1HBHfanatic
Legend
-whats that ^ suppose to mean??
-maybe you should buy a v7 and a v8 to post a better review !?!?
Blade V8 Official Thread.
- Thread starter J011yroger
- Start date
-maybe you should buy a v7 and a v8 to post a better review !?!?
SumYungGai
Semi-Pro
Honestly, I thought it was a good comparison. The 2015 blade was my favorite so this is actually helpful to me at least.
1HBHfanatic
Legend
-i would have gone into a bit more detail, but its been a good while since i hit with the v7
-but there was no denying, the good feel i got from this new v8 version
-i do enjoy hitting with the blade 2015 version i have, but this new v8 version puts it to shame
-the new tech is nice
I was asking which one you preferred, but that's clear in a following post.
1HBHfanatic
Legend
-ahh ok, yeah than its the "new kid on the block" i liked best,,,, today!
-im playing again tomorrow, ill get to try the v8 again in a match situation hopefully
-i do recall (couple years back now) liking the v7 when it came out
-but if i do get a chance to pick up a v7 (on the cheap; if i can find one) and a v8, it would be a better comparison
I’m glad that it seems like the low 60’s RA remained. I knew the 66 RA strung (69 unstrung) smelled like bs.
wilson.com
rv75
Rookie
You also need to be a Wilson insider member (free)
ArcherTennis
New User
Based on this review channel the new blades appear to be more powerful but more stiff. It seems to lack the feel and flex of the V7.
rv75
Rookie
He also strung it at 50 lbs. if you order it strung, Wilson recommends ALU at 40 lbs. That’s a big difference. I will definitely string at low tension
ImportPer4mance
New User
Where has Wilson said they recommend 40 lbs w/ ALU? I’ve never heard any manufacturer to recommend that low a tension for a racket, lol
rv75
Rookie
It’s there when you try to buy it strung.
Wilson RecommendedChoose Your Own
String Model:
LXN ALU Power 125 Silver +$18.95
Tension Crosses:
40 lb / 17.5 kg
Tension Mains:
40 lb / 17.5 kg
Red "W" Stencil Included
ImportPer4mance
New User
oh wow, that’s a first. Cheers!! If the review is accurate then maybe I buy a second v7 18x20. The racket was wrecking his wrist after 30 mins…. And I struggle to see how stringing at 40 lbs will offer any sort of control. It will just be a rocket launcher. Would be better off buying a pure drive. I guess the 69 RA was accurate after all
Shame, because I really love the iridescent paintjob
VAPORHEAD
Rookie
oh wow, that’s a first. Cheers!! If the review is accurate then maybe I buy a second v7 18x20. The racket was wrecking his wrist after 30 mins…. And I struggle to see how stringing at 40 lbs will offer any sort of control. It will just be a rocket launcher. Would be better off buying a pure drive. I guess the 69 RA was accurate after all
Seems the other review wasn’t bogus after all as well. Sounds like a much stiffer racket, I also can’t imagine stringing it that low. I imagine the general release green racket will be the same as the NY Open one?
I am impressed. This is absolutely unheard of by a racket manufacturer.
ImportPer4mance
New User
Yes I would assume the green racket will be exactly the same, just different paint scheme. Ahhh im really disappointed haha.
anarosevoli
Semi-Pro
It's just the lowest tension that you can choose. Pure logic says that, you don't really believe they recommend such nonsense?
And I just checked it - go to "choose your own": 40 is the lowest. They just erroneously put the lowest value to the preconfigured option. IT error, and that's very obvious. You would be able to choose below 40 if they really recommended 40.
His frame came with a strung swingweight of 312. Wilson quality control at its finest
. So he gets an anemic, off spec racquet (balance must have been jacked up b/c the static weight was 304.5) and he strings the frame up 10 lbs over the recommended tension…. Of course it’s going to feel stiff!
