Live by the Blade...Die by the Blade...
- Thread starter danbrenner
- Start date
Jono123
Professional
I find the V8 iteration less powerful than previous. I had a Black one years ago that hit a very heavy ball. The V8 is plush, pockets well and has excellent feel. You can pull the trigger but you supply the power.
Hi all,
This has probably already been discussed but didn't find any results when I searched. I just bought a V8 98 18x20 from a European retailer and noticed that it came pre-strung with Alu Power. Is this standard protocol? Never received a racquet that was prestrung from supplier...
This has probably already been discussed but didn't find any results when I searched. I just bought a V8 98 18x20 from a European retailer and noticed that it came pre-strung with Alu Power. Is this standard protocol? Never received a racquet that was prestrung from supplier...
This is more common in Europe for high end frames to come prestrung. Not so in the US.
CaliCaveman
New User
I bought one to try out. I like the v8 but wouldn’t mind a bit more pop without swinging out as hard. I mean if you don’t like it you can sell cheap and get most of your money back is my thinking.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I think the v6 non-CV version is basically a v5 with the v6 paint job (from my understanding), so it should be pretty good.
Hey guys, I have another post open but maybe you can clarify me here.
I have been using the PS97 16x19 V10 for the last years. I will have to switch, I am not just sure to which racquet.
I heard that the sw of the PS v14 increased, and I am not seeing very positive reviews about it. And then there are also the blades. How do you compare them (16x19 and 18x20) with the PS v10?
Thanks, I will try to decide still today to get something now in the black friday
I have been using the PS97 16x19 V10 for the last years. I will have to switch, I am not just sure to which racquet.
I heard that the sw of the PS v14 increased, and I am not seeing very positive reviews about it. And then there are also the blades. How do you compare them (16x19 and 18x20) with the PS v10?
Thanks, I will try to decide still today to get something now in the black friday
Hawks9451
Professional
They're not similar rackets. Balance and flex is totally different.
Yes they are, I tried the 16x19, so I already have the notion. Could you compare then the two patterns? Thanks
IMO those 2 racquets don’t play all that similar. When I think of prostaff I think of headlight balance. To me the new prostaff felt stiff but muted in a bad way and with a considerably heavier swingweight. The v10 was the best of the modern prostaff imo. Crisp but dampened enough to use full poly and quicker through the swing.
Blade pro v8 18x20 is similar to v10 feel with a slightly higher swingweight. It’s not particularly fast to swing but more control than new prostaff v14 and better spin potential.
@Macedo - While the Blade and Pro Staff are somewhat-similar from a overall size/shape/playability perspective, they're pretty different in terms of balance and mass distribution. If you don't feel that difference, then I doubt you really need to be that concerned as to which one you pick -- either one will probably play well enough for you. That said, if you really do want to stick with the Pro Staff and are concerned about the potential extra swing weight of the v14, then I'd invest an extra $20 for TW's racquet matching service, and have them find you one (or more) at the lightest spec possible. With how shoddy Wilson's quality control is, they should be able to find you an unstrung swing weight down in the low 290's, perhaps lower (which equates to a 320-ish to low 320's strung swing weight). Then you're set to go, with no doubts, all for just a $20 bill. A total no brainer.
AleYeah
Rookie
Wow, this is great news. Thanks for the heads up!
After a lengthy absence from playing, I started playing again in 2020 with my same old relic racquets I was using in ye olden days. I decided to audition a random modern stick this year and stumbled into a beat up v6 16x19 (countervail version) for 35 bucks. I liked it a lot and was planning to locate a couple of additional ones for Xmas. 69 bucks for brand new is pretty amazing considering how much I love the racquet... and I wonder whether I'd even be able to tell the difference without the countervail...
Anybody have experience in comparing the CV/non-CV versions of any Blade, or any Wilson stick in general, for that matter? The price is so good I may just fire away on a purchase, but I reckon some hardcore Wilson fans may have thoughts on this.
@AleYeah - Well what an opportunity for you then.
In general, versus the non-Countervail stuff, Countervail was generally not very well received (granted, some people liked it, like anything, but most didn't) -- similar to Yonex's VDM, Babolat's Cortex, and other mostly 1st-gen dampening/muting "tech" additives, it did cut down on at least some of the harshness of the more primitive polys at the time, but in doing so, also would tend to rob a good bit of feel, making the sensation on contact much more muffled/muted. The non-CV, then, will be much more raw, direct, crisp in its feel -- really allowing you to know what's happening in the string bed -- in a mostly-good way, BUT, in a raw 66RA layup like the Blade v6 non-CV, that may mean stringing for a bit more forgiveness/shock-absorption; ie. you may have to drop tension on that firm full-bed of co-poly you prefer, or look for a softer poly, or consider a hybrid, etc. The good news is that co-poly's have made considerable leaps and bounds in performance with comfort since the v6 was released, so it's mostly all roses and unicorns in my opinion. You just need to find the right one at a reasonable tension, and you're good to go.
