My Blades are dying...possible replacements?

R

Robert F

Hall of Fame
The last several years I have been playing with the Blade 16x19 v6.5 and v7. Prior to that the v5. Had to leave those behind when I ran out of bumper guards.
Unfortunately, with lots of use one of my v6.5 cracked and just recently my other v6.5 butt cap came off with part of the pallet stuck in the butt cap. Never had that happen, but it spent many hours on the court and served me well.

My v7s are still in decent shape, but wondering if I should go to some v8 while cheaper? v9? Or try the Blade Pro 16x19?

Reading some ofthe Blade Pro threads, seems it is a way different racquet, which seems odd since the specs aren't that far off per TW stats. Also the string patterns are different.

When I've tried racquets outside of the Blade they often seem to pingy or too lively.
 
J

jimmy8

G.O.A.T.
I owned a blade 98 v8 16x19 for a while. It was not maneuverable and not stable. I put some lead tape in the throat near the handle and that made it maneuverable, but even less stable. My v8 was 301g unstrung, unmodified. It was 302g modified.

I currently own a blade 98 v9 16x19. It is very stable and very maneuverable with no mods. It is 307g unstrung. I love the v9, it is amazing!

Another racket you might try is the ultra pro v4 16x19.
 
R

Robert F

Hall of Fame
jimmy8 said:
I owned a blade 98 v8 16x19 for a while. It was not maneuverable and not stable. I put some lead tape in the throat near the handle and that made it maneuverable, but even less stable. My v8 was 301g unstrung, unmodified. It was 302g modified.

I currently own a blade 98 v9 16x19. It is very stable and very maneuverable with no mods. It is 307g unstrung. I love the v9, it is amazing!

Another racket you might try is the ultra pro v4 16x19.
Click to expand...
How would you characterize the Ultra Pro in comparison to V9 or Problade?
 
T

Trip

Legend
v9 Blade is widely regarded to be at least a moderate improvement over the v8, mainly because the average stock spec is a bit higher, so if you could justify the difference in cost, I would try the v9 straight away.

Beyond the Blade, if you find yourself craving something that hits a bit more firm, the Solinco WhiteOut 18x20 would definitely be a frame to checkout. Another one to check out, provided the more rectangular grip shape isn't too off-putting would be the Tecnifibre TF40 305 16x19 (with a bit of lead at 12, 9 and 3, or 10 and 2, to raise swing weight). Both the WO and TF40 are foam-filled frames, which will feel extra stable/solid for their given weight, and a bit dampened, but still nice and direct feel. If you like that overall combo, either one could be a nice switch from the Blade.
 
E

eric42

Semi-Pro
Robert F said:
Reading some ofthe Blade Pro threads, seems it is a way different racquet, which seems odd since the specs aren't that far off per TW stats.
Click to expand...
Yep way different even if similar on paper. The stiffness ratings have no correlation to the actual feel, which is much stiffer feeling for the Pro. The Pro also has very little vibration dampening and a much more raw direct feel than the newer gen damped out Blades. The Pro is also significantly more powerful. Totally different racquets. Sounds like you should really stay with the regular Blade line, but if you want to try something different, the Percept line might work for you. They have a nice feel, but do have a little more pop than the regular Blade 98.
 
CosmosMpower

CosmosMpower

Hall of Fame
V9 feels pretty stiff compared to v7 and v8. If you like the v5 you may like the v9 but it gave me horrible tennis elbow for the first time ever
 
R

Robert F

Hall of Fame
eric42 said:
Yep way different even if similar on paper. The stiffness ratings have no correlation to the actual feel, which is much stiffer feeling for the Pro. The Pro also has very little vibration dampening and a much more raw direct feel than the newer gen damped out Blades. The Pro is also significantly more powerful. Totally different racquets. Sounds like you should really stay with the regular Blade line, but if you want to try something different, the Percept line might work for you. They have a nice feel, but do have a little more pop than the regular Blade 98.
Click to expand...
Does the improved feel have a more Pingy/Vibration feel or just better sense of the ball, feel of pocketing?
 
E

eric42

Semi-Pro
Robert F said:
Does the improved feel have a more Pingy/Vibration feel or just better sense of the ball, feel of pocketing?
Click to expand...
Pro has more ping/vibration. Also less ball pocketing/dwell time because of the stiffer frame. Feel is subjective of course and just depends on what you like. Too bad only pro stock Blades fit perfectly in between - nice soft feel, good ball pocketing, but also not as vague, mushy, and rubbery feeling as the new gen regular retail Blades.
 
