Wilson Pro Labs: Blade Pro Official Thread

[danbrenner]

just one more point headlight would have been reall nice.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

i wish they had made a change. there is too much damn weight in the head. and the new one is the exact same balance. so regardless if they used twaron or whatever other nonsense graphite the result will be the same. a sledgehammer.

Just add a bunch of weight to the handle. My 16x19 BP has an unstrung balance of 305mm. Plays awesome when strung and is very maneuverable (even though I've added weight to the head as well). I get one grip size down which allows me to add weight without making the grip bulkier than necessary.

Let's hope it's another awesome iteration of the BP.

 

[danbrenner]

Just add a bunch of weight to the handle. My 16x19 BP has an unstrung balance of 305mm. Plays awesome when strung and is very maneuverable (even though I've added weight to the head as well). I get one grip size down which allows me to add weight without making the grip bulkier than necessary.

Let's hope it's another awesome iteration of the BP.

I have. I’ve added 3 over grips to a 3/8 amd added 4g under the cap. To bring mine to 12.1 oz and a little under 5 head light. Still swings like an anvil. Not menoiverabke at all. They should have made it more headlight so we could customize. It’s unfortunate cause it’s the coolest stick ever made. But my Babolats outplay the hell out of it. Plain and simple.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I have. I’ve added 3 over grips to a 3/8 amd added 4g under the cap. To bring mine to 12.1 oz and a little under 5 head light. Still swings like an anvil. Not menoiverabke at all. They should have made it more headlight so we could customize. It’s unfortunate cause it’s the coolest stick ever made. But my Babolats outplay the hell out of it. Plain and simple.

My racquet was 308g, 313 SW, and 325mm balance unstrung (from memory - but I outlined it all somewhere in this thread). It is a 4 3/8 grip size and 16x19.

I added 1g Tungsten tape each at 3,9, and 12 o'clock (all from memory), then I added 5-6g at 7" above the butt cap (2 five-cent coins on bevels 3 and 7 - 1 each), 3-4g Tungsten Putty inside the butt cap (from memory), flared the butt cap with an old overgrip bent in half and wrapped around the end of the butt cap twice, and then two overgrips (first with no overlap, and second as standard). I then secured the overgrip tape at the top of the handle with 2 or 3 wraps with finishing electrical tape.

Final specs before the strings are added are 343g, 324 SW, 305mm balance. With string (obviously dependent on string and gauge used) it was 363g, 350s SW, and 315mm balance.

Must be said that most of my racquets are between 353-364g. My GPs are 360g, 315mm balance, and not certain of SW but I have weight added to both the head (5g) and handle (so I would guess/deduce it's in the 340s).

 

[Addxyz]

Can you get grommets for these? If so, where?

Directly from Wilson.

 

[tim-ay]

PS - I called Wilson support to see what they said about v7 vs v8 Blade Pro and they said the v8 has easier access to power and spin, they tried to use a lighter material, and it is easier to add weights for customization. These statements didn't quite make sense to me as they are the same static weight, so not sure if this means anything or if it is just a support guy who got bad talking points.

i think he read the talking points for the blade and not the blade pro. i’m guessing the pro labs site and products are as unknown to the majority of their customer service reps as they are to the general population.

 

[AA7]

I have. I’ve added 3 over grips to a 3/8 amd added 4g under the cap. To bring mine to 12.1 oz and a little under 5 head light. Still swings like an anvil. Not menoiverabke at all. They should have made it more headlight so we could customize. It’s unfortunate cause it’s the coolest stick ever made. But my Babolats outplay the hell out of it. Plain and simple.

Did you not play with a regular blade? It has the same balance and same weight. I have 2 BPs 333gr, 32.2cm and 333sw (just 7gr tungsten putty under butt cap) This is no different than an over spec'd 16m or on spec 18m regular blade v7. You need to find a low SW one. I had to buy like 8 and send 5 back to find good ones. BP is a fantastic racket. Its manuevarability is just fine. yes it's not a racket you pick it up for manuevarability but it's also a bit exaggerated.

