Yes i’m playing with Poly tour pro (black) in the 18x20. But its the 1.25 version (I’ve never seen 1.20 in my country). It works very well with this racquet!
2019 Wilson Blade
- Thread starter TennisCounrty
- Start date
Yes i’m playing with Poly tour pro (black) in the 18x20. But its the 1.25 version (I’ve never seen 1.20 in my country). It works very well with this racquet!
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
It really depends on the swingweight. My 18x20s are 328 grams with overgrip but swingweight is 334. Balance is 3.5 points HL. They do not get pushed around against 4.5s and 5.0s. Maybe they would at a higher level of play but that’s not my use case.
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
Ptp 1.20 is underrated, very good string. You would also like max power 1.20 but you need to drop the tension since it’s prestretched at the factory.
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
As far as I know you can only get 1.20 in yellow. My buddy plays 1.25 black and loves it in the 16x19 v7.
ChaelAZ
G.O.A.T.
Super stabel for me, but I did test lead in the butt cap to fudge balance. Scrapped that though and hit stock now.
For me this would be an ideal stick if it was the exact same frame, but with the balance ****fed more HL.
n8dawg6
Legend
haha ... i know what happened here, but its still funny
ChaelAZ
G.O.A.T.
djNEiGht
Legend
I found it played well in stock form. I prefer the feel of a leather grip and don't mind it being a bit more HL. I've done that and found the RHS on serves to improve for me. I might add some putty to see how that does for more of a change in balance. This racquet (as well as the TF40) I've noticed is very stable for a sub 12 oz racquet. I don't always hit a clean ball and this helps me a bunch
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
The 16/19 I had fluttered on groundstrokes against moderate pace and had no stability at all on volleys. The 18/20 (I requested the lowest SW) has no stability issues at all.
Fxanimator1
Hall of Fame
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Maybe yours is awesome. I only tried the one I had and it was awful.The Blade V7 16x19 is awesome! The 18x20 sucks.
Really? Please tell us more!
parasailing
Legend
In stock form it plays great so long as the SW with strings is not beyond 330 to 335 for me. I like an underspec Blade as well so I can keep the racquet head whippier by adding a little more weight in the handle making it more polarized and headlight and easier to swing. 2 of my Blade v7 have SW around 330-332 and 1 of my Blade v7 is SW of 343 and I found it a bit more sluggish to swing.
The Blade is just a solid racquet that gets even better with added weight in the handle. If you keep putting in time to improve your game, the Blade will be the racquet that will reward you for your effort.
Holdfast44ID
Semi-Pro
Thanks for the feedback. I used to be a 5.5 many (many, many) years ago and still can hit big shots. I just can't run like I used to (working on that) lol. I used to play with 12.5 oz Pro Staffs but I think Blades around 11.7 oz is my current sweet spot. The 18x20 has a little added weight at 12 and behind the buttcap bringing it in at 332 grams strung. I'll test it with the added weight and without it. I have not set up a way to test actual swing weight.
parasailing
Legend
The is a manual way to measure SW that you can probably find on this forum but see if you can find your local tennis shop who would be willing to do this for you. I think Blade around 11.7oz is pretty solid and I think you will like some weight in the handle as it makes it easier to swing. The Blade has plenty of SW in the hoop so I don't think you will need lead tape for that.
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
Generally not a huge fan of 4G, but in this frame it works really nicely.
Crisp
Professional
I used Alu rough for a really long time and then tried quite a few different polys, red code wax was a good one but 4g seemed to last and last tension wise and felt really good too so I made the switch to that.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
There are pros playing with 305 racquets. So thats not an issue. The main thing is the swingweight, which i would suggest getting as high as you can handle.
The blade feels light but swings with serious plow. Thats why i love it so much.
parasailing
Legend
The amazing thing about the Blade v7 18x20 is that it has great plow and stability yet swings effortlessly and comfortable on the arm which is very unique. I don't think I ever tried a racquet with all these characteristics.
Add Hyper-G string 17G strings and you got yourself a racquet with control, spin, stability, and comfort all in a single racquet.
Add Hyper-G string 17G strings and you got yourself a racquet with control, spin, stability, and comfort all in a single racquet.
Holdfast44ID
Semi-Pro
Yeah. I might find it plays fine at 11.5 oz with no extra weight. I'll try it at 11.7 oz and 11.5 oz to see what the difference is on the court. It felt light at 11.5 so, in my head, I was thinking it might not be stable on the court without a little lead tape and putty. I can feel the slightest in changes to my racquets...
