The Official 18x20 String Pattern Club

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Head

PT630 x 2 (Shadow Font & Star Trek Font)
Pro Tour 2.0
RT630 Zebra x2
RT630 Candycane x 2
RT630 Bumblebee
Prestige Pro (Gen1/TXP)
Prestige Tour 600
iPrestige Mid & MP
LM Prestige Mid
LM Prestige MP x 2
Youtek IG Prestige Mid (Pro Stock)
Youtek IG Prestige MP
Youtek Radical MP
iRadical MP x 2
LM Radical MP

Angell

TC95 63RA x 2 (330g/ 305mm) - Modified
TC97 330g/ 310mm - Modified

Tecnifibre

TFight 315 Limited (2013) x 3
TFight DC 315 LTD

Volkl

PB10 MP
BB DC Melbourne

Prince

Phantom Pro 93P

Wilson

Six.One 95 (2014)
Ultra Tour x 2
Blade 98 (2015)
Blade 98 (Pro Stock - nBlade with 2013 Paint job)

I think I have a problem... :oops: :rolleyes::laughing:
 
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jdeloach

jdeloach

Hall of Fame
Tfight 315 Ltd (2013)
Head Youtek IG Prestige MP
Head Youtek IG Prestige 25th Anniversary
Head Graphene 360+ Prestige MP
Head PT280 (MIA)
Babolat Pure Strike (2017)

What I really love about the TFight is it is based on PT630/280 mold but I can customize it to exactly what specs I want.
 
djNEiGht

djNEiGht

Legend
Happy Sunday. Count me in

Angell TC97
Head iPrestige MP
Head Radical MP Trisys 260
Head IGYT Prestige MP
Head iRadical MP
Head Microgel Prestige MP
Head Microgel Prestige Mid
PK Redondo Type C MP
Prince 93p
Technifibre TF40 305
Technifibre tFight Ltd DC 315
Wilson Ultra Tour
Wilson BLX Blade Mid
Wilson v7 Blade MP
 
J

JustTennis76

Hall of Fame
Currently using Youtek Prestige Pro but strongly considering switching back to Flexpoint Prestige MP.
I have previously used these to a great extent

Wilson BLX 6.1 95
Wilson Blade 98(2013)
Youtek Prestige Mid
Youtek Prestige MP

I thought about selling my flexpoints but going to keep them and give it the gut/poly treatment with lead tape.
I also have a couple of blade 2015 rackets as well that I am going to string with Babolat Origin and test it out.
 
MRfStop

MRfStop

Hall of Fame
Here’s mine:
Wilson Ultra Tour (blacked out gloss)
Wilson KBlade 98 18x20 with Blade V7 gloss
Head PT280 DIA
PT57A with Microgel Prestige pj
Head YouTek Speed MP TGK263.2
 
U

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
James Gibson said:
Wilson Blade 98 18x20, does anyone here have any thoughts on the feel, control, ball pocketing, I'm all about the mentioned..
Click to expand...

This frame is excellent with control, the 16x19 will give you better ball pocketing and if you are looking for feel you may want to use gut mains. Pro Staff has much more feel.
 
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J

James Gibson

New User
Hi thanks for the reply, the ball pocketing this would have a lot to do with the string a soft multifilament main Babolat origin or natural gut, or maybe xone biaphase?

In terms of feel, I agree I use RF97 A, looking for something a little lighter with the same hefty swingweight
 
U

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
James Gibson said:
It was more so I was asking about the frame feel and mechanics, thoughts on this?
Click to expand...

That frame is great for players that swing a ton. Mid 40’s to low 50’s full poly. Collegiate players I have worked with thrive with this frame. More flexible control frame than the RF97 for instance.
 
J

James Gibson

New User
I assume you are talking about the blade not the RF, I can generate pace when needed but I am more about flatter mechanics with depth, thoughts on this game style re the blade?
 
