WIlson Pro Stock 18x19 - Sebi Korda´s racquet

[Konik_1982]

Hi folks. Does anyone have experience with the 18x19 Korda´s frame? There´s a guy selling it here and I´m very tempted to get it and try it. But before that I would like to hear from someone who played with it and can share his thoughts about it. A comparison to other frames would be great as well - to Blade Pro frames or maybe even Ultra Pro V4 16x19 that is currently in my bag.

Any input is highly appreciated, thanks a lot!

 

[c0ppo]

I own two of them. Going for sale as well. One of the best rackets I have ever tried, but it doesn't help with my TE situation. At all

 

[Konik_1982]

I own two of them. Going for sale as well. One of the best rackets I have ever tried, but it doesn't help with my TE situation. At all

Could you describe how they played? Some pros and cons?

 

[eric42]

Have you ever played with any pro stock Blade? They are classic. The 18x19 just offers a very subtle change in string pattern that to me doesn't play much differently than the 16x19. The launch angle and feel is closer to the 16x19 than the 18x20. It has wide spacing of the crosses so it chews through strings faster than the 18x20. If you haven't played with a pro stock Blade, there's no current retail frame out there that plays like one. Closest thing would be a weighted up regular Blade, but the pro stock doesn't have the spongy rubbery vague feel of the new gen retail Blades. The pro stock is also slightly stiffer feeling, but still quite soft and arm friendly. Also has a little more power than regular Blade. The Blade Pro is much stiffer feeling than pro stock Blades and also has a little more power. The RA numbers on the pro stocks run about 66-69, but those numbers don't really correspond to the actual feel. A 69RA Blade still feels softer than the Blade Pro. The Ultra Pro is a limper noodle by comparison. I'd say the pro stock Blade sits right in between the UP and BP regarding stiffness and power.

 

[Conrado85]

I have a pair of Blade 18x19 pro stock in V9 PJ, both are customized with final specs in 307g, 320mm, 299SW. It definitely fit perfectly into my game, I've had other pro stock Wilsons like the H19 and H22 and it definitely has an excellent blend of power, feel and control. As described above, the power is somewhere between the Ultra Pro and the Blade Pro (or H19 and H22). I tried the Blade 16x19 pro stock, I felt practically the same feel and comfort, as expected the more open pattern offered more spin, more power and a slightly higher launch angle (but still well controlled). However, the 18x19 version gave me more confidence to hit hard and hit where I wanted with still good power. Comparing these two versions of Blade pro stock with the retail V9 16x19, they have a more direct sensation, better feel and still a lot of comfort. The unstrung RA of my 18x19 is 66 and they still seem more comfortable than my old H22 18x20 with RA62.

 

[c0ppo]

Could you describe how they played? Some pros and cons?

It's quite easy to 'drestroy' the ball and hit it in court. Racket has really good power. It's funny, coz I don't really like power rackets. But this one I really liked. As other users posted here, it's more open than 18x20 Blade. But the strings have even spacing, which makes it really great for me. Think: predictable.

I'm not a huge slice player, my main weapon is dual handed backhend. My FH is my weakness. But with this racket even my FH is really good. But slices are not that great, and volleys need some getting used to. Serves where spectacular.

But in all honesty, I've played 15-20 hours with the frame. My elbow doesn't like it, so to my dissapointment, I simply had to let it go

 

[Federerkblade]

What are you fav string combos in the frame and tension ? And do you use any lead ?

 

[Conrado85]

Just a note, it needs to be strung at low tensions. Compared to the H22 where I used a slightly higher voltage than usual to tame its power, on the Blade 18x19 I need on average 4-6 lbs less. Avoid muted strings. I particularly liked Poly Tour Strike 1.25 (black), Max Power 1.25 (2-3 lbs tighter compared to PTS) and Cyber Flash 1.25 (4 lbs tighter than PTS), I didn't test Alu Power, but I believe that due to the characteristics of the racket that this is excellent.

 

[wingedeagle]

Just a note, it needs to be strung at low tensions. Compared to the H22 where I used a slightly higher voltage than usual to tame its power, on the Blade 18x19 I need on average 4-6 lbs less. Avoid muted strings. I particularly liked Poly Tour Strike 1.25 (black), Max Power 1.25 (2-3 lbs tighter compared to PTS) and Cyber Flash 1.25 (4 lbs tighter than PTS), I didn't test Alu Power, but I believe that due to the characteristics of the racket that this is excellent.

i wonder if lynx tour champagne 1.25 would also do well ?

