Is the 18x20 BETTER than the 16x19? Wilson Blade 98 v9 18x20 Review | Rackets & Runners
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- čas přidán 23. 02. 2024
- First of all, thank you so much for 10K subscribers!
Rackets & Runners' Luca Berg shares his thoughts on the new Wilson Blade 98 18x20 v9.
Wilson Blade 98 v9 18x20 : racketsandrunners.ca/products...
Rackets & Runners: racketsandrunners.ca/
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#wilsonblade #bladev9 #blade98 #blade9818x20 #wilson #tsitsipas #federer #controlrackets #racketsandrunners #blade #percept #prestige #purestrike - Sport
My favorite racket reviewer! I've been waiting for this video before I lock in my choice. Congrats on 10k!
Thank you very much!
You deserve this 10k subscriber as you reviews are rare pearls in tennis equipments. Thanks to you.
Thank you so much!
Seriously you are a great reviewer. You make videos that answer the exact questions I would normally google. Thank you!
Thank you very much! Glad it helped you out!
10k subs is deserved your racquet reviews are excellent (apart from that video giving the Pure Drive an S tier rating!!)
Thank you very much!
A nice objective review, its really good to see you point out the negatives on certain products to help players figure out whether the frame suits their game style or not.
Thank you!
Nice review as always. From someone who just switched from a speed touch pro 18x20 to an aero 98, I will tell you: don't underestimate how much you lose on power and spin. Totally different rackets, for totally different players.
Love it before watching it. Ur my fav reviewer man. Keep it up Luca
Thank you so much!
I guess Luca has Italian relatives. He is always speaking with his right hand 🙂. Great review Luca . You are always the first guy I look for , when I am trying to get infos about tennis gear. All the best
Best racquet reviewer on CZcams!
Thank you!
Thank you for this review I’ve been waiting for!
I'm excited to try out this racquet. I have a feeling it might be more suited to my game than the v8 16x19
Luca, it's time for some merch to celebrate 10k subs. How about hand-signed Luca Edition Rackets & Runners polos?
Great review as always! Question: How does this racquet compare to the Gravity Pro? Thanks in advance!
Getting back into the game after 35 years. Had to drop out due to the elbow issues when using the '70s rackets of the day. I think my Arther Ashe composite finished my elbow off. I bought the Wilson 100L V9 hope it doesn't send back into retirement.
This reminds me of my 2002 dunlop hotmelt 300g. The only problem with that racquet was stabilization at net. Otherwise, a flick of the wrist and ball hit every corner of the court
i was very happy with my v8 16x19 noir edition and decided to grab this v9 18x20 and boy im happy, love this racket more than my 16x19 and i was really happy with the v8
what is your string setup on the 18x20 blade v9?
what changed for you in the 16x19 to 18x20?
@@skl17 I'm using restring zero at 52lb, but this is something I advised ppl to actually test for themselves
@@murilo3123 the launch angle, I lost a bit of spin and power but I can control the ball and don't put it out or wide more often with the 18x20, also since it's v9 I felt the pocketing a bit better
Is the SW not affect you’re worst after long play?
And how much spin did you lose when moved to the 18x20
Always enjoy your reviews! These reviews tend to make me reevaluate my racket choices, and i thought i finally figured it out!
Any thoughts on Head Speed Pro (2024) 18x20 vs Wilson Blade v9 18x20? Battle of the 18x20s maybe? 😅
**Still would like to see your review on 2024 Speed MP vs 2024 Speed Pro
I'll answer this in the Q&A later this week!
Congrats!!What would be your tips for a beginner reviewer just like me?
Great video Luca. Who's your favourite player ever?
hi
can you tell me for power i should buy babolat pure strike vs or wilson blade 97 or new pure strike.
Congrats on the milestone.. as to what next: speed mp vs percept 100(d) 😬
Thank you! Definitely going to compare the Speed and Percept at some point soon.
You do a great job Ty
Thank you!
what are your favourite strings and what tension do you normally use?
Could you review the new Dunlop cx 200, I would like to get your opinion.
congrats on 10k!! Love your content. I currently use a Percept 100 (great racket), but I am thinking about adventuring into the 98inch frame world.. Would you recommend a blade 98 16x19 as a good first 98 inch racket? Or what would you recommend?
