New Wilson Blade 98 Countervail (CV) (18x20) vs previous Blade 98 2015

[galapagos]

I had opportunity to buy 2015 model for a really good price but someone bought it out before me...
I know this frame, my friend has it so occasionally he lets me play with it. Its very good and decided to extend the trial period, do some mods,play with string setups blablabla... I NEED ONE hehe

Now I have 2 options. Buy 2015 model for a slightly higher price than I had before...OR buy new CV model for the same price.(big discount on that one)

So basically it comes down to whats better.What are the main differences? I know there are some mini hints/answers on forum already but decided to create thread so others in similar situation wont have to search it.
Thanks guys

Little Offtop:
Currently playing with dr 98 ( 1 month) , its a very nice frame and will keep it anyway to have options. I wish dr could produce same slice as blade..Im sure blade will also have some drawbacks (probably serve). Both frames are awesome and I can play very good with both of them. I want to check if blade can permanently jump into my hands. 18x20 pattern is my usual choice. Slightly biased.

 

[Chipnkick]

I had the same decision but went with the CV blade since i didnt like the amplifeel handle on 2015. Pretty much the same to me.

 

[galapagos]

I had the same decision but went with the CV blade since i didnt like the amplifeel handle on 2015. Pretty much the same to me.

Can you describe the difference about the handle a bit more? ;p I thought they are same. Isn't amplifeel just a cathy phrase? ;p

 

[CopolyX]

you need to try them both to truly understand.
no one has your hands or your swing.
say there is a slight difference, do you really think the 98 blade CV will make you play better, could you tell....
bottom line...

demo demo demo
or
buy buy buy
try try try
sell sell sell
repeat and rinse....
Learning is a tunnel experience that makes us think more broadly.

 

[TennisHound]

The Countervail is a hit.

BUT. . .

WHY why why did the Wilson ruin it by making it head heavier to the point of an even balance strung weight?

The purpose of the Blade has always been to slice and dice, not to bludgeon. Perplexing move by Wilson

 

[galapagos]

The Countervail is a hit.

BUT. . .

WHY why why did the Wilson ruin it by making it head heavier to the point of an even balance strung weight?

The purpose of the Blade has always been to slice and dice, not to bludgeon. Perplexing move by Wilson

There is a rule with wilson: "If there is a too head heavy blade, you can find a too head light as well" haha

 

[manchu]

There is a rule with wilson: "If there is a too head heavy blade, you can find a too head light as well" haha

Would like to find one of these head light cv blades. So far all have been head heavy. Prefer the 2015s more. May change if I can find a head light cv blade.

 

[Imago]

Would like to find one of these head light cv blades.

Then look for a lighter blade, say, 295 g. Add 10 g to the handle and you will have a HL Blade.

 

[TennisHound]

There is a rule with wilson: "If there is a too head heavy blade, you can find a too head light as well" haha

Haha, Yep. According to Wilson sources and their website, the specs on the Blades have remained unchanged. I will have to remeasure mine to see for sure. Hopefully this is only a QC problem and not a misprint by Wilson. The Blade 16x19 I tried had a dead even strung balance at 11.5 oz. The 2015s I have are 4 Pts HL at 11.4oz, and 4 Pts HL at 11.5oz.

 

[Ozellman]

I used to have the 2013 Blade 98 16*19 as my main racquet many frames ago. I had three of them, two with a SW of 324 and one at 323 and pretty much identical in weight. For a while about a year ago I had three 2015 Blade 18*20, one of which had a SW of 332 and the other two 330. Identical weight. I'm currently demoing a Blade CV 16*19 and a CV 18*20. The former sample has a SW of 327 and the latter comes in a 328. They are about 4-5g apart in terms of weight though with the 18*20 being heavier at 332g strung with og and dampener. The other samples my dealer measured of the 16*19 version had a SW of 299 and 294 unstrung compared to the demo I have that measured 298 unstrung and 327 strung with Alu Power Soft.

My conclusion is that the line hasn't changed dramatically but that as with any other Wilson or other brand's model one can find samples that go from really light swinging to really heavy. 20pts isn't unusual and it goes for Babolat and Head as well as it does for Wilson. I don't have much experience with Yonex, Prince, Volkl and others. They key is to buy from someone that has a reasonable stock and have enough equipment to measure at least weight and balance. Preferably also SW and RA.

That being said, my first impression of the CV line is really positive. Great feel, comfort and power. I can't tell which of the patterns I like more yet though.

