Wilson Pro Labs: Blade Pro Official Thread

Rickenbacker4003

Hall of Fame
That makes a ton of sense, if you can handle it I'm sure it's awesome at all 3 of those things. The regular blade guys I know are the whippy baseliners who punish with extreme spin and rarely slice or volley.
Which is why I'm baffled as to how so many tour professionals use this frame. Even if the tour version differs from the standard stock. It's still doesn't suit that whippy baseliner style.
 
Which is why I'm baffled as to how so many tour professionals use this frame. Even if the tour version differs from the standard stock. It's still doesn't suit that whippy baseliner style.
I think they are just that much more advanced honestly, playing 8 hours a day since they were children, they can generate the force and technique necessary to squeeze the most out of the hefty frames.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Which is why I'm baffled as to how so many tour professionals use this frame. Even if the tour version differs from the standard stock. It's still doesn't suit that whippy baseliner style.

It would depend on how their racquets are balanced and what specs they are used to. It's just a matter of building up the strength and conditioning.

If you started doing 100 push-ups a day, the first day it would be almost impossible and you would be very sore the next day. If you kept it up for a month, you'd be doing it much easier... and if you did it for 6 months or a year, you wouldn't even notice the 100 push-ups the next day... it would be routine. If you did it for years and years... you would have a very fit, strong, and conditioned body that would handle hours of endurance and exercise.

Most of my racquets have a SW of around 340-350 range, so if my body got used to that, it would then be able to execute any shot in any style.

Nadal adds quite a bit of weight at 12 o'clock and has a higher SW (from reports I've heard) and he has that whip motion. The Tour professionals have been playing with their set-ups for years and years, they have strengthened up and conditioned their bodies to perform at their desired specs. It takes time, patience, and perseverance, which is what most recreational players just aren't prepared to put in. It's not their job, it's their pass-time/ fun/ hobby.

Just my opinion... but I could be wrong.
 

fed1

Professional
I interested as well! So surprised no one seems to have one yet.
I have 2 BP's V8. I am struggling to find a difference in the way they play in comparison to V7, I don't notice a difference. The one difference that is apparent is the the butt cap is a bit more pronounced on V8.
 

JimboCollie

New User
I have 2 BP's V8. I am struggling to find a difference in the way they play in comparison to V7, I don't notice a difference. The one difference that is apparent is the the butt cap is a bit more pronounced on V8.
I wouldn’t think too much difference. What about this new grip attached technology? I wonder if they even bothered doing it. Is the RA around 60?
 

bigdaddy

Semi-Pro
I wouldn’t think too much difference. What about this new grip attached technology? I wonder if they even bothered doing it. Is the RA around 60?
I have a 16/19 pro lab v7. Bought it several months ago. Didn’t like it at first but a few weeks ago I started playing with it again. I’m loving it. It’s got weight and great power. Volleys and serves are great! Problem is I only have one. I was thinking about a v8 but they don’t seem to be much different.
 

tx10is

Rookie
I have 2 BP's V8. I am struggling to find a difference in the way they play in comparison to V7, I don't notice a difference. The one difference that is apparent is the the butt cap is a bit more pronounced on V8.

any specs like swingweight etc..?
 

fed1

Professional
I wouldn’t think too much difference. What about this new grip attached technology? I wonder if they even bothered doing it. Is the RA around 60?
It could be the new grip tech that makes the butt cap a little more pronounced but it hasn't taken away from the feel of the racquet. The RA is around amazing :-D :-D , yes I would say maybe 60ish. I haven't feel a ball on the strings this well since the Head Radical Twin Tube OS in the late 90's.
 

JD1

New User
Just placed an order for a few of the 18x20 V8 color. Super excited to see how this plays. I’ve been playing with the RF97 for the past several months and before that the regular Blade 18x20 v7. My stringer suggested I try this and customize. Thinking of adding a leather grip and some weight at 3 and 9 then adding weight to the handle to bring the balance to 32-31.5. Never customized before and open to suggestions.

I have a 1 handed backhand and prefer aggressive play. I like to play with a big serve and get to the net and volley whenever I can. I love volleying at the net when playing doubles.

Would really appreciate any string/tension suggestions. Last 2 setups on RF97 have been Gut Main/Alu cross 54/52 followed by RPM main/NXT cross 54. Both had their advantages but I understand this is a different frame and I used to play poly full in the regular 18x20 V7 Blades.
 

steve728

Rookie
It could be the new grip tech that makes the butt cap a little more pronounced but it hasn't taken away from the feel of the racquet.

