Wilson Pro Labs: Blade Pro Official Thread

onehandbh said:
I've been using my BP v8 18x20 and had a similar experience. Seems pretty good on groundstrokes and good spin, but I can't hit my serves as hard with it. (compared to Yonex 95D).

On groundstrokes, it seems to have a fairly high launch angle for 18x20. Maybe that is why I like it for groundstrokes. On serves, I just can't seem to hit as hard or get as much spin (vs my other racquets).
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Isn't the 95D a much heftier racket? Heavier rackets will always produce much heavier serves. Try modifying your BP and get it to sit where the 95D sits. I bet you'll see a big difference.
 
TennisManiac said:
Isn't the 95D a much heftier racket? Heavier rackets will always produce much heavier serves. Try modifying your BP and get it to sit where the 95D sits. I bet you'll see a big difference.
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95D. Unstrung w/ Fairway leather grip = 330g
Strung with overgrip = 360g

Blade Pro 18x20: Strung with Fairway leather grip = 331g

So I guess the 95D is a bit heavier.

I've been trying to move towards lighter overall racquets that still have a high swing weight and are more polarized.
 
WalC2019 said:
Haven't tried the BP 18x20 and so can't comment on it. Coming from the Blade V8 18x20, I'm still deciding between the BP 16x19 and PA98. So far, I am quite content with the BP 16x19, give me a bit more lift than the V8 18x20, much better feel than the PA98 and still has very good control. I don't feel lacking anything, perhaps with the exception of first serve pace (but that is probably due to my personal limitations).
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I seem to always come back to the PA98 but never commit to it. It is the sweet spot for me in terms of versatility and starting specs. The swing weight and balance are as perfect as any racquet I've played with - good enough to play out of the box, but not imbalanced so that beefing it up would need a lot of counterweight. Not a fan of the feel or the grip shape though.

Agree w/ you about the lift on the BP 16m. It's something I'm trying to add/improve in my game. That said, the one thing I wish was different about the BP was that the balance could be a bit more head light. The BPs I've had experience with were all over spec and close to even balance. Which is why I realize that the BP 18m will probably not be in my wheelhouse. The extra swing weight and balance are probably push it out of my comfort zone.
 
Adding a leather grip to my 18x20 blade pro shifted the balance quite a bit. Actually, I prefer the stock balance with a synthetic grip but I dislike synthetic grips.

I wish there was an easy way to change to a leather grip without making it more headlight.
 
onehandbh said:
Adding a leather grip to my 18x20 blade pro shifted the balance quite a bit. Actually, I prefer the stock balance with a synthetic grip but I dislike synthetic grips.

I wish there was an easy way to change to a leather grip without making it more headlight.
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Wilson feather thin or Babolat syntec team may do the trick
 
onehandbh said:
Adding a leather grip to my 18x20 blade pro shifted the balance quite a bit. Actually, I prefer the stock balance with a synthetic grip but I dislike synthetic grips.

I wish there was an easy way to change to a leather grip without making it more headlight.
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I put more lead on the handle yesterday and ended up taking it off mid set. I like the mass in the hoop, the headlight balance alters it's bite.

Now that I'm used to the BP's weight I think I'll remove all lead and just play stock.
 
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Jono123 said:
Now that I'm used to the BP's weight I think I'll remove all weight and just play stock.
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Interesting to hear. I was gonna put some handle weight on to make it more head light, because I’ve been playing it stock (plus an overgrip). But this has me thinking twice.
 
