Endorsed on-court by Greek rising star, Stefanos Tsitspias -- Wilson showcases the 7th version of the Blade with a brand new tri-colored design to go with state-of-the-art innovations for next-level performance. That said, I might apply a thinner gauge string to see what sort of a difference that would make in terms of gripping the ball, but overall, this was the part of my game that was most challenged. Troy: 5.0 lefty all-court player with a full Western Forehand and a two-handed backhand. Originally launched in 2006 with the nCode version, the Blade 98 18x20 has evolved through many technological updates and composition tweaks. Updating the iconic Blade line for its seventh iteration, Wilson re-engineered the Blade 98 18x20 v7 for 2019 to offer players ample plow through, control and precision. My weapon, if you can even call it that, is to get almost everything back, change the direction and keep the velocity in the 60 MPH range. The Wilson Blade 104 is one of seven current and very successful rackets in the Wilson Blade range. Copyright © Tennis Warehouse. Andy: Open level all court player with a semi-western forehand grip and a two-handed backhand. ", The Blade 98 18x20 Countervail proved perfect for Chris at net. Construction: Stiff (98); Firm (104) Most were also comfortable putting away volleys. ", Troy - "In stock form, I would have preferred more weight in the handle to help with maneuverability and to make it closer to the weight and balance of my typical stick. Compare. He explained, "When I was serving with the Blade 98 (18x20) Countervail I definitely noticed a difference in the way the ball came off the stringbed, and although my serve improved the more I played with it, I never quite adjusted to that difference. 27. Please check photo's before you purchase. Also if you can handle it, I would put just a bit of weight in the buttcap, at 7 pts headlight it plays best in my opinion 29. Hello Everyone,i need a new racket and i'm interested in the Wilson Blade 98 but i know it comes in two version 18x20 and 16x19.18x20 is for more control oriented players and the 16x19 creates more topspin.I more of a serve and net player and i use a lot of volleys in my game,so should i get the 16x19? The items have scratches and a few chips as would be natural from regular play. I found an acceptable level of pace going down the T on my faster serves. Alex De Minaur – Wilson Blade 98 16×19. He said, "I found a good blend of power and control with this racquet on serve. ; The comparison parameters include both statically and dynamically measured performance variables. There is a firm feel in this new update, similar to the K Factor version, but with the solid dampened feel I found with the 2015 version. Here is my Wilson Blade 98 V7 Racquet Review. Ball impact felt very solid on my backhand slice, and the dense string pattern gave me the control and confidence to drive the ball deep. I felt confident enough to keep my swing speeds up and that enabled me to find the spin I wanted. Click here to see all Tennis Warehouse reviews. When hitting second serves I really appreciated the controlled feel of the racquet. I didn't like how muted and dampened it was, so I found it difficult to use finesse when I needed to carve out tough volleys. The directional control allowed me to mix up my returns with ease and keep the ball away from the net man in doubles. Head Size: 98 in² / 632 cm² Length: 27in / 68,5cm Strung Weight: 323g / 11,4oz Unstrung Weight: 305g/10,8oz Balance: 33,02cm / 4 pts HL Swingweight: 328 String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses I didn't feel like I could catch up to hard hit shots from my opponents that easily, and I often found myself late. He said, "This was another area where I really noticed that solid, precise feel, which must have something to do with the stability and dense string pattern. ", Mark - "I am a function over form person, but I do like the cosmetic of the new Blade 98 Countervail frames. Troy was impressed. Wilson removes the Countervail dampening material and replaces it with an updated version of the technology first introduced in the Clash line. The Wilson Blade 98 also incorporates Wilson’s Amplifeel technology which reduces vibrations throughout the frame in order to enhance player feel and comfort. ", Troy - "There is definitely a more modern, crisper feel compared to the 2015 version, which has a bit more flexible and classic feel to it. Dusan Lajovic – Wilson Pro Staff 97 Countervail. ", The Blade 98 18x20 Countervail impressed our entire team with its stability and control at the net. There were times during fast exchanges at the net that I found the tip of the racquet lagging somewhat, which is likely due to me being used to racquets that are around 7-8 points headlight. 