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Wilson Pro Labs: Blade Pro Official Thread
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tophersuwita
Rookie
Guys how do you customize your BP? I just discovered a whole new world with lead haha
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
The SW was already kinda high on mines.
BBender716
Professional
Lots of folks add a couple grams in the handle since it's a bit on the heavier head side and already beefy SW
superjon027
Rookie
Leather grip, Two pennies in the buttcap and two pennies at the top of the grip. 1 gram of lead at 12 o’clock.
Semi-Polarised. Leather grip. 320mm balance and 345g. Lots of weight in handle and at 2&10. Can’t say definitively how much weight as I have multiple racquets and Wilson QC is horrible so different for each racquet. Unstrung specs were 294SW - 310SW. To say matching racquets was difficult is an understatement.
tophersuwita
Rookie
Exactly my problem, even it has best feeling, I haven't experienced the brutal plow everyone else have...
Played a competitive friendly doubles match last night. I picked up a regular blade 18x20 (snagged it for 150), so I wanted to see how it compared to my blade pro 18x20. To note, my Blade Pro 18x20 plays at about 336/337. I have lead at 10 and 2, and I have tungsten putty in the handle. My groundstrokes are amazing with the BP. But I have always struggled a tad with my serve. Also, my volleys feel a bit sluggish.
So last night I started with the regular Blade. My serves were on point, crisp, easy power, and easy access to kick. Totally different experience than the BP. My volleys were way crisper. Now I played the regular Blade completely stock, just two overgrips. But my groundstrokes were off, way off. Forehands were sailing, balls were high, couldn't dial BH in.
In the second set, I switched back to BP. I could feel how heavy it was compared to the blade. It took me a game to adjust back, but my groundies returned to form. But my serve was not great. DFed twice and could never dial it in.
I have played with the BP for a good 4 years. I love the racquet. I didn't realize how much effort I am putting into serves though. The regular blade was effortless. Any suggestions for changing up my setup on the BP to help with serving?
So last night I started with the regular Blade. My serves were on point, crisp, easy power, and easy access to kick. Totally different experience than the BP. My volleys were way crisper. Now I played the regular Blade completely stock, just two overgrips. But my groundstrokes were off, way off. Forehands were sailing, balls were high, couldn't dial BH in.
In the second set, I switched back to BP. I could feel how heavy it was compared to the blade. It took me a game to adjust back, but my groundies returned to form. But my serve was not great. DFed twice and could never dial it in.
I have played with the BP for a good 4 years. I love the racquet. I didn't realize how much effort I am putting into serves though. The regular blade was effortless. Any suggestions for changing up my setup on the BP to help with serving?
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Lower the balance point (make it more HL).
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Just added to my club membership with the acquisition of the BP 18x20.
Fingers crossed...
Fingers crossed...
Willie Blade
New User
Both mine are 302 unstrung. They are listed in the EU-section
Yes, I am thinking about pulling off the lead tape, and putting some more putty in the handle and see if that makes a difference.
FrankyRelax
Professional
I haven't tried the 18/20 but I would think so. That being said the sweet spot on the 16/19 isn't that large. When I'm moving well and my timing is on the frame is amazing. But if I'm having an off day you can feel the lack of forgiveness
yeah the 18m sweetspot is smaller than say a regular blade v8 18m but usually not a big deal. just wondering about the 16m because it has much more open pattern and if there is a noticeable difference in control. i like the low launch angle on 18m. thanks for reply
tophersuwita
Rookie
After a month or so adjustment period, now I feel my EZT lacks control and erratic. Tried PA98 and didn't like it very much too, I like Prince ATS 98 better for OHBH, volley, serve, except forehand.
I definitely feel that my serve is slower than with EZT, but I don't want to change my current setup (2 g at 12, 4 g at top of the handle, and 4 g inside buttcap, +2 overgrip). I find I lack plow when tailweighting too much.
How do you guys string it? Currently using ALU Power Rough 48 lbs, but someone said that it needs stiffer poly such as Lynx Tour in low tension?
I definitely feel that my serve is slower than with EZT, but I don't want to change my current setup (2 g at 12, 4 g at top of the handle, and 4 g inside buttcap, +2 overgrip). I find I lack plow when tailweighting too much.
How do you guys string it? Currently using ALU Power Rough 48 lbs, but someone said that it needs stiffer poly such as Lynx Tour in low tension?