TwinCinema said:
Interesting to hear. I was gonna put some handle weight on to make it more head light, because I’ve been playing it stock (plus an overgrip). But this has me thinking twice.
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It depends on specs as they do vary a bit. Took one at 32.3 strung balance to make me realize that’s the setup I love with the BP. I’ve matched the other 2 to that one and they all play identically even though SW varies from 331-336. Not much delta but the point is I can’t tell them apart with matched balance.
 
tim-ay said:
It depends on specs as they do vary a bit. Took one at 32.3 strung balance to make me realize that’s the setup I love with the BP. I’ve matched the other 2 to that one and they all play identically even though SW varies from 331-336. Not much delta but the point is I can’t tell them apart with matched balance.
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Mine is 5 points head light unstrung - not sure what that translates to in cm but I’m guessing that my strung specs are more head-heavy than yours. So maybe some weight in the butt is the key after all.
 
tim-ay said:
It depends on specs as they do vary a bit. Took one at 32.3 strung balance to make me realize that’s the setup I love with the BP. I’ve matched the other 2 to that one and they all play identically even though SW varies from 331-336. Not much delta but the point is I can’t tell them apart with matched balance.
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I feel like I landed in an oddly perfect setup with my BPs. Strung weights are 329-331g with SW being from 327-330. With my gut/poly setup and OG, I'm good to go.

I briefly had a v9 that was 328g but a 338SW and I just couldn't gel with it the same way I did with my others.
 
ryushen21 said:
I feel like I landed in an oddly perfect setup with my BPs. Strung weights are 329-331g with SW being from 327-330. With my gut/poly setup and OG, I'm good to go.

I briefly had a v9 that was 328g but a 338SW and I just couldn't gel with it the same way I did with my others.
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Very similar what happened with me. The 2 v8’s were close to yours with one being perfect (to me). The v9 was hard for me , but once I matched the balance on all, I can’t tell a difference.

This is very surprising as many frames it is SW vs. balance that affects me. But not with the BP.

It’s like the magic of the relatively low TW on the BP , but it still feels so stable. There is magic in these BPs and it defies logic.
 
tim-ay said:
Very similar what happened with me. The 2 v8’s were close to yours with one being perfect (to me). The v9 was hard for me , but once I matched the balance on all, I can’t tell a difference.

This is very surprising as many frames it is SW vs. balance that affects me. But not with the BP.

It’s like the magic of the relatively low TW on the BP , but it still feels so stable. There is magic in these BPs and it defies logic.
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Yeah, at first I really liked the v9 spec I had. That SW bump definitely gave shots some plow and oomph. But when I wanted the whip, it just wasn't there in the same way as the v8s I had. If I could find some v9s with my v8 spec, I'd be all over them because the v9 is gorgeous.
 
Played a singles match today with all lead removed, so pure stock.

It serves better without weight in the handle. Haven't quite cracked the serve yet but much more pace.
 
2ndServe said:
They need to make an extended Blade Pro
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I owned two Dudi Sela’s H22. They were extended to 27.5. Beasts frames. Best way to describe them is wolf in sheep’s clothing. Very heavy and powerful but the feel was oh so nice.

I ended up selling them as the sw was very high ~350sw (I don’t recall exactly). The worst is Dudi played them with lead at 3/9. His actual sw was probably in the 360s.

That’s the problem with extended frame, they’re always really close to being unplayable for regular players. Especially with added lead.
 
Each 1/4 inch is going to add about 10kg-cm^2. You better like the beef if you extend a BP. Better off to try and find a light SW H22.
 
No better idea about stringing for 18x20 and 16x19, so let's start from Tour Bite Soft 1.20mm for both. Tension for 18x20 is 48lbs and 51lbs for 16x19. Maybe 16x19 will need regular TB or Hyper G ?
 
neunelf said:
No better idea about stringing for 18x20 and 16x19, so let's start from Tour Bite Soft 1.20mm for both. Tension for 18x20 is 48lbs and 51lbs for 16x19. Maybe 16x19 will need regular TB or Hyper G ?
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Just tried my BP 16x19 with TBS 1.25 the other day and while the performance was great (a tad powerful) at 48/45lbs, the feel was pretty gummy/mushy.

I’d suggest regular tour bite for the BP given the flex as it’ll keep you more connected to the ball. If you like mush though, definitely go for it.
 
kvan said:
Just tried my BP 16x19 with TBS 1.25 the other day and while the performance was great (a tad powerful) at 48/45lbs, the feel was pretty gummy/mushy.

