.
So if I play moderate pace relaxed it’s good great feel and everything but if I tee off on my forehand it feels like it bands and opens up racquet face and sends the ball long. At first I though it was me but I was able to reproduce this with my forehand. Maybe I’m hitting more toward the tip on my fast forehands and it bends? I don’t know. The only other racquet I have experienced this was c10 if my memory serves me right
Bendy...Sounds like the Clash technology. That’s what happens when I try to hit a big fh with the Clash.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
So as you may know I decided to use only blade for a week to not polute what I’m experiencing with other racquets, that failed miserably when I found new pure strike 16x19 for demo in the club. Long story short honestly I did not find much difference if at all comparing to last version of strike 16x19. It’s not bad, it is easier to use then blade v7 because of stiffness and better maneuverability but it’s not special in any way like for example blade. Hitting back to back new blade and strike it’s like hitting with pro stock vs any ol racquet. During this made it obvious to me one downside of the blade I was experiencing.
So if I play moderate pace relaxed it’s good great feel and everything but if I tee off on my forehand it feels like it bands and opens up racquet face and sends the ball long. At first I though it was me but I was able to reproduce this with my forehand. Maybe I’m hitting more toward the tip on my fast forehands and it bends? I don’t know. The only other racquet I have experienced this was c10 if my memory serves me right

Hmm..thats odd. For me, teeing off with the Blade is when the sweetspot really feels amazing and I don't lose any control there. I actually kind of felt what you are describing when I used the DR98.
 

dgoran

Hall of Fame
Hmm..thats odd. For me, teeing off with the Blade is when the sweetspot really feels amazing and I don't lose any control there. I actually kind of felt what you are describing when I used the DR98.
I think you are right I think dr98 did that too.
It’s weird almost like I feel robbed of power of I overhit like it’s 50ra
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I think you are right I think dr98 did that too.
It’s weird almost like I feel robbed of power of I overhit like it’s 50ra

That would suck, but so far I haven't noticed too much flex like that. It's a pretty uniform flex for me on big shots luckily.
 

Alex78

Hall of Fame
Honestly, I think it makes a lot more sense to just put lead under the grip. Personally, I added 10 grams at the top of the handle (I do have a OHBH so doesn’t bother me) and 3 right above the buttcap, as well as a leather grip and 5 grams under the bumper.

The lead I’ve added above the buttcap definitely does not build up the grip size. As long as it’s evenly spaced you should be golden.

Did the same to my Blade - about 4g of lead right above the buttcap and a leather grip -> static weight went up from 303g to 316g. Perfect for me.
 

ProRadTour

Semi-Pro
So as you may know I decided to use only blade for a week to not polute what I’m experiencing with other racquets, that failed miserably when I found new pure strike 16x19 for demo in the club. Long story short honestly I did not find much difference if at all comparing to last version of strike 16x19. It’s not bad, it is easier to use then blade v7 because of stiffness and better maneuverability but it’s not special in any way like for example blade. Hitting back to back new blade and strike it’s like hitting with pro stock vs any ol racquet. During this made it obvious to me one downside of the blade I was experiencing.
So if I play moderate pace relaxed it’s good great feel and everything but if I tee off on my forehand it feels like it bands and opens up racquet face and sends the ball long. At first I though it was me but I was able to reproduce this with my forehand. Maybe I’m hitting more toward the tip on my fast forehands and it bends? I don’t know. The only other racquet I have experienced this was c10 if my memory serves me right

Are you using the 16 x 19? If so, I experienced the same thing. It has a hot spot at the top of the string bed, when you hit that spot the ball just launches. I restrung the frame with nat gut hybrid at 54/52 and it wasn't as much of an issue. Before that I had Poly Tour Pro at 46/44. This experience with that hotspot is what is putting me off the 16 x 19, otherwise I prefer the 16 x 19.
 
I am slated to get another Blade v7 18x20 with a lower SW than my current one at 342 SW. I should get it sometime next week including my Yonex Vcore Pro 97 HD as well so it will be a interesting test.

