Both Blade patterns have 8 mains running through the throat. As a result, the string spacing in the sweet spot is nearly identical. If you hold both racquets together, you'll notice the differences are in the spacing of the outer strings. Having played with both Blade patterns, I found only a slight difference in spin production in favor of the 16x19. I did notice a more lively and powerful feel off of the 16x19. The open pattern also feels a little more forgiving in on contact outside of the sweet spot. The 18x20 has a good amount of power, just not as lively as the 16x19. The response is a more controlled and there is a really nice connection to the ball. Wilson QC aside, the racquets play much more similar than different. If you favor a little more control over a little extra pop, go with the 18x20 and vice versa. You want sacrifice much either way.
Agree with with RobS says above & am really liking the 2015 16X19.
I feel that it is an overlooked winner in the blade line up.
The CV version was ok but its main weakness was that it did not crush the serve like this one does.
I've been playing with an 18X20 pattern for over 10 yrs - mostly lm radical mp and blx blade 98. I've tried many 16X19 patterns to get easier spin without losing the control but have been disappointed so many times.
The 2015 16X19 blade 98 is the best combination of spin, power, & control that I have come across for my game. I can't seem to adjust to anything 24 mm or thicker and need a thinner beam.
During my 1st outing with the 16X19, I felt like it may have been strung too loose as my shots were flying & spent most of the session trying to adjust.
On my 2nd outing, it just clicked. The racket plays as well as my 18X20 but now I am able to hit those sharp, short angled shots that pull people wide that I had so much trouble doing with my 18X20 blade.
I tried 20 gauge tour bite but still couldn't hit these with my blade but could do it at will with my lm radical.
The 16X19 brought that option back into my game plus easier pop - I could swing 3/4 on rally shots & save some for the short ball. With the 18X20, I felt that I really had to exaggerate the topspin motion to get good spin - with the 16X19 it took an easy natural swing to get that spin & when I give it a good whip it really bites. It still plows through the serve like the tight pattern. I can hit easy spin & have no problems hit flat ball putaways.
I can still defend well and absorb pace with this racket against aggressive baseliners but can flip the switch and easily play offense against grinders.
This racket loses a slight bit of control compared to the 18X20 and my backhand slices occasional float just a lil more than I'd like but the upsides trump that.
Also with the 18X20 blade, it seems like my opponents are able to return/redirect my shots easier.
With the 16X19, I feel that I am able to impart a heavier ball that is a little more difficult ball to handle - gives ppl more problems.
I admit the TW review of this racket didn't seem praiseworthy enough for me to upgrade from my blx blade 98 and held me back from ever trying this racket - I was concerned about the hotspot comments of the string bed but now that I have played with this racket myself I find that it was an easy adjustment to overcome.
I have played with several blade 98s: the nblade, blx blade, and cv 16X19 blade but this one is the best one for my game - a great racket that allows one to be able to play both the old school and modern game.
that youll neeed to adjust and compensate for..