So does this confirm that the v8 Blade Pros have the same Direct Connect end cap as the non-Pro Blades? On the non-Pro, I also could feel the more pronounced end cap. It felt a little bigger. I'd be a little bummed if they brought it to the Blade Pro v8 too.
 

Addxyz

Hall of Fame
So does this confirm that the v8 Blade Pros have the same Direct Connect end cap as the non-Pro Blades? On the non-Pro, I also could feel the more pronounced end cap. It felt a little bigger. I'd be a little bummed if they brought it to the Blade Pro v8 too.

Someone posted a picture of the naked hairpin. It's the new cap, but it's still stapled on. I'm not sure if the retail v8 cap is not stapled on or not?
 

fed1

Professional
So does this confirm that the v8 Blade Pros have the same Direct Connect end cap as the non-Pro Blades? On the non-Pro, I also could feel the more pronounced end cap. It felt a little bigger. I'd be a little bummed if they brought it to the Blade Pro v8 too.
I can’t confirm that, I haven’t held the retail V8 Blade.
 

Ultra 2

Professional
Played with my v8 16 last night and I would say the RA63 rating is pretty close. Strung with Alu Power @ 48lbs and leather grip and it weighed 11.8 ounces with over grip. Feels plush, but for me it needs more weight. Going to start adding some lead on the hoop.
 

tx10is

Rookie
Played with my v8 16 last night and I would say the RA63 rating is pretty close. Strung with Alu Power @ 48lbs and leather grip and it weighed 11.8 ounces with over grip. Feels plush, but for me it needs more weight. Going to start adding some lead on the hoop.
Are you talking static weight or swing weight? The problem I had with v7 BP was that sometimes they would come with already too high swing weight leaving very little room for customization. If the new V8 BP start out with lower sw than some of the v7 BP did, more like a platform racquet, that would be great. It sucks having to send some back, but I guess that is just part of the Wilson QC lottery.
 
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Ultra 2

Professional
Are you talking static weight or swing weight? The problem I had with v7 BP was that sometimes they would come with already too high swing weight leaving very little room for customization. If the new V8 BP start out with lower sw than some of the v7 BP did, more like a platform racquet, that would be great. It sucks having to send some back, but I guess that is just part of the Wilson QC lottery.

static
 

JimboCollie

New User
Played with my v8 16 last night and I would say the RA63 rating is pretty close. Strung with Alu Power @ 48lbs and leather grip and it weighed 11.8 ounces with over grip. Feels plush, but for me it needs more weight. Going to start adding some lead on the hoop.
Pro or non pro as the pro has a higher swingweight?
 

Ultra 2

Professional
Pro or non pro as the pro has a higher swingweight?

the pro is supposed to have a higher swingweight but I haven’t swung the retail version in a while (v7). I would say the Pro is heavier, since I couldn’t swing the retail version since it was so light.
 

Rickenbacker4003

Hall of Fame
Ok, so I got both the retail frame and the BP in 18x20 and I got to hit with both. They both feel great. I already own the RF97 and the EZone Tour 98 and I alternate between them every few months. Since I tend to go to the RF more often the transition to the BP was seamless. I play using the kinetic chain, lower core strength in my shots. I don't use the whippy baseliner style. The BP was strung with Hyper G at 55 lbs. and I played for 2 hours and it felt amazing. The plow through, the swing weight, the precision, but most importantly, the stability was off the charts. How this stick is not available in retail tennis shops or the Warehouse is baffling to me. If you can hit with the RF97 the BP will not be an issue whatsoever. The feel in heavy exchanges from the baseline is top level. Really an eye opening experience. I preferred it over the retail Blade overall. Even the glossy paint.

Now for the retail Blade, it is also 18x20 and it was strung with Tour BIte also at 55lbs. The maneuverability was better due to the thinner width and the curved "aero style" hoop which creates less drag. But I immediately felt that I had to swing harder to create the same depth of shot. But in a similar fashion to the BP the stability, precision and plow through were its main strengths. They both feel similar, but the frames (mold) are different. Makes me wonder if anyone on the tour uses the retail stock version. In the end I found the Blade Pro easier to generate pace than the Blade despite all the review sites on YouTube claiming otherwise. I'm going to buy another Blade Pro. I'm surprised Wilson don't make this more readily available. Really a gem of a frame.
 