That said, if you want one (or more), now is probably the time, for I don't see Wilson going back in the thuddy/clubby direction with the v9 (much to some people's persistent underwhelm), so I'd get 'em while the getting is good!
In general, versus the non-Countervail stuff, Countervail was generally not very well received (granted, some people liked it, like anything, but most didn't) -- similar to Yonex's VDM, Babolat's Cortex, and other mostly 1st-gen dampening/muting "tech" additives, it did cut down on at least some of the harshness of the more primitive polys at the time, but in doing so, also would tend to rob a good bit of feel, making the sensation on contact much more muffled/muted. The non-CV, then, will be much more raw, direct, crisp in its feel -- really allowing you to know what's happening in the string bed -- in a mostly-good way, BUT, in a raw 66RA layup like the Blade v6 non-CV, that may mean stringing for a bit more forgiveness/shock-absorption; ie. you may have to drop tension on that firm full-bed of co-poly you prefer, or look for a softer poly, or consider a hybrid, etc. The good news is that co-poly's have made considerable leaps and bounds in performance with comfort since the v6 was released, so it's mostly all roses and unicorns in my opinion. You just need to find the right one at a reasonable tension, and you're good to go.
That said, if you want one (or more), now is probably the time, for I don't see Wilson going back in the thuddy/clubby direction with the v9 (much to some people's persistent underwhelm), so I'd get 'em while the getting is good!
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AleYeah
Rookie
That's a great summary, not to mention quickly delivered. Thanks again... gonna pull the trigger on a couple.
AleYeah
Rookie
If anybody else wants to pick up a Blade 98 V6 16x19 for cheap, FYI, TW has only grip size 4 (4 1/2") left. Mentioning as a PSA in case this is an indicator that supplies are really, really low.
I bought two. Pretty excited, as I haven't bought an actual new racquet since I got my first Prince Graphite OS circa 1992!
TwinCinema
Professional
My $70 v6 is being delivered today. Excited to try it, since all that's missing with my v8 is some power, and people say the v6 has more of that. But given how much I'm grooving with the v8 these days, who knows if it will ever come out of the bag? I'm really in the zone with that thing.
Jono123
Professional
I own all three blades. The 18x20 , 16x19 and the 100. The 18x20 gave me arm problems (GE). Its just too head heavy. As a flat hitter, I tend to hit the tape more as well compared to the open string patterns.
I bought the 100 after reading reviews. Unfortunately I cant gel with it. You lose that unique Blade connected feel and its not as powerful but its an easy racket to play with.
So now I've returned to the middle sibling the , 16x19. Which ironically is where I started three years ago so I've gone full circle
I bought the 100 after reading reviews. Unfortunately I cant gel with it. You lose that unique Blade connected feel and its not as powerful but its an easy racket to play with.
So now I've returned to the middle sibling the , 16x19. Which ironically is where I started three years ago so I've gone full circle
TwinCinema
Professional
For you v6 non-CV users, which strings have you liked the best in that frame? I've got Alu Rough in it now and like it a lot, but curious to try different setups just to tinker around, now that I'm settled with using just the v6 and v8 Blades and no other sticks in my bag. I could go with Element (which I love in the v8) but haven't tried PTP or Grapplesnake, or tons of other control polys. Just sort of taking recommendations and will try a new one with each string job just for funsies.
CaliCaveman
New User
I really like Solinco Tour Bite 16L in my v8.
TwinCinema
Professional
That’s been one of my favorite strings for years. What tension do you like? I went higher with it in my old Pure Strike (53/54) but in the v8 I’m stringing in the mid-40s with the Lux strings.
CaliCaveman
New User
I’ve tried a few different tensions, but 51 lbs most recently and that feels good. Solinco Confidential is nice and I run that a little tighter like 52/53 but the bit of extra spin in the TB I’m liking more. For ultra comfort I did Technifibre NRG2 multi at 55 lbs and man that feels really plush and comfortable, but not nearly the same spin of course. Harder to control.
To be fair I’m only a 3.5 player. If I wasn’t so fat and play more I might be a 4 one of these days. I’ve only been back into Tennis for about 1.5 years now so take what I think with a grain of salt. LOL.
Edit: I added weight to the hoop at 3-9 and 12. probably like 8-10 grams overall.
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CosmosMpower
Hall of Fame
Add 20 grams of weight to the butt cap of the 18x20. Problem solved
Try soft!!
CaliCaveman
New User
How does tb soft compare to confidential then?
Blade_X
Professional
Confidential is the baby of hyper g and tour byte. Tour byte soft is a lot softer version of tour byte and i am saying a lot if you compare it to hyper g and hyper g soft that are closer. Tour byte soft reminds me of cyclone tour with better feel
Blade_X
Professional
Hasn’t been a better feeling and more connected racquet since v5/DR98…..only alternative would be blade pro or ultra pro.
