Trust Blade 98S

DANMAN

Professional
I played pure drives (+) from 2002 until 2010 at which time I played a year or so of my best tennis with Pure Storm tour plus frames and then began playing a little less and went back to Pure Drives which I played with from 2012-2013. In 2013 I developed a horrible case of tennis elbow and played very little. Trying to get back in, I grabbed new demos in late 2013and hit the Blade 98S and loved the directional control, power, spin, and most of all softness of both the frame and the stringbed. I played some really good tennis with it but then got a new job and started feeling like I was struggling with depth control and short angles given the high launch angle. I got a pair of Pure Strikes when they came out in 2016 but developed pain after a few months in the upper arm on the medical side just above the elbow. I went back to my Pure Storm Tour pluses which have never bothered my arm but they are heavy and long and have a high swingweight and was having trouble catching up to balls sometimes at the 5.0 level. The other night I played with three 5.0 guys and decided to bring the Blade 98S frames out. I forgot how fun these things are to play with. They hit a nasty low slice and have great topspin potential. I find depth control to be less of an issue in doubles since I am trying to hit returns at feet. The frame hits good pace and spin on serves with excellent directional control. It has great feel on volleys and great pop on overheads. It is quick to get around on returns and is very stable. I thoroughly enjoyed playing with it and wanted to share my enthusiasm as it isn’t a frame that gets a lot of high level praise.

I have never hit with the 2015 or the newer Countervail version. Fortunately I found a few new ones of the version I currently have for around $100.

These things are strong eaters which in addition to depth control issues was a main reason I moved away from them.

If you’re looking for something soft, easy to play with, with good spin and directional control, give this frame a shot.
 

Bobble

Semi-Pro
Long time fan of the 98S blades here. You owe it to yourself to at least try the 2015 version. Stable, powerful, and comfortable, and highly regarded as an improvement over the 2013.

I also loved the cv 98S, but it gave me bad TE issues for some reason even though it feels amazingly plush and has better control than any of its predecessors imho. Played my best tennis ever with it, but the pain wasn’t worth it.
 

TennisHound

Legend
Long time fan of the 98S blades here. You owe it to yourself to at least try the 2015 version. Stable, powerful, and comfortable, and highly regarded as an improvement over the 2013.

I also loved the cv 98S, but it gave me bad TE issues for some reason even though it feels amazingly plush and has better control than any of its predecessors imho. Played my best tennis ever with it, but the pain wasn’t worth it.
X2.
 

CopolyX

Hall of Fame
Yep nice stick, thou I played better with the pro staff 97s thou and over all the blades are low vibration frames. Currently my go to are angell tc 97 ..
With most dense string patterns, deep and launch angles can be be an issue for some especially flat ball hitters. Tennis elbow for my long history in tennis is usually never one dimensional. Meaning it is usually a combination of elements which can vary per play. Common is a blame frame game. Not mentioned is a key factor, the things that the ball hits...the strings..
So in short sorta, just be aware of all the possible factors when you are experience any discomfort or pain playing.

First and foremost you have to heal the TE. whether it's due to a sudden trauma or the result of repetitive strain (over playing / bad form / timing is off) , once damaged, the elbow can be incredibly resistant to healing. patients with Tennis Elbow rarely take the time necessary to rest their elbow so it can heal completely.
It is always best to seek a professional to ensure and be safe, they will have to assess the severity. which may mean yes, rest ..no playing.
Sure it will include physical therapy, normally at home.
Physiotherapists commonly advise racquet sports players to strengthen their shoulder rotator cuff, scapulothoracic, and abdominal muscles.
This can really help to reduce overcompensation in the wrist extensors during gross shoulder and arm movements.

As of the racquet, don't know what the cause is. Normally it is never just one element...
Player with TE what it to be one easy fix...but...
From my long long time of playing this game, it usually is combination of issues.
Sorry for you. I have no clue...Not enough data for me to make a judgement call.
one, the body is smart... you are....understand it and really asset it ..

Call on what frame (and stringbed) is best for you (you body) and your game..

All can tell you is the high number of injuries I see unfortunately very frequently with rec players are (in order of it cause or combination of):
Bad Form (especially the ones that do take lessons)
Over Playing (Pushing themselves to far )
No Stretching / No Exercising / No Post Recovery Methods / Bad Nutrition & Hydration
Wrong Tennis Equipment (Strings/polys/too high tension, frame (wrong specs for them), gear, shoes)

Non - TE related - I see lot of ankle and calf issues.
I always recommend great gear form the feet up.
Supportive, comfort , impact protection - quality - high end tennis or basketball court shoes.
Ankle supports (level 1>3)
Compression gear (during and after tennis)

Have fun, play smart, be body aware and enjoy the game...
 
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