 

[rockbox]

I used to have the 2013 Blade 98 16*19 as my main racquet many frames ago. I had three of them, two with a SW of 324 and one at 323 and pretty much identical in weight. For a while about a year ago I had three 2015 Blade 18*20, one of which had a SW of 332 and the other two 330. Identical weight. I'm currently demoing a Blade CV 16*19 and a CV 18*20. The former sample has a SW of 327 and the latter comes in a 328. They are about 4-5g apart in terms of weight though with the 18*20 being heavier at 332g strung with og and dampener. The other samples my dealer measured of the 16*19 version had a SW of 299 and 294 unstrung compared to the demo I have that measured 298 unstrung and 327 strung with Alu Power Soft.

My conclusion is that the line hasn't changed dramatically but that as with any other Wilson or other brand's model one can find samples that go from really light swinging to really heavy. 20pts isn't unusual and it goes for Babolat and Head as well as it does for Wilson. I don't have much experience with Yonex, Prince, Volkl and others. They key is to buy from someone that has a reasonable stock and have enough equipment to measure at least weight and balance. Preferably also SW and RA.

That being said, my first impression of the CV line is really positive. Great feel, comfort and power. I can't tell which of the patterns I like more yet though.

Can you compare the feel of the CV vs your 2013 versions. I'm thinking getting some CV's was wondering if the feel was drastically different.

 

[JustTennis76]

The 2013 version feels slightly firmer/stiffer compared to the CV model which I preferred. Not saying one is better over the other but the feel is slightly different. Depends on your personal preferences.

 

[galapagos]

I used to have the 2013 Blade 98 16*19 as my main racquet many frames ago. I had three of them, two with a SW of 324 and one at 323 and pretty much identical in weight. For a while about a year ago I had three 2015 Blade 18*20, one of which had a SW of 332 and the other two 330. Identical weight. I'm currently demoing a Blade CV 16*19 and a CV 18*20. The former sample has a SW of 327 and the latter comes in a 328. They are about 4-5g apart in terms of weight though with the 18*20 being heavier at 332g strung with og and dampener. The other samples my dealer measured of the 16*19 version had a SW of 299 and 294 unstrung compared to the demo I have that measured 298 unstrung and 327 strung with Alu Power Soft.

My conclusion is that the line hasn't changed dramatically but that as with any other Wilson or other brand's model one can find samples that go from really light swinging to really heavy. 20pts isn't unusual and it goes for Babolat and Head as well as it does for Wilson. I don't have much experience with Yonex, Prince, Volkl and others. They key is to buy from someone that has a reasonable stock and have enough equipment to measure at least weight and balance. Preferably also SW and RA.

That being said, my first impression of the CV line is really positive. Great feel, comfort and power. I can't tell which of the patterns I like more yet though.

ok but how would you compare CV and 2015 model 18x20? ;p Do they perform similar with just slighlty different feel? Or they are noticeable different but definitely share same DNA? ;p

 

[TennisHound]

. 20pts isn't unusual and it goes for Babolat and Head as well as it does for Wilson.

That being said, my first impression of the CV line is really positive. Great feel, comfort and power. I can't tell which of the patterns I like more yet though.

I agree on the CV. Its very positive.

As far as a difference on pts HL or HH, none of the samples from Wilson have erred on the lighter side, but 100% have been heavier and HH than listed specs. I hope that I will be corrected soon and someone will find a lighter one.

Even with the CV, I would choose the 2015 Blade over the CV versions every time. If the CV versions were even 2-3pts more HL, I would choose the CV in a heartbeat. Playability matters more on these than just feel (to me).

 

[Ozellman]

Can you compare the feel of the CV vs your 2013 versions. I'm thinking getting some CV's was wondering if the feel was drastically different.

Sorry, can't compare side by side as I've sold both of the previous versions I've had. Out of the top of my head, the feel is more dampened, muted if you will but also with better control. The one reason I decided to move on from the 2013 16 by 19 a couple of years ago was that I felt it lacked in the control department. I was also really attracted to the feel of the then newly released PS97 to the point that the Blades became unbearable to use. In hindsight, they are probably the frames that have suited my games the best and have given me the least discomfort. So I'm really looking into the CV version now.

The 2015 18*20 is close to the 18*20 CV version in terms of playing characteristics but the feel is different. Among regular Blade players I get the impression that half of the think the new one is better and the rest don't. I've talked mostly to sponsored college players that are switching and seem to be happy with the update.

I agree on the CV. Its very positive.

