jburton
Rookie
They’re retail BPs
Wilson Pro Labs: Blade Pro Official Thread
- Thread starter haqq777
- Start date
NattyGut
Professional
What mold does Wilson use to make retail BPs?
NattyGut
Professional
Can you please explain how the Head buttcap differs from the Wilson buttcap?
They look to be genuine Blade Pros. The edges of the photo are just distorted, but it looks like they are box beamed.
The user asked if the sticks were retail BPs or pro stock H22s.
Now I'm really confused. Some say it's a retail and then someone says h22.
jburton
Rookie
Looking at how the grommets sit flush with no gaps, your rackets are retails BPs. The H22s of this gen have a gap
Do you have a photo of an h22 (BP V7) where you can see the difference? I can't imagine what that means. It would be great if you could explain it to me using a photo
jburton
Rookie
Where the end of the plastic grommet meets the grommet channel ending there is no gap on the BP retail. Up until the V8 pj H22s there was like a 2cm gap at the end.
If you are referring to jburton, I believe he means the grommet channel is a tell tale sign that this is a BP (maybe I am misunderstanding here?). Anyone else who has said this is a pro stock H22 hasn't provided any evidence, as far as I could tell. I also think that, while there is a rare case of the V7 having "Pro" printed on it (again, something jburton mentioned in your other thread), it is pretty uncommon as far as I have seen.
jburton
Rookie
The grommet channel ending is just above the wilson writing on the side of the throat
yourtennisfit
Professional
Ah ok… so this one has to be a H22, right?
AmericanTwist
Hall of Fame
Sorry Flo - I meant to write they look like H beam which is a tell tale sign of the H22 mold. I wrote D beam by mistake! Those frames look like H22s to me.
Hello everyone,
I’ve seen these racquets advertised locally and I was hoping someone here could help me identify them:
I own a retail Blade V7.0 and these ones pictured above differ in the following way:
I’ve seen these racquets advertised locally and I was hoping someone here could help me identify them:
I own a retail Blade V7.0 and these ones pictured above differ in the following way:
- Bumperguard: the shape of the ends is different, and it is longer (extends into the grey painted areas)
- The paint: glossy as opposed to matt/rubbery
- String spacing: seems to be tighter than on retail version
- Mold: seems more rectangular than on retail version
- Design details: sticker(?) on top of “Blade | 98 16x19 [v7.0]”, fonts seem thicker and lighter in color
yourtennisfit
Professional
They don’t have Pro written on them, do they? In that case, I would guess rather H22 than BPro
They are H22s, but they don't look like pro stock H22s. They look like Blade Pros based on the channel grommet length and the presence of the "Pro" stamp on the side.
I think the absence of the word "Pro" printed on the sides indicate that these are pro stock H22s. Some of the other key indicators are not going to be reliable. For example, it looks like these have the Blade Pro drill pattern instead of the old pro stock H22 pattern, but pro stock H22s come in a couple different patterns. I'd note that while they look similar, the pro stock H22 will have a tighter string pattern and BP do not usually fit These racquets also don't have the signature cut grommet ends that you see in pro stock 16x19 H22s, but this could just be due to the drill pattern difference - I don't have an explanation here.Hello everyone,
I’ve seen these racquets advertised locally and I was hoping someone here could help me identify them:
I own a retail Blade V7.0 and these ones pictured above differ in the following way:
Thank you for your help!
- Bumperguard: the shape of the ends is different, and it is longer (extends into the grey painted areas)
- The paint: glossy as opposed to matt/rubbery
- String spacing: seems to be tighter than on retail version
- Mold: seems more rectangular than on retail version
- Design details: sticker(?) on top of “Blade | 98 16x19 [v7.0]”, fonts seem thicker and lighter in color
I guess I'll also amend what I said before about the H22 drill pattern. I knew different drill patterns existed, but it seemed pretty common to find the "old" pattern on versions prior to the V8 pj, while finding the BP pattern on V8s and V9s. But it seems like more and more older pro stock H22s are turning up these days w/ the BP drill pattern.
jburton
Rookie
These look like prostock H22s and also say 98 on the side rather than “Pro”Hello everyone,
I’ve seen these racquets advertised locally and I was hoping someone here could help me identify them:
I own a retail Blade V7.0 and these ones pictured above differ in the following way:
Thank you for your help!
- Bumperguard: the shape of the ends is different, and it is longer (extends into the grey painted areas)
- The paint: glossy as opposed to matt/rubbery
- String spacing: seems to be tighter than on retail version
- Mold: seems more rectangular than on retail version
- Design details: sticker(?) on top of “Blade | 98 16x19 [v7.0]”, fonts seem thicker and lighter in color
AMGF
Hall of Fame
I got a new V9 BP to go with my V8 BP.
Wow I liked my V8 but the V9 to me feels much better. Same specs on both. Same strings and tensions. But the V9 has a buttery feel not unlike my old Microgel Radical mp. My V8 plays well but doesn’t have that flexible feel.