Finally, no rain in the schedule for this weekend here after being rained out the last two weekends!
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
Znak
Hall of Fame
My first time with champions choice, strung it at 55/50 — I was surprised I didn't love it at first but at the 5hr mark when the tension had dropped and settled by 3.5 lbs all I can say is wow.
It's interesting because I found there was only an hour break in period when using NRG2 and Sensation.
I don't know if I love the crispness of alu rough (I'm sure I'm in an extreme minority), I think I preferred 4g and RS Lyon so far in this racquet.
Next time I might string it at 48/54 or 53?
It's interesting because I found there was only an hour break in period when using NRG2 and Sensation.
I don't know if I love the crispness of alu rough (I'm sure I'm in an extreme minority), I think I preferred 4g and RS Lyon so far in this racquet.
Next time I might string it at 48/54 or 53?
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soundofatrain
Rookie
How did you measure the SW? I recently purchased an 18x20 to test against the 16x19 and I am finding it takes a little more effort to swing the 18x20, anyone else notice this? i am beginning to wonder if I might have an above spec model?
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McGradey
Hall of Fame
I think the 18x20 has a higher SW because there is more weight in the head from the strings. So it'll feel heavier to swing as a result.
Not sure if the layup of the frame is identical other than that.
18x20 also has a higher twistweight.
See below:
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I think the 18x20 has a higher SW because there is more weight in the head from the strings. So it'll feel heavier to swing as a result.
Not sure if the layup of the frame is identical other than that.
18x20 also has a higher twistweight.
See below:
This Comparison Tool says it all. The 18x20 has the same weight, same balance, higher SW, same flex, higher TW, less vibration, more power, and a larger Sweet Zone. Game over from where I'm seating.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Would indicate the layup isn’t the same.
Hmnnn
New User
I bought the 18x20 to replace my old T-Fight 315 Ltd. With the lead I had on the Tec the two had similar sw and balance, while the Tec is about 10g heavier. Both strung with Tour Bite Soft @48 lbs. The Blade has loads more power, and I love the feel, but am hitting forehands and first serves consistently long. I also love that the sweet spot on the Blade is bigger than the Tec’s (easier on the arm when off-center), and I don’t want to give up on it yet, but I have find a way to tame it.
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gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
I measure sw with a diagnostic machine called an Alpha Accuswing 2. It’s the cheaper alternative to the Babolat RDC with less features. There are other methods that do not require machines but I do not think they are as reliable.
I honestly think the 18x20 and 16x19 are the same layup i.e. materials and construction techniques. However, I think their weight distribution is different, with the 18x20 having more weight at the head/handle (more polarized, higher sw and tw) and the 16x19 having more weight in the throat. It’s a subtle difference of 5-10 sw points but the 18x20 feels much more substantial on ball impact.
You could always take a 16x19 and add weight to the head and handle and likely get the solid feel of the 18x20. The trade off is that your static weight will be higher to achieve the same sw and balance as the 18x20. As many posters have pointed out though, the beauty of the Blade is the high sw, low static weight combo.
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gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
The non-soft version of tour bite will tame the power. 1.25 or 1.20.
time_fly
Hall of Fame
Most of those differences are 2% or less. That could be within the range of frame-to-frame variation or even round-off error since the table uses whole numbers. I suspect based on the bump in twist weight and and swing weight that the 18x20 has a bit more mass at 3 and 9 but I haven't compared them side by side so I'm not sure.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Yeah, I understand. We all need to play with whatever suits us. I currently have 2 Blades that I play with, a Pro Stock Blade 98 and a 2015 Blade 98, and both are 18x20. They provide all I'm looking for and I can hit all my shots with them. I also prefer a more HL balance, and therefore, I have modified them to my liking.
At some point, I will look to add the v7 Blade 98 18x20 due to the rave reviews, but that may be some way down the road.
This... best summary.. everything else is conspiracy
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Blade v7 18/20 has higher launch angle, bigger sweetspot and more power.
soundofatrain
Rookie
My 16x19 plays great with a leather grip- I like the feel plus a little bit of weight in the handle. My 18x20 with the same leather grip increased the static weight just enough to make it uncomfortable to swing over extended periods of play.
Fxanimator1
Hall of Fame
The balance sort of through me off a bit, so I stuck with the ProStaff.
Mitch_1979
Rookie
@Power Player @dgoran @JOSHL , others
You guys all posted in the '93p is a gift to us from TW' thread.