Even with the CV, I would choose the 2015 Blade over the CV versions every time. If the CV versions were even 2-3pts more HL, I would choose the CV in a heartbeat. Playability matters more on these than just feel (to me).

My 2015 frames when I used them were pretty much on spec as are the CV frames I'm demoing right now. I just added just 5 grams of lead under the OG to make it about 4 pts HL whereas the 18*20 sample I have for demo is about 2.5 pts HL which in my book is on spec.

 

[galapagos]

I agree on the CV. Its very positive.

As far as a difference on pts HL or HH, none of the samples from Wilson have erred on the lighter side, but 100% have been heavier and HH than listed specs. I hope that I will be corrected soon and someone will find a lighter one.

Even with the CV, I would choose the 2015 Blade over the CV versions every time. If the CV versions were even 2-3pts more HL, I would choose the CV in a heartbeat. Playability matters more on these than just feel (to me).

so basically you would say its not about which model but what balance blade? ;p

 

[Ozellman]

I just requested specs for the racquets my favourite retailer has in stock of the CV Blade 18*20 which I tend to like better than the 16*19 model. Here's what he had (unstrung specs):
1. Weight 306 BP 32 cm SW 292
2. Weight 309 BP 32,3 cm SW 296
3. Weight 306 BP 32,5 cm SW 297
4. Weight 310 BP 32,8 cm SW 303
5. Weight 310 BP 32,8 cm SW 303
6. Weight 308 BP 32,2 cm SW 297

So compared to spec, racquet 1, 2 and 6 are more HL, no 3 is as specified and no 4 and 5 are 3 mm less HL than spec. I choosing 2, 3 and 6. With leather grip they will basically be exactly as I like them though I will need to add an additional 3g to the handle of no 3. SW strung will be around 327.

 

[Yao_guai_nz]

OK so I had my hit today after having the blade CV 18x20 re-strung with my usual wilson sensation... to compare apples with apples.

Comfort: CV > Nblade > KBlade
Power: Kblade > CV = Nblade
Spin: CV > Nblade > Kblade
Sweetspot: CV = Nblade > Kblade
Plough Through/plush factor: CV = Nblade > Kblade
Mobility: Kblade > Nblade = CV


I do have the CV in stock form vs the Nbade (and my dead Kblade) which had lead at 3 & 9 o'clock.
If it had lead I do reckon it would put the power up slightly and the comfort on parr with the Nblade.

I really want to love the bladed and its "player's stick" heritage.... but I have this other new stick in my bag that is also beautiful to play with in different ways... it's not cool though... It's the hype stick called the RF97A. I hate the fact that it's a fanboy stick.
I'm going to have one more hit with both and then one will go up for sale.

The beautiful demo at the tennis centre had some purple ish, mauve/grey Luxilon strings in there that made it so plush. Does anyone know which one this could be?

Mine has some Yellow Yonex Poly Tour Pro, which are nice, but not as nice as above mentioned.

 

[Slick Tennis]

Caveat- this review speaks to the 16x19 models but thought the gang might still be interested. Demo'ed the blade 2015 16x19 against the blade CV 16x19. They play quite different. The 2015 felt more connected to the ball but more erratic. The CV feels comfortable and very precise. It allowed me to hit with greater variety. Serves lost some pace but placement was up quite a bit. The ball jumped off the stringed from the 2015 with more bounce but the CV provide a more pronounced 'thud' and face a greater sense of confidence. It did not reward 'ball slapping' like the 2015 but certainly rewarded sound technique and proper follow through. Really 2 different yet similar frames. I may have preferred the 'connected feel from the 2015 a little more but I got better results and more confidence from the new CV model.

 

[donquijote]

Caveat- this review speaks to the 16x19 models but thought the gang might still be interested. Demo'ed the blade 2015 16x19 against the blade CV 16x19. They play quite different. The 2015 felt more connected to the ball but more erratic. The CV feels comfortable and very precise. It allowed me to hit with greater variety. Serves lost some pace but placement was up quite a bit. The ball jumped off the stringed from the 2015 with more bounce but the CV provide a more pronounced 'thud' and face a greater sense of confidence. It did not reward 'ball slapping' like the 2015 but certainly rewarded sound technique and proper follow through. Really 2 different yet similar frames. I may have preferred the 'connected feel from the 2015 a little more but I got better results and more confidence from the new CV model.

