Maybe try hybriding it with a multi or synth gut. Or lower the tension a bit.
It is softer. TW’s string metric still gives it a high stiff rating but I’ve never had an. issue.
I've tried mixed option in the past, but finally results expensive. I'd rather somethig to use full bed and not stressing too much arm, elbow or shoulder. Ever strung around 22 kp.
In the past, I tested on V7's Dyreex Super Tour, Volkl Cyclone, Hyper G or BBO. I’ll try element but I appreciate more suggestions
Since you’re already familiar with Dyreex, I am 5h into a super tour 1.25 stringjob and am liking it, but preferred alu tour 1.25 for a slightly more lively response. Another string I liked was head hawk 1.25 (a bit more controlled than alu tour, better tension maintenance and similar durability - both last around 10h). I’m currently using lynx tour 1.25 mains with a softer cross (either multi or syngut 1.30 or 1.35 although durability is quite bad, around 4-5h tops. I tried restringing the crosses only but that string job with restrung crosses never actually feels fresh). I also tried lynx tour full bed but it was a bit less predictive, more launchy and with worse feel. Mayami tour hex 1.23 had better feel than lynx tour but it was more launchy/lively so I didn’t love it either. With mayami hit pro 1.25 fb I couldn’t feel anything, it was like hitting cotton-balls with a soft pillow - I’m not a fan of soft strings in this frame (maybe they work best at higher tensions?). Firestorm 1.25 fb also felt overly soft/muted on this frame although I like this string and will probably try it again at higher tension. I was excited to try solinco tour bite 1.25 fb but ended up hating it and cutting after 30min - I’m not a fan of shaped strings fb on about any frame - felt too stiff and it had no power. This is all my string experience in the blade v8, hopefully it gives you an idea on what to try next.
I’ll take any rests of a Dyreex super tour reel you may want to get rid of? But yes alu tour is a bit livelier. At what tension do you string? I have my super tour 1.25 at 23kg on this frame and it works fine. It’s on the dead side at first although it does lose tension and opens up a bit but overall it’s very much on the control side I’d say. Another string I forgot to mention was topspin cyberflash which is soft but very crisp and complements this frame well.
| Racket | Weight | Swingweight | Balance | RA |
| 1 | 309.40 | 284.00 | 31.40 | 66 |
| 4 | 307.00 | 289.00 | 32.10 | 66 |
| 3 | 307.10 | 293.00 | 32.60 | 65 |
| 6 | 307.60 | 294.00 | 32.10 | 65 |
| 2 | 307.00 | 295.00 | 32.00 | 65 |
| 7 | 306.30 | 295.00 | 32.40 | 64 |
| 8 | 307.80 | 295.00 | 32.50 | 65 |
| 5 | 305.10 | 296.00 | 32.70 | 65 |
I agree with your choice. When grip protector were removed, weight will go down to 306 grams’ish. In the same way, swingweight and balance will decrease too (293 and 32.6 aprox).
Thanks! Will check the rackets myself for weight and balance, just to make sure I got the rackets with the specs TWE provided. If they’re good to go, I’ll slap on a leather grip.
If you have the materials, then no harm in giving it a try. You can always remove it.
Does this come from TW or TWE?
| Racket | Weight | Swingweight | Balance | RA |
| 6 | 307.60 | 294.00 | 32.10 | 65 |
| 2 | 307.00 | 295.00 | 32.00 | 65 |
| 8 | 307.80 | 295.00 | 32.50 | 65 |
I don't really understand, maybe someone can explain how could a racquet be head heavier compared to other when they both have absolutely the same swingweight.
This is very puzzling to me because when I bought my 3 blades v8 (18x20) this is what TWE sent me:
Meaning they are probably V9? I’m impressed with the quality control.
My guess is that the tighter QC parameters were implemented towards the end of the V8 production run ahead of the V9. I got 6 V8 18M from Wilson, measured and kept 2. The specs overall were quite a bit closer than what I was used to with Wilson. I ended up with 2 identically matched stock frames.
Doesn’t explain the difference in flex between his batch and mine. I’m saying V9 under v8 paint. Plenty of posts alluding to the same being true with V8 noir.
Good point. I don’t have the ability to measure flex but maybe I should take my V8s somewhere to be measured. I bought my V8s direct from Wilson well after the Noir came out, so it would be an interesting data point.
I think the blade 98 may have briefly sold out (or was close to) at some point during the Q4 last year. Stock was already lowish when I bought mine in june. At least at TWE.
Thats pretty interesting, I got matching service for the blades as well from TWE a few days ago and these were mine:
Other than racquet #2, which could well be from the old batch or simply having a few QC issues, the rest are pretty consistent. If this is how V9 is going to turn out then colour me impressed. Time will tell.Thats pretty interesting, I got matching service for the blades as well from TWE a few days ago and these were mine:
Went for 1 & 3 as I can put 2 grams around 10 and 2 to get the exact same balance, swingweight and weight. But definitely on the head heavy side - higher stiffness and higher swingweight than the blades advertised online. Or well yeah wilson QC could also just be meh
Yeah I wonder how they are gonna play, pretty head heavy compared to what I'm used to. Looking forward to it, though!
Please, let me know new specs when you slap on it! Leather grip is my choice ever on my frames, but this time I rather stay with stock grip before.
I have added weight to my Blade Noir’s and they play fantastic. Changed the frames for me. Much more stable, more plow and still very maneuverable. Final strung specs are 338g, 333SW, 7 pt balance.
Have you tried a v8 blade with a low 60 stiffness? I wonder if the mid 60 stiffness is felt when playing and translates into more stability and/or power.
QA also leading to massive variations in stiffness has me feeling totally despondent re: buying rackets.
The v4 was a beast and my favourite before the v8. I used to think how does such a low static weight frame plays so stable and powerful. It didn't make sense
In my case, 22 Kg (48,5 pounds). First 2 hours were nice, but when string starts to get stuck, it feels like hitting with a frying pan. Anyway, Element or ECO Rough are in my to-do list
Multifilament has more power and is softer on the arm compared to poly. So you have to string higher, otherwise you will lose control.
I love them! Fits me miles better than the vcore 98 even before I get fully adjusted to the blade. great on the serve and at the net (even with my HH balance from QC)!
