The Wilson Blade 98S is a unique Blade racquet for players that value spin and control. Its "S" stands for Spin Effect Technology, which boosts spin without losing accuracy or stability. Its more open 18x16 string design allows for more topspin and slice, making the Blade 98S suitable for intermediate to advanced players who desire to dominate the game with powerful spin and precision.
In this Wilson Blade 98S Review, we will discuss On court performance, advantages and negatives, and how the Wilson Blade 98S compares to previous Blade racquets and others.
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Wilson Blade 98S Review - Key Features
The Wilson Blade 98S offers control and spin, and various characteristics set it apart from the Blade series. Break out the key points:
Spin Effect Technology
The Blade 98S's Spin Effect Technology (S.E.T.) employs an 18x16 string pattern to let strings move freely and snap back into position faster. More topspin is generated without changing a player's stroke technique. Players who want big spin but still require Blade series accuracy and control will love Spin Effect.
98-square-inch head
The Blade 98S, like the rest of the Blade range, has a 98squareinch head for control and forgiveness. The reduced head size allows for more accurate shot placement while providing ample surface area for a good sweet spot.
String Pattern 18x16
The Blade 98S has an 18x16 string design instead of the denser 18x20 seen in previous Blade models. This open string arrangement and Spin Effect Technology maximise spin potential without sacrificing control. The racquet enables greater string movement, which improves ball bite and spin.
Basalt+Braided Graphite Construction
Its braided graphite and basalt frame is a Blade series staple. This combination softens and minimises vibrations for a steady strike. Players get great input and control without arm strain because to the material composition.
Parallel Drilling
The Blade 98S uses Wilson's Parallel Drilling technique to loosen up strings for better responsiveness. This improves racquet comfort and sweet spot size, forgiving offcenter strokes. It also makes the string bed seem constant, particularly on groundstrokes.
Head-light balance
Headlight balance (3 points HL) makes the Blade 98S easier to manoeuvre, particularly during quick net exchanges. The headlight balance makes the racquet comfortable to swing, enabling rapid reflexes and quicker racquethead speed for spin and rally control.
Wilson Blade 98S Racquet Court performance
On the court, the Wilson Blade 98S delivers spin, control, and accuracy as intended.
Groundstrokes
Groundstrokes with the Blade 98S produce significant topspin and slice. Players may produce tremendous topspin on their strokes with the 18x16 string design and Spin Effect Technology, enabling the ball to drop steeply after clearing the net. Even with strong spin, the Blade series' control and precision help golfers to position the ball accurately. Flat hitters may get greater launch off the strings owing to the open layout, but spinners will love this racquet for baseline exchanges.
Spin and Slice
The Blade 98S generates spin well. Spin Effect Technology and open string pattern increase string movement, topspin, and slicing. This makes baseline strong topspin and slice simpler to deploy to destabilise opponents. Spin-heavy players may easily dominate rallies with the Blade 98S, which has a powerful bite on the ball for offensive and defensive cuts.
Volleys and Net Play
Headlight balance makes the Blade 98S fast at the net. Excellent touch and feel make the racquet trustworthy for punch volleys and delicate drop strokes. The open string design might give volleys more bounce, but experienced net players will enjoy the accuracy they have in putting the ball. The braided graphite and basalt frame dampens vibrations, making the racquet feel sturdy and comfortable while redirecting pace at the net.
Serves
Blade 98S serves with tremendous spin and control. Player may create significant spin on slice and kick serves, making it easier to smash precise, spinning serves that destabilise opponents. The racquet's open string arrangement and lightweight frame offer quicker swing speeds and greater spin without losing placement. For players who dominate service games with spin serves, the racquet's spin and control make up for its lower power.
Wilson Blade 98S Pros and Cons
Pros
Excellent Spin Potential: The Spin Effect Technology and 18x16 string design provide great topspin and slice for spin-dependent players.
Excellent Control and Feel: The Blade's spinoriented racquet offers excellent shot placement and feedback.
