Chris, Spencer, Troy - Wilson Blade Question

[TripleB]

Chris, Spencer, Troy:

I noticed that in the review for the KBlade 98 it received 79 rating and the new BLX Blade 98 received a 76 in the area of Comfort.

Since it seems you three were part of the playtest for both of these racquets I thought I would direct this question to you.

Despite the lower Comfort rating, do you feel like the BLX Blade 98 is easier on the elbow than the KBlade 98 version?

I've demoed the KBlade 98 twice because there is so much I love about this racquet. The only thing I didn't like was that this racquet seemed to cause some tenderness in my elbow (I was demoing three other racquets at the same time but I'm pretty sure this one was the culprit). The pain in my elbow is something that I've never felt with any racquet other than the TT Warrior years ago.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Have a fantastic 4th!!!

TripleB

 

[TripleB]

After going back and reading my reviews of the KBlade 98 I decided that I wouldn't tempt fate by trying the BLX Blade 98. I would hate to purchase a couple only to find out down the road that my poly/synthetic hybrid and the BLX Blade 98 didn't agree with my arm.

Decided to order a couple 'more flexible' (ie: no mention of arm issues from anyone) choices to demo: Dunlop Biomimetic 300 Tour, Dunlop 4D 300 Tour, Head MicroGel Radical Midplus, and Pacific X Feel Tour.

Excellent job on the reviews of both the KBlade 98 and BLX Blade 98 (as well as all of the other racquets you all review). Keep up the amazing work!!!

TripleB

 

[TW Staff]

Sorry for the late response, TripleB. I was trying to figure if I had any arm issues with the KBlade 98, as it has been some time since I've hit with it. Back then, my arm was less sensitive to racquet/strings in general. Now that my arm has been more sensitive, I am more keen to what works better than others concerning stiffness and dampening. Getting to the point, as much as I loved the BLX Blade 98 for its performance, power and crisp feel, I did notice it was a bit harsh on my elbow. Granted it was with a poly that I played with most. Looking back at the KBlade 98, it shows an even higher stiffness rating, leading me to believe it's just as stiff feeling on court, if not stiffer, than the BLX version.

Spencer, TW.

 

[TripleB]

Back then, my arm was less sensitive to racquet/strings in general. Now that my arm has been more sensitive, I am more keen to what works better than others concerning stiffness and dampening.
Spencer, TW.

Thank you Spencer for the information. Makes me feel a little better about leaving both of them off my demo order.

I can relate to the elbow issues. I never had any problems for 34 years until I used the Prince Triple Threat Warrior MP a couple years ago...first sign of elbow pain showed up (probably didn't help that it was strung with all poly).

Now that I use a poly/syn hybrid it seems anything over a 66 flex or has a stiffer feel (especially near the tip of the racquet) to it causes the pain to reappear.

Unfortunately I can't wield the 12 to 13 ounce racquets any longer so it's a task finding 11-11.3 ounce racquets that have enough put away power without making the elbow tender. Right now I'm going between the Prince Ozone Tour, Dunlop 4D 300G, and Head LM Radical Midplus. Looking forward to comparing them to the 4 demos next week.

Anyway...I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Keep up the fantastic work on the reviews!!!

TripleB

 

[TW Staff]

Thank you Spencer for the information. Makes me feel a little better about leaving both of them off my demo order.

I can relate to the elbow issues. I never had any problems for 34 years until I used the Prince Triple Threat Warrior MP a couple years ago...first sign of elbow pain showed up (probably didn't help that it was strung with all poly).

Now that I use a poly/syn hybrid it seems anything over a 66 flex or has a stiffer feel (especially near the tip of the racquet) to it causes the pain to reappear.

Unfortunately I can't wield the 12 to 13 ounce racquets any longer so it's a task finding 11-11.3 ounce racquets that have enough put away power without making the elbow tender. Right now I'm going between the Prince Ozone Tour, Dunlop 4D 300G, and Head LM Radical Midplus. Looking forward to comparing them to the 4 demos next week.

Anyway...I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Keep up the fantastic work on the reviews!!!

TripleB

I've been playing with the EXO3 Tour 100 16/18 and find it very comfortable on my elbow. One of my favorite string set ups is with Volkl V-Fuse. For a fan of a full bed of poly, this works pretty well, combining performance with comfort.

Thanks TripleB, and good luck!

Spencer, TW.