Blade 98 -- last 2 versions feel like plastic toys vs. BLX black and gold

[DonDiego]

I'm talking about the 18x20.

I'm just back from three sets of hard-hitting tennis against a very good 4.5 - 5.0 (depending on where you are), and I'm very disapointed. I brought the 2013 and 2015 to figure out if there'd be a difference between the two, thinking I would buy one or the other, maybe both if they were similar enough. I also had my good old BLX Blade 98 2011 in the bag.

I know I'm in the minority here, but I'm having a hard time figuring out how anyone who played with the 2011 can appreciate the new ones (unless you guys lead them up). They are way less solid (especially on returns), stable, and lack plowthrough. They also are TOO whippy. Despite the 2 pts HL, they ''feel'' light.

Yes, the 2013 and 2015 are very similar. But the black and gold (2011) is a completely different frame, just like it was a completely different frame from the KBlade. The 2011 is a tank. Made for aggressive baseliner who like to take control and go for their shots. I'm stocking up.

 

[DonDiego]

They are good sticks, don't get me wrong. But kinda overhyped here on TW. And if I'm looking for a control-oriented light player's racquet, there are many options out there. For one I'd take the Dunlop F3.0 Tour with some lead in the hoop way before those Blades.

The Blade 98 used to be unique, not so much anymore imo.

 

[crazyups]

Could be the bad quality control. I have a BLX blade 98 too and it is as you describe it though. Good frame.

 

[dgoran]

I'm talking about the 18x20.

I'm just back from three sets of hard-hitting tennis against a very good 4.5 - 5.0 (depending on where you are), and I'm very disapointed. I brought the 2013 and 2015 to figure out if there'd be a difference between the two, thinking I would buy one or the other, maybe both if they were similar enough. I also had my good old BLX Blade 98 2011 in the bag.

I know I'm in the minority here, but I'm having a hard time figuring out how anyone who played with the 2011 can appreciate the new ones (unless you guys lead them up). They are way less solid (especially on returns), stable, and lack plowthrough. They also are TOO whippy. Despite the 2 pts HL, they ''feel'' light.

Yes, the 2013 and 2015 are very similar. But the black and gold (2011) is a completely different frame, just like it was a completely different frame from the KBlade. The 2011 is a tank. Made for aggressive baseliner who like to take control and go for their shots. I'm stocking up.

Strange I wonder if it's Wilson qc in play here since I feel that new green one is best one yet with thick yet nice flex like pro stock. I hated black one I tried and that one did feel like a cheap toy while gold version was stiffer version of green but same plow just less comfort vs new green ones..

Of course Wilson is probably laughing all the way to the bank knowing it's a same racquet that varies due to qc and crappy amply feel...

Love how they went from super soft nblade to stiff kblade and are dialing it back ever since they are basically toying with us

 

[DonDiego]

Strange I wonder if it's Wilson qc in play here since I feel that new green one is best one yet with thick yet nice flex like pro stock. I hated black one I tried and that one did feel like a cheap toy while gold version was stiffer version of green but same plow just less comfort vs new green ones..

I also prefered the green over the black. The black had a weird flex in it, the green had a more direct response, even though it was more muted.

 

[DonDiego]

In my experience with Wilson (6.1 95, Blade, Pro Open), the BLX stuff prior to Amplifeel felt much more solid than what came after.

 

[DonDiego]

Anyone know when the new Blades are due? They come up with a new model every two years, right?

 

[acintya]

i own the 2011 blade (black/gold pj). i want to buy the new one..are they really that different???

 

[DonDiego]

i own the 2011 blade (black/gold pj). i want to buy the new one..are they really that different???

That's also what I'm trying to figure out. I've only hit with the 2015 5-10 min. so not enough. But I do remember (see OP) that it flet substantially lighter to swing. But some say they're the same and QC could be a factor. I don't know.

 

[DonDiego]

I did play with the 2013 model for a few weeks though, and I can tell you that it was much, much lighter than the 2010-211 (BLX) model. I had two and both had very low swingweights. They played like a thinner version of IG Radical MP.

