Wilson Blade 98L, the lighter variant of the Blade 98 series, offers the same accuracy, control, and feel as its heavier predecessors in a more manageable compact. The Blade 98L, at 285 grammes (unstrung), is ideal for intermediate players or those upgrading to a more advanced frame who require an easy-to-swing racquet. Its reduced weight preserves all of the Blade 98 series’ performance advantages, making it perfect for players who value control, accuracy, and feel without the extra effort of a heavier racquet.
This Wilson Blade 98L Review will cover the Wilson Blade 98L’s essential features, oncourt performance, advantages and downsides, and comparison with comparable racquets to help you decide whether it’s perfect for you.
Wilson Blade 98L Review – Key Features
- Wilson Blade 98 V6 Adult Performance Tennis Racket - Grip Size 3 - 4 3/8"
- Open string pattern adds flexibility and provides better feel for ball
- Braided Graphite + Basalt composition improves the flex of a racket to produce enhanced feel and...
- X2 Ergo compatible handle creates optimal personalized feel for modern 2-handed backhand
- Parallel Drilling provides a consistent, more forgiving string bed response
Last update on 2024-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Wilson Blade 98L’s technology and design aspects support the Blade series’ emphasis on control and feel while making it lighter and more accessible to more players.
Lighter Frame
The Blade 98L is much lighter than the Blade 98 (305 grammes) at 285 grammes (unstrung). A lighter racquet is easier to manage throughout extended matches or for players developing strength and skill. Speedier swing rates help produce spin and respond swiftly during volleys and defence strokes due to the lower weight.
98SquareInch Head Size
The Blade 98L’s 98squareinch head balances control and forgiveness like the rest of the Blade line. The smaller head size allows players accuracy to position shots and a good sweet spot for consistency.
16×19 String Pattern
The Blade 98L’s 16×19 string pattern is more open than other Blade models’ 18×20. Topspin and slice are simpler with this pattern’s stronger spin potential and livelier responsiveness. The open pattern gives players greater leniency on offcenter smashes.
FeelFlex Technology
Wilson’s Blade 98L’s frame uses FeelFlex technology from its more modern Blade racquets. Strategic carbon mapping improves racquet flexibility and impact feel. FeelFlex improves groundstrokes, volleys, and serves by connecting the racquet to the ball.
Basalt-Braided Graphite Composite
The Blade 98L’s braided graphite and basalt fibre frame is a Blade series hallmark. This material combination stabilises and reduces vibrations, making impact smooth and pleasant. Despite being lighter, the racquet stays steady throughout hardhitting rallies.
Head-light balance
The Blade 98L’s headlamp balancing puts weight on the handle. The racquet is simpler to swing at the net and during quick rallies due to its balance. Control without losing groundstroke stability is improved by the headlamp shape.
Wilson Blade 98L Racquet Court performance
The Wilson Blade 98L excels in control and maneuverability on the court.
Groundstrokes
Like its bigger brothers, the Blade 98L has good groundstroke control and accuracy. It’s simpler to produce topspin and hit deep shots from the baseline with less weight and faster strokes. While it lacks the plowthrough of heavier Blade 98 versions, FeelFlex technology improves ball pocketing and connection. Players may still influence points with depth and precision, although experienced players may miss the added weight in heavyhitting exchanges.
Spin and Slice
The Blade 98L spins better than the 18×20 Blades due to its 16×19 string layout. Topspin and slice are easy to create, enabling slanted strokes and defensive slices to keep opponents off balance simpler. Open string patterns increase ball bite, which is very useful for powerful topspin hitters.
Volleys and Net Play
Headlight balance and rapid manoeuvrability make the Blade 98L stand out at the net. Its reduced weight makes it easier to respond to fast-paced volleys and control touch strokes. FeelFlex technology gives touch volley players superb input, allowing them to strike delicate shots without losing control. Net players will like how responsive the racquet is amid fast exchanges.
Serves
Blade 98L serves with control and spin. It compensates for its lower power with precision and placement. Slice and kick serves produce spin readily, making ball placement simpler. The racquet’s reduced weight promotes higher swing rates, which helps boost serve spin. Players that use flat, forceful serves may miss the Blade 98’s added weight.