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1990's Graphite
Hall of Fame
lol @ 1:18 mark in the video ' Swimweight' ? the unit measured how fast your wilson racquet hits the water when you throw it in the lake after experiencing their horrendous QC
Or maybe it is stiff.His frame came with a strung swingweight of 312. Wilson quality control at its finest
1HBHfanatic
Legend
-i had a brief/interesting hitting session today
-left me scratching my head a bit
-i used a buddys v7 blade ,(16/19), strung full poly, he said @54lbs (who knows when, no label on his racquet)
-he used the new v8 ,(16/19) i had, strung full poly @51lbs (about 2 days ago)
-i was interested in his "feedback" of the new v8
-i was also looking to see for myself any changes i could notice/detect from the v7 blade
-please understand, this was a brief hit, after we both got done playing doubles at the club (some baseline hits and volleys ONLY!, about 10-15minutes)
-i approached this guy, because i saw that he had been playing with blade v7s
-to me, the "feel" felt very close/similar and def. harder to separate the v7 from the v8 blades
-my previous post illustrated/highlighted the differences from a "v3" ,(that i own) to the new v8 version (please review if interested)
-the differences between the v7 to v8 are not as clear cut
-my buddy mentioned that he might consider the new one a "tad bit stiffer", but very subtle (could be the fresh strings on the v8, strung about 2 days ago)
-i mentioned to him that the new v8 had been reported to have ,"a bit more POWER", which he agreed, i wonder now if he would have noticed such a change if i did not mentioned it before hand ??! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
-i felt that the "clean vibration feel" was also there on the v7, provably the reason why i liked the v7 update when it first came out
-if there was a BIG stiffness jump from v7 to v8 versions, i would have felt it by now, no pain in the 3 days of hitting
-i did not hear any major change differences from my buddys feedback of the new v8
-the biggest change and def. obvious one is the PAINTJOB
-my early conclusion of the update from v7 to v8 : ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
-going from a v3 to v8 :
-going from a v7 to v8 : ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ IN A GOOD WAY!!
-left me scratching my head a bit
-i used a buddys v7 blade ,(16/19), strung full poly, he said @54lbs (who knows when, no label on his racquet)
-he used the new v8 ,(16/19) i had, strung full poly @51lbs (about 2 days ago)
-i was interested in his "feedback" of the new v8
-i was also looking to see for myself any changes i could notice/detect from the v7 blade
-please understand, this was a brief hit, after we both got done playing doubles at the club (some baseline hits and volleys ONLY!, about 10-15minutes)
-i approached this guy, because i saw that he had been playing with blade v7s
-to me, the "feel" felt very close/similar and def. harder to separate the v7 from the v8 blades
-my previous post illustrated/highlighted the differences from a "v3" ,(that i own) to the new v8 version (please review if interested)
-the differences between the v7 to v8 are not as clear cut
-my buddy mentioned that he might consider the new one a "tad bit stiffer", but very subtle (could be the fresh strings on the v8, strung about 2 days ago)
-i mentioned to him that the new v8 had been reported to have ,"a bit more POWER", which he agreed, i wonder now if he would have noticed such a change if i did not mentioned it before hand ??! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
-i felt that the "clean vibration feel" was also there on the v7, provably the reason why i liked the v7 update when it first came out
-if there was a BIG stiffness jump from v7 to v8 versions, i would have felt it by now, no pain in the 3 days of hitting
-i did not hear any major change differences from my buddys feedback of the new v8
-the biggest change and def. obvious one is the PAINTJOB
-my early conclusion of the update from v7 to v8 : ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
-going from a v3 to v8 :
-going from a v7 to v8 : ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ IN A GOOD WAY!!
ImportPer4mance
New User
Thanks for the continued feedback. This completely contradicts the video, making it more confusing haha-i had a brief/interesting hitting session today
-left me scratching my head a bit
-i used a buddys v7 blade ,(16/19), strung full poly, he said @54lbs (who knows when, no label on his racquet)
-he used the new v8 ,(16/19) i had, strung full poly @51lbs (about 2 days ago)
-i was interested in his "feedback" of the new v8
-i was also looking to see for myself any changes i could notice/detect from the v7 blade
-please understand, this was a brief hit, after we both got done playing doubles at the club (some baseline hits and volleys ONLY!, about 10-15minutes)
-i approached this guy, because i saw that he had been playing with blade v7s
-to me, the "feel" felt very close/similar and def. harder to separate the v7 from the v8 blades
-my previous post illustrated/highlighted the differences from a "v3" ,(that i own) to the new v8 version (please review if interested)
-the differences between the v7 to v8 are not as clear cut
-my buddy mentioned that he might consider the new one a "tad bit stiffer", but very subtle (could be the fresh strings on the v8, strung about 2 days ago)
-i mentioned to him that the new v8 had been reported to have ,"a bit more POWER", which he agreed, i wonder now if he would have noticed such a change if i did not mentioned it before hand ??! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
-i felt that the "clean vibration feel" was also there on the v7, provably the reason why i liked the v7 update when it first came out
-if there was a BIG stiffness jump from v7 to v8 versions, i would have felt it by now, no pain in the 3 days of hitting
-i did not hear any major change differences from my buddys feedback of the new v8
-the biggest change and def. obvious one is the PAINTJOB
-my early conclusion of the update from v7 to v8 : ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
-going from a v3 to v8 :
-going from a v7 to v8 : ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ IN A GOOD WAY!!
