Not according to his blade RA rating it can only be kblade
I think he used the h22 and then went back to the 2013 blade. Or vice versa.
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...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...
I think you are correct. I did not notice that...Isn’t that the unstrung ra? Strung flex of the 2013 Blade is 65 strung I think so that checks out.
I think you are correct. I did not notice that...
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.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.
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.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...
I wanted to get more head light and needed it at the butt cap. Ended with 330 gms and 7 pts hl.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.
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.
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.
Bendy...Sounds like the Clash technology. That’s what happens when I try to hit a big fh with the Clash.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
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 think you are right I think dr98 did that too.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
Ok so I’m not crazy. I never tried clash so I can’t compareBendy...Sounds like the Clash technology. That’s what happens when I try to hit a big fh with the Clash.
Maybe you hit more in the middle and I hit up top?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.
Usted no loco! that’s Clash tech although with the Clash, I get so much spin that nearly everything somehow drops in!Ok so I’m not crazy. I never tried clash so I can’t compare
Maybe I’ll up the tension next time 55lbUsted no loco! that’s Clash tech although with the Clash, I get so much spin that nearly everything somehow drops in!
Maybe you hit more in the middle and I hit up top?
Yeah that string works tight or loose.Yeah may be. I'm also able to play with the Typhoon at 39#s and still have crazy levels of control with it, so it may be my swing path too. Typhoon is a heck of a string even at low tension.
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.
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
You are a man of science! Thank you for your good work!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.
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.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 could keep grinding with the clash, but couldnt make a single winner..Bendy...Sounds like the Clash technology. That’s what happens when I try to hit a big fh with the Clash.
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.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
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 reallyAre 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
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
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.
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.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...
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
Sorry, I threw it out so fast it barely sat long enough to be weighed.Does anyone know the weight of the stock grip that comes on the v7 Blade?
Sorry, I threw it out so fast it barely sat long enough to be weighed.