Blade 100 V9 or Pure Strike 100 16x19

[andrewc]

Hi,

I am looking to switch racquets from Speed pro because of the extra weight my arm is very tired after heavy 1 hour session, in the next hour it is dead, it is very hard for me to hit.

I am looking at a lighter racquet with a bit more power than the Speed pro but not losing the control fully or going into power like a pure drive or ezone.

I would like to buy the Wilson Blade V9 or the Pure Strike 100 16x19 gen4. My lvl is 3.5, western grip, versatile player.

Has anyone tested these 2 and can give me some feedback on how they compare to each other or even the Speed Pro, unfortunately I can't demo in my country.

Thanks

 

[Lee580]

i experimented recently with blade 100 v8 and v9 for basically the same reason as you. Mostly play with a speed pro and like it but wanted to find something little lighter. The blade didn’t work out because I lost too much control and the launch angle was too high. Still searching.

 

[andrewc]

Yeah I love the speed pro as well, from what I read I think pure strike might be it but I thought the blade might be similar as well

 

[Lee580]

The other one I thought had potential in this area was the yonex Percept 100d. The demo I had felt like trash, but that might have been due to string. Might give it another try with different string. Also, prince tour 100p might be similar to speed pro with slightly lighter specs. I haven’t demoed that because the pj is just not going to work for me. If they release a new version or limited pj I would be interested. Lastly maybe trying to find an under spec speed pro, but you might lose some of what you like about it with the spec change.

 

[Trip]

Prince ATS Tour 100P all the way. It's like a Speed Pro with a lower barrier to entry, a faster beam and handling that feels more like a 98 than a 100. 5g less static weight, 5 points less swing weight (on average) and even 1 point more head light, plus an even slightly more open 18x20, for more ball bite, launch angle and shot curvature with less effort, yet all the typical other benefits of an 18x20. It's Prince's best frame by a good margin. Give it a shot. You won't regret it.

 

[andrewc]

Also should I consider also the Pure strike 98 16x19 or the Blade 98 16x19?

 

[Trip]

Also should I consider also the Pure strike 98 16x19 or the Blade 98 16x19?

If you're having issues operating a Speed Pro (I presume it's Auxetic 1.0 or 2.0?) for more than an hour, I'm not sure a Strike 98 is going to be that much easier. Despite the potentially faster-moving hoop, you'd still be signing up for roughly similar swing weight -- which tends to be the main driver of gradual exhaustion, more so than static weight. The Blade 98 16m is a little lower in swing weight, so that might be a better call. That said, power potential of the Blade 16m might be a bit lower than hoped-for; tough to say, though.

 

[andrewc]

If you're having issues operating a Speed Pro for more than an hour, I'm not sure a Strike 98 is the best move. Despite the potentially faster-moving hoop, you'd be signing up for likely even more swing weight -- which tends to be the main driver of gradual exhaustion, more so than just static weight. The Blade 98 16m is a little lower in swing weight, so that might be a better call. That said, power potential of the Blade 16m might be a bit lower than hoped-for; tough to say, though.

Yeah I guess you are right about the weight, it has the same weight as my Speed pro, it won't help me much since I want a lighter racquet, and definetly not less power than the speed pro, so I will stay away from the 98's.

Best bet might just be the Pure strike 100 16x19 since I read that it definetly has more power than the Blade 100 but idk what to do if only I could playtest it would be an easy decision.

 

[Trip]

Presuming you're bypassing Prince for a reason (understandable), I don't know if Volkl is available to you, but if you're still drawn to a similar design paradigm, I would also look at the Volkl V8 Pro, which is another 100" 18x20, but only 300g, with a wider 24mm mid-beam and firmer 67RA flex, for more power-per-unit weight. Stock swing weight is pretty whippy -- only 316 -- so it would be way more effortless to use, but won't be as high-powered in stock form, but that can be easily remedied by adding 3-4g at 12, for a mid-upper 320's swing weight, which should be plenty of hitting power to keep you in rallies, but still less exhausting than the Speed Pro.

 

[andrewc]

Presuming you're bypassing Prince for a reason (understandable), I don't know if Volkl is available to you, but if you're still drawn to a similar design paradigm, I would also look at the Volkl V8 Pro, which is another 100" 18x20, but only 300g, with a wider 24mm mid-beam and firmer 67RA flex, for more power-per-unit weight. Stock swing weight is pretty whippy -- only 316 -- so it would be way more effortless to use, but won't be as high-powered in stock form, but that can be easily remedied by adding 3-4g at 12, for a mid-upper 320's swing weight, which should be plenty of hitting power to keep you in rallies, but still less exhausting than the Speed Pro.