Is that Wilson QC? Or is the V9 that much more buttery?
Wow I liked my V8 but the V9 to me feels much better. Same specs on both. Same strings and tensions. But the V9 has a buttery feel not unlike my old Microgel Radical mp. My V8 plays well but doesn’t have that flexible feel.
Is that Wilson QC? Or is the V9 that much more buttery?
dgoran
Hall of Fame
Fwiw I felt the same way re v7 to v9. I didn’t feel anything special with v7 but v9 feels excellent imho. I chalked it up to Wilson qc but maybe they softened it a bit. Both were 18x20
AMGF
Hall of Fame
I have to say there is something special about the V9. I have tried so many frames over the years. Sooo many. Extended and regular. Almost always players frames (Prestige, Angell 95/97, Yonex DR/Regna/Vcore pro, Tecnifibre RS, H19, H22, Babolat PSVS, RF97, RFPro and probably more that I forget about) though I have also played with tweeners and all kind of different stuff over the years. And I may still very well be in the Honeymoon phase…
But that Blade Pro V9 is the best frame I ever played with!
It seems I can’t do no wrong with it. The feel is old school buttercream, yet the performance is modern power/spin at will! I loved my V8 and the reason why I bought a second frame in the V9, but omg this V9 is crazy good.
Only one flaw. Just one. The twistweight is a bit low. I added a bit of lead at 3/9 and it plays great. I don’t want to add to much and lose the magic. However this is how it is, every racquet has to compromise something(s). But to me the BP only has this one, and even then, it is not that bad at all.
After so many racquets tested over the years, to have a racquet that truly wows me is something I didn’t expect. I might have finally found the one!!!
ChipReturns
New User
Any string on the slightly stiffer side seems to work well in this frame. For me, it’s tour bite, S7T, or even hyper g round. But the blade pro really isn’t that string sensitive. Put your favorite poly in and enjoy.
One part of the set up I find important is a tad of handle weight, but I don’t like a lot putty in the handle due to the polarization. I’ve been rocking the Djoko style double overgrip, with the 1st overgrip as non-overlapping (should only add about 4 grams) and then the 2nd overgrip as normal overlapping (5-6grams). This adds some handle weight without bulking up the grip size too much and without going leather.
One part of the set up I find important is a tad of handle weight, but I don’t like a lot putty in the handle due to the polarization. I’ve been rocking the Djoko style double overgrip, with the 1st overgrip as non-overlapping (should only add about 4 grams) and then the 2nd overgrip as normal overlapping (5-6grams). This adds some handle weight without bulking up the grip size too much and without going leather.
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ivanjo
Rookie
Wowww... Reading your writing makes me itchy to get BP v9 now. I'm using Ultra Pro 16x19 and I believe it has a low swing weight as it is so fast through the air.I have to say there is something special about the V9. I have tried so many frames over the years. Sooo many. Extended and regular. Almost always players frames (Prestige, Angell 95/97, Yonex DR/Regna/Vcore pro, Tecnifibre RS, H19, H22, Babolat PSVS, RF97, RFPro and probably more that I forget about) though I have also played with tweeners and all kind of different stuff over the years. And I may still very well be in the Honeymoon phase…
But that Blade Pro V9 is the best frame I ever played with!
It seems I can’t do no wrong with it. The feel is old school buttercream, yet the performance is modern power/spin at will! I loved my V8 and the reason why I bought a second frame in the V9, but omg this V9 is crazy good.
Only one flaw. Just one. The twistweight is a bit low. I added a bit of lead at 3/9 and it plays great. I don’t want to add to much and lose the magic. However this is how it is, every racquet has to compromise something(s). But to me the BP only has this one, and even then, it is not that bad at all.
After so many racquets tested over the years, to have a racquet that truly wows me is something I didn’t expect. I might have finally found the one!!!
Looking at the spec in the BP v9 16m, it scares me a little bit on the high swing weight. Any insight on the comparison? I find the retail blade is too head heavy for my liking
AMGF
Hall of Fame
I don’t know. To me it’s not bad. I’ve played 340+sw for years. Never used a Ultra Pro. I payed with the original Ultra based on the H19 when they first launched it (not sure how they called it) . I remember an inconsistent stringbed with a very small spot where it felt like magic.
The V9 Blade Pro feels like the magic spot is much bigger. It feels like it helps my natural playing style (big serve and big spin and power) but doesn’t bring any bad stuff like erratic stringbed, weird launch angle or stiff feel.
I didn’t add weight to the handle. I love the slightly headlight balance. It actually feels good to have all that sw in a relatively light racquet. It’s a modern attackers frame with an old school flexy feel.
Not surprise this thread is close to 100pages. This racquet deserves it.
BBender716
Professional
I landed a lower spec swingweight BP, so it IS possible. I like the free power much more than the retail Blade. It also paradoxically has a softer feel as well. I really like gut/poly in it but you really do need to impart good topspin to tame the power with that layup. Ironically, I had literally the exact same tension as @USPTARF97 recommended above!