I've been using the 93p exclusively for the last 2 years and am starting to get the itch to change up my racket. I'm looking for some more specific comparisons from your experience b/w the v7 18x20 and the 93p.
The 93p's job was to highlight for me areas of my game that need improvement, and it's done that. Favorite shots I hit with it are the high & heavy CC forehand, and a low inside-out forehand to the service-line.
I find it lacking on the regular heavy groundstroking - I have to work really hard to not get overpowered when hitting w 4.5s. And flat-serves are missing some pace.
My 93ps are all at 354g and 10pts HL: 3 grams of head tape (I'm hard on my rackets), and tail weighted w blutac. Black Knight 18 @ 48lbs.
Please share your stories of comparison
You guys all posted in the '93p is a gift to us from TW' thread.
I've been using the 93p exclusively for the last 2 years and am starting to get the itch to change up my racket. I'm looking for some more specific comparisons from your experience b/w the v7 18x20 and the 93p.
The 93p's job was to highlight for me areas of my game that need improvement, and it's done that. Favorite shots I hit with it are the high & heavy CC forehand, and a low inside-out forehand to the service-line.
I find it lacking on the regular heavy groundstroking - I have to work really hard to not get overpowered when hitting w 4.5s. And flat-serves are missing some pace.
My 93ps are all at 354g and 10pts HL: 3 grams of head tape (I'm hard on my rackets), and tail weighted w blutac. Black Knight 18 @ 48lbs.
Please share your stories of comparison
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parasailing
Legend
I will also add the Blade v7 18x20 is easier to swing and is more comfortable in addition to what @mad dog1 mentioned.
I was using a TT100p. Decided to change it up to a 93p.@Power Player @dgoran @JOSHL , others
You guys all posted in the '93p is a gift to us from TW' thread.
I've been using the 93p exclusively for the last 2 years and am starting to get the itch to change up my racket. I'm looking for some more specific comparisons from your experience b/w the v7 18x20 and the 93p.
The 93p's job was to highlight for me areas of my game that need improvement, and it's done that. Favorite shots I hit with it are the high & heavy CC forehand, and a low inside-out forehand to the service-line.
I find it lacking on the regular heavy groundstroking - I have to work really hard to not get overpowered when hitting w 4.5s. And flat-serves are missing some pace.
My 93ps are all at 354g and 10pts HL: 3 grams of head tape (I'm hard on my rackets), and tail weighted w blutac. Black Knight 18 @ 48lbs.
Please share your stories of comparison
As everyone says it really does help your game with timing and being more discipline with the 93p. Played with it for 2.5 months. Just moved to the blade 16x19 v7.
All I can say is wow amazing. I believe the 93p really trained myself well to use the v7 w ease. Top spin, direction. Feel. Control was really good. I think if I went from the TT100P to the v7 I wouldn’t feel this way.
So in short, do it.
chizzle
Rookie
Thanks for the reply. What about strings for the 16x19? I tried Tour Bite 1.25 @ 45lbs and it's harsh. I don't remember the string being harsh, but it might just be and I wasn't remembering that the racquet I was using (Prince Tour 100 16x18) was pretty soft. Might go down in gauge and tension. First, might find a softer poly like cyclone....
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
I did an extended demo with the v7 Blade 98 16X19 and put 17 gauge Silver 7 Tour in it at 46 pounds. That was the sweet spot for that string and that racquet, and five or six people who played with that racquet for an extended period of time all felt it was the right tension and that the S7T was a good match for the frame's characteristics.
Holdfast44ID
Semi-Pro
I go at 44/42 with that string and added lead at 3, 9, and behind the buttcap. Works for me after going down from 46. Trying out the 18x20 now.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
Yep, I can see where a bit of added weight/swingweight could allow a lower tension to be used. You probably get a lot more pop on the ball with that setup too.
46 on the 18X20 with no weight added was at the higher end of where I wanted it to be. Probably 44 on a stock racquet would have been closer to the sweet spot.
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
It’s been a while since I played with the 93p- but to me that’s an all time great frame. The 93p is more maneuverable and serves way better than my Blade. Blade has more plow, stability and larger sweet spot. Also the feel of the new Blade is better in my opinion. You will for sure either need to get used to the balance of the blade or just slap leather on it right away because it’s far from 10pts HL. You should have just jumped on one with the 25% off sale and sold it if you didn’t like it. I would demo it for sure and throw your exact strings and tension in it, I doubt you won’t be impressed.@Power Player @dgoran @JOSHL , others
You guys all posted in the '93p is a gift to us from TW' thread.