I started looking at the Prince you suggested and it seems pretty good, I never considered prince before, https://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/Prince_Tour_100P_Rackets_305g/descpageRCPRINCEH-PT10P-EN.html , it is this racquet right?

I definetly have it on my shortlist now, this and the Pure strike 100 4th gen so far.

 

[Trip]

I started looking at the Prince you suggested and it seems pretty good, I never considered prince before, https://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/Prince_Tour_100P_Rackets_305g/descpageRCPRINCEH-PT10P-EN.html , it is this racquet right?

Yep, that's the one. And especially with it marked down to 115 Euro (!!!), that's a smoking deal for what is arguably Prince's best frame.

Another idea: the Yonex Percept 100. Not the 100D, which I think you're simply going to find too low-powered per unit weight. The regular Percept 100, despite being a 16x19, still has 8 throat mains (for great control in the center of the string bed) and the same constant 23mm beam thickness of the Speed Pro, but a more firm 66RA flex and a more manageable 300g static weight and upper 300-teens swing weight.

 

[andrewc]

Yep, that's the one. And especially with it marked down to 115 Euro (!!!), that's a smoking deal for what is arguably Prince's best frame.

Another idea: the Yonex Percept 100. Not the 100D, which I think you're simply going to find too low-powered per unit weight. The regular Percept 100, despite being a 16x19, still has 8 throat mains (for great control in the center of the string bed) and the same constant 23mm beam thickness of the Speed Pro, but a more firm 66RA flex and a more manageable 300g static weight and upper 300-teens swing weight.

That also might be a good option, I don't mind going to a 16x19 as long as its not like a Pure Drive or Ezone since those have too much power, something in between my Speed Pro and a Pure drive would be perfect powerwise, I know I would be losing some control but at my lvl I think that the tradeoff is worth it. Is the Prince or the Yonex between the 2 racquets I mentioned powerwise?

 

[Trip]

Understood. Between the Prince Tour 100P and Percept 100, the Percept is definitely going to have more power, for sure. But it certainly won't be a Pure Drive or EZone level of power.

Between the Strike 100 16x19 and the Percept 100 -- in stock form, and presuming both racquets are close-enough to being on-spec -- the Strike will probably offer a bit more pop than the Percept, but they'll be close. Between those two, it would largely come down to whichever one feels, flexes and swings most natural for you. Two great choices to have to choose between, that's for sure!

 

[Power Player]

Also should I consider also the Pure strike 98 16x19 or the Blade 98 16x19?

I have both the blade 100 and 98 16x19. I enjoy both and am glad I have both. Sometimes the only way to know for sure on a frame is to have a few different ones and let it work itself out over time.

Blade 100 trajectory is not too high for me. It’s a very well balanced frame and the net clearance is medium/high level. That’s what made it stick out to me. I feel like anyone can use it. Of course personal preference plays a big role in choosing a racquet.

Blade 98 16 is a tighter pattern. The launch angle is more linear, think like a head radical.

98 is more demanding than the 100, which is very easy to use. The 98 is a more nimble frame and has more precise control. The sweet spot is smaller but if you have good footwork than you may find success with it.

The blade 100 is going to increase your shot tolerance and allow you to defend , grind and counter punch. The 98 is more of an attacking frame.

Hope that helps.

 

[Rentege]

If you’re using a Speed Pro and looking for someone with more maneuverability and power (but less than a Pure Drive) then a Speed MP or Gravity Tour would fit the bill. Both would sit between a Pure Drive and a Speed Pro with the Speed MP being closer to the Pure Drive and the Gravity Tour sitting closer to the Speed Pro. I do think the Blade 100 is in the same realm as those sticks (and maybe is the most balanced/middle of the spectrum of them all). Can’t speak to the Percepts or Princes but they all seem like good options as well.

 

[andrewc]

If you’re using a Speed Pro and looking for someone with more maneuverability and power (but less than a Pure Drive) then a Speed MP or Gravity Tour would fit the bill. Both would sit between a Pure Drive and a Speed Pro with the Speed MP being closer to the Pure Drive and the Gravity Tour sitting closer to the Speed Pro. I do think the Blade 100 is in the same realm as those sticks (and maybe is the most balanced/middle of the spectrum of them all). Can’t speak to the Percepts or Princes but they all seem like good options as well.