C

coolbh6

Guest
Robert F said:
The last several years I have been playing with the Blade 16x19 v6.5 and v7. Prior to that the v5. Had to leave those behind when I ran out of bumper guards.
Unfortunately, with lots of use one of my v6.5 cracked and just recently my other v6.5 butt cap came off with part of the pallet stuck in the butt cap. Never had that happen, but it spent many hours on the court and served me well.

My v7s are still in decent shape, but wondering if I should go to some v8 while cheaper? v9? Or try the Blade Pro 16x19?

Reading some ofthe Blade Pro threads, seems it is a way different racquet, which seems odd since the specs aren't that far off per TW stats. Also the string patterns are different.

When I've tried racquets outside of the Blade they often seem to pingy or too lively.
Click to expand...

Just FYI - the Blade V8 bumper guards (just the bumperguard, will work from V5-V9) work for the Blade V5 and the others you mention.

Stick with the Blades. Nothing else can compare for a Blade user... you will travel the world and come back anyway.
 
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SpheresAreNeato

SpheresAreNeato

New User
dr. godmode said:
My friend, open-level women's player, went from 16M v7 Blade to 18m Whiteout. She used the v6 CV prior but moved to v7 for comfort issues.
Click to expand...
I’m getting the 18x20 demo tomorrow along with the 16x19 again, which I demoed before, and liked very much. I’ve been playing just over a year and one of these will be my first two-racquet purchase ever, to use when I start competing.
Thanks for introducing me to the WO.
 
E

eric42

Semi-Pro
Robert F said:
This is money. Maybe time to bring back my V5.
Click to expand...
IMO the V5 is the best version of all of them. You can get V5 16x19 grommet/bumper sets on the bay for $30+. I use 5" long pieces of strategically placed head tape to protect the bumper in the small area that I tend to scrape, and replace the tape every couple of times I play with the racquet. Doesn't add too much weight unlike taping the whole upper hoop and the bumper will practically last forever.
 
Y

Yamin

Hall of Fame
The v9 blade has a different weight distribution than the tip heavy config I'm used to out of a blade, but the blade pro also has had it's weight adjusted. They're very similar in weight distribution now (16x19 BP vs. 18x20 v9). Choice between BP and Blade comes mostly down to if you want a traditional racket with good feel or something with Forty Five in it.

Feel blows on the v9 and shape is very limited but it has better control on volleys than versions since v7. Weight distribution is similar, the difference is just some weight lower in the handle vs. lower in the hoop. Both seem to have higher concentrations of weight in upper handle for this gen.

BP is very good but doesn't have the tip heaviness I was looking for. Also not sure if the 16x19 is giving me much compared to if I went 18x20.

I'm still on 18x20 v7, and am leaning toward the blade pro as it gives better shape (but neither are close to v7 blades in spin and shape).
 
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T

Trip

Legend
Yamin said:
BP is very good but doesn't have the tip heaviness I was looking for. Also not sure if the 16x19 is giving me much compared to if I went 18x20.
Click to expand...
I'm honestly curious: if a 305g layup with an average strung SW of 337 (per TW advertised specs) doesn't give you enough tip heavyness, might the 341SW BP 18x20? Or are you looking for even more? Or does it have less to do with swing weight as an indicator of tip weight, and just mass distribution in general?
 
Y

Yamin

Hall of Fame
Trip said:
I'm honestly curious: if a 305g layup with an average strung SW of 337 (per TW advertised specs) doesn't give you enough tip heavyness, might the 341SW BP 18x20? Or are you looking for even more? Or does it have less to do with swing weight as an indicator of tip weight, and just mass distribution in general?
Click to expand...
The BP I have in hand is 16x19 and feels kind of evenly distributed. I like rackets that have tip weight that pulls you into the court, while being maneuverable. Usually on polarized rackets with that static weight around 330sw is enough. These v9/ newest blade pro have some weight lower in the racket than past gens.

I think wilson may be differentiating mass distribution a bit more between their 16x19 and 18x20 on the blade and blade pros (not just adding an extra string). There's a big difference in the 16x19 blade v9 vs the 18x20.

Blade Pro does a really good job of feeling hefty for its weight but still being maneuverable.
 