I would play with it as main except i am not good enough to effectively wield it and it's not bc of maneuverability. It's bc it does not tolerate bad timing much. I mean with the thick beam it had ton of power even of defense but it's on offense if you don't hit it good on timing (late or early) it does not help you out. I can see why it's perfect for pros.

My point is if 333gr, 333sw, 32.2cm balance is a problem you are looking at a wrong racket to begin with. You probably have a big boy in your hands. There are ones with 350sw out there. Yes those are nuts. Not for weaklings like me.

 

[danbrenner]

Did you not play with a regular blade? It has the same balance and same weight. I have 2 BPs 333gr, 32.2cm and 333sw (just 7gr tungsten putty under butt cap) This is no different than an over spec'd 16m or on spec 18m regular blade v7. You need to find a low SW one. I had to buy like 8 and send 5 back to find good ones. BP is a fantastic racket. Its manuevarability is just fine. yes it's not a racket you pick it up for manuevarability but it's also a bit exaggerated.

I would play with it as main except i am not good enough to effectively wield it and it's not bc of maneuverability. It's bc it does not tolerate bad timing much. I mean with the thick beam it had ton of power even of defense but it's on offense if you don't hit it good on timing (late or early) it does not help you out. I can see why it's perfect for pros.

My point is if 333gr, 333sw, 32.2cm balance is a problem you are looking at a wrong racket to begin with. You probably have a big boy in your hands. There are ones with 350sw out there. Yes those are nuts. Not for weaklings like me.

I will order the new one. And Make sure I get a light one. Head light anyway. The ones I got were anvils. Lol.

 

[Alex7778]

What is the better all round racket, (serve, return, groundstrokes, volleys) a Wilson blade pro or a head pt57a?

 

[heartattack]

Can't buy this twig in Canada. BS!

 

[danbrenner]

What is the better all round racket, (serve, return, groundstrokes, volleys) a Wilson blade pro or a head pt57a?

Of course that is completely subjective per the user. But a fair answer would be whichever one has specs that are more in your wheelhouse

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

What is the better all round racket, (serve, return, groundstrokes, volleys) a Wilson blade pro or a head pt57a?

The answers will depend on many factors. When saying pt57a, are you referring to the retail versions (RT630, PT630) or the Pro Stock PT57A? The comparisons will vary as the retail versions are heavy static weight and the Pro Stock is low static weight, just to start. Then you have the difference between the RT630 and the PT630, and preference for one over the other. So to make it simple, I'm commenting on the Pro Stock.

I think that depends on what you're looking for. I would say in their "stock form" they would be coming at things from opposite directions. The BP is a lightweight/high SW and 22mm beam proposition, while the PT57A (I'm assuming you mean the Pro Stock version rather than a PT630 or RT630) would be a lighter/lower SW and 20mm beam formula. The BP is a high-power racquet that has great control, and the PT57A is a low-powered awesome control stick. If kept in their stock balance (even weighed up), they would play completely different from one another and would suit different types of players.

If looked at in stock form, the BP would be stable and play very well provided one can handle the high SW, while the PT57A would be less stable and low powered and would probably need to be modified in order to be usable at a higher level.

So, let's assume that they are modified. If you only add weight to the head of the PT57A to give it a high SW, it will be heavier than the stock BP, it will have great stability and power (but not as much as the BP due to the difference in Beam thickness), and it will have more control and finesse. If we make them both around the same high static weight (say 350s) and a similar balance (say 7 pts HL), and around the BPs SW (high 330s)... then I think the BP would be more powerful, have great control but not as much as the PT57A, have a bigger serve, be better on returns due to the power and head size difference, but not as good on volleys and touch shots. The PT57A would have greater finesse and touch, more variance on the serve (but I could be wrong here), a slightly softer feel with more pocketing, lower-powered groundstrokes, better volleys, and feel less bulky in your hands.

There are many factors to consider and many preferences and options... so it does come down to what you're looking for, but I hope a broad sweep was helpful.

