2019 Wilson Blade

[FedGR]

Did you measure it before hitting with it? The Blade is not supposed to be fast swinging or anything like that. Plus sooooo many college players hit with it in stock form. I hit with many 4.5s and love the control, stability and plow of the 16x19.

You either got a dud or your swing style does not work with the V7 16x19.

 

[gutfeeling]

I’ve measured blades with unstrung sw of 280 so even if you add 5+ grams to the head you may still end up with under 330 sw strung.


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[TennisManiac]

Did you measure it before hitting with it? The Blade is not supposed to be fast swinging or anything like that. Plus sooooo many college players hit with it in stock form. I hit with many 4.5s and love the control, stability and plow of the 16x19.

You either got a dud or your swing style does not work with the V7 16x19.

Yep, strung with 1.25 Alu Power it weighed 321 grams and was 4 pts. HL. And it felt like a feather.

 

[gutfeeling]

Quick side by side of the 18x20 and 16x19. Very close in terms of spacing, the 16x19 is more open along the perimeter though.


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[FedGR]

Yep, strung with 1.25 Alu Power it weighed 321 grams and was 4 pts. HL. And it felt like a feather.

Are you used to hitting with a 350gr strung racket or something? Coz 321 gr isn't heavy but it isn't a feather either.

 

[mad dog1]

Are you used to hitting with a 350gr strung racket or something? Coz 321 gr isn't heavy but it isn't a feather either.

You’re just gonna have to trust me and @TennisManiac on this. The ones we tried just suck. I have plenty of experience with different versions of 18/20 blades (cv, 2015, black gold blx and NONE play like the stinker I had which had most of the same characteristics that TM described.

This is how horrible mine was. I normally see some redeeming qualities in most every racquet and as a result have trouble parting with it. That’s how I ended up with nearly a hundred racquets in my collection. This one was so bad that I let it go after a week. There was not one redeeming quality. And I’m a fan of Wilson sticks currently playing modded Ultra Tours, modded Clash 100, and stock Clash 98.

 

[TennisManiac]

You’re just gonna have to trust me and @TennisManiac on this. The ones we tried just suck. I have plenty of experience with different versions of 18/20 blades (cv, 2015, black gold blx and NONE play like the stinker I had which had most of the same characteristics that TM described.

This is how horrible mine was. I normally see some redeeming qualities in most every racquet and as a result have trouble parting with it. That’s how I ended up with nearly a hundred racquets in my collection. This one was so bad that I let it go after a week. There was not one redeeming quality. And I’m a fan of Wilson sticks currently playing modded Ultra Tours, modded Clash 100, and stock Clash 98.

I think you're right man. I must have gotten a real turd of a frame. I guess we've been the only ones on here so far that were dealt bad hands.

I was out again this morning hitting with a guy who uses the Blade 18x20 Countervail version. I was using my ProStaff 97 of course. After our match I asked him to hit with my Blade and tell me what he thought of it. After he hit with it for about 5 minutes he said that he thought his Countervail version was a lot better. He said the V7 I gave him to try felt weak and offered less pop than his. He didn't like the feel either. He said it was too flexible for him.

So now I'm faced with the decision on whether or not to order another Blade and hope I get a good one or just say the hell with it and try to find some "new old stock" PS97s.

 

[tennis347]

I can understand why the 16x19 would be underwhelming for some people: flexible, light, and not enough weight in the head is a horrible combo. I had an underspec 18x20 that was meh, so I get it. To settle this debate I picked up two matched 16x19s. They are the same static weight as my 18x20s but 1.5 points more headlight and 10 swingweight points lower. Initial impression is string pattern is very open around the perimeter of the head and I don’t think it will hold up as well as the 18x20 unless I increase the tension. Also just hitting the stringbed with my palm, the frame does not feel or sound as substantial as the 18x20. Adding some weight to the head would probably help, but then I would simply be approaching the swingweight and balance of the 18x20 at a higher overall static weight. Same string, same tension, apples to apples. I will circle back after I log some court time.


