Blade V8 Official Thread.

[cd3768]

I see the Element black now. The rep was talking about how it’s won’t distract your eyes while playing (ex. RF97 versus the tuxedo version). I don’t mind that they’re coming out with a black, especially if you’re nitpicky and don’t want to play with Lux Smart. I would guess the black ALU to play less lively.
Btw I know this is the Blade v8 thread but I have a couple more teasers I guess. (Another string and a new Wilson machine)

 

[smithie]

I see the Element black now. The rep was talking about how it’s won’t distract your eyes while playing (ex. RF97 versus the tuxedo version). I don’t mind that they’re coming out with a black, especially if you’re nitpicky and don’t want to play with Lux Smart. I would guess the black ALU to play less lively.
Btw I know this is the Blade v8 thread but I have a couple more teasers I guess. (Another string and a new Wilson machine)

I mean ALU power isn't exactly Hyper-G but whatever floats your boats I guess!

So what's the other string? Black 4G?

 

[cd3768]

They said they might come out with an improved Smart. I don’t know exactly what it would be called nor what the improvement would be.
The Wilson rep said that the Baiardo Tune is in the process of coming out as well (idk when). It’s essentially a Babolat RDC that can also measure string tension (he described it has something pushing on the stringbed... “string inflection” or something like that, so there’s somewhat concrete data that your strings have gone dead or something along those lines). Downside is that it costs as much as the Baiardo ($6k)

 

[J011yroger]

They said they might come out with an improved Smart. I don’t know exactly what it would be called nor what the improvement would be.
The Wilson rep said that the Baiardo Tune is in the process of coming out as well (idk when). It’s essentially a Babolat RDC that can also measure string tension (he described it has something pushing on the stringbed... “string inflection” or something like that, so there’s somewhat concrete data that your strings have gone dead or something along those lines). Downside is that it costs as much as the Baiardo ($6k)

Anything would be an improvement over Smart.

J

 

[GrechCorrea]

I heard they were going to be realising around September but from what I'm reading here it might be even earlier (probably not because of production delays, but we can wish)

 

[SinneGOAT]

Anything would be an improvement over Smart.

J

Was smart that bad? I thought it was a “smart” idea(pun intended) to have this poly specifically get softer or stiffer but that’s marketing hype behind a $300 reel or 20 dollar set. Never tried it because I’d rather buy natural gut than some black poly which with the price of smart I would.

 

[J011yroger]

Was smart that bad? I thought it was a “smart” idea(pun intended) to have this poly specifically get softer or stiffer but that’s marketing hype behind a $300 reel or 20 dollar set. Never tried it because I’d rather buy natural gut than some black poly which with the price of smart I would.

It was awful, one of the few strings I had ever cut because it was basically unplayable. No idea where the ball was going.

J

 

[THAAS909]

A rep came into the shop I work out and I got a look at the racquet. He told me to actually take it outside. What a difference it makes. 12 o clock is still black as it is now but the rest of the racquet is this metallic Chameleon (foresty) green that shimmers in the sunlight. Inside it changes between mud and green colors. They modified something in the handle, something about more graphite and therefore making it more torsionally stable. I don't think there is FeelFlex but at 12 o clock there was the label of "Forty-Five" indicating that they put the tech of the PS v13 where they braid the carbon lay-up at a 45 degree angle. Other than that, I'm pretty sure it's the same specs. Not sure about RA. Coming late summer.
Also Lux is coming out with an ALU Power black.
He also told me (idk if it's accurate or not) that the Blade v6 non CV is or is similar to the BLX. So, old blade users might want to jump on that but have to convert to some form of green from the black and gold days.

Is it gloss or matte paint? Also, when you say 12 o'clock, are you talking about the top of the hoop? If so, the current one is green at 12 o'clock. Not being a stickler, just trying to better understand the cosmetic update. My rep will only show me in person.. thanks!

 

[cd3768]

Is it gloss or matte paint? Also, when you say 12 o'clock, are you talking about the top of the hoop? If so, the current one is green at 12 o'clock. Not being a stickler, just trying to better understand the cosmetic update. My rep will only show me in person.. thanks!