 

[Alex7778]

The answers will depend on many factors. When saying pt57a, are you referring to the retail versions (RT630, PT630) or the Pro Stock PT57A? The comparisons will vary as the retail versions are heavy static weight and the Pro Stock is low static weight, just to start. Then you have the difference between the RT630 and the PT630, and preference for one over the other. So to make it simple, I'm commenting on the Pro Stock.

I think that depends on what you're looking for. I would say in their "stock form" they would be coming at things from opposite directions. The BP is a lightweight/high SW and 22mm beam proposition, while the PT57A (I'm assuming you mean the Pro Stock version rather than a PT630 or RT630) would be a lighter/lower SW and 20mm beam formula. The BP is a high-power racquet that has great control, and the PT57A is a low-powered awesome control stick. If kept in their stock balance (even weighed up), they would play completely different from one another and would suit different types of players.

If looked at in stock form, the BP would be stable and play very well provided one can handle the high SW, while the PT57A would be less stable and low powered and would probably need to be modified in order to be usable at a higher level.

So, let's assume that they are modified. If you only add weight to the head of the PT57A to give it a high SW, it will be heavier than the stock BP, it will have great stability and power (but not as much as the BP due to the difference in Beam thickness), and it will have more control and finesse. If we make them both around the same high static weight (say 350s) and a similar balance (say 7 pts HL), and around the BPs SW (high 330s)... then I think the BP would be more powerful, have great control but not as much as the PT57A, have a bigger serve, be better on returns due to the power and head size difference, but not as good on volleys and touch shots. The PT57A would have greater finesse and touch, more variance on the serve (but I could be wrong here), a slightly softer feel with more pocketing, lower-powered groundstrokes, better volleys, and feel less bulky in your hands.

There are many factors to consider and many preferences and options... so it does come down to what you're looking for, but I hope a broad sweep was helpful.

Currently have the pro stock version of the pt57a and when using it specifically on serve, the amount of free power you get with it is very low making the serve easier to return. Volleys it is pretty good and groundstrokes it is good as the control is amazing but the power again is low. That’s why I was wondering whether the blade pro would be a lot harder to control compared to a pt57a as the power with the blade pro is very good and just wish the pt57a had a bit more free power even after modifying it to my specs. As the previous guy posted it’s all subjective and depends if it suits your game but if you were to pick one of the 2 racket for a match, which would you choose?

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Currently have the pro stock version of the pt57a and when using it specifically on serve, the amount of free power you get with it is very low making the serve easier to return. Volleys it is pretty good and groundstrokes it is good as the control is amazing but the power again is low. That’s why I was wondering whether the blade pro would be a lot harder to control compared to a pt57a as the power with the blade pro is very good and just wish the pt57a had a bit more free power even after modifying it to my specs. As the previous guy posted it’s all subjective and depends if it suits your game but if you were to pick one of the 2 racket for a match, which would you choose?

Well, I have the BP 16x19. I've strung it with Völkl Cyclone 18L in the Mains at 50 lbs and Weiss Cannon Explosiv (1.30mm) in the Crosses at 54 lbs. This seemed resulted in a DT of 40 (which is higher than I normally like). The feel was firmer than I'd like but still very comfortable and I never had any arm pain or soreness. The control was outstanding, the power immense but controllable. The launch angle was very good (not too high, but not too low). I could create great angles, the racquet was outstanding on offence and very effective on defence. I wouldn't say it is as precise as my PT57As (I have the retail versions), nor my UT/UP 18x20s, but I could achieve great depth on my shots, they had a good weight and plenty of spin.

Due to the outstanding performance on return-of-serve (utterly able to punish any weak second serve and shorten the swing on first serves and deliver a deep return with plenty of pace), and plenty of pace when serving and during groundstroke rallies, I would probably go with the BP over the PT57A. The 2 caveats are that the feel/plushness is not as good (still great but not at PT57A level), and that I wouldn't try to paint the lines as much as with the PT57A. Aiming half-a-foot or a foot from the lines will ensure the mistakes are at a minimum, but you will be able to bludgeon your opponent into submission.