 

[Conrado85]

i wonder if lynx tour champagne 1.25 would also do well ?

I haven't tested this string on this racquet, but it should be fine too.

 

[Conrado85]

It's quite easy to 'drestroy' the ball and hit it in court. Racket has really good power. It's funny, coz I don't really like power rackets. But this one I really liked. As other users posted here, it's more open than 18x20 Blade. But the strings have even spacing, which makes it really great for me. Think: predictable.

I'm not a huge slice player, my main weapon is dual handed backhend. My FH is my weakness. But with this racket even my FH is really good. But slices are not that great, and volleys need some getting used to. Serves where spectacular.

But in all honesty, I've played 15-20 hours with the frame. My elbow doesn't like it, so to my dissapointment, I simply had to let it go

Very good slices around here...

 

[tx10is]

I own two of them. Going for sale as well. One of the best rackets I have ever tried, but it doesn't help with my TE situation. At all

what are the specs for yours? you can pm me if needed.
Bomb serves. RA69 but still plush. super stable. just wish I could get extra bumper guard/grommets lol

 

[wingedeagle]

one available on the popular auction site too.... tempting

 

[Boredsurfer]

I was considering getting one - still will probably. I am having a ton of fun with the current H22 Blade Pro - which has a tome of power. some might consider it a little launch-y but I have to get the string tension right before I can truly say if the 18x19 is really needed for my game.

 

[maksp]

I own two of them. Going for sale as well. One of the best rackets I have ever tried, but it doesn't help with my TE situation. At all

What's RA

 

[maksp]

What's the beam thicknesses??? Anyone

 

[Federerkblade]

What's RA

They are not stiff and play softer than ra indicates of 66

Hence stiff strings suit it well

 

[eric42]

What's the beam thicknesses??? Anyone

Blade 98s retail and pro stock all have the same beam.

 

[c0ppo]

What are you fav string combos in the frame and tension ? And do you use any lead ?

I've used them (own 2 of them) with hyper g, tour bite, lynx tour and kirchbaum pro line evolution. All with 1.20mm thickness.
Every string was great, except pro line evolution.

i wonder if lynx tour champagne 1.25 would also do well ?

Used it, but in 1.20mm. Excellent string for this frame.

Very good slices around here...

As I said, slice really isn't my cup of tea

what are the specs for yours? you can pm me if needed.
Bomb serves. RA69 but still plush. super stable. just wish I could get extra bumper guard/grommets lol

Mine came around 295gr unstrung. I've added 8-9gr to the handle (silicone) to make it more headlight. The frame really doesn't need any more weight, even though I regulary use 310-330gr frames.

SW on mines were 299&298. Just perfect. With 1.20mm Hyper G, SW was aroung 327 if I remember correctly.

What's the beam thicknesses??? Anyone

20.6mm

Blade 98s retail and pro stock all have the same beam.

Actually, it's thinner than that. 20.6mm
Couldn't find that info online, so I've measured them myself. It's really thin beam, and goes thru the air like knife thru butter.

Simply a great stick.

 

[Federerkblade]

I've used them (own 2 of them) with hyper g, tour bite, lynx tour and kirchbaum pro line evolution. All with 1.20mm thickness.
Every string was great, except pro line evolution.


Used it, but in 1.20mm. Excellent string for this frame.


As I said, slice really isn't my cup of tea


Mine came around 295gr unstrung. I've added 8-9gr to the handle (silicone) to make it more headlight. The frame really doesn't need any more weight, even though I regulary use 310-330gr frames.

SW on mines were 299&298. Just perfect. With 1.20mm Hyper G, SW was aroung 327 if I remember correctly.


20.6mm


Actually, it's thinner than that. 20.6mm
Couldn't find that info online, so I've measured them myself. It's really thin beam, and goes thru the air like knife thru butter.

Simply a great stick.

Awesome did you also try lynx tour 1.25 mm

And what was your tension with 1.20 mm ?LT

 

[c0ppo]

I haven't tried it with 1.25mm string of any kind, sorry
My tension was 21kg/20kg. Also tried it with 23/23kg, but that was simply too harsh.
I'm mostly a flat hitter (especially on my 2h bh), but this frame gave my forehand some wicked spin.

 

[tx10is]

Mine came around 295gr unstrung. I've added 8-9gr to the handle (silicone) to make it more headlight. The frame really doesn't need any more weight, even though I regulary use 310-330gr frames.

