2019 Wilson Blade

Just purchased a v7 18x20 off the TT classifieds and so far been very impressed by it. But on my 3rd session using I noticed a buzzing sound in the handle. This sound becomes more apparent on off center hits mainly towards the tip / 12 o'clock. I've read that some Blades have come with loose butt caps. Anyone else experienced this? The playability doesn't seem to be affected... it's more of a audio annoyance.
 

AA7

Hall of Fame
Just purchased a v7 18x20 off the TT classifieds and so far been very impressed by it. But on my 3rd session using I noticed a buzzing sound in the handle. This sound becomes more apparent on off center hits mainly towards the tip / 12 o'clock. I've read that some Blades have come with loose butt caps. Anyone else experienced this? The playability doesn't seem to be affected... it's more of a audio annoyance.
No buzz for me.. the most common sound is the shotgun BOOOM!
 

gutfeeling

Hall of Fame
I’ve now played 2-3 competitive matches with the v7 16x19. The stick feels amazing even strung with a full bed of 4G. It leaves me wanting more compared to the 18x20 though. If I stick with the 16x19, I need to add weight to the head, likely at 3 and 9. It’s fine for rally balls, but against bigger hitters it gets pushed around. No surprises there, it’s a relatively light stick with some flex to it.


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AA7

Hall of Fame
I’ve now played 2-3 competitive matches with the v7 16x19. The stick feels amazing even strung with a full bed of 4G. It leaves me wanting more compared to the 18x20 though. If I stick with the 16x19, I need to add weight to the head, likely at 3 and 9. It’s fine for rally balls, but against bigger hitters it gets pushed around. No surprises there, it’s a relatively light stick with some flex to it.


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did you try 4G with 18x20? it just gets a bad rep on comfort therefore i have never tried it before. I think i am going to give it a shot.... what tension are you stringing? i can manage hyperG-17g at mid 47ish... arm is fine... (just as reference if that helps)
thanks!
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
did you try 4G with 18x20? it just gets a bad rep on comfort therefore i have never tried it before. I think i am going to give it a shot.... what tension are you stringing? i can manage hyperG-17g at mid 47ish... arm is fine... (just as reference if that helps)
thanks!
Yeah, 4G is a fantastic string as a cross. Very good comfort and response. Tension maintenance is also very good.
 

gutfeeling

Hall of Fame
did you try 4G with 18x20? it just gets a bad rep on comfort therefore i have never tried it before. I think i am going to give it a shot.... what tension are you stringing? i can manage hyperG-17g at mid 47ish... arm is fine... (just as reference if that helps)
thanks!

Yes, my setup on the v7 18x20 is identical: 4G 44 lb on my constant pull (Babolat Sensor). I used to hate 4G because I only tried it in stiff tweeners. In a soft frame like the v7 it feels really good. You won’t have as much bite as hyper g, but the pocketing and longevity are better imo.


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AA7

Hall of Fame
Yes, my setup on the v7 18x20 is identical: 4G 44 lb on my constant pull (Babolat Sensor). I used to hate 4G because I only tried it in stiff tweeners. In a soft frame like the v7 it feels really good. You won’t have as much bite as hyper g, but the pocketing and longevity are better imo.


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Would you be able to comment on control and power vs hyper g?
 

gutfeeling

Hall of Fame
Would you be able to comment on control and power vs hyper g?

It’s hard to give you an exact answer. Both are comparable - they are both stiff polys. 4G has a consistent, linear response. Hyper g gets more rotation on the ball (I think), but can launch at times. Objectively they should play almost the same except one is shaped. What I mean by that is they have similar stiffness and energy return ratings. Compared to stiff strings with lower energy returns (think pro hurricane tour), they will probably be a little livelier/more powerful. Also every gauge of hyper g I have used plays different, with 1.25 being the stiffest/deadest.