Both will be spec'd around 330 SW, 6 pts HL, and around 330 grams. As of now, I guess I will use Head Hawk Touch 17g strung at 48lbs mains and 44lbs crosses and do a comparison between these two.
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
I am slated to get another Blade v7 18x20 with a lower SW than my current one at 342 SW. I should get it sometime next week including my Yonex Vcore Pro 97 HD as well so it will be a interesting test.

Both will be spec'd around 330 SW, 6 pts HL, and around 330 grams. As of now, I guess I will use Head Hawk Touch 17g strung at 48lbs mains and 44lbs crosses and do a comparison between these two.
You are a man of science! Thank you for your good work!
 

ProRadTour

Semi-Pro
Measured my blades for swing-weight today on a Prince Tuning Centre, 18 x 20 measured in with a swing-weight of 327 strung with Poly Tour Strike 1.20. My 16 x 19 came in at 338 with Klip Legend 16 and Wilson Revolve 16.

So it seems my 18 x 20 is on spec (I would guess with 16 gauge string I would be low to mid 330s), and my 16 x 19 is considerably over spec.

Could also explain why I found the 16 x 19 to be a little wild, don't usually play with a swing-weight in the high 330s.
 

Jouke

Professional
Not sure if all you guys have experience with H22 – but I am so impressed with the feel of v7 that I was wondering if this frame is anything close to H22?

Also which other Blade is close to v7 feelwise/balance/SW? I demo'ed 2013 black-silver BLX2 Amplifeel and this one felt really stiff. It was during my TE and I started my affair with ProKennexQTour/Tec315Ltd and HEAD prostocks later on.

I was really loyal HEAD fan, but after v7 I might need to reconsider my love for Prestige MP and Radicals (as lighter Prestiges – I just treat Prestige S as the new Radical – don't like the new Graphene mold).
I sure hope the V7 is not like the H22. The H22 is harsh and I really didnt like it. It felt so weird. It was good on my forehand, but it sucked on my ohbh and the serve was really bad as well. I strung that frame up with 3 different strings at different tensions and I hated it. Couldnt gel with it. Made me wonder how pros play that thing to such succes.
 
I had the same troubles with my Blade 18x20 - strung at 24/23kg - NXT17/LuxilonAluPower 125. The feel is great, but I was overheating a little bit. Still will work on bigger spin (hope my wrist can handle it) as I play very flat.

Would be great to hear VCore Pro HD feedback.
 

gutfeeling

Hall of Fame
So as you may know I decided to use only blade for a week to not polute what I’m experiencing with other racquets, that failed miserably when I found new pure strike 16x19 for demo in the club. Long story short honestly I did not find much difference if at all comparing to last version of strike 16x19. It’s not bad, it is easier to use then blade v7 because of stiffness and better maneuverability but it’s not special in any way like for example blade. Hitting back to back new blade and strike it’s like hitting with pro stock vs any ol racquet. During this made it obvious to me one downside of the blade I was experiencing.
So if I play moderate pace relaxed it’s good great feel and everything but if I tee off on my forehand it feels like it bands and opens up racquet face and sends the ball long. At first I though it was me but I was able to reproduce this with my forehand. Maybe I’m hitting more toward the tip on my fast forehands and it bends? I don’t know. The only other racquet I have experienced this was c10 if my memory serves me right
I have the same issue. My blade is under spec (293 sw unstrung). I think the remedy will be more weight in the head. I bought another one with 304 sw unstrung, same static weight, slightly more head heavy.
 

dgoran

Hall of Fame
Are you using the 16 x 19? If so, I experienced the same thing. It has a hot spot at the top of the string bed, when you hit that spot the ball just launches. I restrung the frame with nat gut hybrid at 54/52 and it wasn't as much of an issue. Before that I had Poly Tour Pro at 46/44. This experience with that hotspot is what is putting me off the 16 x 19, otherwise I prefer the 16 x 19.
Blade is 18x20 but tip of the racquet is unlike anything I have ever seen guys try bouncing the ball on top or mishitting framing with the top of the racquet on purpose it feels...noting like butter amazing really usually that sends shocks to the arm with any racquet...weird really
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Blade is 18x20 but tip of the racquet is unlike anything I have ever seen guys try bouncing the ball on top or mishitting framing with the top of the racquet on purpose it feels...noting like butter amazing really usually that sends shocks to the arm with any racquet...weird really