SW on mines were 299&298. Just perfect. With 1.20mm Hyper G, SW was aroung 327 if I remember correctly.

yup mine was 298sw unstrung and 327sw strung w/hypeg 17g. going to have to try the lynx tour if I can get the 1.20. I just put a little putty in buttcup (both chambers were filled with foam) and some lead at 12 to polarize and that's it.

 

[eric42]

Actually, it's thinner than that. 20.6mm
Couldn't find that info online, so I've measured them myself. It's really thin beam, and goes thru the air like knife thru butter.

The bare carbon frame is no different from any other Blade though. There are slight differences in finish thickness in a batch of racquets, as well as variations in the finish on any one racquet from the throat to the hoop. I have one of these 18x19's as well which measures exactly 0.836" (21.2mm) from the throat to the hoop. It's actually the only one I have which does not vary at all along the length of the frame.

Some time back I put the calipers on several Blade 98 frames, and from the hoop to throat the thicknesses varied between 20.8mm-21mm for K-Blade, 21-21.5 for V6, 20.9-21.3 for V9, and 20.8-21.3 for pro stock.

 

[maksp]

Where can I buy the korda? Please msg me

 

[Konik_1982]

Have you ever played with any pro stock Blade? They are classic. The 18x19 just offers a very subtle change in string pattern that to me doesn't play much differently than the 16x19. The launch angle and feel is closer to the 16x19 than the 18x20. It has wide spacing of the crosses so it chews through strings faster than the 18x20. If you haven't played with a pro stock Blade, there's no current retail frame out there that plays like one. Closest thing would be a weighted up regular Blade, but the pro stock doesn't have the spongy rubbery vague feel of the new gen retail Blades. The pro stock is also slightly stiffer feeling, but still quite soft and arm friendly. Also has a little more power than regular Blade. The Blade Pro is much stiffer feeling than pro stock Blades and also has a little more power. The RA numbers on the pro stocks run about 66-69, but those numbers don't really correspond to the actual feel. A 69RA Blade still feels softer than the Blade Pro. The Ultra Pro is a limper noodle by comparison. I'd say the pro stock Blade sits right in between the UP and BP regarding stiffness and power.

Actually, I had a BPro 16x19 in my possession for quite a while this year. As everybody, liked the glossy finish and the "specialness" of the frame but after playing with it for few weeks, I had to let it go. For me it was too much of a racquet, the SW (although not measured) was too high for me. With guys on same level it felt amazing since I had time to prepare and was able to hit on time, the feeling was great, the power&stiffness also (higher than regular Blades) and that I liked a lot. But against better players I was late, timing was off and generally I had a hard time (as expected).

I forgot to say that I used in not customized. I had some fun but I realized it´s not really for me

And now I got a chance to try the Ultra Pro V4 (97"16x19) and wasn´t expecting anything special....but on the contrary, from the first hours it felt incredibly natural to my game. Maybe because of the low SW, smaller head and maybe a combination of all. I feel a little more power would not harm but overall it's great.

Huge thanks to all your inputs!!!

BTW - the racqeut is already on it's way to me

 

[eric42]

Actually, I had a BPro 16x19 in my possession for quite a while this year. As everybody, liked the glossy finish and the "specialness" of the frame but after playing with it for few weeks, I had to let it go. For me it was too much of a racquet, the SW (although not measured) was too high for me.

Blade Pro is entirely different from pro stock Blades, but I hope you like the 18x19 pro stock. Be aware that pro stock Blades generally come in around 300 SW unstrung, so they are a little heftier to swing than retail Blades - similar to Blade Pro actually.

 

[Konik_1982]

Blade Pro is entirely different from pro stock Blades, but I hope you like the 18x19 pro stock. Be aware that pro stock Blades generally come in around 300 SW unstrung, so they are a little heftier to swing than retail Blades - similar to Blade Pro actually.

I'm very curious and looking forward to try it. I will provide feedback as soon as I have it my hands, so far I've seen the pics...it's a nice glossy blacked out frame with Sebi Korda name directly on the buttcap - being a real testing racquet from him.

 

[Konik_1982]

Hi guys, so the racquet came yesterday, here a few pictures, nothing to see really, just a glossy blacked out frame without anything on it
https://imgur.com/a/zccbZ6c



I know that the SW is 330 and the weight as it is (including a leather base grip) is 334g.

Will take it for a ride tomorrow so...we´ll see ;-)