Burn 95 CV vs Blade 98 (18x20) CV?

Burn 95 CV or Blade 98 (18x20) CV?


  • Total voters
    21

yobyddej901

New User
Hey guys,
I'm a pretty high level college D1 player. I have been using the RF97 for the past two years getting decent results but I have recently realized that the weight is too much for me, causing me to have problems with maneuverability. I have now decided to switch to a slightly lighter racket, and my decision has come down to the Burn 95 CV or the Blade 98 (18x20) CV. I'm not a super tall player (5'10) and I am looking for a racket that will give me decent power, control, stability, and plow through. I have tried the Blade 98 but I have found that it is a little underpowered for my liking and hard to maneuver, especially at the net. I've ordered a demo of the Burn but it isn't coming until a few days from now. What do you guys think I should expect for the Burn 95 CV, and what would you guys recommend I get?
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
98.

Edit: burn lacks stability and you need merely add a leather grip and perhaps some weight to the blade to fix your problems.
 
Last edited:

Dominic

Semi-Pro
I used to play with the RF97..and changed due to similar reasons as you.
I must admit..i was very impressed with the Burn 95..and could easily have switched to it. I tried the blade (16x19)...but felt this was a long way from the RF97...
Burn 95...my vote.
 

time_fly

Hall of Fame
The Burn has a long, narrow head that when combined with the slightly extended length gives it some pop. But the head is narrow so it’s a bit unstable on off center hits towards 3 and 9. I liked the Burn a lot at the baseline but since I also play doubles I didn’t think I was good enough to deal with the instability and small head at the net. I found the Blade much harder to generate racquet head speed for topspin with the less headlight balance (compared to traditional sticks) and dense strings. I thought it was better set up for flat hitters. Since you are a D1 college player though you may not be bothered by the same drawbacks that I was.
 

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
I think you’d be better off with Burn 95 CV, but it also isn’t the most maneuverable racket, either. I initially thought Burn 95 CV lacked power for an extended racket until I became used to the extra length. Once I got used to it, it felt super powerful on all shots, almost needing more control, even for a snall headed racket. The Blade 98 CV 18x20 feels a bit sluggish, imo. It feels great on impact, but it lacks the control that the RF 97 has.

Is there a reason why you are only looking at the Wilson rackets? I feel that the Head Touch Speed Pro is a better all-around racket.
 

Notirouswithag

Professional
I agree with @TennisHound . As a long time blade user myself and your height and level the blade was the best of both worlds for me. I used to use the 2013 BLX blade 98(18x20) and then switched to the 2015 Blade 16x19 while playing in college a few years ago and I still have both.

Im currently using a Blade 98L but in your case try the Blade 98 again with some lead tape and experiment with string setups to get you that missed power you may be looking for.

Another alternative would be to possibly try the Wilson pro staff 97cv? Only if your looking to stay in the Wilson
 

Imago

Hall of Fame
What is good for Goffin must be good for you too. 98S has more intrinsic power, though. It will turn into beast when properly customized. UT is also a good option for a former RF97 user.
 

Notirouswithag

Professional
What is good for Goffin must be good for you too. 98S has more intrinsic power, though. It will turn into beast when properly customized. UT is also a good option for a former RF97 user.

I havent been keeping up with details but I thought he was using the lime green 98L in stock form
 

yobyddej901

New User
I agree with @TennisHound . As a long time blade user myself and your height and level the blade was the best of both worlds for me. I used to use the 2013 BLX blade 98(18x20) and then switched to the 2015 Blade 16x19 while playing in college a few years ago and I still have both.

Im currently using a Blade 98L but in your case try the Blade 98 again with some lead tape and experiment with string setups to get you that missed power you may be looking for.

Another alternative would be to possibly try the Wilson pro staff 97cv? Only if your looking to stay in the Wilson

I tried the PS97 CV during a tournament. I liked the fast swinging I could get from it, but I felt like I was getting overpowered and pushed around at the baseline. And I couldn’t get that same put away power that I had with RF97.
 

TennisHound

Legend
@Imago is right about the Blade CV98S. It is better than the other CV Blades (If you're intent on using the CVs). Its less HH and the 18 mains still give pretty good control.
 
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