Wilson Pro Labs: Blade Pro Official Thread

[neunelf]

first time in court with new bp v9 16x19. Weigth is 1,9g higher that my trusted weapon, strings are same….but still it feels heavier. Played doubles 1h and then changed racket. Looking both side to side noticed a difference in length, appx 3-4mm, ie about 1/8inch. Ok, this is easy to fix but never met this before.
Edit: there was a marker under cap which is correct length, but still it was cut a bit off. Interesting.

 

[FrankyRelax]

Not sure if this has been said here already but just found out that the v9 grommets weigh about 1.5-2g more than the V8 grommets. So if you are looking to get some swing weight down that's a good place

 

[WillGinRVA]

Not sure if this has been said here already but just found out that the v9 grommets weigh about 1.5-2g more than the V8 grommets. So if you are looking to get some swing weight down that's a good place

Nice, thanks for sharing that. Is it safe to assume the V8 grommets fit the V9?

 

[FrankyRelax]

Nice, thanks for sharing that. Is it safe to assume the V8 grommets fit the V9?

Yes they do

 

[Crozzer95]

Correct. Same mould different paint on these.

Grommets are interchangeable and I've tested this myself.

 

[jsm1373]

Just had v9 grommets installed on a v8 BP 16x19, stringer said it was tricker than some sets but works AOK

 

[jsm1373]

Been wondering if the BP is foam filled like the ProStaffs I grew up playing - read posts where some said yes, others no. Felt like was filled it from my unscientific knocking a knuckle against the throat of a BP and normal Blade but wasn't sure...
Until yesterday when I broke a frame for the first time in 15ish years - and can now absolutely definitively say that the hoop near 3/9 IS foam filled (at least on the V9 18x20 example I split in two yesterday).
At least my rage contributed to "science" and greater knowledge for all haha

 

[CiscoPC600]

Been wondering if the BP is foam filled like the ProStaffs I grew up playing - read posts where some said yes, others no. Felt like was filled it from my unscientific knocking a knuckle against the throat of a BP and normal Blade but wasn't sure...
Until yesterday when I broke a frame for the first time in 15ish years - and can now absolutely definitively say that the hoop near 3/9 IS foam filled (at least on the V9 18x20 example I split in two yesterday).
At least my rage contributed to "science" and greater knowledge for all haha

No picture?

 

[jsm1373]

No picture?

Nope, was too mad at the time - it went into a dumpster before heading home - realized this morning I shoulda taken a pic. It appeared to be the same tan/beige stuff seen in Wilson handles under the buttcap

 

[CiscoPC600]

You should break another one and post a pic so that we can believe you.

 

[jsm1373]

You should break another one and post a pic so that we can believe you.

Guess we live in a pics or didn't happen world haha. Didn't sacrifice another, just dug this one out of the trash

https://imgur.com/a/bD6iuNq

https://imgur.com/a/bD6iuNq

 

[Hesi]

Finally measured both of my blade pro 98 rackets that were purchased separately with no matching. Closer than I expected, especially given that one of them "feels" pretty different from the other (I can 100% pick out which one is which when playing).

Strung, with 2 overgrips, and a dampener:
1. 336.0g Static / 325mm balance / 344g Swing Weight
2. 338.5g Static / 323mm balance / 343 Swing Weight

Numbers-wise, I feel fortunate I guess.

 

[EGT]

Finally measured both of my blade pro 98 rackets that were purchased separately with no matching. Closer than I expected, especially given that one of them "feels" pretty different from the other (I can 100% pick out which one is which when playing).

Strung, with 2 overgrips, and a dampener:
1. 336.0g Static / 325mm balance / 344g Swing Weight
2. 338.5g Static / 323mm balance / 343 Swing Weight

Numbers-wise, I feel fortunate I guess.

What is the exact difference in feel? Stiffness?

 

[Hesi]

What is the exact difference in feel? Stiffness?

I'm sometimes pretty bad at translating my feelings into words but it's been the feeling at impact. So maybe related to stiffness? When hitting the ball, one has a more solid feel/sensation. My friend (English is like his 4th language though) who was also able to identify which is which said one felt more "thunk" and the other felt more "thwack" lol.

 

[chapmpe]

How does everyone feel these swing compared to swingweight? Mine are matched a 10.7/5pt hl/306sw unstrung and on my ohbh they can feel a little slow to come through. Have played with a rf before and with they being more headlight maybe that was less of an issue, and maybe a bit of age catching up!

 

[TwinCinema]

How does everyone feel these swing compared to swingweight? Mine are matched a 10.7/5pt hl/306sw unstrung and on my ohbh they can feel a little slow to come through. Have played with a rf before and with they being more headlight maybe that was less of an issue, and maybe a bit of age catching up!

Maybe because of the beam shape it comes through a little slower. My BP has the same SW as my Rafalito (both are ~335) but the Rafalito swings much easier. Aeros are more aerodynamic by design, while the Blade is built for stability and plow. Just means earlier prep for me.