JimboCollie

New User
Ok, so I got both the retail frame and the BP in 18x20 and I got to hit with both. They both feel great. I already own the RF97 and the EZone Tour 98 and I alternate between them every few months. Since I tend to go to the RF more often the transition to the BP was seamless. I play using the kinetic chain, lower core strength in my shots. I don't use the whippy baseliner style. The BP was strung with Hyper G at 55 lbs. and I played for 2 hours and it felt amazing. The plow through, the swing weight, the precision, but most importantly, the stability was off the charts. How this stick is not available in retail tennis shops or the Warehouse is baffling to me. If you can hit with the RF97 the BP will not be an issue whatsoever. The feel in heavy exchanges from the baseline is top level. Really an eye opening experience. I preferred it over the retail Blade overall. Even the glossy paint.

Now for the retail Blade, it is also 18x20 and it was strung with Tour BIte also at 55lbs. The maneuverability was better due to the thinner width and the curved "aero style" hoop which creates less drag. But I immediately felt that I had to swing harder to create the same depth of shot. But in a similar fashion to the BP the stability, precision and plow through were its main strengths. They both feel similar, but the frames (mold) are different. Makes me wonder if anyone on the tour uses the retail stock version. In the end I found the Blade Pro easier to generate pace than the Blade despite all the review sites on YouTube claiming otherwise. I'm going to buy another Blade Pro. I'm surprised Wilson don't make this more readily available. Really a gem of a frame.
Hopefully they will get them back in stock soon!
 

CosmosMpower

Hall of Fame
I have 2 BP's V8. I am struggling to find a difference in the way they play in comparison to V7, I don't notice a difference. The one difference that is apparent is the the butt cap is a bit more pronounced on V8.
Is the V8 BP just the V7 with the updated PJ or a new frame? If so what is it based on, retail V8 or some pro stock
 

JimboCollie

New User
Is the V8 BP just the V7 with the updated PJ or a new frame? If so what is it based on, retail V8 or some pro stock
It’s supposed to be the H22 but I imagine with a cheaper Carbon layup and not as much flex. Which to me isn’t the H22. Everyone thinks the mold is what makes the racket, but is it not what it’s constructed out of and feel? I’m saying that I will try and get one when they are back in stock becUs I like the glossy pretty colors!
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Is the V8 BP just the V7 with the updated PJ or a new frame? If so what is it based on, retail V8 or some pro stock

The BPs are a Wilson H22 Pro Stock mold. I would guess that the v8 is just a paint job (as was the v7 - since it's an H22 with the glossy paint of a v7 Blade). The layup is firmer than H22s that are 58RA, but it is still a very comfortable frame (think old-school Head Prestiges, TC95 63RA, old-school Radicals, etc). The whole cheaper carbon layup thing is very debatable (I think it's what people that have paid a fortune for an H22 Pro Stock are trying to tell themselves to justify the cost)... but that's just my opinion.

The racquet is FANTASTIC, which is all that really matters. It does play very differently from the retail blade 98, but I enjoy both.
 
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Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
On a separate note, my second and third BP 16x19 v7s arrived.

They are both 313g with the plastic on the handle, one is 315mm balance, and the other is closer to 320mm.

Doesn't really make much of a difference as I will be modifying them to match my first BP 16x19, which is 343g, 305mm balance, and 324SW (Unstrung).
 

CosmosMpower

Hall of Fame
The BPs are a Wilson H22 Pro Stock mold. I would guess that the v8 is just a paint job (as was the v7 - since it's an H22 with the glossy paint of a v7 Blade). The layup is firmer than H22s that are 58RA, but it is still a very comfortable frame (think old-school Head Prestiges, TC95 63RA, old-school Radicals, etc). The whole cheaper carbon layup thing is very debatable (I think it's what people that have paid a fortune for an H22 Pro Stock are trying to tell themselves to justify the cost)... but that's just my opinion.

The racquet is FANTASTIC, which is all that really matters. It does play very differently from the retail blade 98, but I enjoy both.

I owned a V7 18x20 Blade Pro, was just curious if the V8 Pro was just a repaint or a completely different base frame. The swing weight was too high for me and balance too head heavy. I sold it to a friend and he loves it. I picked up a non pro V8 18x20, so far liking it. Still a bit clubby but not as bad as the Blade Pro or retail V7.
 