oh well, it gives me hope I guess. Less than two weeks until specs are finally unveiled and then we can see how stiff the racket really is.
I guess as this was your first time hitting the v7 it may have been harder noticing the stiffness differences. That will likely only be apparent after a few hours of proper hitting with both.
edit: also, if your mate noticedthe v8 to be stiffer even though it was strung 3 lbs lower than his v7, then yeah all signs point to a stiffer v8 (granted we don’t know how old and how much tension loss his v7 strings have seen)
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Some people are more sensitive than others.. i am keen to learn about stifness not bc of comfort but mostly how much flex the string bed has.. that video was a good review. Those guys know what they are talking about and there were quite few instances he mentioned that there was a bit lack of pocketing. Ball leaves the string bed quicker than V7 which was apparent in slice and spin and picking up lower balls. Again i think things point to higher RA and getting more power from higher RA and less SW. I do not expect SW to be as low as video either. That would be a massive change. It will probably be little less SW and higher RA possibly. Anyways, i am a big fan of v7 and not looking for more power. v7 18m destroys the ball when your form is on. All of these things could be quite different in 18x20 as well... We will see soon. That video review was good though... Those guys hit a good ball...
I think it's great that they went back to stiffer Blade as that goes long way to help win points without end less grinding with softer blade version atleast for me and whatever I have seen people that use softer Blade version.
Even Tsitsipas uses older Stiffer model and if they are going closer to Prostaff that's a good sign as Prostaff is a proven engineering that won over 40 grandslams.
I also understand at recreation level people play lower swingweight making stiffer racquets bad for joints unless one customizes and takes it to atleast 330 and over.But again thats what Wilson competitors are doing it even Head Speed pro listed at 62 RA feels way stiffer compared to Blade models.
Even Tsitsipas uses older Stiffer model and if they are going closer to Prostaff that's a good sign as Prostaff is a proven engineering that won over 40 grandslams.
I also understand at recreation level people play lower swingweight making stiffer racquets bad for joints unless one customizes and takes it to atleast 330 and over.But again thats what Wilson competitors are doing it even Head Speed pro listed at 62 RA feels way stiffer compared to Blade models.
ImportPer4mance
New User
No one is saying stiffer rackets are wrong. However there is a difference between an RA of 69 and 65. Also, you can’t compare Tsitsipas to the average player on these forums. He plays tennis for a living, so of course he can handle stiffer frames. Stiffer frames are in generally better if you don’t get arm/elbow/wrist issues. Pro players are more conditioned to using these body parts regularly, so they can obviously handle stiffer frames.
Also is it really worth it using a stiffer frame and then winning one match, only to be out for the next month or so?
Obviously, impact on the body depends on the person. Some people can use Pure Drives and be fine. However, for others, arm comfort is a priority and they can’t use stiff frames (Pure strikes gave me elbow issues after two hours of hitting!!). Contrastingly, the v7 has done comfort almost perfectly.
Lastly, i’m sorry but I had no issues whatsoever finishing points in the v7 (18x20), so if you are having issues then working on your technique and shot placement would be a start, rather than moving to a stiffer frame. Just my two cents.
One more edit. I think the pro staff winning grand slams has more to do with the player than the racket. You think Federer wouldn’t have won grand slams if he signed with Head or Babolat?
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Understand also agree that Tsitsipas and other pro use racquets around 360 swingweight and at that weight stiffer racquets won't hurt as someone posted extensively on these forums.
You are also right for average player that uses low swingweight and low weight racquets stiffer frames aren't good.
I see you edited your message.Those are your views and I have expressed my views.I have no issues to agree to disagree.
We don't have to go the route of getting personal with tennis technique etc .
