Introducing the Blade 98 16x19 v8! For this version Wilson adds some speed and stability while keeping the sublime feel and spin-friendly targeting of the previous generation. At 11.3 strung and boasting a speedy 320-RDC swingweight, this racquet is ideal for intermediate and advanced players, especially if they crave maneuverability. This stick also packs a buttery 61-RA stiffness, giving it outstanding ball feedback. For 2021 Wilson keeps the revolutionary layup technology that was originally used in the Blade v7 under the name FeelFlex. It’s now called FortyFive and, in addition to increasing stability, it helps the racquet bend in ways that compliment the modern game. For this update, Wilson also introduces Direct Connect Technology which fuses the butt cap directly to the carbon fiber portion of the handle for added stability. Additional updates include Wilson’s new Chameleon Paint which activates subtle color changes under different angles and light conditions.
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Comments: This new Blade is ridiculously solid. It excelled most specifically on serving, backhand, and return of serve. It's just so easy to punch back hard serves with good placement. Slices are a dream, and my goodness the flat serve specifically for me is amazing with this stick - loads of control while still having good pop. I have it strung with VS Touch Gut in mains at 57 with RPM blast in the crosses at 54, which is PERFECT for this frame. Super glad I made the switch. For reference, I'm a 4.5 lefty all-court player coming from a Yonex EZONE DR 98 which I had used for the past 5 years. Two weeks into using this new Blade I won a large doubles tournament and what made me so confident with the Blade is the precision and control. If you're looking for a power racquet, I'd suggest looking elsewhere. But if you love creating your own pace and want a plush feel, good ball pocketing and loads of control, this one's for you.
From: Jared, 23/9/21
Comments: First, it looks amazing. Strung it with RPM Power mains 51 and multifeel crosses 50. It's definitely not as muted as the v7, which I didn't like enough to switch from my Pro Staff 100 v13. Still not quite as crisp as the Pro Staff, but the denser string pattern helped with accuracy and control, especially on slices. A little instability when on defense or fast reaction volleys. Serving was great and very consistent. The measurements on racquets seem very inconsistent, so some clarity. The beam is thicker than the Pro Staff and the 98 head is identical as the Pro Staff100. On the stringing maching, I didn't have to move a thing like they are from the same mold, so can't imagine the need for a Blade 100 for those waiting. I will likely go to a more crisp, controlled string like Hyper-G and Prince synthetic crosses to get the final tweak, and if needed a little more weight and lighter head balance, but I'm a converter switching from the Pro Staff and I am very happy. The second one is on order if that tells you anything.
From: Jason, 19/9/21