00 Wilson Blade v7 98 18x20 Tennis Racquet 22 Design Wilson Pro Staff 97 is just as long as Wilson Blade 98 at 27 inches, but the head is not as wide. It's an extremely popular racquet. 1-owner. I brought some open patterned frames along to my first session with this new Countervail version of the Blade 98 (18x20) just in case I was too challenged with such a tight pattern. ", Andy - "I've been a big fan of the Blade line in the past, but unfortunately I think this iteration takes a step backward in terms of performance. Couple very minor scuffs on headguard, no scrapes(see pix). Not only was I getting more feel on my chip returns, I also felt more dialed in on my aggressive returns. With its growing popularity, the Blade 98 16x19 CV makes a case for inclusion in the modern classic racket hall of fame. He said, "The control and feel of this racquet had me feeling dialed in at net. The new Blade 98 (16x19) v7, Wilson has taken the Blade line back to its crisp, clean and precise feel. At 11.3 ounces strung, the Blade 98 18x20 Countervail is lighter than a traditional player's racquet, but as you will learn from our playtesters, this stick is no lightweight. Many other racquets that are similar in terms of weight and head size lack a substantial swingweight, which means I usually need to add weight to the hoop. With my customized Wilson Blade 98 (18x20) 2015 racquet I have added a good amount of weight in the handle to help with maneuverability. Although a couple playtesters had minor complaints about the feel and weight, Mark had zero problems. Expect the 16x19 version to play slightly more spin friendly and powerful than the 18x20. This version comes equipped with Wilson's Countervail technology, which is designed to dampen shock and reduce muscle fatigue in your arm without affecting the feel of the racket. With the Blade 98 18x20 Countervail, Wilson adds another impressive chapter to the Blade racquet family. For seasoned power-baseliners and all-courters who rely on solid play in the backcourt. Wilson removed the Countervail dampening, instead taking advantage of their new FeelFlex technology to help inject more feel and torsional stability at impact. in. He said, "I probably had my most success in this playtest when serving. All content copyright 2016 Tennis Warehouse. Head Size: 98 sq. I did not get enough time to test the 2015 version closely with this update so cannot comment there. This innovative multifilament string combines high comfort with above average control. P.S:If i buy the 18x20 can i change the string with 16x19 or it's impossible I really liked how this racquet paired with a low tensioned poly. Check out our review on the new Wilson Blade 98 18x20 v7 Tennis Racquet. Physically, the Blade 98s have always been among my favorites. ", Andy appreciated the stability and control at net, but the feel was a little too muted for his taste. He said, "The first Blade 98 I played with was the K Factor version, and the only string pattern available was the 18x20, which was one of my favorite frames at that time. I am happy enough with it to where I would take the time to modify it a little. Well, hopefully, this article answers that question for you I was extremely confident with this racquet when I was anywhere near the net. Swinging the 98, intermediate-to-advanced players explained they were able to hold their own in bruising baseline rallies by generating forceful, deep shots. If you stay on this website, you agree to the use of cookies. Wilson Blade Countervail vs Wilson Blade v7 Blade V7 vs Clash 98: Play Test Comparison. Milos Raonic – Wilson Blade 98 18×20. With a slightly stiffer feel compared to the previous version, I had a good amount of pop on my flat heaters. Summary. First launched in 2006, the Blade 98 18x20 is becoming a Wilson classic. Not so with the Blade 98 18x20 Countervail. Both have very similar static weights but have lower swingweights. Suffice it to say, slices plowed through the ball like a hot knife through butter. As for the 98’s two string patterns: Players with flatter strokes preferred the 18x20 pattern, while others with spin-oriented games—as well as big kick serves—liked the 16x19 pattern. On the other hand, Wilson Blade 98 is actually a little bit lighter, but most of the weight is placed at the head in order to deliver more power. He explained, "I enjoyed this racquet at net. Our playtest team tested the latest version of this racquet, which is made with Countervail, a uniquely flexible carbon layer designed to minimize impact vibrations. The