 

[EGT]

I'm sometimes pretty bad at translating my feelings into words but it's been the feeling at impact. So maybe related to stiffness? When hitting the ball, one has a more solid feel/sensation. My friend (English is like his 4th language though) who was also able to identify which is which said one felt more "thunk" and the other felt more "thwack" lol.

Exactly the same string and the same lbs?

 

[Hesi]

Exactly the same string and the same lbs?

Yup, setup totally the same. String, grips, dampener. Which is why I thought the measureables would be a little more different prior to getting the rackets measured.

 

[einca13]

Would a retail V9 BP 16x19 play similar to a 16x19 H22 (V9 paint and drill pattern) assuming similar specs and stiffness?

I have heard even though they are the same mold, the pro stocks are still slightly different.

 

[MSUspartans]

In my opinion, the feel is generally the same. However, if you get an H22 with a wildly different spec than the Pro, you're experience could be different. Both are generally great frames.

 

[einca13]

In my opinion, the feel is generally the same. However, if you get an H22 with a wildly different spec than the Pro, you're experience could be different. Both are generally great frames.

Thanks. I have a pro stock 16x19 H22 and having trouble finding another one, so I figured it may be easier to match a BP. My H22 plays at 335g, 32.5, 334sw with a 58 RA. A BP near those specs shouldn’t be too hard to find I guess, just wanted make sure even at the same spec they wouldn’t be dramatically different.

 

[MSUspartans]

Thanks. I have a pro stock 16x19 H22 and having trouble finding another one, so I figured it may be easier to match a BP. My H22 plays at 335g, 32.5, 334sw with a 58 RA. A BP near those specs shouldn’t be too hard to find I guess, just wanted make sure even at the same spec they wouldn’t be dramatically different.

I've played extensively with the BP 16x19, 18x20, and Pro Stock H22 18x20. I've settled on the BP 16x19. All are great frames.

 

[einca13]

I've played extensively with the BP 16x19, 18x20, and Pro Stock H22 18x20. I've settled on the BP 16x19. All are great frames.

Good to hear. Other than the obvious differences in the string pattern, did they play pretty much interchangeably?

 

[MSUspartans]

Good to hear. Other than the obvious differences in the string pattern, did they play pretty much interchangeably?

In my experience, yes. My H22s are slightly more flexible and have roughly 10pts less swing weight. The feel is generally the same. Amazing mold

 

[einca13]

In my experience, yes. My H22s are slightly more flexible and have roughly 10pts less swing weight. The feel is generally the same. Amazing mold

Appreciate it. Looks like I will go the BP route as finding another pro stock H22 to match the one I have has proven difficult.

 

[jsm1373]

In my experience, yes. My H22s are slightly more flexible and have roughly 10pts less swing weight. The feel is generally the same. Amazing mold

Same here. I've played with three different H22s over the years, one extensively and have used the BP as a teaching pro and for fun since summer.
The retail layup feels stiffer than the prostock version(s) but coming from a prostaff background, for me a higher ra is better. Obviously another's mileage will vary.
Are they qualitatively better, as in build quality, fit & finish etc? not that I can detect. Seems to me more/less flexible is subjective.
To say one is magic and the other cheap retail trash I find inaccurate.

 

[onehandbh]

Finally measured both of my blade pro 98 rackets that were purchased separately with no matching. Closer than I expected, especially given that one of them "feels" pretty different from the other (I can 100% pick out which one is which when playing).

Strung, with 2 overgrips, and a dampener:
1. 336.0g Static / 325mm balance / 344g Swing Weight
2. 338.5g Static / 323mm balance / 343 Swing Weight

Numbers-wise, I feel fortunate I guess.

Did you replace the stock grip with a leather grip?

My Blade Pro v8 18x20 with a Fairway leather grip, 1 overgrip and strung, weighs 338g. (17 guage string at 44 lbs)

 

[Hesi]

Did you replace the stock grip with a leather grip?

My Blade Pro v8 18x20 with a Fairway leather grip, 1 overgrip and strung, weighs 338g. (17 guage string at 44 lbs)

Nah, I tried leather once but I figured out right away that I like the idea of a leather grip more than actually having one. I guess other than the 2 overgrips, string, and dampener, I also have one of those rubber overgrip bands too.

 

[WillGinRVA]

It seems like online retailers are getting to low stock, and are out of some grip sizes. More so for the 16x19 than the 18x20. Is there a new V10 for the Pro coming soon?

 

[dgoran]

I have my blade pro18x20 L3 listed if anyone wants…

 

[jlouie]

It seems like online retailers are getting to low stock, and are out of some grip sizes. More so for the 16x19 than the 18x20. Is there a new V10 for the Pro coming soon?

It goes in and out regularly. The Blade v10 isn't even expected until Q2 of next year.

 

[WillGinRVA]

In case anyone is wondering, I removed the grommets and bumper from my new V9 18x20, in order to put in the V7/V8 equivalent that I had ordered from Wilson directly. It reduced the swingweight a little over 10 points.