The V7 frames that I have hit with for a few years are now closer to 60. . Started out a bit stiffer.
AMGF
Hall of Fame
Absolutely sure that my V9 is flexier though I have no way of measuring it. It can certainly be Wilson QC that sucks.
But if a whole lot of V9 seem to be flexier, maybe they screw up (or in this case successfully made) a more flexy batch of frames. Is there anyone here that reported a stiffer V9 than V8/V7?
dgoran
Hall of Fame
Haha Wilson is failing forward
AMGF
Hall of Fame
They gotta give a raise to that intern that successfully screwed up a whole batch of V9!!Haha Wilson is failing forward
FrankyRelax
Professional
BP is foam filled
If so that would truly be closer to an H22.
anyone try rpm blast 1.20 on this frame? or any other 1.20 gauge recommendation?
Been using TB soft but looking for something with better feedback and slightly more power.
edit: this question is for the 16m. I used the 18m and I noticed a better feedback on that frame even with TB soft, I can really feel the mains working the ball. The dwell is quite different from the 16m though, enough to throw me off. I don't feel like adjusting to a lower launch angle yet either.
Been using TB soft but looking for something with better feedback and slightly more power.
edit: this question is for the 16m. I used the 18m and I noticed a better feedback on that frame even with TB soft, I can really feel the mains working the ball. The dwell is quite different from the 16m though, enough to throw me off. I don't feel like adjusting to a lower launch angle yet either.
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ChipReturns
New User
You could try silver 7 tour. Lots of feedback and I think it’s more powerful than regular TB. It’s a 1.25 17g string but it plays more like 1.20 and is quite light so brings the swing weight down and bit if that’s a good thing for you. And it plays great until it breaks
NattyGut
Professional
gut in the v8 — had to run it up to 57 to use it long enough to enjoy it … S7T at 47 is fun in that racquet. Confidential @ 47 is too if your arm can withstand it
racketspec
Rookie
Not had a chance yet as been busy stringing at some Challengers over last couple of weeks. On my list to do ASAP to satisfy my own curiosity if nothing else!
racketspec
Rookie
I prefer the shape (long time Head Prestige user prior to switching to Ultra Tours and then the Blade Pro's). It is also a little bit longer on the handle itself so less likely to break the foam pallet when secured properly - which has been a known issue with some of the newer Wilson's. Usually recommend to clients to swap out the latest retail buttcap for one of the older Pro Staff or Blade/Burn style anyway.
racketspec
Rookie
My V9s seem to play the same as the v7s I had before, for what it's worth.
racketspec
Rookie
Removing weight from the handle like that won't really affect the power output upwards. If anything, it will decrease the power output when looking at well hit shots side by side. Removing weight from the handle will have little to no difference on the swingweight of the frame. Adding weight in the handle will do 2 main things - shift the balance in a more head light direction (by how much depends on how much weight added) making the frame easier to manoeuvre; and secondly increase the overall mass of the frame which in turn will add more 'power'/weight of shot through the ball (assuming a well hit/timed shot, etc.), simply by just being heavier.
Jono123
Hall of Fame
I've played extensively with the 18x20 frame now and dialled into it. Both these frames are very weight-sensitive. I removed the lead and put on an overgrip. Even that slight weight makes a significant difference to how it plays. Other than a leather grip or similar it doesn't need any added weight IMO
MasterSlice74
Semi-Pro
You can get an XTP buttcap. But like others said, the SW is going to be monstrous
I have a BP 16x19 v7 and a BP 16x19 v8.
The 5th cross string from top is drilled slightly higher (more toward the tip of the head) on the v8 compared with the v7, while all other drilling appears to be the same. To my eye, the v7 drilling looks normal whereas the 5th cross on the v8 looks misplaced slightly too high.
To put it another way, on the v7 the spacing between the 4th/5th cross and 5th/6th cross strings are almost the same (maybe only very slightly less space between 4th/5th). On the v8, spacing between the 4th/5th is clearly much less than spacing between 5th/6th, due to the higher 5th cross.
Has anyone else seen this?
I will be checking v9 in the next few days as well to see where the 5th cross is placed.
The 5th cross string from top is drilled slightly higher (more toward the tip of the head) on the v8 compared with the v7, while all other drilling appears to be the same. To my eye, the v7 drilling looks normal whereas the 5th cross on the v8 looks misplaced slightly too high.
To put it another way, on the v7 the spacing between the 4th/5th cross and 5th/6th cross strings are almost the same (maybe only very slightly less space between 4th/5th). On the v8, spacing between the 4th/5th is clearly much less than spacing between 5th/6th, due to the higher 5th cross.
Has anyone else seen this?
I will be checking v9 in the next few days as well to see where the 5th cross is placed.
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magnusforce55
New User
Absolutely agree. I have 3 BP v7 (2 of them matched) and they all play significantly different from each other. Different flex in different parts of the frame and noticeably varying level of power and feel of course
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