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The Wilson Blade is one of the best tennis racquets for feel on the market. Below, we’ll review the Wilson Blade, including pros, cons, and different models of the racquet. Then, we’ll compare it to other tennis racquets to help you decide if the Blade is right for you.
Review Summary & Ratings for the Wilson Blade
Wilson Blade tennis racquets are one of the most popular models in the world. The newest version of the blade offers slightly better stability than the older model but overall, not much has changed.
Used by Serena Williams and many other top pros, Wilson makes Blade racquets player friendly with different versions for all skill levels. It is one of the best tennis racquets on the market today. The Blade racquet is known for its excellent combination of comfort and control on the tennis court.
See our ratings, plus the pros and cons of the Wilson Blade below for a quick glance at how it performs compared to other tennis racquets.
Our Ratings for the Wilson Blade
- Power: 7
- Control: 8
- Spin: 8
- Serve: 7
- Return: 8
- Groundstrokes: 8
- Volleys: 7
- Price: $$$
Pros
- Great high-level intermediate & advanced level racquet
- Excellent combination of comfort & control
- Easy spin with the 16×19 version
- Easy to swing
- Flexible frame can help with tennis elbow
Cons
- Not great for players who need help with power
- Very muted feel on contact that some players may not like
Different Versions of the Wilson Blade Tennis Racquet
The Wilson Blade tennis racquet comes in several versions that vary in weight and size. Below is a list of the different Wilson Blade racquets on the market today.
We’ll review each version of the Blade in more detail below.
What did Wilson Update with the Blade v9?
Wilson again only made subtle changes when updating the Blade to the new v9 versions.
- The Blade v9 has a slightly lower swingweight, increasing maneuverability.
- The SW102 Autograph has been discontinued following the retirement of Serena Williams.
You can still purchase the old version of the Blade and its family of racquets for a discount.
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Wilson Blade 98 Review: A Modern Control-Oriented Racquet
We’ll start with the most popular version of the Wilson Blade. The Blade 98 comes in two versions, one with a 16×19 string pattern, and another at 18×20.
Wilson Blade 98 Racquet Specifications
- Weight: 11.4 oz. strung
- Head Size: 98 square inches
- Length: 27 inches
- Balance: 330.2 mm
- String Pattern: 16×19
This racquet has a relatively thin, yet flexible frame for a modern tennis racquet. The weight allows you to generate enough power while the head size and frame are designed for control and feel.
Other Sellers: Amazon.com | Wilson.com
The Blade 98 Racquet has Excellent Comfort and Control
When making contact with the ball, the Wilson Blade might be the most comfortable advanced tennis racquet on the market. The frame design and flexibility give it a solid, stable feel without much feedback.
The Blade 98 16×19 version can help you generate excellent spin as well.
For even more control, consider the Blade 98 18×20 version. You will find it more difficult to hit with spin and power, but slightly easier to control and feel the tennis ball. The Blade 98 18×20 is one of the best 8 tennis racquets for control.
Other Sellers: Amazon.com | Wilson.com
Wilson Blade 104 Review: A Comfortable, Powerful Frame
For a racquet with added power and spin, the Wilson Blade 104 is one of the best choices in tennis. It still offers excellent comfort and control for a racquet of this size.
Wilson Blade 104 Racquet Specifications
- Weight: 10.8 oz. strung
- Head Size: 104 square inches
- Length: 27.5 inches
- Balance: 329.9 mm
- String Pattern: 16×19
This is a great tennis racquet for intermediate players. The 104 head size gives it a big sweet spot, and the extra length (27.5 inches) adds to the power of this racquet.
Because of the open string pattern, you’ll be able to hit with excellent spin as well. Beginners or intermediate players learning topspin will find the Blade 104 easy to use.
Other Sellers: Amazon.com | Wilson.com
The Blade 104 is the Power Racquet in the Blade Series
This racquet’s size automatically places it in the category of power racquets.
However, there is probably no racquet on the market that is this size and has a comfort level like the Blade 104.
Most skill levels can play with the Blade 104. Players who play from the baseline will be able to create a combination of power and spin that few racquets offer. This combination makes it great for both serving and groundstrokes.
The Wilson Ultra tennis racquet and the Babolat Pure Aero offer more spin and power, but not with this level of comfort.
When you make contact with the ball, the Blade racquet absorbs the impact better than most racquets, making it very arm-friendly as well.
Reviewing Other Versions of the Wilson Blade
The three other Blade versions differ in weight and head size. Wilson has discontinued the SW102 Autograph, but the Blade 100, Blade 100L, and Blade 100UL live on. Here are the specifications for the remaining Blade v9 racquets.
| Blade 100 v9 | Blade 100L v9 | Blade 100UL v9 |
|---|---|---|
| Larger 100 square inch head size. | Lighter than the 100 v9 at 10.6 oz. | Lighter than the 100L v9, at 10.0 oz. |
| This adds spin potential, power, and comfort. | This version offers greater maneuverability. | Lightweight and easy to swing. |
| More user-friendly and forgiving. | Easier to swing. | Maintains decent control and easier to swing. |
| Great for intermediate and advanced players who need a bigger sweet spot. | Great for intermediate players who prefer a lighter racquet. | Great for beginners or intermediate players, or juniors who need a light racquet. |
| Buy the Blade 100 v9 on Tennis Warehouse | Buy the Blade 100L v9 on Tennis Warehouse | Buy the Blade 100UL v9 on Tennis Warehouse |
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The Best Alternatives to the Wilson Blade
Below are 3 other tennis racquets similar to the Wilson Blade that you may want to consider.
- Babolat Pure Strike – A stiffer racquet with better power but less comfort on contact.