Sounds good... you're making me want to dive in and slice and dice the ball and my opponent with my new Blade... Is it Damascus Steel...?, Is it a Rubber Baton...?... No... it's both... BLADE v7... Please use responsibly... This product is only as good as the user, Results may vary, Used under controlled conditions and by experienced participants. Don't try this at home... use a tennis court. ;) :giggle: :giggle:
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Blade is 18x20 but tip of the racquet is unlike anything I have ever seen guys try bouncing the ball on top or mishitting framing with the top of the racquet on purpose it feels...noting like butter amazing really usually that sends shocks to the arm with any racquet...weird really

Yes there really are just subtle light vibrations when that happens with no shock at all. Comfort level is crazy on this frame. I was thinking yesterday due to the big SW and feel, if I told someone it was a pro stock frame and they picked up and hit with it, they would believe me if they didn’t know better.
 

Ttowndave

New User
OK. I am having a hard debate between the 16x19 and 18x20. Currently playing with the Clash 98, but am going to get a blade and have an extended comparison.

When I was in high school I played with an Iprestige MP 18x20 and loved it. Came back to tennis just over a year ago. I would say I would easily fall in the 4.0 category. My style would be big hitter. Hard servers, big forehand. I hit topspin servers as necessary, but never really that topspin super kick server that will blow people off the court. I would not classify my self as having real loopy groundstrokes. I hit with spin on groundstrokes as necessary, but also like putting away flat balls. I have no problem generating my own pace and would like something with decent plow thru.

My gut says I want to go with 18x20. Currently I am 34 years old and play 2-3 times a week.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
OK. I am having a hard debate between the 16x19 and 18x20. Currently playing with the Clash 98, but am going to get a blade and have an extended comparison.

When I was in high school I played with an Iprestige MP 18x20 and loved it. Came back to tennis just over a year ago. I would say I would easily fall in the 4.0 category. My style would be big hitter. Hard servers, big forehand. I hit topspin servers as necessary, but never really that topspin super kick server that will blow people off the court. I would not classify my self as having real loopy groundstrokes. I hit with spin on groundstrokes as necessary, but also like putting away flat balls. I have no problem generating my own pace and would like something with decent plow thru.

My gut says I want to go with 18x20. Currently I am 34 years old and play 2-3 times a week.

Based on that I’d go 18x20 and try and up the play to a steady 3x a week if possible. I just think the 18x20 version of this frame is incredible since you can get such a tight rotation on the ball and have high levels of control.

For whatever reason I have never liked the 16x19 version of the Blade, but I think it’s because I spent a lot of time with the 18x20 and developed my stroke for it. I had not used the Blade in 6 or so years and everything came back to me almost instantly. So it just feels like home to hit with this type of frame. If you are a big hitter, you will probably enjoy the extra control and plow you get from the 18x20 version butI can only speak for myself.
 
Is it dangerous to put lead top above the replacement grip, and put an over grip on top? Don’t want to have to remove the replacement grip frequently as I’m trying to find the right amount of tail weight...
 

gutfeeling

Hall of Fame
Is it dangerous to put lead top above the replacement grip, and put an over grip on top? Don’t want to have to remove the replacement grip frequently as I’m trying to find the right amount of tail weight...
Why don’t you use one or more of those rubber rings that come on babolats and some other brands? They weigh roughly 2 grams. Nice short term option.
 
Blade is 18x20 but tip of the racquet is unlike anything I have ever seen guys try bouncing the ball on top or mishitting framing with the top of the racquet on purpose it feels...noting like butter amazing really usually that sends shocks to the arm with any racquet...weird really

The 2015 Blade was very close in this regard but not as plush as the v7 which took it to a new level as you mentioned.

Once I get the exact spec'd Blade, I will be able to finally decide whether to switch to the new model.
 
Top