Wilson Pro Labs: Blade Pro Official Thread

[tim-ay]

Pour one out.

My 5.0 buddy's racquet after we smoked him and another guy in doubles.

https://imgur.com/a/FiN5EXy

wow, i can't imagine getting that upset in a doubles match. I knew a dude like that @4.5 and after giving him **** about behavior I decided to just stop playing with that group. i don't snap in singles either, but man.... doubles? there's a reason 5 people watch doubles matches. It's supposed to be fun, less work.

 

[topspn]

I have never been able to understand smashing racquets. I get frustrated too and pissed off at myself but never smashed a racquet.

 

[Dishiki]

I have never been able to understand smashing racquets. I get frustrated too and pissed off at myself but never smashed a racquet.

FIrst racquet he has smashed since 15.

 

[tim-ay]

FIrst racquet he has smashed since 15.

I guess what the heck... as long as he's a cool guy and doesn't take himself too seriously.

 

[Dishiki]

Yeah. He is an awesome guy, and easily the best guy on our ALTA men's team. He ran into a real jerk on Sunday in mixed doubles playoffs at line 1. The guy had played in college, and parked his wife on the alley and basically played singles. Guy was so good it didn't matter, and my buddy and his partner lost 10-5 in a 3rd set 10-point tiebreaker.

I think part of that carried over to last night. He switched to the BP just a month or so ago. He had previously used Pure Strike. He hasn't fully dialed it in yet, and I think part of that frustration played out last night.

 

[USPTARF97]

Yeah. He is an awesome guy, and easily the best guy on our ALTA men's team. He ran into a real jerk on Sunday in mixed doubles playoffs at line 1. The guy had played in college, and parked his wife on the alley and basically played singles. Guy was so good it didn't matter, and my buddy and his partner lost 10-5 in a 3rd set 10-point tiebreaker.

I think part of that carried over to last night. He switched to the BP just a month or so ago. He had previously used Pure Strike. He hasn't fully dialed it in yet, and I think part of that frustration played out last night.

The last frame I cased was around 22yrs old. Even though the frames were free is suddenly dawned on me just how ridiculous that looked to the people watching us play and how much of a joke that makes one.
The people playing on tv that break frames are playing for, in some cases, millions of dollars. If we win or lose at recreational tennis..perspective.
Mixed troubles playoffs was the catalyst? That’s embarrassing.

 

[JGads]

Pour one out.

My 5.0 buddy's racquet after we smoked him and another guy in doubles.

https://imgur.com/a/FiN5EXy

This should require jail time.

Cannot believe anyone could do that to this frame, of all frames. Gulbis fine, but on the amateur level? Oy.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

The last frame I cased was around 22yrs old. Even though the frames were free is suddenly dawned on me just how ridiculous that looked to the people watching us play and how much of a joke that makes one.
The people playing on tv that break frames are playing for, in some cases, millions of dollars. If we win or lose at recreational tennis..perspective.
Mixed troubles playoffs was the catalyst? That’s embarrassing.

The worst I've ever done was scare random people on adjacent courts or across the street when I yelled out in frustration out of the blue... it was pretty funny actually.

I had a guy once come around from the other side of the net in a doubles match... stand an inch away from my face, and start baring his teeth and curling his lips like he was a wolf or something... because he didn't like a call I made. That was the day I decided I will stop playing competition tennis as I didn't want to be put in that situation again at the "critical recreational level" we were playing at.

As you said so well... Perspective.

 

[MRfStop]

Yeah. He is an awesome guy, and easily the best guy on our ALTA men's team. He ran into a real jerk on Sunday in mixed doubles playoffs at line 1. The guy had played in college, and parked his wife on the alley and basically played singles. Guy was so good it didn't matter, and my buddy and his partner lost 10-5 in a 3rd set 10-point tiebreaker.

I think part of that carried over to last night. He switched to the BP just a month or so ago. He had previously used Pure Strike. He hasn't fully dialed it in yet, and I think part of that frustration played out last night.