I’d suggest regular tour bite for the BP given the flex as it’ll keep you more connected to the ball. If you like mush though, definitely go for it.
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Tour Bite Soft was mushy to me too when I tried it in the Pro Staff 97 V14. Guess that's why they call it "soft".
 
kvan said:
Just tried my BP 16x19 with TBS 1.25 the other day and while the performance was great (a tad powerful) at 48/45lbs, the feel was pretty gummy/mushy.

I’d suggest regular tour bite for the BP given the flex as it’ll keep you more connected to the ball. If you like mush though, definitely go for it.
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TBS is not bad in the 18x20. I prefer the 1.15 in 18x20 over the 1.20. Def need higher tension in that 16x19 than 48/45.
 
HI, dumb questions, anyone has the two piece stringing instructions for the BP V9 16X19?

Where do i tie off Mains and Cross?

Regards
 
I ordered a BP 16x19 this morning. Racket Matching Customization Service got back to me already and confirmed the following specs.

Specs. after being strung with a full bed of Alu Power 1.25, and without the plastic on the handle.

Static weight - 321
Balance - 2 pts. hl
Swing weight - 333

After I add 4 grams of lead to 3 & 9, an overgrip and 5 additional grams of lead to the handle.

Static weight - 335
Balance - 3.5 pts. hl
Swing weight - 341

Time to see what the hype is all about. Fingers crossed. Purchasing a racket these days and paying an additional $30 for MRT service plus tax is kind of hard to absorb. :cautious:
 
TennisManiac said:
I ordered a BP 16x19 this morning. Racket Matching Customization Service got back to me already and confirmed the following specs.

Specs. after being strung with a full bed of Alu Power 1.25, and without the plastic on the handle.

Static weight - 321
Balance - 2 pts. hl
Swing weight - 333

After I add 4 grams of lead to 3 & 9, an overgrip and 5 additional grams of lead to the handle.

Static weight - 335
Balance - 3.5 pts. hl
Swing weight - 341

Time to see what the hype is all about. Fingers crossed. Purchasing a racket these days and paying an additional $30 for MRT service plus tax is kind of hard to absorb. :cautious:
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What was the unstrung swing weight?
 
TennisManiac said:
I ordered a BP 16x19 this morning. Racket Matching Customization Service got back to me already and confirmed the following specs.

Specs. after being strung with a full bed of Alu Power 1.25, and without the plastic on the handle.

Static weight - 321
Balance - 2 pts. hl
Swing weight - 333

After I add 4 grams of lead to 3 & 9, an overgrip and 5 additional grams of lead to the handle.

Static weight - 335
Balance - 3.5 pts. hl
Swing weight - 341

Time to see what the hype is all about. Fingers crossed. Purchasing a racket these days and paying an additional $30 for MRT service plus tax is kind of hard to absorb. :cautious:
Click to expand...
Did you made the order and matching today at TW or other website, i did the same on Monday and the MRT has not emailed me yet with the "specs" to choose from.
 
TennisManiac said:
I ordered a BP 16x19 this morning. Racket Matching Customization Service got back to me already and confirmed the following specs.

Specs. after being strung with a full bed of Alu Power 1.25, and without the plastic on the handle.

Static weight - 321
Balance - 2 pts. hl
Swing weight - 333

After I add 4 grams of lead to 3 & 9, an overgrip and 5 additional grams of lead to the handle.

Static weight - 335
Balance - 3.5 pts. hl
Swing weight - 341

Time to see what the hype is all about. Fingers crossed. Purchasing a racket these days and paying an additional $30 for MRT service plus tax is kind of hard to absorb. :cautious:
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Did you add the 5 grams of silicon at the buttcap?

I was planning to do the same thing you did, add 4 grams at 3/9 , but instead of the 5 grams, replace it with a leather grip, which kinda is the same thing.

