Before You Buy... | Wilson Blade v8 18x20 Tennis Racket Review

[@TW-uh1ny]

Reviews from players that can’t play are not serious reviews.

[@MarkSansait]

Good thing you don't have a KZbin channel for reviewing tennis equipment!

[@roybaek8672]

@@MarkSansait damn 🔥🔥🔥

[@ayushrayoo3624]

@@MarkSansait sheeesh

[@vectorthurm]

Yeah right…Mark looks like a 5.0 to me bud..🤨

[@okentan]

I think you need some more follow through on the one handed backhand. Watch how Federer hit his one handed.

[@Chris-yv4xg]

Hey Mark, I absolutely can't share your opinion on the Blade. I have now played several sessions with the racket, as well as a tournament and so far I can not find anything negative. Sure it took me a few hours to fine tune my swing, but once that was done the Blade plays great. I have strung with LynxTour (24x23kg). The volley came initially really a bit short but as soon as I go with the whole body through the ball also works. I would give the racket a few more hours, because not every tool is always perfect in the hand. For my game, it is a great asset, even if the PureStrike 18x20 is still a little better. Next week I get my vCorePro 18x20, am curious how this plays, especially because I is a little heavier.

[@voltron987]

I have both the v8 16x19 and 18x20. Both with leather grip plus over grip and a little bit of lead tape to balance. Poly tour pro 120 at 45-47 lbs. they’re both amazing racquets and have helped me improve my game tremendously. I’m a heavy spin player but both of these racquets give nice power with a full fast swing. They give you what you put into it. 16x19 gives a bit more free spin and pop but still very controlled, while the 18x20 gives more precision pin point and can line drive the ball a bit better. The 18x20 can still give great spin but that’s all technique. Flat and slice serves are better on the 18x20 while the 16x19 can produce really good kick serves and decent flat and slice. Both racquets are great on backhand slice as well. I prefer the feel and consistency overall of the 18x20 but I find when I hit against heavy hitters I have to really work the ball side to side before putting it away. Whereas when I play with the 16x19 I control the point easier and don’t get pushed around as much like I do sometimes with the 18x20. Overall the 18 x 20 feels most consistent but the 16x19 helps dictate the point more. I’m so confused. Not sure what everyone else thinks. :😉

[@piffuzzo]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I don’t think you’re confused at all. I’ve just got the same 98 v8 both 18x20 and 16x19 (still unstrung) and I see you’re using quite a low tension for both. Is it for compensating the smaller head size? Do you think a 125 poly monofilament would do good as well? I still have a stock of RPM blast I don’t wanna throw away…

[@voltron987]

The low tension just feels great in these racquets. Spin is great and they don’t go long. And the string always feels comfortable and I don’t break strings, so why use a thicker string.

[@LarzB]

I play with the vcore pro 97hd (18x20) and also the gravity pro 100 18x20. The whole point of 18x20 is the control and also the lower launch angle. For a higher launch angle you should stay away from all tight string rackets. The issue you have with the serve return is the lower swing weight Wilson gave this racket to make it friendlier to a bigger audience. Players who require more stability and more plow should know how to customize this racket with some lead. The swing weight of this racket is below par for a lot of players, but this way it is a great platform racket. So it's accessable for a much wider group of players and great to customize If due to variations and lack of quality control that some brand have the swing weight is off towards the higher numbers, that makes a racket unplayable and no way to fix it. I have had this experience 3 times now (head and Wilson) where the swing weight was 345+ with the racket in stock form. I would prefer and take an under spec racket any time as i can customize it exactly to my liking

[@justaguy2033]

Please explain what launch angle is

[@LarzB]

@@justaguy2033 that's the angle between the plane perpendicular to the racket head and the direction the ball leaves your strings just after contact. A low launch angle means that when you hit with spin, the ball leaves the strings closer to the plane perpendicular to your racket. High launch angle means this angle is higher.

