2019 Wilson Blade

djNEiGht

djNEiGht

Legend
a friend lent me his 18x20 countervail. I'll prob hit with it later this week or next week.

How does this compare to the v7?

Currently putting a half sized heat shrink and a leather grip as requested by my friend. I'll prob give it a go with synthetic gut to start and then maybe a poly or a hybrid. Not sure...
 
G

gutfeeling

Hall of Fame
FedGR said:
16x19 is lighter and more maneuverable so, generally speaking, yes.
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Actually the 16x19 and 18x20 are both the same weight and balance according to their listed specs. Their weight distribution is different though. The 18x20 is more polarized so it has higher swingweight.
 
n8dawg6

n8dawg6

Legend
djNEiGht said:
a friend lent me his 18x20 countervail. I'll prob hit with it later this week or next week.

How does this compare to the v7?

Currently putting a half sized heat shrink and a leather grip as requested by my friend. I'll prob give it a go with synthetic gut to start and then maybe a poly or a hybrid. Not sure...
Click to expand...
the countervail feels like a 2015 with all the vibration dampened out. perhaps a touch stiffer (TWSS). v7 has some noticeable built-in flex and still heavily dampened. IMO.
 
tennis347

tennis347

Hall of Fame
n8dawg6 said:
in my opinion, yes
Click to expand...

I would also agree that the 16 × 19 version will be more user friendly over the 18 x 20. The 16 x19 has a little less swing weight for easier racquet head speed and spin. The 18 x 20 is going to be really good for flatter hitting and slicing of course. I personally like the 16 x 19. When you swing hard, you can really feel the frame flex and pocket the ball. Wilson has really designed a great Blade line this year. I know that there are other manufacturers trying to produce more flexible frames, however Wilson has the competition beat IMO!!
 
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W

Wilsonbro

Semi-Pro
Can someone tell me how is the control for the 16 by 19 v7. I really like the 16 by 19 CV blade. With its plowthorugh and stability. I demoed the new 16 by 19 v7 but balls were flying on me. Did anyone else notice this in the new blade
 
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Holdfast44ID

Holdfast44ID

Semi-Pro
tennis347 said:
I would also agree that the 16 × 19 version will be more user friendly over the 18 x 20. The 16 x19 has a little less swing weight for easier racquet head speed and spin. The 18 x 20 is going to be really good for flatter hitting and slicing of course. I personally like the 16 x 19. When you swing hard, you can really feel the frame flex and pocket the ball. Wilson has really designed a great Blade line this year. I know that there are other manufacturers trying to produce more flexible frames, however Wilson has the competition beat IMO!!
Click to expand...
Although I have three of the 16x19, I am going to try a demo of the 18x20. I have always hit hard and flat over the years (especially when on my college team). I have a fast, offensive slice that skids. Although I am dialed in pretty much with the 16x19, I want to try the 18x20 so I can move on from wondering if I missed something. Lol. With that said, I have tried adding more topspin to my game over the years but prefer deep, heavy shots with directional control vs loopy topspin shots. Sharp-angled and down the line spin with pace and a lower launch angle, in other words.

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
 
FedGR

FedGR

Professional
gutfeeling said:
Actually the 16x19 and 18x20 are both the same weight and balance according to their listed specs. Their weight distribution is different though. The 18x20 is more polarized so it has higher swingweight.
Click to expand...

That's funny cause I had both and never checked the specs on the rackets. I was under the impression the 16x19 was 5-8 gr lighter due to it being easier to swing. Like you said, it's the different weight distribution.
 
