2019 Wilson Blade

galapagos

Hall of Fame
Has anybody measured their unstrung swingweight for 18x20?
I have three. Two of them have 300 and one 312 unstrung. There is quite a bit of variability in weight and balance also. Weights are 304g, 308g and 310g and balance 32.4cm, 32.7cm and 33cm.
What are yours?
I would be so pissed if I were you... 1 cm balance difference ? 5 grams difference ? They could just give you babolat racquet and paint it as blade xDD ahh and call it "shape tolerance" xDDDD
 

macguyvur

Rookie
I have a matched pair from TW, but I haven't double checked the SW. My local shop as a SW machine, I'll do it when I can. Wilson's QC on these blades is really disappointing.
 

phl92

Hall of Fame
I read from time to time people claiming the Blade (v7) is a great racket for OHBH.
Well, to point out clearly, I never think a racket is the reason for good/bad hitting. It's just that some ppl have harder times with some sticks than others. So I dont want this post to say the blade v7 18x20 is bad or whatspever.
Just for me, I really HATE my blade for OHBH. My technique is for sure not the best but I compare to my execution with other rackets. Damn, from 10 times I hit 3 times the net, 2 times balls are flying high, and if lucky 2-3 the balls land in nicely but without any big power/spin to it. I change my racket and the situation changes totally.

I wanted to sell my Blade already before quarantine because I think the high SW is what causes problems on my BH. I tried hybrids, thin multis... power is there now on my FH. but my OHBH is still terrible with this racket. I demoed some time ago a Yonex Vcore and I had the feeling the sweet spot is so big, I cannot mishit on my OHBH.
I really regret having chosen the wrong racket for me... but again, the blade is a great racket.. just not for me seems.
People told me to stick with it .. but now after 2-3 months.. I think its senseless.
To say positive things: Serve is great with this racket, soo much power comes out, slices are a dream, my FH adapted well to it (thinner strings give me a bit higher spin and launch angle) but my OHBH just doesnt work :(

btw: I recently changed to a leather grip and play it with 2 OG which gabe me around 10g more on my handle it made it clearly more HL. on FH I like this a lot!! but my BH didnt change because of that
 

DJTaurus

Hall of Fame
[mention]phl92 [/mention] too bad that you haven’t played with 2015 Blades and before to appreciate what a real blade is..... feel,precision,feedback,power,touch,balanced softness with crispness. Wilson had the king of racquets and decided to give us the stiff cr@p CV and then the control version of clash aka V7....
 

FIRETennis

Professional
Any tension recommendations for natural gut/poly hybrid VS/ALU Power in the Blade 98 v7 16x19?
I'm thinking 52/48 (23.5kg/21kg) but due to lower Flex and tighter string bed.
Using RF97 at 57/54 (26kg/24.5kg).
 

phl92

Hall of Fame
Definitely sounds more like a SW issue, than a blade issue. Time for a new stick!
I have to update:
yes my SW problem got better when strunging with MSV focus hex 1,10mm. I measured SW strung and had 325 which is on the limit to handle. My FH is great with this string, good length, weight and spin on my balls. My BH improved a lot although its still lacking consistency. Serve was good ... only slice seems not so good with this setup
 

snoflewis

Legend
I have to update:
yes my SW problem got better when strunging with MSV focus hex 1,10mm. I measured SW strung and had 325 which is on the limit to handle. My FH is great with this string, good length, weight and spin on my balls. My BH improved a lot although its still lacking consistency. Serve was good ... only slice seems not so good with this setup

how is string life for you? I used to use the same string and gauge in my wilson 6.1 95 and i was restringing way more often than i would have liked.
 

Kurt0707

Rookie
I have to update:
yes my SW problem got better when strunging with MSV focus hex 1,10mm. I measured SW strung and had 325 which is on the limit to handle. My FH is great with this string, good length, weight and spin on my balls. My BH improved a lot although its still lacking consistency. Serve was good ... only slice seems not so good with this setup

For better slice on more open patterns (16x19 or 16x20), the hoop needs to have some mass, and a bit of lead at 6 maybe useful, without increasing SW much.. this has worked for me.
 

ChaelAZ

G.O.A.T.
I read from time to time people claiming the Blade (v7) is a great racket for OHBH.
Well, to point out clearly, I never think a racket is the reason for good/bad hitting. It's just that some ppl have harder times with some sticks than others. So I dont want this post to say the blade v7 18x20 is bad or whatspever.
Just for me, I really HATE my blade for OHBH. My technique is for sure not the best but I compare to my execution with other rackets. Damn, from 10 times I hit 3 times the net, 2 times balls are flying high, and if lucky 2-3 the balls land in nicely but without any big power/spin to it. I change my racket and the situation changes totally.

