Wilson Blade 98 16x19 v7 - Review
Summary
The Blade V7 is the latest entry in the Blade family. The V7 has pretty much the same specs as its predecessor with a 16x19 string pattern and weight of 305gms which is 1gm more than the previous version. The latest version still has the classic feel that you expect from in this range of Wilson racquets, interestingly the V7 feels much more softer and much more flexible in comparison with the inclusion of flex technology to this version. The swing weight is at 328 lesser than than the 18 x20 version of the same racquet.
Likes
- Great Control
- Exceptional balance
- Highly menuaverable
- Excellent swing weight
- Softer feel
- Good response to flat and spin shots
Dislikes
- Nothing much to dislike in a complete racquet this one
Bottom Line
We have to agree that this is probably the softest racquet in the market loaded with good feel and stability designed especially for those who are looking for an arm friendly racquet without having to compromise on power, stability and maneuverability. A complete racquet for a modern day player(both professional and intermediate level and for the all-round players), helping in building his/her game plan around the racquets stability. All in all it is a complete racquet with control,stability, feel and power.
| Overall Score | 9.5 |
|---|---|
| Groundstrokes | 9.2 |
| Volleys | 9.5 |
| Serves | 9.2 |
| Returns | 9.5 |
| Power | 8.2 |
| Control | 9 |
| Maneuverability | 9.2 |
| Stability | 9.1 |
| Comfort | 9.5 |
| Topspin | 9 |
| Slice | 9.2 |
| Touch/Feel | 9.2 |
Groundstrokes - Score : 9.2
The blade is all about great balance and feel and that is exactly how the new blade is but you will notice that the V7 is extremely soft and very very arm friendly and as soon as you strike the ball you will notice how well the racquet has soaked up the pressure thanks to the flex technology induced as in Wilson Clash. For all those looking for a flexible and arm friendly racquet this will remain a highly recommended racquet.
On groundstrokes the V7 is very solid and allows you to complete your swings the way you like it, it’s a very help yourself kind of a racquet allowing you to swing freely and complete your strokes. The 16x19 string pattern gives you some extra access to spin and power in comparison to the 18 x20 pattern. The balance of the racquet is more towards the handle which helps in moving the racquet bit more quickly.
Be it backhand or forehand or a slice you will really enjoy the plush feel you get out of the racquet. Flat shots give you a sweet sound of ball strike so it basically suits all games styles our experts have really liked the Blade V7 from back of the court and highlighted the crisp nature(unlike the previous version which was much more muted) of the racquet with great feel, good precision and a soft and flexible feel.
Volleys - Score : 9.5
The V7 does an exceptional job at the net like its predecessor the racquet is solid and feels effortless in maneuvering the ball at the net and it gives you a nice lively contact. You can hear a nice crisp sound as you strike the ball when you go for a flat finish to close out a point and you can also excel in keeping the ball low while playing delicate soft drop shot no wonder players like Raonich, Stefanos Tsitsipas and also Halep have migrated to the new Blade V7.
Serves - Score : 9.2
One must say that the on first serves especially the Blade V7 scores more than its predecessor our experts could feel the crispness and accuracy while striking a flat first serve. The balanced nature of the racquet gives you the liberty to go for angles and very your pace with the same action deceiving your opponent for pace. On second serve did not notice a huge difference from the previous version but due to the slight head light feel it allows you to swing effortlessly on the slice and kick serves.
Returns - Score : 9.5
Thanks to the good stability and the soft feel in V7 returns seem to be absolutely manageable as said earlier in the groundstroke’s review that when you strike the sweet spot section of the racquet the ball travels faster and the sound of ball strike gives you great confidence moving into the point. The highly maneuverable nature of the racquet gives you the liberty to swing hard or take pace off the ball effortlessly, you can succeed in attacking the second serves or choose to slice the return and keep it low on backhands.