Help switching blade cv

[MrAvocado232]

Hi guys, excited for my first post, I want to ask you for suggestions to change my current blade 18x20 cv mostly because here where i live i cant demo racquets so its a hit or miss. Basically im looking for some extra power, the blade plays really good but when it comes to hit some winners its demands a lot, I don't feel like it's a difficult racket to play, I just fall short of power, maybe i dont have the physical state or the enough experience to accelerate the swing frequently in the game. About me: based on the descriptions of NTRP, I would be a 4.0, im 23 years old, as kid i used to play with a radical youtek mp (2009), now I have returned to play and first i tried with a yonex ezone 100 (2018) and i found it way too powerful with very less control and not ideal for a one handed backhand with that 100 head, so i move to this blade that im looking for to change. Another important thing its that I don't usually modify the rackets because I don't have the tools here to do it.

So, I am considering the following options after hours of reading on this forum and watching youtube videos:
- Radical mp 2021
- Pure strike 3rd gen 16x19
- Yonex Vcore 98 2021
- Yonex Ezone 98 (not really convinced about this because i like to hit more flatter shots, and i think the ezone line "forzes" a lot the topspin with the beam shape on his throat
Any extra suggestions?
Thanks in advance!

 

[1HBHfanatic]

- Radical mp 2021; might be a bit too light coming from the v6blade
--i would recomend looking inot the h.rad.pro (2021)
- Pure strike 3rd gen 16x19 i personally never like them much,
- Yonex Vcore 98 2021; its ok (better now), but coming from the v6 blade, this to will feel to lite IMO
--instead, i would look into the yonex.vcore.pro.97, a more serious heavier stick from yonex
--the y.vcore.pro.HD is low powered, a bit too much IMO; but if you are a "string breaker" this is the best option yonex has for string breakers

-i would also consider the v7blade 16/19; this is a awsome racquet, with more notisable power being a 16/19 instead of your 18/20
-the v7blade will feel lighter and stable

 

[MrAvocado232]

- Radical mp 2021; might be a bit too light coming from the v6blade
--i would recomend looking inot the h.rad.pro (2021)
- Pure strike 3rd gen 16x19 i personally never like them much,
- Yonex Vcore 98 2021; its ok (better now), but coming from the v6 blade, this to will feel to lite IMO
--instead, i would look into the yonex.vcore.pro.97, a more serious heavier stick from yonex
--the y.vcore.pro.HD is low powered, a bit too much IMO; but if you are a "string breaker" this is the best option yonex has for string breakers

-i would also consider the v7blade 16/19; this is a awsome racquet, with more notisable power being a 16/19 instead of your 18/20
-the v7blade will feel lighter and stable

Thanks for your answer!, why you dont like the pure strike?, the new radical weigths 300g, do you think that the 5g difference with the blade would make a huge difference on the feel? I had the new blade in mind but I read that it was less powerful than the current one I have, but actually the most open string pattern could make the difference

 

[1HBHfanatic]

-the strikes have small sweetspot IMO, and having a 1HBH i dont always hit center while in the middle of a rally
-it always felt a bit "too" brazzy/harsch to me (off center shots)
-the babolat handle/feel is also not my favorite

-ive tested several generations of the h.rad.MP and have always needed lead to make them to feel good
-and knowing the weight of the v6.blade ,(with countervail) im already thinking the MP version is going to be lite in comparison
-the new 2021 head.radicals with graphene.360+ are fast, modern feeling, with good dampening, but in comperason to CV, they should feel lite!?!
-im gonna try this one (MP) soon, but i know i really found the 2021.h.rad.PRO one of the best sticks so far
-the PRO has a good amount of plow-through ,(almost as much as the wilson.RF) but in a lighter package

 

[MrAvocado232]

-the strikes have small sweetspot IMO, and having a 1HBH i dont always hit center while in the middle of a rally
-it always felt a bit "too" brazzy/harsch to me (off center shots)
-the babolat handle/feel is also not my favorite

