Blade V8 Official Thread.

Hankenstein said:
I felt I played best with the 100L customized to about 310 grams unstrung and a strung SW of 326, but all my opponents said I hit a heavier, faster ball with the 98 18/20. I could hit "through" the ball better without it sailing long. So for now I will focus on the 18/20 version.
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Too pity that your 16x19 had such a low SW and not close to the advertised 320. The SW of 18x20 was manageable ? What about spin potential ?
 
DJTaurus said:
Too pity that your 16x19 had such a low SW and not close to the advertised 320. The SW of 18x20 was manageable ? What about spin potential ?
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The SW of 324.6 in the 18/20 felt very good out on clay. I will try it first time tonight on indoor hard and see how it feels like. I did also put some lead at 3 and 9 on the 16/19 to beef up the SW to 326 and also strung it in 48 lbs, but i just can not get the right groove with it. Very strange. The slice bites better in 18/20 then 16/19 for me, and the launch angle is too high in 16/19 and i have to adapt to much to the racquet tobe able to use it
 
DJTaurus said:
Too pity that your 16x19 had such a low SW and not close to the advertised 320. The SW of 18x20 was manageable ? What about spin potential ?
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I have 3 16x19 v8s, and one is 327W strung with 18g string (I'll measure unstrung SW once I pop the strings). So this one seems overspecced by quite a bit

In usual Wilson Quality Control, my other 2 vary quite a bit. I forgot to measure the SW of one of them unstrung, but here's the data:

V8 US Open Strung 18g: 327
V8 Chameleon Strung 18g: 315
V8 Chameleon Unstrung: 283
 
Guys i always buy my Wilson sticks with matching service of 3 or 6 racquets to just choose one….. why don’t you do the same ? We all know that Wilson’s QC s ucks. For example lots of 18x20 V7s came at users with SW at 340es….. practicality unplayable…. with Wilson you can’t even be safe to demo a racquet. Now with the low SWs of V8s there is a risk of purchasing anaemic sticks…
 
DJTaurus said:
Guys i always buy my Wilson sticks with matching service of 3 or 6 racquets to just choose one….. why don’t you do the same ? We all know that Wilson’s QC s ucks. For example lots of 18x20 V7s came at users with SW at 340es….. practicality unplayable
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We don't have as nice as matching service in US as TWE. I have SW machine (sw1 briffidi..it's amazing) now so the way to do would be order 4 and pick one at home.
 
Hard to tell from videos/ pics, is the paint on the v8 the same matte feel as the 2 previous generations or is the new chameleon pain more of a traditional PJ?
 
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From the review:

In general, Blade's qualities have remained, there is its excellent control, there is a nice feeling of impact, without filters or artifices to make it seem more flexible, and there is very solid overall performance, but, above all, it moves really well and it is a pleasure to be able to take advantage of a Blade 18×20 without having to feel a brick in your hand after an hour of play.
 
Troy mentioned that v8 doesn't have that weird flex feeling in the throat like the v7, can anyone confirm if that's true? If so, It's a must try for me.
 
avocadoz said:
Troy mentioned that v8 doesn't have that weird flex feeling in the throat like the v7, can anyone confirm if that's true? If so, It's a must try for me.
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yes, I noticed the v8 is more stable in stock form than the v7. its always better to demo and see for yourself, but yeah the v8 felt more solid to me vs v7 stock vs stock even though they claim it is lower RA.

no offense to these people but I wish TW would have more advanced players(college +) test out the racquet on their videos. Some of the playtesters have more issues with their technique that could affect how the racquet actually plays, but I guess they got to appeal to every level.
 
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tx10is said:
yes, I noticed the v8 is more stable in stock form than the v7. its always better to demo and see for yourself, but yeah the v8 felt more solid to me vs v7 stock vs stock even though they claim it is lower RA.
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I had the opposite experience. My v8 16x19 demo felt too light that it affected the stability. You probably got lucky on quality control for sw. Wouldn’t be surprised if the v8 demo had a sub 320 swingweight.
 
emaz8724 said:
I had the opposite experience. My v8 16x19 demo felt too light that it affected the stability. You probably got lucky on quality control for sw. Wouldn’t be surprised if the v8 demo had a sub 320 swingweight.
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yeah, I listed my demo specs on a previous post but the Swingweight on my demo was 328 with dampner and no overgrip. 328 static weight and 4pts HL strung. I'm also using the 18m which is higher. they may have gone to low on sw for some with the 16m, but yeah there is always the QC issue with Wilson.
 
tx10is said:
yeah, I listed my demo specs on a previous post but the Swingweight on my demo was 328 with dampner and no overgrip. 328 static weight and 4pts HL strung. I'm also using the 18m which is higher. they may have gone to low on sw for some with the 16m, but yeah there is always the QC issue with Wilson.
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Wow, you’re one of the lucky ones. Enjoy man!
 
tx10is said:
yes, I noticed the v8 is more stable in stock form than the v7. its always better to demo and see for yourself, but yeah the v8 felt more solid to me vs v7 stock vs stock even though they claim it is lower RA.