BosBC
New User
Get ready for a long post guys
I haven't posted since receiving my BPs in 2021, and I wanted to give an update and hopefully some insight-
A little bit about me- My racquet history has included playing with the PT280 when I was a junior, a bunch of prestiges when the PT280 was discontinued (iprestige, LM, flex point, youtek) during college (played IM only) and postgrad where I started playing 4.0 adult league. I then switched to Wilson bc I could get a player deal through my brother and I was also bumped to 4.5 in 2013. I was really excited by the RF97v1, but switched to ultra pros after developing shoulder pain after playing with them for about a year and a half. I suspect it was how stiff the racquet was. I also found some old PT280s in my basement and switched between those and the ultra pros for a a few of years. I loved the feel (the PT280s always feel like home), but felt they were a little anemic as I was reaching my mid 30s. I kept thinking back to the exciting power of the RF97 and how it cut through the air so nicely. So, I decided to switch back to 16x19.
BP jouney- I was enamored by BPs when they first came out because they were softer like my PTs and UPs and could be modified. Also all the hype from you guys got to me too, lol. I was in the middle of coming back from 10mo of recovery from tennis elbow (from deadlifts not tennis related, lol), so I thought it was the right time to try and switch. It wasn't a match made in heaven at the start. At first I tried to polarize it with a ton of tunsen putty in the buttcap, a leather grip, and lead at the top of the hoop. I couldn't get my timing down at all and my serves, which are usually a big strength, they lacked accuracy, pop and kick. I saw the review AC Tennis posted and tried his best layup (7g in the handle and 8g at the top of the hoop) and it worked much better. I think the biggest change was adding lead on the handle instead of the buttcap. I tried 8in above the buttcap but the lead slipped around, so I found the best place to put it was at where the handle tapers to the throat of the racquet. After many iterations and buying a swing weight machine, I think I've found my sweet spot. I've gotten used to the layup for over 10mos now and I think I may close to being done tinkering.
Here are my specs-
Modded BP w/ no grip or strings
SW-313/313
WT-316/316
B-32.8/32.8
I only had one with a broken string and I was matching a 3rd racquet
Modded BP w/ leather grip, og, stings (durafluxx 123) and dampener
SW-346/347/349
WT-358/359/359.7
B-32/32/31.9
MgR/I: 20.83/20.83/20.74
My lead distribution varies between my racquets, but there isn't any in the buttcap, just at the tapered part of the handle, in the throat, and some in various parts of the hoop.
I had more weight at one point (I think I was up to ~365g) while keeping swing weight and balance the same, and my flat serves were pretty amazing, but I suffered on being late on groundies, so I dialed it back.
I took this layup throughout the 2023 USTA season and my teams just finished nationals in Surprise and Tuscon a couple of weeks ago. I only play doubles at this level now. The balls flew especially in Surprise compared to Boston, so I increased my tension from 48 to 53lbs. Even with the higher tension I would say it still took 2-3 matches to get acclimated to the combination of nerves and new climate. I felt more dialed in by the second weekend for sure. I was able to hit both with power and finesse.
So I think that's it for now! My big take away was definitely that putting the weight throughout the middle of the racquet (handle and throat) made a big difference in how the racquet felt and played for me. If I'm recalling correctly, when it was very polarized, the racquet felt hollow and now it feels much closer to my PT280s and RF97s. I guess if you like playing with the frames that I grew up on, try your luck with this approach.
I also wanted to give a big thanks for everyone on this thread and the diary of a racketaholic thread, I learned so much from reading them. It also inspired me to stick it through the times when my racquets didn't feel as connected and to keep modifying them until they worked well. Oh and also introducing me to tier one strings! Best of luck!
I haven't posted since receiving my BPs in 2021, and I wanted to give an update and hopefully some insight-
A little bit about me- My racquet history has included playing with the PT280 when I was a junior, a bunch of prestiges when the PT280 was discontinued (iprestige, LM, flex point, youtek) during college (played IM only) and postgrad where I started playing 4.0 adult league. I then switched to Wilson bc I could get a player deal through my brother and I was also bumped to 4.5 in 2013. I was really excited by the RF97v1, but switched to ultra pros after developing shoulder pain after playing with them for about a year and a half. I suspect it was how stiff the racquet was. I also found some old PT280s in my basement and switched between those and the ultra pros for a a few of years. I loved the feel (the PT280s always feel like home), but felt they were a little anemic as I was reaching my mid 30s. I kept thinking back to the exciting power of the RF97 and how it cut through the air so nicely. So, I decided to switch back to 16x19.