It is a very effective weapon that will get you the W with less effort than the PT57A, but it will not be as involving nor as nuanced.

For my next string job I may drop the cross tension down to 50 lbs to see if I can lower the DT and make the string bed that smidge softer.

Hope this helps.

 

[A_Instead]

It like to trade my Blade Pro for an Ultra Pro..

 

[Alex7778]

Well, I have the BP 16x19. I've strung it with Völkl Cyclone 18L in the Mains at 50 lbs and Weiss Cannon Explosiv (1.30mm) in the Crosses at 54 lbs. This seemed resulted in a DT of 40 (which is higher than I normally like). The feel was firmer than I'd like but still very comfortable and I never had any arm pain or soreness. The control was outstanding, the power immense but controllable. The launch angle was very good (not too high, but not too low). I could create great angles, the racquet was outstanding on offence and very effective on defence. I wouldn't say it is as precise as my PT57As (I have the retail versions), nor my UT/UP 18x20s, but I could achieve great depth on my shots, they had a good weight and plenty of spin.

Due to the outstanding performance on return-of-serve (utterly able to punish any weak second serve and shorten the swing on first serves and deliver a deep return with plenty of pace), and plenty of pace when serving and during groundstroke rallies, I would probably go with the BP over the PT57A. The 2 caveats are that the feel/plushness is not as good (still great but not at PT57A level), and that I wouldn't try to paint the lines as much as with the PT57A. Aiming half-a-foot or a foot from the lines will ensure the mistakes are at a minimum, but you will be able to bludgeon your opponent into submission.

It is a very effective weapon that will get you the W with less effort than the PT57A, but it will not be as involving nor as nuanced.

For my next string job I may drop the cross tension down to 50 lbs to see if I can lower the DT and make the string bed that smidge softer.

Hope this helps.

That’s great, thanks for telling us your experience with using the racket. The one thing people say about the blade pro is that they either get arm problems or struggle to be able to control shots because of the power this racket has but from your review, both arm problems and control of shots don’t sound like they are issues. With the pt57a it’s amazing when controlling and pocketing shots but on serve and returns it feels like it needs that extra bit of power even when it’s be modded to my specs so it’s a racket that I would be interested in changing to at some point. With the v8 being released, is there any difference between the v8 and v7 blade pro?

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

That’s great, thanks for telling us your experience with using the racket. The one thing people say about the blade pro is that they either get arm problems or struggle to be able to control shots because of the power this racket has but from your review, both arm problems and control of shots don’t sound like they are issues. With the pt57a it’s amazing when controlling and pocketing shots but on serve and returns it feels like it needs that extra bit of power even when it’s be modded to my specs so it’s a racket that I would be interested in changing to at some point. With the v8 being released, is there any difference between the v8 and v7 blade pro?

There shouldn't be a difference between them, but the paint could change the feel (maybe). We'll see what people say here on the forum once v8s become more widely available. So far, they are not available in Australia. They certainly look very nice.

 

[Dbrizz]

Has anyone had a chance to compare the 2021 head radical pro /mp racquets to the BP or UP? I have a v7 but just recently hit with a radical and loved the crisp response. Do the BP and UP play like that?

 

[WillGinRVA]

Has anyone had a chance to compare the 2021 head radical pro /mp racquets to the BP or UP? I have a v7 but just recently hit with a radical and loved the crisp response. Do the BP and UP play like that?

I'll be able to tell you in a week or two, as I have the 2021 Radical MP and now a Blade Pro v8.

The buttcap of my v8 Pro looks a little strange, with the red piece kind of sitting on top of a black piece. Maybe this is the new Direct Connect thing that I've seen talked about with the regular v8's? Or maybe this was already present on the Pro v7?

https://imgur.com/xHU8JSo

By the way, here it is strung up with ALU Power.

https://imgur.com/4ZJBR0I

 

[Tsitsipas77]

I asked Wilson EU when the new bp will drop in eu… information is during next year

 

[jbom1318]

Just got my BP v8 16x19 today. Specs seem similar to others who ordered recently.

