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

[galapagos]

Ok so I decided not to change the strings since I dont want to over-invest in a playtest. I believe the strings are pretty similar. (ultra cable and signum pro tornado both 1.23)
Imo both are very similar but CV has like 5% more power, 5% more spin (most noticed during serve), 2% less control, 15% more comfort-biggest influence( with 2015 version my arm/shoulder/elbow sometimes felt tired I play very often so this is important factor. 10% less feel ( 2015 version is harder on you but you receive more feedback) . I will stick to the 2015 version and try to make my shoulder stronger. Will try to sell the CV and buy another blade 2015, another dr 98 ( customizing one already and if i get more plow, this might be a 1st choice racquet) OR angell will have a chance to jump into my bag

 

[purdyd]

Did you check the door on the butt? I read that at least one person isolated the vibration to the door which should have some tape on it on the inside. Worth a try anyway.

 

[galapagos]

vibration was no longer a problem. When I played my racquets with more awareness I found the same kinda buzz in dr 98 and blade from 2015 lol.

 

[galapagos]

also im not sure if its possible but I think racquets do change in first 2-4 tennissessions. Its like they are settling in ;p

 

[purdyd]

I'm pretty certain strings do change. And I am fairly certain your perceptions change as you adapt. Not so sure the actual racquet changes...

 

[DJTaurus]

After one month the verdict on Blade 98s CV is a NO! I was wrong in many things due to honeymoon period. It' has significantly less power and produces less heavy balls. The feel has gone and the launch angle feels increased. It's not so easy to just put the racket body to return serves....ball will fly away. I have also lost a lot of power on my serves. It only excels on second serve (slice or kick) where it's more consistent. Overall i found it more maneuverable than the old model but the lack of power and my mediocre technique made me to try even harder...as a result i have pain in the area over my wrist while i twist my forearm. Also my forearm is in general feels more stiff.

 

[dgoran]

I never liked 98s and 16x19 versions of the blade because they are different in layup and don't feel as good as 18x20 but from all 18x20 blades cv version was the best imho

 

[DJTaurus]

After 98s CV i got forearm pain also with 16x19 CV. Not immediately like 98s but after a month. They are too Head Heavy and probably my arm couldn't handle it. I loved 16x19 CV but i ll have to return back to my worthtrusty 98s 2015....also i ordered one 18x20 2015 to try it again. And of course i am saving money for a future ultra tour purchase

 

[TennisHound]

They are too Head Heavy

thats it. Wilson has a thing for HH racquets. I wonder if they have to hold back from making every one of their racquets about 3-4 Pts HH. If only the CV Blades were another 3pts HL. Too bad.

 

[mhkeuns]

Though I really loved the feel of the 2015 Blade 98 18x20, I get much better results with the Blade 98 16x19 CV. I can hit with more confidence with the CV version. I did like the 18x20 CV, as well, but I just preferred the 16x19 CV for having more power, feel and just as much control as the 18x20. The 18x20 CV felt slightly boardy to me.

To me, the CV version is an improvement over the 2015 version. It hits bigger balls without compromising control.

 

[Alexrb]

thats it. Wilson has a thing for HH racquets. I wonder if they have to hold back from making every one of their racquets about 3-4 Pts HH. If only the CV Blades were another 3pts HL. Too bad.

Add a leather grip? Or a heavier synthetic and weight in the butt?

Making something HL is much better than the other way around. Got some 90s that were 14 pts HL unstrung, and I hated the feel with a glob of lead in the tip

 

[TennisHound]

Add a leather grip? Or a heavier synthetic and weight in the butt?

Making something HL is much better than the other way around. Got some 90s that were 14 pts HL unstrung, and I hated the feel with a glob of lead in the tip

Thanks man, never thought of that. Glad I got on this thread. Can you explain how I could get one of the new Blades about 10-12 Pts HL. I have all my frames at least 11-16 Pts HL. I usually have to do a little spot welding.

 

[mhkeuns]

Hasn't Blade 98 been alway HH? I still think it maneuvers easily. I can only tell it's balance point if I use frames like the TT95, which has HL balance.

That said, I also wondered why Wilson would make the so called "player's frames" HH in balance. My only guess is that Wilson wanted to offer light/lighter frames with stability and plow of heavy rackets.

As far as balance goes, I think once it's familarized, it really shouldn't matter. It should only matter to and throw off people like me who likes to switch rackets at any given chance. I went Blade 98 Cv, Textreme Tour, Pro Staff 97S, and by the time I got to Pure Drive, my games was f'd up.