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Just purchased a v7 18x20 off the TT classifieds and so far been very impressed by it. But on my 3rd session using I noticed a buzzing sound in the handle. This sound becomes more apparent on off center hits mainly towards the tip / 12 o'clock. I've read that some Blades have come with loose butt caps. Anyone else experienced this? The playability doesn't seem to be affected... it's more of a audio annoyance.

I have 8 of the v7 18x20s and all of them have loose buttcap issues to varying degrees. 2 of them I have replaced with gorilla glue and it holds pretty good, however there is still some squeakiness on my OHBH.

The only theory I have is the pallets aren’t shaped correctly to fit the buttcaps. I could totally be wrong but there is definitely some sort of defect going around that hopefully Wilson will address.
 

FedGR

Professional
Out of the v7 game... for now.

So, after logging about 40 hours on both V7 string patterns, it is time to say goodbye to this wonderful frame. The main reason is that I prefer the accuracy, precision and the direct feedback that the 2015 18x20 offers which is necessary to me when playing attacking tennis.

The v7 is phenomenal when it comes to comfort when trading heavy groundstrokes. I strung mine with the stiff Head Hawk (it has bothered my TE before) and hit super hard for 3 hours 2 days ago and felt 0 pain. Wilson has created an amazing frame and we need to give them props for that. And it would have been my weapon of choice if the 2015 didn't exist.
 

gutfeeling

Hall of Fame
I think the 16x19 v7 is a great stick but needs some more weight in the head. Obviously that can be accomplished with lead tape. The 18x20 is a bulldozer stock. Both “feel” the same, though I think the extra weight in the head of the 18x20 makes it feel even better. The difference in launch angle between both string patterns is not huge. I may eventually stick with the 16x19 and add weight to the head, haven’t decided yet.


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FedGR

Professional
Did you have a preference for either of the v7 sting patterns after all was said and done?

It honestly depends on what you are used to. If you are strong, have solid footwork and used to playing with a heavier stick, go for the 18x20. If you have a more modern/whip swingstyle the 16x19 might be a better fit. It offers a little bit of a higher launch angle and some extra spin in the expense of a slightly reduced plow and stability. The 2 rackets play very similarly imo but the 18x20 is a bit more solid due to the extra SW.

Keep in mind that the above are applicable to rackets close to specs. If you find a 10gr lighter 18x20 or a 10gr heavier 16x19, the picture could be completely different.

If I was 10 years younger and in much better shape I would probably choose the 18x20 but at my situation, the 16x19 worked better and I will probably be keeping it for further and future testing.

Find both and demo them as what might work for someone might not work for the next person.

Cheers. :)
 

tennis347

Hall of Fame
Did you have a preference for either of the v7 sting patterns after all was said and done?

I prefer the 16 × 19 as it is a lot more user friendly compared to the 18/20. At 52, I still like a control racquet but also want some pop when needed along with the great feel. It's still a very tight, 16 x 19 where not much if any control is sacrificed. The 18 × 20 would be a bit too demanding these days but 10 years ago or so, I would have preferred the tighter pattern.
 

megamind

Legend
Just demoed the Blade 98. It was pretty good. I feel like this is a solid racquet that has kinda good strengths (but not great strengths), but no real weaknesses. Strongest strength would be its control.

Also demoed the Clash 98. It was pretty trash. Way too much power, hard to control (and I hit a heavy ball for a 4.0, or so people say). Launch angle is way too high. Honestly the worst racquet I've demoed, and my current racquet is a pure drive. People say it's a less stiff version of a pure drive, but I feel like I have more control with mine (even though it's not great).

I liked the Gravity Pro too. It was a bit heavier than the blade, had more power, and maybe a bit more control (not much). Not as good at the net though, as the Blade.