I have Blade 98 2015, 18x20 though. I think it'd be great exaggeration to say it's erratic for a good control racquet. I assume you say it just for the sake of comparison. I gather CV 98 plays more like the Yonex DR 98 which has a bit better control than Blade but has less power. Also Blade 2015 feels more connected than DR98. CV seems similar to the Yonex in that sense too.

 

[dgoran]

I have Blade 98 2015, 18x20 though. I think it'd be great exaggeration to say it's erratic for a good control racquet. I assume you say it just for the sake of comparison. I gather CV 98 plays more like the Yonex DR 98 which has a bit better control than Blade but has less power. Also Blade 2015 feels more connected than DR98. CV seems similar to the Yonex in that sense too.

Cv vs 2015 is minimal difference in result. Sure it's more mute which I like but all I had to do is drop tension by 5 lb and 2015 plays the same as cv.
I prefer cv because of mute feel and most important for me because the finally removed amplifeel which I hated to have in my handle

All of this is hinging on if one has blade that's on spec or not because Wilson is well wilson

 

[galapagos]

Cv vs 2015 is minimal difference in result. Sure it's more mute which I like but all I had to do is drop tension by 5 lb and 2015 plays the same as cv.
I prefer cv because of mute feel and most important for me because the finally removed amplifeel which I hated to have in my handle

All of this is hinging on if one has blade that's on spec or not because Wilson is well wilson

does CV offer more power than 2015 ver in your opinion? I want to make sure you used the phrase "PLAYS the same" (when 5 lb drop) intentionally.

what amplifeel does? Ive played blade several times but felt nothing wrong with a handle ;p

 

[Slick Tennis]

I have Blade 98 2015, 18x20 though. I think it'd be great exaggeration to say it's erratic for a good control racquet. I assume you say it just for the sake of comparison. I gather CV 98 plays more like the Yonex DR 98 which has a bit better control than Blade but has less power. Also Blade 2015 feels more connected than DR98. CV seems similar to the Yonex in that sense too.

Correct - erratic when compared to the CV...the 2015 seemed to have hot spots.

 

[DJTaurus]

Anyone tested the most popular of all the 98s cv ?

 

[Ozellman]

I demoed the 16*19 and the 18*20 models of the Blade CV and ended up buying the latter. I haven't completely adjusted to it and therefor not decided if I'm buying a couple more yet but so far my impression is that it's a very impressive frame. It's very comfortable, it's very stable and has great plow, it's got great feel and control and it's very powerful once you find the rhythm. I added a leather grip but it's still less HL than the Prestige Pro's I'm used to but it certainly packs significantly more punch but it's also more forgiving. It works great for my DHBH but I haven't found 100% consistency on the FH side. In terms of spin, I noticed a slight difference between the 18 mains vs the 16 mains but it's not huge and I enjoyed the feel on impact of the 18 version better and hence went with that one.

 

[parasailing]

Having tried all 3 Blade 18x20 models, 2013, 2015, and CV, I prefer the 2015 model because it is a little more plush than the stiffer 2013 model and has more feel than the CV model. For some reason, the Blade CV model just felt a little more sluggish even though it was pretty similar in spec to my 2015 ones. CV definitely feels a bit more dampen.

I think some will keep the 2015 model and others will prefer the CV model.

 

[RVAtennisaddict]

Demo'd the CV 18x20 (playing PS 18x20) and found it to be way to dead/muted to play with. Gave up on it after about 15 minutes.

 

[galapagos]

Having tried all 3 Blade 18x20 models, 2013, 2015, and CV, I prefer the 2015 model because it is a little more plush than the stiffer 2013 model and has more feel than the CV model. For some reason, the Blade CV model just felt a little more sluggish even though it was pretty similar in spec to my 2015 ones. CV definitely feels a bit more dampen.

I think some will keep the 2015 model and others will prefer the CV model.

As always I can count on you, Mr Blade King Still looking around for a 2015 model in a good price. If I don't find any, will stick to dr since its good as well and will be hard to find anything better. Blade was a strong contender. but still i must try CV blade...who knows... @dgoran so what do you think about the power lvl of those 2 blades?

 

[dgoran]

I think it's the same providing you have the same specs on both.

 

[parasailing]

As always I can count on you, Mr Blade King Still looking around for a 2015 model in a good price. If I don't find any, will stick to dr since its good as well and will be hard to find anything better. Blade was a strong contender. but still i must try CV blade...who knows... @dgoran so what do you think about the power lvl of those 2 blades?

