CiscoPC600
Hall of Fame
What grip size?
Live by the Blade...Die by the Blade...
- Thread starter danbrenner
- Start date
What grip size?
joah310
Professional
4 3/8
Power Player
Bionic Poster
how does it compare to the v7? You know what i prefer since I still have 2x 2015s and sold my v7.
Ill need some more time with them both, but I am so dialed in with the Blades now that I could have a lot of different models and still play my game. As soon as I switched back to my Blades, my game returned to form.
Initial thoughts are its a little faster to swing and the depth control is excellent. I was hitting very tight spots in match play today. I can do the same with the v7, but what I liked about the 2015 was there was no real change or adjustment. I gelled with it instantly.
The feel of the 2015 is fantastic. It is plush and still pretty crisp so I can use a softer poly like Max Power or Tour Sniper in it with no problem. With the V7 I prefer a crisper string like Silver 7 tour.
I think the 2015’s lower SW makes it more user friendly. I do miss a little of the plow of the v7, but its in the ballpark.
PJ - Definitley 2015. The V7 PJ kind of sucks, imo.
Really happy to have both. I may track down another 2015 so I have 2 of each. That would be perfect since I can string once a week or so. Hell, having 3 Blades now is awesome for that already.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
There were other minor differences but this was the big one for me.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah its crazy good. I love having both. Thats about as much variation as i need. Lol
2nd Serve Ace
Hall of Fame
how does it compare to the v7? You know what i prefer since I still have 2x 2015s and sold my v7.
The v7 is a decent performing frame, but the feel is like its coming through jello basically.
The v5 has all the good attributes but also a more direct, confidence building feel.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Well described! I completely agree.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Just string the v7 with a crisp poly and hit it hard. It feels great to me. Just more muted like an old head frame.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
TBH, I didn’t find the v7 to feel much like the PT280 or PC600.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Feels the same to me. I took both frames out for a hit when i first got the blade. Very similar feel to the pt280. Believe VSB had the same impression.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Dunno. Another friend of mine tried my v7 and didn’t think it felt that similar to the pt280 either. Doesn’t matter tho. Glad you are finding the 2015 blade 18/20 to your liking.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Dunno. Another friend of mine tried my v7 and didn’t think it felt that similar to the pt280 either. Doesn’t matter tho. Glad you are finding the 2015 blade 18/20 to your liking.
Yeah i love them both. Great frames. The Blade series is a great fit for my game but these 2 versions have the feel and comfort I prefer as well.
anhtuanngo
Semi-Pro
have both as well, 3 blades in total.
I always had difficulty matching my blades to similar specs, but for some reason my v7s have very similar specs (same overall static weight, same flex and only 5 point difference with the swingweight 298 vs 303). Maybe I got lucky. I've never been able to find a 2nd 2015 blade to mine, and that's a bit annoying.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
I always had difficulty matching my blades to similar specs, but for some reason my v7s have very similar specs (same overall static weight, same flex and only 5 point difference with the swingweight 298 vs 303). Maybe I got lucky. I've never been able to find a 2nd 2015 blade to mine, and that's a bit annoying.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
McGradey
Hall of Fame
Continuing to dabble with thin strings in my 18x20
Full bed Alu Power 1.15 @52lbs this time.
Previous strings were Cyclone 18L which was awesome, but thought I’d try something new.
The thin Cyclone really died a death after about 15 hours. Locked up, felt like crap and turned into a rocket launcher. Probably the most dramatic change in characteristics I’ve felt from a poly yet.
It was fantastic while it lasted. Spin was levels above Hyper G 16L.
Full bed Alu Power 1.15 @52lbs this time.
Previous strings were Cyclone 18L which was awesome, but thought I’d try something new.
The thin Cyclone really died a death after about 15 hours. Locked up, felt like crap and turned into a rocket launcher. Probably the most dramatic change in characteristics I’ve felt from a poly yet.