[@mteca5093]

What are some open 18x20 in 97or98

[@LarzB]

@@mteca5093 I've tried all 18x20 at 98 inch² and smaller, but i cannot say any of them is an open 18x20. The only kinda open 18x20 i know is the head speed pro, but that is a 100. The racket i haven't tried yet but it's supposed to have a very open 18x20 is the volkl v pro 8, but that is also a 100 size racket. To have some forgiveness with 18x20 on smaller head sizes, look at the rounder shaped ones, not the oval skinny shaped rackets.

[@mteca5093]

@@LarzB which are rounder??? Tnx

[@andytran8968]

Super Interested to see you review the 16x19 version. Can't wait!!!

[@christobt]

I was surprised you haven't reviewed Bweh's racket yet. Gravity pro's definitely a must try, and it's also an 18x20 with good power and spin. Looking forward to a review!

[@PuttEnEye]

Yes, please review!

[@bwiz6514]

Stopped at 18 x 20 string pattern is a dying breed...

[@samperkins975]

Reviewing the 16x19 would be great if it’s available to you Mark! The launch angle I suspect would be very different so could present a whole new dimension of pros and cons, keep up the great content :)

[@MarkSansait]

😁😁

[@stuartlloyd-jones9583]

Been using the 19x16 V8 for the last week. It is without doubt the best raquet I have used in the last 8 years. To be honest you need to generate your own power, but you lean into the ball, I found the power was little different in delivery to the babolat pure trike 16x19. I've officially switched. A little shocked about your return comments, but maybe its down to the tight bed, or playing style, ability to generate power? I drop string tension to 49-51lbs (wilson rough gut/ alupower) and you have greater power and its ability to impart spin. Has hit a sweet spot for me. FYI my game is at level 5.

[@nicolasuribe7694]

I use the v7 18x20, I feel it great on returns, I now the v7 is more head heavy than the v8… maybe the returns can be improved with some swing weight…. Also v7 it’s quite good for spin (for a 18x20 string pattern)

[@johnnacke2017]

Mark, I’m a 74 year old 4.0 singles player with a racket addition: always searching for the holy grail…. I am determined, however, to commit to one. I’m testing the 2023 Pure Aero this weekend; will test the V8 Blades (16x19; 18x20)..Then I will commit to my favorite one. I use a SW forehand… Can produce some spin off of my forehand, lots of flat, too.One-handed backhand, slice and flat drives, mostly. Very soft hands, great touch , drop shots , etc. On the surface and from your perspective and experience, which of these three racquets will best fit me. Ciao, John

[@hochiglenn]

I like the 18X20 for my doubles game. I can hit the ball flatter and my volleys are much better. I was a long time Blade user and recently switched to the 18X20 Yonex VCORE Pro 97. Much more comfortable in doubles when volleying, half volleying, or hitting flatter/slice. Will have to give the new Blade a try.

[@MrFunkyko]

Which racket did you end up with

[@stop-john-motion5683]

I completely agree that it is the BEST EVER racquet for Slice! But sorry I cannot agree on the service return (I play the racquet for a month with a poly string at 20kg)

[@MarkSansait]

Np, thanks for disagreeing and letting us know!

[@johtodev]

I have tried the 18x20 Blade 2015, I added a leather grip, 3 grams of lead at 3 and 9. I enjoyed it quite a bit, but I didn't like how it felt so hollow and cheap, then I transitioned to the blade pro 16x19 (slightly tighter 16x19 vs regular blade). Felt much more comfortable with this version after added a leather grip and some lead at 3 and 9. I've ordered more but Wilson QC is sub-trash, I've found some racquets have silicone in the handle and some do not.

[@jameshaldeman9181]

The youtek prestige is a classic 👌👌👌👌

[@MarkSansait]

YOURE a classic

[@augustblood6810]

@@MarkSansait I have two of the youtek prestige rackets! I guess I'm super classic.

[@tripmelton8992]

watched this review yesterday and i was like "how can a racket be shit on returns that sounds like user error." Until last night I played a set with it. Idk how but you were so right lmao

[@MarkSansait]

So ur saying I'm not a COMPLETE fraud of a tennis equipment reviewer?