Let me know how you hit with it and your feelings.
 
naylor73 said:
TBS is not bad in the 18x20. I prefer the 1.15 in 18x20 over the 1.20. Def need higher tension in that 16x19 than 48/45.
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Played again today and actually pretty pleased. May bump up the tension a few pounds next time for sure.

Very surprised how well the 16x19 can hit flatter balls. I have a 18x20 H22 and the launch is significantly higher than that, but still super manageable.
 
cmendez79 said:
Did you add the 5 grams of silicon at the buttcap?

I was planning to do the same thing you did, add 4 grams at 3/9 , but instead of the 5 grams, replace it with a leather grip, which kinda is the same thing.

Let me know how you hit with it and your feelings.
Click to expand...
I plan on using lead strips placed on the handle lengthwise. But a leather replacement grip would work perfectly.

I'll keep you posted on how it plays and what I think of it.
 
A little lead on the handle is a good idea. I would recommend stringing it between 50-53. I strung mine at 54 and it feels a little under powered.

So I'm restringing it at 52 with thinner gauge.
 
Jono123 said:
A little lead on the handle is a good idea. I would recommend stringing it between 50-53. I strung mine at 54 and it feels a little under powered.

So I'm restringing it at 52 with thinner gauge.
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I've always strung my Pro Staff 97s at 44. I'll stick with that. I hate poly strung any higher than that.
 
Just got my stick back. Its now got the thinner 18 gauge multi, which actually makes it a little lighter too. The thinner one is more powerful.
 
I took notice to something tonight that really surprised me. The Blade Pro 16x19 string pattern is exactly the same as the Pro Staff 97 V14. I have 3 Pro Staff 97 V14's in front of me. And the string patterns are 100% identical. I don't know know why that seems so strange to me... but it does. Has anyone else noticed this.
 
TennisManiac said:
I took notice to something tonight that really surprised me. The Blade Pro 16x19 string pattern is exactly the same as the Pro Staff 97 V14. I have 3 Pro Staff 97 V14's in front of me. And the string patterns are 100% identical. I don't know know why that seems so strange to me... but it does. Has anyone else noticed this.
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Couple ppl have remarked to me that the blade pro is just the pro staff 97 without PWS. Would be fascinating is thats the case
 
gino said:
Couple ppl have remarked to me that the blade pro is just the pro staff 97 without PWS. Would be fascinating is thats the case
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If anything, given the H22 mold has been out for so long, I think it’s more appropriate to say the PS97 is like the BP with PWS (not saying that it is - I don’t think we have enough evidence to say).

I can’t compare myself, but it’s cool to note they may have used the same/similar drill pattern from the PS. Neat.
 
kvan said:
If anything, given the H22 mold has been out for so long, I think it’s more appropriate to say the PS97 is like the BP with PWS (not saying that it is - I don’t think we have enough evidence to say).

I can’t compare myself, but it’s cool to note they may have used the same/similar drill pattern from the PS. Neat.
Click to expand...

That’s well said, really cool way of looking at ut. Wish the RF01 was the h22
 
TennisManiac said:
I took notice to something tonight that really surprised me. The Blade Pro 16x19 string pattern is exactly the same as the Pro Staff 97 V14. I have 3 Pro Staff 97 V14's in front of me. And the string patterns are 100% identical. I don't know know why that seems so strange to me... but it does. Has anyone else noticed this.
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Throat mains are different though. BP/H22 have 8 tight mains in the throat, Pro Staff (and RF 01 actually) have 6 tight mains in the throat.
 
kvan said:
If anything, given the H22 mold has been out for so long, I think it’s more appropriate to say the PS97 is like the BP with PWS (not saying that it is - I don’t think we have enough evidence to say).

I can’t compare myself, but it’s cool to note they may have used the same/similar drill pattern from the PS. Neat.
Click to expand...
Very literally the PS97 came from Federer almost switching to the H22 - definitely took bits from the Pro Staff and bits from H22
 
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