The Blade 98 18x20 v8 has an eye-catching design paired with exceptional control properties suitable for competitive intermediate to advanced players.
At 98 square inches, the slightly smaller headsize brings a tighter sweet spot with increased control potential for players able to consistently hit the sweet spot. The dense string pattern enhances string contact with the ball which induces a reduction of the trampoline effect for greater control and string impact from a dynamic swing. The racquet's weight is heavier than average which grants a stable experience for powerful groundstrokes and impactful return of serves while shots outside of the sweet spot benefit from a reduction of unwanted torque and an increase in power generation. The headlight balance of this racquet further enhances a dynamic game's power and touch with faster racquet head speed for improved spin and power generation paired with quick and decisive volleys. The racquet is also quite flexible allowing for a longer dwell-time (the time the ball is in contact with the strings) and therefore an increased feel for the ball.
Wilson has updated the Blade series with some key technologies: FORTYFIVE, first used in the Clash series as FreeFlex, is a material construction process that increases the flexibility and stability of the racquet while DirectConnect fuses the handle directly to the buttcap which further enhances stability.
If you're a competitive player looking for a racquet to bring ultimate control and feel to an all-court game, you should try this racquet.
- Head Size: 98 sq inches / 630 sq cm
- Length: 27 inches / 68.58 cm
- Weight: 10.8 ounces / 305 grams
- Balance: 7 pts HL / 320 mm
- Swingweight: 328
- Beam Width: 20.6mm / 20.6mm / 20.6mm
- Flex: 60
- Tension Range: 50-60 lbs / 23-27 kg
- String Pattern: 18x20
- Style #: WR078811U
- 10/1/2021
- String pattern (18x20) optimizes string durability and generates stiffer response for enhanced touch and precision
- FORTYFIVE increases flexibility and stability to produce a more connected-to-the-ball feel while better complementing the modern, vertical swing path used by most competitive players
- DirectConnect extends the carbon fiber handle to connect directly to the end cap for improved feel and enhanced torsional stability
- Dynamic, color-shifting elastic finish allows frame to morph between shades of green and copper
- Top Grip Taper provides better feel for top-hand grip placement
- Ergonomic End Cap yields improved comfort and playability
- Braided Graphite Basalt composition improves the flex of a racket to produce enhanced feel and control
- Parallel Drilling provides a consistent, more forgiving string bed response
- 98"sq
- 18x20
- 10.8oz
- 305g