I wanted to sell my Blade already before quarantine because I think the high SW is what causes problems on my BH. I tried hybrids, thin multis... power is there now on my FH. but my OHBH is still terrible with this racket. I demoed some time ago a Yonex Vcore and I had the feeling the sweet spot is so big, I cannot mishit on my OHBH.
I really regret having chosen the wrong racket for me... but again, the blade is a great racket.. just not for me seems.
People told me to stick with it .. but now after 2-3 months.. I think its senseless.
To say positive things: Serve is great with this racket, soo much power comes out, slices are a dream, my FH adapted well to it (thinner strings give me a bit higher spin and launch angle) but my OHBH just doesnt work :(

btw: I recently changed to a leather grip and play it with 2 OG which gabe me around 10g more on my handle it made it clearly more HL. on FH I like this a lot!! but my BH didnt change because of that

SW does change things for timing and such, so the Blade V7 doesn't work for some folks who try it. Good idea to sell it and demo some other sticks for sure if it mucks with your game that much overall.

I loved the feeling from the first demo, but I did have to get a full feel for it. Now I keep trying to go back to my other racquets but none feel as good for me. Just pulled out my Wilson 95s and as much as I loved that racquet, I went back to the Balde V7 and again it felt just right for me.
 
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tennis347

Hall of Fame
I have been playing with the Blade v7 98 16 x 19 came out last August. I found it stock form it lacked a little instability on some mishits. I added just 1.5 grams at 10 and 2 as well as the same on the butt of the handle and this improved the stability and added a bit more pop as well as depth to my strokes. It's a amazing that just adding a few grams lead tape can be a big difference in playability.
 

AA7

Hall of Fame
SW does change things for timing and such, so the Blade V7 doesn't work for some folks who try it. Good idea to sell it and demo some other sticks for sure if it mucks with your game that much overall.

I loved the feeling from the first demo, but I did have to get a full feel for it. Now I keep trying to go back to my other racquets but none feel as good for me. Just pulled out my Wilson 95s and as much as I loved that racquet, I went back to the Balde V7 and again it felt just right for me.
the feel sure is addictive. so good. so solid. it is a handful... also at 330+ sw, every couple of sw points makes a difference a bit..with the qc.. who knows whether some people got 340 sw, who got 330... i know mine are right around 328-330ish.. perfect for me...
 

McGradey

Hall of Fame
I put Cyclone 18L in my 18x20 and can recommend it. 52lbs.
Not sure how long it will last, but the spin, power and feel are greatly improved over Hyper G 16L.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Tried a couple frames after C19 - the PRestige Mid and Clash 98. I really think both frames are great but after a few weeks I missed my Blades and have gladly returned to them. Also tracked down a fairly used 2015 model which I am in the process of re grommeting.

The 2 strings I am trying in the v7 are Tour Sniper and Silver 7 Tour. I really love silver 7 tour in the 18x20 Blade. Very tough to beat this one especially at the price of a reel.
 

AA7

Hall of Fame
Tried a couple frames after C19 - the PRestige Mid and Clash 98. I really think both frames are great but after a few weeks I missed my Blades and have gladly returned to them. Also tracked down a fairly used 2015 model which I am in the process of re grommeting.

The 2 strings I am trying in the v7 are Tour Sniper and Silver 7 Tour. I really love silver 7 tour in the 18x20 Blade. Very tough to beat this one especially at the price of a reel.
welcome back bud.. glad to have you back. such solid frame..
 

n8dawg6

Legend
Tried a couple frames after C19 - the PRestige Mid and Clash 98. I really think both frames are great but after a few weeks I missed my Blades and have gladly returned to them. Also tracked down a fairly used 2015 model which I am in the process of re grommeting.

The 2 strings I am trying in the v7 are Tour Sniper and Silver 7 Tour. I really love silver 7 tour in the 18x20 Blade. Very tough to beat this one especially at the price of a reel.
tough for me to leave the blade too. such a good combo of power and control and that sexy thin beam.
 

elsk

New User
I'm struggling a little with the 16x19 strung with Volkl Cyclone at 52lbs. The racket/stringbed just feels too much like a trampoline, I did try a stiffer poly at a high tension but I found I lacked power with this setup. What have people been stringing theirs with that feels good?
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I'm struggling a little with the 16x19 strung with Volkl Cyclone at 52lbs. The racket/stringbed just feels too much like a trampoline, I did try a stiffer poly at a high tension but I found I lacked power with this setup. What have people been stringing theirs with that feels good?