Static Weight unstrung with plastic on handle: 308g
Balance: 32.4cm
Swingweight (via SW1): 304

Can't wait to try it out along with the Pro Staff 100

 

[Crashbaby]

Wondering if this new direct connect tech on the the v8 BP improves the stick? Will be interesting when someone who has both versions, shares their thoughts.

 

[LiamMiguel]

Anyone know when the racket will release to Select Team members or to corporate academies?

 

[Yamin]

Kinda regret selling mine, but it was about 350 swing weight and too much for matches. If these v8's are coming out lighter... I'll be back in for one. Great racket.

 

[Rvansmith]

So I returned my wife’s blade pro v7 that was 311 static and 311 swing weight. The replacement came in, 305 static and 296 swing weight.

 

[Rvansmith]

Kinda regret selling mine, but it was about 350 swing weight and too much for matches. If these v8's are coming out lighter... I'll be back in for one. Great racket.

I have gotten 5 blade pros and the heaviest I have gotten is about 330 strung (311 unstrung) swing weight. I don’t know how you got a 350!

 

[Crashbaby]

BP v8 is now up on the wilson au site, shown as coming soon and the price is now $400 Aussie dollars. As before only the 16/19 version is available in my country. Tempted... but want to hear more on the new handle they have put on this stick. The integrated handle has only being seen on cheaper wilson lightweight racquets in the past. And they weren’t any great feedback stories on the feel of those sticks. Is this the same cheaper to make one piece hairpin mould with no added handle to the hairpin or is this a new improved tech?
Has the Bp now changed and is no a longer a freely available prostock? If it’s a one piece hairpin now with handle shape being graphite and not moulded foam, then players won’t be able to get a custom moulded handle from companies that customise racquets. Tiny minority I know, but one less option.
Can anyone confirm if the feel has changed on the V8? I’m guessing less “butter” than the moulded foam handle version we are all used to. Or is it crisper and even more connected?

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

BP v8 is now up on the wilson au site, shown as coming soon and the price is now $400 Aussie dollars. As before only the 16/19 version is available in my country. Tempted... but want to hear more on the new handle they have put on this stick. The integrated handle has only being seen on cheaper wilson lightweight racquets in the past. And they weren’t any great feedback stories on the feel of those sticks. Is this the same cheaper to make one piece hairpin mould with no added handle to the hairpin or is this a new improved tech?
Has the Bp now changed and is no a longer a freely available prostock? If it’s a one piece hairpin now with handle shape being graphite and not moulded foam, then players won’t be able to get a custom moulded handle from companies that customise racquets. Tiny minority I know, but one less option.
Can anyone confirm if the feel has changed on the V8? I’m guessing less “butter” than the moulded foam handle version we are all used to. Or is it crisper and even more connected?

I can't see the v8 saying coming soon... but the v7 is on sale.

Like you... I might just wait to see what they say about the v8, but it's tempting (especially with the multi discount).

 

[Addxyz]

BP v7 and v8 should just be PJ change I thought? Specs seemed to be the same.

 

[Crashbaby]

BP v7 and v8 should just be PJ change I thought? Specs seemed to be the same.

Specs are, but Wilson says there is a new tech in the handle of this and in the new std v8 blades. It’s not just a fresh paint job. It’s now a different iteration/version. It will not feel exactly the same.
Would be great if someone who has one could remove the grip and take some pics?

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Specs are, but Wilson says there is a new tech in the handle of this and in the new std v8 blades. It’s not just a fresh paint job. It’s now a different iteration/version. It will not feel exactly the same.
Would be great if someone who has one could remove the grip and take some pics?

The reviews of the standard Blade v8 sound pretty good... so let's hope the BPs will also be good (otherwise I might regret not taking up the sale offer and getting 2 more.

 

[Rvansmith]

I can't see the v8 saying coming soon... but the v7 is on sale.

Like you... I might just wait to see what they say about the v8, but it's tempting (especially with the multi discount).

multi discount?

