Blade V8 Official Thread.
- Thread starter J011yroger
- Start date
Hit 'em clean
Semi-Pro
Luxilon Alu Power17ga, Hyper G 17ga both are great at 48lbs. Probably my favorite has been Diadem Soltice 17ga at 48 lbs... but it lost tension pretty quickly. Might try again, but with a prestretch.
CiscoPC600
Hall of Fame
Has anyone here played with the 18x20 v4 (all black from 2012-2015) and switched/demoed the v8? Or v7?
I'm curious how they compare--thanks!
I'm curious how they compare--thanks!
Sweatii_yetii
Rookie
I used the v4 16x19 for about a season and really liked the feel of that racket. Not sluggish but could still feel that there was some mass in the hoop. Bought 2 v5 16x19 liked those quite a bit. Bought a v7 16x19 and could not gel with it. Must’ve had an over spec one because it felt too head heavy and just got too little feedback from the string bed. Impulse bought the v8 since I saw the swimgweight was lighter and I’m enjoying it. I won’t switch from the gpro+ but I’d say it’s my number 2 racket right now.
the v8 seems to go back to the feel of the v4 and doesn’t feel nearly as dampened as the 2 previous generations.
How do you compare GPro with Blade V8 16 x 19?
CiscoPC600
Hall of Fame
Interesting because I thought the v4 was around mid-to-high stiffness (65-68) while the v7 and v8 were low stiffness.
1HBHfanatic
Legend
-agree here
-also tend to feel the dampening more on the newer blades
-the older blades where a bit crisper
-dont get me wrong, none of the blades ive used where BAD, ive been a blade fan since the K-blades, all where good imo, medium to lower stiffness (main appeal)
-i do like/preffer the lower stiffness and/or more dampened feel of the V8 now
CiscoPC600
Hall of Fame
I guess my concern would be that the v4 18x20 was already low powered (relatively speaking) so a lower stiffness Blade would be even more.
1HBHfanatic
Legend
@CiscoPC600
-that is a fair assessment,,
-the v8 18/20 vs the 16/19 has a lower launch angle (could be equated by many to have less power!?!?!)
-but, the v8 18/20 & 16/19 with the 45 degree tech on the top (12 oclok) does provide some interesting power return
-that is a fair assessment,,
-the v8 18/20 vs the 16/19 has a lower launch angle (could be equated by many to have less power!?!?!)
-but, the v8 18/20 & 16/19 with the 45 degree tech on the top (12 oclok) does provide some interesting power return
MrAvocado232
New User
Which blade is closer to the 18x20 countervail, the v7 or the new v8? I'm looking for a more arm friendly v6
i settled in on 48#, first i tried 52# but it took a while for the racquets to feel right, so
i dropped them to 48#. still using the B98v7 though. havent pulled the trigger on the v8s because i heard the SW was
less so i would have to add more lead tape.
z
using lux alupower 17g in the 18 x20
z
ChanterRacquet
Professional
300g 100 is out from the Wilson site, L2 and L3 already sold out. For anyone who gets one, what’s the swingweight?
I am at 42pds. Hyper g 17 right with my 18x20 v8, pretty much same as my v7 18x20.
I have a v8 16x19 at 36 which I am experimenting with. Feel is not bad as the 16x19 does have more power in my opinion but it does also have a leather grip on it too.
CiscoPC600
Hall of Fame
It’s hard to recommend. Too many factors: swingweight, string, gauge, technique, etc.
For what it’s worth, I string my v4 Blade at 45 LBS. the highest I’ve seen is Tsitsipas at 55/52 LBS.
Songs For A Dead Pilot
Semi-Pro
Just played with v8 16x19 and I must admit that this racket feels much stiffer than I expected. Not too much left from v7 flex and ball pocketing. I guess just Blade is Blade again.
Sweatii_yetii
Rookie
I think there’s quite a bit of difference actually. I think I got an over specd v7 because it felt sluggish and very muted. The new v8 are a bit more maneuverable given the lighter swingweight.