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T

Trip

Legend
Yamin said:
The BP I have in hand is 16x19 and feels kind of evenly distributed. I like rackets that have tip weight that pulls you into the court, while being maneuverable. Usually on polarized rackets with that static weight around 330sw is enough. These v9/ newest blade pro have some weight lower in the racket than past gens.

I think wilson may be differentiating mass distribution a bit more between their 16x19 and 18x20 on the blade and blade pros (not just adding an extra string). There's a big difference in the 16x19 blade v9 vs the 18x20.

Blade Pro does a really good job of feeling hefty for its weight but still being maneuverable.
Click to expand...
Very interesting. Sounds like I might actually like a BP v9, and now that TW is finally retailing them, I'll only have to spend $30 to get them matched to spec, as opposed to $2600 for 10 from Wilson direct (who, AFAIK anyways, lack any kind of matching service in the direct-to-consumer channel), in hopes of getting 2 that are anywhere in the realm of one another, let alone adherent to advertised spec.
 
A

AA7

Hall of Fame
Robert F said:
Lot of people giving this racquet some love. What do you like that it does better than the Blade?
Click to expand...
I am not sure if it’s better. I played with v7 18m for a long time. Fantastic racket. One of the best for me… I think WO has more spin and more free power (easier to defend a little bit) and more forgiving if you are lazy on the foot work. To me easier to play blade basically. I am not saying it’s better but if you want to go to something new that’s a very good contender. WO 18m is also a tremendously well designed racket. Generous sweet spot (to me bigger than ez98 that I am maining for the last 2.5 years) and very stable. Serves have ton of pop and slices are very effective and deep.. I don’t know. I can’t really find many faults.. it has more than enough spin… just have to commit and get used to how it swings and behaves at every situation if I wanted to switch to it. Basically that would be the only racket I would consider at the moment.
 
C

coolbh6

Guest
Robert F said:
Lot of people giving this racquet some love. What do you like that it does better than the Blade?
Click to expand...

Lot of people on this thread probably ;). Solinco is heavily pushing this racket a lot to its players and stringers. Roman Prokes also helped in development. Its a decent racquet if anything a little bland feeling - stiffer typically comes with more power and spin. IMHO It cant touch many generations of Blades, but with enough effort, spec selection, string selection, practise and player quality - any racket can be better than any other racket.
 
D

Dadof2wildmonkeys

New User
Trip said:
Very interesting. Sounds like I might actually like a BP v9, and now that TW is finally retailing them, I'll only have to spend $30 to get them matched to spec, as opposed to $2600 for 10 from Wilson direct (who, AFAIK anyways, lack any kind of matching service in the direct-to-consumer channel), in hopes of getting 2 that are anywhere in the realm of one another, let alone adherent to advertised spec.
Click to expand...
I demoed BP 16/19 and was crazy impressed. A better and easier version of my RF97. I also demoed the blade 98 16/19 and blade 100. I think i will buy the 100, but might yolo and buy the BP too.
 
Blade_X

Blade_X

Professional
y0035215 said:
Have you also tried the WO18M?
Click to expand...
Only 16x19 version and felt very stiff and unbendable on the head area. So rigid of a frame. Good power but high SW. I prefer WO 290 version. They say 18x20 is more plush but haven’t tried it.
 
y0035215

y0035215

Rookie
Blade_X said:
Only 16x19 version and felt very stiff and unbendable on the head area. So rigid of a frame. Good power but high SW. I prefer WO 290 version. They say 18x20 is more plush but haven’t tried it.
Click to expand...
I have played both WO 16x19 and 18x20. Both are rigid. 16x19 was very powerful and uncontrollable for me. In contrast, 18x20 is much more controlled, but, as I said, a bit rigid. And I don't like the feeling of the swing or haven't been able to get used to it yet. Blade is 16x19 v9 feels better than WO?
 
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Blade_X

Blade_X

Professional
y0035215 said:
I have played both WO 16x19 and 18x20. Both are rigid. 16x19 was very powerful and uncontrollable for me. In contrast, 18x20 is much more controlled, but, as I said, a bit rigid. And I don't like the feeling of the swing or haven't been able to get used to it yet. Blade is 16x19 v9 feels better than WO?
Click to expand...
It’s more muted but more plush and easier to use. No issues with control and predictability.
 
C

coolbh6

Guest
Blade_X said:
Just demo V9. I switched from V5 :)
Click to expand...

