Wilson Blade Pro 16x19 vs Wilson RF97 (is there really no existing thread on this already?!)

T

TurkeySandwichOnRye

Rookie
I currently use a Wilson Blade v7 18x20, but have in past played with the Wilson Six One 95 in various iterations. I was considering going back to my Six One for a slightly more powerful and crisp feeling frame, but thought to consider more current offerings comparable to my old Six One 95s. Hence, I have discovered the RF97 and Blade Pro 16x19 options.

Understandingly, these two racquets are different in their weight placement (Blade has weight in hoop, RF has weight in handle). My current two racquets listed above are similar in that regard and I have always fluctuated between which I prefer. I've always appreciated hoop mass when serving and returning, but enjoy handle mass when volleying (easier to move racquet-head in quick reactions) and for my one hand backhand. Hoops mass helps me drive the ball more and handle mass helps me whip more spin... give and take...

So, if I am looking for a slightly more powerful and crisp feeling racquet, how do these two options compare (Blade Pro vs RF97)? Which one is easier to wield over the course of a 3 set match? Which serves better? Which is more controlled? Power? Softness vs crisp? Etc. I am not a highly technical person so forgive my ignorance here. I also understand the answers here may just boil down to "it depends, try them for yourself" -- which I accept.

Thanks experts.
 
If you want modern and "crisp", get the RF97

If you want older school feel that packs a wallop, get the blade pro. But prepare to tailweight it some!
 
Fintft said:
BP v8 16x19 stock, no need to tailweight. And I played 7 years with RF97A.
Click to expand...
I agree there's no "need" to tailweight. But if he's going after the the old six.one feel, I think some tailweight helps. Otherwise it's not dissimilar to the Blade.

I played the RF97 for years (former 6.0 85 user). Blade Pro felt ever so slightly clubbish, but definitely packs a wallop. RF97 has that stiffer crisper feel that I think is the closest to the "modern" feeling without being overly muted. To contrast, the Babolat Pure Strike is the epitome of muteness. The Blade Pro feels way better than other modern frames. I think the Ultra Pro and Blade Pro are in a league of their own in terms of feeling.
 
bet-at-home-open-2013-semi-finals.jpg

Fed with the H22
 
My previous racquet of choice was the Blade V7 18x20. Love everything about it other than it lacked put away power. Currently playing with the Blade Pro 16x19, problem solved. I was lucky enough to find a matched pair with a 332-333 swing weight. The Blade Pro does everything the V7 Blade 18x20 does, just a lot better. The feel is amazing, with plow & power to back it up. I string with a crisp poly at 48 lbs, loving this racquet. You can tail weight a little and add an over grip if you like. But not really needed, the head heavy balance of racquet is part of its magic.
 
Last edited:
wilson.samuelt said:
I currently use a Wilson Blade v7 18x20, but have in past played with the Wilson Six One 95 in various iterations. I was considering going back to my Six One for a slightly more powerful and crisp feeling frame, but thought to consider more current offerings comparable to my old Six One 95s. Hence, I have discovered the RF97 and Blade Pro 16x19 options.

Understandingly, these two racquets are different in their weight placement (Blade has weight in hoop, RF has weight in handle). My current two racquets listed above are similar in that regard and I have always fluctuated between which I prefer. I've always appreciated hoop mass when serving and returning, but enjoy handle mass when volleying (easier to move racquet-head in quick reactions) and for my one hand backhand. Hoops mass helps me drive the ball more and handle mass helps me whip more spin... give and take...

So, if I am looking for a slightly more powerful and crisp feeling racquet, how do these two options compare (Blade Pro vs RF97)? Which one is easier to wield over the course of a 3 set match? Which serves better? Which is more controlled? Power? Softness vs crisp? Etc. I am not a highly technical person so forgive my ignorance here. I also understand the answers here may just boil down to "it depends, try them for yourself" -- which I accept.

Thanks experts.
Click to expand...
You can go longer with lighter weight regardless of balance.
 
Soundbyte said:
I agree there's no "need" to tailweight. But if he's going after the the old six.one feel, I think some tailweight helps. Otherwise it's not dissimilar to the Blade.