I would say the v8 is a bit stiffer but I enjoy that since it gives better feedback from the stringbed imho
I’m a new member, but have been following the V8 Blade discussion… super helpful, thank you all for your comments. I thought I’d put out my own comments for what they are worth.
For some background, I’m a solid 4.0 all-court player. Moderate spin (I don’t have a “modern” game, but I do use SW grip and generate decent top spin). I’ve been using the Blade V7, 98”, 16x19 for about a year - coming from the Clash which felt great but with which I lacked control. FYI, I was using Clash, and now Blade partially because of my fear of elbow injury.
I’ve been testing the V8s. I’ve got the 98 16x19, 98 16x19 Pro and the 100 16x19 normal (not “L”).
All have been strung at 52lbs on an electric machine, so the equivalent I think of 48lbs on a hand-pull machine, using 16g Solinco Confidential in the mains, and Wilson NXT in the crosses. I do the hybrid solely for elbow-protection purposes.
I like the feel of the V8’s, but also liked the V7. The main difference to me is that the V8 feels consistently more solid, like I’m hitting the sweet spot more often (I’m probably not). The local tennis shop / pro says it might be because of the fused buttcap (his opinion anyway). Access to spin has been better it seems, perhaps because of the lower swingweight letting me get more of a whip into the ball. For what it’s worth, he is an anti-blade guy, but really likes what they did with the V8.
Several comments have been about the stiffness between V7 & V8. I feel the V8 has about the same buttery feeling (for lack of a better term), but still more connected to the ball if that makes sense - but not a big enough of a difference either way to be an issue, and in a blind test I bet I’d get it wrong sometimes.
Power is similar to me, but I’d give the edge to the V8. I think the strings are the thing to tinker with - my opinion is you’ll get more of a different feel between string set-ups than you will between V7 & V8 using the same string set-up.
I personally prefer the cosmetic on the V8 to the V7... feels more modern but at the same time classic (like ProStaffs).
A post earlier this week asked about the swing weight on the new 100”, 16x19 “Normal” version (not L). I have one here - I’m not clear on the difference between swing weight and strung weight, but my strung racquet is 329 grams, and that includes the leather grip and overgrip I have.
Hope this helps.
For some background, I’m a solid 4.0 all-court player. Moderate spin (I don’t have a “modern” game, but I do use SW grip and generate decent top spin). I’ve been using the Blade V7, 98”, 16x19 for about a year - coming from the Clash which felt great but with which I lacked control. FYI, I was using Clash, and now Blade partially because of my fear of elbow injury.
I’ve been testing the V8s. I’ve got the 98 16x19, 98 16x19 Pro and the 100 16x19 normal (not “L”).
All have been strung at 52lbs on an electric machine, so the equivalent I think of 48lbs on a hand-pull machine, using 16g Solinco Confidential in the mains, and Wilson NXT in the crosses. I do the hybrid solely for elbow-protection purposes.
I like the feel of the V8’s, but also liked the V7. The main difference to me is that the V8 feels consistently more solid, like I’m hitting the sweet spot more often (I’m probably not). The local tennis shop / pro says it might be because of the fused buttcap (his opinion anyway). Access to spin has been better it seems, perhaps because of the lower swingweight letting me get more of a whip into the ball. For what it’s worth, he is an anti-blade guy, but really likes what they did with the V8.
Several comments have been about the stiffness between V7 & V8. I feel the V8 has about the same buttery feeling (for lack of a better term), but still more connected to the ball if that makes sense - but not a big enough of a difference either way to be an issue, and in a blind test I bet I’d get it wrong sometimes.
Power is similar to me, but I’d give the edge to the V8. I think the strings are the thing to tinker with - my opinion is you’ll get more of a different feel between string set-ups than you will between V7 & V8 using the same string set-up.
I personally prefer the cosmetic on the V8 to the V7... feels more modern but at the same time classic (like ProStaffs).