-ive tested several generations of the h.rad.MP and have always needed lead to make them to feel good
-and knowing the weight of the v6.blade ,(with countervail) im already thinking the MP version is going to be lite in comparison
-the new 2021 head.radicals with graphene.360+ are fast, modern feeling, with good dampening, but in comperason to CV, they should feel lite!?!
-im gonna try this one (MP) soon, but i know i really found the 2021.h.rad.PRO one of the best sticks so far
-the PRO has a good amount of plow-through ,(almost as much as the wilson.RF) but in a lighter package

I see, my only doubts about the radical pro are the maneuverability with those extra 10g, because although im young and i have a decent muscular base, i have never played with a stick with more than 305g unstrung weight. If you can tell about your experience with the mp (if you try it) I would appreciate it very much

 

[1HBHfanatic]

@MrAvocado232
-i wrote this on another thread (today, finally got a chance to hit the MP)
-but here is some info for you about the MP
-hope this helps

-its nice on the 1HBH
-the radicals of late have a slightly elongated head shape to them,, not as much as the rectangular head of the yonex, but pretty close
-i just got done hitting with the new rad.PRO & MP ; both solid sticks for their weight
-the graph.360+ is really dampening a lot of the funny vibrations!!, making them feel solid at impact, and yet fast through the air
-i also hit with the previous model (2019) rad.mp, at its fast, but you can feel the ball more on it
-the rad.pros of the last 2 versions 2021 & 2019 both have very manageble swing weight,, at my current level these are the ones i would play with
-i havent tried the 2019 rad.pro,, but i really like the 2021 rad.pro
-the 2017 rad.MP (spiderman version; graphene-touch), is a solid stick; more solid than the 2021MP version!!
-i also find that most rad.MPs are a bit more finicky on the string/tension setup
-too tight a poly and its bad
-ive been favoring softer setups
-isospeed-cream is a great option on my MPs
-lynx would also be good
-hybrids and/or FB multis on them work

 

[MrAvocado232]

@MrAvocado232
-i wrote this on another thread (today, finally got a chance to hit the MP)
-but here is some info for you about the MP
-hope this helps

-its nice on the 1HBH
-the radicals of late have a slightly elongated head shape to them,, not as much as the rectangular head of the yonex, but pretty close
-i just got done hitting with the new rad.PRO & MP ; both solid sticks for their weight
-the graph.360+ is really dampening a lot of the funny vibrations!!, making them feel solid at impact, and yet fast through the air
-i also hit with the previous model (2019) rad.mp, at its fast, but you can feel the ball more on it
-the rad.pros of the last 2 versions 2021 & 2019 both have very manageble swing weight,, at my current level these are the ones i would play with
-i havent tried the 2019 rad.pro,, but i really like the 2021 rad.pro
-the 2017 rad.MP (spiderman version; graphene-touch), is a solid stick; more solid than the 2021MP version!!
-i also find that most rad.MPs are a bit more finicky on the string/tension setup
-too tight a poly and its bad
-ive been favoring softer setups
-isospeed-cream is a great option on my MPs
-lynx would also be good
-hybrids and/or FB multis on them work

Very interesting!, after you test bought, How would you compare the power level of each one compared to my current blade, those this radicals deliver more power?. Between the pro and the mp which would you recommend me if my style of play is mostly groundstrokes, and good amount of backhand slices

 

[1HBHfanatic]

-if you are a 4.5 and play with other 4.5s and higher, the PRO is for you
-if you are more of a 3.5, and play closer to others in this group, then the MP is a better option
-the MP wont get pushed around that much, it is still a very solid option

-i dont know about the power level, might wanna check the TW specs on it
-but i find the blades more open and better spin (for a 16/19)
-the radicals have a bit more stable control, close string patterns (for a 16/19)

 

[TennisHound]

The only problem with the Strikes is they’re too white

 

[MrAvocado232]