no offense to these people but I wish TW would have more advanced players(college +) test out the racquet on their videos. Some of the playtesters have more issues with their technique that could affect how the racquet actually plays, but I guess they got to appeal to every level.
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which is interesting considering the low SW...lower SW would imply lower torsional stability. But if the flex ratings really measure the throat more than any part of the frame, the hoop is probably firmer. This leads me back to the flexfeel tech in the Clash, which they are using though seems tweaked...my understanding is that flexfeel is soft when swinging slowly, but firms up when swinging with speed...can anyone confirm that?
 
jdx2112 said:
which is interesting considering the low SW...lower SW would imply lower torsional stability. But if the flex ratings really measure the throat more than any part of the frame, the hoop is probably firmer. This leads me back to the flexfeel tech in the Clash, which they are using though seems tweaked...my understanding is that flexfeel is soft when swinging slowly, but firms up when swinging with speed...can anyone confirm that?
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I don't work for Wilson or anything, so I'm not sure exactly what they did, but it does feel like they tweaked the layup a little bit.
 
tx10is said:
no offense to these people but I wish TW would have more advanced players(college +) test out the racquet on their videos. Some of the playtesters have more issues with their technique that could affect how the racquet actually plays, but I guess they got to appeal to every level.
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Most of the play testers on that 18x20 review were at higher levels... they've just been doing it for a decade. The racket just looks souless in the play test video. That low of flex and swing weight... it's to be expected. Looks like it plays like an ultra or a prince noodle. Forty five tech also saps high end power. I'm sure it will play fine with multi for those who use or weighted up...

People are going to be seeking out the over-spec ones this time around.
 
Yamin said:
Most of the play testers on that 18x20 review were at higher levels... they've just been doing it for a decade. The racket just looks souless in the play test video. That low of flex and swing weight... it's to be expected. Looks like it plays like an ultra or a prince noodle.

People are going to be seeking out the over spec ones this time around.
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they are also showing you rallies in which they keep the ball in play...
 
Yamin said:
Most of the play testers on that 18x20 review were at higher levels... they've just been doing it for a decade. The racket just looks souless in the play test video. That low of flex and swing weight... it's to be expected. Looks like it plays like an ultra or a prince noodle. Forty five tech also saps high end power. I'm sure it will play fine with multi for those who use or weighted up...

People are going to be seeking out the over-spec ones this time around.
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Ha, knowing Wilson they will be too light with too head heavy balance. I hope they prove me wrong this time. I got burned on a new V7 Blade 18x20 and a new Clash Pro LE in the past 12 months.
 
CosmosMpower said:
Ha, knowing Wilson they will be too light with too head heavy balance. I hope they prove me wrong this time. I got burned on a new V7 Blade 18x20 and a new Clash Pro LE in the past 12 months.
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You have to pay for matching service to avoid this. It's a mandatory for me, even if it's for a single racket.
 
SonRK said:
I have 3 16x19 v8s, and one is 327W strung with 18g string (I'll measure unstrung SW once I pop the strings). So this one seems overspecced by quite a bit

In usual Wilson Quality Control, my other 2 vary quite a bit. I forgot to measure the SW of one of them unstrung, but here's the data:

V8 US Open Strung 18g: 327
V8 Chameleon Strung 18g: 315
V8 Chameleon Unstrung: 283
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That's outrageous considering the increase in price they are about to implement. You all should stop buying wilson for awhile so they can get the message. I do love the paint job. I could keep looking at it for hours lol. My buddy also has the pro V8 and 2 V7 with complete different balance and as we kept hitting with them, we realized we could hit the same with any of them. It's just annoying to have different specs if you want to have any kind of consistency. One of the V7 is so head heavy and it's kind of a pain to open the buttcap or add a leather grip just for that one.
 
Is it normal to sit on hold waiting for a racquet specialist for > 20 minutes? I wanted to order a matched pair of the 16x19 v8 but damn.
 
Received my v8 18*20. My previous rackets are many - but mostly played with the Blade v7 16*19. The cosmetic looks ok/ In an hour I preferred the v7 again, may be the new scheme will grow on me. I strung it with Triax at 45lbs. The swing weight drop is very noticeable, even more maneuverable than the v7 16m, while also being stable. Serves, and groundstrokes came easy, and the 18*20 was as easy to generate spin as the 16*19. I play everyday and have tender elbows, but didn't feel any discomfort with the v8. Great update from Wilson. Quality wise, my racket came right on spec. I know the TW tribe has many grievances against Wilson QC - but I have had 2 Clash 98, 1 Clash 100, 2 Blade v7, and this v8 bought in the last 2 years that were within +/- 2gms on weight.
 
What's up with the unique grommets on the Blade v8 104? The grommets at 3 and 9 have an unusual shape, and they seem to be unique to the 104.
 
time_fly said:
What's up with the unique grommets on the Blade v8 104? The grommets at 3 and 9 have an unusual shape, and they seem to be unique to the 104.
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You talking about the power holes? Those have been a blade 104 staple for a while.
 