JD1

New User
Ok, so I got both the retail frame and the BP in 18x20 and I got to hit with both. They both feel great. I already own the RF97 and the EZone Tour 98 and I alternate between them every few months. Since I tend to go to the RF more often the transition to the BP was seamless. I play using the kinetic chain, lower core strength in my shots. I don't use the whippy baseliner style. The BP was strung with Hyper G at 55 lbs. and I played for 2 hours and it felt amazing. The plow through, the swing weight, the precision, but most importantly, the stability was off the charts. How this stick is not available in retail tennis shops or the Warehouse is baffling to me. If you can hit with the RF97 the BP will not be an issue whatsoever. The feel in heavy exchanges from the baseline is top level. Really an eye opening experience. I preferred it over the retail Blade overall. Even the glossy paint.

Now for the retail Blade, it is also 18x20 and it was strung with Tour BIte also at 55lbs. The maneuverability was better due to the thinner width and the curved "aero style" hoop which creates less drag. But I immediately felt that I had to swing harder to create the same depth of shot. But in a similar fashion to the BP the stability, precision and plow through were its main strengths. They both feel similar, but the frames (mold) are different. Makes me wonder if anyone on the tour uses the retail stock version. In the end I found the Blade Pro easier to generate pace than the Blade despite all the review sites on YouTube claiming otherwise. I'm going to buy another Blade Pro. I'm surprised Wilson don't make this more readily available. Really a gem of a frame.

This is good news. Just received 5 V8 BP 18x20s and 3 of them were almost identical 303-304 grams with plastic wrap, around 300 SW unstrung and balance 8pts HL. Getting them strung and will try and get the SW to 335as well as keep the balance to 8 pts HL. One of them stringing with babolat vs touch gut 55lbs main and cross Lux 4g 53lbs and the other with all 4g at 53lbs. Holding on to third and returning other 2. Can’t wait to hit with them. They look AMAZING!!!

Very excited to hit with them. For reference the RF97 I was playing with was 360 grams strung, 333 Sw and 8 pts HL. I think I swing like you based on what you’re saying. Love the RF97 but every once in a while a little late.
 

JimboCollie

New User
This is good news. Just received 5 V8 BP 18x20s and 3 of them were almost identical 303-304 grams with plastic wrap, around 300 SW unstrung and balance 8pts HL. Getting them strung and will try and get the SW to 335as well as keep the balance to 8 pts HL. One of them stringing with babolat vs touch gut 55lbs main and cross Lux 4g 53lbs and the other with all 4g at 53lbs. Holding on to third and returning other 2. Can’t wait to hit with them. They look AMAZING!!!

Very excited to hit with them. For reference the RF97 I was playing with was 360 grams strung, 333 Sw and 8 pts HL. I think I swing like you based on what you’re saying. Love the RF97 but every once in a while a little late.
Great, you bought them all up and sent back the ****ty ones. Hopefully they will get more in!
 

tx10is

Rookie
This is good news. Just received 5 V8 BP 18x20s and 3 of them were almost identical 303-304 grams with plastic wrap, around 300 SW unstrung and balance 8pts HL. Getting them strung and will try and get the SW to 335as well as keep the balance to 8 pts HL. One of them stringing with babolat vs touch gut 55lbs main and cross Lux 4g 53lbs and the other with all 4g at 53lbs. Holding on to third and returning other 2. Can’t wait to hit with them. They look AMAZING!!!

Very excited to hit with them. For reference the RF97 I was playing with was 360 grams strung, 333 Sw and 8 pts HL. I think I swing like you based on what you’re saying. Love the RF97 but every once in a while a little late.
congrats those are some good platform specs hopefully mine come in close to that.
 
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Caly

New User
Just picked up 2 v7 pro's during the buy 2 sale here in Australia, both have come in overspec but one is 312g and has silicon in the handle to bring the balance back to 33.5cm (2.5 points HL) unstrung/plastic still on handle, anyone received one that head heavy? I'm guessing the SW is going to be pretty ridiculous.
 
I have one unstrung/plastic on handle that's 312g, 320.5sw & 32.9cm (my #2). I wasn't planning to put it in play as my #1 I purchased strung is 329.5g, 339.5sw & 32.9cm (wilson leather, no weight added, no OG). My guestimate was that #2 would come in closer to 350sw, would you all agree on that or possible it comes in lighter?
 

