Did you do any customization? What balance do you like on this frame?
They’re only different bc of the grommet staples btw. But V8 grommets fit the V9. In fact at least through the beginning of the summer they were only selling V8 grommets for both versions so if you broke a staple you were SOL. I don’t know if they have new grommets now, I sold my blade pro around then.
What is a grommet staple?
The neon green grommets on the top corners of the racquet. They're designed to pop out and allow you to remove the bumper w/o taking off the entire top grommet. For example, it allows for easier customization under the bumper.
I just found a spec I personally love - the weight for me is 310G unstrung, 32.5 CM and 305 SW - this is all unstrung. For me it is perfect.
Layup is the same and v-7 through v-9 all play the same. It does seem like Wilson got a little better control of the process center on swingweight. V-7’s were mostly pushing 340+ strung where v-8/9 seem to be 330-336 more often.
Is your Blade Pro a 16x19 or 18x20?
It was a 16x19.
You say that the Blade Pro has less control than the Pro Staff 97 V14. Do you think it's because of the string pattern? I can't think of any other reason for that.
That's my assertion.
No. See image below. Regular Blade 98 on the left, Blade Pro on the right. The crosses on the Pro are more spaced out as you get closer to the top and throat. Look at where the top and bottom cross are relative to the frame on each racquet.
100% agree with this although I still like the BP more.
I would definitely take a Pro Staff with the Blade Pro layup.
I'm actually really surprised to hear that. Perhaps it's because the radical pro has a tighter string pattern. I would imagine the open 16x19 string pattern in the Blade Pro would be fantastic for one-handed topspin backhands.
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Slices are a dream and cut extremely well. Maybe I need to adjust to it more and tinker with strings.
I look forward to it. Right after Sectionals are over.
In stock form, I'd go with the 18x20 BP or 18x20 blade over the 16x19 BP V9.
I've been playing with the PS97 since its debut in 2015. Currently playing with the V14 with silicone in the handle and lead at 12oclock. I could write a book on that racket. If I were to give the BP a try. I'd add silicone in the handle and lead to 3&9. I would expect the 16x19 to offer more spin and power compared to the 18x20.
Any chance you are late in both cases? Instead of weight in the head try some small weight in the buttcap for either racket. The blade has a heavier balance in the head than the PS and can be harder to get around.
18x20 patterns don't grab the ball very well. Perhaps your strokes are just not compatible with that type of pattern. Unless your racket head speed is always high and your stroke mechanics is more vertical "brushing up the ball" you'll sail balls long with denser patterns sometimes. Another factor to consider is whether or not you got a Blade Pro with a substantially higher swingweight. That would cause balls to sail long as well. For what it's worth. I played with a Blade Pro V9 16x19 set up the same way as my V14's and thought my V14's offered more power.
I bought the BP 16x19 and couldn't get on with it. It feels quite heavy compared to the 18x20 and less predictable.
Nice, thanks for the response - i asked because was curious whether your preference for the 18 20 had any possible relevance for me, but don’t think it really does given that I have a semi western/western forehand which is quite wristy, am very much a baseline grinder/counterpuncher, and have a flat two handed backhand. So basically about as different as it gets!
