Wilson Blade V7 18x20 - Review
Summary
The Blade V7 is the latest entry in the Blade family. The V7 has pretty much the same specs as its predecessor with a 18x20 string pattern and weight of 305gms which is 1gm more than the previous version. The latest version still has the classic feel that you expect from in this range of Wilson racquets the V7 feels much more softer and much more flexible in comparison. The swing weight has gone up to 334 at the behest of slightly low head weight balance(in other words slightly head light) , now how it effects the overall racquet behavior is what we will discuss in our next segment.
Likes
- Great Control
- Exceptional balance
- Highly menuaverable
- Excellent swing weight
- Softer feel
- Good response to flat shots
Dislikes
- Nothing much to dislike in a complete racquet
Bottom Line
We have to agree that this is probably one of the softest racquets in the market loaded with good feel and stability designed especially for those who are looking for an arm friendly racquet without having to compromise on power, stability and maneuverability. A complete racquet for a modern day player (both professional and intermediate level).
| Score | 9 |
|---|---|
| Groundstrokes | 9.1 |
| Volleys | 9.2 |
| Serves | 8.8 |
| Returns | 9.2 |
| Power | 8 |
| Control | 9 |
| Maneuverability | 9.2 |
| Stability | 9.1 |
| Comfort | 9.5 |
| Topspin | 8.5 |
| Slice | 9.2 |
| Touch/Feel | 9.2 |
Groundstrokes - Score : 9.1
The blade is all about great balance and feel and that is exactly how the new blade is but you will notice that the V7 is extremely soft and very very arm friendly and as soon as you strike the ball you will notice how well the racquet has soaked up the pressure. For all those looking for a flexible and arm friendly racquet this will remain a highly recommended racquet.
On groundstrokes the V7 is very solid and allows you to complete your swings the way you like it, it’s a very help yourself kind of a racquet allowing you to swing freely and complete your strokes. You can take big swings at the ball, you can take big cuts at the ball because of the dense 18x20 string pattern without worrying about overhitting the ball.
Be it backhand or forehand or a slice you will really enjoy the plush feel you get out of the racquet. Flat shots give you a sweet sound of ball strike so it basically suits all games styles our experts have really liked the Blade V7 from back of the court and highlighted the crisp nature of the racquet with great feel, good precision and a soft and flexible feel.
Volleys - Score : 9.2
The V7 does an exceptional job at the net like its predecessor the racquet is solid and feels effortless in maneuvering the ball at the net. You can hear a nice crisp sound as you strike the ball when you go for a flat finish to close out a point and you can also excel in keeping the ball low while playing delicate soft drop shot.
Serves - Score : 8.8
One must say that the on first serves especially the Blade V7 scores more than its predecessor our expert could feel the crispness and accuracy while striking a flat first serve. The balanced nature of the racquet gives you the liberty to go for angles and very your pace with the same action deceiving your opponent for pace. On Second serves, it takes time to get the slice & kick serves going because of less head light and closed string pattern.
Returns - Score : 9.2
Thanks to the good stability and the soft feel in V7 returns seem to be absolutely manageable as said earlier in the groundstroke’s review that when you strike the sweet spot section of the racquet the ball travels faster and the sound of ball strike gives you great confidence moving into the point. The highly maneuverable nature of the racquet gives you the liberty to swing hard or take pace off the ball effortlessly, you can succeed in attacking the second serves or choose to slice the return and keep it low on backhands.