Live by the Blade...Die by the Blade...

gutfeeling

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?

I don't think we can assume they are currently using the retail 16x19 layups which are firmer than the 18x20s, with the exception of the v7 16x19 which is just as soft as the 18x20 but less weight in the head. I agree with @snoflewis that generally the retail 18x20 blades are superior to the 16x19s.
 

snoflewis

Legend
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?

should i be flattered that you took my opinion about a line of rackets as news?
 

Fxanimator1

Hall of Fame
They’re probably using pro stocks and not the v7 version of the 16/19.

My bet would be that as well.
What I can’t get my head around, is people stating definitively that, “ You HAVE to use blah, blah, blah racquet, because they are wayyyy better than...” As if there’s zero chance of a difference in preference, especially when considering that people use different string gauges, tensions, types, customized weighting...
 
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mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
My bet would be that as well.
What I can’t get my head around, is people stating definitively that, “ You HAVE to use blah, blah, blah racquet, because they are wayyyy better than...” As if there’s zero chance of a difference in preference, especially when considering that people use different string gauges, tensions, types, customized weighting...
However, in this particular case, the retail 18/20 blades have generally been better than the retail 16/19 blades.
 

danbrenner

Legend
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?
just FYI DeMinaur is not using a blade pro stock w 16x18 pattern
 

Bobble

Semi-Pro
Demon uses a Steam 99 mold, 16 x 18. They should reissue that one with some clash tech.

has anyone here added enough lead to their v7 16/19 to the 18/20 swing weight to see if it plays as well?
 

McGradey

Hall of Fame
Full bed Alu Power 1.15 @52lbs this time.

52lbs is maybe a bit too tight for this string. Played a couple of hours of singles last night and for the first hour the strings felt like steel cable.
Bedded in after that and was playing nice for the second hour. I reckon 45-48lbs would have it feeling nice fresh off the stringer.
 

Margomael

Rookie
Hi, i was wondering if anyone could compare blade 98s (18x16) versions 2015 and v7?
My current stick is the 98s from 2013 and I will like a second one but can only find the other 2 versions mentioned. Thanks in advance
 
D

Deleted member 768841

Guest
My bet would be that as well.
What I can’t get my head around, is people stating definitively that, “ You HAVE to use blah, blah, blah racquet, because they are wayyyy better than...” As if there’s zero chance of a difference in preference, especially when considering that people use different string gauges, tensions, types, customized weighting...
I heard de Minaur uses a steam 99, definitely doesn’t look like a blade 98.
 

Injured Again

Hall of Fame
Hi, i was wondering if anyone could compare blade 98s (18x16) versions 2015 and v7?
My current stick is the 98s from 2013 and I will like a second one but can only find the other 2 versions mentioned. Thanks in advance

There is no v7 Blade that is the equivalent of the v6 Blade 98s (18x16 string pattern). The closest would be the v7 Blade Team which is 16x18 string pattern. I string for one guy who uses the v6 Blade 98s and he tried the 98 16x19. He thought he could eventually get used to the heavier weight and more controlled response but it didn't do anything so much better for him than what he has now so I think he may be looking for another v6 Blade 98s to tide him over for the next couple of years.
 

DJTaurus

Hall of Fame
There is no v7 Blade that is the equivalent of the v6 Blade 98s (18x16 string pattern). The closest would be the v7 Blade Team which is 16x18 string pattern. I string for one guy who uses the v6 Blade 98s and he tried the 98 16x19. He thought he could eventually get used to the heavier weight and more controlled response but it didn't do anything so much better for him than what he has now so I think he may be looking for another v6 Blade 98s to tide him over for the next couple of years.

Tell him to try the V5 98s. If he can found one.....
 

Pitti

Rookie
I have a little doubt:

I'm currently playing with an Ultra Tour that has an overgrip and a couple of grams in the handle at 7 inch from the buttcap. It's great, but on my 'off days' it doesn't let me attack as I'd like. I'm searching for a similar racquet with a bit more of power. I don't want much higher SW nor a high stiffness.