A post earlier this week asked about the swing weight on the new 100”, 16x19 “Normal” version (not L). I have one here - I’m not clear on the difference between swing weight and strung weight, but my strung racquet is 329 grams, and that includes the leather grip and overgrip I have.
Hope this helps.
I have one - my strung racquet is 329 grams, and that includes the leather grip and overgrip I have.
Last edited:
TimePlease
Semi-Pro
Nice comparison, thanks.
Which one of your three different V8's do you like the best and why?
Swingweight is not to be confused with static weight - 2 completely different measurements. The swingweight is a measurement of inertia - the force you need to apply in order to swing the racket in play (rather than lift it off the ground). The weight distribution of the frame affects the swingweight. If there's more weight towards the tip, the swingweight will be relatively higher and vice versa.
CiscoPC600
Hall of Fame
I'm probably going to have to demo the V8 myself unless I can get my hands on a another good condition v4. There doesn't seem to be a consensus on how stable and stiff the V8 feels in contract to older models. The stiffness rating is particularly confusing.
It's hard to be certain because at my level differences in hitting / feel are probably as much about me being "on" or "off"... that being said, I feel like the 98 Pro is giving me more access to spin, particularly (and interestingly) on the 2nd serve... I would hope it's because of the more open string pattern compared to the normal 98, but I also switched to 17g string from 16Lg, so that might play a factor as well... using the Pro in three matches this weekend, so that will be a good test.
I'm returning the 100, not because I didn't like it, but because the string pattern of the 98 Pro is almost identical to a 100", and I like the extra control that you're supposed to get with the 98 compared to the 100. Also, the Pro version has the weight distributed more in the throat of the racquet, less head light, and I like that I do feel like the plough-through is sometimes missing on the normal 98. The 100 is also head light, so the 98 Pro has the string pattern of the 100 but without the head light aspect that I'm not a fan of...
Last edited:
ImportPer4mance
New User
It's not a very stable frame in stock form due to the low SW. You need to weight it up and then it plays like a more comfortable 2013/2015, IMO. It's a brilliant stick and for those who wanted something similar to older generations but a tad more arm friendly, it's the one. However, In stock form it's horrible (for me anyway due to SW <325).
If you loved the V7 and were not a fan of older generation 'stiffer' blades, then this is not the one for you. It is definitely stiffer/crisper than v7 (giving more power) but because of the increased stiffness in the hoop, ball pocketing suffers slightly with the same string/tension when compared with V7.
All this is for 18m btw, I have not tried the 16m and have no interest in trying it.
I have not had any arm issues with it yet and will be switching from V7 to this V8. However, I will keep the V7 incase this gives me arm issues in the future.
Last edited:
I hit with them out of the demo box, tonight. I ordered the 18m, 16m and Yonex Vcore Pro 330. Not sure how I felt about the Yonex. 
For the blades, I had a hard time deciding which I liked. I used my Tourna Tension checker, one was at 38, one was 40ish and the other was about 48. I string mine at 59. I'm going to restring the Blades - don't think I'm interested in the Yonex -- it's completely different racket, anyway. I just needed a 3rd to fill the box.
Both felt good -- I didn't use a dampener - I usually do. I didn't feel much vibration. My son and I were only hitting, so no real playing. Neither felt as stiff as the V7. When I checked my string stock this morning, a 2015 Blade 98S was next to the stringing machine. I might restring that, too.
My initial impressions are a little on the plus side of neutral. They seem to swing easier than the V7. It's hard to pinpoint what's different when trying to factor our the mental aspect of a shiny new racket. I'll hit with the pro tomorrow evening, then play-play with them on Saturday. I'll have a better idea, then. I really like the spinniness of the m16, but at the same time, I like the control of the m18, which, frankly, I need.
One noticeable difference is the arm friendliness. Both rackets felt softer or smoother -- hard to describe.
Once I test them with overheads, volleys, etc. I'll have a clearer picture.