The only problem with the Strikes is they’re too white

Hahaha thats true, well according to the tennis warehouse review this new mp is very similar to the pure strike, maybe with better feel, although I don't think the fluor color of this one is a big difference

 

[Chezbeeno]

I played with the 16x19 CV Blade and currently use a '21 Rad MP, and I find the power level is similar, and stability is pretty similar as well. Yes, it's 5 grams lighter (but what difference that actually makes, given QC variance, is anyone's guess), but the balance is different, so it doesn't "feel" 5 grams lighter. It sounds like it could be what you're looking for, or you could also try the new v6 Blade 16x19 reissue. It'll have more power than the 18x20.
I never hit with the CV Blade 18x20, but I have hit with a v7 16x19, and it didn't have much power, which is why I think you'd be better off with the Rad MP or the v6.
Mixing up strings is also an option - I have a hybrid of Cyclone and Cream and it feels great, and gives some decent pop.

 

[mhkeuns]

There is nothing wrong with the new Pure Strike frames. They are powerful player’s rackets. If you want to hit more winners, I’d even suggest the Tour version. You will hit winners. It isn’t much heavier overall compared to the regular 16x19, and is just as easy to swing due to having most of its added weight distributed towards the handle area.

Other rackets that may help you are (*especially in hitting flatter shots):

Head G360+ Speed Pro
Prince Textreme Tour 100P

 

[MrAvocado232]

I played with the 16x19 CV Blade and currently use a '21 Rad MP, and I find the power level is similar, and stability is pretty similar as well. Yes, it's 5 grams lighter (but what difference that actually makes, given QC variance, is anyone's guess), but the balance is different, so it doesn't "feel" 5 grams lighter. It sounds like it could be what you're looking for, or you could also try the new v6 Blade 16x19 reissue. It'll have more power than the 18x20.
I never hit with the CV Blade 18x20, but I have hit with a v7 16x19, and it didn't have much power, which is why I think you'd be better off with the Rad MP or the v6.
Mixing up strings is also an option - I have a hybrid of Cyclone and Cream and it feels great, and gives some decent pop.

Interesting, I have already seen quite a few opinions that mention that the power level of the blade and the radical are similar, the fear I have is to buy the radical and then realize that it is exactly the same as my current blade, it is quite frustrating not being able to test before purchasing. I imagine the more open pattern and slightly wider frame at the head should mean at least a little more power. I currently have hyper g at 44 pounds in my blade, and it plays quite well, my only problem is the lack of ease in hitting a winning shot

 

[MrAvocado232]

There is nothing wrong with the new Pure Strike frames. They are powerful player’s rackets. If you want to hit more winners, I’d even suggest the Tour version. You will hit winners. It isn’t much heavier overall compared to the regular 16x19, and is just as easy to swing due to having most of its added weight distributed towards the handle area.

Other rackets that may help you are (*especially in hitting flatter shots):

Head G360+ Speed Pro
Prince Textreme Tour 100P

I really came very close to buying the pure strike, I just doubted after reading that some people had tennis elbow problems, and I know that babolats rackets are not very arm friendly, I have never had tennis elbow problems until at the moment, so I don't have a very clear idea if this babolat could cause me problems since I have never played with a babolat racket. Regarding the tour version, honestly the extra weight scares me a little, the blade I handle quite well but sometimes with a little more demanding rivals it has been difficult for me to move it being in the third set.

 

[Chezbeeno]

Interesting, I have already seen quite a few opinions that mention that the power level of the blade and the radical are similar, the fear I have is to buy the radical and then realize that it is exactly the same as my current blade, it is quite frustrating not being able to test before purchasing. I imagine the more open pattern and slightly wider frame at the head should mean at least a little more power. I currently have hyper g at 44 pounds in my blade, and it plays quite well, my only problem is the lack of ease in hitting a winning shot

I may not have communicated my point all that clearly. The MP I think is going to be more powerful than the 18x20 Blade you're using, and I think it's more powerful than either the 16x19 or the 18x20 v7 Blades. The power level I think is comparable to a 16x19 CV Blade (possibly a little more).