Right now trying to decide between the Gravity Pro and the Blade 98
 

mikele

Rookie
I prefer the 16 × 19 as it is a lot more user friendly compared to the 18/20. At 52, I still like a control racquet but also want some pop when needed along with the great feel. It's still a very tight, 16 x 19 where not much if any control is sacrificed. The 18 × 20 would be a bit too demanding these days but 10 years ago or so, I would have preferred the tighter pattern.
That´s the same feeling I´ve got after I tested the Gravity Pro, great raquet but not for my age. This weekend I was watching the Spain Tennis Clubs inter- tournament, and there were two kids ,probably around 16/17 years old, both were hitting bombs , one was using the wilson clash and the other the Prince 100P ( 2019). I had the Prince100p and I get nowhere close to the speed and the pace that this kid was producing, frustrating to be honest. So at the end you have to choose what works for you, not what the racquet specs tell , bottom line, always demo when you can.
 

tennis347

Hall of Fame
That´s the same feeling I´ve got after I tested the Gravity Pro, great raquet but not for my age. This weekend I was watching the Spain Tennis Clubs inter- tournament, and there were two kids ,probably around 16/17 years old, both were hitting bombs , one was using the wilson clash and the other the Prince 100P ( 2019). I had the Prince100p and I get nowhere close to the speed and the pace that this kid was producing, frustrating to be honest. So at the end you have to choose what works for you, not what the racquet specs tell , bottom line, always demo when you can.

For me it takes a little time before I know if I'm going to like a new racquet so demoing doesn't work for me. The Prince 100P is a good racquet but the new Blade has better arm comfort for my middle age arm, lol .
 

tennis347

Hall of Fame
Just demoed the Blade 98. It was pretty good. I feel like this is a solid racquet that has kinda good strengths (but not great strengths), but no real weaknesses. Strongest strength would be its control.

Also demoed the Clash 98. It was pretty trash. Way too much power, hard to control (and I hit a heavy ball for a 4.0, or so people say). Launch angle is way too high. Honestly the worst racquet I've demoed, and my current racquet is a pure drive. People say it's a less stiff version of a pure drive, but I feel like I have more control with mine (even though it's not great).

I liked the Gravity Pro too. It was a bit heavier than the blade, had more power, and maybe a bit more control (not much). Not as good at the net though, as the Blade.

Right now trying to decide between the Gravity Pro and the Blade 98
Before I bought the Blade, I was considering the Clash but was turned off by the beam width and I new the control was going to be horrible. Especially since I don't use poly strings. The new Blade 98 16 x 19 is real solid with good balance of control, power, feel and comfort. IMO one of the best control racquets made today!
 

DJTaurus

Hall of Fame
A question mostly for previous Blade users: So nobody, not a single past Blader noticed that V7 is by far the least powerful Blade ever produced..... i mean you can’t even block the ball and return it with depth. In most cases if you want to produce a heavy ball you must be grounded and ready to take a full swing and also make contact on the sweatspot. Also it doesn’t give you the feel of producing heavy balls like the old blades and lacks the gold precision of 2015 Blade.... doesn’t give the same confidence on full cuts when going for winners. Feel is better than CV version but still too muted compared to 2015 and 2013 blade.
 

tennis347

Hall of Fame
A question mostly for previous Blade users: So nobody, not a single past Blader noticed that V7 is by far the least powerful Blade ever produced..... i mean you can’t even block the ball and return it with depth. In most cases if you want to produce a heavy ball you must be grounded and ready to take a full swing and also make contact on the sweatspot. Also it doesn’t give you the feel of producing heavy balls like the old blades and lacks the gold precision of 2015 Blade.... doesn’t give the same confidence on full cuts when going for winners. Feel is better than CV version but still too muted compared to 2015 and 2013 blade.

I played with the 2015 version of the Blade and would agree it had a bit more power but also had a higher swing weight. I think V7 in the 16 × 19 version has better control than the 2015 version in the same pattern. The feel and comfort are improved in V7. Both versions require a full swing to get the full potential with your strokes. I didn't like the balance with 2015 version as it was too tip heavy. Everyone will have a different preference.
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
A question mostly for previous Blade users: So nobody, not a single past Blader noticed that V7 is by far the least powerful Blade ever produced..... i mean you can’t even block the ball and return it with depth. In most cases if you want to produce a heavy ball you must be grounded and ready to take a full swing and also make contact on the sweatspot. Also it doesn’t give you the feel of producing heavy balls like the old blades and lacks the gold precision of 2015 Blade.... doesn’t give the same confidence on full cuts when going for winners. Feel is better than CV version but still too muted compared to 2015 and 2013 blade.
Which pattern?