I played the RF97 for years (former 6.0 85 user). Blade Pro felt ever so slightly clubbish, but definitely packs a wallop. RF97 has that stiffer crisper feel that I think is the closest to the "modern" feeling without being overly muted. To contrast, the Babolat Pure Strike is the epitome of muteness. The Blade Pro feels way better than other modern frames. I think the Ultra Pro and Blade Pro are in a league of their own in terms of feeling.
Click to expand...
I also played with 6.1 95 and RF97A and I am not nostalgic...
I don't think that v8 of BP is clubish, but that's just me.
 
Wilson samulet- if you still like the feel of the six one go with the pro staff. Either rf97 or ps97. They have aramid in their layup just like the six one. Nothing is like it when you are swinging all out it has that nice crack to it. Since you are playing with the retail blades I think rf/ps97 will be an easier transition. I think they swing through the air and maneuver similar to the retail blade.

I was a long time six one 95 user and now with the blade pro. It has more power than other 98 sq in racquets on the market. I say it has similar power to the head speed series (graphene and newer). The trade off is that it is slightly slower to maneuver. I wouldn’t say “sluggish” but it takes arm strength. It has great feel and plow through. As others say there’s nothing like it on the market.
 
KC! said:
My previous racquet of choice was the Blade V7 18x20. Love everything about it other than it lacked put away power. Currently playing with the Blade Pro 16x19, problem solved. I was lucky enough to find a matched pair with a 332-333 swing weight. The Blade Pro does everything the V7 Blade 18x20 does, just a lot better. The feel is amazing, with plow & power to back it up. I string with a crisp poly at 48 lbs, loving this racquet. You can tail weight a little and add an over grip if you like. But not really needed, the head heavy balance of racquet is part of its magic.
Click to expand...

This is what I wanted to hear. My sentiments exactly on the v7 18x20.

Now I just went to Wilson's website and looked for the v8 pro 16x19 and there are no more 4 3/8 grip sizes in stock. lol
 
wilson.samuelt said:
This is what I wanted to hear. My sentiments exactly on the v7 18x20.

Now I just went to Wilson's website and looked for the v8 pro 16x19 and there are no more 4 3/8 grip sizes in stock. lol
Click to expand...
A lot of people order 3-5 racquets and then measure specs and swing weight when they get them.
Wilson has 30 day return policy, so you ship back what you don't like.
Because unstrung swing weight can vary between 300-315 on average.....
I'm nomally a 4 3/8 grip and I'm a 4 1/2 with blade pro, grip seems slimmer that comes on it.
And if you add leather grip it will be slimmer too.
 
Blade Pro users who played with RF97 and Wilson Six One, do you like to the Blade Pro better with the 16 X 19 pattern or the 18 X 20?
How is the the 16 X 19 for serving compared to the RF97 and Six One?
Can you thump forehands with the BP 16 X 19 like you can with the RF97 and Six One?
Do you think the 16 X 19 BP is better than the RF97 and Six One? Why?
Thanks!!!
 
I haven't used the BP, but I know the RF and 6.1 95 well. There's 35g between them, so at first I would think the BP needs some customisation. On the other hand, I have always wondered what an RF or 6.1 would be like if I found a rather headlight version like 31.25cm strung, and then I removed the leather grip for 2 OGs and saved 12g and 0.75cm balance or so. An RF at 348g, 32cm balance could be very interesting. Pretty hard to test that out though I suppose.
 
Personally, as someone who used to use the RF. I suggest, go stock 97 and customize accordingly. I have 3 frames with tail weight. But now use 3 frames with head weight which I appreciate more. I do have 1 frame that’s similar to RF in static weight but balanced with adding lead on both head and tail
 
Downtheline1 said:
Blade Pro users who played with RF97 and Wilson Six One, do you like to the Blade Pro better with the 16 X 19 pattern or the 18 X 20?

16X19
How is the the 16 X 19 for serving compared to the RF97 and Six One?

Can't remember, but maybe better with BP v8

Can you thump forehands with the BP 16 X 19 like you can with the RF97 and Six One?

Even more so.

Do you think the 16 X 19 BP is better than the RF97 and Six One? Why?