I kept seeing people saying that the Blade 100 has no power, idk what to do to be honest, there are too many choices and I don't want to make a mistake and waste money that is why I decided to ask here, hope I can decide on something and not screw up

 

[Trip]

I kept seeing people saying that the Blade 100 has no power, idk what to do to be honest, there are too many choices and I don't want to make a mistake and waste money that is why I decided to ask here, hope I can decide on something and not screw up

First off, the Blade 100 certainly has some power. Saying it has "no power", even in a relative sense, is inaccurate, clearly.

That said, in stock form, again, presuming all frames are on or close to advertised spec, the Percept 100 and Blade 100 will offer similar power levels (P100 making up the slight swing weight deficit with a more firm flex and slightly thicker beam), while the Strike 100 16x19 will be a notch above both. If you want the frame that will give you the most power without having to customize, it will most likely be the Strike -- again, presuming that all frames are on-spec (which, with Babolat, is a bit of dice roll, to put it nicely). If, however, you are willing to customize, then -- at equivalent swing weight -- the Percept will jump ahead of the Blade and may equal or edge out the Strike, due to the Percept having a flex that's roughly equivalent to the Strike, and a beam that's 23mm all the way through.

In short: if controllable power is the priority, and you don't want to customize any more than just adding an over grip and playing, get the Strike. If you're willing to customize, get the Percept. Aside from power, they'll both offer roughly the same level of control from the string bed. Neither will be potentially as controllable as the Blade 100, but you're clearly emphasizing power as priority #1 here, so that's how I'm basing my guidance.

Last point: since it's apparently critical that you get this purchase right the first time, I would highly, highly (can I say highly one more time?) urge that you budget the extra $20-30 and phone in the order to TWE's MRT department, to use their matching service to hand-pick a frame for you, which is guaranteed to be on-spec. This will get rid of any quality control surprises, and assure that what I stated above remains true.

Hope that helps clarify things for you.

 

[SpinToWin]

I kept seeing people saying that the Blade 100 has no power, idk what to do to be honest, there are too many choices and I don't want to make a mistake and waste money that is why I decided to ask here, hope I can decide on something and not screw up

I don’t know how people come to think it has no power tbh… Not at all my experience.

The Strike 100 has more power to me but also a higher launch and less control imo.

In the end you just need to take the plunge for one frame and not look back imo. You’ll manage to adjust to either frame if you commit.

 

[Osan]

Hi,

I am looking to switch racquets from Speed pro because of the extra weight my arm is very tired after heavy 1 hour session, in the next hour it is dead, it is very hard for me to hit.

I am looking at a lighter racquet with a bit more power than the Speed pro but not losing the control fully or going into power like a pure drive or ezone.

I would like to buy the Wilson Blade V9 or the Pure Strike 100 16x19 gen4. My lvl is 3.5, western grip, versatile player.

Has anyone tested these 2 and can give me some feedback on how they compare to each other or even the Speed Pro, unfortunately I can't demo in my country.

Thanks

Not sure if I'm allowed to ask, but is your speed pro a 2024? If so, I'd gladly take it off your hands if its not in rough shape.

 

[andrewc]

First off, the Blade 100 certainly has some power. Saying it has "no power", even in a relative sense, is inaccurate, clearly.

That said, in stock form, again, presuming all frames are on or close to advertised spec, the Percept 100 and Blade 100 will offer similar power levels (P100 making up the slight swing weight deficit with a more firm flex and slightly thicker beam), while the Strike 100 16x19 will be a notch above both. If you want the frame that will give you the most power without having to customize, it will most likely be the Strike. That said, if you are willing to customize -- at equivalent swing weight -- the Percept will likely be the most powerful, owing to a flex that's roughly equivalent to the Strike, but a beam that's 23mm all the way through.

In short: if controllable power is the priority, and you don't want to customize any more than just adding an over grip and playing, get the Strike. If you're willing to customize, get the Percept. Aside from power, they'll both offer roughly the same level of control from the string bed.

Hope that helps clarify things for you.

Very sound advice, so far I am leaning to the Pure Strike!

I also have been looking at the Gravity MP, it seems to have ok specs on paper, how do you think it holds up to the new pure strike? Is it worth a look or a thought? For referece my hits are more flat than with topspin.