Thank you very much! I think the Blade is the perfect racket to introduce you to 98s as it's slightly more forgiving than the average.
Intermediary player here. My 16x19 heavy spin style gets fully countered by moonballers who raise their rackets up like a flat frying pan to easily return my loopy balls back. Keep doing that until I lose patience, lose breath, or hit a spinny out wide. Full swings in a 16x19 are great if I restrung my racket less than 2 weeks before the match. However realistically speaking I'm restringing only every 6-12 months, which makes my 16x19 strokes unpredictable. I started training with a Yonex VCPro 97d 18x20 which behaves very well even with year-old stringbed but it is just too heavy (365g) , just caused me a back injury. Im looking into this 18x20 blade as a lighter weight alternative since im not buying a string machine, nor defeating moonballers with ineffective baseline topspin shots.
Dude you’re a great reviewer - best on CZcams I believe. My only gripe is you aren’t a fan of the extreme tour 😜
Thank you very much! I need to take it out again - I want to like that racket more than I do.
@@RacketsRunnersVancouver stability is the real issue with this frame - other than that I think it’s phenomenal
Bought the v9 18x20 2 weeks ago. Never did I consider using any other racquet again. Also, it serves like a friggin revolver. I'm able to do a low toss, high coil serve here better than my previous speed and radical pro. 🔥
im new to this raquet..what sting and tension do you use? is it better to string low because its underpowered?
Hi, I do consider to move to the 18x20 but afraid to lose the spin touch since I play with a lot of spin. Is it noticeable on the 18x20 that much?
How does this compare with KBlade Tour (93)?
great strokes btw!
Thank you!
My favourite 18/20 racquet is always gravity pro❤
It feels real nice
I was actually very happy with the Blade V7 18 20. Beefed it up until it had RF97 like specs, which made a true weapon out of it. Sadly my arm wasn't happy. And on the stretch it lacked way too much power, even in the heaviest configuration that I could swing without major issues.
And when I changed my clubembership to a more ambitious one it showed.
So I switched to 16 19, but not with the Blade any more. Much better now. I guess I'm getting too old for 18 20.
My arm issues went away completely when I switched to blade v8, I think it's because of how muted the racquet is
Would be interesting to compare this to the Whiteout 18x20
Are you ever working at the store? Haven’t seen you there before. Congrats on the 10,000 subs 👍
Thank you! I don't work in the store anymore but did full time between 2019 and 2022.
Congrats on the 10k!
My question for the Q&A is, is there any racquet on the market that has a similar feel and playability to the 2010/2011 Wilson BLX Six.One 95 18x20 ? I can’t remember using something else that comfortable but crisp
Thank you! Will answer in the Q&A.
Hello Luca !!! I have a Radical Pro 16x19 strung at 48 pounds with luxilon Alu Power. Thinking about giving the blade 18x20 a try. What do you think? Pros and cons?
Great review! Love the commentary and insight. How about a video on a three way comparison between the Blade, Pure Strike, and Percept? Oh yeah, thanks for keeping the strings straight! lol 🤣
Yes! Definitely want to make that video ASAP.
How would you rank this on the tier list. Is it A tier or S tier? And how would it rank against the 16x19
i want to ask something not relatable to this vid for beginner is it better to use gravity mp or radical mp?
Just the review I needed!
Currently shopping for a new racquet and I have narrowed it down to the VCore 95 and the Blade (16x19 and 18x20). Which racquet would you recommend to which type of player?
If you're a spin player go for the Vcore. If you like a more classic feel or just don't know what you like, then go for the Blade 16x19. If you want the most control possible, go for the 18x20.
Thank you, much appreciated!@@RacketsRunnersVancouver
Been using Blade 18x20 since the K-blade. Just got my v9s and love them but the Isospeed Pro 17 I was using in the v7 is a tad underpowered in the v9. Any recs (nothing too stiff, probably a multi or soft poly). Something with a little more oomf but with an even racquetface without a huge falloff from the sweet spot. Thanks
The K-Blade is in my top 2 Blades ever. I've never played with Isospeed so I really can't say but if you want a Poly with a bit more oomph and feel, I think Alu Power works wonders in a Blade.