And thank you for acknowledging me. Yes, in fact, my name is Nobody. I posted that the v7 18/20 is very good still but the v7 16/19 is not my cup of tea at all for many of the reasons you’ve mentioned. :)
 

DJTaurus

Hall of Fame
Which pattern?

And thank you for acknowledging me. Yes, in fact, my name is Nobody. I posted that the v7 18/20 is very good still but the v7 16/19 is not my cup of tea at all for many of the reasons you’ve mentioned. :)

I purchased 16x19 without success. Then i purchased 98s and leaded up exactly to my 98s 2015 specs. Still generated less power. Launch angle is definitely lower on V7. My two main issues are NO HELP AT ALL when on defense and not the 100% precision of the 2015 where i exactly know where my ball is gonna land when going for winners.

To me V7 feels like a less plusher clash with improved feel but still far less connected than 2015 blade. Also i still can’t find accuracy on returns. V7 is better than 2015 on slice and volleys due to a more stable feel it gives and as a result you have a more control oriented feel. On serves I found them on par except on flat serve where V7 can extract more power.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
A question mostly for previous Blade users: So nobody, not a single past Blader noticed that V7 is by far the least powerful Blade ever produced..... i mean you can’t even block the ball and return it with depth. In most cases if you want to produce a heavy ball you must be grounded and ready to take a full swing and also make contact on the sweatspot. Also it doesn’t give you the feel of producing heavy balls like the old blades and lacks the gold precision of 2015 Blade.... doesn’t give the same confidence on full cuts when going for winners. Feel is better than CV version but still too muted compared to 2015 and 2013 blade.

I dont have any of those issues and i used the 2011 for 8-10 months in the past. Sounds like you are talking about the 16x19 though
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
I purchased 16x19 without success. Then i purchased 98s and leaded up exactly to my 98s 2015 specs. Still generated less power. Launch angle is definitely lower on V7. My two main issues are NO HELP AT ALL when on defense and not the 100% precision of the 2015 where i exactly know where my ball is gonna land when going for winners.

To me V7 feels like a less plusher clash with improved feel but still far less connected than 2015 blade. Also i still can’t find accuracy on returns. V7 is better than 2015 on slice and volleys due to a more stable feel it gives and as a result you have a more control oriented feel. On serves I found them on par except on flat serve where V7 can extract more power.
The v7 18/20 is a much better frame than the 16/19 if you like higher swingweight sticks. Right now, thanks to a friend, I playing with lower swingweight 2015 blade 18/20s. One of the top frames of all time for me.
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
Ok. I suggest everyone to playtest a 2015 blade. And then let’s talk about ball connection, feedback and feel.
The 2015 18/20 definitely has a unique combination of comfort, direct feedback, super connected feel, power and precision and is my favorite blade to date. The v7 18/20 is more dampened and is an excellent frame as well.
 

time_fly

Hall of Fame
The v7 18/20 is a much better frame than the 16/19 if you like higher swingweight sticks. Right now, thanks to a friend, I playing with lower swingweight 2015 blade 18/20s. One of the top frames of all time for me.

The swingweight of the 18x20 is 6pts higher than the 16x19's, and the twistweight is about 0.8 higher. It doesn't take much weight to change those numbers substantially. A few grams of lead at 3 and 9 would be more than enough to transform the 16x19 numbers into the 18x20 if someone were so inclined.
 

gutfeeling

Hall of Fame
The swingweight of the 18x20 is 6pts higher than the 16x19's, and the twistweight is about 0.8 higher. It doesn't take much weight to change those numbers substantially. A few grams of lead at 3 and 9 would be more than enough to transform the 16x19 numbers into the 18x20 if someone were so inclined.