I'd say the V9 is slightly easier to use with perfectly matched specs. But it also comes with a more muted/slightly sterile feel but feel is a partially negotiable item - via familiarity and string/dampener adjustments. Yes, has the Blade DNA and should slot in as a replacement for every Blade V5-V8 that preceded it. Considerably easier to use than every Blade before that which are more raw, direct, small grommet, pro-level 4.5+ player beasts. The current blades V8-V9 are so freaking easy to use.
 
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J

jerry.federer

New User
Went from a Blade v4 18X20 to a BP 16X19 v9. It depends on what you want out of the racket. I wanted a 16X19 to get easier access to spin and a little more forgiveness from my old blade.

Demoed the v9 16X19, thought it was overall quite good but lacked a little feeling at contact (more dampened but not as much as a v8). My only gripe was with the twist weight of the racket as it didn't feel as stable in the hoop unless I added a lot more weight.

The percept overall felt pretty good and stable in comparison to the v9. But the shape might need some time to get used to and it felt a little less powerful in comparison.

Blade Pro was quite amazing with the overall feel of the ball not as dampened as the v9 but felt very stable in the hoop. Lots of power for ground strokes and very stable for volleys. The racket does feel a little slower initially due to the shape compared to the blade but nothing you won't get used it. I did weight this up to 321 unstrung with 11 pts headlight. SW is around 335 ish after strings
 
Blade_X

Blade_X

Professional
jerry.federer said:
Went from a Blade v4 18X20 to a BP 16X19 v9. It depends on what you want out of the racket. I wanted a 16X19 to get easier access to spin and a little more forgiveness from my old blade.

Demoed the v9 16X19, thought it was overall quite good but lacked a little feeling at contact (more dampened but not as much as a v8). My only gripe was with the twist weight of the racket as it didn't feel as stable in the hoop unless I added a lot more weight.

The percept overall felt pretty good and stable in comparison to the v9. But the shape might need some time to get used to and it felt a little less powerful in comparison.

Blade Pro was quite amazing with the overall feel of the ball not as dampened as the v9 but felt very stable in the hoop. Lots of power for ground strokes and very stable for volleys. The racket does feel a little slower initially due to the shape compared to the blade but nothing you won't get used it. I did weight this up to 321 unstrung with 11 pts headlight. SW is around 335 ish after strings
Click to expand...
I demoed all the precepts. 97 310 great plush soft feel but underpowered. 97 heavy one great power level but difficult to swing. I enjoyed mostly percept 100 (100d no power to me)…. great power and ease of use but feel was kinda stiff compared to the rest of the line. I would also like it to be thinner. To my swing style all blade v9 line offers larger sweet spot and more free power. With a little bit lead at the head and SW at 320 you are good to go. V9 is more stable in stock form than v8 and the more firm feel gives it more control and better predictability.
 
E

eric42

Semi-Pro
Blade_X said:
I demoed all the precepts. 97 310 great plush soft feel but underpowered. 97 heavy one great power level but difficult to swing.
Click to expand...
Agree, but IMO the 310 in stock form is a little too light and benefits a lot from lead on the hoop for added plow power even without weighting it up all the way to 97H territory.
 
R

Robert F

Hall of Fame
Well now with the RF line out, I'm really confused as what racquet to get/try.
Still thinking:
Blade V9 16x19
Blade Pro V9 16x19
RF 01 Pro
RF 01

I wonder if the RF 01 would be too light and maybe the Blade Pro and RF01 Pro too hefty?
All these RF reviews look so enticing to try the RF01 Pro. Wish it was a narrowerer beam.
Would love your guys input.
 
TennisHound

TennisHound

Legend
At some point your gonna have to use lead to get these racquets where you want it. The retail racquets you buy are just a starting point. You will (most likely) find a two racquets that feel the same.
 
T

Trip

Legend
Robert F said:
Well now with the RF line out, I'm really confused as what racquet to get/try.
Still thinking:
Blade V9 16x19
Blade Pro V9 16x19
RF 01 Pro
RF 01

I wonder if the RF 01 would be too light and maybe the Blade Pro and RF01 Pro too hefty?
All these RF reviews look so enticing to try the RF01 Pro. Wish it was a narrowerer beam.
Would love your guys input.
Click to expand...
If you're used to the head-heaviness of the Blade, I'm pretty sure you won't find the RF01 to be your cup of tea, at least not the Pro, as you'll likely find it too statically heavy and head-light. The regular 300g RF01 with customization might stand a better chance for you, but even so, IMHO you'll still be left wanting for the narrower beam, sweet spot size and additional forgiveness you get with the Blade.

