Yes I like the v7. Anyway, if I would get the BP I would customize it with a 32 balance with some lead on the grip or a leather grip.
Wilson Pro Labs: Blade Pro Official Thread
- Thread starter haqq777
- Start date
I really liked the v7, but like this one much more. I find it plays slightly stiffer, with much more plow through the ball. Maybe a hair less control.
austintennis2005
Professional
is there a good way to make these more head light like a prestige? i was thinking silicone in the handle but how much more head light would that make it?
You can put tungsten putty in there as well.
6gr is 1pt more hl and 10gr is about 2.5pts more hl
mine was nearly 7 points headlight unstrung.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I guess that depends on what you want your overall specs to be... Mine has an unstrung balance of 305mm (12 pts HL)... but has an unstrung static weight of 343g, and from memory, an unstrung SW of 324.
It plays awesome, swings easily, and is a fantastic racquet... but most of my racquets weigh around 360g.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
That's pretty standard... that means it will be 3-4 pts HL once strung. Prestige racquets are 6pts HL strung, which means it needs to be 9pts HL unstrung.
Well the spec from Wilson is 6 points I believe.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
That's unstrung.
I understand that is unstrung, but mine is 7 points unstrung. So a bit more headlight than 6 points unstrung spec.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I understand now what you were trying to get across. Cheers
I tried my v7 after a day of hitting with my pro and it felt so whippy and soft. I couldn’t believe the difference. Not going back.
Yeah. I'm constantly switching between the two using 16x19 BP for singles and the other for doubles. BP is around 350 swing weight and the 18x20 v7 about 338.
If I was playing any serious match I'd go with the v7 because as much as I've improved with the BP, it has also indirectly improved my play with the v7.
As the poster above mentioned, it feels so whippy in comparison that I have a much faster swing than before and the control is still top.
I'm going to keep the BP and use it for my development (recovering from shoulder surgery) as it has helped dramatically. If I had to choose what is best for me and probably 95% of players (in comparison), it's the v7.
Very well said.. agree with everything.
I also play between the 2 (BP 16m and v7 18m). I would probably stick with v7 18m for match play. I also noticed that BP helped v7 gameplay.
BP is great.. but it's no walk in the park.. feel is 2nd to none in any racket that I hit with. It does not have the control of v7. It has a ton of power and a very strong spin. Directional control and flat shots are totally fine (not necessarily the strength of the stick but it's great nevertheless)... The only problem with BP for me is that it requires good timing all the time (not the racket's fault.. it's mine). If you don't stay on top of it, and late then it can send the ball a little long. I am not getting rid of BPs either. Love hitting groundies with it. I will probably keep playing with both. Trying to be worthy of wielding the BP.
studpuffin
New User
Really liking how the BP plays in a lighter SW spec (I lucked out and managed to get one with 303 SW unstrung - the other one came in at 311 SW which I promptly returned, thanks Wilson QC). Paired this with a Solinco Confidential 16L. Great plow and still somewhat whippy enough, gives me great confidence on my groundies, especially the forehand side.
Now the question is if I should try the Wilson QC lottery to get another similar stick...
Now the question is if I should try the Wilson QC lottery to get another similar stick...
I have not but it will be very demanding. High SW, high weight.. small headsize..
D
Deleted member 780456
Guest
Blade pro 16x19 review
Strung specs (only alterations is 8 grams of putty in the handle, strip of tungsten at top of the handle)
Weight: 340 grams
Balance: 32.4 (6 points headlight)
Swingweight: approx 335 range (manual test)
Backhand: two hander
Strings: vs touch gut in the mains 56 pounds, alu power crosses 54 pounds
So I’m about 4 months in with this racket full time - I am someone who came from
The rf97 that knew it was too heavy to consistently handle but just loved the combination of feel controllable power and stability it gave. So searched for something more manageable but kept those qualities as much as possible.
So came the blade pro right on cue - read all the tt reviews, and the AC tennis review was great, and seemed to explain what I was looking for.
So here is my 4 months in review with my specs above
Ground strokes:
This thing to me is a great combination of stability, controllable power yet just enough manoeuvrability. At no point have I felt it twist so it returns like a dream, and I can swing out hitting through the ball and it hits with power but controllable, at no point have I felt that trampoline power you can get from some rackets where the ball just flies and you can’t quite workout why. Only time that will happen is if I hit late and it flies (similar to the rf) but that isn’t happening often with this racquet. I can get it where it needs to be and follow through 9 times out of 10. Due to this combination of stability, controllable power and good manoeuvrability for those traits - its fantastic on defence getting the ball back deep on the stretch with precision, as well as going into attack.
