Wilson Pro Labs: Blade Pro Official Thread

Kitchen5ink said:
今天我用我的新 UP 16m 进行了一次击球训练。我在 3、9 和 12 处各加了 2 克，在手柄处加了 15 克。重量与我的 BP（349 克）大致相同，并用 1.30 粗铝线 @52/50 磅穿线。
说实话，我一点都不喜欢这支球拍。它很难用。力量水平太低了。一开始我打进了很多球。它也有板的感觉。相比之下，BP 和 RF97 打起来轻而易举，而且在我看来，它们的感觉也更好。我会尝试更低的张力和不同的弦，但现在我很失望，
Click to expand...
May I ask the SW weight for your UP?
 
EGT said:
May I ask the SW weight for your UP?
Click to expand...
Have not messured it , but if I had to guess, wth the added weight, It should be around 335.
I removed some weight from the handle and switched the lead tapes form 3 and 9 to !0 and 2. And I gotta say it played much better today ( also I may have gotten more used to it ) . The consistency and control was very good. But still, I wasn't happy with the feel though . So I gave it to the stringer to switch to Lynx tour and 48 lbs.
 
Kitchen5ink said:
Have not messured it , but if I had to guess, wth the added weight, It should be around 335.
I removed some weight from the handle and switched the lead tapes form 3 and 9 to !0 and 2. And I gotta say it played much better today ( also I may have gotten more used to it ) . The consistency and control was very good. But still, I wasn't happy with the feel though . So I gave it to the stringer to switch to Lynx tour and 48 lbs.
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For my UP: I use Lynx Tour for Main and Hawk Power/Razor Soft for Cross, no added weight or lead, 305g for unstrung, and SW330 strung, It feels way better than the same spec BP.
Thinner beam, plush and softer feel, the sweet point is higher than BP.
 
Well Lynx tour is apparently a heavier string but I think your stock SW is higher in stock form. Mine didn't feel anything close to that.
Maybe the feel is a preference thing , don't know, the BP feels quite good to me. Anyways I except to like it more with Lynx Tour as it's my favourite string right now.
 
Kitchen5ink said:
Have not messured it , but if I had to guess, wth the added weight, It should be around 335.
I removed some weight from the handle and switched the lead tapes form 3 and 9 to !0 and 2. And I gotta say it played much better today ( also I may have gotten more used to it ) . The consistency and control was very good. But still, I wasn't happy with the feel though . So I gave it to the stringer to switch to Lynx tour and 48 lbs.
Click to expand...

I’ve added 2g at 12 to my UP and it completely transformed the racket to the extent I now plan on making it my main and have ordered 3 more. With this adjustment I’d say it’s the best racket I’ve ever played with and beats the BP hands down on precision and manouverability. Specs of mine are 347g static, 330 swing, 32.5 balance, strung with Luxilon original at 45 lbs.
 
Kitchen5ink said:
I had a hitting session with my new UP 16m today. I had added 2 grams each at 3,9 and 12. and a 15 grams added in the handle. Roughly the same weight as my BP ( 349g ) And strung it with alu rough 1.30 @52/50 lbs.
Honestly I didn't like the racket at all. It's very difficult to use. The power level was so low. I netted so many balls at the beginning. it also had a board like feel to it. By comparison the BP and RF97 are a breeze to play with and they have better feel too IMO. I'll be experimenting with lower tensons and different strings , but for now I'm disappointed,
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I think the up needs at least 4g at 3 and 9 to add lateral stability. Worth trying some in the throat too. Mine is now very even,y balanced between some silicone in the handle, some weight in the throat and then 4g at 3 and 9 and 2g at 12 to create the overall 347 static weight. Not sure exactly how much in the throat and handle but will ask my customiser.
 
extreme_western said:
I think the up needs at least 4g at 3 and 9 to add lateral stability. Worth trying some in the throat too. Mine is now very even,y balanced between some silicone in the handle, some weight in the throat and then 4g at 3 and 9 and 2g at 12 to create the overall 347 static weight. Not sure exactly how much in the throat and handle but will ask my customiser.
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Well, I didn't give any updates but I'm actually a fan of the racket now. I have weight added at 3&9,10&2 and `12 o clock. And I like the feel with Lynx Tour at lower tensions a lot more.
It the most presictable frame I've played with. I still love the BP as much too and the extra power and sweer spot , with the UP I feel I have to be more on my game.
 