For the blades, I had a hard time deciding which I liked. I used my Tourna Tension checker, one was at 38, one was 40ish and the other was about 48. I string mine at 59. I'm going to restring the Blades - don't think I'm interested in the Yonex -- it's completely different racket, anyway. I just needed a 3rd to fill the box. Both felt good -- I didn't use a dampener - I usually do. I didn't feel much vibration. My son and I were only hitting, so no real playing. Neither felt as stiff as the V7. When I checked my string stock this morning, a 2015 Blade 98S was next to the stringing machine. I might restring that, too.
My initial impressions are a little on the plus side of neutral. They seem to swing easier than the V7. It's hard to pinpoint what's different when trying to factor our the mental aspect of a shiny new racket. I'll hit with the pro tomorrow evening, then play-play with them on Saturday. I'll have a better idea, then. I really like the spinniness of the m16, but at the same time, I like the control of the m18, which, frankly, I need.
One noticeable difference is the arm friendliness. Both rackets felt softer or smoother -- hard to describe.
Once I test them with overheads, volleys, etc. I'll have a clearer picture.
Last edited:
Not sure if anyone has ran into this issue but somehow one of the grommet nubs at the top hoop has already broken on my racket. The racket has not touched the ground yet so I am not entirely sure how that has happened. I've called everywhere and there are no replacement grommets to be found for the V8 year so I will just use tubing for now. Anyone know if the V7 grommets can fit onto V8? Upon inspection they both look nearly identical.
Juan2thePaab
New User
Yeah I also found the v7 to be more plush
Interesting thing is what while I give a slight edge to V8 on groundstrokes (it's amazing honestly), for some reason I serve much better with the v7. Maybe due to balance/swing weight
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.
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.
1HBHfanatic
Legend
@DAB942
-the 97H is heavy, but solid, no denying it, its a sledge hammer
-the blades v8s 16/19 or 18/20 are both much lighter and fun to play with
-the biggest difference i found is that the 97h is heavier when the racquet is over your head (serving)
--but this also delivers a heavier ball if you can get it moving
-the blades are nice all arround, but they dont have the put away power that the 97h has
-up at the net, the blades are very QUIET/CLEAN at contact, and since they are faster/lighter they are easy to like at net
--btw, i also felt like "not using/needing a dampener" when demoing the Blade v8s (i use dampeners "all the time"
-i also agree with your experince with the power levels of the 16/19 vs the 18/20 blades
-the 18/20 gives you a bit more control without being a LOG like previous 18/20 versions (v6 was a log!)
-the v6 and v7 blades and even the v8 are great sticks in their own way
-the yonex.97h racquet up at net is ROCK solid!!
-i compare this racquet to the wilson.RF
-the blades are more precisely like the head.RADICALS
-if you like the 97h and the v8s, i would suggest you also give the new h.radical.PRO a try, its also another great stick for 2021
-the 97H is heavy, but solid, no denying it, its a sledge hammer
-the blades v8s 16/19 or 18/20 are both much lighter and fun to play with
-the biggest difference i found is that the 97h is heavier when the racquet is over your head (serving)
--but this also delivers a heavier ball if you can get it moving
-the blades are nice all arround, but they dont have the put away power that the 97h has
-up at the net, the blades are very QUIET/CLEAN at contact, and since they are faster/lighter they are easy to like at net
--btw, i also felt like "not using/needing a dampener" when demoing the Blade v8s (i use dampeners "all the time"
-i also agree with your experince with the power levels of the 16/19 vs the 18/20 blades
-the 18/20 gives you a bit more control without being a LOG like previous 18/20 versions (v6 was a log!
)-the v6 and v7 blades and even the v8 are great sticks in their own way
-the yonex.97h racquet up at net is ROCK solid!!
-i compare this racquet to the wilson.RF
-the blades are more precisely like the head.RADICALS
-if you like the 97h and the v8s, i would suggest you also give the new h.radical.PRO a try, its also another great stick for 2021
to get the sw you want, you will need to add more weight to 3 and 9 than simply 12. That raises your static weight...depends on your threshold.
