With the 2021 Blade 104 v8 Wilson adds another chapter to the most powerful and forgiving Blade. Like previous generations, this powerful Blade doesn't come with any deal-breaking tradeoffs in the control department. With its 104 square inch head, the Blade 104 not only gives you the benefit of a more forgiving and stable hitting area, it also comes with an extended 27.5" length, making it dangerous on serves. For 2021 Wilson keeps the revolutionary layup technology that was originally used in the Blade v7 under the name FeelFlex. It's now called FortyFiveand, in addition to increasing stability, it helps the racquet bend in ways that compliment the modern game. For this update, Wilson also introduces Direct Connect Technology which fuses the butt cap directly to the carbon fiber portion of the handle for added stability. Additional updates include Wilson's new Chameleon Paint which activates subtle color changes under different viewing angles and light conditions. Ultimately, this racquet delivers the advantages of a forgiving head size while also proving enough control for more experienced players. It's also surprisingly fast for an extended length racquet, which is a nice bonus.
Previous Feedback
Comments: I have now played extensively with both the v7 and the v8 and can offer a fair comparison. However, you should take into account that I have added lead tape to 3, 6, 5, 7 and just above the handle. I have turned a 10.2 oz unstrung racquet into a nearly 12.0 oz with my modifications. Is the v8 an improvement over the v7? Yes, but not radically so. Both racquets play about the same in terms of spin, power, control, and feel. The biggest improvement is stability. The v8 is noticeably more stable than the v7. With the added lead tape, I was able to increase the v7's stability from a liability to an asset. Without the lead tape, I thought the v7 was one of the least stable frames I had ever played with. It was horrible for volleying. With the lead tape, this problem was solved. The v8 vibrates less, is more forgiving on off-center hits and is softer on the arm. The racquet just feels more solid when hitting the ball. The remaining characteristics of the v8 are very similar to the v7. The open string pattern does create more spin and power, but also a "trampoline" effect in that the ball has a tendency to sail on you. Overall, with the aforementioned modifications, the v8 is a very solid racquet and one that would definitely appeal to certain types of players.
From: Jeff, Belvidere, IL, 1/18/22
Comments: So, I was looking for a new racquet after a shoulder injury. I was playing with the Head Gravity Pro customized with an extra 0.5 inches to the handle. Well, I ended up with a severe shoulder impingement and my doctor (who also plays tennis and specialized in sports medicine) told me to consider a lighter frame. I bought the Blade 104 on a whim and I am glad I did. I am getting more spin and more sting on my shots. I still have the same ability to end points with a winner or produce angles as I did with my Gravity, but find this racquet to be much more arm friendly. I am a strong 4.0 player stringing this racquet with Luxilon Natural Gut in the crosses and Luxilon 4G in the mains at 62 lbs.
From: Anonymous, 10/21/21