Slices are good, but I always prefer an 18 main racquet on slices so I won’t say it’s great, but it does the job. One other area it’s not the greatest is forehand whips when the ball is really low and short on that side - I’m still trying to work out the right movement with this racquet to get those shots back well - that could just be me but it’s not a light whippy racquet so Makes sense that type of shot can be a struggle - but I just need to work what the racquet likes for that type of shot.
Volleys - look this isn’t my strength so don’t take my word here, it’s stability at net is great, never felt it twist on me. Would prefer it to be more manoeuvrable here though, so I feel there are better racquets in this space - sometimes my volley can fly on my just because I haven’t followed through enough on contact - but honestly probably more on me here.
Serve: this isnt a light whippy racquet like a yonex 98 that you can just hit flat at crazy pace with no effort - but it hits a heavy serve with plenty of spin potential to throw slices and kicks whenever you like. If you are familiar with more solid racquets, it’s great and will give you everything you want.
Feel: fantastic feel, plush and soft, but you will know when you don’t hit the sweet spot. I actually had some arm pain with it at a point, but realised no one else has experienced this with the racquet and I had just played too much tennis in general and was hitting off centre on my serves a lot. This has stopped now when I rested up then got back to hitting serves cleanly. When you hit it clean, the feel is magical.
Overall:
To me there is something magical about this spec with a 22mm beam and a box beam. Controllable power, stable, and manoeuvrable for something that gives those first 2 traits. Great on defence and attacking - not much more you could ask for with this style racquet and you’re someone that hits through the ball. If you make a mistake, you’ll know exactly what you did and know it wasn’t an erratic stringbed or anything racquet related.
If you want something light and whippy, or something with what I call “trampoline power” rather than a heavy ball - this isn’t the racquet for you.
I just hope Wilson continue this offering in the future.
Strung specs (only alterations is 8 grams of putty in the handle, strip of tungsten at top of the handle)
Weight: 340 grams
Balance: 32.4 (6 points headlight)
Swingweight: approx 335 range (manual test)
Backhand: two hander
Strings: vs touch gut in the mains 56 pounds, alu power crosses 54 pounds
So I’m about 4 months in with this racket full time - I am someone who came from
The rf97 that knew it was too heavy to consistently handle but just loved the combination of feel controllable power and stability it gave. So searched for something more manageable but kept those qualities as much as possible.
So came the blade pro right on cue - read all the tt reviews, and the AC tennis review was great, and seemed to explain what I was looking for.
So here is my 4 months in review with my specs above
Ground strokes:
This thing to me is a great combination of stability, controllable power yet just enough manoeuvrability. At no point have I felt it twist so it returns like a dream, and I can swing out hitting through the ball and it hits with power but controllable, at no point have I felt that trampoline power you can get from some rackets where the ball just flies and you can’t quite workout why. Only time that will happen is if I hit late and it flies (similar to the rf) but that isn’t happening often with this racquet. I can get it where it needs to be and follow through 9 times out of 10. Due to this combination of stability, controllable power and good manoeuvrability for those traits - its fantastic on defence getting the ball back deep on the stretch with precision, as well as going into attack.
Slices are good, but I always prefer an 18 main racquet on slices so I won’t say it’s great, but it does the job. One other area it’s not the greatest is forehand whips when the ball is really low and short on that side - I’m still trying to work out the right movement with this racquet to get those shots back well - that could just be me but it’s not a light whippy racquet so Makes sense that type of shot can be a struggle - but I just need to work what the racquet likes for that type of shot.
Volleys - look this isn’t my strength so don’t take my word here, it’s stability at net is great, never felt it twist on me. Would prefer it to be more manoeuvrable here though, so I feel there are better racquets in this space - sometimes my volley can fly on my just because I haven’t followed through enough on contact - but honestly probably more on me here.
Serve: this isnt a light whippy racquet like a yonex 98 that you can just hit flat at crazy pace with no effort - but it hits a heavy serve with plenty of spin potential to throw slices and kicks whenever you like. If you are familiar with more solid racquets, it’s great and will give you everything you want.
Feel: fantastic feel, plush and soft, but you will know when you don’t hit the sweet spot. I actually had some arm pain with it at a point, but realised no one else has experienced this with the racquet and I had just played too much tennis in general and was hitting off centre on my serves a lot. This has stopped now when I rested up then got back to hitting serves cleanly. When you hit it clean, the feel is magical.