The swingweight is in a really good spot for a lot of intermediate to advanced players but the static weight and balance are both not at where some people might like it. So really great point, the racquet is basically BEGGING for a leather grip/silicone in the handle
Exactly.
Hey you guys do alot of nice Videos :) Could you tell how the 98s 18x16 would compare to the 16x19 ? Got the 18x16 v9 as a present and wonder if the 16x19 would be a lot better ? Greetings from Bavaria.
Thank you! The 16x19 will be much more consistent, solid and controlled but it will have way less spin.
Great video Luca. Is there too much difference between the v8?
I like the more solid/crisp feel!
any advise on string pressure? I have flat forehand and slice backhand and love to hit both with pace
Go a little higher in tension. 50+ pounds would be my recommendation.
Can you do a comparison between Speed Pro 2024 and Blade 98 v9?
I'll definitely look into it, yes!
hi luca, sorry to bother you in this video too but I don't know what to play with
between the aero 100, strike 100 16x19 and 16x20, ezone 98 and the perched 100/100D can you do a tier list for power and control? thanks for your time
Ranking them for power : Aero 100, Strike 100 16x20 (only one I've tested), Ezone 98, Percept 100 then Percept 100 D
Ranking for control : Strike 100, Ezone 98, Percept 100D, Percept 100, Aero 100
Hey thanks for the review, isn't 305 hard to play? I'm a flat player and am really looking for 18X20/19x20 racket but I'm just afraid about the weight. I use to play in 16x19 tfight 300. Was wondering between a blade S 295 or blade 305 / tf 40. Thanks a lot!!!
I think you'll be ok! It will take a bit of time to adapt but it's not a drastic change.
Thanks for the great review! But, i’m like USTA 3.5, does these things matter to me?
Btw i feel more comfortable with blade 98 18x20 and have been using it for 3 years.. But maybe i just think that it’s better..
If it works for you then great!
How does it compare to the 18x20 pro v8; my current smacker.
The Blade Pros are very different rackets as they have no modern tech. This will be more muted but more powerful and user-friendly.
i am thinking of getting one, what the's tension you recommend for the strings and what strings, for an intermediate
player
I think a poly anywhere between 47-52 is perfect. It's not very string dependent but for an intermediate I would go for something soft like Poly Tour Pro.
Hey, wanted to get your opinion. Watched a lot of your videos and tried your suggestion of leather grips. Put one on my gravity mp and liked the feel. I’m maybe a bit new to feel the overall difference but did like the feel of the bevels. I’ve ordered the blade 98 (16x19) to make the switch, do you think I should use it as is to get start, or throw a leather grip on right from the start and make that the baseline.
Try it as is first. It’ll be similar in weight to your Gravity with a leather grip and you can always throw one on later.
@@RacketsRunnersVancouver thanks appreciate it 🤙🏻 love the content, keep preaching the leather grips 🤘🏻
Love the reviews Luca! I came here thinking of trying the Blade 18x20 and I kinda left thinking maybe neither blade is for me. How do these frames compare to the Tfight 305ISO and Gravity Pro? I’m more of a traditional player that likes hitting flat with sticks with “heavier” SW, but need something that assists with spin when I need it.
I really believe this is the racquet is inferior to the Yonex VCore 97D after thorough testing with my tennis colleges. Head has the market when it comes to 18x20 sorted and although I like the Blade 16x19 v8 and v9 this model your balls land too short in the video just like we found in our testing. Wilson is still too far from Head when it comes to tuning good 18x20 frames and a weighed up 6.1 like used by Lajovic, Evans, Agut and LeHecka are still better units. I want to see the 6.1 with the Blades non pws and maybe 96 or 97 offerings with 18x19 like TF does so well.
Current v core pro 97 user. Thinking of going for this. What do you think?
I like this Blade more than the last Vcore Pro but I would actually say, give the Percept a shot!
If I am a western grip player, which hits lots of top Spin in my forehead, which rackets should I choose?
I think you'd prefer the 16x19 still.
hi luca, how do you compare blade98 vs speed mp 2024?
Tough to compare but the Speed has much more spin and power and the Blade more control.
