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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.
The Wilson Blade Tennis Racquet is Available in Several Versions
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.
- Wilson Blade 98 16×19 v7
- Wilson Blade 98 18×20 v7
- Wilson Blade 104 v7
- Wilson Blade 100L v7
- Wilson Blade SW102 Autograph
We’ll review each version of the Blade in more detail below.
Wilson Blade 98 Review
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.
Wilson Blade 98 Racquet Specifications
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.
Pros & Cons of the Wilson Blade
For a quick preview of the Wilson Blade, see our pros and cons below.
Pros
- Great intermediate to advanced level racquet
- Excellent combination of feel & control
- Easy spin in the 16×19 version
- Very comfortable on contact
- Easy to swing
- Versions for most skill levels
- Flexible frame can help with tennis elbow
Cons
- Not great for players who need help with power
The Blade 98 Racquet has Excellent Comfort, 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.
Wilson Blade 104 Review
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.
Wilson Blade 104 Racquet Specifications
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.
The Blade 104 is the Power Racquet in the Blade Series
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.
Reviewing Other Versions of the Wilson Blade
The other two versions of the Wilson Blade that we will review here are the 100L and the SW102.
The Wilson Blade 100L is a Great Beginner to Intermediate Racquet
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.
Serena Williams’ Wilson Blade SW102
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.
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.
The Best Alternatives to the Wilson Blade
Below are 3 other tennis racquets similar to the Wilson Blade that you may want to consider.
- Babolat Pure Strike – A stiffer racquet with better power but less comfort on contact.
- Head Radical – A very similar racquet with slightly more power and stability, but provides less precise shot making.
- Head Prestige – An even more advanced, control-oriented racquet with versions similar to the Wilson Blade.
My Experience Playing with the Wilson Blade
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. Its comfort level, control, and feel make it one of the most popular and best tennis racquets in the world.
Wilson Blade Video Review
In the video below, I review 5 versions of the Wilson Blade.
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