Cyclone is a springy string. I use Silver 7 tour.
 

n8dawg6

Legend
I'm struggling a little with the 16x19 strung with Volkl Cyclone at 52lbs. The racket/stringbed just feels too much like a trampoline, I did try a stiffer poly at a high tension but I found I lacked power with this setup. What have people been stringing theirs with that feels good?
im using full bed luxilon element at 52 lbs
 

FedGR

Professional
I'm struggling a little with the 16x19 strung with Volkl Cyclone at 52lbs. The racket/stringbed just feels too much like a trampoline, I did try a stiffer poly at a high tension but I found I lacked power with this setup. What have people been stringing theirs with that feels good?

I have really like the V7 16x19 with Poly Tour Strike and and Head Hawk (not touch), both strung at 45#. Especially the Hawk, being stiff and crisp, improved the feedback from the stringbed while being extremely comfy (on the V7).
 

Kurt0707

Rookie
Strung similar with gut/poly hybrid but at 52/48, even qith this plenty of power and feel.. but I think higher tension with gut would have been better for me, will try poly on the mains next for a more crisper feel
 

Fxanimator1

Hall of Fame
Strung up some 18x20 V7’s with a hybrid of Wilson Gut in the mains strung at 48 and Luxilon Element in the crosses strung at 46 and it plays amazing !!

I am using a similar set up but with higher tension. NXT Power 16 mains/ Isopeed Cream 16 cross@ 54lbs. This is for the 16x19 though.
 

AA7

Hall of Fame
i like all these setups in v7 18x20:
- Hyper G 1.20mm 48/45
- Tour Sniper 1.25mm 48/45
- YPTP (yellow) 1.20mm 48/45
I like the crosses lower...helps with the launch angle..well initially did but now that i am much more used to the racquet, I may start bringing them closer..
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Tour sniper is really really nice in this frame. Damn great control. Im going to buy more of silver 7 and TS since this may take a little bit to pick a winner.
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Wilson 18x20’s, 6.1 95’s, Blades etc all seem to play really well around 48lbs with a number of different poly strings. Luxilon Alu Power @ 48 is about the best I have found for playability in the Wilson 18x20’s. BHS7T @ 47 provides better durability and string tension maintenance. Play 5.0 but have seen higher level collegiate and professional players stringing slightly tighter in the low 50’s.
 
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Power Player

Bionic Poster
Wilson 18x20’s, 6.1 95’s, Blades etc all seem to play really well around 48lbs with a number of different poly strings. Luxilon Alu Power @ 48 is about the best I have found for playability in the Wilson 18x20’s. BHS7T @ 47 provides better durability and string tension maintenance. Play 5.0 but have seen higher level collegiate and professional players stringing slightly tighter in the low 50’s.

Agree, I usually string around the same tension. I found silver 7 tour to last for quite a while even when the tension drops a little. I decided to use that in my V7s and will try Tour Sniper in my 2015.

The Silver 7 crispy feel really matches the muted old school head thump of the v7.
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Agree, I usually string around the same tension. I found silver 7 tour to last for quite a while even when the tension drops a little. I decided to use that in my V7s and will try Tour Sniper in my 2015.

The Silver 7 crispy feel really matches the muted old school head thump of the v7.

That S7 is a great string. Have it in two of my 6.1 95’s at 47lbs. Just finished a reel and got a great deal on an Alu reel. Good chance will be headed back to S7.
 
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Yamin

Hall of Fame
Just removed some finishing tape and with it a half inch of paint . I thought everyone was exaggerating but also noticed random chips on my clash that was hanging out in my bag....

Love the racket but the uninspiring paint job and how bad the paint quality is.... Not too happy.
 

2nd Serve Ace

Hall of Fame
Just removed some finishing tape and with it a half inch of paint . I thought everyone was exaggerating but also noticed random chips on my clash that was hanging out in my bag....

Love the racket but the uninspiring paint job and how bad the paint quality is.... Not too happy.
Yeah, hate this about Wilson frames.

Honestly, the glossy finish on the new v3 ultras is far better quality and something that should be brought to all lines, imho.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Wilson needs to seriously reboot their PJ strategy. This basic color scheme with a uniform design is really lame. I much prefer the PJ of the older 2015 for example. Hell, I even like the 2017 Countervail more, and that was nothing special.