I really like the colors and looks for this version, Looks better in actual. Excited for my 100V8 16×19 300g as fortunately it is available here in Asia. If Wilson did same approach to the previous release( Clash, Ultra, Blade), would you think the Next generation Clash and Ultra will have the same design? but just a color shifting Red and Blue respectively so their line will have a uniform look/branding.
 
tx10is said:
yes, I noticed the v8 is more stable in stock form than the v7. its always better to demo and see for yourself, but yeah the v8 felt more solid to me vs v7 stock vs stock even though they claim it is lower RA.

no offense to these people but I wish TW would have more advanced players(college +) test out the racquet on their videos. Some of the playtesters have more issues with their technique that could affect how the racquet actually plays, but I guess they got to appeal to every level.
Click to expand...
Right but you have TW forum people posting like .10th of gram is making a difference in their ability to play. Its amazing to me to hit with actual pros... from other countries and they have no idea what their SW or unstrung is. But the 3.0-4.5s here are acting like if you dial in their perfect swingweight they are blowing through qualies at the next Us open. Just stop. 3 grams isnt making you a better player. Your string and tension play a way bigger factor in your play than 1 gram of lead at EXACTLY 7:30 to fix the QC issues of wilson. In fact most of you use trash string at the same tension, which depending on the stringer is probably off -/+3 and you cant feel that but that .20ths of a gram... just cost you a shot at the mixed 6.0 title.
 
J B said:
Right but you have TW forum people posting like .10th of gram is making a difference in their ability to play. Its amazing to me to hit with actual pros... from other countries and they have no idea what their SW or unstrung is. But the 3.0-4.5s here are acting like if you dial in their perfect swingweight they are blowing through qualies at the next Us open. Just stop. 3 grams isnt making you a better player. Your string and tension play a way bigger factor in your play than 1 gram of lead at EXACTLY 7:30 to fix the QC issues of wilson. In fact most of you use trash string at the same tension, which depending on the stringer is probably off -/+3 and you cant feel that but that .20ths of a gram... just cost you a shot at the mixed 6.0 title.
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What strings/tension do you recommend :D
 
Internety said:
What strings/tension do you recommend :D
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depends on you, what you want the ball to do, how much power you need, how often you want to change string, and how much you want to spend.... Or just keep acting like you have a clue and complain about SW but you get your wilson sensation changed once a year strung by the same kid you bought it from using a drop weight or uncalibrated tensioner. I mean those thick white lines have to be dead on right? and you know he is really making sure its exactly 51lbs.
 
J B said:
Right but you have TW forum people posting like .10th of gram is making a difference in their ability to play. Its amazing to me to hit with actual pros... from other countries and they have no idea what their SW or unstrung is. But the 3.0-4.5s here are acting like if you dial in their perfect swingweight they are blowing through qualies at the next Us open. Just stop. 3 grams isnt making you a better player. Your string and tension play a way bigger factor in your play than 1 gram of lead at EXACTLY 7:30 to fix the QC issues of wilson. In fact most of you use trash string at the same tension, which depending on the stringer is probably off -/+3 and you cant feel that but that .20ths of a gram... just cost you a shot at the mixed 6.0 title.
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lol yeah I only just joined this forum to get other people's feedback on the blade since that is what I play with. You are right about pros etc..being able to pick up any stick and play well. not sure if you were talking about me, but I did play d1 just like Im sure a lot other guys on here who lurk. I also help out with stringing on weekends for one of TW competitors lol. You' would be surprised how many people come in and ask for exact this or that on their racquet when it's their technique that really needs help. lol It's ok though. I am glad people are excited about tennis and keeping the sport alive. Tennis has been good to me and has given me many opportunities, including paying for my education.
 
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tx10is said:
lol yeah I only just joined this forum to get other people's feedback on the blade since that is what I play with. You are right about pros etc..being able to pick up any stick and play well. not sure if you were talking about me, but I did play d1 just like Im sure a lot other guys on here who lurk. I also help out with stringing on weekends for one of TW competitors lol. You' would be surprised how many people come in and ask for excat this or that on their racquet when it's their technique that really needs help. lol It's ok though. I am glad people are excited about tennis and keeping the sport alive. Tennis has been good to me and has given me many opportunities, including paying for my education.
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no you can go through these racquet threads and find people putting .20ths of grams. Or a specific number not realizing how many grams it takes to make an ounce. Im sorry you dont need a 332.78 gram stick to win at 3.5 I'm hitting with a pro using the first Babolat aero with cortex racquet with old string, at least 4 years old and the racquet is a mess. Is it preferred? no but i can play and get better. Im 6000+ miles away from my own stuff and im playing in hiking shoes but my technique is getting better and Im only losing 10-4 in a tiebreaker. He might have given me a few extra serves.....
 
In short, the V8 18m felt like a 2015 Blade 18m to me, in a more maneuverable SW. I loved it but after using XL frames for the last 6 months, I'm not ready to switch back to 27IN frames. I considered extending the length of the Blade V8 but the new buttcap made it trickier
 
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