Eric I be had mine strung with solico hyperg 16l at 54. The string works well with this racket since the racket has less power than the other wilson rackets. You get more control and with the countervail technology it's more muted and you can feel it.
@LA L This racket has great power on groundstrokes. I still need to dial in on serves but im guessing that missing length of 4mm may cause people to lose power on serve. Idk im a high school player with 1 year of experience only.
Just got the racquet! Thanks for the really fast shipment. One question, what strings would u guys recommend for this racquet? I'm currently using solinco hyper G. Thanks
Hey Andy, I've used the last two versions of this frame and although I like the plushness of the 2015 model I miss the pop from the 2013 model. Did Wilson fix that with the 2017 model? Does it have a little more power over the 2015 model? Thanks and great review btw.
Hey Tennis Warehouse, When will you get replacement grommets for these in stock? I use the previous version and I'd like to see how black looks on my racquet. Also, if you could summarize what you like more about the countervail compared to the previous gen that would be awesome. Thanks
@vnathan, The biggest difference between the 16x19 and 18x20 are the string pattern with the 16x19 offering easier access to spin and power and the 18x20 lending more control and precision. The Blades will have a bit more of a muted feel and slightly bigger sweetspot. Michelle, TW
Hi Andy, I need some advice. I’m an advanced baseline player with nice serve and forehand but I had an injury on my shoulder so I can’t serve as strong anymore as I used to do. Anyway, I’ve been using Babolat AeroPro Drive for years and I think the spin is okay but now I can’t hit that hard is not helping me at all. Do you think this racquet would be a nice option to get some extra power or should I go for a Burn 100? Thanks!
@sebasantis89, This Wilson Blade 98 16x19 Countervail is a good racquet, and will provide some added comfort on your arms, compared to your Babolat AeroPro Drive. That said, it won't necessarily add more power to your game compared to the Babolat AeroPro Drive. The Wilson Burn 100 is a more powerful racquet, although it is pretty stiff, which isn't necessarily the best for arm comfort. I'm not sure if you are interested in extended length racquets, but the Yonex EZONE DR 98+, and Wilson Blade SW104 Autograph Countervail racquets offer some easy power, without being too stiff. Troy, TW
Great video! How does this compare to the new Babolat Pure Strike 16x19? And when should we expect to find the full written review on your website? Thanks in advance. Keep up the good work.
@ a121k212, The Blade has a more muted, dampened feel with a bit more control while the Pure Strike is crisper feeling, more responsive, powerful and spin-friendly. The written review is going through the editing stages and should be posted in the next week or two. Andy, TW
when Andy said this was his favourite of this Blade line does he mean this is his favourite of all the blade 16x19 frames or the favourite Blade overall out of all 16x19,18x20, 18x16 versions
Hi Andy, I'm currently using a Steam 99s racquet which I ordered from TW EU but as my game has improved I would like something with more control to play more aggressively. I like the new blade 98 specs but I don't know which string pattern would be better for me 16x19 or 18x20. I also play a lot of doubles so good net play is also important. I'm in europe and unfortunately there isn't much test oppurtinity in my area.
@Tri Hoang, The 99S has a very open string pattern which helps produce a lot of spin. The 16x19 would be the best option for you because the 18x20 pattern is much tighter and not optimal for spin generation.
Troy and Chris! My favorite play testers, hope you are doing great!! How would you say the swinging compares between the PS97 and the Blade 98 16x19? Same sw and ra, but their own different balance
@JorgeAndresCoppiano., Thing are well, and busy! We hope things are great with you. We found the average swingweight to be a bit higher on Blade 98 16x19. I tend to find the PS97 to feel more maneuverable, with its more head light balance. The Blade 98 16x19 feels a bit heftier, with it being closer to even in balance. Troy, TW
@@jorgeandrescoppiano, Sorry about that, didn't see your reply until now. I would likely find the Pro Staff 97 to feel a bit quicker, or easier to maneuver. Something about the balance just makes it feel a bit easier to maneuver. Troy, TW
@B And, Compared to the 2013 version (black w/ silver cosmetic) of the Blade 98 16x19, this Countervail update has more vibration dampening, which lends itself to a more muted feel. Besides the difference in feel, the overall power/control is pretty similar between the two. Troy, TW
Hi, TW! This one is for either Chris or Andy, Could you briefly compare the Blade CV 16x19 and Babolat Pure Drive 16x19(PRJ1)? Also which do you prefer and why? I realize that they are fairly similar. I've only had a chance to hit with both very briefly. The Project one7 was strung up with RPM Blast which wasn't my preferred set up.
@ Vladimir Leopard, The Blade will offer a softer, plusher feel with more comfort and control while the Pure Drive is more powerful, spin-friendly and forgiving. Andy, TW
@ JuggerNuttz, We will very likely be having a Black Friday sale this year, but we can't give away our secrets! Check back on Black Friday to see what the discounts are going to be! Andy, TW
Hi Andy, my name's Patrick and I'm a 17 year old junior tennis player in Australia. I typically think of myself as an offensive baseliner who prefers to have heaps of weight of shot on both my forehand and backhand, and a lot of spin for every shot especially the out wide serve in the deuce court. Recently I broke my Pro Staff 97 which was between 310-315g, and I was asking my coaches on advice for a racquet change. I checked out the specs of this new Blade and I'm quite intrigued by the heft of it and the string pattern is perfect for me. Do the materials used in this stick affect how quickly the racquet breaks because I have a short temper, and if not, would this be a good option for an offensive baseliner like me compared to the Pro Staff 97 or the Burn 100?
@ Pat Syjongski, The materials that this racquet is made of do not affect how quickly a racquet breaks, as it should be similarly "durable" as both the Pro Staff and the Burn. This sounds like it could be a good fit for your game though, so I'd suggest giving it a demo and seeing how it feels to you. Andy, TW
hi Andy, thx for the nice video, I am now using RF 97/12oz. and is struggling with the heavy weight, now I am thinking either switch to this one or pro staff 97 or 97 LS, what do you think is the best option for one-handed backhand and to improve serve stability? many thanks!
@ Jason Zhang, Both this and the Pro Staff 97 could be good fits for your game. Give them both a demo and see which one feels best in your hands. Andy, TW
The disconnected feel on this racquet is for real. TW any suggestions on a string setup that might help get some feel back? I have HyperG on it now. thanks
@ Jimmy Wong, Hyper-G also has a slightly dampened feel to it, so that may not be the best option if you're trying to add some "feel" back to the racquet. I'd suggest checking out Volkl Cyclone or Luxilon ALU Power, both of which will give you a little better connection to the ball. Andy, TW
Hi Andy, i bought the new blade 16x19, i used to play with the pure strike 18x20 (previous model), i'd like a raquete which can give me more power and spin, i'm waiting the raquet, i'll use RPM Blast with 55 Lbs, on pure strike i used to play with 57lbs, do you thing that i have made a good choice?
@ Rafael Hernandes, I think you'll find a little bit more power and spin, but a nice option for you would be the updated Pure Strike. I'd suggest demo'ing both the 16x19 and 18x20 versions and seeing how those work out for you. Andy, TW
@ bedrocks75, We can't guarantee that using the grommets from one racquet will work for another, but due to the similarities in beam, string pattern and overall design they should work. Andy, TW
I bought a blade this exact one yesterday from your website and it’s shipping. I am a very strong junior who hits a 115km first serve . I currently use the pro staff 97. Do you think the blade will affect my serve
@RpM Lukeo343, You should be able to serve just as well with this Blade. The power on serve is primarily based on technique. Just keep bringing the heat! Troy, TW
@ manchusabre, We did find there to be a good amount of weight through the hoop of the racquet which made it at times a little difficult to get up and over our heads quickly on serve. Adding weight to the racquet will never make it MORE maneuverable, but it will give the tip of the racquet a more "whippy" feel compared to how it would be in stock form. Andy, TW
@Damian Bogliacino, These two are essentially the same frames, with different string patterns. I would go with the 16x19, because I find the response and trajectory of the ball coming off the strings, to be more predictable. With the 18x16 (S version), I have a harder time with placement of the ball and precision. Troy, TW
@Colby Valenzuela, If you don't mind the heftiness of the RF97, we find it to have better feel/response, and more stability. The Blade CV is a bit more user-friendly, and has a more comfortable/dampened response. Troy, TW
Blade 98 16x19 or blade 98s 18x16? I’m looking to buy my first decent racquet and I’d consider myself intermediate. I demo tested the blade 98s, babolat pure aero, prince textreme 100, and yonex 100 vcore galaxy. I preferred the blade 98s. I wanted to demo the blade 98 16x19 but it’s out of stock. I might just demo it once its available. But any recommendations between the two?
