Wilson

Blade 98 16×19 V9 review

The benchmark player's control frame. Plush, precise and genuinely arm-friendly.

Racquet product shot
Highly recommended
Head 98 18×20 V9: 98
Weight 305g 18×20 V9: 305g
Pattern 16×19 18×20 V9: 18×20
Stiffness 62 RA 18×20 V9: 62 RA
Swingwt 326 18×20 V9: 330
Balance HL 18×20 V9: HL
Full specsBlade 98 16×19 V9 · Blade 98 18×20 V9 · Blade 100 V9
Blade 98 16×19 V9Blade 98 18×20 V9Blade 100 V9
Head size98 sq in98 sq in100 sq in
Weight (unstrung)305 g305 g300 g
Weight (strung)330 g330 g325 g
Swingweight326330315
Stiffness62 RA62 RA62 RA
String pattern16×1918×2016×20
BalanceHead LightHead LightHead Light
Fit check

Is it for you?

Level (NTRP)
Swing
Arm
Your match Strong fit
Strong fit. Bring the pace and the Blade gives you control, feel and comfort back.

    Performance

    Blade 98 16×19 V9 Blade 98 18×20 V9

    Playtest

    Bring the pace, get control.
    Full notes

    The flexible box beam pockets the ball and you feel exactly where it's going. No springy launch: a full swing produces a heavy, penetrating ball, and the 16×19 shapes topspin to bring it down.

    + Pros

    • Exceptional control and precision
    • Plush feel, superb touch and slice
    • Very flexible and arm-friendly
    • Excellent on serve and at net

    − Cons

    • Low free power
    • Needs a full, fast swing
    • Muted feel is polarising
    • Goes flat when poly dies

    String for

    50–53 lbs 22.5–24 kg Soft poly, full bed, 1.25mm Pick: Solinco Tour Bite Soft

    Recommended strings

    1. 1
      Luxilon ALU Power Control poly Adds backbone without killing the Blade's warmth.
      50–54 lbs 22.5–24.5 kg · 1.25mm
    2. 2
      Solinco Tour Bite Soft Spin control poly Aggressive spin that keeps the Blade's touch.
      48–52 lbs 21.8–23.5 kg · 1.25mm
    3. 3
      Wilson Natural Gut Gut mains · ALU Power crosses The best feel the Blade can deliver.
      53–56 lbs 24–25.5 kg · 1.25mm

    Who plays it

    Tour frames customised
    • Aryna SabalenkaFlat Hitter
      WTA #2 · Luxilon Alu Power mains, Luxilon Ace crosses
    • Learner TienAggressive Baseline
      ATP #13 · Luxilon ALU Power · 21.8 kg
    • Victoria MbokoAggressive Baseline
      WTA #15 · Luxilon Original mains + natural gut crosses

    Also on tour Ugo Humbert, Hailey Baptiste, Hubert Hurkacz, Quentin Halys, Janice Tjen, Katie Boulter, Zhang Shuai, Paula Badosa, Katie Volynets, McCartney Kessler, Aleksandar Kovacevic, Solana Sierra, Alex Molcan, Darja Semenistaja, Francesca Jones, Linda Fruhvirtova, Oksana Selekhmeteva, Veronika Kudermetova

    Verdict: 8.7

    The benchmark player's control frame: plush, precise and arm-friendly, with the V9's StableFeel adding the stability the V8 lacked. More precision: Blade 98 18×20 V9. More forgiving: Blade 100 V9.

    Related racquets

    FAQ

    Is the Wilson Blade 98 good for beginners?

    Not really. It is a control frame for 4.0–5.0 players who supply their own pace. Improvers should start on the Blade 100 V9.

    Blade 98 16x19 vs 18x20: which should I buy?

    The 16×19 for a versatile, spin-friendly Blade; it is the default. The 18×20 for flatter precision hitters who want a denser bed and pinpoint targeting.

    Is the Wilson Blade 98 good for tennis elbow?

    It is one of the softest control frames available and a common step-down from stiffer racquets. Pair it with a soft poly or gut hybrid in the high 40s to low 50s lbs.

    What string and tension is best for the Wilson Blade 98?

    Tour Bite Soft at 48–52 lbs, or ALU Power at 50–54 lbs for advanced players. A gut / ALU hybrid gives the best feel.

    What pros use the Wilson Blade?

    It is one of the most widely used, and most disguised, frames on both tours. Serena Williams is its most iconic ambassador.

    Is the Blade 98 a control or power racquet?

    Control. It amplifies what you put in rather than handing you power.