Blade 98 v8 16x19 | The Blade for EVERYONE
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- Опубліковано 9 лип 2024
- The Blade 98 v8 is the easiest Blade to use yet, but does it live up to it's namesake?
Written article: tenncom.media/technology/wils...
Strung with Head Hawk Touch 17 at 52lbs
We would like to thank Courtside Sports for providing this demo. There was no exchange of value for this review and my opinions are in no way connected with theirs.
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![Wilson Blade 98 16x19 v8 [In-depth Review & Playtest]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/d00kF_QnlyU/mqdefault.jpg)
Nice review. Keep up the high quality content.
Thanks for a very thorough review! I just ordered this stick before I found your video. I've been demo'ing it all week and at first thought it could have more power but appreciated the plusher feel and good control the more I played with it. I think I made a good choice!
U will love it I played at 60 natural gut best thing ever just short string life 4x😆
Blade + Lynx Tour in Champagne @ 47 lbs. The most beautiful racket + string combo.
I think you nailed this review. If I was to add something, it would be the unbelievable potential when customized. I added 8g to the handle, 5 g total at 3 and 9, and 3g at 12 (trying to retain a bit the balance point+ gaining stability for slices). Taking into consideration the great feel and allroundedness of the racket it makes it a true gem when weight has been added. It makes it even more reliable and solid, plowing, and still you always get the racket to bite the ball with spin. Highly recommend to advanced level players with an aggressive mindset. I always played with heavy control oriented racquets and finally I found my precious baby that does everything I want.
I agree. I am morally torn when in comes to including customization into the equation. I feel like most customers don't bother, but on the other hand I think everyone should be doing it. The set up you've got does sound like an absolute beast!
@@TennCom From the other videos that I have seen fron your channel, you are very aware of this! This racquet is tricky because it is for advanced players, and yet right off the bat defo needs more plow. If you play around with some grams, it just transforms how it plays. I think this racquet is amazing for that because it has a lot of feel and control, but is not dead at all. 2-3 g at 12, bumping up the swingweight and stability, and 5-6 g at the handle to replicate other control oriented racquets, makes it amazing IMO, the 3-9 is nice for slices but makes it too sluggish and tiresome. PS I love your content!
@@jonatanhenriquez2193 thanks! Glad to have you here. Aiming to pump out 2 vids per week for the next few months.
Hello fellow tennis enthusiast!!
Can you please give me some update on your current racquet? I wonder if it was still the Blade v8?
I’m a double player with a super heavy top spin forehand (the rest of my game is meh). My racquets of choices are either PA or Extreme MP/Pro (i have all of the last three generations) and all are lead-ed up to 345 static weight.
I just recently got a sweet deal on the Blade v8 16x19 and wish to gradually transition to playing Single more with it. My above-mentioned racquets are great for doubles but have too little feel and too much spin for putting away at good angles which is necessary for single.
I hit the gym everyday and am more than capable of handling heavy racquets so i hope you could tell me what you think is best to customize the Blade 305g v8 16x19. Thanks a lot
@@ThanhNguyen-br1rh I am going back and forth between the blade and angell tc 97 325 10HL 16x19 with 5 g distributed from 3-9 to the upper frame, but found perfection on the angell now. Better feel and control than the blade because of the thinner frame (although feels a bit stiffer). It has a more old school connected feel as the frame is filled with foam instead of being hollow. Neither of these are power nor spin racquets. Struggling on defensive shots, but that is not my game anyways. Also finding the right strings for the racket is key. Im very satisfied with msv co focus hex ultra 1.25. In regards to angles and putting away, depends on your level and most people would probably be creating better angles if the racquet isn’t as heavy because you can’t/shouldn’t just wrist it with a heavy racquet. You are more reliant on perfect timing. I prefer the latter, as it will improve my game in the long run. Id say play around and settle for a racquet that suits you and the game you want to develop: challenging you, but not too much.
Love my v8 natural gut 6lbs excellent feel replaced my one year old clash 100 little control
Hi Beckett, I really enjoy your videos.
I switched to a Blade V8 98 16x19 last year. It suited my game well but lacked a little stability and plow through. I added some weight at 10 and 2 o’clock and bingo, it’s perfect for me now. I often wonder how many other people do this and is it better to get the right racquet from the start?