The 98S will offer more spin potential, and a bit more power, whereas the 16x19 will offer a bit more control, and feel. Both are great options, and Wilson will be updating the Blade line in the near future, so you might want to wait to see how those play, and maybe demo when you can. Troy, TW
Tennis Warehouse what makes the blade an “advanced” racquet and the babolat pure aero an “intermediate” racquet? I demoed both and i preferred the blade, but I’m not where near advanced.
Hi tw team. Just wondering about the swingweight of the 16x19 cv. Most reviews i have read states the swingweight is approx 315 with a balance of 6 pts hl where else TW has the swingweight at 326 with a balance of 3pts hl. Just wondering why TW spec review is quite different frm the rest. Thx and happy new year.
@steven t, We take all of our specs by averaging several STRUNG racquets, which is why our numbers may differ from others who don't use strung specs or someone posting what the company is projecting the swingweight to be. Hope that helps! Michelle, TW
Tennis Warehouse hi michelle. Thx for the reply. Yea the reviews had a comparison btw the 16x19 and 18x20 strung weight and while the latter had same specs review with TW (i.e 327ish for the 18x20) , the 16x19 came with a lower swingweight strung. I'm thinking of getting the 16x19 but in my country racqs r expensive and we dont really hv a demo culture hence its really a hit or miss thing. I prefer high swingweight (rf97 n PD tour being my past racqs) hence picking your/TW's brains on the issue as TW has been my go to site for many decisions. Many thanks again michelle.
@steven t, The 326 swingweight, for the Blade 16x19 CV, is as Michelle stated very much so an average of a batch of racquets, we received from Wilson. We found swingweights, higher and lower, with 326 being a rough average. If you are looking to purchase from TW, we highly recommend our MRT services, where we can go through a batch of racquets, for a small fee, and pick out the desired swingweight you are looking for, within reason. Without us, or someone else, going through a given stock of these racquets, and checking the swingweight, there is a likely chance that the swingweight will be different than what we have listed on out site. Troy, TW
@steven t, You can also call and speak to one of our TW Racquet Experts, at 1-800-799-9230, as they are the ones who will have to place an order like this. Troy, TW
Hi Andy, I'm now closer on ordering new sticks. I just have one follow up question. I tested the blade 98s CV and it felt great but unfortunately i havent tested the blade 98 CV (16x19) since it is not available in our club. I played a good amount of doubles so blade 98s CV suited my game well in weight, responsiveness and playability which as you said similar to the 2015 blade 98s. But when i play singles it seems that it is missing something. Looking at the specs of blade 98 (16x19), it seems that it has the right specs in terms of weight and stiffness as well. Would it make sense to get blade 98s CV for doubles game and blade 98 CV(16x19 or 18x20) for singles game? Before i have two sets of racquet as well having the regular 2015 blade 98 (18x20) which i play for singles and 2015 blade 98s which i play for dubs.. Any advise will help..
@ jomarcandelaria, That's really up to you. Personally, I wouldn't have two different racquets for singles and doubles because I'd want the playability to be the same, but if you feel like you want something different for singles then by all means give it a shot! Andy, TW
Hey TW, I was planning on trialling this racuqet when it came out. Are there any other racuqets you would recommend that i try. Any reply would be greatly appreciated
@Jonas Dierckx, It will provide better comfort compared to the Pure Drive. I find decent power in it. That said, the perception of power/control can vary depending on the player. Troy, TW
@Jonas Dierckx, The 98L will be easier to maneuver, with a lower weight and swingweight. The higher weight and swingeight of the 98 16x19 CV, provides more stability and plow through on the ball. Troy, TW
I have question... I am looking for a fats modern frame racket, that will also give a lot of control and spin. I am deciding between Wilson Burn 100 or Wilson Blade 98 16x19. Which do you thing is better?
@ K Á J A, My best suggestion would be to demo both of them and see which one feels the best in your hands because both are good racquets that could be a good fit for you. If you can't demo though, based on what you're looking for the Burn 100 sounds like it could be the better fit for you. Andy, TW
@ Branko Andrews, Right now all our demos for this racquet are being strung up with multifilament due to perceived interest, but we will note your request for a polyester and potentially make some available with a poly in the near future. Andy, TW
Hi Andy. Currently im using babolats pure aero but i want to switch to a control raquet. Do you think the blade 98 countervail 16 x 19 even with its open string patern will give me the control im looking for? Thanks.
Hi, i want to use the blade with a string that i could feel the ball and hit powerful shots without landing out? What poly do you recommend to me? And i break one string for week, should i have 3 or 2 rackets?
@LUIS OCTAVIO NASCIMENTO, Here are some good co-polys to consider: Luxilon ALU Power, Kirschbaum Pro Line II, Solinco Hyper-G, Volkl Cyclone, Signum Pro Poly Plasma, and MSV Co-Focus. Troy, TW
I have been looking at this racket for some time. In recent months I have used a Technifibre Tflash 300 Ps; It suits my game quite well but I find it not very aggressive. Is the Wilson Blade 98 16x19 a good option to achieve a more aggressive game without losing control? Would you recommend this racket?
This Blade 98 16x19 will offer more control than the TFlash 300 PS, so it should allow you to swing more aggressively and control the ball. I would also consider the Babolat Pure Strike 98, and Yonex EZONE 98. Wilson is also releasing an update to the Blade 98 in the near future, so you might want to consider waiting for that. Troy, TW
@ Ultimatesteve54, This is more of a control-oriented racquet but still offers good amounts of power and spin. I'd also suggest checking out the Babolat Pure Aero and Yonex EZONE DR 100. Andy, TW
Hi, my local tennis shop is doing a competition and the winner gets their choice of one of the countervail blades. I was wondering if I were to win which racket I should choose. I wouldn't want it to be my current racket, I would want to be a heavier one that I could switch to in a year or so. My current racket is the Wilson blade 101l (2015). I want to be about fourteen when I use the racket. My top 2 would probably be the 98 16x19 or 18x20. Any thoughts much appreciated.
@Marcus Collazo, Compared to the older Pure Strike, in the 16x19 string pattern, this Blade 98 16x19 Countervail provides a bit more control and feel. It also has a bit more plow-through on contact. The older Pure Strike 16x19, is a bit faster feeling (slightly lower swingweight), and has a bit more lively response. Troy, TW
@ Abhinav Nallapareddy, The Pro Staff will offer a bit more spin while the Blade will provide more control. The two frames also have distinctly different "feels". Andy, TW
@RpM Proximity, You could likely add a bit of weight in the handle, and a bit in the throat, and be close to that swingweight. You may also want to lower your string tension a bit. Troy, TW
Is this Racquet good for doubles? And how would it compare to the pure aero and the control between the two? And last does the countervail actually help out when your fatigued?
@Dakota Posey Fishing, This is a great doubles racquet! The Pure Aero will be a bit more powerful though. In all honesty, I can't notice any difference with fatigue when using a Countervail option. Hope that helps! Michelle, TW
Tennis Warehouse ok I’ve recently ordered the RF97 but wanted something not as heavy and more spin to it and good control and precision like it I believe the blade 98 16x19 might be the best thing
Tennis Warehouse Do y’all believe This has a good bit control with still good enough spin close to pure aero 2019 and what tension would you use for Solicone Hyper G 17 or 16?
@@dakotaposey7944, not quite as much spin potential as the Pure Aero 2019, but fairly close, and control is a bit better. Try the 16L Hyper-G around 50 to 52 pounds. Troy, TW
@Joseph Augustine, We recommend having the same racquet as a backup, however, this is a good option as well. It will offer less power and a bit more control. Michelle, TW
Hi TW! I'm 16 years old and I'm an intermediate player. I am thinking of buying this racquet, but I don't know what string pattern, whether (18x20) or (16x19), I like to hit the ball with spin and my service is also a good weapon for my game. I was also thinking of another racket alternative such as Pro Staff 97 / 97s. What would you recommend me? Thank You!
