DJTaurus
Hall of Fame
Wait until you try 98s 2015. V7 would feel low powered in comparison. I only enjoyed 18x20 from V7 line.
Live by the Blade...Die by the Blade...
- Thread starter danbrenner
- Start date
Wait until you try 98s 2015. V7 would feel low powered in comparison. I only enjoyed 18x20 from V7 line.
It’s difficult to find a 98s 2015 these days. But I keep looking. If I ever get one will share my experience here. Thanks
danbrenner
Legend
what 98S v7 i havent seen a spin version on TW am i missing something?
Only available in Europe
Wilson Blade 98S 18x16 V7.0 Racket - Tennis Warehouse Europe
www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com
danbrenner
Legend
wow i just went on TW europe. what a slap in the face. isnt wilson head quarters in the usa?
europe has all the goodies. i cant wait to get my hands on the pro staff 100 precision. thats a must collect for me.
europe has all the goodies. i cant wait to get my hands on the pro staff 100 precision. thats a must collect for me.
I guess sells where not good in USA for previous models
McGradey
Hall of Fame
Just took my pair of 2015s to be measured and restrung... holy spec differential Batman
These were supposedly matched. I suspect whoever did it didn't have a swingweight machine because that's a big differential.
Racquet 2 has 1/2" lead strips in the throat and still only has a 322 strung swingweight. That's crazy.
Racquet 1 FTW
| Strung specs | Racquet 1 (stock) | Racquet 2 (lead in throat) |
| Swingweight | 331 | 322 |
| Balance | 32.5 cm | 32 cm |
| Static | 338g | 341g |
These were supposedly matched. I suspect whoever did it didn't have a swingweight machine because that's a big differential.
Racquet 2 has 1/2" lead strips in the throat and still only has a 322 strung swingweight. That's crazy.
Racquet 1 FTW
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Remove the lead from the throat of Racquet 2 and add 3g at 12. That should get you pretty close to racquet 1 specs.
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McGradey
Hall of Fame
Thanks @mad dog1
Just a note on the PJs of these racquets. Sitting them side by side really brings into focus how poor the v7 paintjob is, in my opinion. It looks like a lollipop. The 2015 looks mean and expensive. Hope Wilson continue to move away from the current dull design motif with the next gen of racquets. Sounds like the next Pro Staff is a step in the right direction.
Just a note on the PJs of these racquets. Sitting them side by side really brings into focus how poor the v7 paintjob is, in my opinion. It looks like a lollipop. The 2015 looks mean and expensive. Hope Wilson continue to move away from the current dull design motif with the next gen of racquets. Sounds like the next Pro Staff is a step in the right direction.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
You’re welcome! Glad I was able to help. 2015 blades were just the best.
anhtuanngo
Semi-Pro
what grip size are you looking for ? there's a few that pop up in my area.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
First hit with the OG 98S today for some doubles. Strung it up with whatever poly-Tourna Deuce-not bad! The string was a little trampoline-y but not as bad as I had anticipated. Great plow, spin is also great, my net play was just as good as my pro staff 95S and it seemed like I was getting more pop on my serves. May need to throw some silver 7 tour or FireWire in here and really see what she can do.
1HBHfanatic
Legend
-here is a video on it
-Troy name-dropped a couple reason why "i" think this never caught on, again, just my though
-i know i tried it and did not feel too big of a difference to switch from my previous kblade.93s, but i was looking to switch also
-1. 93s at the time where on the way out!!, people looking for bigger heads, 95" and up, 97s are big now, and this trend started arround that time frame
-2. wilson also had the "6.1 ninety five", a very good stick and very hard to beat, i know i consider it
-3. yonex sticks where taking off, really good ones too, vcore.pros, so it took attention from wilson and started the yonex band wagon
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1HBHfanatic
Legend
-they did for a while, but the v7 feel is nice, IMO!!
-even though i switched from wil.k.blades to yonex, i always kept an eye on the new wilson blade
-the wilson-blade line is as classic as the head-prestige line, or head-radical line is you wanna get more technical;
-both excellent lines with many good sticks in their history
LaZeR
Professional
Hi, I was stringing a Wilson Blade 98s with thick Natural Gut which wouldn't go through, and then due to some other issues the Grommet Strip came off, and I can't get it back on.
Can you see the image bottom right in the pix? It's one of those holes at the throat that go sideways... Is there a trick to getting the Grommet Cover back on? Thanks In Advance!!