I've been using the 93p exclusively for the last 2 years and am starting to get the itch to change up my racket. I'm looking for some more specific comparisons from your experience b/w the v7 18x20 and the 93p.
The 93p's job was to highlight for me areas of my game that need improvement, and it's done that. Favorite shots I hit with it are the high & heavy CC forehand, and a low inside-out forehand to the service-line.
I find it lacking on the regular heavy groundstroking - I have to work really hard to not get overpowered when hitting w 4.5s. And flat-serves are missing some pace.
My 93ps are all at 354g and 10pts HL: 3 grams of head tape (I'm hard on my rackets), and tail weighted w blutac. Black Knight 18 @ 48lbs.
Please share your stories of comparison
Power Player
Bionic Poster
@Power Player @dgoran @JOSHL , others
You guys all posted in the '93p is a gift to us from TW' thread.
I've been using the 93p exclusively for the last 2 years and am starting to get the itch to change up my racket. I'm looking for some more specific comparisons from your experience b/w the v7 18x20 and the 93p.
The 93p's job was to highlight for me areas of my game that need improvement, and it's done that. Favorite shots I hit with it are the high & heavy CC forehand, and a low inside-out forehand to the service-line.
I find it lacking on the regular heavy groundstroking - I have to work really hard to not get overpowered when hitting w 4.5s. And flat-serves are missing some pace.
My 93ps are all at 354g and 10pts HL: 3 grams of head tape (I'm hard on my rackets), and tail weighted w blutac. Black Knight 18 @ 48lbs.
Please share your stories of comparison
I still will use my 93Ps now and then because that racquet is just so, so good. I messed up my shoulder for a while and the heavier static weight of that frame was getting to me so I switched to the Yonex 97, but that swung too light so that bugged me as well. Once I saw the new Blades were going to be soft frames, but still have the punch I like, I put them on my short list.
I never had an issue getting overpowered using the 93P. To me, a lot of things are solved with movement and the racquet is more of a compliment to that. I do believe in using the highest swingweight you can handle while keeping the static weight relatively low, which is why I love the Blade. It is very easy to play consistently and hit a heavy and hard shot over and over if that is your style.
The 93P is a classic frame that plays like a 95 you can play modern tennis with it even though the specs are pretty classic. I think it’s awesome, especially if you like to come to the net. If you come to the net mainly to put away points and like to baseline, the Blade is very tough to beat right now.
It will really matter if you like the balance of the Blade or not. I personally like 2-5pts hL because the resistance of the heavier head keeps my swing under control, but everyone is different. Some people may find the Blade sluggish or not like high SWs. For me, the high SW is where its at for multiple reasons.
The Blade has lots of power, spin and control. The ball shape of the Blade has always been my all time favorite, and the control of the 18x20 is like a laser pointer. Very rare to have power, control and feel of this level in one frame, which is why I have returned to it (I used the Black and gold one for a while and loved it so much, but it was very stiff).
Mitch_1979
Rookie
Thanks to all for the replies.
@Power Player
I'll better explain - I find it difficult to consistently hit a heavy enough ball w the 93p to stay out of a defensive position. Against a heavy hitter there are too many points I eventually cough up a shorter ball, or just can't hit a decent enough ball I can approach off of before making an error.
That is my natural style! I thought the 93p would help me develop a better net game, but all I've been able to accomplish is recognize how crappy my net game is - too often I hit difficult volleys from my approach shots sitting up.
I think I'm going to give the v7 18x20 a try and will try it stock and w some tail weight (JoshL's suggestion). My 93p is at 10pts HL only because I wanted more static weight but didn't want to disrupt the SW - not because I love balance at 10pts HL.
Guess I'll come back here w more details after I've found one and have done some hitting.
@Power Player
I'll better explain - I find it difficult to consistently hit a heavy enough ball w the 93p to stay out of a defensive position. Against a heavy hitter there are too many points I eventually cough up a shorter ball, or just can't hit a decent enough ball I can approach off of before making an error.
That is my natural style! I thought the 93p would help me develop a better net game, but all I've been able to accomplish is recognize how crappy my net game is - too often I hit difficult volleys from my approach shots sitting up.
I think I'm going to give the v7 18x20 a try and will try it stock and w some tail weight (JoshL's suggestion). My 93p is at 10pts HL only because I wanted more static weight but didn't want to disrupt the SW - not because I love balance at 10pts HL.
Guess I'll come back here w more details after I've found one and have done some hitting.