@Norma Lescano If you like to hit with spin on your groundies and power with your serve, go with the more open pattern, the 16x19. For what you're looking for, we would recommend the Blade 98CV 16x19 over the Pro Staff 97 and 97S. Michelle, TW
@Kono_Dio_Da, There are some differences, as this Blade 98 is quite a bit lighter. It is a bit more flexible, and has a dampened feel to it. Definitely worth a try. Troy, TW
Im choosing between Wilson Blade 98 countervail (16x19) and Wilson Burn 100 countervail. I love to have more power in my racket and I change my positions. What should I go for?
@El Tariqos, If you want more power, go with the Burn 100 CV! If you are looking for a blend of power and control, try the Blade 98 CV 16x19. Michelle, TW
@Marius Gjersø, This Blade 98 16x19 CV packs a bit more power, and plow (higher swingweight), than the Pro Staff 97 CV. The Pro Staff 97 CV is a bit more control oriented, and has a more maneuverable, and head light feel. Although both racquets have Countervail, the Blade 98 16x19 CV played with a bit more responsiveness, or predictability. The Countervail technology in the Pro Staff 97 seemed to remove more of the feedback from the racquet, for our playtesters. Troy, TW
@Marvin Yeap, They are pretty similar overall. The 98S is a bit livelier, and more spin friendly. The 16x19 has better control, and precision. Troy, TW
@Marvin Yeap, Lively in the sense of being full of energy. The balls jumps off the racquet with more energy, and has more launch. I hope that helps. Troy, TW
Troy, my current Babolat Pure Aero gave me wrist and arm issues. Do you think the blade 98 (16x19) would be a good switch? Or would you think the 98S (16x18) is better? I don’t have demo programs where I am at, so your feedback is important for me. Many thanks.
@Nick Byrd, They will be similar, the Countervail technology does add a bit of a muted feel. The Blade has a slightly thinner beam, so might have a bit more feel. The Blade is also getting updated this summer, and will be worth demoing! Michelle, TW
Dear TW Team! I‘m a 15 year old Tennis player, with an agressive baseliner playstyle and I‘m looking for a new racket. I‘m currently playing the Wilson Blade 101L, but i feel like it doesn‘t fit perfect with my playstyle anymore. I think about the Babolat Pure Strike, the Wilson Blade 98L or the Wilson Pro Staff 97L. Would one of These rackets be good for me or should I keep playing with the 101L? Thank you, ocelot
@ocelot, Both the Blade 98L, or Pro Staff 97L should be great options for you, as they will bring more control from the slightly smaller head-size and they aren't a huge jump up in overall weight. The Pure Strike 98 16x19 is one of our favorite racquets, but it is a bit heavier, so that could take some adjustment to. I would also consider the Yonex EZONE 98, and the Head MicroGEL Radical Midplus. Troy, TW
How does the Pure Control compare to Babolat Pure Drive Lite 2012 in terms of spin, power absorption from the tennis ball, stiffness, serve speed, etc? Thanks.
@James Pham, Which Pure Control in particular? The Pure Drive line of racquets has much more power and spin while the Pure Control series will offer more control, better feel and be a bit more comfortable. Michelle, TW
hi, i'm an intermidiate player , anda i would like a Solid raquet, that Suits with an agresive game. whichone would You suggest between this one, the puré drive, and the pro staff 97 ls?
@Ruby Olea, The Pure Drive Roddick is a bit heavier and will have more power than the Blade 98 16x19. However, the Blade will give you a bit more control. Michelle, TW
Hi, using previous version of Blade 18x20. Looking for more spin, especially against high spin opponents. Does the 16x19 really make a difference in spin or should I go for a Pure Drive. Another factor is I’m getting old(48). Any thoughts. I’m intermediate player.
@Jose Sam, The Wilson Blade 98 16x19 will help add some spin, and the 98S (18x16) will offer even more spin. I would also consider the Yonex VCORE 98 (305), Babolat Pure Aero, and Babolat Pure Strike 98 16x19. Troy, TW
Hey Andy i have your racket, yonex ezone dr 98😉 do you think this blade is better? Or what is better in this blade than the yonex? Sorry for my english😂
@ Ali C, They are both great racquets and fit what you're looking for, so I'd highly suggest utilizing our demo program and seeing which one feels best in your hands. I'd also suggest checking out the Pro Staff 97, as it will be a lighter version of your current racquet with a similar feel. Andy, TW
I’m currently using the pro staff 97 but I want to switch to a more versatile racket should I go for the blade 16x19, the project one 7 or Alex Zverev’s racket
Hi. I've been playing tennis for 1 year and I want to change my racket. I used a babolat c drive 102 which fits very well to my game. Did you recommend this model? What do you of pure aero or pure drive model to my game? Actually, I try to get power and spin. I play semi western forehand and western two handed backhand PD: I also played with a head graphene touch speed but I did not like it; balls out and high, uncontrolled power and slow swing
Luis Rojas, The Pure Aero Team, or Pure Drive Team will both offer easy access to power, and spin. The Blade 98L might be a more manageable weight compared to this version, and will offer more control compared to the Pure Aero or Pure Drive. I would also consider the last racquet I recommended for you, the Tecnifibre TFlash 285 PS, and Yonex EZONE 98 (285g). Troy, TW
This is the V6 with Countervail. There is also a V6 that we carried, which was basically like a re-release, and did not have the Countervail tech included. Troy, TW
Hi TW I want to know between blade 98 16x19 CV and Pro Staff 97s has better maneuverability , and which one you reccommend to switch to now I'm using Project One7 and looking for more stability and plowthrough Thanks
@ LuzDEffect, The Pro Staff 97S will be more maneuverable than the Blade 98, but I don't think either of them would have more stability and plowthrough than the Pure Strike. I'd suggest looking into the Yonex EZONE DR 98 and Babolat Pure Aero. Andy, TW
@Henry Matheson, For comfort, I would go with a multifilament such as Tecnifibre NRG2. For control, and spin, I would go with a co-poly, such as Solinco Hyper-G, or Volkl Cyclone. Troy, TW
Could you please help I have the 18/20 version of this racket and would like to switch to the 16/19 how similar are they? As I don’t like the v7 range. Thanks
The 16x19 is a bit more maneuverable, more spin friendly, and a bit more lively. The 18x20 offers a bit more control, and a bit more plow through. Troy, TW
hi, i am a junior player that currently use the pure aero. But i want to change to racket that offers me more control and i could hit with more power without the ball landing out. so i tested the blade and liked it. should i use tour bite or alu power? if you guys could recommend me another racket or string to try with similar game style i would appreciate it. Please respond
@LUIS OCTAVIO NASCIMENTO, Of those two strings, I would go with Solinco Tour Bite for a bit more control and spin. Solinco Hyper-G is another top choice. The Wilson Blade 98 16x19 Countervail is a great option for some added control, compared to the Babolat Pure Aero. I would also consider the Babolat Pure Strike 98 16x19, and Yonex EZONE 98 (305g) racquets. Troy, TW
hi andy,im currently using Head Prestige MP ,which i found it now too heavy as ive get older now 39years old, and i always swing late at my forehand ,ive tried Wilson Blade 18x20 the gold colour, and find it easy to use and light but still lack of power ans tried a Head Speed MP, which i like it but still in searching for a better option ,maybe. yonex dr 98 or project one babolat or wilson Blade 98 countervail ,?... could you suggest me a racket with ideal weight not too heavy with power plus stability ?thankss
hi, i am siem van es and have a question maybe you can help me. I am looking for a new racket. I now play with the Wilson Blade CV (16x19). my playing style is with a lot of spin and margin over the net getting the balls deep in the back and then attacking with my forehand. I think I am an aggressive baseliner because I like to make the game myself. would you recommend a racket that meets these requirements. now play with the solinco hyper g string in my blade and think that the string fits me well. but I would appreciate it if you had suggestions for me. Greetings Siem van Es
@siem van es, Wilson will be releasing a new version of the Blade 98, in a couple of months, which may be something to consider waiting for. Some other racquets that have similar characteristics are: Babolat Pure Strike 98 16x19, Yonex VCORE 98, Head Graphene 360 Speed MP, Prince Textreme Tour 100 (310). Troy, TW
@@tenniswarehouse I am very interested in the yonex vcore 98. now play with the solinco hyper g in my wilson blade 98. would you recommend a different string for the yonex? or just keep playing with solinco. just such a shame that the solinco is green and the racket is red.
