Blade 16x19 vs Blade 18x20

[JVV]

I have a blade 16x19 which is my main racquet of choice due to my need for that little boost of power. However, I live in Ohio and the tennis playing outdoors is extremely windy and I need a better control racquet that won't go wherever it feels like it when playing in these conditions. In general too, I just need a better control racquet than my 1st gen Pro Staff. That's why I was looking at the blade 18x20, and it is about that time where I could buy another racquet. I looked at their stats and they were pretty similar. Should I just get another 16x19 or should I get an 18x20 for that extra control?

*Note - I string my racquet with Wilson NXT 16's*

 

[BobbyDe]

The blade 16x19 is a fairly control oriented racquet anyway, it’s players racquet. 18x20 is meant to give more control but a lot depends on strings and tension, but ultimately technique is most important. Best to stick with what you know but 18x20 would make good backup. I play in windy conditions sometimes and there’s no racquet that will help that.

 

[tennistomcat]

I have a blade 16x19 which is my main racquet of choice due to my need for that little boost of power. However, I live in Ohio and the tennis playing outdoors is extremely windy and I need a better control racquet that won't go wherever it feels like it when playing in these conditions. In general too, I just need a better control racquet than my 1st gen Pro Staff. That's why I was looking at the blade 18x20, and it is about that time where I could buy another racquet. I looked at their stats and they were pretty similar. Should I just get another 16x19 or should I get an 18x20 for that extra control?

*Note - I string my racquet with Wilson NXT 16's*

From my experience, I would stick with the 16X19 - especially if you're pretty comfortable with it.
I've used an 18X20 for the longest time & absolutely hated playing in the wind because it would wreck havoc on my game.
I had the hardest time finding at 16X19 that I liked until I picked up the 2015 blade.
The 16X19 pattern gives more loop on shots & more margin for error which really helps when playing in the wind.
I find myself hitting into the net less with the open pattern & I can focus more on keeping my shots in between the sidelines.

 

[AtTheNet]

I tried the 18x20 a few years ago, and did not like it. To me it felt like an entirely different racquet, so be forewarned if you are expecting it to feel like a 16x19 with a bit more control. I would advise staying with the 16x19, and have a second 16x19 strung a couple pounds tighter for windy conditions.

 

[Chezbeeno]

I honestly would suggest sticking with the 16x19 as well. It's easier to get heavier spin with the 16x19, which will help more in the wind than pretty much anything else. There's a chance you would actually have a harder time with the 18x20. You can try changing up strings and tension, though. I've never been a huge fan of NXT, but if you get a grippy poly and string in the mid to high 50's that could end up being a pretty good recipe for the wind. Personally I used Volkl Cyclone back before...grad school happened.

 

[parasailing]

I found the 16x19 version to be too powerful and prefer the more control oriented 18x20.

 

[mxmx]

If your strokes are flat you may lose some control with a 16 x 19. Flat strokes are more precise with a 18 x 20. Personally, I prefer 18 x 20 string patterns...one can always lower string tension for more spin. The 18 x 20 can be customised to have more power or less. Harder to make the 16 x 19 more control orientated other than spin control, as the ball at contact deflects more due to a less flat surface. For spin its great, but for true overall control the 18 x 20 gets my pick.

Secondly, I recommend that you have two of the same rackets with perhaps different string and/or weight setups. Whether is 16 x 19 or 18 x 20.