Wilson Blade 98 (18x20) CV - Review
Summary
The Blade series is all about control and feel and the latest version lives up to the reputation with an easy access to generate spin with the dense 18x20 string pattern this racquet can be termed as one of the most complete racquet in the Wilson’s line of racquets.
The Blade 98 weighs at 304gms with a swing weight of 328 and stiffness of 65. The Blade 18x20 is a complete racquet which should suit both intermediate and professional players giving the liberty to swing freely and experience good control.
Likes
- Great Control
- Exceptional balance
- Good access to spin
- Excellent swing weight
Dislikes
- Nothing much to dislike in a complete racquet
Bottom Line
Excellent racquet with great balance and control. A complete racquet for a modern day player. Can build your game plan around the racquets stability. All in all a complete racquet offering maximum support to the player to build an aggressive approach.
| Score | 8.5 |
|---|---|
| Groundstrokes | 8 |
| Volleys | 9 |
| Serves | 7.5 |
| Returns | 8.5 |
| Power | 8 |
| Control | 9 |
| Maneuverability | 8.5 |
| Stability | 9.5 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Topspin | 8 |
| Slice | 8.5 |
Groundstrokes - Score : 8
The Blade Countervail does an awesome job at the baseline, it’s a racquet for the modern day player who likes to take big swings at the ball, one has to make a mention of the impactful swingweight that Blade offers. The control you get on ground strokes is excellent and the accuracy is equally good. The balanced nature of the racquet is the key when translating your swings into strokes, the maneuverability is simply outstanding and it comes as a big plus with this racquet. Targeting and executing a passing shot is no big deal with the blade. All in all our Tennis Expert enjoyed the balance and precision that the Blade Countervail has to offer. The dense 18x20 pattern provides excellent control and also gives excellent access to spin so its an ideal tool for players who like to hit a heavy ball and who like to take big cuts at the ball.
Our Tennis Expert gave a tremendous feedback about the control, maneuverability and spin potential that the Blade Countervail 18x20 offered.
Volleys - Score : 9
We found the Blade countervail to be really effective with volleys. Our Tennis Expert found the Blade to be crisp, soaking up the impact from some powerful hitting from the baseline. The good weight distribution and balanced nature of the blade makes it a pleasant experience when at the net, we found no trouble with timing the ball, the throw and response from the racquet was significantly crisp. No wonder it is has been a racquet of choice for some good volleyers from the next gen like Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Serves - Score : 7.5
Our Tennis Expert found no issues while serving with the Blade 98 18x20 be it the hard first serves or the slice/kick serves. Serves are all about precision and accuracy and the Blade does an excellent job at executing that. The balanced nature of the racquet and the steady beam helps you go big and steady with your serves.
Returns - Score : 8.5
The Blade 98 18x20 Countervail is all about good feel and a stability which is why it is awesome at returning big serves and at attacking an average second serve. Our Tennis Expert were all praises with the Blades tackles serves, be it gentle dabs or low slice returns at the opponents feet when at net or an aggressive swing on weak serves.