Unforgiven79

Unforgiven79

Semi-Pro
You may add me to the bunch!
First attempt a few years ago with Wilson Six.One 18x20 was by chance and unprofitable (looking for a backup for my 16x19, I had not noticed the different pattern, and went a few weeks wondering why the backup felt stiffer... doh!).
Then I experimented (messed up with) with a GrapheneXT Presige MP and learned that ball placement may allow you to win the match... never gone back since, I now use a Blade 18x20.
 
max

max

Legend
I'm a trial member. Been getting into the 93P but coronavirus stopped play. I recognize instantly the greater precision. But wondering if the tradeoff is a good one: I appreciate my 98 sqinch 16 x 19 as being having a higher launch angle and fewer balls in the net, and the arcing helps keep the ball from running deep.
 
max

max

Legend
James Gibson said:
Wilson Blade 98 18x20, does anyone here have any thoughts on the feel, control, ball pocketing, I'm all about the mentioned..
Click to expand...

I never buy Wilson because I've had health problems/injuries from them. Poor QC, too. But yeah a big marketing presence!
 
J

James Gibson

New User
Interesting feedback, how do you find the blade 18x20 v7, good for feel, control, good amount of heft re the swingweight? I assume also this would suit a flatter mechanics game style to hit through the court with good depth, obviously generating your own pace? Do I assume correct?
 
U

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
James Gibson said:
Interesting feedback, how do you find the blade 18x20 v7, good for feel, control, good amount of heft re the swingweight? I assume also this would suit a flatter mechanics game style to hit through the court with good depth, obviously generating your own pace? Do I assume correct?
Click to expand...

It is a definite players frame.
 
J

James Gibson

New User
I realise this, but I'm thinking due to the tighter string pattern it would allow my game style to hit more freely, cutting back on my errors due to the lower launch angle..
 
D

Deleted member 768841

Guest
James Gibson said:
Interesting feedback, how do you find the blade 18x20 v7, good for feel, control, good amount of heft re the swingweight? I assume also this would suit a flatter mechanics game style to hit through the court with good depth, obviously generating your own pace? Do I assume correct?
Click to expand...
I love hitting on an eastern grip with my blade 18/20, feel like I can really hit flat and have a laser beam of a racquet.
 
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USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
James Gibson said:
I realise this, but I'm thinking due to the tighter string pattern it would allow my game style to hit more freely, cutting back on my errors due to the lower launch angle..
Click to expand...

The biggest benefit of playing with an 18x20 is control. Your also going to work a good bit harder to generate spin and hit with depth if you are accustomed to playing with a 16x19 or 16x18. Playing with a much lower tension helps. I go back and forth from the RF97 and the Wilson 6.1 95 18x20. The RF97 provides easy power and spin while the Wilson 6.1 18x20 have to work harder for power, spin and depth but feel like with the 18x20 have control of the ball. The RF 97 string at 58/55 with VS 1.30/ BHBZ 1.25 and the 18x20 I string at 46lbs with full poly. The Blade 18x20 is similar.
For us to claim what you will be able to do with a Blade 18x20 would be a guess. Don’t know your level and never seen you hit a ball. Your best bet is Demo and see what happens.
 
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J

James Gibson

New User
I already hit with some good depth between the service line and baseline, closer to the baseline though, pushing through the court, I would like to lower my error count, when I say this small margin for error, just missing by an inch to just going in by an inch or so, thoughts?
 
U

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Xx
James Gibson said:
I already hit with some good depth between the service line and baseline, closer to the baseline though, pushing through the court, I would like to lower my error count, when I say this small margin for error, just missing by an inch to just going in by an inch or so, thoughts?
Click to expand...

If you are only missing by an inch I would use the geometry of the court, a little more spin, and play open tournaments for money. If you can hit your spots within an inch that is world class.
 
J

James Gibson

New User
My mechanics don't lend itself to generate huge amounts of spin, I can generate it though, I must say having this style your footwork needs to be on, otherwise you will miss, same as my partner if they don't move their feet, they will be in trouble
 
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F

flat_pace

New User
Better late than never

Head Flexpoint Prestige Mid
Head Microgel Prestige Mp
Head Youtek Prestige Mp
Head Youtek Prestige Mid
Head Youtek IG Prestige Mp
Head Youtek IG Prestige Mid
Head Youtek IG Radical Mp

Soon adding,

Wilson BLX six.one 95 18x20
Wilson six.one 95 18x20

Sent from my Redmi Note 7 using Tapatalk
 
J

James Gibson

New User
Nice, I'm old school, quite compact stroke mechanics, flat,deep with good pace, what do you believe in the newer models would suit our game style? The blade 18x20 is my newest racquet of choice of I have been an advocate of the RF97 Auto I have a few of them, beautiful frames to play with..
 