Sorry I meant black as in the one with CV. I guess I’m still stuck on that one lol. And yes the top of the hoop.
the paint is neither glossy or matte but metallic feeling. It’s as if it was spray painted and upon touching it, you can feel the very little specks.

 

[THAAS909]

Sorry I meant black as in the one with CV. I guess I’m still stuck on that one lol. And yes the top of the hoop.
the paint is neither glossy or matte but metallic feeling. It’s as if it was spray painted and upon touching it, you can feel the very little specks.

No worries!

Interesting about the paint.. if you remember the BLX juice pro (96 sq inch I believe) and I think a couple other sticks from that era, they had a finish similar to which you are describing.. it wasn't quite matte and wasn't quite glossy. It was almost like a glossy paintjob that had been very very lightly sanded... I think the finish was called ice or frozen or velvet if I remember correctly

 

[cd3768]

I tried my friend’s BLX and it didn’t feel quite the same as the new blade. Ice kind of describes it but just look up rustoleum metallic green spray paint and that’s the texture and look. But imagine if it can change color with different exposures to light.

 

[flyfshrmn98]

Got to see the new blade tonight after playing with a wilson rep. Said it is supposed to release in September. He said the only real changes are the color scheme and the carbon 45 technology (carbon at 45 degree angle) and new grip. Weight still 305 and same balance. The paint is interesting as previously stated; its a chameleon paint that changes from a brown to a forest green depending on the light. The finish is kind of satin, neither super glossy or the matte velvet finish

 

[AA7]

Got to see the new blade tonight after playing with a wilson rep. Said it is supposed to release in September. He said the only real changes are the color scheme and the carbon 45 technology (carbon at 45 degree angle) and new grip. Weight still 305 and same balance. The paint is interesting as previously stated; its a chameleon paint that changes from a brown to a forest green depending on the light. The finish is kind of satin, neither super glossy or the matte velvet finish

Is the feel flex in there still?

 

[emaz8724]

Got to see the new blade tonight after playing with a wilson rep. Said it is supposed to release in September. He said the only real changes are the color scheme and the carbon 45 technology (carbon at 45 degree angle) and new grip. Weight still 305 and same balance. The paint is interesting as previously stated; its a chameleon paint that changes from a brown to a forest green depending on the light. The finish is kind of satin, neither super glossy or the matte velvet finish

will the ra stay at 62, or is moving back up to the 66-67 range like the v6 w/o countervail that was issued this year? Hope they stay around 62. Love the v7’s feel

 

[FuzzyYellowBalls]

Will it have bluetooth?

 

[flyfshrmn98]

Is the feel flex in there still?

I'm not sure if the "carbon 45" changed that or not, I would doubt it

will the ra stay at 62, or is moving back up to the 66-67 range like the v6 w/o countervail that was issued this year? Hope they stay around 62. Love the v7’s feel

He said not much was changing from the V7 so hopefully 62

 

[longtimelurker]

 

[Yamin]

We complained we didn't like the paint so they gave us a 97HD

 

[emaz8724]

Deleted

 

[CleaN]

We complained we didn't like the paint so they gave us a 97HD

And I am very happy with that. This is the best looking racquet in my eyes

 

[avocadoz]

I hope they get rid of the feelflex.

 

[Weevil]

good question but lots of people actually didn't like that countervail for some reason i didn't understand

I never liked the Countervail because the response felt super muted, but it is great for those with arm issues. For the target audience of the Blade it doesn't seem to make sense to me to have Countervail, as since it's targeted towards a more advanced player market most of those using it should have good enough technique to avoid arm issues.

 

[SinneGOAT]

I hope they get rid of the feelflex.

I hope they keep it, protects my elbow and is very comfortable. The feel is a little muted compared to the amplifeel or others so making a gloss paintjob could help.

 

[aus89]

I assume its something along these lines

 

[flyfshrmn98]

I assume its something along these lines

Was more like these...
It looks green most of the time. Kinda cool

 

[aus89]

yeah thats what that paint does, shifts color in different light conditions - mainly green and shifts to coppery brown kinda color exactly like that depending on light

 

[JOSHL]

So the majority of the racquet is the green color change paint? And just black at the tip? May need to grab one of these....