I think its important to know what you are looking for. When I'm looking at a racquet for myself, I always shop with the idea in mind that I will likely want to add weight, as you have done. However, lately, when I make these reviews, I try to review them through the most relatable lens possible, which is keeping it stock. Since starting this channel, I've been quite surprised how intimated people are but adding weight, so kudos to you for giving it a try!
I think the Blade v8 16x19 is a great platform racquet. I brought up the weight and the swing weight to 340 gramms and it plays excellent, ecaxtly is I want! The stiffness is actually lower than the v7 (59 RA strung on mine) so it has great control, you just have to use lively strings to get the power you need!
59RA! Sounds like butterrrrrrrr
Where did you apply the weight in your customization?
@@b.lakeberg7456 In the hoop from 10 to 2. But I had it done by a professional racquet tuner!
@@Batwam0 Well, I actually use a Blade Pro 16x19 now, has better feel (no dampening technology!) and great control. The 16x19 Blade and Balde Pro have a bit (!) more spin than the 18x20, for me perfect! The Blade Pro has a higher swingweight as well. But don't bother about the swingweight use the Blade / Blade Pro as a platform racquet and tune it to your liking! The V8 is not too far away from the V7 (more muted than the BP), the Pro Version is the same frame (V7 and V8) with a different paint job.
what is 59 RA? may I please get the full name :(
Nice review. Racquet hits well but it’s a little bit light
I preferred the V7. Better feel imo
Wondering how this stick will play after adding some weight? You are spot on in that it’s easy to hit but the ball doesn’t seem to penetrate court. Demands more from the player to open up court and finish points. But otherwise great.
I didnt customize this one sadly
Guys I bought 4 V6's No CV. Did I screw up?? Never played with any blades before... I'm thinking Signum Pro Firestorm since the beam is kinda slim.
Love your videos man!! You honestly say stuff YOU TRULY BELIEVE!! Thank you!!
No you made a good call. I like the stiffer Blades
I enjoyed the V7 Blade, maybe just s tad muted for me, but good feel and control and ample power. I figured V8 would make all the right adjustments to the Blade line but I felt it was just the opposite. Yes, a bit firmer feel, it all the other good aspects of the racket were gone. Hard to generate spin or power. No mass, no meat on the bones. Have to swing out of your shoes to get any punch out of it and it flutters on off center hits. Top of the hoop is also really weak. Just garbage to me. I will stick with V7, 6 and 5.
I totally agree and really hope Wilson listens to the core Blade users for the V9.
I initially thought I'll give the V8 a shot, but now I won't do so anymore.
The V7 is already far from being beefy enough for me, the V8 would be a step in the wrong direction. I would probably have to add bricks rather than lead to make it work.
I tried out v8 and it had about the same specs, with the weight, swing weight etc as my v6 blade no cv, but it definitely lacked plow through and weight through shots, also felt bad on slices. Felt like the ball didn’t go anywhere with the amount of effort I placed in the shot. I’m still using my v6 and waiting for the next new blades.
You are right, but as a bit weaker player that tested 2 times the V7 and both times I found it a bit too slow and heavy to swing for me.
So I am now perfectly happy with the 317SW V8 which allows me to play with this otherwise great racket. I bought 2, so that I have a reserve for when they change it back to the meatier one in V9 🙂
Can you do an Ezone 98 vs Vcore 98 vid? It's the most confusing thing ever. Yea one's more spin-oriented and the other more "easy power" or control, but that's so shallow. And if you look at the spec or even one frame next to the other, the difference seems so subtle.
I did a vid on this when I worked for Courtside Sports: ua-cam.com/video/7lftOqlQbRE/v-deo.html
The main differences are the swingweights and and the string patterns. The EZONE has a lower swingweight which makes it swing a lot faster, but it doesn't have the power or stability of the VCORE. The VCORE has a much more open 16x19 pattern than the EZONE, which adds more spin, but can lead to launching balls out due to a high launch angle.
Hey man, I'm currently playing with Gravity MP strung with LXN 4g 53 tension and I'm very enjoying but I struggle to return a hard hitters ball.. Would it be because of the low weight? So I was thinking of switching to blades v8 16x19 what do you think?