Ive been playing with the BP 98 for about 6 months now circa 3 days a week. So Im totally dialed into it.

What Ive noticed is you need to be quite relaxed when swinging it and let the weight take care of business. Early prep is essential. Where it really shines is on return of serve.
 
Hi all, I am currently using the BP 18 x 20 and need some suggestions, I currently use tecnifibre razor soft 17 at 52/48. I want to switch to luxilon alu power as I have a contract with them. What are your best reccomendations for spin, I would not mind using a hybrid of the two and restringing is not a problem.
 
Bought a Pro 98 V9 paintjob. After changing base grip for a leather grip, there are ist specs:

STRINGEDSTRINGED + BASE GRIPSTRINGED + LEATHER GRIPSTRINGED + LEATHER GRIP + OVERGRIPSTRINGED + LEATHER GRIP + OVERGRIP + DAMPNER
RAQUET 1RAQUET 1RAQUET 1RAQUET 1RAQUET 1
WEIGHT (g)309,31322,6332,6337,5338,5
SWING WEIGHT¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?
STIFNESS6161616161
BALANCE (mm)340330328328
BALANCE HL1455
BALANCE HL (without rounding)0,793753,968754,603754,60375
​
 
I know the v8 and v9 are supposed the be the same. However, I picked up a pair of V9 16x19 Pro’s from my local shop and they felt different compared to my V8 as well as some other differences.

1. V8 is that foam and silicone mix under buttcap. V9 was 100% clear silicone under buttcap like an H22 prostock typically would be. Silicone was cutoff perfectly making it seem like it came directly from Wilson and not a post fact application

2. Feel was without a doubt stiffer, which I liked. I compared it to the v8 with same strings and tension. My hitting partner agreed.

3. Feedback was good but also not as much as the v8. Much less pingy, buzzy and more muted. Obviously nothing like technology muted frames (yonex, head and babo) that feel dead.

4. Impact was way more of thud and solid. Unstrung SW was 300 so it wasn’t related to more material in the head. Twist weight was relatively low but stability was not impacted whatsoever. Very solid even off center.

Anybody else feeling this in their v9?
 
dl32 said:
I know the v8 and v9 are supposed the be the same. However, I picked up a pair of V9 16x19 Pro’s from my local shop and they felt different compared to my V8 as well as some other differences.

1. V8 is that foam and silicone mix under buttcap. V9 was 100% clear silicone under buttcap like an H22 prostock typically would be. Silicone was cutoff perfectly making it seem like it came directly from Wilson and not a post fact application

2. Feel was without a doubt stiffer, which I liked. I compared it to the v8 with same strings and tension. My hitting partner agreed.

3. Feedback was good but also not as much as the v8. Much less pingy, buzzy and more muted. Obviously nothing like technology muted frames (yonex, head and babo) that feel dead.

4. Impact was way more of thud and solid. Unstrung SW was 300 so it wasn’t related to more material in the head. Twist weight was relatively low but stability was not impacted whatsoever. Very solid even off center.

Anybody else feeling this in their v9?
Click to expand...

I haven’t played with the v8 BP but my v9 definitely fits that description. It’s crazy solid and thuddy like a tank, and it’s infinitely stable. Playing it stock with an overgrip and Alu Rough I’ve got a 334 SW.

By comparison my v8 standard 98 was much softer; the stiffness difference with the BP is noticeable and welcome.
 
I had one off-spec BP v8, which had static weight 311g, sw close of 345g. More muted touch than any of my 3pcs BP v9. Played a two serious hard hitting session in 48h and got a tennis elbow first time ever. That racket feels more like Percept H than BP.
 
neunelf said:
I had one off-spec BP v8, which had static weight 311g, sw close of 345g. More muted touch than any of my 3pcs BP v9. Played a two serious hard hitting session in 48h and got a tennis elbow first time ever. That racket feels more like Percept H than BP.
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That’s really high, that will definitely stress the arm. I’m feeling it if my frame is 5 grams over.
 