If you were around my area, I like you try the 2015 model . I assume you have no way to demo from TW or one of the online stores. I like the DR 98 and think it is definitely better than the AI 98 but against better hitters, you don't have much room for error. The Blade with the higher SW and plow allows you to fight off shots and still allow for the ball to land deep in the opponent's court but with the DR 98, I find that it lands a bit shorter.

Keep an eye on TT for sale forum or the great auction site.

 

[wabbithunting]

I have played with both for 2 months but modded up to 12.1 oz with leather grip and .2 oz of lead tape. Don't know if it's QC issues but I put .2 oz on both versions of the blade at 3 and 9. The CV blade came out to be more head heavy. I then moved the lead tape to the handle and they now both have same balance and weight but 2015 blade still "feels" like it has a lower swing weight than the CV blade even though it has the lead tape on the handle. Don't know for sure.

My preference is the 2015 blade 18x20. It has more control and seems to be more maneuverable. I feel like I can whip it around faster although i can't be sure since I haven't actually measured their swing weights.

 

[galapagos]

any more points of view?

 

[Slick Tennis]

So, I hit the new CV model for over 7 hours now. I am impressed, very impressed. Perhaps it's due to me growing up in the 90's with 'muted' Fischer and Head frames but I, for one, do not feel disconnected from the ball. It gives me a feeling of confidence, I get great 'sound' of every shot. It's almost like a frame of the 90's with the comfort they had but with the stiffer feeling of today. I feel like I can play with the ball, accelerate. Oh, and this is the first racquet I am hitting with and not using a dampener. I might switch...!

 

[galapagos]

This is always confusing me, hard to imagine racquet that is stiffer and feels softer at the same time. "Dont worry honey your penis is small but definitely feels big". Must be something in a handle I assume? Ahh I must demo one ;p I found 2015 model new for a good price so Im back to the start. I tend to go for a lower RA so this might be a clue which one is gonna perform better for me. but can i feel 1 point difference? haha
my biggest concerns are maneuverability (lower than already low for a stock blade?) and power lvl ( why adding power to the racquet that is supposed to be control oriented one?)-those are the differences that are mentioned most often. Some might disagree with those. I know 2015 blade and it definitely doesnt lack power. Its well balanced I guess..(in terms of how it performs)

 

[SpinToWin]

This is always confusing me, hard to imagine racquet that is stiffer and feels softer at the same time. "Dont worry honey your penis is small but definitely feels big". Must be something in a handle I assume? Ahh I must demo one ;p I found 2015 model new for a good price so Im back to the start. I tend to go for a lower RA so this might be a clue which one is gonna perform better for me. but can i feel 1 point difference? haha
my biggest concerns are maneuverability (lower than already low for a stock blade?) and power lvl ( why adding power to the racquet that is supposed to be control oriented one?)-those are the differences that are mentioned most often. Some might disagree with those. I know 2015 blade and it definitely doesnt lack power. Its well balanced I guess..(in terms of how it performs)

Lol at the bolded

Notice he didn't say they play soft, but muted. Muted just refers to the amount of vibration/feedback you feel at contact.

 

[Ozellman]

So, I hit the new CV model for over 7 hours now. I am impressed, very impressed. Perhaps it's due to me growing up in the 90's with 'muted' Fischer and Head frames but I, for one, do not feel disconnected from the ball. It gives me a feeling of confidence, I get great 'sound' of every shot. It's almost like a frame of the 90's with the comfort they had but with the stiffer feeling of today. I feel like I can play with the ball, accelerate. Oh, and this is the first racquet I am hitting with and not using a dampener. I might switch...!

Looks very similar to my impression except that I already made the switch . Stringen them really low, full bed of Alu Power Soft, 44/42 lbs. Great power, feel, spin and control. I tried it in my search for something more comfortable than my previous ones, the GPPXT, as I've got a sore shoulder. I was ready to accept playing with anything that would give me less pain irrespective of how my game was affected but I've found the new Blades to be better for my games as well. And less taxing on my shoulder.

 

[Slick Tennis]

I've been hitting the demo strong with alu power at 55lbs ...and although It's strung too tightly, I still really like it. Probably a sign that the quality of the frame doesn't make it overly string sensitive. If I end up pulling the trigger I will try stringing it with Wilson Resolve 17 @48lbs.

 

[galapagos]

I've been hitting the demo strong with alu power at 55lbs ...and although It's strung too tightly, I still really like it. Probably a sign that the quality of the frame doesn't make it overly string sensitive. If I end up pulling the trigger I will try stringing it with Wilson Resolve 17 @48lbs.

i would start with 49 lbs and most likely end up with 47 lbs ;p with 1.25 string.