BP jouney- I was enamored by BPs when they first came out because they were softer like my PTs and UPs and could be modified. Also all the hype from you guys got to me too, lol. I was in the middle of coming back from 10mo of recovery from tennis elbow (from deadlifts not tennis related, lol), so I thought it was the right time to try and switch. It wasn't a match made in heaven at the start. At first I tried to polarize it with a ton of tunsen putty in the buttcap, a leather grip, and lead at the top of the hoop. I couldn't get my timing down at all and my serves, which are usually a big strength, they lacked accuracy, pop and kick. I saw the review AC Tennis posted and tried his best layup (7g in the handle and 8g at the top of the hoop) and it worked much better. I think the biggest change was adding lead on the handle instead of the buttcap. I tried 8in above the buttcap but the lead slipped around, so I found the best place to put it was at where the handle tapers to the throat of the racquet. After many iterations and buying a swing weight machine, I think I've found my sweet spot. I've gotten used to the layup for over 10mos now and I think I may close to being done tinkering.
Here are my specs-
Modded BP w/ no grip or strings
SW-313/313
WT-316/316
B-32.8/32.8
I only had one with a broken string and I was matching a 3rd racquet
Modded BP w/ leather grip, og, stings (durafluxx 123) and dampener
SW-346/347/349
WT-358/359/359.7
B-32/32/31.9
MgR/I: 20.83/20.83/20.74
My lead distribution varies between my racquets, but there isn't any in the buttcap, just at the tapered part of the handle, in the throat, and some in various parts of the hoop.
I had more weight at one point (I think I was up to ~365g) while keeping swing weight and balance the same, and my flat serves were pretty amazing, but I suffered on being late on groundies, so I dialed it back.
I took this layup throughout the 2023 USTA season and my teams just finished nationals in Surprise and Tuscon a couple of weeks ago. I only play doubles at this level now. The balls flew especially in Surprise compared to Boston, so I increased my tension from 48 to 53lbs. Even with the higher tension I would say it still took 2-3 matches to get acclimated to the combination of nerves and new climate. I felt more dialed in by the second weekend for sure. I was able to hit both with power and finesse.
So I think that's it for now! My big take away was definitely that putting the weight throughout the middle of the racquet (handle and throat) made a big difference in how the racquet felt and played for me. If I'm recalling correctly, when it was very polarized, the racquet felt hollow and now it feels much closer to my PT280s and RF97s. I guess if you like playing with the frames that I grew up on, try your luck with this approach.
I also wanted to give a big thanks for everyone on this thread and the diary of a racketaholic thread, I learned so much from reading them. It also inspired me to stick it through the times when my racquets didn't feel as connected and to keep modifying them until they worked well. Oh and also introducing me to tier one strings! Best of luck!
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FrankyRelax
Professional
I had one at 299 once but most were in the 303-307 range
So I just got a BP16m since i noticed they had 3/8 in stock for min. This sweet spot is definitely bigger than the 18m. This racquet is easy to play with and there isn't much difference in control. I had tried a v7bp16 when they first came out and decided to go with the 18m but I don't know now as I really like this new v8bp16m. maybe i just got a better spec this time around. probably wait until v9 pj before I get another but this one is nice.
hmm maybe this last batch was lower spec. Mine came in strung at 328 static, 332sw and about 4/5 HL with overgrip and dampener no lead strung with tourbite 16g. plays solid.
HolyMountain
Semi-Pro
So navigating though the back and forth about real H19/H22 vs pro labs.....still not clear here. What do folks seem to think of legit H19/H22 vs Pro Lab frames? I have probably 15 H19/H22 frames. I have lots of Head pro stocks as well. I find the Wilson are far more of a pain to customize very much compared to Head pro stocks, namely as the handles are foamed on and you would really need to remove the cast grip. I like my h19/h22, a few I love but almost every Head pro stock I play with, even if it isn't one I will keep I can tell a marked difference between retail and pro stock - to be fair the last few iterations of Prestige and Speed are very similar in feel to some of my pro stocks - different story. Are the H19 worth 2x the price of the Pro Lab Ultras? I love soft frames and it seems H19 vary in stiffness greatly.
I just picked up some 18x20 H22s and have been playing blade pro 18x20s for over a year. I had to know if they are that much better. In my case, H22 have slightly higher balance and lower static weights stock and are considerably easier on the arm (had pretty bad golfers elbow a couple of years ago). The blade pro feels a bit brassy imo. The pro stocks were all matched so after a couple hitting sessions, they were relatively easy to get them spec’d to my liking.
Edit: just had them tested @ 59 ra strung which should be 3 lower than blade pro retail.
Edit: just had them tested @ 59 ra strung which should be 3 lower than blade pro retail.
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HolyMountain
Semi-Pro
I actually picked up a new Pro Staff this year, retail, hit with it once and put on on the "used for sale" rack at the local shop. Very brassy feeling, nothing like the old RF97 I recall ...or maybe I have been playing with pro stocks too long. I mean, the new Ultra 18x20 is perfect for adding lead/foam etc. Maybe I will buy one and see.