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I have to say that the 16 x 19 version has a healthy swing weight in stock form. I added 1.5 grams at 10 and 2 as well as 2 grams on the butt of the handle. I also changed the stock grip to a Wilson Contour grip. The racquet weighs 329 grams and has plenty of mass for my baseline game against heavy hitters on the 4.0-4.5 level. I use a Gosen Micro 16 on the mains at 55 lbs and Forten Sweet 17 at 54 lbs on the crosses. I am getting some real nice pop and spin without using a poly.


The 18 x 20 has a bit more swing weight and will have a lower launch angle which is better for someone who hits very flat.
The good thing about the Blade is the low static weight and healthy swing weight which does require much if any customization!
There’s a lot of competition with players racquets these days but the Blade is definitely one of the best today also factoring how are arm friendly they are. It can be a never ending search with racquets with all the new ones coming out. IMO Angell is also making some great frames with K7 Red which I have as well as the lime version.

 

[Holdfast44ID]

It has taken a while for me to groove with the Blade 16x19. Added 5g in the handle. As I have three, maybe I will find one plays best out of them. They are all matched in weight only.

I do think the Clash 98 is good for that type of frame (thicker beam, more power) and is super easy on the arm.

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[mad dog1]

I think you're right man. I must have gotten a real turd of a frame. I guess we've been the only ones on here so far that were dealt bad hands.

I was out again this morning hitting with a guy who uses the Blade 18x20 Countervail version. I was using my ProStaff 97 of course. After our match I asked him to hit with my Blade and tell me what he thought of it. After he hit with it for about 5 minutes he said that he thought his Countervail version was a lot better. He said the V7 I gave him to try felt weak and offered less pop than his. He didn't like the feel either. He said it was too flexible for him.

So now I'm faced with the decision on whether or not to order another Blade and hope I get a good one or just say the hell with it and try to find some "new old stock" PS97s.

Have you tried the 18/20 version yet?

 

[TennisManiac]

Have you tried the 18/20 version yet?

Yes, I demoed the 18x20 along side the 16x19 a few weeks ago. They both had a full bed of multi "Wilson Sensation". When I demoed them I felt like I was getting more spin with the 16x19. And it was a little harder to come up with a nice kick serve with the 18x20. That's why I choose the 16x19. But I suppose I could try the 18x20 again and give it another shot.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Yes, I demoed the 18x20 along side the 16x19 a few weeks ago. They both had a full bed of multi "Wilson Sensation". When I demoed them I felt like I was getting more spin with the 16x19. And it was a little harder to come up with a nice kick serve with the 18x20. That's why I choose the 16x19. But I suppose I could try the 18x20 again and give it another shot.

When you demoed the 18x20 and 16x19, did you feel the 16x19 was anaemic and weak... or did you feel it was good? If you felt it was good, then you have your answer of whether to order another one... and maybe ask TW to match it as closely as possible to the stated specs. Just a thought.

 

[mad dog1]

Yes, I demoed the 18x20 along side the 16x19 a few weeks ago. They both had a full bed of multi "Wilson Sensation". When I demoed them I felt like I was getting more spin with the 16x19. And it was a little harder to come up with a nice kick serve with the 18x20. That's why I choose the 16x19. But I suppose I could try the 18x20 again and give it another shot.

Every blade 18/20 have been super solid sticks. Would recommend giving it another go.

 

[MisterP]

Still happy with the 18x20 V7 and finding better access to power and spin working with the swing weight. Also getting much better with my volley work. Serve and groundies are money.

Still need to work through some
Various string tensions for testing.

Also have about 8g of lead in the butt cap of one and liking the balance and feel. The other is stock and still really good though, so not sure how great an impact it is having the weight.

I’m using Hyper G 17g in my v7 18x20. I never really liked this string before. But in this frame it’s comfortable but still has great spin and control. Decent power. Looks cool too.

 

[Power Player]

I think you're right man. I must have gotten a real turd of a frame. I guess we've been the only ones on here so far that were dealt bad hands.

I was out again this morning hitting with a guy who uses the Blade 18x20 Countervail version. I was using my ProStaff 97 of course. After our match I asked him to hit with my Blade and tell me what he thought of it. After he hit with it for about 5 minutes he said that he thought his Countervail version was a lot better. He said the V7 I gave him to try felt weak and offered less pop than his. He didn't like the feel either. He said it was too flexible for him.

