Tested racket/specifications:
Tester:
Test scores Wilson Blade 98 16x19 V8:
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 feel 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.
Power/control Wilson Blade 98 16x19 V8:
In terms of power and control, the new Blade 98 16x19 is perfectly balanced. Where a Pro Staff is clearly control over power, the Blade offers both. The racket has a lot of punch and put-away power to tackle balls. However, I never had the idea of losing control and steering over the ball and that is very pleasant. The racket is extremely solid, without feeling too stiff.
Comfort/arm friendliness :
Because the frame twists little, you get few annoying vibrations through to the arm. All this without feeling too 'muted' or dampened. The racket has a nice direct response, without sacrificing comfort. Whether it is the new Braid 45 technology or not, with balls at the top of the blade I found the racket more stable than its predecessor. And that also ultimately transmits fewer vibrations to the arm. The comfort is therefore well taken care of.Wilson Blade 98 16x19 V8 bottom line:
The Blade V8 looks great of course. There is a certain glow over the racket when you see it in the (sun)light. It is a mix of green, purple and a copper-colored glow. A real eye-catcher, but also in terms of performance on the court this is a top player! The racket feels even more solid than its predecessor and the well-known punch has been retained. Even though the V8 may lack the refined touch of its predecessor, the performance remains fantastic and the improved stability also ensures excellent comfort. All in all a great racket! The Wilson Blade 98 16x19 V8 is now available in our webshop including free stringing of your choice!