 

[SinneGOAT]

In preparation for the v7 being discontinued, I grabbed one of these bad boys. Only one left in 3/8.

 

[J011yroger]

In preparation for the v7 being discontinued, I grabbed one of these bad boys. Only one left in 3/8.

I have 2!

J

 

[Grizzy]

I also bought that racquet yesterday

 

[SinneGOAT]

I personally didn’t get the hate around the v7 16/19. The hoop is a little unstable granted, but the weight is still closer in the head. Mine all have higher swingweights though, so maybe I’m biased.

 

[emaz8724]

Did we ever get any confirmation as to whether the v8’s RA was staying at 62 or moving back around 66?

 

[SinneGOAT]

Did we ever get any confirmation as to whether the v8’s RA was staying at 62 or moving back around 66?

None yet, but I imagine with this next update stiffness will increase slightly.

 

[Power Player]

I personally didn’t get the hate around the v7 16/19. The hoop is a little unstable granted, but the weight is still closer in the head. Mine all have higher swingweights though, so maybe I’m biased.

It's honestly not a bad racquet at all. Some people want more stability, but that's not always an optimal thing to have. The feel was not dramatically different from the 18x20 version either. Lower twistweight frames have a lot of benefits if you have good hand-eye.

 

[SinneGOAT]

It's honestly not a bad racquet at all. Some people want more stability, but that's not always an optimal thing to have. The feel was not dramatically different from the 18x20 version either. Lower twistweight frames have a lot of benefits if you have good hand-eye.

I used the 18/20 before the 16/19 and I can say the 18/20 does have a higher swingweight and more stability. I just couldn’t keep on the gas with the 18/20 as long but if I could I would.

 

[emaz8724]

None yet, but I imagine with this next update stiffness will increase slightly.

Bummer! I love the v7’s feel. I hope it stays in the low 60’s, but we’ll see. I didn’t realize I was in the minority with loving the v7. Might have to scoop up two more, but I’m going to wait out the v8 release. Hope specs remain and it’s just cosmetic and just some newly recycled “tech”. I have an older Prince Triple Threat rebel and the tech at 11 and 1 of that racquet looks just like this “new” braid 45 tech from Wilson.

 

[pico]

They just have to rebrand v5 under a new paint job and it will sell like hotcakes. Win-win for everyone..... Wilson and customers.

Jokes aside i need flex to return back to 66. Feel of V7 was good.....free power not so....

Try the v6?

 

[SinneGOAT]

Bummer! I love the v7’s feel. I hope it stays in the low 60’s, but we’ll see. I didn’t realize I was in the minority with loving the v7. Might have to scoop up two more, but I’m going to wait out the v8 release. Hope specs remain and it’s just cosmetic and just some newly recycled “tech”. I have an older Prince Triple Threat rebel and the tech at 11 and 1 of that racquet looks just like this “new” braid 45 tech from Wilson.

I’m not confirming or denying anything, I haven’t gotten any clue what Wilson will do for the next blade, I just imagine it will be stiffer from what others have said.

 

[tennis347]

The feel of the V7 Blade is one of the best IMO. Hopefully, Wilson only changes the cosmetics. A stiffer RA would ruin the feel IMO. You do need to have good footwork and be precise with the Blade but it's really good for aggressive baseline play. Due to the mass in the hoop power can be generated with good racquet head speed. I didn't like the countervail version due to the harsh feel. I don't see Wilson making any significant changes to the Blade this year as V7 was a huge success.

 

[SinneGOAT]

The feel of the V7 Blade is one of the best IMO. Hopefully, Wilson only changes the cosmetics. A stiffer RA would ruin the feel IMO. You do need to have good footwork and be precise with the Blade but it's really good for aggressive baseline play. Due to the mass in the hoop power can be generated with good racquet head speed. I didn't like the countervail version due to the harsh feel. I don't see Wilson making any significant changes to the Blade this year as V7 was a huge success.