So now I'm faced with the decision on whether or not to order another Blade and hope I get a good one or just say the hell with it and try to find some "new old stock" PS97s.

321 is 10 grams lighter than mine. I think yours is way off spec. First one i got was on spec and it was from wilson on release day. I got lucky there. Second i paid tw for the service to have it on spec. Unfortunately with wilson that is very important to do.

Spin is no issue with the 18x20. Its a light frame so the spin comes from your tip speed. Its not like the 16x19 is wide open. Its tight. But you can hit with a ton of spin using a tight pattern. Its more about the trajectory.

 

[dgoran]

I think you're right man. I must have gotten a real turd of a frame. I guess we've been the only ones on here so far that were dealt bad hands.

I was out again this morning hitting with a guy who uses the Blade 18x20 Countervail version. I was using my ProStaff 97 of course. After our match I asked him to hit with my Blade and tell me what he thought of it. After he hit with it for about 5 minutes he said that he thought his Countervail version was a lot better. He said the V7 I gave him to try felt weak and offered less pop than his. He didn't like the feel either. He said it was too flexible for him.

So now I'm faced with the decision on whether or not to order another Blade and hope I get a good one or just say the hell with it and try to find some "new old stock" PS97s.

Sorry if this has been mentioned I just joined in and saw your saga and quickly read perhaps skim read your posts but If you bought the blade from any reputable shop and it’s way under specs they would usually take it back and send it to Wilson for replacement if not exchange it on the spot and deal with Wilson on their end...

 

[snoflewis]

Sorry if this has been mentioned I just joined I your saga and quickly read perhaps skim read your posts but If you bought the blade from any reputable shop and it’s way under specs they would usually take it back and send it to Wilson for replacement if not exchange it on the spot and deal with Wilson on their end...

why would wilson warranty it if it's within their tolerance?

 

[dgoran]

why would wilson warranty it if it's within their tolerance?

I assumed it was not I though I saw Powerplayer mention it was 10g difference.
Mine were 330 strung with overgrip

But even if it’s not customer is always right and if he insists I am sure they will exchange.

Additionally It would be stupid of them not to help out their customer because they might win $230 this time but miss out on 2-3x as much because happy customer will come back to buy another racquet maybe a bag maybe some strings, positive pr story in social media (here) etc...

 

[AA7]

Still happy with the 18x20 V7 and finding better access to power and spin working with the swing weight. Also getting much better with my volley work. Serve and groundies are money.

Still need to work through some
Various string tensions for testing.

Also have about 8g of lead in the butt cap of one and liking the balance and feel. The other is stock and still really good though, so not sure how great an impact it is having the weight.

Yeah same here. To me its getting better and better.. for some reason volleys worked from day one.. and volleys are my weak shot.. they are better now but i hear you with manuevaribility. On the other side though, due to solid twistweight once you get it out in front its rock solid. Spin is definitely no issue.. good combo of plow and spin.. hits a really good heavy/dense ball.. lower launch angle was an issue at first but i adjusted to that... swingweight is possibly less of an issue for me bc both of mine are 331sw. They both have like 4gr under the buttcap (just to get the balance back to stock 4pts hl).
I am really happy with this stick. I am trying a whole bunch of strings.. 17g hyper g is actually very good. All around.. good control, power and spin... comfort borderline ok.
Trying grapplesnake alpha now.. lower launch angle than hyper G but better control.. little bit more power and better comfort.. spin is probably better with hyper G. I have like 7, 8 strings i will try but i could use either of these 2 and be fine with it.. just experimenting...

 

[snoflewis]

I assumed it was not I though I saw Powerplayer mention it was 10g difference.
Mine were 330 strung with overgrip

i believe tolerance is +/- 7g for most mfg's, so rackets can technically vary by 14g and still be acceptable.

the bigger problem is the SW because it can vary much more than weight. even in my batch of rackets posted above, the range of weights was 6.3g, but the range of SW was 14pts.

 

[BBender716]

Put in Hyper G / RS Lyon at 46/44 in my 18x20 and goddamn this color matches this racquet awesome. Pure coincidence, I put FirewireBoost in my PST today as well and it also looks awesome.