The V9 grommets and bumper weighed 21.83 grams.
The V7 grommets and bumper weighed 17.41 grams. (I have two sets, both are same)

The effect on the specs of the racquet were this:

V9 grommets
Briffidi Swingweight: 301.3
Briffidi Twistweight: 12.3
Weight: 305.7 grams
Balance: 32.0 cm

V7 grommets
Briffidi Swingweight: 291.0
Briffidi Twistweight: 11.9
Weight: 301.2 grams
Balance: 31.5 cm

 

[EGT]

In case anyone is wondering, I removed the grommets and bumper from my new V9 18x20, in order to put in the V7/V8 equivalent that I had ordered from Wilson directly. It reduced the swingweight a little over 10 points.

The V9 grommets and bumper weighed 21.83 grams.
The V7 grommets and bumper weighed 17.41 grams. (I have two sets, both are same)

The effect on the specs of the racquet were this:

V9 grommets
Briffidi Swingweight: 301.3
Briffidi Twistweight: 12.3
Weight: 305.7 grams
Balance: 32.0 cm

V7 grommets
Briffidi Swingweight: 291.0
Briffidi Twistweight: 11.9
Weight: 301.2 grams
Balance: 31.5 cm

Interesting! I did exactly the same way on my V9BP, but only reduced 6-7 swing weight. Could you send some pictures?

 

[EGT]

	"SW Weight(kg.cm2)"	"NetWeight(g)"
BP with V9 Grommet	300kg.cm2	308.2g
BP with V8 Grommet	294kg.cm2	305.5g
Difference	6kg.cm2	2.7g
V9 Grommet	/	20.9g
V8 Grommet	/	18.2g

 

[WillGinRVA]

I just finished hitting with a Blade V9 16x19 and a Blade Pro V9 16x19, with the same strings, Velocity at 55 lbs. Same stock grips with the same overgrip. And wow, hitting with the regular Blade V9 felt like I was hitting the ball with a pillow. No idea where on the string bed I was hitting with. I think I'm going to stick with the Pro. Now I just need to decide on 16x19 vs 18x20.

 

[Hesi]

	"SW Weight(kg.cm2)"	"NetWeight(g)"
BP with V9 Grommet	300kg.cm2	308.2g
BP with V8 Grommet	294kg.cm2	305.5g
Difference	6kg.cm2	2.7g
V9 Grommet	/	20.9g
V8 Grommet	/	18.2g

I'm going to try this 'mod'. Was the SW drop noticeable for you? Or not enough to feel it?

 

[EGT]

I'm going to try this 'mod'. Was the SW drop noticeable for you? Or not enough to feel it?

6 is big enough for me to notice : )

 

[Addxyz]

I guess the question would be if you take the grommets out of a v7 and a v8, are the frames significantly different weight then?

 

[FrankyRelax]

I guess the question would be if you take the grommets out of a v7 and a v8, are the frames significantly different weight then?

I only have one v7 but yes I think the consensus is that v7BPs came in at higher swing weights than v8s.

 

[MSUspartans]

If it's worth it to anyone, I also swapped my v9s with v7 grommets and it reduced the swing weight down 5 points. Worth it.

 

[Addxyz]

How do the BPs play at 325SW or lower?

 

[MSUspartans]

How do the BPs play at 325SW or lower?

Relatively the same but now I'm more comfortable swinging freely for longer. I used to get tired towards the end of matches. Maybe it's placebo but I feel like the reduction helps.

 

[EGT]

How do the BPs play at 325SW or lower?

That's my swing weight spec! Sometimes with 1.20 or 1.15 Hyper G can reach the SW322, pretty enjoying it, tons of power and control, speedy enough to grab the ball in, and absolutely best feeling frame in the world!

 

[MSUspartans]

Does anyone have issues with the 16x19 eating through strings relatively quick? I've been trying a number of different setups and around 5-6 hours I get a noticeable tension dip.

 

[AgressiveBaseliner89]

У кого-нибудь есть проблемы с тем, что струны 16x19 довольно быстро перетираются? Я пробовал разные варианты, и примерно через 5-6 часов натяжение заметно падает.

Тry to increase gauge

 

[Hesi]

Does anyone have issues with the 16x19 eating through strings relatively quick? I've been trying a number of different setups and around 5-6 hours I get a noticeable tension dip.

My own setup Mach-10/Wasabi-X seems to lose playability pretty quickly but I'm not sure if it's more string or racket related.

 

[chapmpe]

That's my swing weight spec! Sometimes with 1.20 or 1.15 Hyper G can reach the SW322, pretty enjoying it, tons of power and control, speedy enough to grab the ball in, and absolutely best feeling frame in the world!

how did you get some with such a low sw? mine are 306 unstrung and that is about as light as i could consistently get ordering a heap off wilson and then asking the TW MRT service.

 

[MSUspartans]

how did you get some with such a low sw? mine are 306 unstrung and that is about as light as i could consistently get ordering a heap off wilson and then asking the TW MRT service.

Swap the grommets and guard for the v8 set. Reduces swing weight by 5pts. Worked for me

 

[Sopot]

Swap the grommets and guard for the v8 set. Reduces swing weight by 5pts. Worked for me

Where I can find the v8 set?

 

[jlouie]

Where I can find the v8 set?

If you're in the US, Wilson website. TW started selling the V9 ones earlier this year.