OslerWeber
New User
Anyone know where to get/look for BPs in europe?
Willie Blade
New User
I have 2 for sale
ChrisG
Professional
2 matched for sale from Europe if interested
tophersuwita
Rookie
Isn't AC tennis using 7 g butt cap, 8 g handle, and 2 g each at 3 and 9? Fortunately you found your comfort setup
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
The price was a bit lower a couple of weeks ago, but good to know. Hopefully, they have some huge discounts once the v9 Blades come out (especially if there is leftover stock).
Yeah they were as I was one of them but definitely a good time to buy instead of full price
gotta share the info to our beloved blade pro users !
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Yeah they were as I was one of them but definitely a good time to buy instead of full price
Yeah, I got one of the BP 18M's when the Click Frenzy was on a few weeks ago. Hopefully, they drop even further so I can get maybe another one.
BosBC
New User
Hey tophersuwita, I found my info in the comments section of the video where he replied to @Doodlepapi. I'm having the hardest time uploading an image of his response, but if you search @Doodlepapi, you'll be able to see AC Tennis describing his best final specifications. I've also added the comments for your convenience:
Doodlepapi's comment:
"Fantastic review! Superb content! For those wanting the mod specs he mentions in the video: Mod 1 - 15g in butt cap; Mod 2 - 7g butt cap, 8g top of handle. He also recommended adding 4g total (2g per side) at 3 and 9 to get more power on serves. Not 100% sure what the actual mod is at the end of the video, but I will try everything he mentioned. I love this racquet in stock form using Tecnifibre X1 Biphase at 51lbs. More powerful that my current frame of choice, Yonex EZONE Tour 98, which is powerful as it is, but the Blade Pro just hits a much heavier ball, although I'm more consistent with the Yonex for now."
AC Tennis's reply:
"Haha thanks for listing out the mods, forgot to do at at the time because the video took so long - it's a fun frame for sure, i ended up with 7g in handle and 8g at the top which i played best with at the end of the video, was much more seamless Appreciate the support!"
tophersuwita
Rookie
Yea I read it too but I perceived that the "in the handle" = butt cap and "top" = top of the handle because he listed that option exactly. Maybe we should ask him haha
BosBC
New User
You know, after thinking about more I think you are 100% right. It's been over a year since I was doing the majority of the tinkering, so my memory was a little fuzzy. Now that I recall more clearly, I think I was hitting with the 7g in the buttcap and 8g at the top of the handle for about the last 6mo of 2021, and then decided to try and change the specs since I wasn't feeling like I was completely in tune with the racquet. I bought the swingweight machine in the beginning of 2022 and started to modify the specs with greater enthusiasm. From my notes, it looks like I tried to make the specs similar to my favorite PT280 and RF97 racquets. I think if felt better, and I played the 2022 USTA season with that layup (357.6g, 31.4cm, 331sw, 21.2mgri). After the summer of 2022, I still had the itch to tinker some more, and I modified the racquet to be 21mgri, which I read would be ideal for my height at 5'11". Those specs came out to 363g, 32cm, and 347sw. It was amazing on my flat serve, it felt like I was getting into the 110-120mph, but it was too tiring if I needed to hit longer rallys. At that point I dropped the weight by ~5g to my previously posted specs and I'm sticking to those ones until further notice. Hope that helped. You were totally right after I spent some time thinking about it! Good luck!
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tophersuwita
Rookie
Ty for the clarification, I tried that customization too but feel too sluggish. I hit the comfort zone with double overgrip+4 g on top of the handle+thick string (Lynx Tour)
OslerWeber
New User
Anyone played BP v8 16x19 and percept 97D that could gove their thoughts?
Yeah quite a bit of both now. The BP feels significantly stiffer and crisper w/ less dwell/ball pocketing. Both produce similar results, it mainly boils down to the feel you prefer. The 97D is significantly softer feeling and more damped/muted. The BP is very raw feeling with no added BS tech. The 18x20 pattern of the D produces very similar spin/launch angle as lots of 16x19 control frames, including the BP IMO.
tophersuwita
Rookie
Playing with BP 18 and changed to PA+19, I feel that even my flat serve was better and groundstrokes were more forgiving, I lost more matches to counterpuncher (they play safe with topspin) due to loopy less penetrating/heavy balls.
That doesn’t surprise me. I think the Blade Pro is just a really hard racquet to play with unless you are quite strong. I tried playing with it last week and felt like a hero for 30 minutes and then it was a rapid slide down and started losing, so I went back to my “easy” racquet.
What is the unstrung swing weight on it?
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