Exactly.
I haven’t hit with the v10 blade but I’m a long time blade user. It seems like most updates to the line have been very subjective for quite a while. And I totally agree to take these reviews with a grain of salt (Prince ATS 98 cough, cough)
If this is really true (and I’m not saying it isn’t, I haven’t tried it) then this thread is a good 20 pages short of its counterparts V8 and V9 launch threads, and 60 pages short of the almighty V7 thread. V10 launched a mere 3 months ago, this thread should be beaming and it’s in racquets/2 most of the time. I think with blades everything has been invented at this point, if you want the most powerful iteration get V2, V3 or V6. If you want to destroy your arm get V4. For softness get V1 or V7, for the most raw connected feel get V5, for manageable SW get V8 and if you want a middle ground get V9. What does V10 add to the table other than an unnecessary mould change a la Radical? And this is coming from someone who loves the line and has played with blades all his life. If Wilson can’t convince (me) their public this is something worth trying rather than a simple refresh following two years having passed since the last release, then someone isn’t doing their job right.
This is because interest in the blade has been declining over time my friend. Not to say that it isn’t a great racquet, just that it isn’t as universally popular as it was, and Yonex and the PA98 options have grown in popularity.
This the rise of the modern power 98s means the decline of the control frames in terms of popularity.
A ton has been written about regular Blade vs. Blade Pro if you search. V10 is no different. Completely different racquets, both just happen to have the name Blade painted on them.
Yes I know l, have them in v9 cosmetic actually both version with 18x20 pattern, looking to add 16x19 for easier serve in long matches.
Yes very surprised too .. the blade 98 V 10 It's much better than that review
V10 Blade is still a Blade. V10 Blade Pro is still BP. Still the same huge difference between the two.
I would add the Blade v10. It has enough power. Different power from the Blade Pro. The Blade Pro is just on a different level. You cannot really compare them without doing injustice to either. If you can play with the heavy Blade Pro-it is better by far.
Can you elaborate more? Do you mean higher SW based power for BP vs more maneuverable higher racket speed for v10?
If you can measure the swingweight then the V10 will be fine, it feels slightly stiffer than the V9 imo, but my V10 18/20 felt anaemic to my V9 18/20 which I'm putting down to a much lower swingweight. Sadly couldn't measure both, but had noticeably less plow through.
Mass based power from the BP. It will not come around as easily as the standard Blade. On the other hand, if you are a Blade user and you have been searching this board and the internet for an increase in easy power, depth and smashing serves-you are in for a treat.
If you weight up regular Blade like BP, BP will still have more power because it has a thicker stiffer frame. Again the only reason to direct compare the two totally different frames is if you just want something with a Blade paint job.
Yes, ok good to know not very much changed with v10, so it will be BP.
Yep. Hit with the V10 today and I really like the feel and control. But it falls well short of the PA98 ('23) power. That said, if my PA98s ever start to destroy my arm out of the blue, I'd happily gear down to the Blade V10.
What's your swingweight and twistweight?
I bought mine used and it came strung with the holy grail. Alu power in mains and gut in crosses 24/25kg. That is the setup I based my initial opinion on. I didn’t like it and found the string bed too unpredictable.
No idea. Just stock.
what color and gauge of lynx tour?
You’re right. The gut was in the mains.what color and gauge of lynx tour?
the holy grail should be gut in the mains and alu rough in the crosses
I recommend a hybrid at low tension, circa 50. Go with a soft poly like Solinco Mach 10 and a nice multi. I like X-one Biphase.
Nice. I wanted to try the classic 4G combo with Blade. Pros go with Gut/4G. I'd try X1/4G or Velocity MLT/4G cause it's way cheaper.
My favorite setup so far has been VS Touch 1.25 mains and 4G 1.25 crosses. For me the gut adds a little more pop to what's not an overly powerful frame and for me it just seems to perform more consistent compared to a full bed of poly.
Very interesting thanks. The Blade has proven to be a little stiff and unforgiving for me. RPM Blast is definitely not a good choice for this frame. I'll try a multi mains and 4g crosses.
No weight added btw? Original syn grip?
If you like Blades go for it, it's an excellent iteration. If you generally prefer thicker and more forgiving frames maybe wait for the Python.
No weight added but using Head Prime Tour overgrip.
Python is not more forgiving than the B100P imo. I’ve tried both the P98 and P100 prototypes. I spent the last few weeks playing with the Blade 100 Pro and the biggest difference I can articulate is that the Steam mold rewards you when going for more penetrating balls(makes sense why it’s so popular in WTA) , whereas the P98/100 gives you more when you go for heavier topspin shots, especially the P100. The P98 especially had small sweetspot though at the lighter stock prototype specs and is more demanding stick overall than many would assume
Multi/poly isn’t quite the similar as gut/poly in performance from what I understand. But I haven’t done a side by side. Modern gut should be way more resilient and less sticky
Different strokes. I got 3 Blade 100 Pros to test. They are excellent especially if you like hitting through the court and values maneuverability
Agree 100%, and I’ve play extensively with all three.
