Blade V7 Tennis Elbow??

Robert F

Hall of Fame
Off topic but it's like asking 10 people if a certain dish is too salty...
Personally, when I tried two Wilson Pro overgrips on top of a regular Wilson basegrip, it felt very much like a sausage without bevel feel, to me.
It's completely different than removing the original regular Wilson basegrip and then adding two overgrips, that works fine in terms of feel but gets the opposite effect of making the racquet more HH.
OP should try and see what works for him.
If I did this , how would this help the TE? I'd think an overgrip and basegrip would provide more shock absorption than having a naked racquet with 2 overgrips? Or are you saying if I felt the bevels more, I could be more consistent in the way I grip? Or needing less of a death grip to feel the bevels?

I usually use one OG on a basegrip. I feel I'm pretty consistent with feeling the bevels. I think when trying to generate more pace, I sometimes grip tighter, when in fact I should be going looser.

Quick update--using Hyper G soft in the mains with TNT2 in the crosses, both at 48. TE still present but much better overall. Leaving town, so I'm thinking of taking 10 days off from tennis to get more rest.
 

FIRETennis

Professional
If I did this , how would this help the TE? I'd think an overgrip and basegrip would provide more shock absorption than having a naked racquet with 2 overgrips? Or are you saying if I felt the bevels more, I could be more consistent in the way I grip? Or needing less of a death grip to feel the bevels?

I usually use one OG on a basegrip. I feel I'm pretty consistent with feeling the bevels. I think when trying to generate more pace, I sometimes grip tighter, when in fact I should be going looser.

Quick update--using Hyper G soft in the mains with TNT2 in the crosses, both at 48. TE still present but much better overall. Leaving town, so I'm thinking of taking 10 days off from tennis to get more rest.

No, the discussion veered off path, sorry for that.
Let me clarify. I was originally suggesting replacing the stock base grip (the black grip wrapped on the handle that the racquet comes with from the shop) with a leather grip that you'd have to purchase separately.
Leather grips are more dense and thinner. What this does is add extra weight to the handle, making the racquet more headlight. It also highlights the bevels more, which some people prefer for "feel".
You'd still want to add your usual overgrip on top of it after, such as the Wilson Pro Comfort, which is my favorite.
A member suggested just leaving your regular basegrip, overgrip on and adding an additional overgrip. This would simulate the overall weight of the above modification, however at the expense of the bevel feel, which some people care for. I don't recommend the naked racquet and 2 overgrips. It's quite harsh and thinner, which can lead to more TE.

In conclusion, I would start with adding another overgrip on top of what you already have as @Dartagnan64 suggested. See if that helps your TE. It would make your racquet about 6-7g heavier and 2 points head lighter. This should help with TE.
If you want the holy grail, go full gut or at least gut mains, soft poly crosses.

PS. If you need more pace, use the legs more loading slightly deeper and pushing more during the first forward motion of your swing while relaxing your wrist.
 

Robert F

Hall of Fame
Interesting, I was thinking of making the racquet more headlight. What if I added some lead tape under the OG instead of going with 2 OGs so that way I'm not changing the grip size?
 

oiler90

Rookie
So I recently had a second bout of TE and the same thing that fixed it last time, worked for it this time.

ditched the poly. Strung with multifilament at mid tensions. Racket under 64RA. Reduced playtime to 3 days a week. Wore my counterforce brace. Percussion massage and flex bar exercise. Boom arm feels 95% back to normal in a few weeks.

Just remember that healing is more important than winning.
Hmmmm winning always seems to speed up the healing process LOL
 

Robert F

Hall of Fame
Just giving an update. Was on a vacation and hadn't played for 5 days. No pain when I last played on Sunday during play.
No more pain during the day in the muscle and only mild pain if I find a tender spot in the tendon. Still feel some tension near the muscle/tendon.
But oddly, I still get pain in the middle of the night???