Overall:
To me there is something magical about this spec with a 22mm beam and a box beam. Controllable power, stable, and manoeuvrable for something that gives those first 2 traits. Great on defence and attacking - not much more you could ask for with this style racquet and you’re someone that hits through the ball. If you make a mistake, you’ll know exactly what you did and know it wasn’t an erratic stringbed or anything racquet related.
If you want something light and whippy, or something with what I call “trampoline power” rather than a heavy ball - this isn’t the racquet for you.
I just hope Wilson continue this offering in the future.
Fxanimator1
Hall of Fame
I tried the BP out and I feel like I must have gotten the heaviest one in the factory, because using the RF (which I still am) is much easier to use. The BP that I have felt like a slow log trying to use it.
D
Deleted member 780456
Guest
If it helps my unstrung specs were about 308 grams in weight and 32cm balance point (6hl).
My personal experience with the switch is that it took about 2 months to gel with this racquet after the rf97. I found the rf97 deceiving, as it’s more obvious hl racquet and it has an incredible follow through / whip ability for such a high weight and stable racquet - however I found myself having a few too many shots fly long just from being late on the swing. I didn’t notice it much when playing due to all its amazing qualities, but really noticed it when my friend gave the racquet a shot and I could see clearly how many mistakes he was making from late contact, yet when he came off the court just raved about the racquet - made me see myself with it a bit. something about it’s stability just makes it feel incredible, and when you hit long with it easy to think it’s your own mistake rather than noticing it was a late follow through from the weight...well my opinion anyway...most likely is just me ha. But that’s what got me looking for a slightly lighter rf .
The blade is a different kind of manoeuvrable, as it’s a different movement without the more hl style racquet. I think that’s why it took me a while to gel with it as it’s just a different motion and feeling to the rf style, but once I did I feel I can tell I’m a bit more consistent and a lot less late hits.
pfrischmann
Professional
Hi Guys,
Just adding my $.02. I tried the BP 16X19. It's really nice!. I'd say it's like a softer version of my Babolat Pure-Strike. There's a lot of weight in the hoop! IT has great feel and decent spin! Great-great feel. Far better than the new blades! Nice stick!!
Just adding my $.02. I tried the BP 16X19. It's really nice!. I'd say it's like a softer version of my Babolat Pure-Strike. There's a lot of weight in the hoop! IT has great feel and decent spin! Great-great feel. Far better than the new blades! Nice stick!!
Has anyone based in the UK bought these from Wilson recently? If so, how long did delivery take?
I ordered two on Monday PM, got an email saying they'd shipped Tuesday AM but the UPS tracking thing has just said 'Check back tomorrow for an updated delivery date' since then.
Can't wait to get a hit with these before our leagues start up again in the next few weeks.
I ordered two on Monday PM, got an email saying they'd shipped Tuesday AM but the UPS tracking thing has just said 'Check back tomorrow for an updated delivery date' since then.
Can't wait to get a hit with these before our leagues start up again in the next few weeks.
RVAtennisaddict
Professional
What are you coming from. I went ultra tour to ultra pro 16x19 to regular blade v7 16x19 in the last year. I want to love the ultrapro but play better with the blades. Am wondering if I should pull the trigger on a blade-pro or two.
Thanks
The black and silver (2013?) BLX Blade 16x19. One of my frames has cracked so finally pulling the trigger on a new racket and after reading this thread this one seems right up my street.
Crashbaby
Semi-Pro
Throw at least 3 grams at 12 and match that weight in the handle on the blx, if you can still swing it then yes, consider the BP. If you feel it’s too heavy now with the extra sw, you won’t like the BP. My BP has a 344 sw with no lead added. Blades are toys compared to BP’s. You are stepping up to a weapon of mass destruction. 
RVAtennisaddict
Professional
My blade pros have 8gm of lead at 10 and 2:00 and leather grip with tournagrip over. Not sure what my swing weights are, but 337gm and 338gm for my two frames. I seem to like frames 335-350gm.
Currently using volkyl cyclone tour 16g @48-50lbs. But getting ready to try the tourna silver 17g.
EDIT: May blade v7 16x19 not pros.. I am thinking about getting a blade pro.
Currently using volkyl cyclone tour 16g @48-50lbs. But getting ready to try the tourna silver 17g.
EDIT: May blade v7 16x19 not pros.. I am thinking about getting a blade pro.
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topspn
Legend
Umm how is that even possible? I have two with zero weight in the head, leather grip, OG, 2g under the butt cap and they weight 340g and have swing weights of 350 and 346
RVAtennisaddict
Professional
My blades are v7 16x19. Not pros.
I guess mine came in light, just know what I did to it after I got it. Was surprised they were lighter than my all my older frames (ultra tours 345ish, ultra pro 340, PureStrike v1 18x20 which were 348-350.