What level ALTA was this?

 

[RF_PRO_STAFF]

Pour one out.

My 5.0 buddy's racquet after we smoked him and another guy in doubles.

https://imgur.com/a/FiN5EXy

Somebody took the grip and ran.

 

[HitMoreBHs]

https://imgur.com/a/FiN5EXy

Is that a foam filled throat?

 

[Yamin]

Props to him using it for doubles. BP makes the 18x20 blade feel whippy after a while....

 

[Dishiki]

Is that a foam filled throat?

Yes, foam filled throat.

 

[Dishiki]

Somebody took the grip and ran.

I string his racquets and had put a brand new leather grip on. I reacquired it.

 

[USPTARF97]

It’s interesting, playing with this frame win or lose, I don’t even want to scratch it. The stress of the pandemic and all of its ramifications placed on families, many are coming unhinged. Saw a 65yr old guy at the club that is normally very calm, going completely nuts, shouting, throwing his racquet multiple times, throwing out some explications etc.

 

[InNOut]

Pour one out.

My 5.0 buddy's racquet after we smoked him and another guy in doubles.

https://imgur.com/a/FiN5EXy

Interesting... I would of thought the head part would break fist.

 

[Dishiki]

It’s interesting, playing with this frame win or lose, I don’t even want to scratch it. The stress of the pandemic and all of its ramifications placed on families, many are coming unhinged. Saw a 65yr old guy at the club that is normally very calm, going completely nuts, shouting, throwing his racquet multiple times, throwing out some explications etc.

It's a racquet. It gets scratched. Glossy paint job, while better than matte, still isn't great. It doesn't belong in a museum, iy belongs on the court with the scrapes and scratches that come with it.

 

[USPTARF97]

It's a racquet. It gets scratched. Glossy paint job, while better than matte, still isn't great. It doesn't belong in a museum, iy belongs on the court with the scrapes and scratches that come with it.

Broken in half..

Practice with D1 players and some of the best juniors in the country. My frames see the wear and tear for sure. Casing one in a doubles match after getting ones feelings hurt in mixed doubles doesn’t sound much like an experienced 5.0 player.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

It’s interesting, playing with this frame win or lose, I don’t even want to scratch it. The stress of the pandemic and all of its ramifications placed on families, many are coming unhinged. Saw a 65yr old guy at the club that is normally very calm, going completely nuts, shouting, throwing his racquet multiple times, throwing out some explications etc.

People are losing their minds... who knows what additional ramifications will be felt as a result of this pandemic. Only time will tell.

 

[USPTARF97]

People are losing their minds... who knows what additional ramifications will be felt as a result of this pandemic. Only time will tell.

Tremendous amount of stress on people right now. Hate to see a frame destroyed like that but on some level, I get it.

 

[Dishiki]

Tremendous amount of stress on people right now. Hate to see a frame destroyed like that but on some level, I get it.

He threw the racquet. It hit the metal leg of a bench and cracked at the neck. Once he knew it was toast he cracked it over his knee.

 

[USPTARF97]

He threw the racquet. It hit the metal leg of a bench and cracked at the neck. Once he knew it was toast he cracked it over his knee.

Expensive toss for sure.

 

[USPTARF97]

On another note, these frames still available from Wilson?

 

[Dishiki]

On another note, these frames still available from Wilson?

Yes. Still available.

Yes expensive toss. I would gladly taken it off of his hands as I have 1 BP 16, 1 BP 18, and 1 UP 16.

 

[USPTARF97]

Yes. Still available.

Yes expensive toss. I would gladly taken it off of his hands as I have 1 BP 16, 1 BP 18, and 1 UP 16.

Have three that all spec out pretty close. They have been strung once each. Not a blemish on the frames or bumper guards. Will keep you guys posted if I sell.

 

[Paul Y]

I wish they still had 1/8 on the UP 16

 

[USPTARF97]

Selling these three frames, trying to figure out how to list them on the for sale thread. Can’t get a pic to download.