I've also used ezone 100 before with Poly Tour Pro 53 tension but Gravity MP was much better for me as when I hit my forehand the ball kept going out... so I was struggling to do full swing with ezone 100
I think if you add some weight in the handle to your Gravity MP that it might fix your problem. You have a few options, could get a leather grip, which would add about 10g, you can buy lead tape to wrap under the replacement grip, or your can buy blutak/tungsten puddy to put in the buttcap behind the trap door.
I found 2 used sticks for purchase , one 303 gr unstrung with 32cm balalance strung and one 308 gr with 32,5 balance.The first one is more headlight.Knowing only that and no demo experience , witch one would you choose and why (as a stock form)
308g because I prefer heavier anyway, especially since it must be stock.
As a rare Extreme Tour hater and current Blade V8 16x19 user, I can say with conviction that the V8 has way more ball penetration and put-away power. Hit the ET for 3 months but it was consistently bullied by heavy hitters (even with lead at 3/9).The Blade stands tall.
I’ve been hearing a lot more positive things about the V8 Blade and I think I should revisit it soon
I'm coming from a Head Mircogel Extreme. I haven't played for a few years now because all my rackets got stolen out of my car. But will I like this one compared the Extreme line? I used to play the Extreme with pro hurricane strung at 60lbs. I just bought the Blade with gut in the mains at 52 and Luxilon rough in the crosses at 50
Beckett, would the Ezone 98 or Speed MP be good alternatives to the Blade if I wanted more pop?
Which generation blade are you using?
The new V8 16x19
@@johnnacke4134 the EZONEE 98 gives a little more power, but its not super noticeable imo. Haven't tried the new Speed MP yet, but the Radical MP is worth a look.
Which one is better for you? blade v8 16x19 vs yonex vcore 98 2023? thank you so much!!❤
I’m liking the VC98 a lot right now. Better spin and power than the Blade.
Love this racquet on ground strokes just cant dial in on the serve as well as i do on my ezone or head speed mp for some reason. Any suggestions?
Drop tension or add 2g of weight at 12?
@TennCom will try that, thanks for feedback much appreciated
Could you explain the grading system in more detail? I’m a bit confused about the categories and how they differentiate from each other
Here’s an article to my thoughts: tenncom.media/technology/a-new-approach-to-reviewing-tennis-racquets
@@TennCom Cool! The 3d matrix for describing racquets is a great idea. The final model would be useful for comparing similar racquets, I would imagine
Thanks! That’s my exact idea. I wanted to make it easy to visualize how racquets compare. They hard part is building a 3D model for web that users can interact with.
Changed from v7 to v8 and the stick is a lot faster, controllable and crisp. Better racket for me!
glad you have found something that works!
My problem is the lack of stability, any thoughts?
in retrospect, agree
How does this feel compared to the speed pro? More or less modern/crisp?
How would you compare the blade 98 v8 to the Diadem Elevate FS 98?
Haven’t tried Diadem yet :’(
@@TennCom Gotcha, I demoed some of thier frames and enjoyed the Elevate series the most. I have not tried the Blade series at all, but it has looked interesting over the years.
I had racket 285 gr and now i would like to update to blade..i am thinking about 18x20 or 16/19..its similar bith racket in principle? Would i see and difference on court? Why kn tennis Werehouse rate 18/20 more than 16/19
I'd recommend going for the 16x19. The 18x20 is quite unforgiving and mostly designed for advanced players. Less spin, less power.
@@TennCom thanks for responding. I have been playing many years but i would like something with not big swing weight. Both blade has same swing weight i suppose?
Beckett, How does the Blade v8 16x19 match up with the Extreme auxetic MP? I’m narrowing my search and will try the Blade. ( The Extreme MP is getting lots of love, though)… I know you have experience with both racquets. Which one would best fit this old guy (iyo)… one- hander, touch, etc. Hope you are well. Ciao, John
Hey John, the Blade is very low powered. I struggled with generating pace and spin with the Blade in stock form. I don't find it to be very forgiving off centre either so it was hard to get any sort of court penetration while on the run. The Extreme will help you out a lot more from all areas of the court if you don't mind sacrificing control.