 

[nopro961]

MrA, a couple of comments that reinforce some of previous posts... A couple of my college players have recently gone through a similar change and have been really happy focusing on string pattern and flex. The Blade 98 CV 18x20 can be a handful. Given what you’ve said, I’d suggest trying 16x19 in either Blade v7 and Pure Strike gen3 (100 or 98) they are both solid frames. Either/both probably will allow you to swing freely and build your pace naturally over time. Give ‘em a try with a high quality multi string... it should be a step in the right direction. Good luck.

 

[BallBasher247]

I really came very close to buying the pure strike, I just doubted after reading that some people had tennis elbow problems, and I know that babolats rackets are not very arm friendly, I have never had tennis elbow problems until at the moment, so I don't have a very clear idea if this babolat could cause me problems since I have never played with a babolat racket. Regarding the tour version, honestly the extra weight scares me a little, the blade I handle quite well but sometimes with a little more demanding rivals it has been difficult for me to move it being in the third set.

Good choice on choosing not to buy the Pure Strike; the 2nd gens played nice but they are vary harsh on the elbow, and even though the 3rd gens are extremely dampened they still are harsh. Pure Strikes moreso controlled tweeners rather than a player's frame because they have nearly as much power as the PA and PD. Given what you said in the original post, I think looking at rackets with a 98 headsize and 16 main strings is a good start.

The Head G360+ Radical MP (2021/traffic cone) is a nice racket; it has a power level between a Blade and a Pure Strike, and it's very solid and stable for only 300g unstrung; has a close to even balance similar to the Blade/PS. When I playtested it, it felt very hollow in the shaft, and I tend to prefer heavier and more headlight rackets, so I would add 2 grams of weight in the shaft/throat and a leather grip. I prefer the Radical Pro though so there'd be no point for me to do that.

If I were you, I'd take a look at the new Prince Synergy 98. It's very similar spec-wise to your Blade, but it has a really unique 18x18 string pattern that plays more depth and spin-friendly than 18x20 but less so than 16x19...similar to how a 16x20 or 18x19 would play. Racket should be slightly more powerful than your Blade because of the thicker beam at the top of the hoop.

 

[MrAvocado232]

MrA, a couple of comments that reinforce some of previous posts... A couple of my college players have recently gone through a similar change and have been really happy focusing on string pattern and flex. The Blade 98 CV 18x20 can be a handful. Given what you’ve said, I’d suggest trying 16x19 in either Blade v7 and Pure Strike gen3 (100 or 98) they are both solid frames. Either/both probably will allow you to swing freely and build your pace naturally over time. Give ‘em a try with a high quality multi string... it should be a step in the right direction. Good luck.

Thanks for your answer, I think I will finally opt for the new radical mp, since according to the review of the tw guys is a racket that plays in a very similar way to the pure strike, in addition to the fact that I have good memories of my old radical, so not considering the pure strike, given the fame of the line with the pain in the arm, and the blade because although it has a more open pattern, the thickness of the radicals frame is larger in the head, and i think that the blade is a little more demanding stick. I don't have much experience and knowledge about multi strings, what would you recommend me

 

[MrAvocado232]

Good choice on choosing not to buy the Pure Strike; the 2nd gens played nice but they are vary harsh on the elbow, and even though the 3rd gens are extremely dampened they still are harsh. Pure Strikes moreso controlled tweeners rather than a player's frame because they have nearly as much power as the PA and PD. Given what you said in the original post, I think looking at rackets with a 98 headsize and 16 main strings is a good start.

The Head G360+ Radical MP (2021/traffic cone) is a nice racket; it has a power level between a Blade and a Pure Strike, and it's very solid and stable for only 300g unstrung; has a close to even balance similar to the Blade/PS. When I playtested it, it felt very hollow in the shaft, and I tend to prefer heavier and more headlight rackets, so I would add 2 grams of weight in the shaft/throat and a leather grip. I prefer the Radical Pro though so there'd be no point for me to do that.