I've been doing Tyler Twists and Rubber Band Finger extentions daily.
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Just giving an update. Was on a vacation and hadn't played for 5 days. No pain when I last played on Sunday during play.
No more pain during the day in the muscle and only mild pain if I find a tender spot in the tendon. Still feel some tension near the muscle/tendon.
But oddly, I still get pain in the middle of the night???

I've been doing Tyler Twists and Rubber Band Finger extentions daily.

But did you ditch poly?

My TE is gone entirely and it started around the same time as yours. Not a hint of soreness even at the tendon insertion.

Of course I'm using full multifilament right now in my Phantom 107G. Maybe next stringing I might be ready to add some poly back in or maybe I'll be smart this time and never use poly again. :)

Glad you are getting better. Hope you are held sooon.
 

Robert F

Hall of Fame
I went with hyper G soft at 48 with TNT2 crosses at 48. I tried full TNT2 but it broke in under 4 hours.
Played yesterday and today. Still some residual TE. Not exactly painful but present when playing especially with volleys, sore afterwards.

I'm leaning on continuing to play through it since it seems to be getting incrementally better week after week, but thinking of stringing even at a lower tension.
I was hoping to do multifilament only longer, but it doesn't last. Maybe it would be worth it for 2-3 weeks. I'll see how this week goes.
 

louis netman

Hall of Fame
I suggest you take a little time off and do some research here on string setups for TE.
I've been in PT for my TE since Feb 2020. Yep, over 1 year later, I still have difficulty/issues with BH slice and volleys.
I'm currently training myself to hit a 2-hander and it's certainly testing my patience.

BTW, I have a longtime hitting partner who has been using full poly at max tension who NEVER GETS INJURED. He played a "Blade" around 2017 (don't know the version) and he developed TE for the 1st time in his life (playing since childhood, now 54). Further, he eventually required surgery of his right wrist. He blames the Blade to this day!
 

Robert F

Hall of Fame
Just wanted to give another update. I've been doing almost daily Tyler Twists, rubber band finger extensions and stretching.
My playing volume is virtually what it was prior to getting TE.
My TE is virtually gone. I've been playing still with Hyper G Soft and TNT2 in the crosses. Lowered to 46 just to be safe.
One night I broke my Hyper G Soft, so I pulled out my back up racquet which was a 4G/TNT2 hybrid. Loved the firmer feel, but it did seem to bring back a little TE after about 40 minutes of play and this was on my Blade V6.
So I restrung and went back to 4G/TNT2 since.
Even served a bucket of balls and no elbow issues today.
 

vanworth

Rookie
I think the grip size is difficult with this racket, I had to go a size bigger and I think it's the shape of the handle, it's deceptively small. It's definitely a low powered racket that requires full swings and that can lead to muscling the ball. Definitely wouldn't string above 50lbs even with multi to be honest.
 

FIRETennis

Professional
Just wanted to give another update. I've been doing almost daily Tyler Twists, rubber band finger extensions and stretching.
My playing volume is virtually what it was prior to getting TE.
My TE is virtually gone. I've been playing still with Hyper G Soft and TNT2 in the crosses. Lowered to 46 just to be safe.
One night I broke my Hyper G Soft, so I pulled out my back up racquet which was a 4G/TNT2 hybrid. Loved the firmer feel, but it did seem to bring back a little TE after about 40 minutes of play and this was on my Blade V6.
So I restrung and went back to 4G/TNT2 since.
Even served a bucket of balls and no elbow issues today.

If you feel like experimenting you can also try Head Velocity MLT mains and 4G (Rough or Soft) crosses. Very soft string bed.
 

Lorenn

Hall of Fame
If you feel like experimenting you can also try Head Velocity MLT mains and 4G (Rough or Soft) crosses. Very soft string bed.

Huge fan of Head Velocity or Techifibre Triax. Especially when recovering from injury.