feel is slightly stiffer and crisper than the previous version, but it still feels solid, with little vibration coming through. The higher swingweight came with its challenges, but Andy couldn't argue with the pop and precision. Ordered new from Tennis Warehouse with Technifibre NRG2 #54 12/2019. ", "The Blade 98 18x20 Countervail was a fun racquet to return with," said Chris, who appreciated this racquet's control and feel. It’s lighter and thicker than the 98s, and so supplies a tad more oomph around the court. With the 18x20 string pattern I felt very connected to the ball, which provided good touch and precision. The 18x20 is on its way, but I think I've already made my decision and I probably will switch to the 16x19 version unless the 18x20 blows me away, but the 16x19 is very tough to beat. Second, the 'feel' is more muted and dampened compared to the previous version, which left me a little disconnected from the ball as it left my strings. ... Blade 98 16x19 Countervail Blade 98 18x20 Blade 98 18x20 Countervail Blade 98L 16x19 ... Blade 98 18x20 BLX Blade 98 16x19 BLX Blade 104 BLX Juice 100L BLX Search. Wilson Blade 98 (18x20) v7. I could react well and punch away volleys. I have to say the newer example of the Pro Staff 97S is similar with its 18x17 pattern and muted feel. Armed with the optimal string and tension, Chris settled into quite a groove with this racquet. The more I hit groundstrokes with this racquet the more I was finding my groove, and I enjoyed the slightly crisper feel over the previous version. The Blade 98 and 104 are power baseliners’ delights: They’re thin enough to allow for good maneuverability and racquet-head speed, but still have enough mass and rigidity to crush the ball off the ground. Offering a good contrast to the Wilson Steam 99S we tested and reviewed earlier this week, Wilson is expanding the racket line to more advanced players. ", Like Andy, Troy was impressed with the Blade's lively and precise response on serves. With the Blade 98 18x20 Countervail, Wilson adds another impressive chapter to the Blade racquet family. Swingweight: 326 (98); 303 (104) Troy currently plays with a Wilson Blade 98 18x20. Shipped with UPS. This particular iteration felt a little more muted to me compared to previous examples of the Blade 98 (18x20), which helped make even a full bed of monofilament pretty comfortable on the arm. All Rights Reserved, Secondary Colors: Wilson releases Reverse frames. Ideal Swing: Long (98); Medium to Long (104) However, through all of these changes, this racquet's rock solid stability and surgical precision has not wavered. The other that comes close to it is the Wilson Blade 98 (which I also love a lot). Hit the courts with Wilson's all-new Blade 98 (18x20) v7 tennis racquet. 2013 Racquet Reviews, MSRP: $230 (98); 10.8 oz. You can always loosen up your tension a bit to get more topspin and power (mine is at 48). I found lots of control, and I felt connected to what I was getting out of the racquet. $218.99 - $219.00. ", Andy - "Good control and stability. (104) How It Tested The racquet also felt very comfortable when set up that way. The Babolat Pure Strike (18x20) is comparable and at an average weight difference of 0.2 oz., the Prince Textreme Tour 100P is in the conversation. Marin Cilic – Head Graphene Touch Prestige Mid. I thought the level of control was top notch. 32. All in all though, this was an effective racquet to return with. I did have to be pretty conscious of how big a swing I was taking, as it was not easy to whip the Blade 98 18x20 Countervail around my body when I was a little late on a ball. The 16×19 Pure Strike has a very precise, fast, spin-friendly feeling to it. Although topspin isn't necessarily this racquet's strong suit, those who like to flatten the ball out will find great depth control. ", With its powerful and precise delivery, the Blade 98 18x20 Countervail allowed our team to paint the service box with plenty of pace and spin. Wilson Blade 98 18 x 20 cvfrm W/O, Unisex Adult Tennis Racket, Unisex Adult, Blade 98 18X20 CVFRM W/O, Black / Green (Black Velvet / Electric Lime), 3 7 $219.00 $ 219 . Weight: 11.3 oz. *Price comparisons are based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price ("MSRP") or Original Selling Price. Wilson Blade v7 98 16x19 Tennis Racquet 4.7 out of 5 stars 16. Both models are also constructed with Wilson’s Double Hole grommet design, which the company says allows for more string movement and an expanded sweet spot. Prince Textreme Tour 100 (310) Compare. Grigor Dimitrov – Wilson Pro Staff 97 Countervail. The mass of the racquet allowed me to crank first serves and get them