 

[andrewc]

Not sure if I'm allowed to ask, but is your speed pro a 2024? If so, I'd gladly take it off your hands if its not in rough shape.

It is the 2024 version, new, used 1 month.

 

[Trip]

For referece my hits are more flat than with topspin.

Typically, flatter hitters tend to meld best with constant-width beams, which the Speeds, Blades and Percepts have, and the Strikes, although they use 21/23/21mm variable width, are still pretty consistent, relatively speaking (I hit pretty flat and personally have the Strike 100 16x20, which uses the same mold as the 100 16x19, and find it to play pretty predictably compared to my constant-width beamed frames).

As for the Gravity MP, it's a nice stick, but it has a fairly low 59RA flex, sub-320 stock swing weight and is a bit anemic in stock form, so in my view it's more of a potential customization platform than it is inherently beefed up and ready-to-go in stock form, which I think you'll find more of with the Blade 100, Percept 100 and/or Strike 100.

 

[andrewc]

Typically, flatter hitters tend to meld best with constant-width beams, which the Speeds, Blades and Percepts have, but the Strikes does not, although the variability of the Strike's beam is pretty gently blended (I personally have the Strike 100 16x20, which uses the same 21/23/21mm mold as the 100 16x19, I hit flat as well, and find it to play pretty predictably).

As for the Gravity MP, it's a nice stick, but it has a fairly low 59RA flex, sub-320 stock swing weight and is a bit anemic in stock form, so in my view it's more of a potential customization platform than it is inherently beefed up and ready-to-go in stock form, which I think you'll find more of with the Blade 100, Percept 100 and/or Strike 100.

Great guess I will go with the strike 100 16x19. Not sure I will like the shape of the Yonex head. Blade also seems like a good option though, so it's basically back to my 2 original choices, guess I will toss a coin and see how it goes.

 

[Trip]

Great guess I will go with the strike 100 16x19. Not sure I will like the shape of the Yonex head. Blade also seems like a good option though, so it's basically back to my 2 original choices, guess I will toss a coin and see how it goes.

I'll leave you with this then: the Blade 100 is probably going to offer just about as much power potential as the Speed Pro. The Strike will offer a notch more. Control-wise, though, the Blade will be more controllable, mainly in controlling depth of shot; left-to-right locational precision will be much closer between Blade and Strike. That said, I think it sounds like it's a safer bet to go with the Strike, then reign in depth-of-shot with better technique, and a bit with higher string tension and/or thicker gauge, to help, as needed.

These days, the more fruitful pursuit often seems to be learning how to control the more powerful frame, as opposed to figuring out how to power the more controlled one. The first exercise sounds like it's the better choice for you, at least based on what you've shared.

 

[andrewc]

I'll leave you with this then: the Blade 100 is probably going to offer just about as much power potential as the Speed Pro. The Strike will offer a notch more. Control-wise, though, the Blade will be more controllable, mainly in controlling depth of shot; left-to-right locational precision will be much closer between Blade and Strike. That said, I think it sounds like it's a safer bet to go with the Strike, then reign in depth-of-shot a bit with higher string tension and/or thicket gauge, as needed.

These days, the more fruitful pursuit often seems to be learning how to control the more powerful frame, as opposed to figuring out how to power the more controlled one. The first exercise sounds like it's the better choice for you, at this juncture.

Yeah you are right, in long games I will probably get frustrated with the Blade because I will maybe struggle to find power and depth while with the strike Ibhave to reign in my early power and just enjoy the ride.

Thanks a lot for your patience and explanations, I will go order the Strike right now.

 

[Trip]

Yeah you are right, in long games I will probably get frustrated with the Blade because I will maybe struggle to find power and depth while with the strike Ibhave to reign in my early power and just enjoy the ride.

Thanks a lot for your patience and explanations, I will go order the Strike right now.

Best of luck. Just remember: I would call the order into TWE, and specifically request the matching service, to find you a Strike 100 16x19 that is on-spec. If they find more than one to choose from, with included specs, post that list here, and we can help you pick the best sample out of the bunch. I'm assuming you're just buying a single frame, for now?

 

[andrewc]

Best of luck. Just remember: I would call the order into TWE, and specifically request the matching service, to find you a Strike 100 16x19 that is on-spec. If they find more than one to choose from, with included specs, post that list here, and we can help you pick the best sample out of the bunch. I'm assuming you're just buying a single frame, for now?