One of my BPs is like 311g, with the other one being 309g static unstrung no overgrip. Didn't think a few grams here or there would be so perceptible but I've had 3-4 hitting partners of various levels blind test/hit with them and they were all able to identify which one was which. Fortunately, it doesn't bother me too much in actual play, but I'll probably eventually tune them the same.
 
Agree with Hesi. The 3pcs v9 are 306, 307, 308 and feeling pretty same. All have same strings and around same sw. I feel difference and it is pure mental thing. But v8 is different animal which needs adjusting fh and serve. I did not play so relaxed with it, having a bit slippery overgrip and tennis elbow was ready. Lesson learned: play with rackets you have, but if there are real reason to change, take a long time for it.
 
Can someone elaborate on two questions I have for the Blade Pro v9 18x20.

Is the butt cap and handle design the same as the normal v9 Blades (the rounder newer ones)?

Has the BP racket similar flex( not RA rating but the way it flexes) as the normal v9 Blade, which complements the modern more vertical swing path (it is very distinct sound and feeling on the normal blades when you hit it that way)?
 
DrTompu said:
Bought a Pro 98 V9 paintjob. After changing base grip for a leather grip, there are ist specs:

STRINGEDSTRINGED + BASE GRIPSTRINGED + LEATHER GRIPSTRINGED + LEATHER GRIP + OVERGRIPSTRINGED + LEATHER GRIP + OVERGRIP + DAMPNER
RAQUET 1RAQUET 1RAQUET 1RAQUET 1RAQUET 1
WEIGHT (g)309,31322,6332,6337,5338,5
SWING WEIGHT¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?
STIFNESS6161616161
BALANCE (mm)340330328328
BALANCE HL1455
BALANCE HL (without rounding)0,793753,968754,603754,60375
​
Click to expand...
My v8 18x20 Blade Pro weights 339g
Strung with leather grip and 1 overgrip.
 
I ordered a V9 Blade Pro 18x20 last week. According to the shop where I purchased it, the unstrung specs are 305.6g / 32.5cm. I will have it strung with Luxilon 4G Soft. Although I plan to try the racquet in its stock form first, I’ll likely add a leather grip and some tungsten at the hoop to counterbalance it.

I currently play with the Prince 93P, and occasionally the 97P. The SW of the 97P is 336 gram, but I suspect the 93P is slightly higher due to added tungsten tape (6 gram) at 10 and 2.

Where should I place the tungsten tape on the Blade Pro to reach a SW of around 340? Any advice?
 
Stadjer said:
I ordered a V9 Blade Pro 18x20 last week. According to the shop where I purchased it, the unstrung specs are 305.6g / 32.5cm. I will have it strung with Luxilon 4G Soft. Although I plan to try the racquet in its stock form first, I’ll likely add a leather grip and some tungsten at the hoop to counterbalance it.

I currently play with the Prince 93P, and occasionally the 97P. The SW of the 97P is 336 gram, but I suspect the 93P is slightly higher due to added tungsten tape (6 gram) at 10 and 2.

Where should I place the tungsten tape on the Blade Pro to reach a SW of around 340? Any advice?
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Leather grip is a good idea as it is a little head heavy. I'd recommend a hybrid setup with poly in the mains and a multi in the crosses.
 
Personally, I think those are great specs. It gives you the room to customize while also not being a necessity due to it being around the balance of a standard blade.
If it were up to me, though (due to my racket history), I would probably bump it up to (unstrung): 324 g, 30.5 cm, and 300 SW.
 
currently using the BP98 v8 18x20 and BP98 v816x19
i think the BP98 v8 16x19 gives me a little more pop and topspin
i did add leadtape to both to make the SW and balance pretty similar
but when i put new strings in them, i cant tell much of a difference
string them with Solinco TB 17 for most of the season
transitioning to Solinco HG 17 in the winter, as well as droping tension

i want to fully transition to the BP98 v9 16x19

is there something a bit different about the BP98 v9 16x19 compared with the BP98 v8 16x19?
or should i just get them and figure it out

being a senior, i rarely play singles anymore, and just "friendly" doubles
no more USTA league

thx

z
 
I recently bought the Wilson Blade Pro 18x20, strung with Big Banger Original at 22/21 kg (48/46 lbs), Tourna leather grip, Megatac overgrip, a dampener, and 5 grams of tungsten tape at 10 and 2. The static weight comes in at 349 grams. I’m not sure about the SW yet, but I expect it’s a bit on the higher side. I’ll ask my stringer to measure it when I visit him next week. For reference, I played until recently with a Prince Phantom 93p with also some tungsten tape at 10 & 2. Static weight 362 grams. SW ± 340-ish.