E

Evobacsi

New User
Evobacsi said:
so I had 4 hrs with the stick. I also changed my eastern forehand to a semi western forehand.

i have read on this forum that this racket it suppose to have a beautiful sound but to me it sound like ‘pock’ instead of the beautiful ‘ping’ on my ps97s. Is it because of the poly? I’m thinking of going hybrid to a poly main multi cross, max power or 4g and Babolat origin/tec x1/nxt control. I found that it gave me some elbow problems (tendon not tennis elbow according to my coach) but I’m not sure if it’s the racket, might be because I haven’t played for a couple of weeks and I play another sport involving my arms.

performance wise, I quite like the stability, good touch at net, good power and control on my groundstrokes, the launch angle is lower than I’m use to but I’m sure il adapt. I feel it’s more powerful on serve compared to my ps97s but I struggle to get it over the net sometimes (always had this problem when I play with a full bed poly, don’t know why).

i also borrowed my friend‘s cv blade 18 20 strung with head intelitour and surprisingly liked It. It felt quite comfortable, higher launch angle, good connected feel, lighter swingweight, can swing full power without being scared of missing. I might buy one to test which one I prefer.

any advice would be appreciated.
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Restrung my v7 with max power 1.20 48lbs and nxt control 1.30 50lbs. Feels like a completely different racket. The fantastic ping sound is back, good feel on contact, very comfortable, easy to swing, unbelievably stable and solid for a low static weight racket, decent amount of power on serve, good control . I would say that it’s a not as powerful as my ps97s and its not a spin machine but it’s good enough. Lower launch angle is still there but I’m getting use to it, no big deal. Overall, I can’t really fault it, I will keep trying different poly multi string combos on this.
 
G

gutfeeling

Hall of Fame
Evobacsi said:
Restrung my v7 with max power 1.20 48lbs and nxt control 1.30 50lbs. Feels like a completely different racket. The fantastic ping sound is back, good feel on contact, very comfortable, easy to swing, unbelievably stable and solid for a low static weight racket, decent amount of power on serve, good control . I would say that it’s a not as powerful as my ps97s and its not a spin machine but it’s good enough. Lower launch angle is still there but I’m getting use to it, no big deal. Overall, I can’t really fault it, I will keep trying different poly multi string combos on this.
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Max power 1.20 is one of the most underrated polys on the market. Works great in this stick.
 
tennis347

tennis347

Hall of Fame
Holdfast44ID said:
Although I have three of the 16x19, I am going to try a demo of the 18x20. I have always hit hard and flat over the years (especially when on my college team). I have a fast, offensive slice that skids. Although I am dialed in pretty much with the 16x19, I want to try the 18x20 so I can move on from wondering if I missed something. Lol. With that said, I have tried adding more topspin to my game over the years but prefer deep, heavy shots with directional control vs loopy topspin shots. Sharp-angled and down the line spin with pace and a lower launch angle, in other words.

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

You will get extra plow through with the 18 x 20 due to the extra swing weight along with a little more control. Otherwise, I would say your not missing anything else. Years ago I would have bought the 18 × 20 but the swing weight is a but too much for these days at 52. I added a little weight to my 16 x 19 and have them at 330 grams strung with a dampener. I would estimate a swing weight around 328 which is right in my wheelhouse.
 
tennis347

tennis347

Hall of Fame
Wilsonbro said:
Can someone tell me how is the control for the 16 by 19 v7. I really like the 16 by 19 CV blade. With its plowthorugh and stability. I demoed the new 16 by 19 v7 but balls were flying on me. Did anyone else notice this in the new blade
Click to expand...

The control is really good on the 16 x 19 v7 IMO and the feel is much better than the CV. I added a drop of weight on my 16 x 19 at 2 and 10 as well as the butt of the handle. Its solid as a rock. Only 1.5 at 2 and 10 along 1.5 grams on the butt of the handle. If you hit super flat go with the 18 x 20. The new Blade line is the racquets of the year!!
 
E

Evobacsi

New User
Evobacsi said:
Restrung my v7 with max power 1.20 48lbs and nxt control 1.30 50lbs. Feels like a completely different racket. The fantastic ping sound is back, good feel on contact, very comfortable, easy to swing, unbelievably stable and solid for a low static weight racket, decent amount of power on serve, good control . I would say that it’s a not as powerful as my ps97s and its not a spin machine but it’s good enough. Lower launch angle is still there but I’m getting use to it, no big deal. Overall, I can’t really fault it, I will keep trying different poly multi string combos on this.
Click to expand...
Apologies. I realised it was max power 1.25. Oops
 