That’s what I’m feeling during my playtest of the 16x19 v7. It could use some weight in the head. Also, I played a competitive set with the 16x19 countervail this morning and by comparison it was a turd. Reminded me of a babolat. The layup on the v7 is much softer.


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mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
The swingweight of the 18x20 is 6pts higher than the 16x19's, and the twistweight is about 0.8 higher. It doesn't take much weight to change those numbers substantially. A few grams of lead at 3 and 9 would be more than enough to transform the 16x19 numbers into the 18x20 if someone were so inclined.
Sorry. I’m not buying what you are selling. I have a 2015 blade 18/20 with a super low unstrung swingweight of 291 and it is way more solid, stable, and maneuverable than the v7 16/19 I had which wasn’t as maneuverable. More lead won’t make maneuverability better than my 18/20.

Also no amount of lead would’ve improved the disconnected feel of my v7 16/19.
 
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Power Player

Bionic Poster
Ok. I suggest everyone to playtest a 2015 blade. And then let’s talk about ball connection, feedback and feel.

I hit with the h22 painted like a 2015 and i still am happy with my v7. No issues with power. The v7 is a beast.

Also i have said this 100x but swapping out the base grip for one not so padded like the Skin feel also makes a difference. I have zero issues with ball connection feedback or feel. Its like using an older head frame. Just string it up with some poly and go.
 
I hit with the h22 painted like a 2015 and i still am happy with my v7. No issues with power. The v7 is a beast.

Also i have said this 100x but swapping out the base grip for one not so padded like the Skin feel also makes a difference. I have zero issues with ball connection feedback or feel. Its like using an older head frame. Just string it up with some poly and go.

PP is right everybody, swapping out the base grip really does make a difference. After comparing identically specced racquets with the regular grip and a leather one, the leather gripped racquet gave a more direct response, and generally reminded me more of the amplifeel Blade versions.

Imo there is plenty of comfortable crispness (my definition of the Blade feel) with the v7 if you hit a clean ball, however the feeing is without a doubt more prevalent in the 2013 and 15 versions. Personally, the hoop flex and pocketing of the v7 makes up for it.
 
Just randomly going through this thread and I find it interesting how some are so quick to weight up the v7 18x20. Some people are so obsessed with the whole headlight thing, and start adding weight to handle as if this makes it a light, whippy racquet. You end up with a 12oz racquet that still has the stock 330 + swingweight. I recently got a used v7 18x20 that came with a leather grip, and while it felt wonderfully solid, it did require some elbow grease to get going. I decided to swap the leather and put on a Babolat Skin Feel I had lying around and it completely transformed the racquet's maneuverability. It was much easier to ramp up the racquet head speed, and still maintain that Blade rock solid plow. So my friendly advice to those who struggle with the swingweight, would be to give the 18x20 a solid go stock before slapping on the weight!
 
Been playing with my v7 18x20 a bit more. I'm liking it but still wonder if I may like the stiffer CV version better (I have both). Everybody rips on the CV version due to lack of feel, but I don't really know what that is lol. Is a stiffness of 66 enough to cause arm problems though?
 

snoflewis

Legend
Been playing with my v7 18x20 a bit more. I'm liking it but still wonder if I may like the stiffer CV version better (I have both). Everybody rips on the CV version due to lack of feel, but I don't really know what that is lol. Is a stiffness of 66 enough to cause arm problems though?

I didnt think the cv was a bad racket. The feel definitely leaves quite a bit to be desired. Then i tried the 2015 and everything changed
 

gutfeeling

Hall of Fame
Anyone mess around with the kblade 98? How does it compare to the v7 and the 2015?
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mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
Been playing with my v7 18x20 a bit more. I'm liking it but still wonder if I may like the stiffer CV version better (I have both). Everybody rips on the CV version due to lack of feel, but I don't really know what that is lol. Is a stiffness of 66 enough to cause arm problems though?
The blade CV 18/20 was a beast on groundstrokes. Big heavy groundstrokes. The one word to describe what it felt like? It felt like a CLUB.
 
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