ImportPer4mance
New User
J
just add to 12 and see how it plays. If you don’t like it then add double the weight to 3 and 9. Adding to 3 and 9 will also increase power due to the higher SW.
just add to 12 and see how it plays. If you don’t like it then add double the weight to 3 and 9. Adding to 3 and 9 will also increase power due to the higher SW.
My 2 blades came in at 323g strung with an over grip. I wanted to get it close to where I had my v7s for starters, so added 4grams in the grip and with a dampener brings it to 331g. Going to test it tomorrow and see how it feels. If the sw feels to low I'll then tinker with the hoop.
Curtennis
Hall of Fame
Why not just 10&2?
Juggernauts
Rookie
Any stiffness rating for Blade 100 v8 300 gram? The store stringer showed me a website posted 69 RA. If it's a PJ of v7 then it should be 61, isn't?
Store stri no er showed you the 100L…regular 100 is not out yet…
The stiffness rating for the Blade 100 v8 is 62.
The 100 v8L is 69. The 100 v8 62 RA version is out, just very hard to find.
CiscoPC600
Hall of Fame
It’s not a V8 but my V4. Luxilon Element @ 45 LBS. Wilson leather grip underneath.
DarthJimmy
New User
Where did you see the stiffness rating for the 100 v8? Wilson's site doesn't show it. I'm very interested in either this one or the Pro Staff 100 six one as both are in my wheel house but a 69 RA is a deal breaker. Thanks
I spoke with one of the tennis specialists at Tennis Warehouse directly. He was able to look up the RA of the 100, and explained also (in his opinion) why they had kept it the same as the V7 100 (RA 62). He told me not to even consider the 100L, due to the higher RA and my fear of elbow issues...
Smart.
Played some more with it today -- cold in Central Florida - 50's -- yeah, that's cold here. Windy too. We were the only ones out. I certainly gravitate to the 18x20. I served for about 30 minutes. I was able to move the ball around, flat, slice, kick -- without issue. I used no overgrip on the 3/8 grip size. My hand was getting a little tired from having to hold on to the grip. I use 1/2 -- I used 5/8 when they were still available. I think I'm going to order a couple m18. I was really hammering the ball and it felt much more plush than the v7.
Windy too. We were the only ones out. I certainly gravitate to the 18x20. I served for about 30 minutes. I was able to move the ball around, flat, slice, kick -- without issue. I used no overgrip on the 3/8 grip size. My hand was getting a little tired from having to hold on to the grip. I use 1/2 -- I used 5/8 when they were still available. I think I'm going to order a couple m18. I was really hammering the ball and it felt much more plush than the v7.
StefanosWillSaveTheWorld
Rookie
This blade is Mute City. Hard pass. The only blade i felt okay with was the first few versions. V6, V7, and V8 I have no idea where I'm hitting the ball. More muted than the yonex racquets. I'm in the minority, I know. just venting.
1HBHfanatic
Legend
-you are not incorrect
-this is the first racquet where i did not feel i needed a "sound dampener"
-this racquet also gives you a bigger range of string choices to choose from
-its not string sensitive
-lux 4g is a good option for this racquet
-i also find that thicker strings like 16g or 16lg are better option for me, vs 17g ive used before
-i am currently testing head.s.pro.edge 16g and w.revolve.spin 16g, not sure which i like more yet
-but as you've said "Mute City",, haaa,
-i do like/preffer that though!!
-feels clean and/or quiet to me
StefanosWillSaveTheWorld
Rookie
To me, it's a little softer/smoother. I didn't feel as much vibration. Maybe the all one piece handle. I felt more connected with the V8, than the V7. I really like the V7, too. I think the V8 is a gentle upgrade from the V7. Since I stole my son's V7 a month or two ago, I'm probably going to buy a couple V8's. I'm not 100% if the V7s were mine, that I would upgrade. But, probably.
I tried some Cyclone and liked it and Revolve Spin -- both 17G. I still liked the revolve more. If I buy the V8s, I'll probably string one with Hyper G 17G, as well.