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[dgoran]

i believe tolerance is +/- 7g for most mfg's, so rackets can technically vary by 14g and still be acceptable.

the bigger problem is the SW because it can vary much more than weight. even in my batch of rackets posted above, the range of weights was 6.3g, but the range of SW was 14pts.

I have returned racquets for less than that or other reason and ime it didn’t matter reputable dealer will replace it with only one question asked: Would you like a replacement of the same racquet or try another type/brand?

 

[gutfeeling]

Played two competitive sets against a computer rated 4.0 that has a 4.5 game using the 18x20. As expected this thing is a dozer that rewards good footwork and leg drive/trunk activation on groundies and serves. I started fatiguing towards the end and I wasn’t hitting as clean or heavy though. You need to be fit to swing 340 swingweight for 1.5 hours, no surprises there.

After the match I hit a few balls with the 16x19. Felt surprisingly good and very light and whippy in comparison to the 18x20. The ball trajectory is definitely loopier. If I had to make an analogy, the 18x20 is like driving stick, more work but super rewarding. I can understand why the 16x19 would appeal to a certain segment, just like how the 18x20 is a player’s frame that purists that can wield it ogle over. However on off center hits or when I was absorbing heavy pace, the 16x19 fluttered and did not have the backbone of the 18x20. I am intrigued what a little weight in the head of the 16x19 would do. Stock swingweight on this thing is 328 using 4G 1.25.


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[parasailing]

I’ve got a 2015 Blade 18/20 with an unstrung SW of 291 coming soon. Since this will be way under spec, I’ll get to see if stability suffers in stock form as a result. Ultimately I intend to add lead to bring the SW up to ~325-328.

I got one in that sw and it won't affect stability. Blade is rock solid. With head hawk touch 17g or hyper g 16l, it gonna be 328 SW anyways so that isn't that under specd.

I had a sw of 280 blade that I sold and that felt a bit unstable since
it was 320 SW with the same string set up.

 

[parasailing]

Played two competitive sets against a computer rated 4.0 that has a 4.5 game using the 18x20. As expected this thing is a dozer that rewards good footwork and leg drive/trunk activation on groundies and serves. I started fatiguing towards the end and I wasn’t hitting as clean or heavy though. You need to be fit to swing 340 swingweight for 1.5 hours, no surprises there.

After the match I hit a few balls with the 16x19. Felt surprisingly good and very light and whippy in comparison to the 18x20. The ball trajectory is definitely loopier. If I had to make an analogy, the 18x20 is like driving stick, more work but super rewarding. I can understand why the 16x19 would appeal to a certain segment, just like how the 18x20 is a player’s frame that purists that can wield it ogle over. However on off center hits or when I was absorbing heavy pace, the 16x19 fluttered and did not have the backbone of the 18x20. I am intrigued what a little weight in the head of the 16x19 would do. Stock swingweight on this thing is 328 using 4G 1.25.


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Prettty what I felt when using the 16x19 string pattern. It doesn't have the stability of the 18x20 and doesn't hit as solid a ball.

Just find an under spec 18x20 and it will the amazing. My first blade v7 18x20 was around SW of 343 but my second came around SW 333 so it was pretty close to my preferred specs.

I think if I can get one around 285 SW, then that will be ideal.

 

[mad dog1]

I got one in that sw and it won't affect stability. Blade is rock solid. With head hawk touch 17g or hyper g 16l, it gonna be 328 SW anyways so that isn't that under specd.

I had a sw of 280 blade that I sold and that felt a bit unstable since
it was 320 SW with the same string set up.

I use prince tour xp 1.30 mains with rs lyon 1.25 crosses. Sounds like the strung SW will be perfect then. Replace with a leather grip and I’ll be good to go.

 

[Mike Lambresi]

was pretty set on picking up some v7 18x20s until i came across these....

https://imgur.com/a/g0aoO8X

Where did you find these?

 

[mad dog1]

Where did you find these?

In a galaxy far, far away...

Not many tennis players on the planet of Hoth or the moon of Endor.