@@Siemvanes, The VCORE 98 is a great racquet. I have been using the plus version of it for a while now, and Solinco Hyper-G plays very well in it. If you don't like the color combo, there is a Galaxy Black version of the VCORE 98 (305), which would look great with a string like Hyper-G. Troy, TW
@ Michael Mathayomchand, The Ultra 100 will be a bit more forgiving, maneuverable and spin-friendly while the Blade will be more control-oriented and solid/stable. Andy, TW
@ Sarjie Izmal, The Blade will be more comfortable and control-oriented while the Burn 100 is stiffer, more powerful, spin-friendly and forgiving. Andy, TW
@RpM Lukeo343, This Blade 98 16x19 Countervail has a bit bigger sweet-spot, and swings a bit heftier. It is a matter of preference, whether it is better or not. Troy, TW
@J.Ignacio Perez, We love the Pure Strike 16x19 and a close 2nd would be the Blade 98 16x19CV. Both great options and two of our favorites! Michelle, TW
thank you both! I'm using Pure control, and i wanna have something similar, i tried wilson burn but i didn't like it. Now i know that what i need is a pure strike. Luisina from Argentina! - great channel.
Hey tennis warehouse I am currently using the wilson steam 99s strung at 48 main and 47 cross lbs... And I wanna chage rackets and my top options are the babolat pure aero 2019 and the Wilson blade 98 cv what racket can you recommend me to buy?
If you want to go with some added control, feel, and comfort, the Blade 98 is a great choice. We don't have it here in the US, but at Tennis Warehouse Europe, we sell a Blade 98S (18x16 pattern), so that one would be slightly closer to the Steam 99S, but if not the Blade 98 16x19 will offer decent spin, but more control compared to the Steam 99S (16x15). The Pure Aero could be a good choice if you want to stay with something more on the power side, and also easy access to spin. I might also consider the Yonex VCORE 98 or 100, which are pretty spin friendly. Troy, TW
@Kono_Dio_Da, This Blade 98 16x19 swings a bit heftier, and the flat 21mm beam offers a bit more control, and feel compared to the Touch Radical MP. Troy, TW
Hi Andy, TW, I'm about to buy another stick since i cracked one of my old blade 98s (2015). But I'm still confused and needed some help on which is the right stick, i was looking at blade 98 16x19 CV and blade 98s CV. I'm not convince on which one should i upgrade. I have an arm issue thats why i use the old blade 98s (2015) because it has lower swingweight and stiffness and i use volkyl 18L. Now that the blade 98S CV is available but the swingweight is high (329) and stiffness is (65) and the blade 98 16x19 has a closer swingweight (326) and stiffness is (66) compared to my old blade 98 (2015). In terms of feel and playability, which is closest to the old blade 98s (2015)?
@ jomarcandelaria, The new 98S is still going to be more similar to your old racquet than the 16x19 is. While the specs of the 16x19 may be a bit closer to your old 98S, the differences between it and the new 98S is very very small. The difference in string patterns would give the racquet a dramatically different feel than what you're used to. Andy, TW
I found myself to rewatch this review every time
Btw I picked up this racket yesterday
Drink The Earth how is the racket, good or meh?
Eric I be had mine strung with solico hyperg 16l at 54. The string works well with this racket since the racket has less power than the other wilson rackets. You get more control and with the countervail technology it's more muted and you can feel it.
+Drink The Earth
What other rackets did you consider? I am currently looking at pure strike 98, this wilson blade and yonex vcore pro 97. thanks.
@@DrinkThEarth I thought this racket was agressive, could it be for a interm player? another one with more beef?
@LA L This racket has great power on groundstrokes. I still need to dial in on serves but im guessing that missing length of 4mm may cause people to lose power on serve. Idk im a high school player with 1 year of experience only.
I wished you guys would open the Racquet Testing area for people to use when visiting to test them onsite.
1.32 incredible ... Michelle... we love you in Europe... Great tennis player
Hannah is so fast!
raikahoken how is she fast you dumbass
Blade 16x19 or Pure Aero?
Just got the racquet! Thanks for the really fast shipment. One question, what strings would u guys recommend for this racquet? I'm currently using solinco hyper G. Thanks
I have the 16/19 one though😅
@ Abhinav Nallapareddy,
Hyper-G would play great in this racquet. Give it a try and see what you think.
Andy, TW
Hey Andy, I've used the last two versions of this frame and although I like the plushness of the 2015 model I miss the pop from the 2013 model. Did Wilson fix that with the 2017 model? Does it have a little more power over the 2015 model? Thanks and great review btw.
@ b,
As we discuss in the video above, this new version features more power than the previous version but with a more muted, dampened feel.
Andy, TW
Hey Tennis Warehouse,
When will you get replacement grommets for these in stock? I use the previous version and I'd like to see how black looks on my racquet. Also, if you could summarize what you like more about the countervail compared to the previous gen that would be awesome.
Thanks
Hey TW, how does it compare to the the Pure Aero 2019
This Blade 98 16x19 offers more control, and a bit more feel. The Pure Aero 2019 offers more power, and spin. Troy, TW
what are the differences between the 16 x 19 and the 18 x 20 model? Also, how does this racket compare to the current prostaff 97?
@vnathan,
The biggest difference between the 16x19 and 18x20 are the string pattern with the 16x19 offering easier access to spin and power and the 18x20 lending more control and precision. The Blades will have a bit more of a muted feel and slightly bigger sweetspot.
Michelle, TW
Hi Andy, I need some advice. I’m an advanced baseline player with nice serve and forehand but I had an injury on my shoulder so I can’t serve as strong anymore as I used to do. Anyway, I’ve been using Babolat AeroPro Drive for years and I think the spin is okay but now I can’t hit that hard is not helping me at all. Do you think this racquet would be a nice option to get some extra power or should I go for a Burn 100? Thanks!
@sebasantis89,
This Wilson Blade 98 16x19 Countervail is a good racquet, and will provide some added comfort on your arms, compared to your Babolat AeroPro Drive. That said, it won't necessarily add more power to your game compared to the Babolat AeroPro Drive. The Wilson Burn 100 is a more powerful racquet, although it is pretty stiff, which isn't necessarily the best for arm comfort. I'm not sure if you are interested in extended length racquets, but the Yonex EZONE DR 98+, and Wilson Blade SW104 Autograph Countervail racquets offer some easy power, without being too stiff.
Troy, TW
I like the design
I have a question ... What will be The price of this racket ?
@ Tennis&Compagnie,
Click the link in the video or the description above to see pricing. Andy, TW
Great video! How does this compare to the new Babolat Pure Strike 16x19? And when should we expect to find the full written review on your website?
Thanks in advance. Keep up the good work.
@ a121k212,
The Blade has a more muted, dampened feel with a bit more control while the Pure Strike is crisper feeling, more responsive, powerful and spin-friendly. The written review is going through the editing stages and should be posted in the next week or two. Andy, TW
@tenniswarehouse will you be playtesting the 104 version? This is the version that I am interested in potentially buying.
@ Denzel Harris,
As of now we are not planning on reviewing the new Blade 104.
Andy, TW
Ok thanks and one more question about the new 104 version...does it have the countervail technology like the others?
Denzel Harris ,
The new Blade 104 does not have Countervail technology.
Andy, TW
when Andy said this was his favourite of this Blade line does he mean this is his favourite of all the blade 16x19 frames or the favourite Blade overall out of all 16x19,18x20, 18x16 versions
He was referring to the other Blades of that CV generation. Troy, TW
Hi Andy, I'm currently using a Steam 99s racquet which I ordered from TW EU but as my game has improved I would like something with more control to play more aggressively. I like the new blade 98 specs but I don't know which string pattern would be better for me 16x19 or 18x20. I also play a lot of doubles so good net play is also important. I'm in europe and unfortunately there isn't much test oppurtinity in my area.
@Tri Hoang,
The 99S has a very open string pattern which helps produce a lot of spin. The 16x19 would be the best option for you because the 18x20 pattern is much tighter and not optimal for spin generation.
Thank you!
Troy and Chris! My favorite play testers, hope you are doing great!! How would you say the swinging compares between the PS97 and the Blade 98 16x19? Same sw and ra, but their own different balance
@JorgeAndresCoppiano.,
Thing are well, and busy! We hope things are great with you. We found the average swingweight to be a bit higher on Blade 98 16x19. I tend to find the PS97 to feel more maneuverable, with its more head light balance. The Blade 98 16x19 feels a bit heftier, with it being closer to even in balance.