I guess mine came in light, just know what I did to it after I got it. Was surprised they were lighter than my all my older frames (ultra tours 345ish, ultra pro 340, PureStrike v1 18x20 which were 348-350.
topspn
Legend
Oh sorry, you wrote blade pro
RVAtennisaddict
Professional
yep, edited. wishful thinking. I am thinking that I might like the blade pro 16x19 more... but don't really want to spend 250 to find out and then another 250 if I am right. Don't hate the v7 (in fact like a lot, just always looking for better!)
I have been playing with my BP 16x19s for a while. I restrung the BP 18x20 and hit with it today. Cyclone Tour 17g/Gosen 17g at 53/51. Holy hell. It was a dream. I have a leather grip with a thin overgrip and lead at 10 and 2.
Serves were ridiculous. My groundstrokes were way heavier than with the 16. I hit with longer flat strokes but never had a problem with access to spin. Only hiccup was volleys but that was more footwork.
I have a league match Wednesday so I am going to try it out.
Serves were ridiculous. My groundstrokes were way heavier than with the 16. I hit with longer flat strokes but never had a problem with access to spin. Only hiccup was volleys but that was more footwork.
I have a league match Wednesday so I am going to try it out.
When I tried Blade v7 16x19 vs 18x20 what I preferred about the 16x19 was the feel you got when you really took a cut at the ball. It just felt better when you hit is hard, and the 18x20 didn't give that same feeling. Is the same true for the Blade Pro?
Quite the opposite for me. With the BP 16 I need to be more tempered. With the 18 I can let it rip.
so I can rip it with both v7 sticks, but when I rip it with the 16, I get a really satisfying feel that I just ripped it. When I rip it with the 18, it feels like just every other shot.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
When you rip it with the BP 16x19... you'll know about it... as will your opponent. In fact, your opponent will know about it even with the standard rally ball. When you rip it... it will feel more like a liver punch or a crack of the ribs (boxing analogy). They will definitely be bent over, in pain, and gasping for air.
Alright I'm finally looking to try some lower tensions. Been hurting myself a bit recently in the 53+ range and have only done 53-59 range so far. Saw some people using 48 tension... any issues with control there? Using Hyper G Soft.
Edit: Already strung 49/47 and it's leaping off the stringbed just bouncing the ball. Will see tomorrow if it's playable lol
Edit: Already strung 49/47 and it's leaping off the stringbed just bouncing the ball. Will see tomorrow if it's playable lol
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Hi all,
Long time lurker, first post.
i did read all posts on here, but i wasn’t able to find the answer i was looking for.
Is there anything that makes BP better than some of other racquets?
I know it uses H22 mold, but i couldn’t find any other factors that make this racquet better than others. Is there any technology or material that Wilson isn’t advertising that makes this special? Or is the mold so special that there is nothing else that needs to be added?
Long time lurker, first post.
i did read all posts on here, but i wasn’t able to find the answer i was looking for.
Is there anything that makes BP better than some of other racquets?
I know it uses H22 mold, but i couldn’t find any other factors that make this racquet better than others. Is there any technology or material that Wilson isn’t advertising that makes this special? Or is the mold so special that there is nothing else that needs to be added?
studpuffin
New User
I don't know if there're any "secret" ingredients that Wilson is putting into the BP, but the BP has a higher SW/plowthrough and great feel/comfort given the low-ish RA. Groundstrokes feel amazing on this.
If you're looking for a somewhat head-heavy racket with these characteristics, then go for the BP - I can't think of too many other rackets which offer the same characteristics in one package.
If you're looking for a somewhat head-heavy racket with these characteristics, then go for the BP - I can't think of too many other rackets which offer the same characteristics in one package.
I actually got it already (16m) andReally like it.
. I was just curious if there is anything special that I wasnt aware of. i am also using is pure aero with lead (335g static weight, ~340 sw, 5HL)
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I actually got it already (16m) andReally like it.
i am also using is pure aero with lead (335g static weight, ~340 sw, 5HL)
No secret ingredient... unless you consider the mold, low RA (in H22 Pro Stocks a different layup and even lower RA), and the 16x19 string pattern with 8 Mains in the throat, special.
If I'm not wrong, it's basically Wilson's version of the Head Liquidmetal Radical Tour MP that Djokovic was playing with. I think the Head Liquidmetal Radical MP is a fantastic racquet as well (never played with the Tour version as they are rarer and I don't want to dish out big money for used ones).