It was fantastic while it lasted. Spin was levels above Hyper G 16L.
djNEiGht
Legend
I tried MSV Focus Hex 1.18. Comfortable but no power. Granted I strung it up a friends machine and wasn't used to it nor did I know he bumps up tension to "self" calibrate the lock out ahahahah.
Yup...17g or 18g.. for me.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I cant move past S7Tour. I love that crispy explosive feel from it, plus the trajectory is awesome.
That said, I never liked Hyper G that much. Feels kind of like plastic to me. I will say - the color is a perfect match though.
I got a little more time with the 2015 Blade today. Switched between the v7 and the 2015. The 2015 is really awesome. Instead of trying totally different frames I probably should have just grabbed different Blade versions. Barely any adjustment necessary and it’s cool to see the little changes they make in each version.
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
The NBlade is awesome.
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
@Power Player are you using the 17g S7T full bed?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
Finally got this string into the v7 SW104, which IMO is significantly better than the v6 SW104 I've used for the past 20 months. It has a stiffer, crisper impact response and it feels like it works the full bed of S7T more, which really lets it shine. I'm getting a higher launch angle and more power, and a lot more spin for the same swing trajectory. I was thinking that due to the high power levels of S7T that I'd switch to something like Hyper-G for the summer but the added control and spin has made that unnecessary. Love this string, the grip on the ball, the crisp but still comfortable response, and tension maintenance, all at a price point that is a fantastic deal.
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
Not sure it's really needed. Just give it a try. I'd suggest stringing it 5% lower due to its excellent tension maintenance.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Here's the best data - it's like $8 a pack. Grab some and give it a ride. Plats awesome in the V7.
n8dawg6
Legend
i think the key to the v7 is to use a stiff poly. really changes the feel of the frame to me. i dunno, i hate to say im an 18x20 convert but the early results are promising
PhxRacket
Hall of Fame
#Bladesquad!!!
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
I have some, just want data to make sure I’m not a moron.
anhtuanngo
Semi-Pro
Besides feel wise, does the v7 18x20 play similar to the 2015 18x20. I played with the 2015 18x20 and 16x19 before deciding on the 16x19. I wanted to know if if I should demo the v7 18x20.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yes but the v7 is more advanced due to the higher sw. So if you are cool with lots of plow and a sw around 335-340, the v7 delivers.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah I agree. The stiffer poly feels great in the v7.
I love the control of the 18x20. I feel like I can put the ball right on the lines, which is how I like to play my attacking shots. Plus I can string lower and it feels like the tension holds longer as well.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Would it suffice if I told you that you are not?
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
Coming from you....absolutely.
n8dawg6
Legend
the 18x20 has some swingweight but when you get it moving ... dayum.
tennistomcat
Semi-Pro
I've got a 2012 Blx blade 98 (18X20) and a 2015 16X19. I thought the 16X19 would be the best of both worlds - a blade with more spin.
There is easier access to spin on groundies but it's not a game-changer.
There's something about the 18X20 pattern that works so well for my game. I feel that I can come back to it at any time after using any other open pattern racket with little to no adjustment needed.
I still have trouble dialing in my backhand slices and volleys with the 16X19 pattern but have no issues with the blx.
It may just be the spec differences between the 2, but I feel the stability, control, & predictability of the blx is so much better. It also crushes the serve better than every racket that I've ever used.
There is easier access to spin on groundies but it's not a game-changer.
There's something about the 18X20 pattern that works so well for my game. I feel that I can come back to it at any time after using any other open pattern racket with little to no adjustment needed.
I still have trouble dialing in my backhand slices and volleys with the 16X19 pattern but have no issues with the blx.