Holdfast44ID

Holdfast44ID

Semi-Pro
tennis347 said:
You will get extra plow through with the 18 x 20 due to the extra swing weight along with a little more control. Otherwise, I would say your not missing anything else. Years ago I would have bought the 18 × 20 but the swing weight is a but too much for these days at 52. I added a little weight to my 16 x 19 and have them at 330 grams strung with a dampener. I would estimate a swing weight around 328 which is right in my wheelhouse.
Click to expand...
I am just a little older than you. I added a little weight to 3 & 9 and behind the buttcap on each frame to make them feel more stable without being sluggish. I am able to confidently get the racquet head around for my 1HB. While I probably would like the plow through of the 18 x 20, I don't want to sacrifice maneuverability. Plus, I used various iterations of the heavy, but headlight, Pro Staffs over the years. I'll just check out the 18 x 20 and move along. I almost hope I don't like it due to my current stick investment. Haha [emoji1]

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
 
JOSHL

JOSHL

Hall of Fame
Holdfast44ID said:
I am just a little older than you. I added a little weight to 3 & 9 and behind the buttcap on each frame to make them feel more stable without being sluggish. I am able to confidently get the racquet head around for my 1HB. While I probably would like the plow through of the 18 x 20, I don't want to sacrifice maneuverability. Plus, I used various iterations of the heavy, but headlight, Pro Staffs over the years. I'll just check out the 18 x 20 and move along. I almost hope I don't like it due to my current stick investment. Haha [emoji1]

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
You’re playing with fire my friend. Lol
 
McGradey

McGradey

Hall of Fame
McGradey said:
Got the 18x20 for demo this week, looking forward to putting it through its paces
It's almost exactly 30g lighter than my 6.1 but feels like a club by comparison—it feels like ALL the weight is at the tip in the Blade.

It does feel super whippy and quick once I start swinging it though. Roll on tennis time...
Click to expand...

...

This thing is pretty impressive. I've played 4 hours so far, mostly singles, should get a few more hours in before I make my decision.

I've found with the Blade I'm hitting a bigger ball than with my 6.1, with more confidence. I'm dictating with my forehand more easily than I have in ages. Finding more angles and better touch on drop shots too. The softness is nice.
I haven't grooved with it on serve, but hit a few bombs that got me free points.
It's a clever design, relatively easy to swing but all that swingweight really punishes the ball.

Also got the Yonex 97 HD to try, but just from shadow swinging it, I get the feeling it's not going to provide the power I'm looking for on my forehand.
The Blade is looking likely.
 
JOSHL

JOSHL

Hall of Fame
Any other 104 V7 users out there? Curious if anyone has skipped the last cross string, it’s soooo far down I can barely get a dampener in there.
 
D

Deleted member 756272

Guest
Anyone notice the weird grommets at 1T to 5T?

They are slightly elevated. Is Wilson doing something different with the grommets to change the feel of the racket?

I wonder if the v7 will need grommet changes more frequently?
 
J

Jouke

Professional
Just bought 3 16x19s on auction. I play the 18x20 right now. I dont even know what i am looking for in the 16x19. Maybe a little bit more action on the serve and spin on the topspin backhand. Will report back on how I like them.
 
G

gutfeeling

Hall of Fame
Jouke said:
Just bought 3 16x19s on auction. I play the 18x20 right now. I dont even know what i am looking for in the 16x19. Maybe a little bit more action on the serve and spin on the topspin backhand. Will report back on how I like them.
Click to expand...
The 16x19 will make everything a little easier and has a noticeably higher launch angle. It does not hit the heavy knockout ball that the 18x20 generates though. My buddy who previously played the kblade tour (93 head with 18x20) switched within minutes after trying the 16x19. He didn’t like the 18x20 though. Go figure!
 
Znak

Znak

Hall of Fame
Took advantage of the Wilson sale and picked up another. Looks like I'm team Wilson for a bit haha!

IMG-20191130-103600.jpg
 
D

Deleted member 756272

Guest
Which leather grip do you prefer? Brown or Black? I love seeing the brown leather peeking on top of the white overgrip, but think black makes more sense with the Blade color scheme.