moving through the court nicely, and the tight string pattern gave me the precision I needed to find my intended targets. Wilson has removed Countervail from the Blade and replaced it with FeelFlex technology. The Wilson Blade 98 and 104—racquets of choice for Milos Raonic and Serena Williams, respectively—feature vibration-dampening basalt fibers in the frame and handle. The dynamic specs are measured during the impact between a ball and racquet. I found a little more forgiveness in this racquet compared to my old Wilson Six.One 95 (18x20). I also liked the grip I was getting on the ball from the dense string pattern. Yonex VCORE 98 (305) Galaxy Black. I could have used a more headlight balance and a bit more maneuverability, especially while playing doubles. It has good stability for its maneuverable 11.3 oz weight. 26. ", (Scores are determined by averaging individual play test scores). In fact, the highest score for this playtest was awarded for comfort. 31. A minor complaint against this racquet's very dampened feel came from one of our playtesters who found the Blade too muted, which made it harder for him to feel the ball at contact. The Blade v7 also comes with some slight changes. I also found the racquet to be sluggish and not very spin friendly. I am just more accustomed to the feel of the 16x19 and 16x18 patterns. See more details on Wilson Pro Staff vs Blade below. The Racquet Comparison Tool compares properties of any two racquets. The newest iteration of the Blade stands up with any of your favorites in the family, whether it’s the N-Code, 2015, or the Countervail. The new Blade V7 is a scalpel, where the Clash 98 is a sword. The moment I made contact with the ball I noticed a very solid and precise feel, and I never looked back from there. There was also enough pop to help me finish off the point. My slice serve had ample spin, and I was able to pull my opponent off the court with it. The only real issue I had was that it felt somewhat stiff at times and I wondered if Countervail would reduce that feeling. racquets paired with tight 18x20 patterns, the selection list will look like my hairline -- thinned out. But one question that gets a lot of people stuck is which string pattern they should buy. I also felt comfortable feathering a drop volley or hitting deep into the court. The popular black and lime green color scheme gets silver highlights at the sides of the head to make the cosmetic more appealing. While the Blade 98 18x20 Countervail may be a bit more comfortable and more powerful than the version it replaces, the muted feel eliminates the exceptional responsiveness that I really liked in past versions. ... Wilson Blade 98 V7 16x19 4 3/8 grip tennis racquet used, strung+new grip. The Blade 98 v7 is also available in a denser 18x20 string pattern, and the easier to play Blade 100L model. On the plus side, the tight string pattern did provide some nice control and the 'deader' feel that allowed me to get the ball to my intended target consistently. ", This racquet's dense pattern proved a bit of a hindrance for Mark when serving. I use the blade 98 (18x20) So I may be a bit biased, but I absolutely love it. We use cookies to make our website and your shopping experience effective, secure and user-friendly. 28. Compare. If you’ll follow me down analogy lane for just a moment, the Clash 98 can be incredibly precise when used by the right person, but it’s always devastating with … It did feel a bit cumbersome at times we I was trying to get it over my head quickly, but I think the mass of the racquet was more beneficial than bothersome. The mass in the hoop was nice for chipping back returns deep in the court, too. The sweetspot felt very generous, and I was able to find effortless depth with no loss in precision. I used the previous version of the Wilson Blade 98 (18×20) quite happily for about six months until racquetholism set in and I went to the Prince Textreme Tour 95. ", On serves, this racquet's combination of spin and control was a source of confidence for Chris. Today I'll be reviewing and comparing the Wilson Blade v7 for both, the 16x19 and the 18x20 patents. Spin was very easy to develop off either wing, and I had great confidence when hitting my slice backhand. FeelFlex has put the flex of the 98 strung at a 61 flex rating. For competent players who’d like a little more help—but who’d still like to retain the feel of a player’s stick—try the Blade 104. ", Andy also returned well with the Blade 98 18x20 Countervail. 