It may just be the spec differences between the 2, but I feel the stability, control, & predictability of the blx is so much better. It also crushes the serve better than every racket that I've ever used.
i sourced a dozen new ones last year. specs below on my batch (unstrung) as well as TW's strung specs:
My specs (unstrung w/ plastic on handle):
| # | Weight (g) | Balance (cm) | Pts HL | SW |
1 | 302.8 | 31.8 | 7.8 | 291 |
2 | 306.0 | 32.0 | 7.2 | 295 |
3 | 300.8 | 32.0 | 7.2 | 297 |
4 | 306.3 | 32.0 | 7.2 | 297 |
5 | 306.6 | 32.0 | 7.2 | 299 |
6 | 305.1 | 32.0 | 7.2 | 295 |
7 | 304.0 | 32.2 | 6.6 | 302 |
8 | 304.4 | 32.0 | 7.2 | 300 |
9 | 307.0 | 32.0 | 7.2 | 302 |
10 | 306.7 | 32.0 | 7.2 | 300 |
11 | 305.3 | 32.4 | 6.0 | 305 |
12 | 307.1 | 32.0 | 7.2 | 301 |
TW specs:
| Head Size:98 sq. in. / 632.26 sq. cm. |
| Length:27in / 68.58cm |
| Strung Weight:11.3oz / 320.35g |
| Balance:13.1in / 33.27cm / 3 pts HL |
| Swingweight:327 |
| Stiffness:64 |
| Beam Width:21.5mm / 21.5mm / 21.5mm / |
| Composition:Braided Graphite & Basalt |
| Power Level:Low |
| Stroke Style:Medium-Full |
| Swing Speed:Medium-Fast |
| Racquet Colors:Black/ Green |
| Grip Type:Wilson Sublime |
| String Pattern:18 Mains / 20 Crosses Mains skip: 8T,10T,8H,10H One Piece No Shared Holes |
| String Tension:47-57 pounds |
| Sony Smart Tennis Sensor Ready |
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
I still have #11!
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I personally never liked the 16x19 Blades but I get that some folks do.
I think the 18x20 Blade is ideal if you tend to hit with a lot of spin and due to that, the ball kicks straight up with pretty open patterns. The shape I get with the 18x20 penetrates the court faster and the ball kicks through the court instead of straight up.
That's personally what I need plus precise control and some thump. I think there is a lot to be said for using a tight pattern frame if you naturally have heavy spin on your shots.
I think the 18x20 Blade is ideal if you tend to hit with a lot of spin and due to that, the ball kicks straight up with pretty open patterns. The shape I get with the 18x20 penetrates the court faster and the ball kicks through the court instead of straight up.
That's personally what I need plus precise control and some thump. I think there is a lot to be said for using a tight pattern frame if you naturally have heavy spin on your shots.
Bobble
Semi-Pro
I agree with this. I’m not typically a closed pattern guy, so this is probably old news for most...but 18 20 in this blade gives me more freedom and control when going for heavier spin. I get more purposeful rotation with this stick than many others.
I’m still struggling with figuring out second serves with the v7 (I’m a weaker mid 30s guy), but this stick stole my heart on a really windy day where it was the only thing I could predictably hit through the court with. It was the first time I think I actually experienced what plow and stability real mean for rec league players.
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
Historically the 18x20 and 16x19 patterns have had different weight distributions and/or layups despite having the same static weight and balance. I agree that the 18x20 is the pick of you have full strokes and can generate your own. FWIW the iconic KBlade with its 305 gram, 32.5 cm, 293 sw unstrung spec has an mgr/i of 21 or very close to it.
Thanks; much appreciated. Was there a 2015 16x19 versions as well, or just 18x20?
Never mind, just found the specs; Google is your friend. Any thoughts, though, on the 2015 16x19 vs the 18x20?
as a lifelong 16x19 user, the 18x20 is the way to go for all the blades
anhtuanngo
Semi-Pro
the weight distribution between the 16x19 and the 18x20 is different, therefore they play different. You need to demo them both and find which fits your game better.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
Fxanimator1
Hall of Fame
I love all encompassing answers like this. You should let Tommy Paul, Alex DeMinaur, Mackenzie McDonald, et al. know this
ground breaking, definitive news.
Maybe they’re just not talented enough to use the 18x20?
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Actually, the 16/19 version of the blade (black/silver) prior to the 2015 release was really solid.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
They’re probably using pro stocks and not the v7 version of the 16/19.