Can you see the image bottom right in the pix? It's one of those holes at the throat that go sideways... Is there a trick to getting the Grommet Cover back on? Thanks In Advance!!
Fxanimator1
Hall of Fame
Chapstick and an awl to start with.
djNEiGht
Legend
use some scrap string and insert into the grommet section that is out. Wiggle it and pull. As @Fxanimator1 mentioned...use an awl as well.
LaZeR
Professional
Ya I've got 3 - old 104, 98 18x16 & 16x19, and not sure what to get when in need of new racquets - also thinkin going pure (no pun intended) Babolat PA.
HOWEVER, 16 cross string racquets are GREAT when it comes to stringing so mebbe Prince Warrior 100 ESP, or Wilson Burn 100S.
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prostaffsampras
New User
Hi guys,
It was a pleasure to hit with this beauty for 2 years, but it was time to go back to Yonex frames, which I find more comfortable and forgiving.
I have 4 blades 98 (18x20, 2015 version), grip size 2 in very good condition (9.5/10), so if anyone is interested, let me know (preferrably from Europe).
It was a pleasure to hit with this beauty for 2 years, but it was time to go back to Yonex frames, which I find more comfortable and forgiving.
I have 4 blades 98 (18x20, 2015 version), grip size 2 in very good condition (9.5/10), so if anyone is interested, let me know (preferrably from Europe).
Any recommendations for a racket with lower or equal flex to the v7 (using 18x20) that has some more power / can be used for off days without feeling completely different? I had a clash 100 tour I used for my recovery days, but it played too differently and transitioning between the two was a bit drastic.
danbrenner
Legend
Do any of our Blade community members have any real insights on the 100l ?
I know in stock form it’s a weird spec. 10.6 oz 1 point head light. But with some lead in the ha handle it will become 11.5 oz and about 5 points headlight. Or 11.7 amd 6 points head light. Point being it will be in most of our wheel houses. But with a bigger sweet spot and slightly more powerful slightly more spin friendly 22 mm beam with 100 square inch head. So it needs to be looked at. I’m going to either buy one or demo one. But I would love to hear about it from someone who has really put it through the paces in comparison to the 98
I know in stock form it’s a weird spec. 10.6 oz 1 point head light. But with some lead in the ha handle it will become 11.5 oz and about 5 points headlight. Or 11.7 amd 6 points head light. Point being it will be in most of our wheel houses. But with a bigger sweet spot and slightly more powerful slightly more spin friendly 22 mm beam with 100 square inch head. So it needs to be looked at. I’m going to either buy one or demo one. But I would love to hear about it from someone who has really put it through the paces in comparison to the 98
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
Demo the V7 104. Highly underrated.
tennistomcat
Semi-Pro
Were you able to get that grommet strip back in place?
If it's just because you need to redirect the last part of the grommet to the second hole due to a slight bend, then the scrap string & awl may do the trick like djNEiGht mentioned earlier. Heating it with a hair dryer may help it bend easier.
If it's difficult because the tip of the grommet has been flared out from tying knots, you could try this which has helped me before in the past.
I tried gently reshaping & compressing the grommet tube using a small flat nose plier.
If I had trouble getting it through the second hole on the inner hoop surface of the frame because it was still slightly flared out, I would reshape & compress the tip even further using the unscrewed tip of a metal pen cap.
Using firm pressure and a lot of twisting/rotating motion, I was able to burnish and taper the tip of the grommet a little more to where I was able to pop it through the last hole easier using an awl and scrap string to guide.
I can't guarantee that it will work but if you've got these things already lying around the house, it may not hurt to give it a try.
I wouldn't recommend heating the grommet for this part because I think it works best if it's still somewhat stiff & doesn't get warped out of shape.
I used something like this.
metal pen cap
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LaZeR
Professional
Do any Blade fans ever string a Blade 18x16?? Wilson stringing instructions states to cut 17' for the crosses. I had FOUR FEET of string left over!!
Thinking I musta miscalcuated the length, took a tape measure to the X's and it's only around 10.5'. So wtf does Wilson suggest 17?!?
Then I checked Klipper's website and the Wilson Blade 18x16 isn't even listed, nor at StringForum.net. Go Figure...
Thinking I musta miscalcuated the length, took a tape measure to the X's and it's only around 10.5'. So wtf does Wilson suggest 17?!?
Then I checked Klipper's website and the Wilson Blade 18x16 isn't even listed, nor at StringForum.net. Go Figure...
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
Do any Blade fans ever string a Blade 18x16?? Wilson stringing instructions states to cut 17' for the crosses. I had FOUR FEET of string left over!!
