I restrung the rackets. The 18x20 with Revolve Spin @ 59 and the 16x19 with Volkl Cyclone @ 59. Full disclosure - I originally strung the 16x19 with the last of my Revolve Spin as well - until I finished the racket and realized I strung it like the 18x20 (8&10 skips). So, I cut them out and restrung with the Cyclone, correctly. This happens when you watch a movie while you string.
I also restrung the Yonnex Vcore Pro 98H (330).
Any way, I hit with all them. I started with the 16m and liked it. It was just OK, for me. I generate a lot of spin on my own. There were a few ground strokes that I thought might go long that dropped in. My OH backhands we easily guidable, with lots of topspin or backspin when needed. I found myself really paying attention to my swing when using this racket. It didn't have the control I'm used to with the V7 m18. The racket seemed a little more comfortable, however. Volleys and overheads were generally just fine. There were a few balls I ran down and wanted to cut them, hard, across the court -- but, a little too much juice or spin as they went wide.
I switched to the m18 -- night and day, as expected. Ground strokes came easy and without effort. I could point and shoot. Still had access to loads of spin, with the spin friendly strings and my technique. Had no issues with the OH backhand after a couple hit the tape -- adjustment from the m16. Volleys and Overheads felt like I had a laser site. The racket really felt soft and smooth.
I usually have a dampener -- I didn't have one on the -- also, they were both 3/8 grip size. In the past, I would go with 5/8 -- don't see them much, anymore -- so I use 1/2. I didn't use an overgrip. Grip strength took some paying attention to. Initially, I found myself gripping a little too hard on both rackets -- I think more so on the m16.
I also played the Yonnex, while my hitting partner tried the Blades. I strung it to his liking as he wanted to try it and it didn't jive with me last night. I really had to "try" with it.
I went back to the m18 and put on a dampener. This felt like the racket was calling me now. Effortless ground stokes. The dampener deadened enough of the string buzz to give me that sweet thump when I hit the ball -- but still had enough response to let me know when I didn't catch it exactly right. It was really night and day after hitting with the Yonnex. My partner said, immediately, that I was no longer struggling to make shots and they were heavy and deep, still with loads of spin. Flat shots were just as easy for me. It really felt good.
Generally, when I play the back of my arm close to the elbow -- tricep -- feels a little sore. I had none of that with any of these rackets and I was ripping in to the ball. I didn't serve with any of them, yet. I felt so good with the 18x20, if it doesn't rain, I'm going to play league doubles match with it tomorrow -- yeah, without ever serving with it.
I wasn't expecting much, as there was so much chatter about the lack of differences in the V7 and V8. I found it to be much more comfortable than the V7 -- but there's something about it -- something intangible. Maybe it's mental -- maybe I want it to be better. I'm going to probably play with the 18x20 exclusively for the rest of my demo time.
I can definitely see me ordering a couple, next week. We'll see.
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