AaauBc3m.jpg


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Znak

Znak

Hall of Fame
PhxRacket said:
I just pulled the trigger on three 18x20s, with that sale...couldn’t pass them up. Stringing one Champions Choice, one fb NXT and one Lynx M and HDX Tour X. Can’t wait to play tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Nice! I just treated myself to champions choice as well, my first gut experience. Gonna do the second biphase in the mains, ice code in the crosses.
 
Holdfast44ID

Holdfast44ID

Semi-Pro
The Blade 18x20 feels more solid/stable just bouncing the ball around compared to my 16x19 (even with lead at 3&9). I have a demo and it is raining here. So that's my demo so far. Lol. I bet the 18x20 would work well with Tourna Big Hitter Silver Tour 17 in a full bed in the low 40s.

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
 
PhxRacket

PhxRacket

Hall of Fame
Holdfast44ID said:
The Blade 18x20 feels more solid/stable just bouncing the ball around compared to my 16x19 (even with lead at 3&9). I have a demo and it is raining here. So that's my demo so far. Lol. I bet the 18x20 would work well with Tourna Big Hitter Silver Tour 17 in a full bed in the low 40s.

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
I will keep that in my log for the future
 
PhxRacket

PhxRacket

Hall of Fame
Played three sets with the Blade strung with a Champion’s Choice, wow! Smooth, A LOT OF POWER. Good action from the ALU Power. BIG serves...ridiculous touch, I was finessing drop shot returns on second serves. Will play with the Lynx/HDX Tour hybrid tomorrow.
 
Znak

Znak

Hall of Fame
PhxRacket said:
Played three sets with the Blade strung with a Champion’s Choice, wow! Smooth, A LOT OF POWER. Good action from the ALU Power. BIG serves...ridiculous touch, I was finessing drop shot returns on second serves. Will play with the Lynx/HDX Tour hybrid tomorrow.
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What's your tension at for Champions Choice?
 
A

AA7

Hall of Fame
Holdfast44ID said:
No need to. That post will go down as post of the year due to the invaluable info. Lol [emoji38]

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Click to expand...
Heheh. Did you end up playing with 18x20 yet?

I gave v7 16x19 a shot today... easier power but not as much plow/power when going all out... i actually do not find massive difference in feel at all.. feels like the same racquet with little bit easier power and slightly less control but i like swinging away with v7 18x20 better.. i have a bit higher confidence swinging with it..both great...
 
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time_fly

time_fly

Hall of Fame
liriel said:
Is blade (104) "easier" than Clash? :)
Click to expand...

I just hit with these back to back with a friend who is demoing them. I far preferred the Blade. Although it doesn’t have the plow-through and stability of the 98 models, I thought it still felt more substantial than the Clash. It had better ball feel too. With the extended length and 104 head it had nice power on a full swing but didn’t feel as unpredictable and lively as the Clash. The Clash did generate a lot more spin, but it was strung with shaped poly whereas the Blade 104 demo was strung with basic syngut. I would definitely recommend the Blade 104 for someone who is looking for an all-around user friendly racquet for rec use.
 
2nd Serve Ace

2nd Serve Ace

Hall of Fame
time_fly said:
I just hit with these back to back with a friend who is demoing them. I far preferred the Blade. Although it doesn’t have the plow-through and stability of the 98 models, I thought it still felt more substantial than the Clash. It had better ball feel too. With the extended length and 104 head it had nice power on a full swing but didn’t feel as unpredictable and lively as the Clash. The Clash did generate a lot more spin, but it was strung with shaped poly whereas the Blade 104 demo was strung with basic syngut. I would definitely recommend the Blade 104 for someone who is looking for an all-around user friendly racquet for rec use.
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The clash is still a work in progress to get the stringbed to respond consistently.

The B 104 is a proven performer (cv excluded) that can be modded to a player's preference.
 
n8dawg6

n8dawg6

Legend
2nd Serve Ace said:
The clash is still a work in progress to get the stringbed to respond consistently.

The B 104 is a proven performer (cv excluded) that can be modded to a player's preference.
Click to expand...
the blade 104 never had countervail. just a slightly beefed up 22 mm beam. the 98L never had countervail either
 
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