Would the Blade 16x19 v7 fit my needs? According to TW it has similar SW, similar static weight and a 21 mm profile. I enjoy 18x20s, but in this case, maybe the blade 18x20 is too much for me. Has anyone compared the Blade v7 16x19 with the UT? Can it be considered like a "16x19 version" of the UT? Thank you!
 

JustTennis76

Hall of Fame
I got a couple of 2015 blades as well, got it from my friend, going to put some NG/poly and take it to the courts. Always a pleasure to hit with the blades once used to the balance.
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
Has anyone compared the Blade v7 16x19 with the UT? Can it be considered like a "16x19 version" of the UT? Thank you!
Yes, I own the UT and have owned the blade v7 16/19 and compared them.

No, the v7 16/19 blade feels and plays nothing like the UT.
 

Pitti

Rookie
I have many times in the past.

why don’t you share what you like and don’t like about the UT and I can tell you how blade v7 compares to your specific likes and dislikes.

Thank you, I'll try to find some of your comparisons.

What I like from the UT: Directional control is great, slice backhands are nice. Volleys are also good. My hitting style is slightly flatter, so I can swing hard and get tons of control. And the comfort of the frame is amazing. I'm also used to 18x20s.

What I dislike from the UT: Mostly lack of power at the serve and at groundstrokes if I don't hit hard. And even trying to hit hard, if I'm on a "weak day" I'm still on the defensive (I tend to get migraines and thus, weak days in which my footwork is slow and clumsy. On those days, I'd like to have a slightly more powerful racquet).
 

Bobble

Semi-Pro
this is what the 18x20 v7 blade has. you just have to get the thing moving.

my only complaint is that on some of our 105 heat index days i cant move it as fast during the 3rd set tiebreak and it do suck at low swing speeds. more of a personal problem.

i agree, but I also find that I can still get more balls back with this 18 20 in nervy, overheated moments than with a pure aero. Bonus points to the closed pattern when I really start falling apart and need to slice deep.
 

McGradey

Hall of Fame
this is what the 18x20 v7 blade has. you just have to get the thing moving.

my only complaint is that on some of our 105 heat index days i cant move it as fast during the 3rd set tiebreak and it do suck at low swing speeds. more of a personal problem.

Yep
18x20 Blade demands high swing speed at all times. I love it though. I'll take the odd second serve sailing long because I didn't swing fast enough, when in return I get full confidence to rip at the ball on pressure points.
 

Dragy

Legend
Hey Blade people, I have a question for you: what's the benefits you make use of with Blade default spes: low static weight, close to neutral balance, high SW. How those are better against say bumping the handle for another 10-15g? Would be glad to read some explicit thoughts...
 

McGradey

Hall of Fame
Hey Blade people, I have a question for you: what's the benefits you make use of with Blade default spes: low static weight, close to neutral balance, high SW. How those are better against say bumping the handle for another 10-15g? Would be glad to read some explicit thoughts...

The biggest benefits of the Blade's specs are its absurd stability and massive plow through; it smashes through the ball with ease. It plays like a 350g racquet, but doesn't tire you out as quickly thanks to the lower static weight.
It's by no means a fast or whippy racquet. I came from a very headlight racquet previously, so it took me a good while to adjust to the Blade's balance. But there's a lot of upside to enjoy once you do that.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
this is what the 18x20 v7 blade has. you just have to get the thing moving.

my only complaint is that on some of our 105 heat index days i cant move it as fast during the 3rd set tiebreak and it do suck at low swing speeds. more of a personal problem.

Gotta get under the ball and shovel it back. It can be a moonball machine when needed. Thats what i love. When im tired and overheated(always in FL) I have options.

Also its a laser so you can use placement to your advantage.
 

CiscoPC600

Hall of Fame
Hey Blade people, I have a question for you: what's the benefits you make use of with Blade default spes: low static weight, close to neutral balance, high SW. How those are better against say bumping the handle for another 10-15g? Would be glad to read some explicit thoughts...

It's dependent on the user. Benefits are that you get less tired with lighter racket but still get good plow through. Cons are if you prefer HL balance then stock specs aren't it. I know this isn't likely the in-depth answer you were looking for but it's in essence what you suspect.

Some players like Tenfitmen (youtuber) plays with stock specs at a high level (hitting partner for Djokovic and many others) while others at the rec level like to modify. At the end of the day, it's all up to the user. If you prefer HL then tweak it and see how it feels. You can choose lighter leather grips or replacement grips so they only add a bit more weight to the handle.
 

Dragy

Legend
It's dependent on the user. Benefits are that you get less tired with lighter racket but still get good plow through. Cons are if you prefer HL balance then stock specs aren't it. I know this isn't likely the in-depth answer you were looking for but it's in essence what you suspect.

Some players like Tenfitmen (youtuber) plays with stock specs at a high level (hitting partner for Djokovic and many others) while others at the rec level like to modify. At the end of the day, it's all up to the user. If you prefer HL then tweak it and see how it feels. You can choose lighter leather grips or replacement grips so they only add a bit more weight to the handle.
Well, "in depth" isn't a strict criteria. Dominic Thiem was reported to play his Pure Strike with 337g static weight, 345 SW and 33cm balance, which is like stock Blade elder brother. i wonder if it slows down the racquet to whip across the ball at contact, but some good players seem to deal well with it. It could be suboptibmal for fast FH production (compact back-and-forth flip) but also no proof. Another idea is that 2HBH is great with less headlight balance with both hands on handle compensating for lack of handle mass, while OHBH requires more core mass lower to control the head better... but again, Thiem... Maybe some net playability, maybe some serving (again - a bit slower racquet head pivoting up into the ball).
I have had (long ago) experience with Wilson Hammer 7.2 (light head heavy stiff frame), and when I sswitched to APD Cortex Plus - 6pts head light - I immediately felt more comfortable serving.
 

danbrenner

Legend
Well, "in depth" isn't a strict criteria. Dominic Thiem was reported to play his Pure Strike with 337g static weight, 345 SW and 33cm balance, which is like stock Blade elder brother. i wonder if it slows down the racquet to whip across the ball at contact, but some good players seem to deal well with it. It could be suboptibmal for fast FH production (compact back-and-forth flip) but also no proof. Another idea is that 2HBH is great with less headlight balance with both hands on handle compensating for lack of handle mass, while OHBH requires more core mass lower to control the head better... but again, Thiem... Maybe some net playability, maybe some serving (again - a bit slower racquet head pivoting up into the ball).
I have had (long ago) experience with Wilson Hammer 7.2 (light head heavy stiff frame), and when I sswitched to APD Cortex Plus - 6pts head light - I immediately felt more comfortable serving.
Many professional players use a four points headlight balance including Rafael Nadal his and wait is 12 ounces got a four-point headlight balance Dominic Thiem closer to 11.8 ounces but again with a four-point headlight balance and both of these players have the whippy used for hands on tour so case in point
 

Dragy

Legend
Bumping the handle of the blade will slow down the swing. Its been proven multiple times that more weight slows the swing regardless of where you put it.

Common myth here is people make the blade more hl and say its whippier and faster but it is not.
I was not talking about tail-weighting the Blade, but trying to wrap my mind around advantages Blade default specs would give compared to more headlight hefty racquet (340+ g, 330+ SW)
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I was not talking about tail-weighting the Blade, but trying to wrap my mind around advantages Blade default specs would give compared to more headlight hefty racquet (340+ g, 330+ SW)

Its faster to swing. So you are swinging a frame with far more power potential (high SW) at a higher speed.

For me it is very easy to see when I hit the ball. I get the most aggressive, sharp drops from the Blade compared to about any other racquet I have used.
 

Dragy

Legend
Its faster to swing. So you are swinging a frame with far more power potential (high SW) at a higher speed.
In theory (TM) I see no difference 20-30g of static weight will do for accelerating laid back racquet with all-torso rotation as major method. Now how fast a racquet swings around into the ball shall be mostly about the SW.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
In theory (TM) I see no difference 20-30g of static weight will do for accelerating laid back racquet with all-torso rotation as major method. Now how fast a racquet swings around into the ball shall be mostly about the SW.