[@tripmelton8992]

@@MarkSansait not yet 😂😂

[@aloysius872]

I had the same problem with my 2HBH service return with the 2013 and 2015 versions. I tried changing so many things like shortening backswing, changing return position, lead at 3&9, lead at buttcap, but didnt work consistently. Eventually, i just tried slicing back and then moved on to another racquet 😆

[@saifuddinmohammed2225]

Great review as always! While we’re on the topic of control frames, could you please review the VCORE Pro 310g 2021. Everybody’s praising it’s as an improvement over the previous generation but have differing opinions on its playability. Would love to hear your take on it

[@MarkSansait]

If I can get my hand on it, yes!

[@saifuddinmohammed2225]

Can’t wait for it

[@Reakerboy]

Nice review. I'll demo it one day but not in a hurry to leave my v7 18x20 behind. They play awesome imo. Thanks for the calve shot on the volleys 😉 OG.

[@MarkSansait]

Are u thirsty? Drop by my OF ;)

[@jigbie]

"afterthotts" - i see what you did there and thanks for the review!

[@billpoulakis1741]

17 G gut at 58#, add a leather grip and this is one of the best frames I have tried in years.

[@whyohwhy-kx1jg]

Honesty is what makes it so great

[@mattgoodTX]

Were you using hyper g? I’ve found that string was terrible in the V7 Blade and I’d imagine it would be terrible in the V8 as well. You need a crisp poly in the blade like Tour Bite or Silver 7 Tour.

[@brentwalker3300]

I'm a 5.0 player who's been using the Blade v6 CV 18x20 for about two years. It took me a while to find a string that has that crisp feel that you mentioned. I settled on Pro's Pro Hexaspin 17g at 50lbs. I've been wanting to demo the Blade v8 to get the feel that the CV version lacks. I really like this guy's reviews but the whole criticism of this racket for returns seems a bit over the top. It'll be fun to try both string patterns and decide for myself.

[@gtowsweet]

Just bought the Wilson blade pro V8 16x19 after trying out my friends blade and loved it. I didn't like the V7's because of the feel was muted to me, but was surprised to my amazement that the V8 pro and had more feeling and seemed more stable to me. If you can get your hands on one you'll probably like it too since you need to buy it direct from Wilson and might be hard too demo. Great video content to Mark

[@watermill.116]

Is it the 98? I got the 18x20 because it felt really good when I was demoing but now I just can’t use it, I’m not able to pick up any spin or hit the angles I used

[@devinmoose]

"Speaking of head." Then proceeds to thank the supporters of his channel. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@nevinliauw]

Great review mark!! Would you put lead tape to help w the stability? But for sure the v8 felt less stable and lighter to accom more people i feel, compared to the v7 18x20. How bout a review of your new pure aero vs?? Cheers!!

[@kenharris7194]

I like your tell like it is review! Sounds like maybe a different string set up with a thin gauge multi or synthetic string would give you a higher launch angle. It also appears that some lead tape is needed at 3 and 9 to improve the stability. I played with the v7 Blade 98 16 x 19 for a while but that also suffered with stability issues. I have no interest in trying either string pattern Blade V8 98.

[@lyricalabyss]

I will wait for the 16th x19 review. Although I must admit I am not optimistic. I will stick to with my current Blade for now.

[@LarzB]

They lowered the swing weight on the v8 compared to the v7, so less plow through, less punch on service returns. The blade needs weight in the hoop to.. actually be a blade. They reduced the swing weight to have a racket that is friendlier to use by a bigger audience. But that is easy to adapt with some lead at 12. I think they lowered it by 10 points, so add 3 grams of lead to 12hr and 6 grams behind the butt cap.

[@martinminar1949]

I agree there is little to no spin help from this racket, but that's why wilson has 16x19 and 100sq. in version. anyone who buys 18x20 wants control and no power racket. I think the racket performs as it is suppose to perform, like 2x4, but some people like that. it's like buying a Porsche and complaining there is no trunk space. I like your reviews, but I think the racket is great what it suppose to be. just my 2 cents.