We don't know if Fed would have been as successful as he has been using Head or Babolat or even the great Pete Sampras with those booming serves and Forehands.I'm not here to debate that with you or suggest to take tennis lessons to improve your technique so you don't get hurt by playing stiffer frame since I don't have issues playing stiffer frames mainly due to over 350 swingweight on my racquets.
Finally i agree with you that lighter stiffer frames are bad for vast majority of the players
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lychee_boy
New User
Folks, to those of you who have been waiting for the RA rating for the blade 98 v8 I managed to get an official response from Wilson (US). ** drum roll please **
Thank you for contacting Wilson Sporting Goods.
Here is the RA of the new blade 98 v8
Best Regards,
XXXXXXX
Wilson Consumer Service
800-401-7967
Wilson.com
ref:_00Db0ILKF._5003X2FmVZX:ref
So after stringing I would guess the RA would come down to 65;n needless to say I've just gone and ordered the v7
Thank you for contacting Wilson Sporting Goods.
Here is the RA of the new blade 98 v8
- Weight (unstrung): 305 g
- Balance (unstrung): 32 cm
- Stiffness: 69 Ra
- Swing weight (unstrung): 315
Best Regards,
XXXXXXX
Wilson Consumer Service
800-401-7967
Wilson.com
ref:_00Db0ILKF._5003X2FmVZX:ref
So after stringing I would guess the RA would come down to 65;n needless to say I've just gone and ordered the v7
This makes no sense. I don't buy it. Wilson does not quote RA. They have their own index. Unheard of. Also... If you look at the video comments that were posted on the video review, somebody calls out the SW and reviewers confirm that even their friend who works at Wilson confirmed the significantly decreased SW on many samples, which was strung 315sw in that video. Having said that all of that, that was 16m.. maybe this is 18m.. also 69 RA would come to 67 not 65.
welp I won’t be getting it. Sucks!
lychee_boy
New User
lychee_boy
New User
Have been in a conundrum for the last few weeks whether to pre-order the v8 without knowing the official RA rating or buy a few more v7's (I've just transitioned from the Pro Staff 97 line). I guess those that want stiffness that's closer to the PS v13 will be happy (RA 66).
lychee_boy
New User
Well that was the official response that I got from Wilson Customer Service in the US. Unless someone can independently verify it by plonking a V8 in an RDC, then one can only based a purchasing decision based on what one has been told from 'the source'.
Also regarding the stiffness post stringing. Based on research & consultation done the stiffness should decreased 4-6 points:
When a racquet is strung, the stiffness (RA) typically drops 4-6 points, the weight goes up about 15 grams, swing weight goes up, and the racquet becomes more head heavy. - 1 Apr 2020
Tennis Racquet Stiffness [In-Depth Guide] - peRFect Tennis
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that's what I'm saying 315 un comes out to about 345strung. that's blade pro territory. Seems a little high for a regular retail version meant for the masses. What did they give that poor guy who did the you tube video with 282sw? lol no wonder his wrist hurt and the slice was weak. I don't mind that high sw since I already have a blade pro but with QC the way it is I'm glad I can go to my store and pick out a proper spec one. We are going to have to wait until these go on sale to find out for sure.
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Keizer
Hall of Fame
I’ve never heard of RA dropping 6 pts from stringing. Perhaps this is from continuous restringing over an extended period of time. But if I bought a new Blade v8 with an unstrung RA of 69, I highly doubt stringing would drop the RA any lower than 66 on my first stringing.
lychee_boy
New User
How close is this racquet to say the gravity pro/tour? You seem a lot more knowledgeable than I
ImportPer4mance
New User
I guess that makes sense considering the high stiffness. You will end up with a strung RA of around 67/66 and a ~345 SW, which will help to reduce arm issues. It will be quite close to a pro stock spec. Definitely not one for the casual player unless they get one quite under spec'd (but then they might get ****ed by the stiffness as the reviewer did).
DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
Probably it’s the 18x20 version. 16x19 obv would have lower SW.
If it is true , its the best choice they have made in a while. If you want low RA from wilson , you 've got Clash.
lychee_boy
New User
I've only ever hit with the Gravity MP so I cannot really compare, but if you do a racquet compare you'll see both their RA ratings are similar to that of the Blade 98 v7.
lychee_boy
New User
I was going to say. This is right up your alley..