Just wanted to give another update. I've been doing almost daily Tyler Twists, rubber band finger extensions and stretching.
My playing volume is virtually what it was prior to getting TE.
My TE is virtually gone.
Even served a bucket of balls and no elbow issues today.

You have recovered reasonable well. Tendons heals slowly so be careful pushing the margins too quickly. Just be glad that you are still playing as much as you are...I would keep up the exercise well after you feel fully recovered.
 

Robert F

Hall of Fame
Huge fan of Head Velocity or Techifibre Triax. Especially when recovering from injury.



You have recovered reasonable well. Tendons heals slowly so be careful pushing the margins too quickly. Just be glad that you are still playing as much as you are...I would keep up the exercise well after you feel fully recovered.
Agreed.
 

Robert F

Hall of Fame
Another update to add to the puzzle. I've been playing primarily with CV Blade with HyperG Soft with TNT2 in the crosses at 46. Elbow doing well most of the time, maybe some soreness, but feels more like muscle stiffness then pain.
So I strung up the Blade V7 with just TNT2 at 48 pounds. Hit 2 hours with it with a buddy, lots of groundies and some serving. Felt good on the court and actually seemed to have more pop with the full TNT2 bed compared to poly in the past. Didn't even thing I lost that much spin. But then that night had pain in the back of the elbow more so where the triceps insert and maybe some soreness but not pain in the more typical TE issues.

Feeling better in a few days, wonder if I should just give up on Blade V7 or restring again at 44 with TNT2? Play longer with V6 until there is no stiffness at all in the elbow then try V7 again.
My added frustration, is I think I like the added flex of the V7 over the V6 a little.
 
I think that one issue with switching between the versions and TE/arm aggravation can also be from a power difference. You are used to a very similar frame, with more power so when you switch to v7, arm needs to do a bit more work, enough to aggravate it.
 
Switching strings and frames caused TE for me. When trying to fix it by switching more it made it even worse. It seems as when changing frames and strings I also changed my technique a bit every time I made a change to my gear. Making the TE even worse. So I decided to stick with one setup and really focus on what stroke causes the pain. I found out it was the serve. By experimenting with the serve and feeling what feels good and what hurts I found out that changing the grip slightly made my TE go away.
 

FIRETennis

Professional
Switching strings and frames caused TE for me. When trying to fix it by switching more it made it even worse. It seems as when changing frames and strings I also changed my technique a bit every time I made a change to my gear. Making the TE even worse. So I decided to stick with one setup and really focus on what stroke causes the pain. I found out it was the serve. By experimenting with the serve and feeling what feels good and what hurts I found out that changing the grip slightly made my TE go away.

For what it helps, I used to play with the Blade v7 and I could not understand why it was causing me golfer's elbow. As soon as I would switch racquets it went away.
I narrowed it down, after months of experimenting, to a combination of 'bad' flex, low twistweight, off-center hits and possibly used grip allowing too much hand motion.
It helped to add weight to 3-9 and really focus on an aggressive continental on serves and volleys, trying to hit the sweet spot.

I am now playing with a lightened RF97 and have never experienced the GE again. As soon as I have a 'free hit' with the Blade, it comes back after a few strokes.
It's frustrating because I love the Blade v7 but it is what it is. I play much better overall with the RF97.

PS. Same strings in both frames. Gut/poly and a poly hybrid.
 
Yeah I tried adding/removing weight but everything seemed to make it just worse.
The aggressive continental grip also did the trick for me. I might be even serving with an eastern backhand grip. I noticed that with this grip it’s pretty much impossible to overextend my arm which puts too much force on my elbow. Instead at contact, my arm stays ever so slightly bent.
 

mike schiffer

Semi-Pro
A massage of the main muscle on the top of the forearm seems to keep the TE away.......I just switched string to MCS and am loving some isospeed pro 17 fullbed at 48 even more.....When there is excessive tension in that muscle ...I massage it forcefully with my thumb until the muscle is relaxed and supple again and it seems to keep the Golfers TE at bay....ice and tiger balm when there is a bad flareup.....but at 69 it keeps me on the court.,.....ROC is the 2018 Head 360 rad "s' foamed and weighted to 11.9 had a bad TE experience with Blade CV
 