4 3/8 grip size. It felt light and easy to maneuver. The healthy swingweight packed a punch, resulting in good pace on my serves. Taylor Fritz – Head Graphene 360 Radical MP. ", Troy - "The standout feature was control, which gave me trust in where the ball was going to land. Two wilson blade 98 18x20 2015 tennis racquets. The price is for BOTH racquets! Yonex VCORE 98 (305) Compare. Chris: 5.0 all-court player currently using the Babolat Pure Drive Plus. Thanks to an RDC swingweight in the upper 320s and some effective mass north of the handle, this racquet gave our team a remarkably solid and stable ride. Nick Kyrgios – Yonex EZONE 98. ", Although Troy loved the control and feel, he could have used a little more maneuverability at net. Andy currently using a Yonex EZONE DR 98. The lightweight shoe gets faster thanks to a more streamlined fit. © 2021 Tennis Channel Network. This racquet's precision allowed me to hit my targets. Furthermore, I thought the Blade 98 18x20 Countervail offered more power, and consequently less control, than its predecessor, and with the 18x20 string pattern I didn't feel like I could generate enough spin to harness some of that added pop. (104) ", Chris - "I thought long and hard about whether I'd change anything about this racquet, but there are no dislikes for me. The blend between power, control and that slightly head-heavy feel is favored by both pros and amateurs. The low tensioned poly allowed me to find easy depth and lots of spin to get my shots diving inside the lines. That’s spearheaded by the Wilson Blade 98 (used by Milos Raonic) and the Wilson Blade SW104 autograph countervail, used by tennis queen, Serena Williams. Having one of my favorite strings in my preferred tension range allowed me to quickly find the groove. Grip is new under Luxilon dry overgrip. The 2019 update does not disappoint. ", Mark - "If we are strictly going on other low 11 oz. "I loved the previous version of this racquet, but my groundstrokes didn't feel quite as dialed in with this update. My test Blade 98 18x20 Countervail had a swingweight of 330, which gave it a very solid feel compared to most other 11.3 oz. New hybrid strings 3-months ago on both. This was the best Blade 98 I've hit to date. Wilson is committed to achieving Level AA conformance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 and achieving compliance with other accessibility standards. racquet. Stability was good considering the overall weight, and the racquet didn't flutter against higher pace. "I enjoyed taking a solid cut at the ball. I wasn't getting as much spin and kick as I do with a more open string pattern, but I like that I can really attack the kick serve with a lot of racquet head speed and still maintain good control. All Rights Reserved. ", This racquet's beefy swingweight helped Mark plow through the ball on chip returns. Condition is Used. 30. Although it's still far from the sacred status of the wooden Jack Kramer or the original 6.0 85, the Blade 98 18x20 is emphatically no slouch, especially when it comes to control and feel, the bedrock of so many Wilson … Volkl V-Sense 10 Tour. ", Mark simply couldn't argue with this racquet's solid and precise feel. I even found penetrating depth on compact strokes thanks to the higher swingweight. With this update to the Blade 98 (18x20), Wilson adds another chapter to one of the game's classic player's racquets.Like the previous generation, this racquet combines an elegant and minimalist cosmetic with the same velvety paint finish that was originally launched with Federer's Pro Staff RF97 Autograph. Decided to stick with my 18x20. If you found this review interesting or have further questions or comments please contact us. My touch volleys were working well, and I felt pretty dialed in when looking to softly caress a volley. Backhand slices felt smooth, and I could keep the ball low and deep, near the server's feet. The cosmetic blemishes will not impact playability.

He currently plays with the Babolat Pure Aero Tour. Actual sales may not have occurred at this price. Compared to other brands, I'd consider the Prince Textreme Tour 100P and Yonex Duel G 97 310. Ultimately though, when you add this racquet's stability and surgical precision to its arm-friendly feel, the Blade 98 18x20 Countervail is an awfully attractive option for intermediate and advanced ball strikers. I played very well with it and really enjoyed the playtest. I could block back big first serves, knowing that the racquet would win the collision and I could find my intended targets consistently. While not every playtester warmed up to this racquet's hefty feel, our team definitely appreciated having the needed mass for powering the ball through the court or redirecting heavy pace deep into opposing territory. Bottom Line There was also no shortage