Yeah, for now just 1 frame, I will have as a backup my speed it strings break, but that never happens to me so I might as well sell it and buy another strike later. I always call them or email then to make sure it is on speck on weight or close as possible to what they have on their website

 

[Trip]

Yeah, for now just 1 frame, I will have as a backup my speed it strings break, but that never happens to me so I might as well sell it and buy another strike later. I always call them or email then to make sure it is on speck on weight or close as possible to what they have on their website

Awesome. Sounds like a plan. Do come back and let us know how it's worked out for you. And remember, there is usually tons you can do from a customization and stringing standpoint, to alter how you want the racquet to swing and/or play, so if at first, it feels a bit "off", beyond your body just having to adapt, there's a lot that can be done on the gear side of things to enhance playability.

 

[andrewc]

Awesome. Sounds like a plan. Do come back and let us know how it's worked out for you. And remember, there is usually tons you can do from a customization and stringing standpoint, to alter how you want the racquet to swing and/or play, so if at first, it feels a bit "off", beyond your body just having to adapt, there's a lot that can be done on the gear side of things to enhance playability.

Will do! For now I am planning to put Babolat RPM blast or Yonex Poly tour pro. Either way I have to pull the trigger a d play with it until I adapt my play to the racquet

 

[Power Player]

I kept seeing people saying that the Blade 100 has no power, idk what to do to be honest, there are too many choices and I don't want to make a mistake and waste money that is why I decided to ask here, hope I can decide on something and not screw up

Power is not an issue with the blade 100. It’s not a pure drive but it’s like a blade except a 100. If you have good technique, the power is easily there.

Low power 100 is more like a Gravity.

 

[mauricem]

Power is not an issue with the blade 100

I agree and don't understand why it seems to be getting a rep as low powered. I would admit it's down a bit on spin compared to my Shift or Extreme Tour but all frames are a compromise in one or more areas. it's just not possible to have a comfortable low ra thin beam spin monster!

 

[andrewc]

Awesome. Sounds like a plan. Do come back and let us know how it's worked out for you. And remember, there is usually tons you can do from a customization and stringing standpoint, to alter how you want the racquet to swing and/or play, so if at first, it feels a bit "off", beyond your body just having to adapt, there's a lot that can be done on the gear side of things to enhance playability.

 Hi

Just got the Pure Strike delivered, and I am thinking to string it at 24kg with 23kg with poly tourpro, should I string it higher than this?

 

[Trip]

@andrewc - If you're used to playing full-bed poly at/around that tension, I'd say sure, give it a try.

 

[andrewc]

@andrewc - If you're used to playing full-bed poly at/around that tension, I'd say sure, give it a try.

Yeah that is what I play with on my former racquet the Speed Pro but that is 18x20. So i will string it the same. Thanks!

 

[Trip]

Gotcha. You might want to go up to 24.5/23.5, otherwise I think sticking with the same tension is a good idea.

 

[TennisViking]

Just stumbled upon this thread here. Last post was May 31;

How did the racquet work out for you ? Personally I would not string the Pure Strike 100 with poly in that high tension as I would want a bit more power; but perhaps you hit with far more power than me.

Anyway, please share your experiences from the racquet. What did you like ? Or not like? Tried different string/tension already ?

 

[andrewc]

Just stumbled upon this thread here. Last post was May 31;

How did the racquet work out for you ? Personally I would not string the Pure Strike 100 with poly in that high tension as I would want a bit more power; but perhaps you hit with far more power than me.

Anyway, please share your experiences from the racquet. What did you like ? Or not like? Tried different string/tension already ?

When I got the racquet I stringed it with Yonex poly tour pro at 24kg and after 2 hours of hitting my arm was hurting really bad so I restrung it with Rpm Blast at 25kg and it was the best decision ever, no more arm pain. As for the racquet I have been playing a lot lately and the more I play the more I like it, love the swingweight, the feel, the control and it feels really good on the arm after long sessions and on the serve I fell it is very strong, I never served so consistent or strong before. 2 days ago I went to hit with one of my friends who happened to have the new Blade so after hitting for 1 hour with my racquet I switched to the Blade and hated it, it felt hars on the arm compared to my pure strike and I did not like the launch angle or anything about it and I tried it for 1 hour, when I switched back to my Pure Strike it was totally different in a very good way!

This is my personal experience and some people might feel different but for me the new pure strike feels like the perfect racquet for me, I gel super well with it.