IMHO, you're better off trying the Blade Pro v9 16x19 before you go RF01.
 
J

JustTennis76

Hall of Fame
I have some blade V4 and a Kblade. They offer more feel than modern blades. You can find those on the big auction site, just have to keep looking. I also want to hear your hat modern rackets are similar to those older model blades. Have to try the Solinco WO sometime.
 
A

AmericanTwist

Professional
Choose on the basis of flex rating. You can always customize static weight and balance later. Can't go wrong with any Blade. I second previous posters on the ultra pro v3 or v4s. These are fantastic player frames which offer the meanest slice of any modern frame. If you like the v7 blade these are natural replacements.

While you are demo-ing, try the 2019, 2021, 2024 cx 200 tour 18x20s. These are great control frames. They are offered in 64, 63, 62, 65RA in stiffness. These 95s play like 97s as they are more rounded towards the top of the head.

I play with all 3 frames (blade, UP, CX200 Tour) but only pick 1 line to play with on any given day.
 
B

bee29

New User
AmericanTwist said:
Choose on the basis of flex rating. You can always customize static weight and balance later. Can't go wrong with any Blade. I second previous posters on the ultra pro v3 or v4s. These are fantastic player frames which offer the meanest slice of any modern frame. If you like the v7 blade these are natural replacements.

While you are demo-ing, try the 2019, 2021, 2024 cx 200 tour 18x20s. These are great control frames. They are offered in 64, 63, 62, 65RA in stiffness. These 95s play like 97s as they are more rounded towards the top of the head.

I play with all 3 frames (blade, UP, CX200 Tour) but only pick 1 line to play with on any given day.
Click to expand...
How similar are the Blade and UP? Which one do you like the most?
 
A

AmericanTwist

Professional
Blade has a more open string pattern and 1 square inch more hitting area. Technically, more foregiving than the UP while the latter offers the most piercing slice of any modern frame out there. That slice will be less apt to sit up or float up.... you know these kinds of balls if not struck well invite your opponent to hit winners if they can. I think if you are a 4.0+ NTRP player you should be able to play with a 95 square inch head so those same people should be able to play with the UP. If you want a slightly more open pattern you can go for the 16x19 or string the 18x20 lower. THe 16x19 requires a more stiff stringbed while the 18x20 one can install more kinds of string.

I like all three of them, and I play with all three of them. You can adjust string tension and string type to make them all play more similarly. You should try all three.
 
T

Trip

Legend
@AmericanTwist - What do think of the overall forgiveness and easy-of-playability of the 2024 CX 200 Tour 16x19 vs the Ultra Pro v4 16x19? Are they similar? Would you give the edge to either one perhaps?
 
Y

yourtennisfit

Professional
If you are a long time Blade user, get another Blade - nothing will feel like this line if you re switching
The v8 and v9 aren't too far apart - so if you get a decent deal on the predecessor, go for it.

In case you want to look for something new, which isn't too pingy as described, you might want to look into Tecnifibre's TF40s
low-powered, plush and with a very nice feel off the stringbed if you ask me :)
 
A

AmericanTwist

Professional
Trip - I've never hit with either 16x19 frame. The 2024 CX is 65RA and the UP V4 is 62RA. I would say the CX is roughly 1RA stiffer/higher in "power points" if you take head size into consideration if you use a linear relationship which, absent of bench testing, is the easiest quickest way to make a comparison. But really one should ask how well do I serve and how well do I return with each of these frames. The CX is 95, but plays like a 97 (to me anyhow). I would suggest trying the 18x20 versions too as slices will be much better when playing defense and offense. I would add weight to both too. The UP has 2 extra square inches over the CX but this added area is at the bottom of the head. How often do you hit balls there? The CX is slightly more open at the top of head potentially giving more spin and power on balls struck there. I think it is pretty much splitting hairs.

You can also think about what kind of strings you like to use. I can string the UP with any thing. But for the CX I prefer poly in the mains, and anything in the crosses (except multi which is not good value for me). I haven't tried gut/poly yet, however. I break a full bed syn gut 16 within a week of playing.
 
TennisManiac

TennisManiac

Hall of Fame
Yamin said:
BP is very good but doesn't have the tip heaviness I was looking for. Also not sure if the 16x19 is giving me much compared to if I went 18x20.
Click to expand...
Given that the BP has a lot of head heaviness. Where is the weight located if not in the tip?
 
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