Wilson Blade 100 V8 Review: A Balanced Blend of Power and Control

The Wilson Blade 100 V8 offers a beautiful balance between power and control, with the classic Blade feel, but in a more user-friendly package. This racket is an excellent choice for players who are looking for precision and forgiveness without compromising on playing comfort.

Wilson Blade 100 V8 Specifications

• Brand: Wilson
• Model: Blade 100 V8
• Blade size: 100 sq/inch
• Weight: 300 grams
• Balance: 32.0 cm
• Stringing pattern: 16×19
• Length: 27 inches
• RA: 62
• Beam: 22mm
• Swingweight: 319
• Stringing: Diadem Pro X 17 on 23/22 kg

Technology:

The new Blade V8 series uses Braid 45 technology , previously introduced in the Pro Staff V13 series. This technology provides more ball pocketing and stability, especially higher up on the blade. In addition, Wilson uses the Directconnect technology in the handle, which is made from one piece for a more solid playing feel and a better connection with the racket. This also ensures less vibration. The racket cap has a 'flared' position compared to the Blade V7, which makes the racket freer to swing. The Color Shifting Paint gives the racket a unique look: the colors change from green and brown to a copper glow, depending on how you hold the racket in the light.

An important addition to the Blade line-up is the 100 sq/inch version with a weight of 300 grams . This model was already introduced with the V7, but was not available for the Benelux at that time.

Tester:

• Name: Mike
• Playing strength: 4/4
• Player type: Classic player, flat groundstrokes, doesn't generate much spin himself. Has suffered from shoulder problems in the past.
• Racket history: Head Ti Fire, Babolat Pure Drive, Prince EXO3 Rebel Team, Wilson Steam 100 BLX2, Head Graphene Radical MP, Prince Textreme Warrior 107 , Diadem Elevate FS 98 , Tecnifibre T-Fight RS 300, Wilson Blade 98 16x19 V7 .
• Favorite rackets: Head Speed ​​MP 2022 and Babolat Pure Strike 100 .

Test scores Wilson Blade 100 V8:

Baseline:

From the baseline the Blade 100 V8 plays beautifully. I've been playing a lot with my Blade 98 16x19 V7 Roland Garros lately and the heavier Blades (98 sq/inch) are solid from the baseline. The Blade 100 V8 retains that stable feel, but in a more user-friendly version. The 100 sq/inch blade plays a bit more forgiving and the sweet spot feels more generous, while still maintaining steering and control. When you hit the ball correctly, you get a lot of mass behind the ball, which makes for solid shots.

The spin potential is good, although only marginally better than the 98 16x19 V8 . Dropshots and volleys are precise and controlled, without the ball shooting away. In short, this racket offers a very nice playing experience from the baseline!

Service:

The service is not my strongest side, so I am always happy with rackets that offer extra power and speed. The Blade 100 V8 offers good service power, but not exceptionally much. However, the racket is easy and fast to get around, which is nice. Slice and kick serves are easy to perform with this racket.

Net game Wilson Blade 100 V8:

This racket is also a real man at the net. As mentioned before, the racket is super stable, which you can use to your advantage with hard incoming balls. In addition, the racket is nice and fast and my stop volleys with this racket were great.

Power/control:

Comfort/arm friendliness :

Comfort is an important point of attention for me due to previous shoulder problems. I give the comfort of the Blade 100 V8 a 7.5 . The comfort is solid; the racket twists little and transmits little vibration, which makes it feel pleasant on impact. Compared to the Head Speed ​​MP 2022 and Babolat Pure Strike 100, the Blade 100 V8 falls between these rackets in terms of comfort: more comfort than the Pure Strike , but slightly less than the Speed ​​MP 2022 . For me, the Blade offers the most control, which I personally find most important.

Wilson Blade 100 V8 bottom line:

The Blade 100 V8 is one of my favorite racquets of the year! It is one of the few control-oriented 100 sq/inch racquets, with a refined balance between power and control. You keep the classic Blade feeling, but with a bit more usability and forgiveness than the heavier 98 sq/inch versions. This racquet is perfect for players who value control, but sometimes need a larger sweet spot.