Troy, TW
Tennis Warehouse thanks Troy! Say you find both racquets in a 325 sw and 65 strung ra. Which allows more racquet lag?
?
@@jorgeandrescoppiano,
Sorry about that, didn't see your reply until now. I would likely find the Pro Staff 97 to feel a bit quicker, or easier to maneuver. Something about the balance just makes it feel a bit easier to maneuver.
Troy, TW
How does it compare to the 2013 version?
@B And,
Compared to the 2013 version (black w/ silver cosmetic) of the Blade 98 16x19, this Countervail update has more vibration dampening, which lends itself to a more muted feel. Besides the difference in feel, the overall power/control is pretty similar between the two.
Troy, TW
When will replacement grommets be available for this racquet on your website?
Hey Andy I play with burn 100ls so it would be easy for me to transist into the countervail blade line
@ SuperSnorkelDuck,
The Blades will be much heavier compared to what you're currently using.
Andy, TW
Hi, TW! This one is for either Chris or Andy,
Could you briefly compare the Blade CV 16x19 and Babolat Pure Drive 16x19(PRJ1)? Also which do you prefer and why? I realize that they are fairly similar. I've only had a chance to hit with both very briefly. The Project one7 was strung up with RPM Blast which wasn't my preferred set up.
@ Vladimir Leopard,
The Blade will offer a softer, plusher feel with more comfort and control while the Pure Drive is more powerful, spin-friendly and forgiving.
Andy, TW
Wow! Andy, I'm so sorry! I meant the Pure Strike 16x19 Project. One 7
@ Vladimir Leopard,
It'll be the same comparison between those two racquets as well.
Andy, TW
Question, will tennis warehouse have a black friday sale? if so what will be the % off on the tennis racquets?
@ JuggerNuttz,
We will very likely be having a Black Friday sale this year, but we can't give away our secrets! Check back on Black Friday to see what the discounts are going to be! Andy, TW
Hi Andy, my name's Patrick and I'm a 17 year old junior tennis player in Australia. I typically think of myself as an offensive baseliner who prefers to have heaps of weight of shot on both my forehand and backhand, and a lot of spin for every shot especially the out wide serve in the deuce court. Recently I broke my Pro Staff 97 which was between 310-315g, and I was asking my coaches on advice for a racquet change. I checked out the specs of this new Blade and I'm quite intrigued by the heft of it and the string pattern is perfect for me. Do the materials used in this stick affect how quickly the racquet breaks because I have a short temper, and if not, would this be a good option for an offensive baseliner like me compared to the Pro Staff 97 or the Burn 100?
@ Pat Syjongski,
The materials that this racquet is made of do not affect how quickly a racquet breaks, as it should be similarly "durable" as both the Pro Staff and the Burn. This sounds like it could be a good fit for your game though, so I'd suggest giving it a demo and seeing how it feels to you.
Andy, TW
hi Andy, thx for the nice video, I am now using RF 97/12oz. and is struggling with the heavy weight, now I am thinking either switch to this one or pro staff 97 or 97 LS, what do you think is the best option for one-handed backhand and to improve serve stability? many thanks!
@ Jason Zhang,
Both this and the Pro Staff 97 could be good fits for your game. Give them both a demo and see which one feels best in your hands.
Andy, TW
The disconnected feel on this racquet is for real. TW any suggestions on a string setup that might help get some feel back? I have HyperG on it now. thanks
@ Jimmy Wong,
Hyper-G also has a slightly dampened feel to it, so that may not be the best option if you're trying to add some "feel" back to the racquet. I'd suggest checking out Volkl Cyclone or Luxilon ALU Power, both of which will give you a little better connection to the ball.
Andy, TW
Thanks!
Hi Andy, i bought the new blade 16x19, i used to play with the pure strike 18x20 (previous model), i'd like a raquete which can give me more power and spin, i'm waiting the raquet, i'll use RPM Blast with 55 Lbs, on pure strike i used to play with 57lbs, do you thing that i have made a good choice?
@ Rafael Hernandes,
I think you'll find a little bit more power and spin, but a nice option for you would be the updated Pure Strike. I'd suggest demo'ing both the 16x19 and 18x20 versions and seeing how those work out for you.
Andy, TW
😎
Hi TW guys,
do you think the bumper of this new Blade 98 16x19 CV model will fit the Blade 98 16x19 (2015) as well?
Thanks,
Edoardo
@ bedrocks75,
We can't guarantee that using the grommets from one racquet will work for another, but due to the similarities in beam, string pattern and overall design they should work.
Andy, TW
I bought a blade this exact one yesterday from your website and it’s shipping. I am a very strong junior who hits a 115km first serve . I currently use the pro staff 97. Do you think the blade will affect my serve
@RpM Lukeo343,
You should be able to serve just as well with this Blade. The power on serve is primarily based on technique. Just keep bringing the heat!
Troy, TW
hi. may i please know what's more maneuverable, this or the Ezone DR 98 310g? thanks
@topee singson,
Maneuverability is pretty similar, but the EZONE DR 98 (310g) seems to swing a bit faster.
Troy, TW
Tennis Warehouse
Thankyou Troy..
TW, this is my last question I promise i.e. got everything sorted what tension should I string solinco revolution in the Wilson blade 98 16x19
@ Vortex Designs,
Try it at 50 lbs and see what you think.
Andy, TW
Is the solinco hyper g string good with the blade?
would you recommend adding a leather grip to this to add weight to the handle?
Yeah, that should feel good. Troy, TW
Andy, do you know your NTRP?
@ Something goes here...,
I compete in the Open (6.0) division.
Andy, TW
that shirt that hannah is wearing, does it come in a men's tank? because i'd get one.
@ Rumil Bautista,
Unfortunately it only comes in a women's tank. Sorry!
Andy, TW
So is balance the issue with serves? I know tt discussing balance feeling almost even for some. Will adding weight to the handle help correct this?
@ manchusabre,
We did find there to be a good amount of weight through the hoop of the racquet which made it at times a little difficult to get up and over our heads quickly on serve. Adding weight to the racquet will never make it MORE maneuverable, but it will give the tip of the racquet a more "whippy" feel compared to how it would be in stock form.
Andy, TW
hi, wich one would you recomend? this one or de wilson blade 98s?
@Damian Bogliacino,
These two are essentially the same frames, with different string patterns. I would go with the 16x19, because I find the response and trajectory of the ball coming off the strings, to be more predictable. With the 18x16 (S version), I have a harder time with placement of the ball and precision.
Troy, TW
would you say that the blade 16x19 is "spin-friendly"?
@Damian Bogliacino,
Yes, it should provide you easy access to spin.
Troy, TW
ok, thank you!!
Did the TW playtesters prefer the Blade 98 16x19 or the Pro Staff 97 (the red and black one)? Thanks!
@Leo Ser,
We prefer the Blade 98 16x19.
Michelle, TW
Thank you very much, Michelle! And what about the Pure Strike 98 16x19? Do you prefer the Blade 98 16x19?
Hey tw,
I was wondering what are the differences between this version and the 2015 version?
Any reply would be greatly appreciated
@ Vish And Chips,
Please watch the video above as we discuss the differences at length.
Andy, TW
I use Wilson racquets a lot but can’t decide between pro starf rf 97or Wilson blade 98 counterival
@Colby Valenzuela,
If you don't mind the heftiness of the RF97, we find it to have better feel/response, and more stability. The Blade CV is a bit more user-friendly, and has a more comfortable/dampened response.
Troy, TW
Tennis Warehouse thankyou
Blade 98 16x19 or blade 98s 18x16?
I’m looking to buy my first decent racquet and I’d consider myself intermediate. I demo tested the blade 98s, babolat pure aero, prince textreme 100, and yonex 100 vcore galaxy. I preferred the blade 98s. I wanted to demo the blade 98 16x19 but it’s out of stock. I might just demo it once its available. But any recommendations between the two?
The 98S will offer more spin potential, and a bit more power, whereas the 16x19 will offer a bit more control, and feel. Both are great options, and Wilson will be updating the Blade line in the near future, so you might want to wait to see how those play, and maybe demo when you can. Troy, TW
Tennis Warehouse what makes the blade an “advanced” racquet and the babolat pure aero an “intermediate” racquet? I demoed both and i preferred the blade, but I’m not where near advanced.
Hi tw team. Just wondering about the swingweight of the 16x19 cv. Most reviews i have read states the swingweight is approx 315 with a balance of 6 pts hl where else TW has the swingweight at 326 with a balance of 3pts hl. Just wondering why TW spec review is quite different frm the rest. Thx and happy new year.