 

[manirban]

Oh, the woes of trying to change from the black and golds. I had 6 of them, now down to 3 due to wear and tear. Admittedly I customized them with some tape, leather grips, and silicone in the handles, but I am really really struggling to find a better frame out there. Been through 4 boxes of demos from TW, and after I send each one back, going back to my 2011's - there it is again, the plush, plowthrough, slices feel like heaven... BUT.. only when I'm swinging well. Maybe age is catching up to me, and I'm certainly not in any decent shape, but the mind and body keep telling me that I need a 3rd set racket, at the expense of a 1st set racket.

The other thing is - once you get to a certain level - stock rackets kinda just plain and simple suck. I guess just sucking it up and customizing is the only way to go anymore.

Anyways, hopefully you find yours .... I'll be pulling the trigger on an updated 2015 blade this week!!!

 

[DonDiego]

Oh, the woes of trying to change from the black and golds. I had 6 of them, now down to 3 due to wear and tear. Admittedly I customized them with some tape, leather grips, and silicone in the handles, but I am really really struggling to find a better frame out there. Been through 4 boxes of demos from TW, and after I send each one back, going back to my 2011's - there it is again, the plush, plowthrough, slices feel like heaven... BUT.. only when I'm swinging well. Maybe age is catching up to me, and I'm certainly not in any decent shape, but the mind and body keep telling me that I need a 3rd set racket, at the expense of a 1st set racket.

The other thing is - once you get to a certain level - stock rackets kinda just plain and simple suck. I guess just sucking it up and customizing is the only way to go anymore.

Anyways, hopefully you find yours .... I'll be pulling the trigger on an updated 2015 blade this week!!!

lol thanks man, I can certainely relate to your situation. In my case also, the only reason why I'm looking elsewhere is age (42) and a recent shoulder injury that's convincing me to go a bit lighter. But do tell me: why go to the 2015 Blade for your ''3rd set racquet''? Do you think it'll play lighter that your black and gold?

 

[manirban]

lol thanks man, I can certainely relate to your situation. In my case also, the only reason why I'm looking elsewhere is age (42) and a recent shoulder injury that's convincing me to go a bit lighter. But do tell me: why go to the 2015 Blade for your ''3rd set racquet''? Do you think it'll play lighter that your black and gold?

Lighter to start with, knowing full well I'm going to have to do something to the racket. I've played multiple times with demos on both the 2105 16x19 and also the 104 (debating internally between the two), and tried a couple of sets.

So, after my mods, my 2011's come in at 12.0oz on the dot (I matched them) which isn't super heavy. Maybe mentally I'm using that as a crutch to say that my body and fitness aren't what they used to be, and this racket feel pretty darn heavy the longer I play. I know it's my fitness and age, and related shoulder issues (you and I are the same age), but career, kids, etc - no time to work on all that and still get on the courts. Hence the lighter racket as a band-aid!! Plain and simple! I know deep down in my heart (and pride I suppose) it's not the right answer.

For the lighter 2015's - the two handed backhand, serves, volleys, are all fine. It's the forehand everything starts to fall apart - the FH starts to fly on me.

 

[DonDiego]

Lighter to start with, knowing full well I'm going to have to do something to the racket. I've played multiple times with demos on both the 2105 16x19 and also the 104 (debating internally between the two), and tried a couple of sets.

So, after my mods, my 2011's come in at 12.0oz on the dot (I matched them) which isn't super heavy. Maybe mentally I'm using that as a crutch to say that my body and fitness aren't what they used to be, and this racket feel pretty darn heavy the longer I play. I know it's my fitness and age, and related shoulder issues (you and I are the same age), but career, kids, etc - no time to work on all that and still get on the courts. Hence the lighter racket as a band-aid!! Plain and simple! I know deep down in my heart (and pride I suppose) it's not the right answer.

For the lighter 2015's - the two handed backhand, serves, volleys, are all fine. It's the forehand everything starts to fall apart - the FH starts to fly on me.