[@mercycubed]

I have been looking to move from my beginner raquet and demo'd the blade98 v8. It wasn't fun to play. Your review gives the reasons why. peace

[@bsakoff]

As a longtime Blade user I have to say the V7 is better for my game. The extra swing weight on the V7 is so much better. The V8 is fine for rec play though and fun to use, but a big hitter will push you around.

[@petestation]

Hi Mark, thanks for the racquet review. Love the way you separate the review into different sections. I normally use the rf97 autograph, but due to growing age I want to find a lighter racquet. Do you think the blade will be a good substitute? I live in Bangkok, Thailand. We don’t have racquet demos.

[@crsantin]

I used to play with the RF too. Too heavy for me now. I switched to the regular Pro Staff 97. Still too heavy and unforgiving. I switched to the Blade v8 last year and I really like it. It’s a control racquet and very comfortable. Great at the net. Get the 16x19. I play really well with it but it took me a bit to figure out strings.

[@andresff4221]

I have the 18x20 for a month or so and the racquet it’s in stock form its awesome it’s not stable enough if you play a heavy hitter but it’s has a lot of room to customize and if you have an Easter grip like me and like to hit through the ball it’s great But if you think you need more you can add a leather grip and add 3 gram of lead tape at 3/9 and that will give you a lot of stability and plow through When if comes to the return deferent strokes for different folks hey that’s he’s opinion it’s a great racquet Great review 👍🏻

[@stephenc9259]

I've been honestly debating if I should switch to this racquet from my RF97. Also, nice Lacoste kicks :D

[@MarkSansait]

🥰 that review is coming soon

[@vonanthony1942]

Good video, but the only issue is that this review doesn't seem to be opinion based but fact based because of the way you delivered your points. The racket has little effect on power, ball trajectory, spin potential and stuff like that. It's all about the technique. You can't really blame the racket if your shots are not going past the service box, or if your having trouble returning serves, or issues with it's launch angle because all those things depend on your technique, and we all have different techniques, different grips, different footwork patterns, different timings, different point of contacts so yea. It's just making it more confusing for people to make a decision when buying a racket because you made it seem like your opinions are facts

[@lyd9828]

Agreed. Yeah the racket is flexible etc. but it is an inanimate object - it does not play tennis for you. I switched to Clash pro from my old wilson six-one 95 tour (18x20) last year. I popped all my strings in my clashes the other week and had to play with my old rackets while the others were being strung. It was so hard playing with my old racket (which i had used for 13 years) as my technique had adapted to a different frame. I could not return a thing and was missing straight forward shots, but I would not conclude that the racket is garbage, it is mainly that I have not played with it in a long time and my technique is no longer suited to a small racket with a very tight string patern.

[@albertoescobosa179]

This raquet is being used by so many pros in the WTA and ATP tour …

[@Matheusfk3]

Yeah, Mark, they lowered the Swingweight quite a bit on this version, maybe it's not stable enough in stock form.

[@RuizKenny]

Nice review. If you put lead at 3 and 9 o'clock, do you think that would help with returns?

[@K4R3N]

Haircut looks tight

[@MarkSansait]

BWEH

[@alecmurillo7292]

Hey thanks for a great review! at what tension did you string hyper g? thanks!

[@jesuscamargo6820]

Hi mark!!! I'm playing with pure aero 2023, but I want a bit more control and linear speed… how about this wilson blade 98 16x19 v8? better than a pure aero? THANKSSS!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@gavinfindlay3263]

Hey man, how would you compare this version of the 98 versus the 16x19 version? Which players would you recommend each for

[@MarkSansait]

Flat hitters and slicers => 18x20 Modern baseline grinders => 16x19

[@gavinfindlay3263]

@@MarkSansait thanks man! Enjoyed the review. Currently been demoing the 18x20 and really enjoying it - completely agree about the slice, but also that the launch angle is a bit of an issue… reckon the 16x19 will be too different? And if so, any other racket suggestions for me if I enjoyed the 18x20? Cheers!