@steven t,
We take all of our specs by averaging several STRUNG racquets, which is why our numbers may differ from others who don't use strung specs or someone posting what the company is projecting the swingweight to be.
Hope that helps!
Michelle, TW
Tennis Warehouse hi michelle. Thx for the reply. Yea the reviews had a comparison btw the 16x19 and 18x20 strung weight and while the latter had same specs review with TW (i.e 327ish for the 18x20) , the 16x19 came with a lower swingweight strung. I'm thinking of getting the 16x19 but in my country racqs r expensive and we dont really hv a demo culture hence its really a hit or miss thing. I prefer high swingweight (rf97 n PD tour being my past racqs) hence picking your/TW's brains on the issue as TW has been my go to site for many decisions. Many thanks again michelle.
@steven t,
The 326 swingweight, for the Blade 16x19 CV, is as Michelle stated very much so an average of a batch of racquets, we received from Wilson. We found swingweights, higher and lower, with 326 being a rough average. If you are looking to purchase from TW, we highly recommend our MRT services, where we can go through a batch of racquets, for a small fee, and pick out the desired swingweight you are looking for, within reason. Without us, or someone else, going through a given stock of these racquets, and checking the swingweight, there is a likely chance that the swingweight will be different than what we have listed on out site.
Troy, TW
Tennis Warehouse cheers for the reply Troy. I ll check out the TW website for the services. Happy new year.
@steven t,
You can also call and speak to one of our TW Racquet Experts, at 1-800-799-9230, as they are the ones who will have to place an order like this.
Troy, TW
Hi Andy, I'm now closer on ordering new sticks. I just have one follow up question. I tested the blade 98s CV and it felt great but unfortunately i havent tested the blade 98 CV (16x19) since it is not available in our club. I played a good amount of doubles so blade 98s CV suited my game well in weight, responsiveness and playability which as you said similar to the 2015 blade 98s. But when i play singles it seems that it is missing something. Looking at the specs of blade 98 (16x19), it seems that it has the right specs in terms of weight and stiffness as well. Would it make sense to get blade 98s CV for doubles game and blade 98 CV(16x19 or 18x20) for singles game? Before i have two sets of racquet as well having the regular 2015 blade 98 (18x20) which i play for singles and 2015 blade 98s which i play for dubs.. Any advise will help..
@ jomarcandelaria,
That's really up to you. Personally, I wouldn't have two different racquets for singles and doubles because I'd want the playability to be the same, but if you feel like you want something different for singles then by all means give it a shot!
Andy, TW
Is this Serena's, Venus's and Raonic's current racket?
@ Katsutoshi Morinaga,
All three of them endorse the Blade racquet line but don't play with this exact racquet.
Andy, TW
Tennis Warehouse coooollll! Thanks!
Hey TW, I was planning on trialling this racuqet when it came out. Are there any other racuqets you would recommend that i try.
Any reply would be greatly appreciated
@ Vish And Chips,
Check out this one along with the Yonex EZONE DR 98, Babolat Pure Strike and Head Graphene XT Prestige Pro.
Andy, TW
I know he's been away for a while but do you guys have any word on how Marco feels about the update since he was using the previous one?
@ Duy Truong,
We have not spoken to Marco about the new update.
Andy, TW
Is the power compairable with the pure drive
@Jonas Dierckx,
No. The Blade won't have as much power as the Pure Drive.
Michelle, TW
Tennis Warehouse but would it still have decent power because the pure drive gives me wrist pain so I am looking for som less stiffer racket.
@Jonas Dierckx,
It will provide better comfort compared to the Pure Drive. I find decent power in it. That said, the perception of power/control can vary depending on the player.
Troy, TW
Tennis Warehouse and is their much difference between the normal and the lite
@Jonas Dierckx,
The 98L will be easier to maneuver, with a lower weight and swingweight. The higher weight and swingeight of the 98 16x19 CV, provides more stability and plow through on the ball.
Troy, TW
I have question... I am looking for a fats modern frame racket, that will also give a lot of control and spin. I am deciding between Wilson Burn 100 or Wilson Blade 98 16x19. Which do you thing is better?
@ K Á J A,
My best suggestion would be to demo both of them and see which one feels the best in your hands because both are good racquets that could be a good fit for you. If you can't demo though, based on what you're looking for the Burn 100 sounds like it could be the better fit for you.
Andy, TW
Why isn't there a polyester edition available for demo?
@ Branko Andrews,
Right now all our demos for this racquet are being strung up with multifilament due to perceived interest, but we will note your request for a polyester and potentially make some available with a poly in the near future.
Andy, TW
Hi Andy. Currently im using babolats pure aero but i want to switch to a control raquet. Do you think the blade 98 countervail 16 x 19 even with its open string patern will give me the control im looking for?
Thanks.
@ Alberto Houllou,
This is certainly a very control-oriented racquet that I'd recommend trying. Give it a demo and see what you think.
Andy, TW
Is it more or less maneuverable than the RF97?
@ Branko Andrews,
This will be more maneuverable than the RF97.
Andy, TW
What is the name of the shoe that jason is wearing? Is it vapor flyknit???
@lufthanragasa,
Yes, Nike Zoom Vapor 9.5 Flyknit Shoes, as in this review: ua-cam.com/video/gOeTU1jAVa0/v-deo.html.
Troy, TW
Hi, i want to use the blade with a string that i could feel the ball and hit powerful shots without landing out? What poly do you recommend to me? And i break one string for week, should i have 3 or 2 rackets?
@LUIS OCTAVIO NASCIMENTO,
Here are some good co-polys to consider: Luxilon ALU Power, Kirschbaum Pro Line II, Solinco Hyper-G, Volkl Cyclone, Signum Pro Poly Plasma, and MSV Co-Focus.
Troy, TW
What gauge of 4g did you guys use in this test?
@felipal,
16L, or 1.25 mm.
Troy, TW
I have been looking at this racket for some time. In recent months I have used a Technifibre Tflash 300 Ps; It suits my game quite well but I find it not very aggressive. Is the Wilson Blade 98 16x19 a good option to achieve a more aggressive game without losing control? Would you recommend this racket?
This Blade 98 16x19 will offer more control than the TFlash 300 PS, so it should allow you to swing more aggressively and control the ball. I would also consider the Babolat Pure Strike 98, and Yonex EZONE 98. Wilson is also releasing an update to the Blade 98 in the near future, so you might want to consider waiting for that. Troy, TW
Do you Think this racquet is good if I am looking for power and spin?
@ Ultimatesteve54,
This is more of a control-oriented racquet but still offers good amounts of power and spin. I'd also suggest checking out the Babolat Pure Aero and Yonex EZONE DR 100.
Andy, TW
Hi, my local tennis shop is doing a competition and the winner gets their choice of one of the countervail blades. I was wondering if I were to win which racket I should choose. I wouldn't want it to be my current racket, I would want to be a heavier one that I could switch to in a year or so. My current racket is the Wilson blade 101l (2015). I want to be about fourteen when I use the racket. My top 2 would probably be the 98 16x19 or 18x20. Any thoughts much appreciated.
Would you prefer this over the Wilson pro staff 97 cv ? I am looking to get one of these in the next few days
@Marcus Collazo,
Yes, we prefer the Blade 98 CV 16x19 over the Pro Staff 97CV.
Michelle, TW
Tennis Warehouse Thank you for the reply. How does this compare to the old red and black Babolat pure strike ?
@Marcus Collazo,
Compared to the older Pure Strike, in the 16x19 string pattern, this Blade 98 16x19 Countervail provides a bit more control and feel. It also has a bit more plow-through on contact. The older Pure Strike 16x19, is a bit faster feeling (slightly lower swingweight), and has a bit more lively response.
Troy, TW
Hey Andy! What's the difference between the pro staff 97s and the blade (16/19)
@ Abhinav Nallapareddy,
The Pro Staff will offer a bit more spin while the Blade will provide more control. The two frames also have distinctly different "feels".
Andy, TW
Is it possible I can increase power on serve and increase the weight to 11.7 while keeping the swing weight below 330
@RpM Proximity,
You could likely add a bit of weight in the handle, and a bit in the throat, and be close to that swingweight. You may also want to lower your string tension a bit.
Troy, TW
Is this Racquet good for doubles? And how would it compare to the pure aero and the control between the two? And last does the countervail actually help out when your fatigued?
