Wilson Blade 98 V10 100 racket review
Wilson gifted this product in exchange for my honest review. This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links .
The Wilson Blade V10 brings a fresh update to one of the most iconic rackets on tour — but does it still deliver the control players love, or has it moved towards modern power?
Without doubt the Wilson Blade is one of the most recognisable tennis rackets on the ATP and WTA tours and has been since its introduction in 2007. The deep green is instantly recognizable and Aryna Sabalenka, the women’s world number one has wielded the racket throughout her career as have many others top players. The V10 comes in a new colour‘championship green.’
Wilson Blade 98 V10 Review – Snap shot.
- ✅ Control: the strong point of V10
- ✅ Power: Improved vs V9
- ✅ Spin: Moderate 16×19 string pattern.
- ✅ Comfort: Very high
- ❌ Forgiveness: Lower than previous models
- 🎯 Best for: Intermediate–Advanced players
New Wilson Blade 98 V10- Specifications.
The Blade 98 v10 is a completely new mould and the V10 specs differ slightly from its predecessors. Traditionally the Blade is categorised as a control racket and with its constant 21mm beam this stands to reason. However the V10 features a variable beam between 20.5 in the throat and 21.5mm in the head. Wilson calls this turbo taper and it is said to aid with the aggression potential. In simple terms, this translates to increased power on every shot.
Wilson maintains the head size at 98 sq inch with 16×19 string pattern, the weight is 305 unstrung and the swing weight is 321, with a stiffness rating of 58 RA. The racket also has parallel drilling But with recent racket technology moving to more easy power and spin frames, what have Wilson done to this latest Blade? Have they moved to a more powerful frame too?
Wilson Blade, A Control Racket?
The narrow beam of the racket is the big giveaway as to how this Wilson Blade plays. It’s very much a precision-focused racket that is designed to help those with big swings keep precisely hitting the ball. If you have a shorter swing and have difficulty generating your own pace on the ball then you might be best looking at a more powerful racket than this.
The head size is 98 sq inch and it features quite a small sweet spot. If you like to have a bit more freedom with the sweet spot then a larger model might be best for you. It should be mentioned at this stage that this racket is an intermediate to advanced racket for players with fully formed swings and solid technique. If you are beginning your tennis journey there are other more easily used tennis rackets.
New technology in Wilson Blade V10
With the V10, Wilson has added StableFeel+ technology to further enhance the stability upon impact and minimize frame torsion on off-center hits. With a racket such as the V10 and its relatively small sweet spot this could be a welcome addition. Click and Go grommets are now standard on the V10 also.
Wilson maintains the tightest ever spec tolerances between multiple frames has been tightened up. If you want to match up rackets then this should make it much easier to do so. The Wilson’s FORTYFIVE layup construction is also in this racket. The carbon fibers are created at a 45-degree angle to optimize the bending of the racket upon impact. Wilson also fuses the end cap to the handle to further enhance the feel of the Blade.
Play testing the Wilson Blade 98 V10
I strung the Wilson Blade V10 at 50lbs with Luxilon Alu Power 1.25 mm original
It always takes me time to get dialled into a racket, I found the V9 very usable, it was sympathetic to my off centre hits. My first reaction to the V10 is that it is not as kind to my inaccuracy as the V9. The sweet spot may be just that little bit smaller than the previous variations of this racket. It’s subtle, but the V10 feels less forgiving on slight mishits. Having said that, similar to the Pro Staff, when I make a clean connection the racket is really rewarding.
I can punch the ball through the court with the Blade V10. I get the feeling of power with this racket, I can say with certainty that the racket is more powerful than the predecessor. I seem to get more from my swing with the V10 as the power isn’t absorbed. Of course the Blade is still a control orientated racket but it is more balanced between offering power and precision. I guess this is down to the thicker beam and the rigidity of the frame.
Spin potential.
The Wilson Shift is known as the racket dedicated to spin in the Wilson range. Its open string pattern and bending really amplifies the spin on my shots. The Blade V10 is hard to pigeonhole. The launch angle of the Blade 98 V10 is lower, despite a fairly open string pattern in 16×19. The Shift exaggerates any spin put on the ball, the Blade is less of a help in this regard. When I brush up the back of the ball I feel the bite off the racket and ofcourse spin. I feel I am working harder to make the Blade give me the spin.
My double handed backhand is without doubt my weaker wing.The Blade seems to accentuate my backhand for reasons unknown. Perhaps it’s the new mould , how it moves through the air and my own technique. I really found that my backhand penetrated the court and held up much more solidly in rallies. I can create a heavy ball with the backhand that goes where I put it. The accuracy of this racket reminds me just how much a precise instrument it is. It certainly requires effort and good technique to get the most out of the Blade 98 V10.
Who is the Blade 98 V10 for?
Perfect for
- Intermediate/advanced players
- Full swings
- Baseliners who value precision
❌ Not so good for
- Beginning players
- Abbreviated swings
- Players needing easy depth
Users of previous versions of the Blade will certainly want to try this racket. The Blade is a control racket but there is more access to power with the V10 which is welcome. Is the Wilson Blade 98 V10 good for intermediate players? Intermediate to advanced players will be drawn to the additional power. Wilson retains the classic feel of the Blade range but adds that little power.
The feel from the racket makes it a good choice for players with arm issues. It is comfortable, flexible and arm friendly. If precision and feel are great for putting the ball where you want it to go. The addition of the turbo taper makes the racket that bit more versatile. The racket will not suit everyone but those who like the blend of control with a little power should definitely demo it.
Wilson Blade V10 Range
There are many models within the Blade V10 range which are designed for different players . There are no fewer than 8 different models which will have the same Wilson Blade characteristics but have larger head sizes or weights depending on the player.
The full Wilson Blade V10 Range is as follows.
| Wilson Blade V10 98 (16×19 and 18×20), |
| Wilson Blade V10 98S, |
| Wilson Blade V10 Pro, |
| Wilson Blade V10 100 (L), |
| Wilson Blade V10 104, |
| Wilson Blade V10 101L, |
| Wilson Blade V10 25 and 26 inch. |
Wilson Ultra V5 vs Wilson Blade V10
As you will probably agree, the latest Wilson Blade and Ultra look absolutely great . Choosing between the two is much more than choosing your favourite colour. They are completely different beasts and will suit different players.
The Ultra is a lovely frame and it gives lovely extra pop. It’s a stiff frame for sure and maximises swing speed. The Blade on the other hand is a more difficult beast to get the most out of. Its smaller sweet spot and softer feel make it a racket really for intermediate to advanced players. The V10 has the addition of turbo taper which definitely gives more power but not in the same league as other ‘power’ frames.
Final Thoughts
Will the championship green colour scheme and a move towards more power be enough to convince you to try the Wilson Blade 98 V10? The Blade V10 remains true to its roots while evolving just enough to stay relevant in the modern game. It won’t suit everyone, but for players who value precision with a touch more power, it’s a compelling option in the control racket category.