Its physics. TW professor has written about it. It’s a real thing, and its not just about the SW.
 

Dragy

Legend
Its physics. TW professor has written about it. It’s a real thing, and its not just about the SW.
Well I agree, and surely I didn't mean “just” about SW, which is a synthetic attribute, rather than an actual depiction of mass distribution.
What publication are you referring to?
 

McGradey

Hall of Fame
Just snagged a matched pair of 2015 18x20s at a sharp price. Super excited to hit with them.
Been wanting to try one for a while, but they barely ever pop up on the second hand market here in Aus. Interested to see how they compare to the V7.
@Power Player I see you're in the same boat, with both versions. Which do you prefer?
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
Just snagged a matched pair of 2015 18x20s at a sharp price. Super excited to hit with them.
Been wanting to try one for a while, but they barely ever pop up on the second hand market here in Aus. Interested to see how they compare to the V7.
@Power Player I see you're in the same boat, with both versions. Which do you prefer?
2015 has a crisper response over the v7 which I prefer. Enjoy! :cool:
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Just snagged a matched pair of 2015 18x20s at a sharp price. Super excited to hit with them.
Been wanting to try one for a while, but they barely ever pop up on the second hand market here in Aus. Interested to see how they compare to the V7.
@Power Player I see you're in the same boat, with both versions. Which do you prefer?

i go back and forth. I am using the 2015 a lot right now and its awesome but then ill go back to the v7 and love that one as well. I think the 2015 is a bit easier to use. Im super consistent with it.
 

n8dawg6

Legend
I’ve got way too many strings so I’m good with it. Lol
i have three (3) of the 98S: a 2015, a countervail, and a bold. unfortunately they all feel completely different. the 2015 is the best, wish i had bought a stack when they were on clearance. but even then the specs probably would have been all over the place
 

AA7

Hall of Fame
Just snagged a matched pair of 2015 18x20s at a sharp price. Super excited to hit with them.
Been wanting to try one for a while, but they barely ever pop up on the second hand market here in Aus. Interested to see how they compare to the V7.
@Power Player I see you're in the same boat, with both versions. Which do you prefer?
you guys going to make me get 2015.... where do i even find them?
 

JOSHL

Hall of Fame
i have three (3) of the 98S: a 2015, a countervail, and a bold. unfortunately they all feel completely different. the 2015 is the best, wish i had bought a stack when they were on clearance. but even then the specs probably would have been all over the place
Yep it’s a crap shoot with W. I had the 2013 a while ago and remember liking it, but you know. Holics be holics.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
you guys going to make me get 2015.... where do i even find them?

The bay or here for me. I bought cheaper ones. I think i spent $170 or so total and now have 3. So instead of spending more than that on one v7 i now have 5 blades total. Makes life so much easier for stringing.

the 2015 is super sweet. Great feel but not so different from the v7 that you cant switch between games if you break a string or have a wet grip.
 

tennis347

Hall of Fame
The bay or here for me. I bought cheaper ones. I think i spent $170 or so total and now have 3. So instead of spending more than that on one v7 i now have 5 blades total. Makes life so much easier for stringing.

the 2015 is super sweet. Great feel but not so different from the v7 that you cant switch between games if you break a string or have a wet grip.

I totally agree that the 2015 Blade 98 is a really good racquet but just plays a bit crisper and has a little more power. I personally like the feel of the v7 Blade better.
 

Margomael

Rookie
I’ve been playing with blade 2015 18x20 last few years. Few months ago I switched to 2013 98s as I wasn’t moving racket fast on 2nd and 3rd set. Both great rackets. I tried 98s v7 last night for 2 hours and it felt incredible. Best session for some time. Shots felt rock solid. I could generate spin with lots of weight on the ball pushing my hitting partner back and flatten the shots with ease for the winner. All my top spin backhands had good power and spin. Love the feel of this v7 version. And love the cosmetics of the frame.
 
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