Bring BLX Blade 98 up to 2013 Blade 98 specs

robok9

Semi-Pro
Hello, I was wondering if anybody knew much about specific racquet customization of the BLX Blade 98. Basically, I bought it somewhat recently, but I feel like I'm missing out with the new 2013 Blade 98. Some people say that the only new addition is the amplifeel, however other people say that there are large differences all around. I want to know if anyone has some specific tips for bringing up the BLX Blade to the specs of the 2013 Blade or even better. Help would be much appreciated.

That being said, if there is no modification I can do, should I switch to the 2013 Blade, or is it just a waste of money?
 

Lukhas

Legend
I personally preferred the BLX for some reason. Tried it, the specs are the same or very similar really to the new version, so I bought the 2013. Didn't liked it as much, ended up selling it. Really almost the same specs, so modding and toying with lead tape won't change much IMO. Just a bit different.
 

robok9

Semi-Pro
I personally preferred the BLX for some reason. Tried it, the specs are the same or very similar really to the new version, so I bought the 2013. Didn't liked it as much, ended up selling it. Really almost the same specs, so modding and toying with lead tape won't change much IMO. Just a bit different.
Cool, I've been doing some stuff to it. I put a little bit of led in the handle, I'm probably gonna put a leather grip to make it a little more headlight, and I might put some lead tape in the head at either 2 o'clock and 10 or at 3 and 9. Thanks for the reply. That makes me feel so much more confident in my purchase.
 

kimguroo

Legend
Haha, sorta. I've been considering it for a little while and when I saw him switch to what seems to be a blade 98 the question had to be asked whether I should switch too.

Fed might not use blade 98. Could be either H19, H22 or really prototype (but looks like H19).
So if you are looking for Fed racket, forget it. Use whatever works best for you ^_^

between old BLX blade 98 and new blade 98, very similar. Only slight different feelsing Save $$$ to get old one.
 

robok9

Semi-Pro
Fed might not use blade 98. Could be either H19, H22 or really prototype (but looks like H19).
So if you are looking for Fed racket, forget it. Use whatever works best for you ^_^

between old BLX blade 98 and new blade 98, very similar. Only slight different feelsing Save $$$ to get old one.
Don't worry, I had considered this before Federer switched. Alrighty, I think I'm just gonna stick with my BLX Blade. My current racquet setup is a BLX Blade 98 with a little bit of lead in the handle and at 3-9 strung with MSV Focus Hex 1.18 (52lbs) in the mains and Gosen OG Sheep Micro 17 (50lbs) in the crosses, and as a backup, I have my classic KBlade 98 with the same strings.
 

Lukhas

Legend
Cool, I've been doing some stuff to it. I put a little bit of led in the handle, I'm probably gonna put a leather grip to make it a little more headlight, and I might put some lead tape in the head at either 2 o'clock and 10 or at 3 and 9. Thanks for the reply. That makes me feel so much more confident in my purchase.
IMO, you'd be better off with a more HL frame altogether. Adding weight never ameliorates the manoeuvrability. Never. And it will have to be counterbalanced with some weight on the hoop.
 

robok9

Semi-Pro
I thought about that, but honestly I really like my Blade and how it plays (even stock). I'm pretty convinced that the Blade line of racquets is what I like even after trying various other racquets such as the Aeropro drive, pure drive, radical, prestige, speed, pro staff, etc. Believe it or not, the modifications I put on it did make it play better. I think that the only thing I need to do left is to buy a leather grip to add a little weight to the handle, and I'll be pretty much set.
 

dgoran

Hall of Fame
IMHO you don't need lead unless you are on ATP tour facing heavy serves and strokes its only a hinderence to amateur play. Even someone like top juniors and challenger players are using blade stock including goffin so you are kidding yourself if you need anything on that beside over grip and strings
 

dgoran

Hall of Fame
Oh and if you want better feel out of your blade get lm radical which was a racquet that blade try to copy in the first place
 

zaskar1

Professional
new blx blade 98

Hello, I was wondering if anybody knew much about specific racquet customization of the BLX Blade 98. Basically, I bought it somewhat recently, but I feel like I'm missing out with the new 2013 Blade 98. Some people say that the only new addition is the amplifeel, however other people say that there are large differences all around. I want to know if anyone has some specific tips for bringing up the BLX Blade to the specs of the 2013 Blade or even better. Help would be much appreciated.

That being said, if there is no modification I can do, should I switch to the 2013 Blade, or is it just a waste of money?

you should demo the old one and the new ones and see if you can tell any difference. lots of people play the old blx blade, so you should be able to easily do this.

at the LTS, i was told that the new one has amplifeel, basically a vibration damper in the handle. except for being all black, there is no difference unless you opt for the 16x19 instead of the regular 18x20 string pattern.
at our club, the manager plays with the blx blade 98 18x20, she has 4, 2 new, and 2 old, she says there is no difference that she can tell.

once you put lead in the handle, or hoop, you change the balance, and will change the swingweight, so the racquet will play differently than a stock one.
personally, i think that making them more head heavy is desireable,
that is what i did to mine.
they play great for me!

i think its just a matter of preference. do what works for you.



z
 

robok9

Semi-Pro
Oh and if you want better feel out of your blade get lm radical which was a racquet that blade try to copy in the first place
Yeah I've used my friend's radical, and I personally like the stiffer frame of the blade, but I do like the radical almost as much. Last night I also tried some lead tape at 3-9 and you're right. Other than serving, I liked it so much better without the extra head weight. After about 10 minutes of playing I took it right off.
 

realplayer

Semi-Pro
The differences between the new and old blade is for most part due to quality control and nothing else.
My blx blades had a balance of 33.9 unstrung(supposedly it should be 32.5 and a sw of 333)
I wrapped a leather grip which added 8 grams and wrapped at the end of the handle around 15 grams of leadtape. It turned out perfect.
 

LeeD

Bionic Poster
Good post here, huh?
Need to update to the newest specs.
And a couple hundred THOUSAND tennis players can beat you with 5 year old rackets, or 20 year old rackets.
 

robok9

Semi-Pro
Good post here, huh?
Need to update to the newest specs.
And a couple hundred THOUSAND tennis players can beat you with 5 year old rackets, or 20 year old rackets.
Don't hate. I never said it would make me a better player. I just think it's fun to play with different stuff. I personally play tennis for fun... just sayin...
 

Ross K

Legend
FWIW I've checked out the 2013 all black (open pattern), the gold/black predecessor and the K Blade 98's and have recently realised, a little to my surprise tbh, the one I like the best is actually the K version. There could be a few variables such as relative QC issues and such like, but for my personal tastes and requirements, the K appears to have won out. I think a lot of this is related to the fact that it has the lowest SW and and highest head-light balance of all three.
 

MikeHitsHard93

Hall of Fame
FWIW I've checked out the 2013 all black (open pattern), the gold/black predecessor and the K Blade 98's and have recently realised, a little to my surprise tbh, the one I like the best is actually the K version. There could be a few variables such as relative QC issues and such like, but for my personal tastes and requirements, the K appears to have won out. I think a lot of this is related to the fact that it has the lowest SW and and highest head-light balance of all three.

Always loved the look of the KBlade. Wish I had bought one while TW still had them.
 

robok9

Semi-Pro
Over the past little while I've actually switched back to my kblade from my blx blade. Added a little bit of lead at 10/2 and now it plays perfect. I also agree that it looks the best too.
 
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