If you’re an aggressive player always looking for a racquet that could keep up, you may find one in the Wilson Blade 98 16×19 racquet. Being that it’s one of the top arm-friendly tennis rackets, Wilson Blade 98 provides enough power and support for all the hard-hitting while still being easy on the arm.
No doubt, it’s one of the best models in the Wilson family, featuring thin beam, and all else you’d need in an all-court racquet. For many people the Wilson Blade 98 is a racquet of choice, and all will gladly tell you about its quality and performance it delivers.
It brings great spin, power, and it’s excellent for baseline players. Also, its frame is nice and rounded, giving enough control and precision while hitting from any position, close or far from the net.
The Wilson Blade 98 most often comes unstrung, and it doesn’t feature a cover. However, this can be an advantage for most people as most like to string their racquet themselves.
Overall, its materials, features, specifications and the game it brings to the court all make one great racquet from the Wilson lineup. It’s quite popular, mostly because it’s versatile, and easy on the arm, which are two most important factors to look for in a racquet.
I’ve had a chance to try it for a while. Also, I spoke to people who used and recommend it to understand it the best.
- Slightly more head-light than last version for better control over racket head, FeelFlex features proprietary carbon mapping strategically placed throughout hoop for additional flexibility and better connected-to-the-ball feel
- Clean tri-colored design with lime green, black and silver elastic paint, Top Grip Taper provides better feel for top-hand grip placement
- Reduced spec variance (+/- 5.5 g) for added consistency from frame to frame, 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
- Grip Size: 4-1/8
Continue reading to learn all about this racquet and why it’s one of the best arm-friendly tennis racquets on the market.
Features and specifications:
What provides the ultimate and recognizable Wilson feel is the new, braided Basalt/Graphite layup and Parallel Drilling. You can string it’s Luxilon strings at mid-tension, which will result in a comfortable and plush feel. Its balance is somewhat more cumbersome but still good enough to keep up with even more aggressive pace. It weighs 11.3oz. And most people say how it could be a little more substantial so that it would provide more balance. However, it just takes time to get used to, and once you do, you’ll love it.
Recommended string pattern is, of course, the 16 x 19 pattern, since it provides a good platform for all kinds of performance, especially for the spin. It works best on serves and groundies, but again, you’ll need to find a way to get used to it. Some people who like heavy spin may not like the payoff.
The balance is 1.5 pts. HL with the swing weight of 337 grams. The head size is 98 sq. in. and its overall length is 2 inches, with the beam width of 21.5mm. These dimensions are a classic measurement when it comes to tennis racquets, so it works for most of the people at different skill levels.
This model is an upgraded version, featuring Parallel Drilling that provides forgiving, consistent string bed response. Plus, it increases the sweetspot, too. Braided Graphite and Basalt give enough flex on the racquet with increased ball contact with strings. This provides great control and enhanced feel.
Surely, many players will notice the clear difference between the 18 x 20 string pattern. In this case, you get better spin defense. You get enough power to handle groundstrokes, as well as volleys. However, increased power also brings a slight loss in control, which isn’t a lot to handle, since what you’re getting is so important. All you have to do is give it time and practice until you adjust to the string pattern and its overall weight. Plus, you can always string it any way you like to balance the power to your preference.
The Wilson Blade 98’s weight makes it a little harder to control, too. However, after some added effort, you’ll quickly improve your skills, pop the serves and easily adapt to the newly added power. This racquet is comfortable on the arm and easy to play with. No doubt, it’s one of the best arm-friendly tennis rackets, given all its specifications.
The Wilson Blade 98’s design is sleek, painted silver and black with a white grip. The open string pattern gives access to impressive spin and power, compared to other kinds of string pattern. Overall, Blade 98 is ideal for aggressive players who seek for a lot of power, and spin. Also, it’s the best choice for whoever likes the most control and comfort.
The good:
- Powerful
- Sleek design
- Open 16 x 19 string pattern
- Provides control
- Ideal for aggressive players
The Bad:
- Takes effort to generate heavy spin payoff
Final verdict:
We all know how hard it is to find a good racquet that works well for aggressive players who like to be in control and have enough power. Most of the time, power comes at the price of control, but not in the case of the Wilson Blade 98.
As you can see, the Wilson Blade 98 is made of top quality materials in both frame and string choice, so it’s easy to understand why so many people like it. Its elements help deliver longevity and durability, as well as the overall feel of the racquet.
The Wilson Blade 98’s specifications and features make it one of the most popular racquets from the Wilson family. Understandably, it features just the right weight as well as the overall size that fits most people and their style of play. However, if you’re not as aggressive, you may not like how the racquet feels as you may find it a bit too heavy-duty.
As I said, the Wilson Blade 98 is one of the best arm-friendly tennis rackets, and for a reason. Its weight, balance, and control are the reason for how it feels in the arm. It doesn’t put much pressure on your elbow, wrist, and shoulder, which means you can finally enjoy all the long hour training. Still, it’s worth a shot, so you should give it a try if you’re looking for a tennis racquet that’s reliable, performs well, and is long lasting.
- Slightly more head-light than last version for better control over racket head, FeelFlex features proprietary carbon mapping strategically placed throughout hoop for additional flexibility and better connected-to-the-ball feel
- Clean tri-colored design with lime green, black and silver elastic paint, Top Grip Taper provides better feel for top-hand grip placement
- Reduced spec variance (+/- 5.5 g) for added consistency from frame to frame, 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
- Grip Size: 4-1/8
Additional Reading: