Which Wilson Blade?

[ronanvenkat]

I'm trying to decide which Wilson Blade to get. I demoed the v8 16x19 and enjoyed it, although it felt heavier than what I usually use. I think I'd get used to the weight quickly though. I've heard good things about the 18x20 models and the v5, so I'm considering those. I've also demoed the Head Radical MP and liked it, but I think I prefer the Blade.

I currently play with a stock Pure Aero using Hyper-G. I'd self-rate as a 4.0 NTRP, but I'm honestly not really sure as I've mainly played high school tennis (where ratings were minimally discussed). I tend to generate a lot of spin but less power with the Aero (I use a semi-western grip). When I tried the Blade, I was hitting flatter shots and this continued to when I went back to the Aero, but since then I've shifted back into overly spinny shots. I think I prefer and gravitate toward a playstyle with somewhat flatter shots (still with spin), but the Aero makes that difficult. I'd also like somewhat more control on my shots than what the Aero provides. What do you think?

 

[Leen]

Ezone or Pure Strike fits your description of less spin focused but still spin capable and more control.

 

[janelgreo]

Super interesting you say the Blade v8 16x19 feels heavier than the Pure Aero, the Pure Aero spec wise if on-spec is about the same weight but a higher Swing Weight which would equal a heavier feeling racquet.

The EZone is almost the same exact specs as the Blade v8 and the Pure Strike has a much higher SW than the blade but closer to the Pure Aero.

My suggestion, either the Pure Aero VS or the new Pure Aeros. The new Pure Aeros are apparently denser in the center which equals less power and more control but still able to get good power and massive top spin. Also doesn't hurt to try the Pure Strike as well.

 

[ronanvenkat]

I tried the Pure Strike and preferred the Blade. Maybe I'll demo the Ezone. Wouldn't another Pure Aero not be very conducive to hitting flatter?

 

[janelgreo]

I tried the Pure Strike and preferred the Blade. Maybe I'll demo the Ezone. Wouldn't another Pure Aero not be very conducive to hitting flatter?

Hitting "flatter" is more technique, the racquet doesn't change the way you hit if you have your technique down. See Alcaraz and Rune, they use the Pure Aero VS and they can hit mighty flat when they want to, even Felix uses a Pure Aero and can hit flat when he wants. More examples, look at Federer who uses a Pro Staff which is known as a precision/control racquet and he can hit heavy top spin when he needs, Berretini who has monster strokes uses a Head Extreme which is their "spin" line and hits massive flat forehands.

I have a feeling with the Pure Aero it's a mental thing for you instead of technique, since you seemed to be able to hit flat with the Blade just fine.

 

[DJTaurus]

If you want to be the best sitting duck V8 and V7 are the best. If you want to attack with control try blade v4,v5 or even v6.

 

[Deleted member 775108]

I'm trying to decide which Wilson Blade to get. I demoed the v8 16x19 and enjoyed it, although it felt heavier than what I usually use. I think I'd get used to the weight quickly though. I've heard good things about the 18x20 models and the v5, so I'm considering those. I've also demoed the Head Radical MP and liked it, but I think I prefer the Blade.

I currently play with a stock Pure Aero using Hyper-G. I'd self-rate as a 4.0 NTRP, but I'm honestly not really sure as I've mainly played high school tennis (where ratings were minimally discussed). I tend to generate a lot of spin but less power with the Aero (I use a semi-western grip). When I tried the Blade, I was hitting flatter shots and this continued to when I went back to the Aero, but since then I've shifted back into overly spinny shots. I think I prefer and gravitate toward a playstyle with somewhat flatter shots (still with spin), but the Aero makes that difficult. I'd also like somewhat more control on my shots than what the Aero provides. What do you think?

Try the new PA 2023 - lower power and launch angle in my experience.

 

[ronanvenkat]

I have a feeling with the Pure Aero it's a mental thing for you where you instead of technique, since you seemed to be able to hit flat with the Blade just fine.

Yeah, you might be right. Do you think I could improve control and power by leading up my current racket?

 

[janelgreo]

Yeah, you might be right. Do you think I could improve control and power by leading up my current racket?

No, just repetition. Hit some YouTube vids to hit flatter shots and just do that, don't go so far under the ball and swing across your body is the general consensus. Try it out and see before spending $250 on a racquet! Or maybe even spend $70-$100 for a tennis pro to see your swing and help you consistently hit flatter.

 

[maromad89]

I tried the Pure Strike and preferred the Blade. Maybe I'll demo the Ezone. Wouldn't another Pure Aero not be very conducive to hitting flatter?

What did you prefer from the Blade that you felt was better than the Strike? (going down a similar path, but have not tried these racquets, so very interested to know).

 

[ronanvenkat]

What did you prefer from the Blade that you felt was better than the Strike? (going down a similar path, but have not tried these racquets, so very interested to know).

I thought I was able to hit with more control. I also just preferred the feel of the Blade. They're pretty similar rackets, so maybe try demoing them?

 

[jimmy8]

I have a blade v8 16x19, mine weighs 301 grams unstrung. The swing weight was way too high for me so I put lead in the throat nearer to the grip and it's better now. (i used to use the head graphene 360+ prestige pro and that had lower swing weight) i use tourna big hitter silver 1.25 in the main 48 lbs, head velocity natural 1.30 in the cross 52 lbs. I tried some other strings, but this hybrid works fantastic on my blade. My blade is my 2nd favorite racket. My 1st is Head Graphene 360+ Prestige S. It's more maneuverable than my blade.

 

[TennisHound]

Try the new PA 2023 - lower power and launch angle in my experience.

Yep X2

 

[ChanterRacquet]

I found the v8 Blade 98’s too head light and not well balanced (vs say a Pro Staff which has good balance for still being very head light). The Blade 100 and 100L are balanced better and hit very heavy balls with good control. So, surprised to hear you think your Aero is lower swingweight. It’s a regular Aero (not “Team” etc)?

The only racquets that come close to the blade in my mind are the Extreme Tour and CX 200. New Aero and Extreme MP are intriguing, but largely unavailable as of yet.

 

[Hansen]

Yeah, you might be right. Do you think I could improve control and power by leading up my current racket?

if you want a new racquet that is more control oriented than the pa and you like the blade than there is no reason to try other sticks. blades are a best seller for a reason. i personally would recommend the v7 because it is comfortable but still has enough power and the 16x19 pattern is contol oriented enough in comparison to other 16x19 frames. but always demo first.