2019 pure aero*
@Dakota Posey Fishing,
This is a great doubles racquet! The Pure Aero will be a bit more powerful though. In all honesty, I can't notice any difference with fatigue when using a Countervail option.
Hope that helps!
Michelle, TW
Tennis Warehouse ok I’ve recently ordered the RF97 but wanted something not as heavy and more spin to it and good control and precision like it I believe the blade 98 16x19 might be the best thing
Tennis Warehouse Do y’all believe This has a good bit control with still good enough spin close to pure aero 2019 and what tension would you use for Solicone Hyper G 17 or 16?
@@dakotaposey7944,
not quite as much spin potential as the Pure Aero 2019, but fairly close, and control is a bit better. Try the 16L Hyper-G around 50 to 52 pounds. Troy, TW
What would u recommend I'm deciding on this racket or pure strike 16x19
@Daniel Helbig,
This Blade 98 offers a bit more control, and feel. The Pure Strike 98 16x19 offers a bit more power, and spin. Troy, TW
Thank you does the pure strike offer control and feel as well?
@Daniel Helbig,
Yes, but the Blade has a bit more. Troy, TW
Thanks for the help
Thanks for the help
hey I just got blade 104, I am loving it, but do u think this 1 is a good backup for me
@Joseph Augustine,
We recommend having the same racquet as a backup, however, this is a good option as well. It will offer less power and a bit more control.
Michelle, TW
Hi TW! I'm 16 years old and I'm an intermediate player. I am thinking of buying this racquet, but I don't know what string pattern, whether (18x20) or (16x19), I like to hit the ball with spin and my service is also a good weapon for my game. I was also thinking of another racket alternative such as Pro Staff 97 / 97s. What would you recommend me? Thank You!
@Norma Lescano
If you like to hit with spin on your groundies and power with your serve, go with the more open pattern, the 16x19. For what you're looking for, we would recommend the Blade 98CV 16x19 over the Pro Staff 97 and 97S.
Michelle, TW
If I don’t like the rf97 will this not suit me?
@Kono_Dio_Da,
There are some differences, as this Blade 98 is quite a bit lighter. It is a bit more flexible, and has a dampened feel to it. Definitely worth a try.
Troy, TW
Im choosing between Wilson Blade 98 countervail (16x19) and Wilson Burn 100 countervail. I love to have more power in my racket and I change my positions. What should I go for?
@El Tariqos,
If you want more power, go with the Burn 100 CV! If you are looking for a blend of power and control, try the Blade 98 CV 16x19.
Michelle, TW
Hi! How does this compare to the pro staff cv?? Thx
@Marius Gjersø,
This Blade 98 16x19 CV packs a bit more power, and plow (higher swingweight), than the Pro Staff 97 CV. The Pro Staff 97 CV is a bit more control oriented, and has a more maneuverable, and head light feel. Although both racquets have Countervail, the Blade 98 16x19 CV played with a bit more responsiveness, or predictability. The Countervail technology in the Pro Staff 97 seemed to remove more of the feedback from the racquet, for our playtesters.
Troy, TW
Hi, how does this compare to the Blade 98S (18x16)? What are the main differences? Thanks.
@Marvin Yeap,
They are pretty similar overall. The 98S is a bit livelier, and more spin friendly. The 16x19 has better control, and precision.
Troy, TW
Thanks Troy. TW uses the term livelier quite a bit...does that mean it has more vibration?
@Marvin Yeap,
Lively in the sense of being full of energy. The balls jumps off the racquet with more energy, and has more launch. I hope that helps.
Troy, TW
Thanks Troy
Troy, my current Babolat Pure Aero gave me wrist and arm issues. Do you think the blade 98 (16x19) would be a good switch? Or would you think the 98S (16x18) is better? I don’t have demo programs where I am at, so your feedback is important for me. Many thanks.
@Tennis Warehouse, how does this compare to the Pure Strike 98 (16X19)?
@Nick Byrd,
They will be similar, the Countervail technology does add a bit of a muted feel. The Blade has a slightly thinner beam, so might have a bit more feel. The Blade is also getting updated this summer, and will be worth demoing!
Michelle, TW
Dear TW Team! I‘m a 15 year old Tennis player, with an agressive baseliner playstyle and I‘m looking for a new racket. I‘m currently playing the Wilson Blade 101L, but i feel like it doesn‘t fit perfect with my playstyle anymore. I think about the Babolat Pure Strike, the Wilson Blade 98L or the Wilson Pro Staff 97L. Would one of These rackets be good for me or should I keep playing with the 101L?
Thank you,
ocelot
@ocelot,
Both the Blade 98L, or Pro Staff 97L should be great options for you, as they will bring more control from the slightly smaller head-size and they aren't a huge jump up in overall weight. The Pure Strike 98 16x19 is one of our favorite racquets, but it is a bit heavier, so that could take some adjustment to. I would also consider the Yonex EZONE 98, and the Head MicroGEL Radical Midplus.
Troy, TW
How does the Pure Control compare to Babolat Pure Drive Lite 2012 in terms of spin, power absorption from the tennis ball, stiffness, serve speed, etc? Thanks.
@James Pham,
Which Pure Control in particular?
The Pure Drive line of racquets has much more power and spin while the Pure Control series will offer more control, better feel and be a bit more comfortable.
Michelle, TW
Sorry for the lack of clarity. The Pure Control I have in mind is the 2014 version with the red, white, and black coloring.
hi, i'm an intermidiate player , anda i would like a Solid raquet, that Suits with an agresive game. whichone would You suggest between this one, the puré drive, and the pro staff 97 ls?
Damian Bogliacino,
I recommend this Blade 98. It has the most solid feel, in stock form, out of the three racquets.
Troy, TW
ok, thank you!!
Hey Andy, I currently use babolat Pure drive roddick 2012 and would this 16x19 blade be really similar to it?
@Ruby Olea,
The Pure Drive Roddick is a bit heavier and will have more power than the Blade 98 16x19. However, the Blade will give you a bit more control.
Michelle, TW
Hi, using previous version of Blade 18x20. Looking for more spin, especially against high spin opponents. Does the 16x19 really make a difference in spin or should I go for a Pure Drive. Another factor is I’m getting old(48). Any thoughts. I’m intermediate player.
@Jose Sam,
The Wilson Blade 98 16x19 will help add some spin, and the 98S (18x16) will offer even more spin. I would also consider the Yonex VCORE 98 (305), Babolat Pure Aero, and Babolat Pure Strike 98 16x19.
Troy, TW
Hey Andy i have your racket, yonex ezone dr 98😉 do you think this blade is better? Or what is better in this blade than the yonex? Sorry for my english😂
@Edoardo Cocchi,
Andy prefers the DR 98 over the Blade because of the feel from the Yonex!
Michelle, TW
Tennis Warehouse Ok have a good day Michelle 😉
Tennis Warehouse which one is more comfortable
Power compared to DR98? Which is more powerful?
Thanks TW
@ Deki D,
We found the power to be pretty similar between the two racquets.
Andy, TW
currently using RF 97, wanting to switch to a lighter frame. PS97S OR Blade 16x19 ?
@ Ali C,
They are both great racquets and fit what you're looking for, so I'd highly suggest utilizing our demo program and seeing which one feels best in your hands. I'd also suggest checking out the Pro Staff 97, as it will be a lighter version of your current racquet with a similar feel.
Andy, TW
I’m currently using the pro staff 97 but I want to switch to a more versatile racket should I go for the blade 16x19, the project one 7 or Alex Zverev’s racket
@RpM Lukeo343,
I would consider the Pure Strike 98 16x19, or the 360 Speed MP.
Troy, TW
Hi. I've been playing tennis for 1 year and I want to change my racket. I used a babolat c drive 102 which fits very well to my game. Did you recommend this model? What do you of pure aero or pure drive model to my game?
Actually, I try to get power and spin. I play semi western forehand and western two handed backhand
PD: I also played with a head graphene touch speed but I did not like it; balls out and high, uncontrolled power and slow swing
Luis Rojas,
The Pure Aero Team, or Pure Drive Team will both offer easy access to power, and spin. The Blade 98L might be a more manageable weight compared to this version, and will offer more control compared to the Pure Aero or Pure Drive. I would also consider the last racquet I recommended for you, the Tecnifibre TFlash 285 PS, and Yonex EZONE 98 (285g). Troy, TW
What version is this ??