 

[Pekoms]

I`m also wanting to buy a Pure strike 2024, but I cant decide If 100 16x19 or 98 16x19

I prioritize Control and consistency and connection. Love rackets that you know you are going to put the ball on that specific spot

Why did you go for the 100 and not the 98?

 

[Ombudsman]

I demo’ed both the 98 and 100 16x19. I was playing the G3 98 prior but decided on the 100 purely because of swing weight - where the 98 was too much for me. If 330+ SW is fine for you - the 98 is really nice but Balolat QC make it a crap shoot.

Suggest 1) demo and 2) use the matching service to ensure you get something within your spec.

 

[andrewc]

I`m also wanting to buy a Pure strike 2024, but I cant decide If 100 16x19 or 98 16x19

I prioritize Control and consistency and connection. Love rackets that you know you are going to put the ball on that specific spot

Why did you go for the 100 and not the 98?

I went with the 100 because it is easier to play with, lower swingweight and more forgiving and easier access to power, for my lvl I could play the 98 for the first hour when I am fresh but as soon as the second hour hits my arm gets tired because of the swingweight and I can't hit anything good anymore. So basically depends on your lvl, imo 98 should be for advance players.

 

[Edward Li]

Just wanted to throw my 2 cents in...

First a little context. I currently use the Speed Pro Auxetic 1.0 and love it. But I'm a racketaholic and like to have different sticks available given the playing scenario. So, I try out rackets as they come out just to see. I have demoed the Pure Strike 100 as well as the Pure Strike 100 16x20. I also own a Speed MP Auxetic 1.0. Unfortunately I have not been able to demo the Blade 100 v9 though I want to. I'm looking to fill the "100 sq. in. 16M" hole in my bag. Yes, that is to say, I am not completely happy with my Speed MP.

Between the PS 100 and its 16x20 sibling, I liked the 16x20 version better. Now, the specs (static weight, swingweight and balance) are slightly different and that could have made the difference but I felt the 16x19 was just too fast through the hitting zone for me. I felt more in control of the power using the 16x20. Anyways, I'm just pointing out the PS 100 16x20 as a viable option as I only saw 1 mention of it (courtesy Trip) in this thread.

Extra 2 cents: the stick that fills my "98 sq. in. 16M" slot in my bag is the Prince ATS Tour 98.

 

[Trip]

Between the PS 100 and its 16x20 sibling, I liked the 16x20 version better. Now, the specs (static weight, swingweight and balance) are slightly different and that could have made the difference but I felt the 16x19 was just too fast through the hitting zone for me. I felt more in control of the power using the 16x20. Anyways, I'm just pointing out the PS 100 16x20 as a viable option as I only saw 1 mention of it (courtesy Trip) in this thread.

Extra 2 cents: the stick that fills my "98 sq. in. 16M" slot in my bag is the Prince ATS Tour 98.

If you like something a bit slower and more deliberate through the strike zone, it makes sense you'd enjoy the 100 16x20 over the 100, as the 16x20 has a full 1cm lower balance point, but similar swing weight as the regular 100, so this means recoil weight will be noticeably higher in the 16x20 (on average, at stock spec), which translates to more lag through the strike zone. Better for stronger/taller players, perhaps not as good for shorter/lighter-duty players. But depends on taste, as well.

As for 98" 16-mains options, the ATS 98 compares well to the Strike 98 16x19, save for just a bit less swing weight in stock form (presuming both sticks are on-spec).

 

[Pekoms]

Well, yesterday I tried a PS97 315g countervail from a friend, and what a frame. Fantastic feel, the feedback you get from the stringbed is amazing! I loved it. I'm really between now the Pure Strike 98 16x19 or the PS 97 V14, the new one. I know one of them is 305g and the other 315, but I didn't notice much difference.

But they are totally different rackets no ?

 

[Trip]

@Pekoms - The reason you probably didn't notice much difference is because the swing weight is likely very close between the PS97 v14 and Strike 98 16x19 v4; at least in the samples you were testing.