What would you say is best for a counter puncher? This or the percept 97d? But alot of tines I'm a grinder and can attack (especially on the serve)
The 97D would be my choice as I find it just a little bit more consistent overall.
@RacketsRunnersVancouver is the feel more consistent too? But I'm sure the wilson has more of a graphite raw feel to it, no?
Blade is so nice to hold and play but is underpowered and produce short forehands. Maybe blade 100 with 22m is an underated racket
And Blade 100 has already a lot of control ! Too for me
I have the 100. The forehand is awesome with it. The problem is its hard to hit backhand drives and passing shots. Its only in ther 16X19
Do any of you have issues with the blade 100 for spin ? I really loved the feel of this one, but i didn't find it spin friendly at all, which make me fear I wouldn't be as competitive with it despite it being super enjoyable to hit with.
Hi, can you tell me what String an tension you used on the 18x20, or should be used ? Thank You
Yes, Alu Power and RPM Rough at 52 pounds (different set ups not a hybrid).
Thank you@@RacketsRunnersVancouver
I know they don't share the same string pattern, but how would you compare the Blade 98 18x20 V9 with the Percept 97? Thanks!
Similar levels of control, better feel and spin on the Percept, more power on the Blade!
The blade 100 please... We need your review on this one
I'll try to get one done.
Which would be better to switch to coming from the pro staff?
I would go for the 16x19.
I want another racket for double play which mean I have half of the time play volley position. There is no CZcamsr talk about best racket for volley. Can you give some recommendations?
I'll answer this in the Q&A!
Congrats on 10k.
Any idea compare this with the shift 18x20?
I have both. Totally different rackets.
@@piner74 Can I ask what is your playstyle? which one do you prefer?
Thank you! This is much more classic in its control and spin. The Shift 18x20 is a pretty crazy racket - way more spin than you would expect for something so dense.
@@RacketsRunnersVancouver thanks, I'm using shift as my first main racket, so I don't know what is the real "classic" feeling 😂
Could you do a review of the blade 100 v9, seems to be lots of info about the 98 but not much info on the 100. Would the 100 be a good intermediate racket? Thanks
Once I'm back healthy then yes, absolutely!
@@RacketsRunnersVancouver wish you a speedy recovery!
Which one is actually better if you want to move from low powered grav mp...percept 97, v9 16x19 or v8 18x20 ????
Definitely the 18x20. The string pattern will still be more important for most playability factors than the slight increase in power from the design differences.
@@RacketsRunnersVancouverthanks for the reply, i really appreciate it.
Luca, gel-res 9, court ff 3 or vapor pro 2? Cheers
Gotta go with the Gel-Res. The most well-rounded by far.
why should i pick blade 98 with sw334 when i can pick a gravity pro with sw330 larger sweetspot,similar spin and more power.
I have them both and Gravity is slower especially on forehand and blade is very whipy
But is underpowered
@@LL-kz1qe no its not slower vs blade with that specs and a thicker beam
@@agradina blade is 98, too much maneuvrable
@@Alberto_YT_ if he had 334 vs 330 how can to be more maneuvrable? this is why sw is calculated.
@@agradinathe smaller head size for one. It will move faster through the air. I love the blade 98 and gravity pro but yea blade is easier to move around even at higher swing weights. 100inch head vs 98 is part of the reason why it feels easier to manoeuvre.
What would you say is the biggest difference between the blade 18x20 and the ultra pro 18x20?
Completely different frames. Ultra Pro is a pure graphite layup with no fancy technologies. Blade is way more muted...
They are very different rackets. The Ultra Pro will be as rudimentary as it gets and the Blade is way more tech forward with a different feel/layup.
Can you recommend Wilson Blade 98 for beginners to intermediate players who are looking to improve more and have a stick that would be durable enough long term? I am torn between getting the Blade 98 V9 or Blade 100L V9. The Blade 98 V8 is also in my options as its price now is so much cheaper than the two.
Ive played with the blade 18x20 for years. I would actually recommend the V8 blade over the V9 for intermediate players. It feels a little easier to swing in my opinion. I have the V9 as well, but keep going back to my V8. To me it just feels better. I would also recommend for someone your level and new to a blade that you start off with a multi string like a Wilson NXT and move to a poly later . The multi will help you with power if you are not used to this type of frame.
