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Wilson Blade tennis racquets are one of the most popular models in the world.
Used by Serena Williams and many other top pros, Wilson makes Blade racquets player friendly with different versions for all skill levels. The Blade racquet is known for its excellent combination of comfort and control on the tennis court.
Below you will learn all about the Wilson Blade, including the different versions available. We will review each version and help you decide if the Blade is the right racquet for you.
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In the video below, I review 5 versions of the Wilson Blade.
The first thing you should understand about the Wilson Blade is that it comes in several different versions.
Each version varies in length, weight, head size, and string pattern. Below is a list of the different Wilson Blade racquets available.
We’ll review each version of the Blade in more detail below.
We’ll start with the most popular version of the Wilson Blade. The Blade 98 comes in two versions, one with a 16×19 string pattern, and another at 18×20.
The most popular version is the Blade 98 16×19 v7. Here are the specifications for that racquet.
Weight: 11.4 oz. strung
Head Size: 98 square inches
Length: 27 inches
Balance: 330 mm
String Pattern: 16×19
This racquet has a relatively thin, yet flexible frame for a modern tennis racquet. The weight allows you to generate enough power while the head size and frame are designed for control and feel.
When making contact with the ball, the Wilson Blade might be the most comfortable advanced tennis racquet on the market. The frame design and flexibility give it a solid, stable feel without much feedback.
The Blade 98 16×19 version can help you generate excellent spin as well.
For even more control, consider the Blade 98 18×20 version. You will find it more difficult to hit with spin and power, but slightly easier to control and feel the tennis ball.
For a racquet with added power and spin, the Wilson Blade 104 is one of the best choices in tennis. It still offers excellent comfort and control for a racquet of this size.
Here are the racquet specifications for the Wilson Blade 104 v7.
Weight: 10.8 oz. strung
Head Size: 104 square inches
Length: 27.5 inches
Balance: 330 mm
String Pattern: 16×19
This is a great tennis racquet for intermediate players. The 104 head size gives it a big sweet spot, and the midplus length (27.5 inches) adds to the power of this racquet.
Because of the open string pattern, you’ll be able to hit with excellent spin as well. Beginners or intermediate players learning topspin will find the Blade 104 easy to use.
This racquet’s size automatically places it in the category of power racquets.
However, there is probably no racquet on the market that is this size and has a comfort level like the Blade 104.
Most skill levels can play with the Blade 104. Players who play from the baseline will be able to create a combination of power and spin that few racquets offer. This combination makes it great for both serving and groundstrokes.
The Wilson Ultra tennis racquet and the Babolat Pure Aero offer more spin and power, but not with this level of comfort.
When you make contact with the ball, the Blade racquet absorbs the impact better than most racquets, making it very arm-friendly.
The other two versions of the Wilson Blade that we will review here are the 100L and the SW102.
This is the low-level intermediate racquet in the Wilson Blade series. Here are the racquet specifications for the Wilson Blade 100L.
Weight: 10.6 oz. strung
Head Size: 100 square inches
Length: 27 inches
Balance: 340 mm
String Pattern: 16×19
The specs of the Wilson Blade 100L make it great for serious beginner to intermediate players seeking a comfortable, easy-to-swing tennis racquet.
Because of the lightweight nature of this racquet, you will sacrifice some stability. This will be noticed at higher levels of tennis when the ball is moving faster.
This SW102 version has some unique characteristics that make it different from most advanced racquets you’ll find on tour.
Weight: 11.4 oz. strung
Head Size: 102 square inches
Length: 28 inches
Balance: 335 mm
String Pattern: 18×19
The Blade SW102 has added length and head size for a bigger sweet spot and more power. With this racquet, you will find it easy to generate depth and control on your groundstrokes.
Serena Williams plays with the Wilson Blade SW102
(Source: @serenawilliams on Instagram)
The Wilson Blade SW102 is a great racquet for singles players who like to control the opponent from the baseline. This racquet can add power to your serves as well.
However, I don’t recommend this racquet for doubles players who like to move forward to the net. The size of the racquet makes it a bit more difficult to maneuver at the net.
After testing and reviewing the Wilson Blade, it was one of my favorite racquets to hit with when on groundstrokes from the baseline.
The technology Wilson has put into the frame of the Blade is very obvious when you make contact with the ball. Sometimes you barely feel the ball bouncing off the strings.
The racquet was easy to swing and control. I do prefer a racquet with a bit more mobility for returns and volleys since I do like to step forward into the court. I play mostly doubles, and a faster paced level of tennis than many people though.
For most players, however, the Blade is a great choice for both singles and doubles. It’s comfort level, control, and feel make it one of the most popular and best tennis racquets in the world.
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Will Boucek is the Founder & CEO of The Tennis Tribe. He has played tennis for over two decades, including in college. Will has worked with ATP & WTA tour players and coaches. He currently lives in Austin TX where he plays USTA leagues & tournaments, writes about tennis, and teaches doubles workshops.
