I already know the answer but....

[Kamshaft]

So last night I played 3 sets demoing the new Wilson Ultra 100 CV. My current frame is just about the same specs (100 sq in, 16X19, 4 3/8 grip, 320 SW) but I really enjoyed playing with the Ultra CV. It felt more comfortable and I found myself more relaxed while playing. I have also been thinking for some time now about getting something new.

Knowing all this, I am now curious what the Blade and Burn's with CV feel like? I know I need to spend more time demoing those models, but the problem is where I know I can demo I only play once a month and while I probably can wait I really don't want to.

Anyone have staunch opinions about the differences between these three? You read the descriptions from the marketing material and other then the paint they all promise the same thing!

Thanks!

Kamshaft - (LH,2HBH,3.5 Doubles)

 

[McLovin]

I know I need to spend more time demoing those models, but the problem is where I know I can demo I only play once a month and while I probably can wait I really don't want to.

To be clear...are you saying you only play once a month? Or the location where you can access demos you only play at once a month?

If its the latter, then look no further than the TW Demo Program:

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/demoprogram.html​

For $20 for up to 4 frames, its hard to beat. Note that the $20 is essentially the cost to ship them to & from your location. You have them for a week from when you receive them, but TW is fairly relaxed in that if you need an extra day or two (e.g., its been raining the whole week you've had them), simply call/email them & they'll let you keep them for a little longer.

 

[Kamshaft]

To be clear...are you saying you only play once a month? Or the location where you can access demos you only play at once a month?

Location where I have the easiest access I only play at once a month during the winter.

I have heard/seen issues with using the TW program and I dont know that my schedule allows for waiting for delivery, making sure I have court time within 7 days and then getting enough time with each racquet.

Thanks for the suggestion though

 

[CopolyX]

I already know the question but ......

 

[CopolyX]

Your questions are really something you can only answer. Reviews, other players are not you. Many racquets have surprised me. So really no matter what you read, hear, people share...it is your hands that matter.
Try as many as you can...
And really, the racquet will pick you....and your hands will know..

 

[Kamshaft]

Your questions are really something you can only answer. Reviews, other players are not you. Many racquets have surprised me. So really no matter what you read, hear, people share...it is your hands that matter.
Try as many as you can...
And really, the racquet will pick you....and your hands will know..

I 100% agree/understand...but I figured I'd put it out there for the TT folks to comment.

 

[CopolyX]

I totally understand. Good luck on your quest.

I love to see you give us updates on your process and results. That may inspire others .....

 

[chrisb]

If you are demoing rackets, before each demo, hit first with you own frame than the demo. Also understand the Hawthorne theory that says most things will feel better simply because its different. Use demo several days for an hour or more in each usage

 

[mnttlrg]

Knowing all this, I am now curious what the Blade and Burn's with CV feel like?

I was really impressed with the CV Burn 100. It hits good modern power and spin for the level of player it's built for, but it also had surprisingly reliable control and consistency. Very good racket, really. It was a lot easier to swing than the old one. I think the old Burn 100 is too apples and oranges to compare to anything else. That thing felt like a tank.

The Blade CV is a great racket for high level players, but is not nearly as user friendly for the typical club guys. I liked the 2015 Blade better than any of the CV Blades, too.

 

[Kamshaft]

I was really impressed with the CV Burn 100. It hits good modern power and spin for the level of player it's built for, but it also had surprisingly reliable control and consistency. Very good racket, really. It was a lot easier to swing than the old one. I think the old Burn 100 is too apples and oranges to compare to anything else. That thing felt like a tank.

The Blade CV is a great racket for high level players, but is not nearly as user friendly for the typical club guys. I liked the 2015 Blade better than any of the CV Blades, too.

Thanks for the feedback. Im guessing you havent hit with the ultra?

 

[mnttlrg]

Thanks for the feedback. Im guessing you havent hit with the ultra?

I hit with the old Ultra 100. I liked the CV Burn 100 much better. The Ultra was not as consistent, forgiving, or user friendly. I actually found it harder to hit a powerful shot, too. I hit with the new Ultra Tour 97, which was a decent stick (nothing super special but it's good), but that's a different category of racket. That Tour 97 is even harder to hit with long term than a Blade.

 

[Kamshaft]

Just a quick update. I was able to hit with the Ultra tour last night. Funny how wilson for some reason lumps this in with the Ultra 100CV but theyre obviously worlds apart. That being said I enjoyed hitting with it which has me torn. I never played with an 18X20, and I thought i'd hate the thin beam but it felt ok. Guess I still have to hit with the Burn 100CV but now I am thinking of giving the Blade 98CV a shot as well. I have heard that the UT has a more forgiving sweet spot then the Blade, so that might be a disaster.

 

[WestboroChe]

Both the Burn and the Ultra are pretty stiff racquets. The Ultra especially so. But maybe you like that. The Blade is softer which again is a matter of preference.

Of the three that I tried this summer, I liked the Burn the most. You can rip that with heavy spin and the setup of that particular version of the Burn (about 7 pts HL) was just perfect for me. But I did not buy it.

To me the Ultra was just harsh and looking at the specs again I can see why I didn't hit more than a few balls with it, it is a stiff frame.

The Blade did not give me the feedback that I wanted but maybe with the 18x20 pattern I would have preferred it since I ended up buying a 100P.