This is the V6 with Countervail. There is also a V6 that we carried, which was basically like a re-release, and did not have the Countervail tech included. Troy, TW
Hi TW I want to know between blade 98 16x19 CV and Pro Staff 97s has better maneuverability , and which one you reccommend to switch to
now I'm using Project One7 and looking for more stability and plowthrough
Thanks
@ LuzDEffect,
The Pro Staff 97S will be more maneuverable than the Blade 98, but I don't think either of them would have more stability and plowthrough than the Pure Strike. I'd suggest looking into the Yonex EZONE DR 98 and Babolat Pure Aero.
Andy, TW
how would you customise this Blade 98 CV 16x19? Lead tape at 3 and 9(how many added grams total?) and leather grip?
Try adding a few grams at 3 and 9, and a leather grip, that should feel pretty good. Troy, TW
Hi TW will the green 2015 grommets from the (16x19) fit the new cv rackets grommets
@ john speedy,
While we can't guarantee it, there is a good chance that the old grommets will fit this newer version.
Andy, TW
What string would you recommend for this racket
@Henry Matheson,
For comfort, I would go with a multifilament such as Tecnifibre NRG2. For control, and spin, I would go with a co-poly, such as Solinco Hyper-G, or Volkl Cyclone.
Troy, TW
Could you please help I have the 18/20 version of this racket and would like to switch to the 16/19 how similar are they? As I don’t like the v7 range.
Thanks
The 16x19 is a bit more maneuverable, more spin friendly, and a bit more lively. The 18x20 offers a bit more control, and a bit more plow through. Troy, TW
hi, i am a junior player that currently use the pure aero. But i want to change to racket that offers me more control and i could hit with more power without the ball landing out. so i tested the blade and liked it. should i use tour bite or alu power? if you guys could recommend me another racket or string to try with similar game style i would appreciate it. Please respond
@LUIS OCTAVIO NASCIMENTO,
Of those two strings, I would go with Solinco Tour Bite for a bit more control and spin. Solinco Hyper-G is another top choice. The Wilson Blade 98 16x19 Countervail is a great option for some added control, compared to the Babolat Pure Aero. I would also consider the Babolat Pure Strike 98 16x19, and Yonex EZONE 98 (305g) racquets.
Troy, TW
Thanks i use the hyper g
hi andy,im currently using Head Prestige MP ,which i found it now too heavy as ive get older now 39years old, and i always swing late at my forehand ,ive tried Wilson Blade 18x20 the gold colour, and find it easy to use and light but still lack of power ans tried a Head Speed MP, which i like it but still in searching for a better option ,maybe. yonex dr 98 or project one babolat or wilson Blade 98 countervail ,?... could you suggest me a racket with ideal weight not too heavy with power plus stability ?thankss
this Wilson blade 98(16X19) or Wilson ultra 100 CV? I am currently using the babolat aero team(very old) and I would like more spin and control
@Kovu's Studio,
For spin and control, the Blade 98 16x19 is a great option.
Troy, TW
then what about the ultra 100 CV?
@Kovu's Studio,
The Ultra 100 CV is good for spin, but provides more power than your Aero Team.
Troy, TW
hi, i am siem van es and have a question maybe you can help me. I am looking for a new racket. I now play with the Wilson Blade CV (16x19). my playing style is with a lot of spin and margin over the net getting the balls deep in the back and then attacking with my forehand. I think I am an aggressive baseliner because I like to make the game myself. would you recommend a racket that meets these requirements. now play with the solinco hyper g string in my blade and think that the string fits me well. but I would appreciate it if you had suggestions for me. Greetings Siem van Es
@siem van es,
Wilson will be releasing a new version of the Blade 98, in a couple of months, which may be something to consider waiting for. Some other racquets that have similar characteristics are: Babolat Pure Strike 98 16x19, Yonex VCORE 98, Head Graphene 360 Speed MP, Prince Textreme Tour 100 (310). Troy, TW
@@tenniswarehouse I am very interested in the yonex vcore 98. now play with the solinco hyper g in my wilson blade 98. would you recommend a different string for the yonex? or just keep playing with solinco. just such a shame that the solinco is green and the racket is red.
@@Siemvanes,
The VCORE 98 is a great racquet. I have been using the plus version of it for a while now, and Solinco Hyper-G plays very well in it. If you don't like the color combo, there is a Galaxy Black version of the VCORE 98 (305), which would look great with a string like Hyper-G. Troy, TW
TW, what is the comparison between this racquet and the Wilson Ultra 100 in terms of playability?
@ Michael Mathayomchand,
The Ultra 100 will be a bit more forgiving, maneuverable and spin-friendly while the Blade will be more control-oriented and solid/stable.
Andy, TW
Hey TW, would Luxilon Alu power string work for this racket?
@BurstWalkthroughs,
Yes, that string will play great on this racquet.
Troy, TW
Hey TW, how does this racket compared to the Burn 100 CV. Thanks.
@ Sarjie Izmal,
The Blade will be more comfortable and control-oriented while the Burn 100 is stiffer, more powerful, spin-friendly and forgiving.
Andy, TW
What does countervail do?
Provides less impact shock to the body. Troy, TW
Is the racket better than the ps97 without
With out countervail
@RpM Lukeo343,
This Blade 98 16x19 Countervail has a bit bigger sweet-spot, and swings a bit heftier. It is a matter of preference, whether it is better or not.
Troy, TW
What are your preference between the strike 16x19 (Pone7), this blade 98 16x19 CV and the ProStaff 97?
@J.Ignacio Perez,
We love the Pure Strike 16x19 and a close 2nd would be the Blade 98 16x19CV. Both great options and two of our favorites!
Michelle, TW
thank you both! I'm using Pure control, and i wanna have something similar, i tried wilson burn but i didn't like it. Now i know that what i need is a pure strike.
Luisina from Argentina! - great channel.
Hi guys! I'm a junior and just got the blade 98 UL which is a lot lighter. What strings and tension should I string it
@Jennifer Ou,
Try Tecnifibre NRG2 at 53 lbs.
Michelle, TW
Hey tennis warehouse I am currently using the wilson steam 99s strung at 48 main and 47 cross lbs...
And I wanna chage rackets and my top options are the babolat pure aero 2019 and the Wilson blade 98 cv what racket can you recommend me to buy?
If you want to go with some added control, feel, and comfort, the Blade 98 is a great choice. We don't have it here in the US, but at Tennis Warehouse Europe, we sell a Blade 98S (18x16 pattern), so that one would be slightly closer to the Steam 99S, but if not the Blade 98 16x19 will offer decent spin, but more control compared to the Steam 99S (16x15). The Pure Aero could be a good choice if you want to stay with something more on the power side, and also easy access to spin. I might also consider the Yonex VCORE 98 or 100, which are pretty spin friendly. Troy, TW
@@tenniswarehouse Thank you TW for the info❤️❤️
@@tenniswarehouse Tw will the Wilson Blade 98 v7 16x19 offer good spin and will be a good choice too?
Hey! I have the head graphene touch radical mp, how does this racket compare?
@Kono_Dio_Da,
This Blade 98 16x19 swings a bit heftier, and the flat 21mm beam offers a bit more control, and feel compared to the Touch Radical MP.
Troy, TW
Please review the babolat pure strike 100
TW, I currently use a Wilson Juice 108 and I want to decrease my racquet head size to have more control. What racquet would you recommend?
@ KJ B,
Check out the Wilson Ultra 100 and the Yonex EZONE DR 100.
Andy, TW
Hi Andy, TW,
I'm about to buy another stick since i cracked one of my old blade 98s (2015). But I'm still confused and needed some help on which is the right stick, i was looking at blade 98 16x19 CV and blade 98s CV. I'm not convince on which one should i upgrade. I have an arm issue thats why i use the old blade 98s (2015) because it has lower swingweight and stiffness and i use volkyl 18L. Now that the blade 98S CV is available but the swingweight is high (329) and stiffness is (65) and the blade 98 16x19 has a closer swingweight (326) and stiffness is (66) compared to my old blade 98 (2015).
In terms of feel and playability, which is closest to the old blade 98s (2015)?
@ jomarcandelaria,
The new 98S is still going to be more similar to your old racquet than the 16x19 is. While the specs of the 16x19 may be a bit closer to your old 98S, the differences between it and the new 98S is very very small. The difference in string patterns would give the racquet a dramatically different feel than what you're used to.
Andy, TW