How about power & spin compared to v8 18x20?
Cs i’ve read somewhere v5 has more open than normal 18x20?
Blade_X
Professional
Of course modern blades like v7 and v8 have less power because Wilson now wants to sell shift as a between blade and ultra
I am more excited for new strike rather new upcoming blade v9.
McGradey
Hall of Fame
V5 more power than 7 or 8
Spin would be roughly the same, I couldn't tell too much difference between them on that front.
CiscoPC600
Hall of Fame
For those considering the v9, what’s the plan on the two green grommets, color them black with a sharpie?
Haha. Might work.
Haha. Might work.
MasterSlice74
Rookie
I'm still playing with it! Surprisingly I used to play with a v6 16x19 cv, then switched to the v5 18x20 and haven't looked back. I think the v8 with some weight is fairly close to the v5, but lacks some punch. The feel is as if you're playing with a v5 but you're wearing gloves.
JustTennis76
Hall of Fame
This is exactly what I did. I used to play with the 2013 blade 18x20 back in 2014. While I liked everything about it, the balance was off and it felt too head heavy. So, I sold at that time. Fast forward 9 years, I acquired a few used ones of the auction site. Added 8 grams of lead tape to handle, then a leather grip on top and an overgrip. Static weight is at 12 oz and about 6 points HL. Loving it.
CiscoPC600
Hall of Fame
I was able to trade for two v8 blades 18x20; I’ll post a picture of the collection soon.
CiscoPC600
Hall of Fame
V8 (2021-23); V7 (2019-21); V6 (2016-19); V4 (2012-15)
Blade_X
Professional
which string do you use?
V8 (2021-23); V7 (2019-21); V6 (2016-19); V4 (2012-15)
CiscoPC600
Hall of Fame
Luxilon Element @ 50 LBS.
But, I bought a reel of ALU Power while it was on sale. I’ll probably end up cutting out a ton given my 18x20 pattern but it’s fine.
Blade_X
Professional
Alu power is my go to on 18x20 Blades and 4G on 16x19.
CiscoPC600
Hall of Fame
Yeah, makes sense. Honestly, any Lux string works on the blades.
Element is my go-to one because it pops right around the 2.5 weeks mark. I’ll probably string ALU Power at 45LBS for the rest of the winter to help with it from feeling so tight after losing elasticity.
AleYeah
Rookie
Brief follow-up... you were spot on about the feel of the non-CV version. This is an amazing racquet. Thanks again.
Stringwise I've been experimenting a bit. Current setup is Gamma Synthetic Gut mains and Pro's Pro Red Devil crosses. I have an ancient drop weight stringer, so I don't trust the poundage entirely, but I shoot for something like 60lbs on the mains/55 on the crosses.
Ombudsman
Rookie
Hello everyone.
I’m the owner of 2 Blade 100 v8s. The first racquet is near perfect stock 320g/320SW and around 4pts HL strung with X1, O-dampner, and thin overgrip. Really enjoy playing with this racquet but I’ve had honeymoon periods previously.
The second, purchased separately and setup in exactly the same way, weighs 318g and the balance is pretty similar, but the SW is super low @300. That seems wildly out of spec. Anyone experience this with the Blade? Seems this one’s a lemon as, using the customization tool, I don’t think I can match the SW without increasing static weight and balance more than I’d like.
Suggestions?
TIA
I’m the owner of 2 Blade 100 v8s. The first racquet is near perfect stock 320g/320SW and around 4pts HL strung with X1, O-dampner, and thin overgrip. Really enjoy playing with this racquet but I’ve had honeymoon periods previously.
The second, purchased separately and setup in exactly the same way, weighs 318g and the balance is pretty similar, but the SW is super low @300. That seems wildly out of spec. Anyone experience this with the Blade? Seems this one’s a lemon as, using the customization tool, I don’t think I can match the SW without increasing static weight and balance more than I’d like.
Suggestions?
TIA
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Ah yes, yet another post reminding me of why I only buy via matching service if I'm at all serious about a frame.
Ombudsman
Rookie
Starting to feel that way. Should stay with TW or my local vs the interwebs.
Geoff
Hall of Fame
The v8 grommets will fit if you want all black grommets
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
Hey guys, so I got a 2015 98 18x20 blade (new). I have 2 used ones as well. This new one doesn’t not have the amplifeel black strips along the handle, so I thought it was fake. But feel and spec wise feels legit. I would assume it’s fake or did they release 2015 versions without amplifeel?
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
I think some retailers in Europe re-released it a while back if I recall, and maybe they didn’t use the amplifeel?
Roquestil
Semi-Pro
That makes sense since I bought it while I was in Europe few months ago. I assume it’s legit then. The giveaway is that solid 2015 feel counterfeits could never have. Thanks