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zaskar1

Professional
Last month i transitioned to the Blade 98 18x20 v7 with 25 gms of leadtape around the hoop
from the Wilson Prostaff 97s v11
using Yonex Poly Pro 16L and Luxilon Alu Power Fluro 17 both at 52#
the Yonex is a bit softer, but the Lux has better feel, especially when i took off vibration dampners.
no tennis elbow or arm problems.
i think i got tennis elbow 20yrs ago a sporting goods store, which is long gone, strung a racquet at 80# instead of
specified 62#.
i guess PS97s were pretty beat up as i think the Blades are much stiffer and i seem to hit with more pace
if i stay with the Blade 98s i was thinking of going 16x19 when the v8 comes out to get more power
z
 

hypervox

Rookie
Jeez what was the swing weight on a blade V7 18x20 with 25grams of lead in the hoop? Must have felt like a sledgehammer
 

FIRETennis

Professional
Yeah I tried adding/removing weight but everything seemed to make it just worse.
The aggressive continental grip also did the trick for me. I might be even serving with an eastern backhand grip. I noticed that with this grip it’s pretty much impossible to overextend my arm which puts too much force on my elbow. Instead at contact, my arm stays ever so slightly bent.

Yes, I noticed the same thing. I think due to the flex or low twistweight, off-center contact on serves and volleys created too much "rebound force" on the arm causing the racquet to twist and aggravate the GE.
If I focus on aggressive continental / almost eastern backhand grip, the issue subsides even with the Blade v7.
 

vandre

Hall of Fame
this is probably widgets to kumquats comparison but i thought the stringbed of the v7 blade 104 played stiffer than expected on my first hit with it. it was strung with synthetic gut. i have no explanation for that observation.
 

Robert F

Hall of Fame
Yes, I noticed the same thing. I think due to the flex or low twistweight, off-center contact on serves and volleys created too much "rebound force" on the arm causing the racquet to twist and aggravate the GE.
If I focus on aggressive continental / almost eastern backhand grip, the issue subsides even with the Blade v7.
The few times my elbow has bothered me before, this past year, usually aggressive slices and BH volleys would bother it. With the V7 they bother it but so does FH volleys. So maybe it has something to do with the twistweight and being jarred around with volleys.

I really loved the way V7 hit even with just a full bed of multifiliament.
 

FIRETennis

Professional
The few times my elbow has bothered me before, this past year, usually aggressive slices and BH volleys would bother it. With the V7 they bother it but so does FH volleys. So maybe it has something to do with the twistweight and being jarred around with volleys.

I really loved the way V7 hit even with just a full bed of multifiliament.

Something to do with how that racquet flexes and moves at impact on very fast balls.
I have gotten the issue even with gut/soft poly so I don't think it's the strings.
It's buttery but with glass shards inside :)
 

vanworth

Rookie
Surprised by this thread, was considering picking up an 18x20 as I want a softer alternative to my TF40 on days my elbow is playing up. Is the Blade best avoided?
 

SinneGOAT

Hall of Fame
Surprised by this thread, was considering picking up an 18x20 as I want a softer alternative to my TF40 on days my elbow is playing up. Is the Blade best avoided?
Definitely try the blade. The blade v7 is one of the softest racquets available now. Read this thread as it has a ton of information on the blade v7. I use it personally and it helped fix my tennis elbow.
 

Crashbaby

Semi-Pro
Just a heads up...TE sufferers...stay away from Triniti balls...
Agreed, they are a little tougher on the arm. They need to break in and then they are better. But even then, they are just plain harder. They never lose pressure though, amazing in that respect.
 

