Daphantom99
New User
@1HBHfanatic have you seen an H22 18x17 or played with one?
Last edited:
Live by the Blade...Die by the Blade...
- Thread starter danbrenner
- Start date
edelp
Semi-Pro
Hi, I had one and liked it a lot. Should have kept it maybe. Liked it even more than the 16x19 (that I liked as well).
Could you test it?
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
Two piece stringing (4 knots), string crosses from head to throat. That is the gold standard, especially if you want your outside mains to be the same tension.
apparently Wilson is suggesting bottom up for the one piece pattern.
Maybe I should try an ATW instead for top to bottom crosses. Any other suggestions? Lol
anhtuanngo
Semi-Pro
if he does the ATW pattern, the outside strings won't have the same tension ?
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
1HBHfanatic
Legend
never hit with an h22 
h19 wil.ultra.tour, yes, but not h22; I want to, just to see what the hype is all about,
but I would not pay the crazy ca$h for it
even though the W.UT is only a similar approximation of the actual h19, that's close enough for me
I wish Wilson would release a similar h22 version to the public
ive strung up some Wilson paintjobs for people (at the time I thought they were h22s, but who knows), but never got to hit with them, which is provably a good thing!?!?, the balance was way off from what I like, too head heavy for my taste
the only 18/17 pattern ive come across from Wilson has been the older serene sw 104 racquets, they had a 18/17 pattern
h19 wil.ultra.tour, yes, but not h22; I want to, just to see what the hype is all about,
but I would not pay the crazy ca$h for it
even though the W.UT is only a similar approximation of the actual h19, that's close enough for me
I wish Wilson would release a similar h22 version to the public
ive strung up some Wilson paintjobs for people (at the time I thought they were h22s, but who knows), but never got to hit with them, which is provably a good thing!?!?, the balance was way off from what I like, too head heavy for my taste
the only 18/17 pattern ive come across from Wilson has been the older serene sw 104 racquets, they had a 18/17 pattern
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
The SW104 has always had an 18X19 pattern. There is already a pretty large gap between the top and bottom crosses and the frame so leaving out a cross at either end to make it 18X17 would look funny and most likely not perform well with a long unsupported section of mains at either end.
1HBHfanatic
Legend
YES, I think you are correct, I think i miss spoke when I said 18/17,, do you know if the older team version was 18/17??
I just know that the 104 always seemed to have a funky string cross pattern, not the 18/20 or 16/19 standard
I went back and saw that the v5 (2015) and v6 (2017) would be a 18/19!!
the v7 (2019) would be 16/19
and yes I do agree that leaving out a single cross string does not help the Wilson blades
ive done this in a few of my Wilson sticks with no "good" success
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
There were only two versions ever, the original one with the green on the sides like the v6 Blades, and a very short-lived v7 version that Wilson seems to have pulled from distribution in a marketing disagreement with Serena. The v7 Blade SW104 still retained countervail and had a slightly different shaped pallet, along with the new v7 Blade paintjob but the hairpin itself was unchanged so it stayed an 18X19 pattern.
There is also a Blade 104 that is half an inch shorter at 27.5". The v6 version had two points lower RA compared to the SW104, 66 versus 68, and was significantly lighter in weight and with much lower swingweight. The v7 version of the Blade 104 adopted the same technologies as the other v7 Blades, and went from an 18X19 to a 16X19 pattern.
As the SW104 was my go-to racquet for only this past year, I'm going to have to stockpile a bunch of these.
I am on day two of the Blade 98 18x20 (2013 version...I think it is AKA V4)
I have spent some time to match both because of the “wonderful” Wilson quality control. The end spec for both is now about 337g/32.7cm/335-ish SW. currently with fb of syn gut 1.30 at 50/48.
I was rather impressed with them on the first day, had about 2 hours solid drilling session and rotated both racquets. I felt it could have better stability, so added 1.5g total at 2&10. (Didn’t want to add too much to start with)
Had another session today (mix of drilling session and some doubles friendly match play), I felt more confident with this newer setup and played better as I go, even though I have only done about 5 hours in total so far on both racquets. This setup is very comfortable for me also, so no complain in that department.
My last main sticks are Angell TC95 16x19 63RA and the occasional TC100 63RA. Have decided to move away from the 16x19 and go back to the 18x20 (and 8 mains at the throat) setup.
Have been trying different racquets/spec changes/string types/string tension changes in the recent months, so my aim now is to try to settle with this spec as is or at most find another string type to settle (either fb of Syn Gut or multi - any suggestions? Wouldn’t mind some “free power” too) then to fine tune with them for a longer period - don’t want to further mess with my game.
Such a wonderful racquet IMO and this thread has been very helpful. Thanks all
I have spent some time to match both because of the “wonderful” Wilson quality control. The end spec for both is now about 337g/32.7cm/335-ish SW. currently with fb of syn gut 1.30 at 50/48.