A marvel of engineering, very easy to swing, once you start it. Plus the feel.

Thanks!!!
Click to expand...
 
I went to the blade v5 after rf97. People mentioning lack of put away power, obv at such a low sw. Modded it to around 336 sw and it’s sweet. Much more control, feels nice with crisp poly and quicker through the air
 
I’ll pick a couple up this spring when I start playing again.

Already dropped loot this year on 2x custom Clash 98 v2 blackouts (weighted up) which have been fun as my first tweener experiment

ready to move back to firmer sticks
 
Downtheline1 said:
Blade Pro users who played with RF97 and Wilson Six One, do you like to the Blade Pro better with the 16 X 19 pattern or the 18 X 20?
How is the the 16 X 19 for serving compared to the RF97 and Six One?
Can you thump forehands with the BP 16 X 19 like you can with the RF97 and Six One?
Do you think the 16 X 19 BP is better than the RF97 and Six One? Why?
Thanks!!!
Click to expand...

Long time user of the six one 18x20. Briefly played the pro staff 97 (not rf) I went with the BP 16M because I wanted more forgiveness and spin. Have not tried the 18m BP. The trajectory of the BP is different than the six one and pro staff.

I think my ideal frame is a BP mold with the braided graphite aramid layup.

BP isn’t as quick on serves. With the six one and PS97swinging quicker through the air I find it easier to serve with those.
 
I have played both frames (PS as 315gr & RF) extensively and I wouldn't see them as comparable honestly.

The PS is rather a classic players racket, you can generate a lot of whip thanks to the headlight setup, but it is very low powered and not too spinny.
I mainly struggle with hitting through opponents here, the defending is actually quite fine, because slices are really really neat.
This is the best racket for slice and dice - serve & volley - just the fine kind of tennis one would expect from a RF racket.

The BP 16x19 is super powerful, rather head heavy in comparison and an absolute sledgehammer in most QC specs.
You can hit every shot, generate spin, but also easily overhit and it isn't a maneuverable stick to say the least.
I also wouldn't tailweight, because it comes pretty hefty already - unless you are lucky to get some light ones. When you beef it up to static 320ish, I think it will become really cumbersome to swing in the long run.
But overall this is the prototype of a modern players racket, you need to swing aggressive and fast to reap the benefit.

So PS to BP only if you want to embrace that kind of heavy hitting baseline tennis, then obviously the BP is for you. But better defending with a sledgehammer like that?
It definitely needs some force to generate force and will also be pretty demanding ;)
 
New V8 Blade Pro is softer and easier to us than the RF97. The RF is real demanding and you can feel it if you are mishitting. The BP 16x19 I play stock as well. I tried it with putty in the handle and it is nice but I want my frames lighter than that. To get the frame balanced to 5pts HL, it will most likely weigh around 335 or so. In stock form with a OG it is more like 328 and 3 pts HL.

So the thing is having an idea of the specs that you prefer. If you want a more HL frame, than the BP is probably not going to be your thing unless you don't mind a 340+ gram racquet with a SW that is probably 335.. For the next few weeks I will be playing the BP in stock form against the Ez98 and new Pure Aero 98. I am just going to keep them all either stock or barely tweaked and see what fits my game the most.

The Blade Pro has the best feel of any racquet I own. It is not crisp like a modern babolat or ezone, but you can feel the vibrations when you hit the ball (in a good way). Its more of a soft, thuddy frame that allows you to pocket the ball and feel it nice and clean on contact. It is not muted so you have complete control on contact. The RF97 is a crisper frame that is firm and feels more like a classic Wilson frame. The Blade Pro feels like a classic Head frame. Serving with the Blade Pro is more demanding due to the balance of it, but it is capable of unleashing bombs. So that will be up to you and your style of serving.
 
yourtennisfit said:
So PS to BP only if you want to embrace that kind of heavy hitting baseline tennis, then obviously the BP is for you. But better defending with a sledgehammer like that?
It definitely needs some force to generate force and will also be pretty demanding ;)
Click to expand...
That said, you have players like Nicolas Mahut who went from the 6.0 95 to H22 16x19 and he's mainly a serve/volley/touch focused doubles player so it's probably versatile enough beyond baseline bashing
 
aus89 said:
That said, you have players like Nicolas Mahut who went from the 6.0 95 to H22 16x19 and he's mainly a serve/volley/touch focused doubles player so it's probably versatile enough beyond baseline bashing
Click to expand...