[@BeastOfTheMidEast]

A lot of your comments are issues with the Forty Five tech that is most heavily used in the clash. v8 lost quite a bit of swing weight compared to v7. v7 Crushes service returns

[@a2casius]

45 is used in the PS. Clash uses Feel Flex which was in V7.

[@BeastOfTheMidEast]

Forty Five is Feel Flex rebranded. A lot of people didn't like Feel Flex so they changed the name.

[@a2casius]

@@BeastOfTheMidEast 45 is not exactly FF, slightly stiffer version.

[@b3h3mthdy]

would you consider test playing and reviewing the Head Extreme Tour? There is a lot of price on this raquet latley but an honest review will be very much appriciated :-)

[@MarkSansait]

Yes if I get my hands on it!

[@kkarx]

It seems like a underpowered control frame for flat hitters with little spin and you are obviously a player with a very heavy spin so no wonder it does not fly far away.

[@chrismicklitz6361]

Mr. Sansait, I am not lucky enough to play with the 18x20, but I own 3 V8 16x19s. I play with gut mains /Ghostwire crosses. I think it helps with launch angle, as well as depth on volleys. Thank you for your review.

[@MarkSansait]

16x19 review coming soon ;)

[@alexgrant4864]

Not sure if I agree with basing a whole racket review on 1 play test rather than at least a week or two of hitting. Please correct me if I’m wrong though.

[@MarkSansait]

4 different playtests totalling 10 hours on this one

[@sam8922]

16G poly strings suck tho. Try diff strings and get back to us

[@teok8855]

I like your reviews. Will you review the Head Gravity Pro? :)

[@Ali4sz]

I wonder if the 16x19 will at least fix the launch angle issue, looking forward to that review!

[@MarkSansait]

Same!

[@AM-ic5pg]

Aren't tighter string patterns meant to be played with a thinner gauge strings??

[@AM-ic5pg]

You should have atleast tried 17 (or even thinner) gauge co-polys and hybrids before reaching a conclusion about the launch angle.

[@goldencalf5144]

Interesting. I has a similar experience with another super flexible frame, the Volkl Power Bridge mid. I struggled with the returns and felt that sensation you described of the racquet bending in the hand. Do you think adding a bit of weight would improve the stability?

[@MarkSansait]

Yessssss

[@michaelingram2549]

Added weight at 9 and 3 and more in the butt with leather grip pb 10 mid. Plow through now handles any pace thrown at it.

[@goldencalf5144]

@@michaelingram2549 Good stuff. Makes me kinda wish I hadn't sold mine. Still, I probably have too many racquets as it is.

[@ocean130]

What string set up did you use? Would it help if you played at a lower tension?

[@keyur8873]

Hey Mark waiting for the 16*19 review. So I get to know your take on it...

[@carlossanchezross2769]

You put on your video 6:27 "At the net" and your hitting the ball on the line of serve. obviusly all your volleys will be short

[@MarkSansait]

I always warm up volleys from the service line.

[@aesbinz9894]

Any thoughts or got interest in Angell rackets? thanks

[@hingemethod5938]

you should also try the prince phantom 93p from tennis warehouse. 18x20 and I love it.

[@sam8922]

Criticising an 18x20 for its launch angle when using a 16G poly is like criticising a car with the completely wrong tyre size on it. Also low launch angle isn't inherently bad, it's just something you have to get used to

[@MarkSansait]

So why did my Wilson Blade v7 18x20 didn't have launch angle problems with 16g polys?

[@a2casius]

@@MarkSansait Because V7 Blade uses the Feel Flex technology of the Clash line which softens the hoop significantly. Because of the softer hoop, you get a slightly longer dwell time which grabs the ball better and hence is able to knife it more effectively. The Braid 45 technology in V8 is taken from the PS line which isn't as plush as Feel Flex. Hence why they reduced the SW in V8 to compensate for the stiffer hoop. There's Method behind all this Madness but once the dust settles, V7 is superior to V8.

