The HEAD Radical MP and the Wilson Blade 98 are two of the most popular control-oriented racquets on the market. Both sit in that sweet spot between traditional control frames and modern power racquets. I’ve tested every generation of both lines, so here’s how they actually compare.
The Specs
Let’s have a look at the current versions of the HEAD Radical and the Wilson Blade. A new Radical was released last year and we are currently reviewing the upcoming Blade 2026 racquets (make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for the upcoming review). The new Blade will be out in April, so stay tuned!
HEAD Radical MP (2025)
Wilson Blade 98 16×19 (V9)
Power and Control
The Radical MP is a control racquet but with more power than a Prestige. You won’t get much free power, especially not on serves. I needed to string mine with something livelier like Toroline O-Toro Spin or Tru Pro Pure Rush to get adequate depth.
The Blade 98 gives you a similar amount of power, perhaps slightly less. It has a slightly more muted, more comfortable feel than the stiffer Radical. The power levels are very similar, though. The Blade usually comes in at a slightly higher swing weight, which can give you sense of better stability and plow-through, while the Radical is more whippy and easier to generate racquet head speed with. For players that like to swing big, I think the Radical might be a better choice, but it is mostly dependant on if you prefer the crisper feel of the Radical or the softer, dampened feel of the Blade.
Feel and Comfort
The Blade 98 is more flexible (62 RA vs 65 RA) and delivers better feel. The V9 has that classic Blade pocketing sensation – not as pronounced as the V7, but still there. It’s a racquet that breathes at contact. The upcoming V10 goes back a bit more to the raw feel you will find in the Blade V4 and V5. Fans of older Blades, should enjoy the upcoming Blade V10 a lot.
The Radical MP with Auxetic 2.0 is comfortable, but it’s a bit more muted compared to older Radicals (still not as muted as the Blade). Some purists miss the feel of the Microgel or IG Radicals. I found the comfort very good, but the Blade wins on pure feel.
Maneuverability
The Radical MP (322-323 swingweight) is faster through the air. At 300g with a neutral 320mm balance, it’s excellent for players with one-handed backhands or medium/short swings.
The Blade is slightly heavier in the hand (327 swingweight on average). You feel more mass behind the ball, which helps with plow-through and stability. It’s not slow, but the Radical is definitely zippier.
Spin Potential
Neither racquet is a spin machine. Both have 16×19 patterns and are geared toward control players who bring their own spin. You can get an 18/20 Blade or Radical if you want pinpoint precision, but these patterns are more demanding to use and will naturally lend itself to a higher swing weight.
For players with flatter games or who use slice, both work brilliantly. The Blade played better for pure slice backhands, while shaping the ball with the one-handed backhand felt more natural with the Radical.
Stability
This surprised me a bit. Despite being lighter, the Radical MP offers better stability than you’d expect for a 300g frame. The slightly thicker midsection (23mm) helps.
But the Blade is more stable overall. The extra 5 grams, higher swingweight, and StableFeel technology in the V9 give it better plow-through. When you’re getting pushed around, the Blade holds up better.
Who Should Play Each Racquet?
Choose the Radical MP if you:
- Want maximum maneuverability and racquet head speed
- Play with a one-handed backhand
- Have medium to short swings
- Prefer a faster, lighter feel
- Are willing to bring your own pace and spin
- Like a slightly more head-light balance
Choose the Blade 98 if you:
- Want better feel and comfort
- Need a bit more power and depth
- Play against harder hitters
- Prefer more plow-through and mass behind the ball
- Value stability over pure speed
- Like that classic flexible frame sensation
String Recommendations
Radical MP: String it low (47-52 lbs) with something that adds life, like Toroline O-Toro or O-Toro Spin. Firm polys like Alu Power can go very low (44-47 lbs). Generally, for most players, we don’t recommend going for a firm poly in these low-powered racquets.
Blade 98: The Blade is more string-friendly. I tested V9 with Alu Power 1.25 at 49 lbs (22 kg), which worked well. You can use a wider range of strings. For more power, try hybrids with a softer cross. I think most club players will enjoy Alu Power Soft more than regular Alu Power. Or perhaps a hybrid with a natural gut for that premium feel.
The Verdict – HEAD Radical MP vs Wilson Blade 98
Both are excellent control racquets, but they have different personalities.
The Radical MP is the faster, lighter option. It’s precise, maneuverable, and rewards clean ball-striking. But it demands more from you, especially on power.
The Blade 98 is the more forgiving choice. Better feel, slightly more power, excellent stability. It’s easier to play with for longer sessions and holds up better under pressure.
Personally? If I were choosing a control racquet today, I’d go with the HEAD Radical MP, as it feels slightly whippier and easier on the one-hander. The new Blade V10 might, however, make this decision more difficult.
But the Radical MP is a great racquet. For players who want that zippy, head-light feel and absolute precision, it’s hard to beat. You can do everything with it, but you need to bring your own game.
Both racquets work brilliantly as platforms for customization. Add a bit of lead, change the balance, find the right string – either can be dialed in to perfection.
Can’t go wrong with either. Demo both and see which one feels like home.
More comparisons:
Check our video review of the HEAD Radical frame: