Tested racket/specifications:
Brand: Wilson Model: Blade 98 16x19 V8 Headsize: 98 sq/inch Weight: 305 gr Balance: 32.0 cm Stringing pattern: 16×19 Length: 27 inch RA: 61 Beam: 21 mm Swingweight: 320 Stringing: Diadem Pro X 16L at 22/21 kg The Wilson Blade 98 16x19 V8 is now available in our webshop including free stringing of your choice!Tester:
Name: Mike Playing strength: 4/4 Player type: somewhat classic player, flat groundstrokes, doesn't generate a lot of spin himself. Had shoulder problems in the past. Player's 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 98. Other favorite rackets at the moment: Head Graphene 360+ Speed MP and the Babolat Pure Strike 100 .Test scores Wilson Blade 98 16x19 V8:
Power: 8.5 Control: 8.5 Spin: 7.5 Comfort: 8 Agility/Speed: 7.5 Touch: 8.5
Technology:
The new Blade uses Braid 45 as we know it from the latest Pro Staff (V13) series . This technology provides more ball pocketing and stability higher up in the blade. Another new technology Wilson uses is in the handle: this is made from 1 piece for a more solid playing feel and more feeling with the racket. It also provides less vibration. The racket cap also has a more 'flared' position, which makes the racket more free to swing.Baseline:
The Blade has always been a top player from the baseline and it is no different with this V8 version! The racket feels very solid and 'mass is cash'; if you let the racket swing freely, you feel that you can easily produce full balls with a lot of punch. This Wilson Blade 98 16x19 V8 is a real pleasure from the baseline in that respect! The spin and slices are solid and predictable. Slice backhands are wonderfully easy to cut and the racket does the rest; the racket has a nice plough through. Do you like to make the game and do you like to put your opponent under pressure? Then this is perfectly possible with this racket, while maintaining fine ball control. The racket actually feels even more stable than the V7 version , which is/was one of my favorite rackets of the past years. Even under pressure, the Blade 98 16x19 V8 holds its own. The racket is not easy to push away, whether that is with services, at the net or from the baseline. And because of the excellent stability you always have fine control and guidance over the ball.Service:
A very nice side effect of this racket is the bit of (free) service power! I had already noticed that with the previous (Blade V7) version. My service is not exactly my strongest point, but with this Blade 98 16x19 V8 it is easy to produce full services. The kick and slice services are also solid. But for me the bit of extra service power is mainly a big bonus.
Just:
Rock solid! As mentioned before, the frame is incredibly stable. At the net, you will definitely benefit from this. This racket is not easy to push away and hard balls are easy and solid to parry. The maneuverability of the racket is also more than sufficient. If I may remark on one thing, it is that this V8 does not have the refined touch of the V7 version. That was really excellent in terms of feeling (for example with stop volleys). The V8 is rock solid in that respect, but not exceptional.