With all of these racquets (H22, HLM RT MP, and HLM RMP), I think it's the mold design, lightweight/ high SW/ tighter string pattern combination that is what is special. They have excellent control, are able to deal with heavy shots and pace from the opponent, have great power in stock form, and can then easily be modified to personal specifications without becoming too heavy in static weight.
For the Pros, they have a racquet that already has a higher SW and great stability in stock form, so they can either leave the head alone and just modify the handle side to get their desired specs... or they need to add minimal weight to the head (for men to get their 350-360SW), and then add the weight to the handle (silicone, or silicone plus lead, etc) to get their desired static weight, balance, SW, TW, etc.
It basically provides many things that are desired by high-level players/ Pros in stock form and isn't too complicated to modify (if that's required). I think this was basically a lightweight solution to the PT57As/ PT630s. It provided the stability and comfort of the latter, in a low static weight package. With the PT630 you have a heavy racquet that is phenomenal if you can hit the smaller sweet spot, but any modifications to the head resulted in a very heavy racquet. Here, the Pros and high-level players (or those that can wield the racquet with its higher SW) were given a racquet that was light in static weight, stable, bigger SW (that could be made enormous with small mods), bigger TW (that again could be made rock solid with small mods), and a light static weight that could be used in stock or modified to a much more manageable static weight when finished. What resulted was a racquet that had a bigger sweet spot, similar or better stability, but was more adaptable to a range of static weights required by a larger range of players.
Hope that has answered your query.
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That’s a great explanation. It all makes sense. Thanks!
D
Deleted member 780456
Guest
For the heavy plow through style racquet - seems to be a great mix of soft yet no muting technology feedback, yet specs of a heavy ball with a simple flat 22mm beam plus box beam throat - seems so simple but not really anything on the market with that combination.
Does anyone here know how to get Blades Pro within a certain spec range?
The two 18x20 I purchased last year had very close specs: unstrung weight 309g / balance 33cm, and weight 307g / balance 33.1cm. That was quite a bit more head heavy than most other specs that have been posted here, but I got used to that setup (with just a leather grip to counter balance), I love it now, and I'm now looking for another one or two with close enough specs.
I know I probably can order from Wilson, measure, return, repeat, until I get a match, but that's a little silly, going to cost Wilson more money than it should, and unnecessary waste of time on my side...
Any advice? Wilson or TW folks, are you listening too, any way you could help?
Thanks!!
The two 18x20 I purchased last year had very close specs: unstrung weight 309g / balance 33cm, and weight 307g / balance 33.1cm. That was quite a bit more head heavy than most other specs that have been posted here, but I got used to that setup (with just a leather grip to counter balance), I love it now, and I'm now looking for another one or two with close enough specs.
I know I probably can order from Wilson, measure, return, repeat, until I get a match, but that's a little silly, going to cost Wilson more money than it should, and unnecessary waste of time on my side...
Any advice? Wilson or TW folks, are you listening too, any way you could help?
Thanks!!
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
Just buy a couple like 6 at a time if you're going for 1.
I'm not sure a few grams of static weight matter (I wouldn't be able to tell the difference either) as much as the balance...
Mine were 33.0 and 33.1 unstrung, which is more head heavy than most 32-32.5 specs posted here... and now that I got used to those I'd really like to get more racquets with the same balance...
I realize I can adjust the balance with lead tape (that's what I did with a bit of lead mid handle to match the two I have) but I know from experience that it won't get the same feel at all if the starting balance is so significantly different...
So, I guess I'm just going to have to do repeat orders and returns to Wilson until I get a match...
Wilson, I'm guessing you have a good deal with FedEx and UPS, but it's a shame that we have to resort to that......
Wouldn't it be better for everybody to just provide a racquet spec matching service?! It could even be completely automated, aka cheap... where the customer would enter the balance they want and for a premium your order management system would just do a lookup and select a good enough match in your inventory...
Please sign me up when you have that...
Mine were 33.0 and 33.1 unstrung, which is more head heavy than most 32-32.5 specs posted here... and now that I got used to those I'd really like to get more racquets with the same balance...
I realize I can adjust the balance with lead tape (that's what I did with a bit of lead mid handle to match the two I have) but I know from experience that it won't get the same feel at all if the starting balance is so significantly different...
So, I guess I'm just going to have to do repeat orders and returns to Wilson until I get a match...
Wilson, I'm guessing you have a good deal with FedEx and UPS, but it's a shame that we have to resort to that......
Wouldn't it be better for everybody to just provide a racquet spec matching service?! It could even be completely automated, aka cheap... where the customer would enter the balance they want and for a premium your order management system would just do a lookup and select a good enough match in your inventory...
Please sign me up when you have that...
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