If I were you, I'd take a look at the new Prince Synergy 98. It's very similar spec-wise to your Blade, but it has a really unique 18x18 string pattern that plays more depth and spin-friendly than 18x20 but less so than 16x19...similar to how a 16x20 or 18x19 would play. Racket should be slightly more powerful than your Blade because of the thicker beam at the top of the hoop.

Thank you for your answer, I think I will finally lean towards the radical one, and for its mp version given the thicker beam and because I could also put a little lead tape on it which would be easy, if it requires it. Regarding the prince, unfortunately here there are not many options for rackets and I have not seen it in the market, anyway that pattern of strings looks quite interesting and exotic

 

[nopro961]

Thanks for your answer, I think I will finally opt for the new radical mp, since according to the review of the tw guys is a racket that plays in a very similar way to the pure strike, in addition to the fact that I have good memories of my old radical, so not considering the pure strike, given the fame of the line with the pain in the arm, and the blade because although it has a more open pattern, the thickness of the radicals frame is larger in the head, and i think that the blade is a little more demanding stick. I don't have much experience and knowledge about multi strings, what would you recommend me

Glad to hear you’ve found one. I’d suggest talking to one of the TW specialists re: stringing options... imo they are both knowledgeable and easy to work with. Most brand name multis will provide good arm comfort and some lively play from the start. I’ve had good success with Wilson (NXT), Technifibre (TGV, NRG), yet there are many others to choose from at different price points. Picking a set-up for a new frame is often a bit of trial and error, but with their experience with your new racquet of choice, they can get your zeroed in quickly... it may just take you a couple of cycles to find the best tension for you.

 

[18x20 ftw]

Thank you for your answer, I think I will finally lean towards the radical one, and for its mp version given the thicker beam and because I could also put a little lead tape on it which would be easy, if it requires it. Regarding the prince, unfortunately here there are not many options for rackets and I have not seen it in the market, anyway that pattern of strings looks quite interesting and exotic

I like the bump up on the twistweight of the new radicals to where the blades have always been. Makes me want to try it. But the paint job...that’s a lot of orange.

 

[fuzz nation]

I see, my only doubts about the radical pro are the maneuverability with those extra 10g, because although im young and i have a decent muscular base, i have never played with a stick with more than 305g unstrung weight. If you can tell about your experience with the mp (if you try it) I would appreciate it very much

Since you're not sure what's going to fit you in terms of a new racquet, I suggest saving your money for now and try tuning your Blades with some lead tape. With a few added grams on the hoop and probably some extra weight at the handle for comfortable balance, you should find a little extra command of the ball.

You could sample some different combinations of weight and balance without gambling on the cost of new frames and if your experiments don't work out, you can just hit the reset button by peeling off the tape and going back to the original layout. A mildly heavier alternative is nothing to worry about as long as that racquet has enough head-light balance to maneuver reasonably for you.

 

[TennisHound]

I really came very close to buying the pure strike, I just doubted after reading that some people had tennis elbow problems, and I know that babolats rackets are not very arm friendly, I have never had tennis elbow problems until at the moment, so I don't have a very clear idea if this babolat could cause me problems since I have never played with a babolat racket. Regarding the tour version, honestly the extra weight scares me a little, the blade I handle quite well but sometimes with a little more demanding rivals it has been difficult for me to move it being in the third set.

Yep, the PST is a sweet racquet if you can wield it for a full match.

 

[BallBasher247]

I like the bump up on the twistweight of the new radicals to where the blades have always been. Makes me want to try it. But the paint job...that’s a lot of orange.

It's nicer in person, trust me

 

[socallefty]

If you want a racquet similar to the Blade, but with more power then you should definitely try the Pure Strike. I play with the Gen3 Pure Strike Tour and I find that it has a much bigger sweet spot than the Blade with more power potential. Those who tried the Gen2 Pure Strikes are justified in complaining about the harsh feel and elbow discomfort, but the G3 Strikes have much more vibration dampening and I haven’t met anyone who is having elbow issues with it at my club while it has become a very popular racquet.

