Wilson Blade 98 18/20 (2015 edition)

Brand: Wilson
Model: Blade 98 18/20 (2015)
Blade size: 98 sq/inch
Weight: 304 gr
Balance: 32.5 cm
Stringing pattern: 18/20
Length: 27 inches
RA: 64

Besides the fact that the new Wilson Blade 98 looks extremely slick, the frame racket-technically has also had a great update. First of all, it is useful to know that the regular Wilson Blade 98, which we are reviewing here, is only available in an 18/20 string pattern. The 16/19 variant, which was always carried next to the 18/20 version, is no longer in the collection for the Netherlands.

New in the 2015 update is the woven graphite with basalt material mix, which makes the racket slightly more flexible, allowing you to grip the ball in your blade a fraction longer for more feel and control. In addition, Wilson has applied the 'parallel drilling' technology for drilling the holes for the tubing and strings. This ensures a larger ideal hitting zone/sweetspot. Amplifeel in the handle was also in the previous Blade 98 and reduces the impact of off-center hits.

The first findings of the Wilson Blade 98 18/20 2015 version compared to its predecessor are that this frame plays a little easier, offers a little more touch/comfort and a larger sweet spot, but all in an extremely solid jacket as you know it from the Blade 98. The racket is easy to handle at the net and the 18/20 stringing pattern gives a lot of control, especially with flat groundstrokes. It is a little more difficult to generate spin with this stringing pattern, but Wilson has also released a spin version of this racket with a more open 18/16 stringing pattern, which is 10 grams lighter. Rackets from other brands in the same range are: Head Graphene Radical MP 16/19 , Prince Tour 98 , Yonex VCORE Tour F 97 310 .