I played about 10 hours with it over three sessions last week and... my goodness, what a racket.

Some first impressions:
  • Incredibly stable, with controlled power and impressive spin potential. Oddly enough, I have more control than with my Prince. I usually hit quite flat, but even I can now generate a solid amount of topspin;
  • The RA is listed as 61, though to me it feels slightly higher;
  • The sound at impact is really addictive—very different from what I'm used to;
  • I first played it in stock form, which already felt great. But adding a leather grip, with a bit of lead in the hoop for counter balance, definitely brings out more pop/stability.
Because of the limited availability, I've order a second BP online last Thursday. I’ll have this one strung with Luxilon 4G Soft at 24/22 kg (52/48 lbs). Can’t wait to see how that setup plays.
 
In case anyone was in the market for V9 grommets, TW has the newer ones w/ the grommet clips. Not sure when they got them in (they're actually out of stock right now, but I just received one from them). The grommet clips are indeed just cosmetic for the BP - the bumper and top grommet strip is just one molded piece. Wilson looks like they are still selling the V7/V8 ones w/o the neon green clips.
 
jlouie said:
In case anyone was in the market for V9 grommets, TW has the newer ones w/ the grommet clips. Not sure when they got them in (they're actually out of stock right now, but I just received one from them). The grommet clips are indeed just cosmetic for the BP - the bumper and top grommet strip is just one molded piece. Wilson looks like they are still selling the V7/V8 ones w/o the neon green clips.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the heads up!
 
Is anyone able to help I’ve recently come back to the blade pro to cut a long story short I bought it played the match of my life on clay winning 6-0 6-0 then had an up and down match on a wet hard court but still won 6-4 6-1, I’m trying out some customisation once it’s restrung with lynx tour at 48lbs, what would you recommend? I’m going to go for a leather grip to increase the static weight, but unsure if it needs to be bumped up to match my prince beasts at 345-350 swingweight? From the stock testing I’ve tried it feels solid and matches the power level of the prince
 
Any recommendation for a poly poly hybrid cross which goes well with Lynx Tour 1,25 mains, maybe something round?? Don't have access to Restring Sync
 
jj4545 said:
Any recommendation for a poly poly hybrid cross which goes well with Lynx Tour 1,25 mains, maybe something round?? Don't have access to Restring Sync
Click to expand...
Not playing on a Blade Pro, but I really like my rf97 set up with Lynx Tour 1.30 and 1.25. I think it really depends what characteristics you're looking to emphasize.

According to the stringer's spreadsheet, he put in the 17GA on the mains (57lbs) and 16GA on the cross (55lbs) though, which was the opposite of what I asked. I'll double check to make sure he actually put the thinner gauge on the mains real quick, as I wanted the thicker string to be the mains.
Edit: just checked visually, I think the 16GA was actually put on the mains and he recorded it incorrectly. I think.
I find good consistency and durability, spin, and control with it.

I'm ordering Toroline Wasabi X myself though. Supposed to be a good cross string that is slick and round.
 
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Stadjer said:
I recently bought the Wilson Blade Pro 18x20, strung with Big Banger Original at 22/21 kg (48/46 lbs), Tourna leather grip, Megatac overgrip, a dampener, and 5 grams of tungsten tape at 10 and 2. The static weight comes in at 349 grams. I’m not sure about the SW yet, but I expect it’s a bit on the higher side. I’ll ask my stringer to measure it when I visit him next week. For reference, I played until recently with a Prince Phantom 93p with also some tungsten tape at 10 & 2. Static weight 362 grams. SW ± 340-ish.

I played about 10 hours with it over three sessions last week and... my goodness, what a racket.