Robert F

Hall of Fame
Surprised by this thread, was considering picking up an 18x20 as I want a softer alternative to my TF40 on days my elbow is playing up. Is the Blade best avoided?
By the stats it should be nicer on my elbow than CV Blade V6. Yet I got TE almost after playing with V7 with the same set up I had with V6. 4G.
I think the question I raised--is it the 4G or the V7 that brought on the TE?
I went back to my V6 with all mulit for a while, that broke too quick, so I've been using hybrid hyper G soft with TNT2 in CV V6 with almost daily TE exercises. My training volume is back. No real issues with this set up. So then I went back to V7 with low tension TNT2. Felt great, loved the feel of the ball, good control and seemed to get better depth easier. But then then next day TE flared up.

That makes me think it was less the 4G and more of V7 that is somehow messing with my elbow. Possibley due to the flex I have to swing faster and harder for the same results--causing some elbow strain and/or the flex and twisting of the racquet on off hits is more predominat in this compared to V6.
 

puppybutts

Hall of Fame
I've strung them the same with 4G usually between 52-54 pounds. With V5 and V6 no tennis elbow. Now after a few weeks with V7, I'm getting tennis elbow almost to the point where I'm thinking about taking some time off. The TE only bothers me on backhand volleys and slices when playing, sometimes the serve. Rarely on a FH and never on the 2BH. But for the rest of the day I feel it.

One other factor that I think is insignificant, since the length of the grip is shorter on V7 compared to V6, when I put the overgrip on the I have more overlap between twists. So maybe my grip is a tad thicker on the V7 could that be a factor? I'm going to regrip it tighter for future uses.

Based on the stats and reviews, I'd think I'd be less likely to get tennis elbow with V7 especially compared to V5.

1.) Is it most likely the racquet? Can't think of any major changes in form/playing style.

2.) Before going back to V6, should I try a lower string tension? Or maybe go back to V6 until TE goes away, then try V7 with a lower tension.

3.) Probably the worst idea, to I try to work through and hope my forearm adapts?

do you have a one-hand slice and one-hand backhand volley? the v7 when I tried was very plush and comfortable, but I absolutely hated off-center shots. They produced really heavy, rolling, slow vibrations that my arm hated....made worse when I hit shots (like a one-hand slice or one-hand backhand volley) that only used one arm to absorb them.

Maybe, if your racquet's grip size was already on the large-end for your hand. but this seems unlikely

  1. it's very possible. but also consider that it could be both...the racquet may be causing a subtle change in your form that you aren't noticing. as others mentioned, the v7 is less stiff, less powerful...generally more flexible racquets are better for comfort, but stiff racquets require you to rotate less and swing less aggressively, which can aid in addressing different types of comfort issues that a flexible racquet cannot.
  2. i see no reason not to try a lower string tension, if the v7 is a racquet you otherwise would like to stick with. i don't think the order particularly matters as long as you are finding out what doesn't cause TE for you
  3. mm...optimistic lol. a better idea would be taking some time off from tennis, exercising/stretching your arm muscles, and seeing if it still bothers you after improved fitness.
 

Robert F

Hall of Fame
I have one handed slice and volley. The aggressive slices certainly aggravate things. I'd also say I notice it even on FH volleys that are off center.
 

mike schiffer

Semi-Pro
do you have a one-hand slice and one-hand backhand volley? the v7 when I tried was very plush and comfortable, but I absolutely hated off-center shots. They produced really heavy, rolling, slow vibrations that my arm hated....made worse when I hit shots (like a one-hand slice or one-hand backhand volley) that only used one arm to absorb them.

