Wilson Blade 98 18x20 v7 versus Babolat Pure Strike 18x20 3rd Gen

[Bottle Rocket]

Hey guys,

Per TW specs, aside from the RA, these rackets have identical specs (see below). I found the Blade to feel super flexy compared to my beloved 6.1's and a little lower powered than I was hoping for. For those who have tried both of these, how does the Bab compare? Just stiffer and correspondingly more powerful?

Head Size: 98 in² / 632.26 cm²

Length: 27in / 68.58cm

Strung Weight:11.4oz / 323g

Balance: 13in / 33.02cm / 4 pts HL

Swingweight: 334

Stiffness: 62 (Wilson) and 66 (Babolat)

Beam Width: 21mm / 23mm / 21mm

 

[Alexh22]

Despite the numbers on paper. To me the strike felt a lot harsher than v7 blades. I chose the blade

 

[Paul Y]

The Pure Strike has a little more power than the Blade but at a cost of the RA which even in specs show its stiffer

 

[Wilsonbro]

pure strike hit hard with it

 

[Wilsonbro]

plus the bag is awesome to

 

[McGradey]

V7 Blade is a super plush and fairly low powered frame unless you consistently swing it hard. 2015 Blade and other previous iterations will offer a bit more free power because they're a bit firmer. The Pure Strike was a very powerful racquet I thought, more so than the Blade. And a lot harsher on the arm.

 

[fl4tsc]

I found the Strike to be noticeably more powerful than the v7 Blade, but also way less comfortable.

Would describe the Blade as flexible and dampened (aka muted) and the Strike as stiff but dampened.

I made this post a long time ago that compares a bunch of 18x20 frames including these 2.

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/closest-retail-wilson-racquet-to-h22.426511/page-2#post-14003308

 

[DJTaurus]

PO7 is better than the super muted 3rd gen PS where you literally don’t know where your balls gonna land... also it’s bad on volleys.... really bad.

 

[socallefty]

As you can see , the responses are all over the place and you should demo both yourself. I demo’d both the Blades (both string patterns) and the Pure Strike Tour Gen3 and liked the PST much better. But, I was previously playing with the Pure Strike Tour Gen1 and it was an easier switch for me to get the Gen3 which is more comfortable than the Gen1, but plays very similar otherwise. The launch angle was a bit different as Gen1 Tour is 18x20 and Gen3 Tour is 16x19, but I adjusted quickly. I demo‘d the PS 16x19 Gen3 also, but the PST is more stable, more headlight and has a better feel.

For me, the Blade demo felt too head-heavy and lacked power. I did not like the feel as it felt mushy - one step beyond muted. I did not hit BHs well or slice well with it. I also served poorly as I could not generate the pace that I was used to on flat serves and the spin seemed low on 2nd serves. Since you already play with Wilson, maybe your experience will be different. All I can say is that they are both worth trying, but I would also demo the Yonex VCore Pro97 HD as I liked it much better than the Blades, but not as much as the PS Tour.

 

[Tranqville]

As you can see , the responses are all over the place and you should demo both yourself. I demo’d both the Blades (both string patterns) and the Pure Strike Tour Gen3 and liked the PST much better.

I'm following your footsteps albeit two years later. I demoed Blade v7 today and v8 earlier. Great racquets, but I missed the magic of PST. My coach says I played better with the Blade, had more control, we had like a 60+ rallies going on. PST I tended to sail a few balls long, but I definitely feel I can adjust. I swear I never hit a better volley and better short ball with anything.

Somehow Blade gives me discomfort in forearm muscles, where PST feels comfortable despite higher weight and swingweigt. I feel that the PST's balance is perfect for me.

 

[stronzzi70]

Easier to play with pure strike
More power , bigger sweet spot
Great frame