 

[snoflewis]

Where did you find these?

i picked them up internationally. Had to jump through some hoops because the store didnt accept international payments and because they cant ship wilson stuff overseas. i'd share the store but they're sold out.

i might be willing to part with a couple if you're interested. I can share more info with you over PMs

 

[tennis347]

Played two competitive sets against a computer rated 4.0 that has a 4.5 game using the 18x20. As expected this thing is a dozer that rewards good footwork and leg drive/trunk activation on groundies and serves. I started fatiguing towards the end and I wasn’t hitting as clean or heavy though. You need to be fit to swing 340 swingweight for 1.5 hours, no surprises there.

After the match I hit a few balls with the 16x19. Felt surprisingly good and very light and whippy in comparison to the 18x20. The ball trajectory is definitely loopier. If I had to make an analogy, the 18x20 is like driving stick, more work but super rewarding. I can understand why the 16x19 would appeal to a certain segment, just like how the 18x20 is a player’s frame that purists that can wield it ogle over. However on off center hits or when I was absorbing heavy pace, the 16x19 fluttered and did not have the backbone of the 18x20. I am intrigued what a little weight in the head of the 16x19 would do. Stock swingweight on this thing is 328 using 4G 1.25.


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I would definitely agree that the 16 x 19 frame is less demanding and more user friendly. As I stated in an earlier post, I put 1.5 grams at 10 and 2 as well as 2 grams on the butt of the handle. It’s very stable and rock solid at 329 grams. IMO a 340 swing weight is way too much and not needed at the 4.0-4.5 level.

 

[gutfeeling]

I would definitely agree that the 16 x 19 frame is less demanding and more user friendly. As I stated in an earlier post, I put 1.5 grams at 10 and 2 as well as 2 grams on the butt of the handle. It’s very stable and rock solid at 329 grams. IMO a 340 swing weight is way too much and not needed at the 4.0-4.5 level.

I actually don’t mind the 338 swing weight of the 18x20, the overall static weight is less than 330 so that helps. If you’re tired or sloppy in terms of preparation though, forget about it. 330+ plus sw is not need at any level frankly, but it is nice when you’re playing big hitters/servers. I’ve played with computer rated 4.0s that wipe the floor with self rated 4.5/5.0s so it’s hard for me to agree that any given setup is appropriate for a particular level, or that any particular level plays a certain way. I’ve seen it all lol.

 

[tennis347]

I actually don’t mind the 338 swing weight of the 18x20, the overall static weight is less than 330 so that helps. If you’re tired or sloppy in terms of preparation though, forget about it. 330+ plus sw is not need at any level frankly, but it is nice when you’re playing big hitters/servers. I’ve played with computer rated 4.0s that wipe the floor with self rated 4.5/5.0s so it’s hard for me to agree that any given setup is appropriate for a particular level, or that any particular level plays a certain way. I’ve seen it all lol.

I hear you. It’s all about what your comfortable with. I like a rather healthy swing weight but anything above 330 is out of my wheelhouse these days at 52 along with some shoulder issues. In my younger playing days, I played with thin beam racquets with a swing weight above 350 with no problems, lol . My shoulder can’t handle a really hefty weight these days. 329 grams on my 16 x 19 Blade is more than ample along with close to 330 swing weight, lol .

 

[gutfeeling]

I hear you. It’s all about what your comfortable with. I like a rather healthy swing weight but anything above 330 is out of my wheelhouse these days at 52 along with some shoulder issues. In my younger playing days, I played with thin beam racquets with a swing weight above 350 with no problems, lol . My shoulder can’t handle a really hefty weight these days. 329 grams on my 16 x 19 Blade is more than ample along with close to 330 swing weight, lol .

I’m going to keep the 16x19s “in my bag” in case the 18x20s make my life difficult during competitive USTA play. The high sw to static weight ratio of the 18x20 can be tricky so I need to figure out if it’s an adjustment period issue or a reality check issue - I don’t train like a college or pro player lol. It was cool to instantly feel the differences between the two. The on spec 16x19 is definitely a sweet offering by Wilson.


