Similar racquets to the Blade 98?

[Xievie]

I found myself enjoying a friend's Blade 98 18x20 2013 racquet, and was looking to get a new racquet. I was primarily looking for similar racquets that I may be able to try and enjoy. I was looking to add more power and spin to the actual racquet choice, but I primarily liked how the racquet felt to hold and swing, so perhaps a change in only the string pattern would help.

I was currently hoping to demo the Blade 98 16x19 2015 and the Pure Strike, but any other suggestions are much appreciated.

 

[JustTennis76]

Check out the Yonex EZone Ai 98. It is very similar to the specs of blade but a little more pop and spin with this 16 x 19 pattern. read the reviews of the Ai 98 - I think Troy was comparing the Blade to the yonex.

 

[SpinToWin]

You could also wait for the Pro Staff 97S later this year. Similar specs but a 18x17 string pattern, which should be a good compromise of power, control and spin

 

[ed70]

Try the 2015 blade 98s has power and good spin your after

 

[LHM]

Pure Strike is very similar to the Blade

 

[DJTaurus]

2013 blade 98s was unbalanced and erratic. This time with the 2015 I hear so great comments from my friends about the new 98s!!!

 

[sma1001]

Check out the Yonex EZone Ai 98. It is very similar to the specs of blade but a little more pop and spin with this 16 x 19 pattern. read the reviews of the Ai 98 - I think Troy was comparing the Blade to the yonex.

Interesting - i didn't find much of a similarity between these sticks. Ai98 much more solid feeling.

 

[DJTaurus]

Interesting - i didn't find much of a similarity between these sticks. Ai98 much more solid feeling.

Compared to the 2013 model yes.....2015 blade 18x20 is one of the most solid frames I ve tested. Very stable on impact with powerful returns against heavy hitters. Blade has plow that ai lacks but ai has faster swing. Ai is a little more powerful with controllable spin. Blade has the old school crispness and more feel than the muted ai. I prefer ai on the net. They are both powerhouses on serves but I miss the lack of plow from ai in the baseline and that's why I prefer blade there. It's more difficult to handle ai and with blade you can flat out your shot without worrying the ball will go out. You can attack more safe but with proper technique you can achieve more difficult winners with ai. I love them both.

 

[Roland G]

Dunlop f3.0 Tour. Similar weight, headsize and string pattern. Lower swingweight. Easier to hit with pace and spin potential is better. I switched to it from the Blade. Bargain buy also at the moment

 

[dgoran]

Try MG Radical MP and Pure Strike 18x20

 

[RalphJ]

Tecnifibre T-Flight 315 18x20, just slightly heavier. The Pure Strike 18x20 has similar specs, but plays and feels completely different IMO

 

[parasailing]

Pure Strike is very similar to the Blade

I didn't find the Pure Strike similar to the Blade 98 simply because the Blade 98 feels more solid and doesn't have that hollow and ping that I had when using the Pure Strike.