Pitti

Pitti

Rookie
I just own two racquets: A nCode Wilson 6.1 95 Team that I leaned to play with and a Wilson Ultra Tour that I bought a couple of years ago when I took up tennis again. I grew on a 18x20 and my game is "made" for that pattern!
 
J

James Gibson

New User
So you would also be a flatter, deep with good pace hitter like me the 18x20 with a lower launch angle will allow to hit out through the court lessening your errors really maximising your game potential, I have always used 16x19 patterns, have that sneaky 18x20 now, looking forward to really opening up and hitting with it very soon, you're thoughts?
 
Pitti

Pitti

Rookie
James Gibson said:
So you would also be a flatter, deep with good pace hitter like me the 18x20 with a lower launch angle will allow to hit out through the court lessening your errors really maximising your game potential, I have always used 16x19 patterns, have that sneaky 18x20 now, looking forward to really opening up and hitting with it very soon, you're thoughts?
Click to expand...

I hit flatter shots. I use a forehand grip that is in between a semi western and an eastern (depending on the height of the ball), and I also hit a 1hbh. I play close to the baseline and step into the court whenever I can. I'm not a tall guy, so with my grip I don't want the ball to rise very high. I also try to reach the net whenever I can, and try to chip and charge on the second serves of my opponent.

18X20 is a great pattern. The launch angle is lower than with the 16x19, and the power is slightly lower. In exchange, you can (and should) drop the tension a bit to compensate. Spin is a matter of technique. It's true that you lose some spin (specially on serves), but I can hit some good spin with my ultra tour by using a bit of wrist movement at the end of my forehand shot. Also, I can place much better my serves with a 18x20. They're not very powerful, but they make my rival run and move. If you have never used a 18x20, it can take a little bit of time to get used to it. But it will give you a great directional control (you will feel that you can put the ball wherever you can) and also the confidence for crashing the ball with all you got. Another 18x20 advantage is that strings last more time.

Open patterns can be fun. But tight ones are more reliable. Try it for some time, and tell us back what you think of it. But if you hit flatter shots instead of loopy topspin ones, I'm sure you won't regret trying it.
 
F

flat_pace

New User
James Gibson said:
Nice, I'm old school, quite compact stroke mechanics, flat,deep with good pace, what do you believe in the newer models would suit our game style? The blade 18x20 is my newest racquet of choice of I have been an advocate of the RF97 Auto I have a few of them, beautiful frames to play with..
Click to expand...

You could have a look at the new Tecnifibre XTC line. Lots of positive reviews on the board.

Not sure if i can recommend the new prestige line with Head having gone off specs with both Mid (16x19pattern 10gm lighter) or MP(98sq in headsize and 20mm beam); positive reviews for those too. Even though i would love to see Head go back to 18x20 for the Mid while keeping the 93sq in headsize. Game is evolving and i guess Head needs to keep up with the times.

I personally don't prefer anything over 95. The Wilsone Six.One line interests me as it has a heavier static weight and also a beefier swingweight. Would be interesting to hit with it and compare results with my current sticks.
 
D

Deleted member 768841

Guest
I’ve been switching, I’ve got 2 racquets that are 18/20

Blade v7 18/20
Gravity Pro
 
J

James Gibson

New User
How do you find the blade 18x20, curious what tension have you strung it at? Have read might be worthwhile dropping tension to give a little power, I'm all about precision,control feel, I know it's lower powered, I can generate my own solid pace when needed..my flat deep game style..been using the RF97 Auto for a couple of years, beautiful frames to play with a solid swingweight this is what I prefer, the swingweight on the blade after a demo caught my eye being very similar to the RF.. thoughts on all this please
 
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