grhcan99
Semi-Pro
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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Is it just my eyes or does the 18x20 look wider?
2019 Wilson Blade
- Thread starter TennisCounrty
- Start date
Is it just my eyes or does the 18x20 look wider?
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
It’s an optical illusion. I initially thought the same so I switched the position of each racquet and took another picture and the 16x19 looked wider. There could be some frame squashing actually going on but not as extreme as the pictures would suggest.
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grhcan99
Semi-Pro
Cool. Talking about optical illusion when I am stringing a racquet I notice that I see lines differently when I view the strings from different positions/angles. Especially with crosses in place when I eye them from the left I would see the strings bowed upwards (towards the head). So I would pull them down to straighten. When I spin the racquet and view from the left they would be bowed down. Drives me a bit crazy
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
Cool. Talking about optical illusion when I am stringing a racquet I notice that I see lines differently when I view the strings from different positions/angles. Especially with crosses in place when I eye them from the left I would see the strings bowed upwards (towards the head). So I would pull them down to straighten. When I spin the racquet and view from the left they would be bowed down. Drives me a bit crazy
I feel your pain!
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parasailing
Legend
Finally got Black Code 4S strung up on my Blade. I am gonna give this a shot this weekend and let you know how it compares against Hyper G.
FedGR
Professional
Babes, I decided to find a seriously under spec Blade 18x20 so mine is up for grabs. Racket weighs 330gr strung with Babolat leather grip and Wilson OG and balance is 32.6 cm. Has been strung twice, has maybe 15 hours on it (at most) and it is in pristine condition.
Btw, the beast of a player that I mentioned in my previous post used to play with an old Wilson. After demoing about 10 rackets through TW, he chose the 16x19 V7. And he is one of the flattest hitters I've ever seen.
Btw, the beast of a player that I mentioned in my previous post used to play with an old Wilson. After demoing about 10 rackets through TW, he chose the 16x19 V7. And he is one of the flattest hitters I've ever seen.
SumYungGai
Semi-Pro
Finally got to try the 18x20 v7 and I'm really impressed. Felt soft and the string bed was very consistent all-around. Touch came very easy as well as serves. It's a race between the Strike Tour and the Blade v7 now. I only have the 2020 Prestige left to try, but if that doesn't impress the way these two racquets have I think I'll be going with the Blade.
this thing is da boooommmbb....
SumYungGai
Semi-Pro
2nd Serve Ace
Hall of Fame
If there were ever a stick that felt like a 15 but played like a 13, that would be truly epic.
FedGR
Professional
You are looking for a 10gr underspec 2015.
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
Well I just ordered the V7 18x20 to demo along side the blue, orange and black VCORE Pro 97 330. I'll try to see what everyone is raving about with the 18x20.
First post on the forum. Followed this post for a while and decided to grab a v7 18x20. 46lb alu power, 1/2 grip size heat shrink sleeve and wilson pro og, weigh 332g. Cant really feel the bevels so I'm gonna grab me a babolat skin feel.
Have used ps97s gut poly 335g for the past year and a half. First impression is that the blade swings tiny bit easier, wont play this week so cant tell you guys more atm
Have used ps97s gut poly 335g for the past year and a half. First impression is that the blade swings tiny bit easier, wont play this week so cant tell you guys more atm
I've hit with it a few times and really liked it. have only hit with it on hard court in thin air so need to try it on clay and in heavy conditions. Trying 98 v7 in 18x20 and 16x19 now.
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.
Thx for sharing. Similar thoughts here. I am loving the 18x20 on flat forehands but I have to be able to set up to get that ball...which feels easier with the 16x19.
I think the 18x20 Blade V7 is perfect for my game right now. It has great feel, light enough so I can get the racquet head through and up with good pace and spin, and excellent control. Topspin drives and serve feel awesome- still adjusting to backhand slice ( my best shot , I knife it but hitting long too often for my liking) and controlling volleys on hard hit low shots. Only been a couple of weeks.
FWIW , I’m 52 and play around 4.5 mostly now doubles . Played for over 45 years , most recently with Blade Cv, prestige Ig MP, and over 10 years with PC600 which is my all time favorite. Own 2 PT 57 A ( ex Joe Siriani sticks) but could never get enough pace of the ground ( my limitation)
otherwise it’s a brilliant racquet. Like others may have inferred, to ME it feels like a PT 57A with easier access to pace.
FWIW , I’m 52 and play around 4.5 mostly now doubles . Played for over 45 years , most recently with Blade Cv, prestige Ig MP, and over 10 years with PC600 which is my all time favorite. Own 2 PT 57 A ( ex Joe Siriani sticks) but could never get enough pace of the ground ( my limitation)
otherwise it’s a brilliant racquet. Like others may have inferred, to ME it feels like a PT 57A with easier access to pace.
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
It's not 4.5 where I'm from. More like 4.0
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
I ball in MD. A lot of 4.5s here that are low key 5.0+ that self-rate as 4.5 to get more playing opportunities. Video footage can be deceiving in terms of actual results, but I don’t think these guys would do that well against “4.5” players here.
time_fly
Hall of Fame
Here we go again.
I say 3.5. Those slow, loopy balls would get hammered for a winner every time by any 4.0 in my area! Just to get back on topic: I demoed the v7 16x19 with a fairly tight multi setup. It showed enough promise that I've ordered one to play around with (I always order 2 if I'm serious about a frame, lol).
Here we go again.
Just to get back on topic: I demoed the v7 16x19 with a fairly tight multi setup. It showed enough promise that I've ordered one to play around with (I always order 2 if I'm serious about a frame, lol).
The only relevance to level and the subject of this frame is its more suitable to the 4.5-5.5 players after tweaking the frame with weight. The 2015 Blade is more commonly used. The reason it is one of the most popular frames in D1 and D2 collegiate tennis.