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

multi discount?

In Australia, they are offering a discount code if you buy 2 or more of the v7 BP (this is in addition to the 19% off sale offer).

 

[Alex7778]

Has anyone been able to use the blade pro v8 16x19? If so what’s it like and how does it compare to the v7?

 

[Dbrizz]

Sorry if this has already been asked but can someone compare a Blade v7 18x20 to a Blade Pro 18x20 for me? I'm looking for a little more crisp direct response less muted and wondering if I should look at the BP. Should I consider the 16x19 BP as well? I'm happy overall with my V7 just curious if I'd like the BP more.

 

[heartattack]

Wish Wilson could ship this BP to Canada.

 

[tyu1314]

Is the new blade pro matte finish or glossy?

 

[Vaust]

Just got a v7 bp 16, with plastic 310g, balance is 32cm. I cant measure sw , do not have any shops that have the sw machine.From feel i think the sw should not be much different from my normal v7 16.The obvious difference i feel that, this bp frame felt more solid, rock solid compared to the normal v7. Now need to get it strung and have a few go at it.

 

[Alex7778]

Has anyone been able to test out the blade pro v8? If so what’s it like?

 

[Dbrizz]

I just ordered a blade pro 18x20 the old paint job v7. Hoping I like it more then my v7 blade 18x20 but it will be tough as I really like my normal blade

 

[Lavs]

I asked Wilson EU when the new bp will drop in eu… information is during next year

cheaply made

 

[taylor15]

Is the new blade pro matte finish or glossy?

Highlighted by a color-shifting gloss finish that morphs between shades of green depending on the angle of light reflected

 

[Ultra 2]

Highlighted by a color-shifting gloss finish that morphs between shades of green depending on the angle of light reflected

looks like matte or semi-gloss to me. Can any owner of a v8 please share a pic in direct sun light?

 

[Dbrizz]

V7 paint blade PRO 18x20 headed my way. I’m wondering how it’s going to compare to my v7 18x20

 

[Vaust]

I just ordered a blade pro 18x20 the old paint job v7. Hoping I like it more then my v7 blade 18x20 but it will be tough as I really like my normal blade

I thought of the same thing.Boy, i was wrong. If i had to describe, this frame rock solid.If you have tried prostaffs before, this felt like a mini prostaff. Mine came 310g with plastic handle wrapper on, didnt weight it after removing.
Final weight with 1.25mm confidential @ 52lbs, 1 wilson pro og comes at 332.3g, balance strung at 32.5cm.
My v7 with same set up 323.5g with 32.5cm balance. I think i got lucky that they both balanced exactly the same, didnt take much time for adjustment.
V7 16 sure felt much easier to swing, am guessing my 16m BP 335+- at least.
Playtest today , the feel is superb, touch and drop shots felt precise.Volleys need sometime getting used, serves felt the same as my v7. FH/BH just invites you to attack,the more aggresive play , the better this frame is.
This is a special frame, blade in name, but infact a totally different animal.I thank wilson for letting us mortals have a go at this.BP 16m is my main now, blade v7 will have to be the spare.

 

[Dbrizz]

I thought of the same thing.Boy, i was wrong. If i had to describe, this frame rock solid.If you have tried prostaffs before, this felt like a mini prostaff. Mine came 310g with plastic handle wrapper on, didnt weight it after removing.
Final weight with 1.25mm confidential @ 52lbs, 1 wilson pro og comes at 332.3g, balance strung at 32.5cm.
My v7 with same set up 323.5g with 32.5cm balance. I think i got lucky that they both balanced exactly the same, didnt take much time for adjustment.
V7 16 sure felt much easier to swing, am guessing my 16m BP 335+- at least.
Playtest today , the feel is superb, touch and drop shots felt precise.Volleys need sometime getting used, serves felt the same as my v7. FH/BH just invites you to attack,the more aggresive play , the better this frame is.
This is a special frame, blade in name, but infact a totally different animal.I thank wilson for letting us mortals have a go at this.BP 16m is my main now, blade v7 will have to be the spare.