 

[Zeke3]

Has anyone tried extending their BPs? I currently play 2 16x19s matched at 305sw/32.5/305g. I’ve been debating between adding a leather grip (my typical move) versus adding 0.25”.

I want to tip the balance slightly more headlight and to add more stability esp on the backhand slice/return despite enjoying how these sticks play stock.

For reference I’m a 5.0 player. Avid reader of this forum

 

[Paul Y]

Selling these three frames, trying to figure out how to list them on the for sale thread. Can’t get a pic to download.

I forget was yours 16x19 grip 3?

 

[USPTARF97]

I forget was yours 16x19 grip 3?

4 1/2 grip 16x19
Wilson Leather Grips
Not a blemish on the frames or bumper guards
310,313,315 Static Weight
32.5 Balance

 

[USPTARF97]

Going to give it another go at a lower tension with the Blade Pro and see how it goes. Not sure if is just that I am more accustomed to the Prestige Mid than the Blade Pro but my level of play is obviously higher with the Prestige. One of kids from Belarus that I hit with said you need to play with “dis one” pointing at the Prestige.

 

[Spanglish72]

QC issues aside, the Donnay Pro One 97 16x19 is a great stick. I’ve purchased other racquets but keep going back to the Donnay. Haven’t tried the Blade.

Yes love the Pro One 97 precision and comfort, but its lack of power wears me out after about an hour.

The Blade Pro has slightly less precision, but makes up for it with a little added power that helps me last longer on the court.

 

[JGads]

Going to give it another go at a lower tension with the Blade Pro and see how it goes. Not sure if is just that I am more accustomed to the Prestige Mid than the Blade Pro but my level of play is obviously higher with the Prestige. One of kids from Belarus that I hit with said you need to play with “dis one” pointing at the Prestige.

Never trust a Belarusian.

Joking aside, someone mentioned going pretty low in tension on the BP actually did work. I have one that's being incredibly stubborn and not feeling as soft and predictable as my other one and I may try this next.

 

[USPTARF97]

Never trust a Belarusian.

Joking aside, someone mentioned going pretty low in tension on the BP actually did work. I have one that's being incredibly stubborn and not feeling as soft and predictable as my other one and I may try this next.

Initially used Alu Power @ 52 which was awesome. Trouble is it bags out in a few hours and used the last on a reel. Too expensive to go through strings every few hours. Went T1 BK @ 50 and felt too muted. My Prestige’s are all strung with BK @ 48 or 49 and play wicked. Super heavy ball.
The D1 players I know are staying around 50 with full poly and the BP. I’m not swinging off the Richter scale with racquet head speed like these guys so dropping tension is my option for now.
Going to experiment between 45-48lbs in the BP with Tier One strings and see what happens. Trying lower tensions this morning.
Beautiful thing about this frame is even when you string it too tight and it becomes board like..still not tough on the arm. That is worth the price of admission.

 

[topspn]

Initially used Alu Power @ 52 which was awesome. Trouble is it bags out in a few hours and used the last on a reel. Too expensive to go through strings every few hours. Went T1 BK @ 50 and felt too muted. My Prestige’s are all strung with BK @ 48 or 49 and play wicked. Super heavy ball.
The D1 players I know are staying around 50 with full poly and the BP. I’m not swinging off the Richter scale with racquet head speed like these guys so dropping tension is my option for now.
Going to experiment between 45-48lbs in the BP with Tier One strings and see what happens. Trying lower tensions this morning.
Beautiful thing about this frame is even when you string it too tight and it becomes board like..still not tough on the arm. That is worth the price of admission.

Tier 1 strings are on the more soft and powerful size of polys. Their most control oriented string is BK and it still has a good amount of power. BP is enhanced by a medium stiff control poly around 50s tension

 

[USPTARF97]

Tier 1 strings are on the more soft and powerful size of polys. Their most control oriented string is BK and it still has a good amount of power. BP is enhanced by a medium stiff control poly around 50s tension

For sure, I’m thinking just surfing around with some tensions with BK and will find something that works. Have only hit with these frames 4-5hrs so that is probably a factor as well.