The braided graphite and basalt frame absorbs vibrations and makes the racquet comfortable to hold.
Manoeuvrability: The headlamp balance makes the racquet snappy and responsive, great for net players and baseline rallyers.
Cons
Less Power: Players desiring greater power may find the Blade 98S inadequate, especially those with a typical string pattern.
The wide string design gives the racquet more spin, but it might be less forgiving on offcenter shots, particularly for players who like a bigger sweet spot.
Not Ideal for Flat Hitters: The racquet's wide string arrangement propels the ball more than flat hitters prefer, making it tougher to control.
Wilson Blade 98S Comparison to Similar Racquets
Spin-focused Wilson Blade 98S racquets are unique in the Blade family. It compares to comparable racquets:
Wilson Blade 98 18x20
Players that value control over spin should choose the Wilson Blade 98 18x20. The Blade 98S' open 18x16 string design generates spin, whereas the Blade 98 18x20's denser string pattern controls and flattens shots. Precision and control players may like the 18x20, while powerful spin players would favour the Blade 98S.
Babolat Pure Aero
The Babolat Pure Aero, another spinheavy racquet, is more powerful and forgiving than the Blade 98S. Both racquets generate spin, but the Pure Aero's bigger head and stronger frame make it superior for power players. The Blade 98S emphasises control and feel while still spinning well.
HeadGraphene 360+ ExtremeMP
Like the Blade 98S, the Head Graphene 360+ Extreme MP is for spinheavy players. Players who desire spin and power will find the Extreme MP more forgiving because to its bigger head and higher power. Control and accuracy are Blade 98S strengths, while power and spin are Extreme MP strengths.
Wilson Blade 98S Racquet Review - FAQs
Who should use the Wilson Blade 98S?
Spin and control-focused intermediate to advanced players should play the Wilson Blade 98S. The aggressive baseliners who smash powerful topspin and slice to dominate rallies will love it. Players who want to attack with spin but still require Blade series accuracy and feel will love the racquet. Though not the most powerful racquet, it has enough spin and control to overpower opponents with well-placed strokes.
How is the Wilson Blade 98S different from other Blades?
Spin Effect Technology and 18x make the Blade 98S unique.
16 string arrangement intended to boost spin potential. Unlike the Blade 98 18x20, which emphasises control and accuracy with a tighter string pattern, the Blade 98S targets players who seek more topspin and slice. The 98S trades control for spin, making it ideal for spin-driven players.
Is the Wilson Blade 98S beginner-friendly?
Due to its smaller head size and precise emphasis, the Blade 98S may not be the greatest racquet for beginners, but it has great spin and control. If their strokes are inconsistent, beginners may struggle with the racquet's open string pattern. Advanced beginners and intermediate players wanting for higher spin potential may benefit from switching to the Blade 98S as they improve their technique.
Which Wilson Blade 98S strings work best?
Polyester or composite strings improve spin and control on the Blade 98S. Polyester strings like Luxilon ALU Power or Wilson Revolve provide longevity and spin to maximise Spin Effect Technology. A hybrid setup with poly mains and multifilament crosses may balance control and comfort. Maintain control and increase comfort and spin with string tension between 5055 lbs.
Does the Blade 98S serve well?
The Blade 98S serves admirably, especially for spinners. The wide 18x16 string design provides for excellent slice and kick on serves, making spin serves that keep opponents offbalance simpler. Although it lacks power, its spin potential allows for better control and placement, giving it an excellent alternative for service players who value precision and spin.
Conclusion
The Wilson Blade 98S is ideal for spin, control, and feel players. Spin Effect Technology, an 18x16 string pattern, and braided graphite + basalt construction give the Blade 98S great topspin and slice without losing accuracy and touch. It may lack the power or forgiveness of certain spin-oriented racquets, but it excels in control, making it ideal for intermediate and advanced players who prefer to command games with spin-heavy, well-placed strokes. The Wilson Blade 98S has the spin and accuracy to improve your game from the baseline or at the net.