I was rather impressed with them on the first day, had about 2 hours solid drilling session and rotated both racquets. I felt it could have better stability, so added 1.5g total at 2&10. (Didn’t want to add too much to start with)
Had another session today (mix of drilling session and some doubles friendly match play), I felt more confident with this newer setup and played better as I go, even though I have only done about 5 hours in total so far on both racquets. This setup is very comfortable for me also, so no complain in that department.
My last main sticks are Angell TC95 16x19 63RA and the occasional TC100 63RA. Have decided to move away from the 16x19 and go back to the 18x20 (and 8 mains at the throat) setup.
Have been trying different racquets/spec changes/string types/string tension changes in the recent months, so my aim now is to try to settle with this spec as is or at most find another string type to settle (either fb of Syn Gut or multi - any suggestions? Wouldn’t mind some “free power” too) then to fine tune with them for a longer period - don’t want to further mess with my game.
Such a wonderful racquet IMO and this thread has been very helpful. Thanks all
Last edited:
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL!!!
May 2020 be filled with great health, prosperity, lots of tennis, and fantastic gear purchases and product lines.
Looking forward to talking to you all throughout the coming year.
May 2020 be filled with great health, prosperity, lots of tennis, and fantastic gear purchases and product lines.
Looking forward to talking to you all throughout the coming year.
Notorious_Junkballer
Hall of Fame
The reason why I haven't given Blade a serious chance is its popularity. I mean if you want to melt in and be part of the social club, buy a Blade, and that has never been my thing. But now I've got try my buddy's Countervail 16x19 (with Revolve Black) a couple of times and I have to say it's the easiest racquet I've played with in a long time. Every shot feels like a cinch. I am even able to hit mice effortless angles with it. Tight cross court shots that cross the side lines have long been my Achilles' heel, especially on forehand, but with Blade there was no problem what so ever. Now the question is, should I go with the 16x19 or 18x20. Will the control be even better with tighter pattern and how is the launch angle compare to the 16x19?
How bad will the "fairweather hanger blemish" be if I end up buying one?
How bad will the "fairweather hanger blemish" be if I end up buying one?
Last edited:
guilhermefdc
Semi-Pro
I'm also not a fan of "popular" frames most of the time, but the Blade is something else - specially the 2015 and v7 ones. I haven't tried the 16x19 myself, but most people around here prefer the 18x20 version (which is the one I got). Really fun and versatile frame, great control, great access to spin, just a little bit too powerful for my taste
Notorious_Junkballer
Hall of Fame
How is the launch angle? I've also noticed that the 18x20 version is pretty much praised on this forum.
PrinceMoron
Legend
Tried out a v7 18x20 - Revolve @40
Was fine in singles, tended to overhit a little in doubles. Need to up the tension quite a bit I think. Lots of plow and clearly pretty solid. Launch angle a little low but nothing I could not get used to.
Feels a lot stiffer than my 93Ps, but then everything does.
Was fine in singles, tended to overhit a little in doubles. Need to up the tension quite a bit I think. Lots of plow and clearly pretty solid. Launch angle a little low but nothing I could not get used to.
Feels a lot stiffer than my 93Ps, but then everything does.
Notorious_Junkballer
Hall of Fame
How is the spin potential in 18x20 vs. 16x19 and is there a big difference in accuracy? I've played mostly with 18x20 but also with 16x19 in some 95sqin frames. I have Dunlop CX 200 Tour in both densities and like the 16x19 a bit more because of the higher launch angle, that is, my shots don't drop as short with it. The denser is, on the other hand, even more precise.
And don't forget that the v7 16x19 has 8 mains; maybe a tighter pattern (more control) than most other 16x19s with 6 mains?
Notorious_Junkballer
Hall of Fame
What do you mean with 8 and 6 mains?
8 mains or 6 mains at the throat
Notorious_Junkballer
Hall of Fame
anarosevoli
Semi-Pro
deleted
CiscoPC600
Hall of Fame
I popped the string in my trusty VCORE 95, and I took out the 2013 Blade...HOLY CRAP. For some reason I was firing on all cylinders. I was just whaling the ball and would rarely miss. It was so good I’m seriously reconsidering playing with it more than just for fun. At first I thought I didn’t like the Ice ALU Power but it was fine today.
@CiscoPC600
awesome - can i ask what setup you have on that beast?
awesome - can i ask what setup you have on that beast?
CiscoPC600
Hall of Fame
Notorious_Junkballer
Hall of Fame
What are the differences, besides current price, between Blade v7 and the earlier Countervail? There is a great difference in price so I figured if...