[@stephenlalhriatpuia4957]

Please review Head Extreme Tour

[@MarkSansait]

If i can get my hands on one! And lol, head.

[@thequestion2056]

I dont understand why they lowered the swing weight on this racket, makes no sense

[@ariefpoerniawan]

I do not know about the flexible index… i use yonex vcore 100 300g how it compare to yonex vcore 100 300g, the characteristic…

[@Official.tadiwa]

Have you tried out the prostock versions?

[@MarkSansait]

No, but I definitely want to!

[@Jkan2001]

I can't believe this guy does stringing videos, look at that hack of a string job at 2:39 and 2:48. Also who puts a 16G poly in a 18x20? LOL

[@MarkSansait]

U mad bro?

[@augustblood6810]

Great review as ever, thanks. Sounds like it could do with some weight you increase plow through and stability.

[@MarkSansait]

I agree, I think that MIGHT help with the launch angle as well.

[@augustblood6810]

@@MarkSansait Do you review Prince rackets? Try the Phantom 18x20. I have the Tour 100P which is a good racket.

[@rbraxley]

Ouch. That's gonna leave a mark.

[@mteca5093]

What are some open 18x20 in 97or98

[@chuckfriebe843]

What was the tension that you used?

[@oopsierobotrobot]

What shoes are you using? o:

[@07TBoneMarcus]

Did you really just say speaking of head and pulsating support??? Hahahaha

[@MarkSansait]

🍆💦💦💦💦

[@turanovs]

Speaking of Head LOL

[@MarkSansait]

⚰️⚰️

[@nandhumanojpillai9846]

Wrong take, returns with this racquet feel great even on really fast serves. And for the launch angles, it performs better than any 18 20 I’ve tried.

[@MarkSansait]

Thanks for your differing opinion!

[@jorgeandrescoppiano]

Low launch angle. Copied! My dude, how did you feel the weight distribution? For example...the IG Prestige MP has lots of its weight in the middle of the racquet...I’ve heard it’s similar with the Yonex Ezone 98 Tour 2020. How did you find the weight distributed in that Blade v8?

[@bruceree4940]

Why use a new racket when ncode 95 is just better, dont fix whats not broke i guess

[@MarkSansait]

Because Wilson needs money lol

[@jonnyilbello]

non sono d'accordo con la recenzione sulle risposte alle battute, forse hai qualche lacuna da colmare sulle tue risposte e necessiti di una racchetta che corregga i tuoi gap tecnici

[@youngsuit]

sounds like it needs to be weighted up

[@tennis-fan]

first one to trash the blade s new paint which I think is no better then v7 ... don t know where the fas about the new cool look comes from...

[@Nopanop]

First 10 secs of this video is what a true incel would say

[@MarkSansait]

Who says I’m not? 😬

[@Nopanop]

@@MarkSansait nah man I saw ur highlights , u must be crushin wid dem girls. Dat single handed backhand so sexxxy

[@il.imstill3255]

Since what day 18*20 became a dying formula? Players make spin shot not by racquet's formula but by technique. And finally how can you make a review if your tennis level is 1-1.5 of 7?

[@MarkSansait]

I would argue that the popularity of the Babolat Pure Drive, Babolat Pure Aero, and even the more modernized Wilson Pro Staffs put close string pattern strings as an afterthought to most regular tennis consumers out there. And finally, how can you leave a KZbin comment if your grammar is worse than a 10 year old's?

[@il.imstill3255]

@@MarkSansait hahah!) here you are! what kind of blogger are you if you can't adequately answer questions, but act on the principle of "eye for an eye"?)

[@CostarreraGT_the_allknowing]

Nice bullying of Tsitsipas. I'm sure he cares.

[@mingdeity]

False advertising! You're lucky to get half a shot of gin for $2.99

[@MarkSansait]

Then make it rain on my punk ass

[@shipwreck8847]

Damn, who is this stud. I wanna ride his pogo stick.

[@stronzzo70]

Linda pero esa voz me rompió el oído