Ok, so I'm not the only one thinking the 2015 Blades swing lighter than the 2011 black and gold then? I play my 2011 Blades stock FWIW.

 

[manirban]

Was thinking about this last night - my less than 2 cent opinion - somewhere along the way from the 2011's to the 2015's - the Blades lost a bit of torsional stability and some plowthrough IMHO... the new ones seem to twist in my hands a lot more than the 2011's even at stock setups. I still think overall you cant go wrong with these rackets - and loads of college and pro players backing that up, but some tinkering and mods probably will make the transition easier.

 

[DonDiego]

Was thinking about this last night - my less than 2 cent opinion - somewhere along the way from the 2011's to the 2015's - the Blades lost a bit of torsional stability and some plowthrough IMHO... the new ones seem to twist in my hands a lot more than the 2011's even at stock setups. I still think overall you cant go wrong with these rackets - and loads of college and pro players backing that up, but some tinkering and mods probably will make the transition easier.

They are completely different racquets in my opinion. It's also based on facts. I happened to measure the width of the headsize of the three model, and the BLX 2011 had a quarter of an inch more width, which to me explain the added power, plowthrough, and slightly less maneuverability. (Yes, 1/4 inch can make that much difference.) Just looking at the racquets you can see that the 2011 is bigger than subsequent models. Added stiffness may also play a part.

The 2011 doesn't need mods at all for me.

 

[Shroud]

Spoiler: Spoiler alert

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Lead_Tape_Reel_1_2_inch/descpageUNIQUE-LEADMED.html

 

[Shroud]

FWIW the Blade 18x20 has a head weight of 155g from the stock specs and I have found that the solid rackets need at least 160g to feel solid.

Said another way, almost all the agreed upon solid rackets filled with plow through have a head weight of 160g or more give or take a gram or 2.

5g at 12pm and another 5g in the handle should fix it while retaining balance.

 

[zalive]

Spoiler: Shroud Principle

Shroud Principle:
Lead your hoop like Shroud did (400+ SW), and you'll be tagging the fence like Shroud does

 

[Fedinkum]

Loved the Kblade 98...can't say the same for its offsprings.

 

[mhkeuns]

The new Blade 18x20 is awesome. I thought the previous version was solid & nice as well, but the newest Blade has such a nice feel that I think is one of the best racket available right now. Don't know much about the black & gold version, but I am sure that one is nice, too. I just find the newest one really exceptional.

 

[Anton]

I'm talking about the 18x20.

I'm just back from three sets of hard-hitting tennis against a very good 4.5 - 5.0 (depending on where you are), and I'm very disapointed. I brought the 2013 and 2015 to figure out if there'd be a difference between the two, thinking I would buy one or the other, maybe both if they were similar enough. I also had my good old BLX Blade 98 2011 in the bag.

I know I'm in the minority here, but I'm having a hard time figuring out how anyone who played with the 2011 can appreciate the new ones (unless you guys lead them up). They are way less solid (especially on returns), stable, and lack plowthrough. They also are TOO whippy. Despite the 2 pts HL, they ''feel'' light.

Yes, the 2013 and 2015 are very similar. But the black and gold (2011) is a completely different frame, just like it was a completely different frame from the KBlade. The 2011 is a tank. Made for aggressive baseliner who like to take control and go for their shots. I'm stocking up.

I HATED 2011 Blade - one of the worst frames I've ever tried, no spin, no stability, no power - a rare combination of crap. I like the newest one though.

 

[kingcheetah]

I was meh on the 2011 Blade, 2013 the demo I tried was tinny as anything, I tried a 2015 demo and really liked it. I think it's a combination of QC and being string-sensitive.

 

[jbdbackfan]

What strings do you use for the new blade? I always enjoyed them with multi's in them, especially with the 18x20 pattern.

 

[bkr]

I would echo that new blades 2015 (green) are the best in the blade line atleast for me and I also know it's not easy to change once someone is used to old models which is the case pros always stick to whatever they have started.Not sure how much of a difference parallel drilling made on the new blades but it seems there is some consensus on bigger sweetspot.