JD1

New User
Just hit for the first time with the 18x20 V8 this morning and was mostly comparing with my RF97 v13. Strung with Babolat VS Touch gut 55lbs Main and Luxilon 4G in the cross 53lbs.

Forehands - plenty of power and vicious aggressive spin. Honestly this made me feel even more comfortable with this pattern. I doubt I would like the 16x19 based on today. Also, It was so controlled and the spin gave me confidence to hit angles I usually wouldn’t attempt. Depth was excellent as well.

Backhands - with my mods timing was better (one handed backhand). Better spin and similar depth. My slice though was nasty. Low, as deep as I wanted and skidding. Effortless really. My friend said it was more of a weapon.

Serves - took a little time for me to get dialed in but hit a couple baskets at the end of my hitting session and it got way better. I would say better then the RF for me because a little lighter (340 strung can 360 ok RF). Looking forward to the next hit. Will probably go after the serve more now that I’m comfortable.

Strung 2nd one with all Luxilon 4G at 53 lbs but didn’t use it yet. Maybe next time.

Mods - leather grip and lead. Lead at 3 and 9.
 

Addxyz

Hall of Fame
I have one unstrung/plastic on handle that's 312g, 320.5sw & 32.9cm (my #2). I wasn't planning to put it in play as my #1 I purchased strung is 329.5g, 339.5sw & 32.9cm (wilson leather, no weight added, no OG). My guestimate was that #2 would come in closer to 350sw, would you all agree on that or possible it comes in lighter?

That's a pretty hefty one. +30 on average, so yeah, probably close to 350.
 

LiamMiguel

Semi-Pro
Got my new set of Blade Pro v8s today. Strung up two of them with 4G at 52 lbs. It felt great, more maneuverable than I remember on the v7. Unfortunately, there was a noticeable difference in the balance of the two of four I strung. One definitely felt more HH than the other but it wasn't much to the point where the racket felt different. I really hope that the QC on Wilson rackets gets better especially with the price increase recently on newer rackets. I know that's a huge problem with Wilson and I have been using them for 6 years now and it seems like it is getting worse. Hopefully, I can get some measurements in on the rackets soon.
 

JD1

New User
Got my new set of Blade Pro v8s today. Strung up two of them with 4G at 52 lbs. It felt great, more maneuverable than I remember on the v7. Unfortunately, there was a noticeable difference in the balance of the two of four I strung. One definitely felt more HH than the other but it wasn't much to the point where the racket felt different. I really hope that the QC on Wilson rackets gets better especially with the price increase recently on newer rackets. I know that's a huge problem with Wilson and I have been using them for 6 years now and it seems like it is getting worse. Hopefully, I can get some measurements in on the rackets soon.
You're probably right. I bought 5 and was very lucky to have 3 that were close but 2 were way off. These were made for customization though so hopefully the swing weights are low giving you room to customize. The feel is amazing on theses rackets. Very solid.
 

LiamMiguel

Semi-Pro
You're probably right. I bought 5 and was very lucky to have 3 that were close but 2 were way off. These were made for customization though so hopefully the swing weights are low giving you room to customize. The feel is amazing on theses rackets. Very solid.
Yeah I’m gonna string up the other 2 I have and hope for the best. I’m still playing with the 2 string up ones without any modifications as they actually felt so good out of the box. Since I don’t have any professional machines for measurement, I’m probably gonna do that DIY thing that TW put on their website for SW.
 

tx10is

Rookie
wow just got one with good specs to work with.
unstrung without wrapper 18x20
306g static
305 sw
+7 HL
strung with dampener and wilson og
332g static
339 sw
+4HL
Probably put some lead in handle, not sure about hoop. I want to play with it in stock form before I decide of course. The green really comes out with the glossy paint job. The holes are different on this compared to retail v8. The bottom cross is further up and the outside mains are further inward. Can't wait to try it out. Is the Wilson website down right now?
 
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JimboCollie

New User
What channel channel Jeopardy on Adam ABC
wow just got one with good specs to work with.
unstrung without wrapper 18x20
306g static
305 sw
+7 HL
strung with dampner and wilson og
332g static
339 sw
+4HL
Probably put some lead in handle, not sure about hoop. I want to play with it in stock form before I decide of course. The green really comes out with the glossy paint job. The holes are different on this compared to retail v8. The bottom cross is further up and the outside mains are further inward. Can't wait to try it out. Is the Wilson website down right now?
How about just a fairway grip added?
 
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