Aestheticsaboveallelse
Legend
Why is the team V8 so much cheaper than regular blade v8 doesn't it still have the v8 technologies? Its like $140 for a team v8 vs $230 for a regular v8... Can't find much about it on google search
Wilson Blade Team V8? What is this?
- Thread starter Aestheticsaboveallelse
- Start date
TennisHound
Legend
I’ve use one as a regular racquet (with weight added). It’s a stiffer lighter (9.8oz) version of the Steam 99. It doesn’t have the iridescent paint of the other Blades, but has a matte green black. It played well with weight added the length of the headguard.
Aestheticsaboveallelse
Legend
Then why is it a blade v8? It should be more like a normal blade v8 than a steam 99 surely?
TennisHound
Legend
There used to be a Blade Team 99 (V6 Countervail paint) that weighed 10.8 and was a stiffer Steam 99, and they made the Blade Team Lite, which is what you see today. Wilson dropped the Team 99 and farmed out the Lite to stores like *****. IMO the Team Lite (with weight) plays better than the heavier Team 99
Aestheticsaboveallelse
Legend
So is it just a steam with a v8 paintjob or does it actually have some v8 tech?
TennisHound
Legend
Nope. No tech.
Aestheticsaboveallelse
Legend
Damn thats a scam I ordered one thinking I was gonna get the v8 feel with a 1 sq in larger headsize much lighter and different string pattern. Will refund if its not very goodNope. No tech.
TennisHound
Legend
Its light. Too light for me without adding weight to it. But now that I have, it hits well, but it's not for everyone. I play 4.5 usta with it and have won some tough matches with it.
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TennisHound
Legend
If you add lead to the top, I would suggest putting it on the hoop instead of under the headguard (like I did). Then if you decide to return it, it won’t be a pain taking it off.
Mine are around 11oz strung, with weight, overgrip, and dampener. I’ve tried heavier grips, but I ended up with the stock.
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Aestheticsaboveallelse
Legend
Okay just got mine and happy to say I completely disagree. It has that unique feel that only blades have and I tried a steam 99s in the past it definitely felt nothing like that. I've also demo'd regular blade v8s and this has a similar feel. They must've at least thrown the blade v8 carbon handle tech in there or something. This thing is a v8 + steam hybrid definitely has that extra steam style spin.Nope. No tech.
I love it, such good controlled pop on slices like a normal v8, great topspin for kick serves etc. its a keeper
TennisHound
Legend
That's awesome, I agree, its got pop for sure. I played about 4 sets of doubles this evening and was just as fresh with it in the third and fourth sets. With a heavier racquet, I would've been late on everything and spraying balls everywhere.
I've tried going back to my Pure Drive, but the Blade Team is just too good and maneuverable, especially on hard fast balls, and stretch volleys, as well as serves
TennisHound
Legend
Here’s my current bag:
TennisHound
Legend
I’m using the V8 practically 100% of the time. The added weight up top and slightly heavier grip, gets so much more force and punch through the court. With the added weight the V8 is right around 11.25oz vs the V7s are right at 10.9 - 11.0oz. I have another V8 on the way. I got it new for $110, lol
kreative
Hall of Fame
Is it stiffer than the other Blades? Still arm friendly?
TennisHound
Legend
Stiffer but arm friendly. Feels pretty dampened.
TennisHound
Legend
So, coming up on two years with the Blade Team. Happy to say it still clicks all the boxes. I haven’t stayed with a racquet this long since the Head Youtek and IG PMP. I tried a leather grip, but went back to stock and have it at 11.1oz with everything (lead around the headguard and two extra 4” strips at 12.
curtstead
Professional
Hey @TennisHound I just pm'd you on this, but I'll post in the thread as well. You can find the Blade Team at a seriously discounted price at many different retailers. This stick has seriously caught my eye with customization potential. I'm really enjoying the Blade 100 v8 right now with just a leather grip and OG. 4.0 all court player, somewhere between eastern and sw fh, and OHBH. Just want to get thoughts on what works well on this stick. As much as I am liking the Blade 100 overall, and this could be totally placebo, but I just know my OHBH would appreciate the tiny reduction of head size. Prestige MP-L swings easier on the OHBH for me than the Blade 100, for example. Only one sq in difference between those, although balance could play a part as well.
I like Prince's 16x18 patterns, wonder if the Blade Team's is the same or similar? Can you flatten out with the Team, or is it much more open than that where you have to play with more spin, etc. Just curious on thoughts overall on the stick. Can't find much in terms of swingweight, just trying to get an idea on how much customization would be needed.
Really enjoying my time with the Blade line now after not liking the V8 98 at all. Hope the Team is a true diamond in the rough with customization, just like how I feel the Blade 100 v8 is also a hidden gem.
I like Prince's 16x18 patterns, wonder if the Blade Team's is the same or similar? Can you flatten out with the Team, or is it much more open than that where you have to play with more spin, etc. Just curious on thoughts overall on the stick. Can't find much in terms of swingweight, just trying to get an idea on how much customization would be needed.
Really enjoying my time with the Blade line now after not liking the V8 98 at all. Hope the Team is a true diamond in the rough with customization, just like how I feel the Blade 100 v8 is also a hidden gem.
TennisHound
Legend
Finally got back to answering you. The Blade Team has clicked all the boxes for me - fast, accepts weight really well, excellent string pattern (fairly tight), has more power than 98”, easy to hit hard serves with virtually no shoulder stress. And heavier grips along with weight around the headguard adds decent stability. I think this 16x18 is slightly tighter than the Prince.