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[Lozannois]

I’m going to keep the 16x19s “in my bag” in case the 18x20s make my life difficult during competitive USTA play. The high sw to static weight ratio of the 18x20 can be tricky so I need to figure out if it’s an adjustment period issue or a reality check issue - I don’t train like a college or pro player lol. It was cool to instantly feel the differences between the two. The on spec 16x19 is definitely a sweet offering by Wilson.


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Totally agree with that and same situation for me. In my bag is the v7 18x20, the v7 16x19 and maybe the TF40. With these rackets in your bag, your opponents can go home...

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[n8dawg6]

glad im not a one-man 16x19 party over here

 

[parasailing]

I use prince tour xp 1.30 mains with rs lyon 1.25 crosses. Sounds like the strung SW will be perfect then. Replace with a leather grip and I’ll be good to go.

Pretty much. Let us know what the final numbers are.

 

[Fxanimator1]

Dude, people can hit the ball very hard with this frame. It’s known for first strike hitting. I am not sure what big boy tennis means, but I imagine I have faced it down here in SoFL and plenty of guys down here use a stock Blade.

I respect that you don’t like the racquet, but to disparage people who use this frame as soft hitters or old guys is pretty lame and also pretty ignorant.

You are 100% correct with this.
The person seems to be saying "old, low ranked, soft hitters should use an RF97".
What this person is actually trying to do, is dictate what people should be hitting with by insulting them.

 

[Fxanimator1]

Yep, strung with 1.25 Alu Power it weighed 321 grams and was 4 pts. HL. And it felt like a feather.

Not sure what's going on with yours, but all 4 of mine weigh 332 strung with an over-grip.

 

[Fxanimator1]

glad im not a one-man 16x19 party over here

No you aren't alone, we have 4 in this household. I don't understand these low static weights these guys are getting, because these 4 are all 332 gm with and over-grip on them.
We love them. I just switched from the ProStaff 97 and even those ones I added weight to 2 and 10.

 

[gutfeeling]

No you aren't alone, we have 4 in this household. I don't understand these low static weights these guys are getting, because these 4 are all 332 gm with and over-grip on them.
We love them. I just switched from the ProStaff 97 and even those ones I added weight to 2 and 10.

I think there are some underspec frames floating around. Makes sense, it’s a +/- 7 gram tolerance. I had an underspec 18x20 that was underwhelming, and I have a spec 16x19 that hits a nice ball. Go figure!


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[dave t]

These anemic frames do exist. I tried to grab a third CV blade as a backup for my others. I think the SW was 20 pts less with similar static weight/balance. there was absolutely I could do to make it feel close. I guess it happens. Made me a TW-matching customer for life.

 

[Jouke]

Mine weigh 305 and 306 grams unstrung. 18x20 . 330 swingweight with 1.20 poly. They hit a mean ball

 

[Lozannois]

Mine weigh 305 and 306 grams unstrung. 18x20 . 330 swingweight with 1.20 poly. They hit a mean ball

Nice one ! Do you know the Unstrung swingweight ?

Thanks

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[BBender716]

Holy crap. I have finally fallen in love after moving from 16x19 to 18x20 and then 3 different string beds I'm at 46x44 Hyper G 18g/RS Lyon 17L and it is amazingly plush, ridiculous control and plow through and my OHBH appreciates the great swingweight.

I think I found my racquet and combo after exploring PST v3, PS17, K7 Lime, and Angell TC95. Damn it feels good to be locked in.

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[Lozannois]

Holy crap. I have finally fallen in love after moving from 16x19 to 18x20 and then 3 different string beds I'm at 46x44 Hyper G 18g/RS Lyon 17L and it is amazingly plush, ridiculous control and plow through and my OHBH appreciates the great swingweight.

I think I found my racquet and combo after exploring PST v3, PS17, K7 Lime, and Angell TC95. Damn it feels good to be locked in.

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Very nice combo ! It's also on my list. Will try it soon !

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[Bender]

I broke a chandelier once. Scared the **** out of me and my wife. Lol

So I'm not the only one!