I'm also seeing more and more juniors atleast at 16 and older kids using the new blade in USTA tournaments.

I think trick is to customize it to ones specs and for me adding leather grip and some lead at 12 and also some lead in the handle helped a lot.

 

[ultradr]

The new Blade 18x20 is awesome. I thought the previous version was solid & nice as well, but the newest Blade has such a nice feel that I think is one of the best racket available right now. Don't know much about the black & gold version, but I am sure that one is nice, too. I just find the newest one really exceptional.

I agree the new green one is the best feel. I can not recall better feel among frames i've tried last 5 years or so?

And I think Black and gold version was somewhat departure from what Blade has been last ~10 years...

 

[parasailing]

I tried all of them and love the current 2015 Blade 18x20. You do have to customize it to your liking like OP mentioned. I tail weighted it to 12oz and it offers plush, solid, and control. What more do you want from a racquet.

 

[juandv9307]

what do you guys think about the nblade 98? I can get one for about 30 bucks is it a good deal? currently I play with the ig prestige MP.

 

[Bartelby]

The nblade was more flexible with high swing weight and lowish power.

 

[Anton]

what do you guys think about the nblade 98? I can get one for about 30 bucks is it a good deal? currently I play with the ig prestige MP.

It's a great racket, grab it. It's going to feel a softer, heavier, more control oriented and more stable than newer blades.

 

[TennisCJC]

As others indicate, most likely issue is SW. Try adding 2-4 g at noon in long strips and counterbalancing with handle weight. I play volkl o10 295 and just bought 2 sg10 295 which is around 11oz and 3HL stock which is similar to the blades. I have 4g in two 8 inch strips at noon and enough handle weight added to get them a bit over 6HL. They have plenty of power for me and I play a mix of 4.0 and 4.5 players. I liked the basic feel of the rackets without the head weight but they didn't have enough pop or stability so I added the weight.

 

[TennisCJC]

You might also try 16x19 version of blade too but you'll likely still need a little weight added.

 

[parasailing]

For flatter hits, I would go with the 18x20 for more control. The 16x19 I tried has a bit too much power and I don't hit with the massive topspin to keep the ball in play. Overall, the 2015 Blades are really nice but looking forward to the upcoming 2016 Blade coming out sometime in November time frame. I definitely gonna purchase one and see if it is better than the 2015 though I don't know how much more they can improve on the 2015.

 

[DonDiego]

I just pulled the trigger on two 2015, as they're now on sale. As much as I like the black and gold, it's getting heavier every match. Hope to find the same classic "Blade attributes'' in the new ones, but in a bit easier to swing package.

 

[DonDiego]

Following up on post #34: the new ones aren't easier to swing, in fact I found them harder, while feeling less solid than the 2010-211. Maybe it's Wilson quality control at play here, but I quickly sold them and I managed to find 2 more BLX 2011 "pink" (55$ for both!) So I got four of them (already own 2 black & gold). No need to upgrade.

Oh, and I also got one Kblade 98 for 35$. It hits surprinsingly well, I like is almost as much as the 2011.

 

[gino]

Following up on post #34: the new ones aren't easier to swing, in fact I found them harder, while feeling less solid than the 2010-211. Maybe it's Wilson quality control at play here, but I quickly sold them and I managed to find 2 more BLX 2011 "pink" (55$ for both!) So I got four of them (already own 2 black & gold). No need to upgrade.

Oh, and I also got one Kblade 98 for 35$. It hits surprinsingly well, I like is almost as much as the 2011.

Loved the KBlade 98 , my favorite blade iteration of all time

 

[DonDiego]

Loved the KBlade 98 , my favorite blade iteration of all time

So far the only negatives I could find is an overall "heavyness" -- more so than the BLX, even if it has a slightly more HL balance, and it's a little bit stiffer too. But man, when you're "on", this frame rocks. And serves are amazing. I'll string it with a soft multi (Intellitour) and try it again this week-end.