Maybe, if your racquet's grip size was already on the large-end for your hand. but this seems unlikely

  1. it's very possible. but also consider that it could be both...the racquet may be causing a subtle change in your form that you aren't noticing. as others mentioned, the v7 is less stiff, less powerful...generally more flexible racquets are better for comfort, but stiff racquets require you to rotate less and swing less aggressively, which can aid in addressing different types of comfort issues that a flexible racquet cannot.
  2. i see no reason not to try a lower string tension, if the v7 is a racquet you otherwise would like to stick with. i don't think the order particularly matters as long as you are finding out what doesn't cause TE for you
  3. mm...optimistic lol. a better idea would be taking some time off from tennis, exercising/stretching your arm muscles, and seeing if it still bothers you after improved fitness.
I purchased my racquet precisely because it did not produce those teeth gritting vibrations on those shots in particular...Those were definetly the telltale signs a racquet was going to aggravate my TE......If your Blade gives you that response.....I would move on...flexy or not it has stability issues.....my Head frame was quiet on those shots and on that basis I made my purchase...
 

agu

Rookie
I purchased my racquet precisely because it did not produce those teeth gritting vibrations on those shots in particular...Those were definetly the telltale signs a racquet was going to aggravate my TE......If your Blade gives you that response.....I would move on...flexy or not it has stability issues.....my Head frame was quiet on those shots and on that basis I made my purchase...
What head racquet are you using then?
 

jri90

New User
I've been struggling with GE for 2 years. While I know my V7, which I love, did not cause it (it's more my bio-mechanics and too tight spacing to the ball on my forehand), I did pick up my V-Core Pro 97 yesterday and my GE felt way better when hitting identical forehands with both frames. Both rackets are strung the same (RPM/VS at 51/54) but something about the Yonex was easier on the elbow, whether it's the extra mass, HL balance (I add tape to the V7), or anti-shock technology, or probably less effort in generating the same amount of pace.
 

agu

Rookie
I've been struggling with GE for 2 years. While I know my V7, which I love, did not cause it (it's more my bio-mechanics and too tight spacing to the ball on my forehand), I did pick up my V-Core Pro 97 yesterday and my GE felt way better when hitting identical forehands with both frames. Both rackets are strung the same (RPM/VS at 51/54) but something about the Yonex was easier on the elbow, whether it's the extra mass, HL balance (I add tape to the V7), or anti-shock technology, or probably less effort in generating the same amount of pace.

310 or 330 version?
 

mike schiffer

Semi-Pro
What head racquet are you using then?
2018 Head 360 Radical ''S'' came in light at 9.6 oz.....but it hit so stable with great controlled power so I shot foam into the head and handle(not for the faint of heart) and added silicone foam to get the weight up to 11.9.....it's now my TE fighter racquet along with a matched sibling at 11.8 strung with iso speed classic pro 17 and one with MCS(at 48) gasqueted the grip and protective head tape and no pain....flexy at 61 RA with 25 beam.....
 
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FIRETennis

Professional
I've been struggling with GE for 2 years. While I know my V7, which I love, did not cause it (it's more my bio-mechanics and too tight spacing to the ball on my forehand), I did pick up my V-Core Pro 97 yesterday and my GE felt way better when hitting identical forehands with both frames. Both rackets are strung the same (RPM/VS at 51/54) but something about the Yonex was easier on the elbow, whether it's the extra mass, HL balance (I add tape to the V7), or anti-shock technology, or probably less effort in generating the same amount of pace.

I also tried the VCP97 side by side with the V7, same impression as yours.
I now play with a 'lightened' RF97 and have played 5-6 set tournaments of singles in a day followed by 5-6 sets of doubles next day with zero, I mean zero arm pain or golfer's.
As soon as I play a set with the Blade with 'same technique', it shows up.
 
My elbow is very sensitive.
I was playing with the clash pro for a year, sometimes feeling pain ( luxilon alu at 52) sometimes feeling good ( syn gut main / soft poly cross -low tension is the best way to prevent GE ot TE, now I know !)

Went to my tennis store in order to try new sticks last week. Played 5 hours with the V7 16x19, i found it more confortable than the clash. No need to use my elbow brace for the first time. I even put a red devil string at 46 lbs, it was even better.