I'm a player that sticks to the baseline all the time and tries to hit a lot of winners. (I don't come up to the next unless they hit a short ball). Currently using the Head Gravity Lite, with a bit of lead tape on it to bump up the weight to 286 grams unstrung. I can handle rackets up to 295 grams unstrung (300 is also fine, I suppose...)
Would you guys recommend the Blade series? I'm looking for a racket with feel and control and the Wilson Blade seems to be a good fit. What do you guys think? Racket recommendations are greatly appreciated :))))
Its hard for me to say how these racquets will play at the lower weights. I felt that the current Blade 98 was too light as is given its much lower swingweight than before.
The problem is that your power comes from two places, your racquets and your swing. From a physics perspective, this is mass (racquet) times acceleration (swing) = force (power). Since the racquet weight is so low, the only way you'll be able to develop power is by swinging out of your boots. This is where a stiffer racquet with a thicker beam can really help, as the forces you generate on contact are transferred more efficiently into the ball.
If you are a junior player, dont get influenced by dorks online who get all macho about control and feel. If you are an adult, same as before, but also, work on getting more comfortable with a heavier racquet so you can more effectively execute your game style.
@@TennCom Thank you so much for your reply. If you wouldn't mind, could you send me some recommendations of rackets?
What’s your age and level? Any other racquets you’ve tried and liked?
@@TennCom I'm 12, and I'm not very sure about my level... I'm currently S12 in the New Zealand grading, although people tell me I play more like an S11 or S10. My Head Gravity is serving me well, although I think it's time for me to switch to a different racket. Just looking for a racket with more feel and control, as I try to hit a lot of winners and end up hitting out. Currently using Babolat RPM Blast as my tennis strings, strung at 55 tension. Thanks for the quick reply!
@@andywu4177 yeah its time for you to move up to something that 285g unstrung or a bit heavier if you are feeling strong. When I was 13, i got my first 300g racquet (Aero Pro Drive). I think the Gravity MP would be a pretty natural transition for you. Another good option is the Blade 100L (you mentioned interests in the Blade). The 100L should be much more usuable in a lighter weight due to higher stiffness and thicker beam.
I'd also recommend stringing your racquet lower. 55lbs poly in a racquet that light might as well be 65lbs in a normal weight racquet. Try 50lbs and see how you can control it. If you can still control it, go to 45lbs. Keep lowering until you lose control.
I believe in Andre Agassi's philosophy that you should use the most powerful racquet and lowest tension you can control. This lets the racquet contribute as much as it can to your game, so you should be hitting harder and more effortlessly in the long run.
A recommendation so that most people can translate in more simple terms,… instead of using term like potential energy, use Power. Instead of stringbed performance, use control. These are the the terms players relate to when trying to differentiate racquets. But I’m a fan of these videos! My $0.02
I agree to some extent and will be moving away from this type of scoring system in the future. My main gripe with using “power” and “control” is that they are so subjective so it can be hard to communicate the actual hitting experience of a racquet. But I agree I think being “fake scientific” is a bit too alienating and frivolous.
@@TennCom I get that terms like power and feel are subjective but still they can be used to get a sense of what one raquet can do vs others. You do a fine job when explaining differences and also on this review. I’m currently trying to buy it as I finally accepted this has to go in my bag.
I’m selling my 2021 Prestige Pro if you know anyone wanting that stick.
in game tweener earned you the like
Thank you, regular viewer.
How would you compare it to the Yonex vcore pro 97 16x19? I am not sure which one I should get, I use the Pure strike gen2 and looking for more control and a more comfortable racket.
I haven't tried the latest VCP 310g sadly.
👋 hello, have you tried the new TECNIFIBRE TF40 16x19 , and overall how do you compare it wit the Blade V8 ..thank you , great reviews !!
Sadly I have not yet.
@@TennCom thank you for the prompt response, just a comment, I have been looking for the AVANTEC product you talked about, it is hard to find , will keep looking, thank you 😊 ! Success!!
@@albertoescobosa179 I believe you can only get from from VT Advantec directly and Amazon in the US. If the shipping situation for a direct order seems unreasonable, just send them an email and see if you can work out a better deal.