That said, for what Wilson has done with this Blade, I give them a pass. They softened it up, kept it solid and loaded it with plow. I think the only thing is that many will find the 18x20 to be a bit advanced due to the higher SW. But if you can handle the SW, it’s really a brilliant frame. I can’t move off mine, and the only other frames I am using now are the 2015 versions, which interchange fairly well. Those were also brilliant racquets, imo. It’s fun to switch between the versions and notice the differences (the throat flex of the v7 really sticks out as a main one).
 

coolschreiber

Hall of Fame
I read from time to time people claiming the Blade (v7) is a great racket for OHBH.
Well, to point out clearly, I never think a racket is the reason for good/bad hitting. It's just that some ppl have harder times with some sticks than others. So I dont want this post to say the blade v7 18x20 is bad or whatspever.
Just for me, I really HATE my blade for OHBH. My technique is for sure not the best but I compare to my execution with other rackets. Damn, from 10 times I hit 3 times the net, 2 times balls are flying high, and if lucky 2-3 the balls land in nicely but without any big power/spin to it. I change my racket and the situation changes totally.

I wanted to sell my Blade already before quarantine because I think the high SW is what causes problems on my BH. I tried hybrids, thin multis... power is there now on my FH. but my OHBH is still terrible with this racket. I demoed some time ago a Yonex Vcore and I had the feeling the sweet spot is so big, I cannot mishit on my OHBH.
I really regret having chosen the wrong racket for me... but again, the blade is a great racket.. just not for me seems.
People told me to stick with it .. but now after 2-3 months.. I think its senseless.
To say positive things: Serve is great with this racket, soo much power comes out, slices are a dream, my FH adapted well to it (thinner strings give me a bit higher spin and launch angle) but my OHBH just doesnt work :(

btw: I recently changed to a leather grip and play it with 2 OG which gabe me around 10g more on my handle it made it clearly more HL. on FH I like this a lot!! but my BH didnt change because of that

Try to follow through completely when hitting OHBH with v7 18x20. Works really well for me. Probably best match play racquet for me. Perfect blend control, solidity and forgiveness.
 

Kurt0707

Rookie
Try to follow through completely when hitting OHBH with v7 18x20. Works really well for me. Probably best match play racquet for me. Perfect blend control, solidity and forgiveness.

I agree with this, I also found Blade v7 18x20 especially strong on my OHBH returns which is great for matchplay, and for rallies it needs timely preparation due to its higher SW.
 

tennis347

Hall of Fame
The Blade v7 98 line forces you to have good technique on your strokes and provides alot feedback. The sweet spot is potent and provides good pop for a thin beam racquet. The high SW is great for returning and for serving. I agree that the preparation on the OHB during rallies needs good preparation and a follow through. I have been using the 16 x 19 version since it came out last year and still continue to really enjoy using. I think my game has improved since using the Blade v7 98 16 x 19.
 
D

Deleted member 768841

Guest
I’m really eyeing the 16/19, generally looking for more spin and power. However my other option is the pure aero, so I’m a little bit on both ends! I love the soft feeling and the cosmetics, but how is the spin potential from the 16/19? Can it be improved with a 17 gauge poly? Also I wonder why the hate for the 16/19? Maybe it’s just me but I hit with quite a bit of spin and I tried the 18/20 for awhile, the boxes are so small...
 
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CroPlayer

New User
I’m really eyeing the 16/19, generally looking for more spin and power. However my other option is the pure aero, so I’m a little bit on both ends! I love the soft feeling and the cosmetics, but how is the spin potential from the 16/19? Can it be improved with a 17 gauge poly? Also I wonder why the hate for the 16/19? Maybe it’s just me but I hit with quite a bit of spin and I tried the 18/20 for awhile, the boxes are so small...
I have Pure aero and Vcore pro HD. I was surprised, by the amount of spin on my HD. Even a colleague commented to me that my shots are much stronger in relation to pure aero. Pure aero is too strong a racket for me (too muchhhh powerrrr) it’s hard to control it without a lot of spin. While with HD I'm hitting relaxed and the strokes look much heavier / stronger. Pure aero is my best serving racket, but my shoulder doesn’t like it very much.

With HD i feel much more relaxed and my shots are much stronger. All in all, I think each racquet carries certain trade-offs and everyone needs to find one racquet that fits and focus only on the game. With frequent racquet changes, progress will be much slower. I went through all those stages, and in the end I played with HD for almost a year.

If you are not a string breaker, try 1.15 or 1.20 in your dense pattern racquet.


Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk
 

25-TENNIS

Semi-Pro
I’m really eyeing the 16/19, generally looking for more spin and power. However my other option is the pure aero, so I’m a little bit on both ends! I love the soft feeling and the cosmetics, but how is the spin potential from the 16/19? Can it be improved with a 17 gauge poly? Also I wonder why the hate for the 16/19? Maybe it’s just me but I hit with quite a bit of spin and I tried the 18/20 for awhile, the boxes are so small...
The Blade 16x19 doesn't offer much spin and I think the Blade is most effective when you hit hard flat shots.
 

McGradey

Hall of Fame
The Blade plays like a 350g frame. It's very honest; you pretty much get out what you put in. It doesn't provide loads of free power or spin, but if you swing it right, you'll get plenty of both. The things the Blade does overdeliver on are stability and plow through.

I can get tons of spin in the 18x20 with 17 or 18 gauge strings, but only if my swing is correct. Something like a Pure Aero will make spin generation feel like a breeze compared to the Blade, because the Pure Aero is whippy and the Blade definitely isn't.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I’m really eyeing the 16/19, generally looking for more spin and power. However my other option is the pure aero, so I’m a little bit on both ends! I love the soft feeling and the cosmetics, but how is the spin potential from the 16/19? Can it be improved with a 17 gauge poly? Also I wonder why the hate for the 16/19? Maybe it’s just me but I hit with quite a bit of spin and I tried the 18/20 for awhile, the boxes are so small...

if you hit with a lot of spin then im not sure why youd look for more . Doesn’t make much sense. I get heavy spin with the 18x20.

The pure aero is a different frame. Super open pattern, not the same level of control, lots of free power. I think thats probably a better fit for you.
 

Notorious_Junkballer

Hall of Fame
Something like a Pure Aero will make spin generation feel like a breeze compared to the Blade, because the Pure Aero is whippy and the Blade definitely isn't.
This is like the only problem I have with my Blade v7 18x20 at 340 grams. Even though I've added more weight to the handle than in the hoop (3&9), so that the balance is a bit more HL than in stock form, I still cannot serve with it properly. Simpy not enough racquet head speed. Flat serves work pretty okay but kicking is just down the drain. I tried my friend's Pure Aero (300g) today and while I didn't play long enough with it in order to get accustomed, serving with it was so much easier right away. This was btw my first taste ever of a Babolat racquet. I didn't get hooked. :)
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
This is like the only problem I have with my Blade v7 18x20 at 340 grams. Even though I've added more weight to the handle than in the hoop (3&9), so that the balance is a bit more HL than in stock form, I still cannot serve with it properly. Simpy not enough racquet head speed. Flat serves work pretty okay but kicking is just down the drain. I tried my friend's Pure Aero (300g) today and while I didn't play long enough with it in order to get accustomed, serving with it was so much easier right away. This was btw my first taste ever of a Babolat racquet. I didn't get hooked. :)

The more weight you add, the slower the swing speed. Yes, the Blade is more HH at 330 grams but you will also get more swing speed that way and serving is easier as well. the Blade 18x20 (unless way off spec) should allow you to destroy the ball in stock form if the frame is a good fit for you.
 

terminator97

New User
I dialled in my string setup for the 18x20 v7... I normally use the RF97 for singles.. but wanted something primarily for doubles but it also works well for singles.

VS gut mains #55 and Alu Power rough cross at #53 with power pads.. Lots of power, control, spin and bite.. easily hit flat, topspin and slices. Great action on the serve. Easy on the arm.

I will probably add a leather grip.. always do..
 

FIRETennis

Professional
I dialled in my string setup for the 18x20 v7... I normally use the RF97 for singles.. but wanted something primarily for doubles but it also works well for singles.

VS gut mains #55 and Alu Power rough cross at #53 with power pads.. Lots of power, control, spin and bite.. easily hit flat, topspin and slices. Great action on the serve. Easy on the arm.

I will probably add a leather grip.. always do..

Used the same setup, albeit a lower tension on the ALU but I feel it getting super stiff and uncomfortable even as a cross in about 2-3h of hard hitting. It's sad because I love those hours but it's almost unplayable afterwards.
I now use Revolve or Black Zone as a cross with the VS and they play amazing about 6-7h when I redo the crosses. VS lasts about ~20-25h in my 16x19 v7 Blade.
 

Dbrizz

Rookie
Dealing with wrist issues. Play with full poly in pure aero. Looking for a softer heavier frame with more control. Thoughts on blade 18x20 vs pure strike 18x20 vs gravity line vs head graphene speed? I’m ok if I take a couple steps back in initial learning to get less power but more comfort. 4.0-4.5 level. Any suggestions?
 
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