The Tour has similar swingweight to the standard version while being more stable and more comfortable (139 vibration frequency compared to 147 for the standard version). So, it is as maneuverable as the standard version and is the racquet you should try out. It plays well with soft polys and poly hybrids strung in the forties. If you play it with soft strings like gut or multis, you might need to string in the high fifties to tame its power. I have been playing a PS Tour daily with a poly hybrid with no elbow issues since 2019.

 

[18x20 ftw]

I have two buddies at my club playing the third gen pure strike 18x20. Swingweiggt at 334 which is right where I like it. They crush the ball with it. Probably plays similar to my blade, perhaps a little more thump.

 

[MrAvocado232]

Glad to hear you’ve found one. I’d suggest talking to one of the TW specialists re: stringing options... imo they are both knowledgeable and easy to work with. Most brand name multis will provide good arm comfort and some lively play from the start. I’ve had good success with Wilson (NXT), Technifibre (TGV, NRG), yet there are many others to choose from at different price points. Picking a set-up for a new frame is often a bit of trial and error, but with their experience with your new racquet of choice, they can get your zeroed in quickly... it may just take you a couple of cycles to find the best tension for you.

Well unfortunately after all my research i realized that the new radicals are not for sell on my country yet and it appears that they will not be arriving soon. But i have read a lot of good things about the head gravity pro, which has a similar sw compare to the blade, and a more forgiving sweetspot, do you have some thoughts about this gravity?

 

[MrAvocado232]

If you want a racquet similar to the Blade, but with more power then you should definitely try the Pure Strike. I play with the Gen3 Pure Strike Tour and I find that it has a much bigger sweet spot than the Blade with more power potential. Those who tried the Gen2 Pure Strikes are justified in complaining about the harsh feel and elbow discomfort, but the G3 Strikes have much more vibration dampening and I haven’t met anyone who is having elbow issues with it at my club while it has become a very popular racquet.

The Tour has similar swingweight to the standard version while being more stable and more comfortable (139 vibration frequency compared to 147 for the standard version). So, it is as maneuverable as the standard version and is the racquet you should try out. It plays well with soft polys and poly hybrids strung in the forties. If you play it with soft strings like gut or multis, you might need to string in the high fifties to tame its power. I have been playing a PS Tour daily with a poly hybrid with no elbow issues since 2019.

Well i thing that the pure strikes are a really good choice to switch from the blade, however i tried some pure aeros from a friend this week and after some hours hitting and hitting i noticed some pain in my shoulder, which is somehow surprising, maybe too many vibrations in that frame

 

[MrAvocado232]

Another important aspect that i dont mention is that I had a fracture in my left arm about half and year ago (im righthanded) and due to this i switched to a one handed backhand because when i hit my 2HDBH I feel some pain because of the vibrations. It has been difficult for me to master the one hbh when all my life I have hit With a 2 handed backhand. The pain that i feel when i hit with two hands is not terrible at all but if it is annoying, I have started to think that perhaps it would be more convenient to look a more flexible racket that is more arm-friendly so that I can reduce pain and hit my 2hbh again with confidence. So, im looking with good eyes to the the gravity pro, since it is a very arm friendly racket with good control and decent power, in addition to having a closed pattern like my blade which is convenient for me since I like to hit flatter shots. Have you had the chance to test this gravity guys? It has a very similar SW to the blade so I imagine I will not have difficulties to maneuver it also being more headlight. I know that the free power of this gravity it could be the same of the blade or even less, and in the first place i was looking for more power, but for me it would be much more valuable to be able to reduce the vibrations in the hit and thus reduce the pain in my arm (and hit my all life-2hbh with confidence again), than to get more power with a racket that is probably just rigid as the blade or even more.