 

[galapagos]

Ok, pulled the trigger. Will buy both but keep only one in my bag (unless they are gonna perform the same just with slightly different feel). Lets see what specs I will get xD
Mama always said Wilson is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.

 

[galapagos]

Ok, CV came. 302g, balance between 32 and 32,5 (I put it on the thin surface, marked the balance point and measured it with a long ruler-hard to be accurate with this method ;p) I was hoping for better specs but I think its fine. HEY! I GOT LIGHTER AND MORE HL BLADE ! ;p I wonder whats the SW now... will string it today. Will compare it to my friend's 2015 blade and let you guys know

 

[galapagos]

Ok played it tonight. It was great fun. Now I have big problem which racquet to make my main weapon. Anyway I would agree with @dgoran that they are more similar than different. For me the performance was pretty much the same. It was a bit easier for me to serve with CV but i remember my backhand was better with 2015 version. Rest is pretty much the same. Ppl say its too muted but tbh it wasnt an issue for me. My first 30 minutes were pure joy, then I've noticed some strange vibrations after the hit. I was thinking too much about it and the flow was gone... Im not sure if its an issue, Ive put dampener later and it was better. Is it normal to feel the racquet vibrating after the hit if you dont have dampener on it? Maybe im just not used to the feeling? It was the first time I felt no need for a dampener. I even preferred it that way , but the vibration was distracting.

 

[galapagos]

ah I think it is more forgiving than 2015. Maybe butt a bit more flared? lol ;p

 

[galapagos]

and for all lf those spot on specs: the plastic on a handle was 3g ;p

 

[galapagos]

Choices everywhere...

 

[galapagos]

the 2015 model thats coming will be 300g and around 32-32,3 mm balance... A bit worried ;p

 

[galapagos]

Played with blade tonight. I think its a keeper... I was a bit frustrated coz the stock grip was little too short and forgot to put the addition grip higher so when holding a backhand I felt my finger touching the racquet. I found more power with CV, more comfort. Maybe 2015 version is slightly more stable? CV is vibrating in my hand a little this is a big question for me. I found a crack on a grommet where the string is running. It is not touching the racquet. Can it be the cause? Its a new racquet and this **** happens? ehh.... Anyway.. still dont know which racquet I prefer. Blades give me more controlled feel. Dr gives me more comfort and maybe better performance overall but something is missing. I will probably put the same string on a CV to make the comparison more adequate.

 

[TennisHound]

Played with blade tonight. I think its a keeper... I was a bit frustrated coz the stock grip was little too short and forgot to put the addition grip higher so when holding a backhand I felt my finger touching the racquet. I found more power with CV, more comfort. Maybe 2015 version is slightly more stable? CV is vibrating in my hand a little this is a big question for me. I found a crack on a grommet where the string is running. It is not touching the racquet. Can it be the cause? Its a new racquet and this **** happens? ehh.... Anyway.. still dont know which racquet I prefer. Blades give me more controlled feel. Dr gives me more comfort and maybe better performance overall but something is missing. I will probably put the same string on a CV to make the comparison more adequate.

Thanks for the update man, good stuff. There's always the possibility that the grommet may cause some minor vibration, but doesn't sound like its causing what you're describing.

 

[galapagos]

Maybe thats the 2 Hz vibration difference the racquet comparison is showing me? I don't recall the vibration when having dampener but it was more fun to play without it on CV.

 

[galapagos]

@DJTaurus you might find this thread helpful.

 

[DJTaurus]

@DJTaurus you might find this thread helpful.

I owned dr98 and the reason i switched to dr100 was that it has one major issue....it lags on forehand...it seems that while you open back the head of the racket, phase 2 you drop the tip of the racket, phase 3 the moment you start to swing forward it feels like Sth drags you down the motion losses its fluidity and as a result you don't have enough power specially you can notice it on shots on the run. Don't get me wrong i found dr98 to provide greater sweatspot than blade 98s 2015 and you can play better defense but you don't get the same penetration on forehand shots. Dr98 has a nice decent powered backhand and I also found it better than blade on volleys...they are both good on drop shots. But in the end i prefer the more feel of blade and specially the more head heavy balance.

So i am looking forwards to your comments if CV version is a must update. I must admit that 98s 2015 is not arm free pain like dr98 but i am curious if CV provides the same feel and power....also I am worried if the added SW has made it more cumbersome.