 

[JGads]

Initially used Alu Power @ 52 which was awesome. Trouble is it bags out in a few hours and used the last on a reel. Too expensive to go through strings every few hours. Went T1 BK @ 50 and felt too muted. My Prestige’s are all strung with BK @ 48 or 49 and play wicked. Super heavy ball.
The D1 players I know are staying around 50 with full poly and the BP. I’m not swinging off the Richter scale with racquet head speed like these guys so dropping tension is my option for now.
Going to experiment between 45-48lbs in the BP with Tier One strings and see what happens. Trying lower tensions this morning.
Beautiful thing about this frame is even when you string it too tight and it becomes board like..still not tough on the arm. That is worth the price of admission.

Report back on that lower tension and how it plays, por favor.

 

[USPTARF97]

Report back on that lower tension and how it plays, por favor.

Wow, that is the deal @ 48lbs. Killing it still under control. Heavy spin, good feel. Volleys, serve, return of serve, attacking the mid court ball, all under control. Hitting the ball on the full run still has a serious pay off. I’m a believer.

 

[Paul Y]

Wow, that is the deal @ 48lbs. Killing it still under control. Heavy spin, good feel. Volleys, serve, return of serve, attacking the mid court ball, all under control. Hitting the ball on the full run still has a serious pay off. I’m a believer.

Only issue I found is my son kills the string faster when I drop the tension lol. We got it down to 40 with the same control but much more spin.

 

[bogdan101]

Did anyone measure the stiffness of the BP's yet? I read that they're stiffer than a typical pro stock H22. Also, do the BP 18x20 grommets fit the pro stock H22?

 

[USPTARF97]

Only issue I found is my son kills the string faster when I drop the tension lol. We got it down to 40 with the same control but much more spin.

Thats what I am thinking, going down on tension until there is a loss of control. 47 next

 

[AA7]

Thats what I am thinking, going down on tension until there is a loss of control. 47 next

Interesting... I have been sticking with 51... Done deal. Let's try 47 then...

 

[USPTARF97]

Interesting... I have been sticking with 51... Done deal. Let's try 47 then...

6hrs into playing @ 48lbs and still excellent control on the serve, returns and mid-court ball which seem to be the test for my game in terms of control. That’s with an OEHMS string. Pearl Rough 1.25
T1:BK @ 47 or 48 should be business.

 

[TennisCounrty]

I strung mine up at 51 and feel I could go tighter. really enjoy the feel so far but haven't put any weight on it yet.

 

[USPTARF97]

I strung mine up at 51 and feel I could go tighter. really enjoy the feel so far but haven't put any weight on it yet.

With Alu Power played at 52 and felt like I could go 54 but Alu bagged out too quickly in this frame. If Luxilon was free would roll with it for sure.

 

[AndyBarronMuzza]

Which pattern are most people getting? 18x20 or 16x19?

 

[Paul Y]

Which pattern are most people getting? 18x20 or 16x19?

16x19

 

[TennisCounrty]

With Alu Power played at 52 and felt like I could go 54 but Alu bagged out too quickly in this frame. If Luxilon was free would roll with it for sure.

Got it, I'll try 54 with alu power. Thinking about 4g at 3 and 9, 2 at 12 and a leather grip.

 

[Paul Y]

Got it, I'll try 54 with alu power. Thinking about 4g at 3 and 9, 2 at 12 and a leather grip.

We tried adding weight to those spots but it didn’t feel as good as adding 4g total in the 10 and 2.

 

[USPTARF97]

We tried adding weight to those spots but it didn’t feel as good as adding 4g total in the 10 and 2.

The lighter of my three frames put a few grams at 3/9 and the same. Didn’t care for it. Going to try 10/2 next.