Some first impressions:
  • Incredibly stable, with controlled power and impressive spin potential. Oddly enough, I have more control than with my Prince. I usually hit quite flat, but even I can now generate a solid amount of topspin;
  • The RA is listed as 61, though to me it feels slightly higher;
  • The sound at impact is really addictive—very different from what I'm used to;
  • I first played it in stock form, which already felt great. But adding a leather grip, with a bit of lead in the hoop for counter balance, definitely brings out more pop/stability.
Because of the limited availability, I've order a second BP online last Thursday. I’ll have this one strung with Luxilon 4G Soft at 24/22 kg (52/48 lbs). Can’t wait to see how that setup plays.
Click to expand...

I stopped by the stringing shop today and, as mentioned earlier, picked up my new BP. For those interested, here are the specs of both racquets:

Current racquet (the one I've been playing with the past few weeks):
  • Static weight: 346.6g
  • Balance: 32.8cm
  • Swingweight: 347.5
Setup includes a leather base grip, Tourna overgrip, Luxilon 4G Soft strings, and 5g of tungsten tape at 10 & 2. Damper not included.

New racquet:
  • Static weight: 344.7g
  • Balance: 33.6cm
  • Swingweight: 359
Setup: leather base grip, Tourna overgrip, strung with Luxilon Big Banger Original and also 5g of tungsten tape at 10 & 2. Damper not included.

The difference is quite noticeable. It's still surprising how inconsistent Wilson's quality control can be, especially for a brand of their stature. That said, it is what it is. I’ll start hitting with the new frame soon - both with and without the tungsten tape - to see how it feels. Who knows, maybe I’ll end up liking it more than expected.
 
Finished my tennis session with a heavy rally with my friend’s BP 18x20 after playing a set with my RF97…wow i understand why some people say the BP is a more playable RF now haha. Compared to the regular blade this thing has heft. Volleys were amazing with that connected feel & groundstrokes had that ol’fashion point and shoot ease. Looking at the general reviews it seems that the 18x20 is favored more so than the 16x19 (despite people mentioning that the 16x19 hits with more free power) Looks like I’m gonna have to blind buy both and test them extensively lol.
 
Johnnyrocket said:
Finished my tennis session with a heavy rally with my friend’s BP 18x20 after playing a set with my RF97…wow i understand why some people say the BP is a more playable RF now haha. Compared to the regular blade this thing has heft. Volleys were amazing with that connected feel & groundstrokes had that ol’fashion point and shoot ease. Looking at the general reviews it seems that the 18x20 is favored more so than the 16x19 (despite people mentioning that the 16x19 hits with more free power) Looks like I’m gonna have to blind buy both and test them extensively lol.
Click to expand...
Just be careful of the specs you get. The Wilson QC lottery is a dangerous game.
 
Johnnyrocket said:
Finished my tennis session with a heavy rally with my friend’s BP 18x20 after playing a set with my RF97…wow i understand why some people say the BP is a more playable RF now haha. Compared to the regular blade this thing has heft. Volleys were amazing with that connected feel & groundstrokes had that ol’fashion point and shoot ease. Looking at the general reviews it seems that the 18x20 is favored more so than the 16x19 (despite people mentioning that the 16x19 hits with more free power) Looks like I’m gonna have to blind buy both and test them extensively lol.
Click to expand...
Do you have a 2HBH? I always worry the added weight plus my usual customization would make it too clunky for my OHBH.
 
CiscoPC600 said:
Do you have a 2HBH? I always worry the added weight plus my usual customization would make it too clunky for my OHBH.
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I have both 2HBH and OHBH and while it was usable for a OHBH it was still clunky without any weight. Had to really focus on striking through the contact point and rely on heavy rpm to maintain rally.
 
Johnnyrocket said:
I’ve heard! What is the ideal spec one should look for? Low static weight (+) high swingweight? Or high static weight (+) low swingweight?
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The main thing is to verify the specs before you buy. I use the 16m version and got lucky to score 3 of them with pretty similar specs on the leaner end. My strung specs range from 327-331g and 329-332SW. Those are perfect for me. So you really have to know what you want your specs to be before you buy, because everyone likes theirs just a little different
 
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