@@bsakoff Thank you for your inputs. I am coming from an old Wilson BLX Blade Lite which is only 272g unstrung.
How about the Wilson Clash 100 v2? I am now down with Blade 98 v9 and Clash 100 v2. I don’t know what to choose.
My wife plays with the Clash. I hit it a few times and to be honest not sure how I feel about it. It's extremely arm friendly, and definitely would be an easier frame to use compared to the Blade for a beginner . It really depends on what you are looking for to be honest. You will definitely get more control and feel from the blade, the Clash will give you more pop but less control. My wife loves the Clash though. She was having elbow issues and the Clash helped a lot with that.
@@bsakoff Do you think the V8 control is better? Or is the power of the V8 better?
@@joaohenriquemf Control and feel ar better for me with the V8. Power is very similar.
Interesting. At the tennis shop, in Palo Alto , CA, Blade 98 purchasers have been choosing 18x20 more often than 16x19 for version 7 and version 8. I expect the same will be the case with the new version 9 Blade 98 racquets.
There is a subtle, but noticeable, difference in feel between the two racquets. The consensus reporting back from players that demo both the Blade 98 16x19 and 18x20 is that the 18x20 just seems to plough through the ball better than the 16x19. These players also feel that they are also able to generate plenty of spin with the "denser" 18x20 pattern.
I suspect that the 18x20 is giving players an added bit of confidence to go for their shots; and, this may be a reason that they are getting more ball feel and spin than they might have expected.
Both the 16x19 and 18x20 Blades are fine racquets. Personally, I give a slight nod to the 18x20.
Now, what would players notice as the on court, rather than marketing, difference(s) between Blade 98 v9 racquets and the Blade Pro counterparts?
Very interesting. We still sell many more 16x19s than we do 18x20s.
I'll talk a bit about the Blade Pro vs. v9 in the Q&A.
yooo I see why you cut that point at 2:59 lmao!
Lolol 😅
It's finally time to ditch the shop and do this full-time 😂
I do! I'm also running our pickleball channel 😅
So what was your final take Luca? 16x19 or 18x20? :)
Right now I prefer the 16x19
@@RacketsRunnersVancouver Cheers for getting back as always. Lastly, how would you say it compares to a solinco whiteout?
@@RacketsRunnersVancouver Second ‘lastly’ 🙂, withe the blade, would you go with solinco hyper g, restring zero, head lynx tour or other? And tension? Many thanks 🙏🏾😁.
Took you long enough! 😝
😅
The 18x20 is far superior IMO. It's the most control, feel and stability u can get out of this line. Make sure you buy on spec with a SW around 330. The 16x19 has a wild launch angle and some inconsistency. I prefered the 18x20 way more, even on clay, bc u can just swing out and go for your shots with lots of consistency. The 16x19 doesn't allow me to flatten out high pace shots... u will get lots of flyers and uncontrolled feedback... Blade 98 is a demanding control frame, the 16x19 u sacrifice a lot of control and consistency with the same demanding nature. 16x19 doesn't pay off..
Agreed that the 18x20 is more "Blade" out of the two but I don't think the 16x19 is too, too wild either.
@@RacketsRunnersVancouver Agree, not crazy wild but in comparison to the 18x20 it feels a little wild at times where u make good contact but it launches like crazy.. ,)
What the sort of tension you guys string your blade with? I use Cyclone tour with 50-52 lbs but I feel it's lacking of power. I added a 3g weight to the tip too. Still feel little too under powered. I like to hit hard but I feel like it is muted.
I have an older model fully in black. I hated the neon green, happy with the black version. Now this green... How ugly is this green??? I love my blade but with so many great rackets to pick from, I would not like to have a Shrek racket.
With the pros, 18x20 and 16x20s are more popular than 16x19s actually. If you can rip the ball, 18x20 is actually great and more powerful through the court, as you play with more confidence.
The original base grip weight was 14,9grams. The leather grip that i put there was a Tecnifibre one, and its weight was 19,8g. Adding another 5g to a grip would be a madness tho...