The majority of Blades that you see on tour are not new Blades. The shiny paint is the first give away. H19’s and H22’s with a significant number of the frames just being older Wilson frames painted like Blades. 6.1 95 18x20’s and the older Blades are fairly common. Most of the collegiate players I know that use the 2015 Blades could have the new frames sent to them at any point and choose not.
It is sort of ridiculous how these frames are hyped through tour players. Serena is still playing with one of the old Wilson frames with power slots. Tsisipas is not using the new Blade either. 2013 Blade.
The hype is all about selling frames and it’s sort of amazing how the tennis consumer buys in. Fairly smart marketing. The reality is players don’t switch frames every time a new one comes out.
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Fxanimator1
Hall of Fame
Everything in this above quote is absolutely accurate. But the newest Blade V7 is a nice, different feeling racquet than its predecessors. Some my like it, some may not, but like referenced in the above quote, buying a racquet because it is supposed to be what an ATP pro uses is not the right mindset.
Both of these frames, the V7 16x19 and the 18x20 hit well and the most significant thing I see for recreational players is they have made is easier on the arm. If you hold the racquet at the end of the grip and bounce a ball at the very top of the frame, mis-hitting some, you feel nothing in the arm. Interesting.
top of the v7 18x20 is particularly good. It really has a nice pocketing.. doesn't lose much power and re-directs fairly well.
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
Agreed, comfort is phenomenal even with a full bed of stiff poly. Never thought I would contemplate increasing tension with a full bed of 4G. I eventually have to decide which pattern I prefer, both play great stock, with the 16x19 being slightly easier to use and the 18x20 being absolutely rock solid. I have both strung with 4G at 44 lb on a constant pull machine.
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Power Player
Bionic Poster
Agree on the pros/satellite and collegiate players using the Blade. But the Blade v7 (on spec) is a tour weighted frame. Meaning, you have a swingweight and balance that can be used at the highest levels of play in stock form. Add to the fact that it is very good on the arm and has fantastic feel, and there is really no need to hunt down Pro Stock Blades unless you are really hardcore.
Especially on the WTA. They can use it as is and it’s interesting that you don’t see them playing with the frame more often. Halep and several of the women are using the paint only.
Goffen who plays with the stock Blade looks to have moved to the new frame.
Where did you get the info Goffin is using the V7? That would be very interesting
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
As far as I know he uses a pre-2015 model. This would be news to me as well.
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gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
The v7 is very soft and muted. What was it strung with? I think it needs stiff string or high tension so it’s not too nebulous on contact.
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Saw him playing the other day with the V7 cosmetics and it looks exactly like the V7. Same soft feel paint etc. Could be one of the older Blades. He uses the stock specs and if anyone is using the actual V7 it would be him.
AM75
Hall of Fame
I had Solinco Hyper G at 22 kg in it. Usually I string my Blade 2015 Alu Power Rough in mains/ Hyperion in crosses at 25/24 kg. So probably is really was the tension and the string.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
My only issue with the 2015 is the SW is lower than the Blades I like (v7 and 2011). Of course, you can get lucky and get higher SWs, but once I got used to the v7, I can’t go lower anymore.
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
I picked up a 2015 with unstrung swingweight of 300 that is slightly under spec in static weight. So I’ll add weight to the handle/throat to get it as close as possible to my v7s. Should be a fun comparison.
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AM75
Hall of Fame
I have lead in the handle at 9 12 and 3
in both versions. A little bit less lead on v7 though.
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tennis347
Hall of Fame
I also played with 2015 version Blade and thought it played a bit stiffer and had a little more power than the v7 Blade. The V7 has better feel, comfort and the balance IMO. I think the 2015 was too tip heavy on the 16 x 19 version.
in my batch of blades, the weight and balance didnt vary too much, but the sw was a different story
parasailing
Legend
I got a chance to play 3 sets using Black Code 4S strung on my Blade v7 18x20 and wasn't impressed compared to Hyper-G. It does feel softer than Hyper-G and less plastic feeling but spin and bite was less. Balls tended to sail long and I couldn't hit with as much power on it.
Maybe I need to let it bring in a bit but for now, looks like Hyper-G might be my go to string but will try the 1.20mm instead of 1.25mm to see if it improves on that plastic feel.
Maybe I need to let it bring in a bit but for now, looks like Hyper-G might be my go to string but will try the 1.20mm instead of 1.25mm to see if it improves on that plastic feel.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
So glad the rejects were the ones with SW that were under spec.
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
Goffin is still glossin. Humbert appears to be using the matte CV paint still. Wonder if his is stock 16x19.
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I havent tried 1.25... tried both 1.20 and 1.15 hyper g.. 1.20 was much better.. i think it is a candidate to be to go string... few more to try but 1.20 is solid.
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
All relatively speaking....
Main thing was decrease in control... and increase in launch angle... it was little too high... i am sure i could get used to it... i only hit 1.15 for 1 hour.. so probably not fair to fully judge the string. i think probably increase in comfort in 1.15 but 1.20 never bothers my arm while playing anyways.. so better test of comfort is probably during a course of a week. its all expected effects of going thinner... i will dedicate 2.5 hours to it tomorrow and then ill write a proper comparison. If it plays ok.. i will keep it in for another week. If i have seen enough in those 2 hours, then will cut it out and move on to test xperience in blade. I played xperience in tt100 and it was little too powerful and not enough control...it was super comfy and good sping.. it could be a better fit for blade v7 18x20...
I will update as i try more strings.. it just takes a long time
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
Do you have a machine that calculates SW?
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
Lol, for the blades I've measured swingweights ranging from 280-310 unstrung.