There are even earlier versions available for almost no money at all. Like this one:
www.tennis-point.com
There are even earlier versions available for almost no money at all. Like this one:
Buy Wilson Blade 98 18x20 online | Tennis Point COM
Blade 98 18x20 - € 134,95 - Wilson - Blade - Tennis rackets - Tour racket - black - 2nd Color: grey - 3rd Color: white - Features: Wilson Attacker - Head size (cm²): 632 - String pattern: 18/20 - Profile (mm): 20,6 - Weight unstrung (g): 304 - Amplifeel 360 - Length (mm): 685 - Collection...
www.tennis-point.com
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
That black blx blade doesn’t have parallel drilling so the sweet spot is smaller with less power. Feel is also more “raw”. CV and v7 both have parallel drilling so play a bit more forgiving. CV is stiffer. Think 2x4 piece of lumber cut down to 27”. V7 is more comfortable due to the lower RA. Both have a muted feel. Both are extremely solid.What are the differences, besides current price, between Blade v7 and the earlier Countervail? There is a great difference in price so I figured if...
There are even earlier versions available for almost no money at all. Like this one:
Buy Wilson Blade 98 18x20 online | Tennis Point COM
Blade 98 18x20 - € 134,95 - Wilson - Blade - Tennis rackets - Tour racket - black - 2nd Color: grey - 3rd Color: white - Features: Wilson Attacker - Head size (cm²): 632 - String pattern: 18/20 - Profile (mm): 20,6 - Weight unstrung (g): 304 - Amplifeel 360 - Length (mm): 685 - Collection...
Last edited:
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
The Wilson kBlade 98 version is probably my favorite model in terms of raw feel and weight distribution. It also does not have parallel drilling, which I think makes the stringbed response more consistent and less erratic. Many pros are still using the kBlade painted to look like whatever Wilson is currently selling to the public.
Notorious_Junkballer
Hall of Fame
What's parallel drilling?
1HBHfanatic
Legend
my 2cents
some like it, some don't,, like everything else in tennis, haaaa
its "the feel", that's the big factor here, between the 2 versions
v7 has a dampened light feel, a very disconnected response at times though,
v6 is more solid, heavier, more brassy feeling at impact,
the black 2013 models (pictured above), are light, fast, but a bit anemic on some shots!
i had a chance to try these, the 2013, the v6 and the v7 models on a court, not to long ago,
i like/prefer the 2013 and the v7 models
because of the easier swing weight on both of these, adding lead was not out of the question for me,
the v6 model is solid, but heavy feeling, adding lead would not work as well, 4me!,
again just my opinion and preference on these 3 models
Last edited:
Notorious_Junkballer
Hall of Fame
Are you missing some keys on your keyboard. It's a real ordeal to read.
1HBHfanatic
Legend
I forget to proof read sometimes before hitting "post", maa bad.
Notorious_Junkballer
Hall of Fame
I didn't mean spelling. Just that you don't use capital letters in the beginning of sentences and skip all periods in the end makes it somewhat cumbersome to embrace. No pun intended.
Cool. Thanks for that. To be fair, 3-4 years of usage isn’t bad at all lol
Roland G
Hall of Fame
Blade 2013 + Alu Power = WeaponI popped the string in my trusty VCORE 95, and I took out the 2013 Blade...HOLY CRAP. For some reason I was firing on all cylinders. I was just whaling the ball and would rarely miss. It was so good I’m seriously reconsidering playing with it more than just for fun. At first I thought I didn’t like the Ice ALU Power but it was fine today.
Sent from my 5024D_EEA using Tapatalk
CiscoPC600
Hall of Fame
Haha yeah. I think I liked it more with 4G but it was too harsh. Once this ALU Power snaps I’ll try 4G soft.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
anhtuanngo
Semi-Pro
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
KBlade 98 is the best version.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Yup. Good reason for it.
TennisHound
Legend
I spell moron with an "a" like moran. How do you spell it?
Notorious_Junkballer
Hall of Fame
Let me check it. It's my GF who does the spelling for me.
Notorious_Junkballer
Hall of Fame
Is Countervail from 2015 or 2017?
anhtuanngo
Semi-Pro
v6, i.e countervail technology, is 2017-2018 edition.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
Notorious_Junkballer
Hall of Fame
Okay. How is the 2015 version (what's it called?) compared to v6 & v7? Is it anything to have?
anhtuanngo
Semi-Pro
I can't speak from experience, I've never tried the countervail version. If you read through the previous posts, the countervail is very muted, too much even.
the 2015 version, has amplifeel and parallel drilling, and the feeling is very plush, therefore I went with that model.
2013 version is similar than the 2015 version, has amplifeel, but NO parallel drilling. I have 1 as well, just a bit harsher than the 2015.
From what I've read, the v7 is very similar to the 2015 versions. I'll try one out eventually.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