Except I didn't scare you or your wife

 

[Hankenstein]

I have been hooked by the new Blade 100L! I bought one grip size smaller, added a heat shrink sleeve to build up the grip-size (this add weight and remove vibrations) and injected some silicone. Strung with Topspin cyberflash 16 at 45 lbs, it plays very solid and feels amazingly good! SW 326 and static weight with strings, overgrip, heat shrink sleeve, silicone and one pacific dampener is 336 grams.

A really good platform racquet. I was first a bit sceptical just looking at the specs with such a high RA, but it feels much softer and comfortable live. Anyone else tried the 100L?

 

[10nisne1]

Got a chance to hit with the 18x20 and compare with the 16x19 I've been using for the past few months. 18x20 felt plush and stable, but a little "boardy" compared to the 16x19. As expected, the 18x20 has a lower trajectory ball flight than the 16x19. After playing a few sets with the 18x20, it reminded me why I switched from 18x20 to a 16x19 few years ago. First set felt really good with the 18x20, but entering 2nd set and into the 3rd set, where I started to tire, the lower trajectory caused the ball to start landing short. More control on the 18x20 for sure, but less free power than 16x19.

If I was a little younger, the 18x20 would have been a solid choice for me.

 

[A_Instead]

Curious to see how the blade 100l compares to the blade 98l..I have a 98l which I like ..but could use a tad more head space as 100 suites my game more.

 

[FedGR]

Recently got the v7 16x19 and loving it! Opinion seems to be aligned with the general opinion here, great comfort and control but a bit lacking in power. It works well for me though since on high balls/on the run the racket's maneuverability has helped out while on the baseline I'm still able to generate the deep shots that I want.

I've been stringing it up with Prince Synthetic Gut Duraflex 16 since I have a reel of that left from before....though I would prefer not to restring it every week though so I bought a set of ALU Power Icy Blue to try.

Any recommendation for starting tension with the ALU? I would like to get explore a more power-friendly string configuration if possible

I tried the ALU initially on my 18x20 at 50# and it was good. But I didn't love it. If I would string it in the 16x19, I would go low, maybe 45#. I like RPM Blast and Yonex PTP on it though.

Yeah, I know. I had one before but not one that was under spec. This one will allow me to customize it to my preferred headlight spec and still get to a 327ish SW.

My main 2015 Blade is 5 gr under spec and it as sweet as sugar! Enjoy!

You’re just gonna have to trust me and @TennisManiac on this. The ones we tried just suck. I have plenty of experience with different versions of 18/20 blades (cv, 2015, black gold blx and NONE play like the stinker I had which had most of the same characteristics that TM described.

This is how horrible mine was. I normally see some redeeming qualities in most every racquet and as a result have trouble parting with it. That’s how I ended up with nearly a hundred racquets in my collection. This one was so bad that I let it go after a week. There was not one redeeming quality. And I’m a fan of Wilson sticks currently playing modded Ultra Tours, modded Clash 100, and stock Clash 98.

I know we have discussed this topic before and I don't necessarily disagree with the fact that you guys might have gotten duds. I know Wilson's QC and it is not great. Once I played with an Ultra Tour that played nothing like the demo. The racket seemed structurally sound but played like it was broken.

However, I couldn't be more against calling a 321gr strung racket light and feather. 321 gr are 321 gr no matter whether it's a racket, a frying pan or a banana. And we need to be realistic here. We see professional players and college kids that are beasts playing with rackets strung between 320-330gr. And these are guys that would probably ridicule any of us in any standardized or non standardized athletic task. (And by ridicule I mean take "little" Goffin and Simon and train them against the strongest Blade users in this thread. It would be hilarious. )

Now these guys swing a 320gr racket against Del Potro or Nadal but we think the same racket won't do over NTRP 4.5?

I know I am beating a dead horse here but even though I have appreciated @TennisManiac 's input on many other topics, I think his take on this is kinda shaky.

Finally, 2 days ago I played against a 6.4 guy, buddy of mine that has played USTA Sectionals 5.0 . Yesterday I played against a beast of a guy that is 6.1 230 pounds of muscle and less than 10% fat. He went to the final of Texas state in High School and hits a gigantic ball. I lost very closely to the first guy and beat the 2nd guy, all with my light as feather 316 gr strung racket!

glad im not a one-man 16x19 party over here

Obligatory