As for how similar or different they, I would say they're a blend of both. Both share fairly firm layups, 330-ish swing weights, similar head size, beam thickness (albeit the PS is a constant-beam and the Strike is variable-width) and string pattern (both 16x19, PS has 6 throat mains, Strike has 8). The main difference is mass distribution -- the Pro Staff is classically heavier, more head-light, the Strike lighter and more head-heavy. Choice between the two really comes down to play style and what you're looking for; the PS97 is usually the better all-court, high-precision attacking stick, whereas the Strike a little more at home if/when baseline bashing is a higher percentage of your game. So if you're a bit more of a Federer type player, I'd would tend to suggest Pro Staff. If you're more of a Thiem/Shevchenko/Medjedovic, then the Strike might be the better way. Either way, you can't lose. They're both outstanding frames.

Edit: For balance, per @SpinToWin's correction below.

 

[SpinToWin]

I’ll disagree with the above statement that the Strike necessarily is better for a baseliner. It depends on how the frame jibes with your specific strokes.

 

[Trip]

That's why I put "typically" in there as a qualifier. It's not always better. Ultimately, yes, though. You need to play with what works best for you.

 

[Edward Li]

If you like something a bit slower and more deliberate through the strike zone, it makes sense you'd enjoy the 100 16x20 over the 100, as the 16x20 has a full 1cm lower balance point, but similar swing weight as the regular 100, so this means recoil weight will be noticeably higher in the 16x20 (on average, at stock spec), which translates to more lag through the strike zone. Better for stronger/taller players, perhaps not as good for shorter/lighter-duty players. But depends on taste, as well.

As for 98" 16-mains options, the ATS 98 compares well to the Stike 98 16-main, save for just a bit less swing weight in stock form, provided both sticks are on-spec.

Thank you for your analysis, Trip. Based on what you wrote, I got interested in recoil weight and started browsing Brando's thread, "Polarization, Recoil Weight & MgR/I demystified?" - in case anyone is interested.

 

[Trip]

@Edward Li - Happy to dive into this with you, but I don't want to derail this Blade 100 thread too badly. Perhaps you edit the above post, select all, cut/paste it into a new reply in Brando's thread, @-mention me, and I'll plow through it with you there.

 

[Pekoms]

@Pekoms - The reason you probably didn't notice much difference is because the swing weight is likely very close between the PS97 v14 and Strike 98 16x19 v4; at least in the samples you were testing.

As for how similar or different they, I would say they're a blend of both. Both share fairly firm layups, 330-ish swing weights, similar head size, beam thickness (albeit the PS is a constant-beam and the Strike is variable-width) and string pattern (both 16x19, PS has 6 throat mains, Strike has 8). The main difference is mass distribution -- the Pro Staff is classically heavier, more head-light, the Strike lighter and more head-heavy. Choice between the two really comes down to play style and what you're looking for; the PS97 is usually the better all-court, high-precision attacking stick, whereas the Strike a little more at home if/when baseline bashing is a higher percentage of your game. So if you're a bit more of a Federer type player, I'd would tend to suggest Pro Staff. If you're more of a Thiem/Shevchenko/Medjedovic, then the Strike might be the better way. Either way, you can't lose. They're both outstanding frames.

Edit: For balance, per @SpinToWin's correction below.

I really wanted PS98 or Prostaff but they are só expensive I might wait or try another one.

@Trip can you give feedback about TF40 315 16×19? I've read some great reviews about it. I did not want to go to 315g rackets, but I really liked how I hitted with the prostaff v12 CV, and to be honest, it felt very good!

I dont know any other rackets that might fit this kinda feel

 

[Trip]

@Pekoms - Regarding the TF40, it's been a while since I demoed one (I think the previous version to the current), and from what I remembered, it was a nice, solid-feeling stick. The one qualifier with Tecnifibre, more so than anything else, tends to be their more rectangular-shaped grip, which biases a bit more towards an eastern grip, versus a more semi-wester/western. If the former is you, then there's a high chance you'll like the TF40.

Versus the Pro Staff / Strike in particular, the TF40 will be a shade softer in flex and impact response; ie. not quite as thuddy, and a bit more pocketing/dwell. Also, unlike the PS97 or Strikes, the TF40 is foam filled, so it will have a bit more of a dampened, albeit still direct feel. Any/all of that can be a good or a bad thing, depending on taste. Overall, I would say, especially for those who know the TF40 will already kind of be in their wheelhouse, and who don't mind or maybe even prefer the more rectangular grip, it tends to garner largely positive feedback (factoring in those caveats). Before making a blind buy, though, I would try your best to see if you can get your hands on a demo, to at least see if the grip and general physics of the frame are agreeable enough.

And, as long as you're looking in the general vicinity of these frames, you might as well try a Head Radical Pro as well.