This is the review I want to see
Hi, TC, how do you compare Blade v8 16x19 and Yonex Ezone 98 2020 in terms of comfort/arm friendliness?
I would give the edge to the EZONE 98 simply due to the dampening tech. With the 2020 version, Yonex really emphasized filtering out vibrations. That said, I don't think the difference is drastic enough to the point where the Blade would create discomfort and the EZONE would cure it. Both have above average comfort in their class.
Did you try the 100?
nope
I play tested it many times. At the end of the day it’s an easier to use and more crisp V7. Feel is very pro staff like with the blade added plushness. It lacks plow of V7 and power is less. Spin is greater than V7. But but but as a blader Wilson has to return back to 65 flex with blades…. i miss free power. V5 is still king by a long margin. A similar situation like DR line compared to ezones. V5 and DR had god like connected feel…..
I absolutely agree. I think the magic of the Blade came from how it balanced a control-oriented beam with power-oriented stiffness and weight distribution.
@@TennCom Wilson saw that clash tech was selling like hotcakes. I don’t blame them. Low flex is now their main goal. To me as a blade loyal user i cannot accept a Blade having even lower free power than pro staff….. even V13 can punch the ball more. It’s unacceptable. I have a very sensitive arm and i never got any issues all these years from my 65 flex blade 98 coupled even with 4G. None. I really applaud Wilson for bringing SW down but they overdid it….. 16x19 should be around 325 not between 310-320 and 18x20 around 325-330 not at 320-325. Those things are not blades….. they are user friendly low powered 98inch sticks. I even miss Blade CV….. so much free power….. you could rip the f out the ball…. so much weigh and heavy punching. I hope they will get their act together with v9. After they introduced V7 people where screaming for more free power and they introduced an even low powered stick. I am still rocking my blades V5 but i ve enjoyed great solid sticks the last month outside Wilson like….. TF40 2022 305 16x19, pure strike tour 3rd gen (amazing direct free power and control), pure aero vs….. simple to the point sticks without the mumbo jumbo blow and whistles exotic materials….
@@TheodorosKolokotronis799 I could not agree more. From a marketing standpoint, the changes make sense. But for the player's that have been buying Blades for the last 10 years, they do not make sense. Oh well, maybe V9 will be more to our liking.
@@TennCom I also tried to add lead for the missing plow and power. Differences were minimal. The power increase only around 10%. Not even at V7s level. It just the way this mold behaves. You can’t change it. The funny thing is that it plays a little bit harsh despite the low flex. V7 was more arm friendly.
@@TheodorosKolokotronis799 how much lead did you add?
Im bad at tennis so this will be a good Raquet for me
How bad are you?
Well I just got done with my first season in high school so I’m not to bad for beginners.
You should get a Pure Drive or an EZONE 100 imo. Something 100 square inches and 300g.
Thanks so much I’ll look into buying one of those
I know a lot of really high-level players, almost pros, who play the v7 or v8 stock blade (18 and 16 mains).
my tongue-in-cheek response is that i bet they'd be better with high swingweights
I am in dire need of something easier to use so I can dominate my 3.5 league
Playtest a head speed mp but found one with low SW. Or even better playtest extreme mp.
@@TheodorosKolokotronis799 thanks for the suggestion! This will help me play like Sinner.
I agree. Blade 98 also worth a try.
Ezone 100. Ezpz.
Blade vs Ezone?
ill take ezone most days of the week unless we are talking V5 or older
@@TennCom Which Ezone? Which one would you recommend for a 4.0 75 year old singles player…. And what string would you use?
respectfully disagree. the blade pro H22 is the one they should sell. the current blades are so harsh on players arm.
I join you in the wish that Blade Pro’s were easy to come by
The people who complain about the lack of power and spin from this racket must just have bad technique
It’s also a matter of what you are used to. A player could easily have played their whole life with a Pure Drive and still have developed excellent technique.
Harsh...but ultimately agree. I grabbed this....switched from high school type (108 clash that weighed 280 grams)....took 2 weeks to get used to but i have everything back now...spin and power...hell im trying to dial back power. Spin is technique. Harsh but I agree.
I tested it. Not for me. Not precise at all. I was very disappointed. I play with the pro staff RF97.