Thinking I musta miscalcuated the length, took a tape measure to the X's and it's only around 10.5'. So wtf does Wilson suggest 17?!?
Then I checked Klipper's website and the Wilson Blade 18x16 isn't even listed, nor at StringForum.net. Go Figure...
I string this racquet all the time for a friend. I posted the URL to the Wilson instructions in your other post asking for it. I can do this frame with just over 31 feet of Element 1.25 at 53 pounds using a universal ATW pattern. It is as easy as can be.
You can try blade 98s v7. I’ve been playing blade 98 18x20 for years and recently I bought blade 98s for when I am tired (2nd or 3rd set). And racket works really well. Lighter and more powerful (maybe because I can swing it faster) but with lots of control. I don’t have any issues flattening the ball with 98s.
Actually really enjoyed it. Played so well for an oversize. Great feel, spin, etc. Just don't want to get used to something with a huge headsize.
n8dawg6
Legend
its worth a shot. ive always thought the 98L was a very useable frame for its weight, mainly bc it feels like there is some weight in the head.
n8dawg6
Legend
im the same way. keep a 98s in the bag for when the 18x20 starts feeling like a boat anchor
1HBHfanatic
Legend
-ive tried to like this weight a few times, with no success
-i liked the weight, but not the impact!
-the thin beam and the low weight made it a, no-go for me
-modifying the racquet with enough lead would not work for me, preferred the standard 98" blade instead
-but the wilson.clash 100L is something else!!!, have you tried this one??
-its both light and stable at contact, for a light frame
-its not thin beam like the blades, but wow, its like a happy compromise
n8dawg6
Legend
i have not, i only used the clash 98 for awhile. i never quite jived with the feel, a little too disconnected
agree that the blade 98L can be uncomfortable at impact due to the weight. i can really get some spin and racquet head speed with it though.
1HBHfanatic
Legend
-yeah, speed/spin is the nice!!
-another aspect that draws me to this racquet, (more often than not) is the "paint-jobs" they have for this racquet line (from reverse paintjobs to camo designs)
-cool racquet. but not "one for me", (as with most L racquets) thats why the clash 100L was surprisingly stable
danbrenner
Legend
Have you tried a modded L to about 11.5-7 oz and 6 points hl?
1HBHfanatic
Legend
-yeah,, i modified 1x once, and gave up after the weight went too high
-i prefer more HL balance (about 10pts HL),
-it would make the racquet too heavy, more so than a standard blade
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
You’re totally right the Clash L is crazy good. Plays pretty much identical to the regular 100 but with less weight.
Tmano
Hall of Fame
Thanks snoflewis!
I play with the DR 98 and although i like it is a very little to soft for me. Some one suggested the new Ezone 2020 but that costs too much for now.
I would probably go with the 16x19 pattern i m not a 18x20 guy
Thanks snoflewis!
I play with the DR 98 and although i like it is a very little to soft for me. Some one suggested the new Ezone 2020 but that costs too much for now.
I would probably go with the 16x19 pattern i m not a 18x20 guy
im the same when it comes to open patterns, but the two string patterns result in two completely different sticks better sticks imo. Also, if the dr98 is anything like the ai98, the string pattern is pretty dense in the sweetspot for a 16x19 whereas the blade is quite open for an 18x20
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Have you hit with the vcp97 310 yet?Thanks snoflewis!
I play with the DR 98 and although i like it is a very little to soft for me. Some one suggested the new Ezone 2020 but that costs too much for now.
I would probably go with the 16x19 pattern i m not a 18x20 guy
Tmano
Hall of Fame
Yes i would consider it the DR string pattern a tiny denser than a normal 16x19 so i guess the 18x20 could potentially work too. I would need to have both the 16x19 and the 18x20 to compare them. however thanks for letting me know about this big detail!!!!
Tmano
Hall of Fame
Hey how's it going?Have you hit with the vcp97 310 yet?
Nope!
i honestly getting ready to start hitting again in this days, hopefully by middle of the month! It has been a really bad season for me....wait it did not even start at all
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
I found the vcp97 310 to be a better frame than the blade v7 16x19 in every performance category.Hey how's it going?
Nope!
D
Deleted member 768841
Guest
16/19 or 18/20?
Tmano
Hall of Fame
Thanks for the feedback!
If i ever buy a blade it would probably be the 2015.
Hopefully soon i get to start playing and trying a couple of racquets.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
18/20, of course. The 16/19 blades don’t feel very solid.