You have 16x19 in both?

 

[HeavyHitter]

BP and retail Blade are completely different racquets. Similar on paper but much different. Blade is easier to pickup and play for most players. Generous sweetspot, decent SW even in stock form but not overwhelming. String spacing is slightly more open on the blade for easier access to spin and power. BP is not as easy to play as it is a filled frame with a high SW compared to the blade. Tighter string spacing with a slightly smaller head size is less forgiving to play in general but those who can easily wield the frame are rewarded with exceptional directional control and depth control. I wouldn't say BP is more powerful or has more spin than the Blade as I have both frames with identical specs. For most people who are trying out, the BP will say it's powerful but it's mostly due to the high SW. You will need to choose your strings and tension more carefully on the BP to get its benefits. Can't be too soft or loose, the frame just over powers the strings and you won't get any benefits. You'll need to use a stiffer poly and find your tension. This is very important, as I have gone thru dozen strings and tensions to see it's full potential
Retail Blade, on the other hand, seems to be less sensitive and can be played with softer strings or looser tension.
If you're a recreational player, I would recommend staying with the retail Blade and add some weight to the top of the frame, 10 and 2 o'clock, to bring up the SW.

 

[Downtheline1]

BP and retail Blade are completely different racquets. Similar on paper but much different. Blade is easier to pickup and play for most players. Generous sweetspot, decent SW even in stock form but not overwhelming. String spacing is slightly more open on the blade for easier access to spin and power. BP is not as easy to play as it is a filled frame with a high SW compared to the blade. Tighter string spacing with a slightly smaller head size is less forgiving to play in general but those who can easily wield the frame are rewarded with exceptional directional control and depth control. I wouldn't say BP is more powerful or has more spin than the Blade as I have both frames with identical specs. For most people who are trying out, the BP will say it's powerful but it's mostly due to the high SW. You will need to choose your strings and tension more carefully on the BP to get its benefits. Can't be too soft or loose, the frame just over powers the strings and you won't get any benefits. You'll need to use a stiffer poly and find your tension. This is very important, as I have gone thru dozen strings and tensions to see it's full potential
Retail Blade, on the other hand, seems to be less sensitive and can be played with softer strings or looser tension.
If you're a recreational player, I would recommend staying with the retail Blade and add some weight to the top of the frame, 10 and 2 o'clock, to bring up the SW.

What string pattern do you have in your BP?
What is your string set up?
How is it for serving?
Thanks!

 

[Vaust]

You have 16x19 in both?

I have a retail blade v7 16m, which i have been using for sometime.Just got a bp v7 16m, which i strung and played with today. I prefer the bp v7 pj, that is why i got it as soon as I saw the retail v8 pj.

 

[Vaust]

BP and retail Blade are completely different racquets. Similar on paper but much different. Blade is easier to pickup and play for most players. Generous sweetspot, decent SW even in stock form but not overwhelming. String spacing is slightly more open on the blade for easier access to spin and power. BP is not as easy to play as it is a filled frame with a high SW compared to the blade. Tighter string spacing with a slightly smaller head size is less forgiving to play in general but those who can easily wield the frame are rewarded with exceptional directional control and depth control. I wouldn't say BP is more powerful or has more spin than the Blade as I have both frames with identical specs. For most people who are trying out, the BP will say it's powerful but it's mostly due to the high SW. You will need to choose your strings and tension more carefully on the BP to get its benefits. Can't be too soft or loose, the frame just over powers the strings and you won't get any benefits. You'll need to use a stiffer poly and find your tension. This is very important, as I have gone thru dozen strings and tensions to see it's full potential
Retail Blade, on the other hand, seems to be less sensitive and can be played with softer strings or looser tension.
If you're a recreational player, I would recommend staying with the retail Blade and add some weight to the top of the frame, 10 and 2 o'clock, to bring up the SW.

Do share your setup please. I am on 1.25mm confidential @52lbs. Which is the same set up as my retail v7. I am thinking of going 54lbs next.