That would be pretty great if it was only cosmetic. I have stuck with the v7 since last year, the soft feel is what sold me over the ezone, strike, and other popular 98 racquets.

 

[tennis347]

That would be pretty great if it was only cosmetic. I have stuck with the v7 since last year, the soft feel is what sold me over the ezone, strike, and other popular 98 racquets.

The soft feel has sold me over just about everything on the market these days as well. I have 3 reverse Blade v7 98 16 x 19 frames.

 

[Zoolander]

Please Wilson keep the 62RA with a better PJ and you have a winner.

Pics! Show me the pics!

 

[cortado]

It's honestly not a bad racquet at all. Some people want more stability, but that's not always an optimal thing to have. The feel was not dramatically different from the 18x20 version either. Lower twistweight frames have a lot of benefits if you have good hand-eye.

Comparing two racquets I have with different twist-weights. In theory, the higher twist-weight one is more stable, but only if I can hit the ball as cleanly with it as I can with the lower twist-weight racquet. So far, I haven't been able to do that as consistently, so I've actually found the higher twist-weight racquet to be twisting in my hand more.

 

[emaz8724]

Called TW yesterday and got told that Wilson is being very strict about info release. They said we won’t get the specs until the week of release, but we will get new tech info 2 weeks before release. Release is penciled in for 8/31. They already have a full stock unstrung and sitting in the warehouse, but Wilson is the hold up. I don’t understand the big deal….they’re going to make their $$$ off of us shortly, so what’s the issue with knowing the RA and balance point? Makes me want to switch to Yonex, but nothing I’ve demoed has that sweet feel of my Blade v7 16x19.

 

[Roquestil]

Makes me want to switch to Yonex, but nothing I’ve demoed has that sweet feel of my Blade v7 16x19.

I think the blade v7 is pretty much one of the only Head Heavy frames, low weight high SW that are really plush and old school feel. Yonex doesn’t have a racquet like that stock. They should stick with that IMO. On the other hand the blade is basically a cult line and whatever they do will sell.

 

[Fxanimator1]

Called TW yesterday and got told that Wilson is being very strict about info release. They said we won’t get the specs until the week of release, but we will get new tech info 2 weeks before release. Release is penciled in for 8/31. They already have a full stock unstrung and sitting in the warehouse, but Wilson is the hold up. I don’t understand the big deal….they’re going to make their $$$ off of us shortly, so what’s the issue with knowing the RA and balance point? Makes me want to switch to Yonex, but nothing I’ve demoed has that sweet feel of my Blade v7 16x19.

I have no idea here, but I would venture a guess that the "hold up" is them(Wilson) trying to manage quarterly earnings and stuff, so they are really trying to time their sales.

 

[emaz8724]

I have no idea here, but I would venture a guess that the "hold up" is them(Wilson) trying to manage quarterly earnings and stuff, so they are really trying to time their sales.

Understandable, but with one week left in Q2, are they really going to make a material difference in retail sales of the v7 by letting the cat out of the bag on the v8? Highly doubtful. Their 10-Q report I’m sure is already almost wrapped up in draft form with finance forecasting the final week. Wilson’s accounting team just has to make sure they close the books, and there are no large variances to finance’s forecast that would require commentary and analysis. Understandable if we’re talking about before the French Open when they were pumping out that nice looking paintjob on the blade and Ultra. The sales of those would have been for sure negatively impacted by a v8 marketing jump (decrease in sales rev and large marketing expense line).

 

[Yamin]

Someone should pick up the new Blade 100 v7 in the mean time and report back .

 

[1HBHfanatic]

Someone should pick up the new Blade 100 v7 in the mean time and report back .

-what i wanna know,, why is there now a 100" blade, but we "the public" can't seem to get a 95" w.blade???

 

[Yamin]

-what i wanna know,, why is there now a 100" blade, but we "the public" can't seem to get a 95" w.blade???

Probably just a sales thing. What are there like 2 rackets that sell decently at 95"? I also don't need think flex feel or whatever would work in smaller head size and lighter rackets. Too jarring/stiff on harder hitting. Maybe we'll see it this coming iteration.