 

[TupeloDanger]

Welcome to every racquet in the world today, if you were lucky enough to have been able to play in the 80's and 90's.

 

[parasailing]

The 2015 Blade 98 18x20 is one of the best Blades and if the new one isn't as good, I will be stocking up. The K Blade is not bad but I found it a bit stiff but then it has been quite some time since I last played with it so things might have changed. At the same, I used the KPS 88 instead of the KBlade Tour 93 which was a pretty good racquet at the time.

 

[chrischris]

Which year had black and Green cosmetics?
How did They play?

 

[veelium]

Which year had black and Green cosmetics?
How did They play?

Nice thread resurrection.

Black and green was 2015. https://www.perfect-tennis.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/wilson-blade-2015.jpg

Supposedly this is the same frame https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Wilson_Blade_98_16x19_v6/descpageRCWILSON-BL98V.html

 

[Fxanimator1]

Nice thread resurrection.

Black and green was 2015. https://www.perfect-tennis.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/wilson-blade-2015.jpg

Supposedly this is the same frame https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Wilson_Blade_98_16x19_v6/descpageRCWILSON-BL98V.html

I just bought 2 of those Blade 98 V6.5 and they are really nice to hit with…To me. I may buy more of them.

 

[zaskar1]

I'm talking about the 18x20.

I'm just back from three sets of hard-hitting tennis against a very good 4.5 - 5.0 (depending on where you are), and I'm very disapointed. I brought the 2013 and 2015 to figure out if there'd be a difference between the two, thinking I would buy one or the other, maybe both if they were similar enough. I also had my good old BLX Blade 98 2011 in the bag.

I know I'm in the minority here, but I'm having a hard time figuring out how anyone who played with the 2011 can appreciate the new ones (unless you guys lead them up). They are way less solid (especially on returns), stable, and lack plowthrough. They also are TOO whippy. Despite the 2 pts HL, they ''feel'' light.

Yes, the 2013 and 2015 are very similar. But the black and gold (2011) is a completely different frame, just like it was a completely different frame from the KBlade. The 2011 is a tank. Made for aggressive baseliner who like to take control and go for their shots. I'm stocking up.

DD

i guess i must have moved on. i used the BLX Blade 98 about 11 years ago, i had 3 of them.
i gave two of them to my niece and her boyfriend who just started playing tennis, and the other to a mixed doubles partner who used that BLX, a few years bac i had transitioned to the ampfeel Blade 98, then to the Prostaff 97 v10.
since then i used the Prostaff 97 v11, Blade 98 18x20 v7.

i am now using the Blade Pro 98 18x20 v7 transitioning maybe to the BP v8

BTW
i dont recall how the BLX Blade played, but the BPs play great.
the regular Blades played well, but the BPs have a lot more touch and feel. power has never been a problem for me, keeping
the ball in play seems to matter more.

z

 

[chrischris]

Nice thread resurrection.

Black and green was 2015. https://www.perfect-tennis.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/wilson-blade-2015.jpg

Supposedly this is the same frame https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Wilson_Blade_98_16x19_v6/descpageRCWILSON-BL98V.html

Ok Thanks

.. So 2015 version.

RA flex 67?

 

[veelium]

Dunno why but the 16x19 is listed as 66-67 while the 18x20 is at 64.

I have an 18x20 myself, doesn't feel stiff nor soft. Medium stiffness I'd say.

 

[chrischris]

Dunno why but the 16x19 is listed as 66-67 while the 18x20 is at 64.

I have an 18x20 myself, doesn't feel stiff nor soft. Medium stiffness I'd say.

Ok Thanks for that info.
How Do you like their playing characteristics?

 

[veelium]

Never tried the 16x19 version.

Racquet is very solid, decent power and good control. Average spin potential (kinda expected from an 18x20).
I usually use a leather grip or add some weight to the handle since I don't like the stock balance too much. Not an easy racquet to swing, since the stock swingweight is already quite high (like all the blade version besides the v8).
I prefer other racquets but definitely a great stick.