Overview
With the Blade 98 18x20 v8, Wilson adds another chapter to one of the game's best racquets for control and feel. At 11.4 ounces strung and boasting a beefy 325+ RDC swingweight, this Blade feels solid against pace. It also packs a traditional 18x20 string pattern along with a low 60-RA stiffness, giving it laser-like targeting from the baseline and phenomenal touch at net. 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 complement 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. All in all, this version of the Blade 98 18x20 checks all the right boxes. Intermediate and advanced players looking for total command over the ball will love this one. The outstanding ball feedback is a nice bonus.
Specifications
| Head Size: 98 in² / 632.26 cm² | ||||
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm | ||||
| Strung Weight:11.4oz / 323g | ||||
| Balance: 13in / 33.02cm / 4 pts HL | ||||
| Swingweight: 327 | ||||
| Stiffness: 60 | ||||
| Beam Width: 21mm / 21mm / 21mm | ||||
| Composition: Basalt/Braided Graphite | ||||
| Power Level: Low | ||||
| Stroke Style: Full | ||||
| Swing Speed: Fast | ||||
| Racquet Colors:Green | ||||
| Grip Type: Wilson Pro Performance | ||||
String Pattern:
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| String Tension: 50-60 pounds |
Pros Endorsing/Using This Racquet
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Customer Reviews
Great all-round racquetFor years I have been looking for a replacement of my trusty Yonex RQ-190 ULS (35 year old frames). Never clicked with any, including the generations of Blade, even with 16x19 V8. This seemed a good compromise on the head light requirement of the forehand and not so headlight for my one-handed backhand. Stability is top notch. For me this is a returner's racquet. I have my best flat serves with this one (For kick serves I have it, but it is not in my top five). It shines when you play against a heavy hitter. It feels way stiffer than 60, something like 65 or 66. Due to my elbow issues, I can use it only with multi's (Mainly Head Velocity 17 gauge Black). I can only assume that with poly's it may look a bit underpowered but it is not the case with multi's. At the net that stability takes back the stage and you can convince many that you have a better net coverage than you actually have. I don't think any other racquet plays similar, so expect some time of adjustment if you are not a former Blade 18x20 user.
Better than the v6 and v7In the past I demoed the Blade at least three times (Including the 16x19 v8). On paper the Blade line must be the one that I am looking for but when it comes time to demo them, the result is always disappointing. This time it was a filler for the last spot of two generations of Radical MP's for demo. Surprisingly, it shined. Both Radicals were no match for it on serves, net play, or my 1HB. For forehands the Radicals have definitely the edge: more power, more topspin (All multifilament) Don't get it wrong, forehands have enough topspin. Power-wise it reminded me of the Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18x20. It is a strong racquet for those who want to build their point, who wants to use a high performing racquet without bringing static weight up to the 340's. I ordered one.
BladeMuch more comfortable than I expected
A MASTERPIECEI am 50 years old, and a strong baseline 5.0 player. My current racquet is a 2019 Gravity Tour. I tried the Blade V8 in 16x19 and wasn't really impressed. I recently tested the 18x20 version and was so impressed that I decided to adopt it. Curiously I find it to have a more generous sweetspot than the 16x19 version and easier to play. Amazing control and the perfect amount of power for my game. I am more comfortable on the backhand side. On the forehand side is where I sometimes have a little more difficulty centering the ball with this racquet. The balance is excellent, it does not tire the arm and the basic grip is of good quality. I generally add a leather grip to all my racquets but I didn't need it for the Blade because the base is already quite firm. The racquet is flexible as but without having the cottony touch of some racquets. It remains quite firm at impact and excellent at net. It's not a topspin machine, but enough to cover the ball well. The slice is incredible and the flat shots are very effective. It is a "puncher's" racquet that requires a long and powerful swing. You can hit the ball with confidence without being afraid to take the ball out.
The feeling is very comfortable. As for the design, in my opinion it is the most successful racquet on the market. It is magnificent and pleasant to the touch.
I recommend anyone interested in the 16x19 blade to also test the 18x20 version, which is really surprising.
Great Frame, but HeavyBeen looking for a new racquet and just tried this demo. Standard blade feel (a little muted compared to some other "player" racquets in my opinion, but a feel that I generally like because to me it feels solid and stable) with a ton of plow-through due to the combination of weight and the 18/20 string pattern. Felt good but there's no way I could make it through a long hitting session or a match and feel like I was still swinging it well by the end. Also a little less maneuverable than other lighter player racquets in the market right now, or even the 16x19 blade. For reference, I'm 6'3 200lbs and around a 4.5 with pretty full strokes and sub par movement, so if you're young, strong, and move well, you may have an easier time handling this and getting everything out of it.
Excellent 18 x 20 FrameI tried this frame on a whim and thought it was okay in stock form with NRG. I put a Volkl leather grip on and strung it with Wilson gut 17G @55# and the racquet really came alive. Very good spin and very easy to go from defense to offense. I felt this frame, with this set up had excellent power, feel, spin and control. Because of the higher swing weight, I had to adjust my net game to be a little more aggressive, otherwise I hit a few volleys late. Serving is good, not great, yet, but every time I step out on the court, I like it better and better. I can take real big rips and they stay in with good weight of shot.
All around comfortable player's racquet.I switched to this racquet from Head Prestige Touch MP and notice similar levels of control on groundstrokes, better maneuverability and bigger sweet spot. I am sacrificing a little power on serves and stability on volleys. The five ounces difference in weight are noticeable to me after the first hour of hitting making it easier to wield in the long run compared to the Prestige. I think the material of the grommets are inferior compared to any other racquet I ever had. They can break easily while tying a knot. I find this racquet to feel better in a poly hybrid or full poly at very low tension. Currently using Head Hawk 18/Head Velocity MLT 17 at 38 pounds.
Wilson BladeNice racquet!
Amazing power and feel racquetThis is the best racquet that I have used in my 22 years. I was using many models/versions of the Babolat Pure Drive for many years and switching to Wilson Blade was a risk. After hitting with it for the first time, I know that this was a great racquet for baseliners that like powerful ground strokes, great control, and able to hit on the run without working too hard due to the flexibility of the racket. I definitely got the pop that was needed in my game with this racquet! I highly recommend this racquet.
Wilson Blade 98 18x20 v8Solid tennis racquet. Very good on ground strokes, very good on accuracy. I played with the Wilson RF97 Federer Autograph prior to this. I'm missing some power, but I'm appreciating the difference in maneuverability with the difference in weight. Striking has to be from a low point through the ball to get consistent power. Also very good on serve.
Tsitsipas, O'Connell, Parry all use thisThis racquet seemed very solid. Even though TW does not rate it high in the power department, it seemed to have a good amount on groundies, but seemed to keep the ball in. You need to hit it fairly low and fairly fast. On serves it seemed solid. It is somewhat easy to move around for volleys, but not the easiest or lightest one.
One of bestThis is a more traditional players racquet, so don't go comparing this to a Pure Aero VS or even the Ezone 98. I think it is very stable with some weight added to the frame. More responsive and less muted than the v7 and even the Ezone 98 but very comfortable. QC is pretty good on the frames I have. I just wish there was a little more free power - I think I will string really low the next time - maybe in the high 30s with my 4G.
Great racket!Super stable against hard hitter, & pin-point precision with nice feel. Not much more you can ask from a racket? Is it better than the V7? They are both excellent, in my opinion.
Great racquetVery solid feel. Good weight.
Previous Feedback
Comments: I've never used a Wilson Blade 98 (other than a demo) with my own string and setup until recently. I usually play with a VCORE 95 (before that an Ezone 98 DR Plus, RF97, Pure Aero Plus), but this racquet with the right string is surprising. I love my VCORE 95 and play well with it, but I just wanted to explore other options since I want a better feel out of my racquet. Played with the 16x19 Blade V8 (US Open edition) and like it for sure (excellent feel), but if you put a spin string on this frame (18x20) such as what I did - Solinco Confidential 17 at 46lbs - it will give you a surprising amount of spin if you have the right form, which is awesome. Very solid frame after I added 4 total grams (3, 9, 10 and 2), and a leather grip + 2 Wilson Pro Overgrips. Without the lead, to me, it didn't play anywhere nearly as solid as it did with the lead. Definitely consider this racquet if you're looking for more control and a solid feeling racquet that is an excellent mixture of modern, but also has a traditional feel, due to the frames composition. 5.0 Level Player.
From: Michael M., VA, 9/25/21