Wilson Blade 98L Pros and Cons
Pros
Lightweight and Manoeuvrable: At 285 grammes, the Blade 98L is simpler to swing, making it ideal for players who wish to maintain control.
SpinFriendly String design: The 16×19 string design maximises spin potential and easy topspin and slicing.
FeelFlex Technology: Improves flexibility and ball feel, helping players retain control throughout long rallies.
Comfortable Design: Braided graphite and basalt decrease vibrations, making impact smooth.
Cons
Limited Power: The racquet is lightweight and manoeuvrable, however certain players may want more power.
Advanced players may find the lightweight frame unsteady in heavyhitting rallies, especially against fast-hitting opponents.
Heavy-framed players may miss the weight and plowthrough of heavier racquets.
Wilson Blade 98L Comparison to Similar Racquets
Many lightweight, control-oriented racquets compete with the Wilson Blade 98L. It compares:
Babolat Pure Strike Team
Babolat Pure Strike Team is comparable to Blade 98L in weight and control but has higher power and stiffer feel. Both racquets are built for control, but the Pure Strike Team has a harder impact reaction, making it an excellent option for aggressive baseline players.
Head Graphene 360+ Speed S
Another lightweight racquet with exceptional spin and control is the Head Graphene 360+ Speed S. It has somewhat more power than the Blade 98L and is more stable in quick rallies. FeelFlex technology makes the Blade 98L softer and more flexible, making it a superior choice for comfort-focused players.
Yonex Ezone100L
Due to its bigger head and open string design, the Yonex Ezone 100L is somewhat stronger than the Blade 98L. For shot placement and precision players, the Blade 98L has more control and feel than the Ezone 100L, which has more forgiveness and power.
Wilson Blade 98L Racquet Review – FAQs
Who should use the Wilson Blade 98L?
Intermediate players or those switching to control-oriented racquets should choose the Wilson Blade 98L. Players who value control and accuracy yet require an easy-to-swing racquet will love it. Juniors graduating to adultsized racquets or players who want a lighter racquet for extended matches would love its decreased weight. This is also good for allcourt players who prefer to play baseline and react quickly at the net.
How is the Blade 98L different from the Blade 98?
The 285-gram Blade 98L weighs less than the 305-gram Blade 98. The Blade 98L is simpler to handle and less arm-intensive. Both racquets have superb control and feel, but the Blade 98L is for players who seek the Blade 98’s accuracy in a lighter, more controllable frame. Due to its 16×19 string arrangement, the Blade 98L has higher spin potential than certain Blade models with 18×20 strings.
Is the Wilson Blade 98L beginner-friendly?
The Blade 98L is more approachable than the heavier Blade models, but it’s still for intermediate players with some control and skill. The racquet’s smaller head and control-oriented design may make offcenter shots harder for beginners. Determined novices who want to build a control-focused game may upgrade to the Blade 98L as they acquire consistency and accuracy. Lighter racquets are simpler for beginners to wield.
How powerful is the Blade 98L?
Instead of force, the Wilson Blade 98L emphasises control and accuracy. Good placement and accuracy, but less power than heavier or more power-oriented racquets. The Blade 98L’s accuracy will appeal to players who generate their own power or prefer control over raw force, while those seeking easy power may struggle, particularly on serves or hard groundstrokes.
What string arrangement suits the Wilson Blade 98L?
The Blade 98L works well with polyester or hybrid strings. The 16×19 string pattern and poly strings like Luxilon ALU Power or Wilson Revolve boost spin potential and control. A hybrid configuration with polyester mains and multifilament crosses may balance control and comfort. Players should choose a middle tension of 5055 pounds to ensure racquet control and comfort.
Conclusion
Intermediate players who desire the Blade series’ control and feel without the weight might choose the Wilson Blade 98L. Its lighter frame, FeelFlex technology, and open 16×19 string pattern provide accuracy, spin, and manoeuvrability for allcourt players or those upgrading to more advanced frames. It lacks the power and stability of heavier racquets, but it has superb control and simplicity of use, making it ideal for players who value accuracy and spin without the additional effort. The Wilson Blade 98L’s balanced, control-oriented playing experience may improve your game whether you’re dominating from the baseline or attacking the goal.
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