- Head Radical – A very similar racquet with slightly more power and stability, but provides less precise shot making.
- Head Prestige – An even more advanced, control-oriented racquet with versions similar to the Wilson Blade.
My Experience Playing with the Wilson Blade
I have really enjoyed my experience playing with the Wilson Blade v9.
Recent versions of the Wilson Blade, such as the Blade v8, lost some of the classic Blade feel that I have come to know and love. Thankfully, Wilson has rectified this issue, giving the Wilson Blade v9 a more connected feel to the ball.
The biggest difference I noticed was increased maneuverability. I have been a long-time fan of the Wilson Blade line of racquets, but it never felt quite right. While I enjoyed the racquets, I always felt that it felt a little bit sluggish. While I enjoy a racquet with a hefty static weight, I also prefer my racquets to be very head light, resulting in a moderate swingweight.
With the Blade v9, Wilson has addressed my concerns by decreasing the swingweight, increasing the maneuverability. This is my favorite version of the Blade since the long gone K-Blade. It delivers on that classic Blade feel that compliments aggressive groundstrokes and an overall attacking play style.
I recommend the Wilson Blade v9 to anyone who likes to dictate play from the baseline, swinging fast and refusing to be pushed back on defense.
Wilson Blade Video Review
In the video below, I review 5 versions of the Wilson Blade.
Dear Will
What is happen with Wilson Blade TEAM (99 head size – 280g – 16×18) ?
https://wilsonloja.com.br/blade-team-v8
This is bad racquet ? Why ther no exist this racquet to buy ?
Thank you so much
Hi Sergio, the Wilson Blade Team v8 is for beginner and lower-level intermediate players. It isn’t made with the same quality as the other Wilson Blade racquets, which is the reason it is priced lower. It can still be a good option for players with a lower budget.
Hi there,
What about the Wilson Blade 100 v8 ? (Not 100L)
Is it as arm-friendly and comfortable? Does it provide a bit more power than the 98?
Ram
Hi Ram, the Blade 100 v8 is still very arm-friendly and comfortable. It will have slightly better spin and power than the 98 version with a bit less control and stability. For intermediate or even advanced players who want a more forgiving racquet, it’s a great choice.
Tried the Blade 101L V8?
Hi Will, I have not tried that one, but it looks like a great racquet. I’m a fan of the 16×20 string pattern for club players since it adds a bit of feel while keeping good spin and power.
Looks like TW Europe has it, but I live in the US.
— https://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/Wilson_Blade_101L_v8_Racket/descpageRCWILSON-101LV8-EN.html?from=tribe
Sometimes manufacturers release different models to different countries and this one isn’t available in the US.
The Wilson Blade 98 is the best racquet by far I have ever owned. The racquet helps keep my ball in the court by gripping the ball more than other racquet’s I have in the past. Control, spin, balance, power, is excellent with this racquet. I may never switch to a different racquet.
Thanks for the comment Kevin! Yep, it’s a fantastic racquet for many players. Very balanced for higher level players but I wouldn’t recommend the Blade 98 for beginners 😉
Hi! Thanks for the review. Would you recommend the v8 100 or the 104 for an early intermediate player? I like to play baseline with some spin.
Hi Fernando, It sounds like the Wilson Blade 104 is a better option for you. It will have a larger sweet spot and can give you great power and spin from the back of the court.
I have the 100 V8 and V9. I still go back to the V8 as I find the swing weight is lower and I’m able to whip my forehand. Should I give up using the v9 as I’m unable to hit my forehand normally with it. It’s also a tad more powerful and less controlled than the V8 in my opinion.
Thoughts?
Hi Kiet, Nate here, the gear expert/reviewer here at Tennis Tribe.
If you like the feel of the Blade 100 v8 better then just stick with that racquet. New versions come out every 2-3 years for most racquets, but you can easily use the same racquet for 10 years without issue if you treat it with care.
While the published specs for the v8 and v9 are almost identical, that doesn’t mean that the 2 racquets you have are the same because there’s always a tolerance allowed; 2 racquets, even if they’re the same version, can vary by 5-10 grams and have a slightly different balance. If you have a pro shop nearby, you could ask if they are able to measure the specs (static weight, swing weight, and balance point). That may give you a better idea of why you prefer the v8 you have so you know what to look for if you want a second racquet that feels the same.
My daughter has played in high school for 3 years and she is now now on the college team 1st semester). She’s done really well and I feel she needs to switch rackets – she agrees. She had arm issues in the past which is why the Wilson Clash 108 helped her so much. But there haven’t been arm problems for about a year.
I’m leaning towards the Blade 100L because she likes to play the whole court. She used my Blade (not the L version) and she did extremely well with it even though I use a polyester string – Tourna Big Hitter Blue Rough at 48 lbs. She did have arm problems!
My daughter DID NOT have arm problems!!!
(sorry for the error)
My daughter played high school tennis for three years and she developed arm problems towards the end. We switched tothe Wilson clash 108 version and arm pain went away! She is now on the college tennis team (1st semester) and I feel that she has outgrown the Wilson Clash – she agrees. We are considering the Wilson Blade 100 L. (I think the Pro Staff might be another possibility)
She used my Blade (not the L version) and she did extremely well with it – even though I use Tourna Big Hitter Blue Rough at 48 pounds.
Surprisingly, she DID NOT have any arm pain!
Your thoughts?
Okay, thank you for clearing that up. I would recommend she actually look at the Blade 104 or the Blade 100 as opposed to the “L” version. She will likely improve quickly in college and play against opponents that hit harder, so she might outgrow the 100L pretty quickly. The 104 or the 100 will give her more room to grow with the racquet.