True, but I doubt that Nicolas Mahut is comparable to any player on TT. I mean Djokovic plays best defense ever with a 95 sq inch 18x19 racket - still average Joe won't do that.
 
Power Player said:
New V8 Blade Pro is softer and easier to us than the RF97. The RF is real demanding and you can feel it if you are mishitting. The BP 16x19 I play stock as well. I tried it with putty in the handle and it is nice but I want my frames lighter than that. To get the frame balanced to 5pts HL, it will most likely weigh around 335 or so. In stock form with a OG it is more like 328 and 3 pts HL.

So the thing is having an idea of the specs that you prefer. If you want a more HL frame, than the BP is probably not going to be your thing unless you don't mind a 340+ gram racquet with a SW that is probably 335.. For the next few weeks I will be playing the BP in stock form against the Ez98 and new Pure Aero 98. I am just going to keep them all either stock or barely tweaked and see what fits my game the most.

The Blade Pro has the best feel of any racquet I own. It is not crisp like a modern babolat or ezone, but you can feel the vibrations when you hit the ball (in a good way). Its more of a soft, thuddy frame that allows you to pocket the ball and feel it nice and clean on contact. It is not muted so you have complete control on contact. The RF97 is a crisper frame that is firm and feels more like a classic Wilson frame. The Blade Pro feels like a classic Head frame. Serving with the Blade Pro is more demanding due to the balance of it, but it is capable of unleashing bombs. So that will be up to you and your style of serving.
Click to expand...
How is your experience vs PA98? I got BP18 (coming from EZ Tour and RF), and I really want to make BP my main.

1. Serving is easier when I just swing it loose, but I lost the flat bombs from EZT. Do you have tips?

2. I tried 4g at 12, 4g at 6, and 10g of coin in handle --> really solid feel but become heavy after 2 hours (all forehands went long because late timing). Then put off the lead at 6, but the balls are very inconsistent. Tried 4g at 10, 4g at 2, and 10g of coin in handle, will hit tomorrow. If it is too sluggish, I will try only tailweighting, but last time playing with many leads on BP hoop gave me "tip awareness" and "thuddyness"
How do you customize BP? I also prefer stock rackets but if I have to customize I will.
 
yourtennisfit said:
I have played both frames (PS as 315gr & RF) extensively and I wouldn't see them as comparable honestly.

The PS is rather a classic players racket, you can generate a lot of whip thanks to the headlight setup, but it is very low powered and not too spinny.
I mainly struggle with hitting through opponents here, the defending is actually quite fine, because slices are really really neat.
This is the best racket for slice and dice - serve & volley - just the fine kind of tennis one would expect from a RF racket.

The BP 16x19 is super powerful, rather head heavy in comparison and an absolute sledgehammer in most QC specs.
You can hit every shot, generate spin, but also easily overhit and it isn't a maneuverable stick to say the least.
I also wouldn't tailweight, because it comes pretty hefty already - unless you are lucky to get some light ones. When you beef it up to static 320ish, I think it will become really cumbersome to swing in the long run.
But overall this is the prototype of a modern players racket, you need to swing aggressive and fast to reap the benefit.

So PS to BP only if you want to embrace that kind of heavy hitting baseline tennis, then obviously the BP is for you. But better defending with a sledgehammer like that?
It definitely needs some force to generate force and will also be pretty demanding ;)
Click to expand...
Do you have tips for overhitting with these kinds of racket? It is precisely my problem with weighted BP
 
Perhaps a stupid question , but I do not see a blade ‘pro’ version on TW, which racket is meant, with what specs, where to find??
 
tophersuwita said:
Do you have tips for overhitting with these kinds of racket? It is precisely my problem with weighted BP
Click to expand...
I used to have gut/poly in RF97 but in blade pro it’s uncontrollable. You need to have a stiff low powered poly in BP to compensate for the power.
 
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