.4G at 52 lbs is terrible
. Use only your arm when slicing . Never use your wrist , thats the cause of tennis elbow
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
I also tried the VCP97 side by side with the V7, same impression as yours.
I now play with a 'lightened' RF97 and have played 5-6 set tournaments of singles in a day followed by 5-6 sets of doubles next day with zero, I mean zero arm pain or golfer's.
As soon as I play a set with the Blade with 'same technique', it shows up.

that’s funny because I find my GE to be very technique sensitive. TE is all about the impacts. GE is about spacing and over pronating on FHs and serves. If I keep my spacing proper and incorporate my shoulder, the GE just melts away. Start chicken winging the FHs and I can feel it again.

maybe the RF97 just naturally feels more stable so you can feel more confident swinging with better spacing?

ive had GE issues with some of the softest frames and strings out there. So I don’t believe that it’s a setup issue for most people. But TE only comes on for me if there is something harsh in the setup (babolat frames, poly strings, Triniti balls)
 

FIRETennis

Professional
that’s funny because I find my GE to be very technique sensitive. TE is all about the impacts. GE is about spacing and over pronating on FHs and serves. If I keep my spacing proper and incorporate my shoulder, the GE just melts away. Start chicken winging the FHs and I can feel it again.

maybe the RF97 just naturally feels more stable so you can feel more confident swinging with better spacing?

ive had GE issues with some of the softest frames and strings out there. So I don’t believe that it’s a setup issue for most people. But TE only comes on for me if there is something harsh in the setup (babolat frames, poly strings, Triniti balls)

Very good observations.
String stiffness don't have an impact on the GE for me either.
At the end of the day that's the true issue, not hitting every shot cleanly in the sweet spot. Even a PureDrive with 4G would cause no issues if everything was hit clean.
The RF97 is stiff, stable and has a medium twistweight.
The V7 has a relatively low twistweight and I feel it's that combined with the flex tech that causes the racquet to twist too much on non-clean hits.

PS. I added 3g total at @3-9 to take it up to 14.1 twistweight similar to the RF97 - it's better but still feel the GE every now and then on off-center hits with it.
 
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Need an advice :
Would like to replace the grip on my v7, what is the best replacement grip for absorving vibration ? ( leather grip ? Or synthetic grip? I don’t mind if it’s heavier, it’s even better !)

( i use a wilson pro overgrip on top of it )
Thank you !
 

zaskar1

Professional
Last month i transitioned to the Blade 98 18x20 v7 with 25 gms of leadtape around the hoop
from the Wilson Prostaff 97s v11
using Yonex Poly Pro 16L and Luxilon Alu Power Fluro 17 both at 52#
the Yonex is a bit softer, but the Lux has better feel, especially when i took off vibration dampners.
no tennis elbow or arm problems.
i think i got tennis elbow 20yrs ago a sporting goods store, which is long gone, strung a racquet at 80# instead of
specified 62#.
i guess PS97s were pretty beat up as i think the Blades are much stiffer and i seem to hit with more pace
if i stay with the Blade 98s i was thinking of going 16x19 when the v8 comes out to get more power
z

couldnt wait for the Blade 98 16x19 v8, so i just picked up a Blade 98 16x19 v7 Roland Garros
i heard the v8 that was due for fall release is going to be delayed and it looks like of iridescent green and actually
changes color depending how the light hits it.
theorectically the plowthru is less than the Blade 98 18x20 v7s that i have been using,
i will stay with the same string lux alupower 17g
i thought i might backoff on the tension a bit, down to 49 or 50#
any suggestions?
z
 

zaskar1

Professional
Jeez what was the swing weight on a blade V7 18x20 with 25grams of lead in the hoop? Must have felt like a sledgehammer
hv
how funny, i use to use the Wilson Hammer 2.7
unbelievable power, sacrificed a bit of control, i could always beat the guys my same level with the hammer, but when they started to use them, things returned to normal and my advantage disappeared. i think its was due to the racquet not just a psychological ploy, or perhaps not.
z
 
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