of love for how smooth and solid this stick felt on chips and slices. ", Chris - "I liked the feel, control and overall response of the Blade 98 18x20 Countervail. Some added weight to the handle would help me get some extra wrist-snap to increase the spin on my serves. This latest version blows that one completely away. I found this to be one of my favorite racquets to return with, especially on my backhand side. Control and feel are just thrown in there just to add more sugar to its awesomeness. ", "Surprisingly, I struggled a bit with this racquet from the baseline," said Andy, who logged copious hours with the previous generation Blade 98 18x20. (104) A Blade, Clash and Ultra with flipped cosmetics. More power than the previous version. $82.00 13 bids + shipping . String Pattern: 16x19, 18x20 (98); 18x19 (104) Mark: 5.0 lefty all-court player with a one-handed backhand. Main Changes This new Blade for 2013 has a very closed pattern racket. Wilson Blade 98 (16x19) ... players that trend towards more flat and slice play might want to look at the Blade 18x20. Balance: 2 pts. He explained, "I served decently with the Blade 98 18x20 Countervail. Wilson Blade 98 (16x19) v7: ... Mains Skip: 8T,8H: Tension: 50-60: Add Similar Racquets to Compare. You’ve seen our comparison article showing it against the Clash 98, but now we’re getting into it.. ", "I use the 2015 version of the Blade 98 18x20, so I felt right at home with this racquet," said Troy, who was clearly impressed with this update. HL (104) As for the 98’s two string patterns: Players with flatter strokes preferred the 18x20 pattern, while others with spin-oriented games—as well as big kick serves—liked the 16x19 pattern. He explained, "I had a little more success around the net with this racquet than I did at the baseline, but I still struggled with the feel. Review date: October 2016. He explained, "I had my Blade 98 18x20 Countervail test racquet strung up with some Big Banger Original at 47 lbs, and it felt great. Compare. racquets available. in. This vibration dampening technology specifically helps people who suffer from joint pain and tennis elbow. The new Wilson Blade 98 V7 16×19 is the real deal. Mid-court volleys, half-volleys and chip approaches were effective and predictable. I did have to aim my swing in a more upward direction to get the desired net clearance, but on every subsequent session I played better from the baseline. HL (98); 4 pts. You'll find more information on cookies at. Chris uses a full-western forehand grip, has a fast swing style and hits a one-handed backhand. Features: He said, "My backhand chip return fit perfectly with the heavier specs of the Blade 98 18x20 Countervail, and even though the swingweight is near 330, I was also able to hit through my return off of both wings. Although control is very good with this racquet, it isn't quite at the level of my old Wilson Six.One 95 (18x20). Judging from the scores and comments of our crew, the new Blade 98 18x20 Countervail delivers on its promise to provide a dampened, low vibration feel. I could tell I was in that range, and my PlaySight data backed it up. See how it compares to its predecessors with new FeelFlex technology and strategic Carbon Mapping for improved stability. I felt in control when I was punching volleys deep, and I was confident enough to be very aggressive. ", Andy - "The feel was too muted and dampened, leaving me too disconnected from the ball at impact. He said, "I really liked the racquet's control and stability on the return of serve. The Wilson Blade 98 is one of the most popular racquets on the market. Since I rely on placement more than outright power, I found this racquet to work well for my game. With swingweights in the 320s, I am going to swing a stable feeling low 11 oz. "I like having total command over the ball from the baseline, and this update did not let me down. I felt like the tighter string pattern helped keep my ball from sailing too high over the net, which can be a problem with open patterned racquets. The Head Graphene Touch Speed Pro swings similarly but had a lower powered and even more control oriented feel. Beam Width: 20.6mm (98); 22mm (104) This is the most I've ever enjoyed a Blade 98. I am just more accustomed to the feel of the 16x19 and 16x18 patterns. ", On service returns, the Blade 98 18x20 Countervail drew high praise for its stability, plow through and control.
Fortress 20 Gun Cabinet, Duke City Gladiators, Kitchenaid Kmcs1016gss Trim Kit, Run Fast Eat Slow Instagram, Sars-cov-2 Rnase P, Jund Reanimator Edh, How To Address Your Boss In A Letter, Wusthof Vs Calphalon Knives,
wilson blade 98 16x19 vs 18x20 2021