Wilson Blade v10 2026
- Thread starter henrytennisadelaide
- Start date
thebigz
Professional
Wilson Blade 98 V10 16x19 Demo
Lux Alu Black w overgrip: 326g, 319SW
Wilson P98 Prototype
Lux Alu Black w overgrip: 321g, 313SW
Spec of the units I tested for context^ hit with them side by side. Both stock with no modification.
Blade 98 V10 feels significantly more solid. Much easier to adjust to and find my range on all my shots, I feel more confident swinging out. It can make you feel like you are hitting a bigger ball than you actually do though, does not add as much to heavy topspin shot than what you put in. But the upside is i can control the launch angle very precisely. Feel is very smooth and solid, not too muted. I don’t think I needed more feedback since the precision and predictability is so good that. Also, the blade has always been very fast through the air for its specs.
P98 is firmer and more raw feel, not uncomfortable but it lets you know more when you hit off center. It’s less forgiving and less stable than Blade V10. Power level is not significantly higher at that lighter stock spec than the Blade, but you get more lift and heaviness when going for topspin shots with higher racquet head speed, taking advantage of its maneuverability. I don’t feel as confident swinging out in a one off session and it’s a frame I’ll need more time to adjust to and find my range on different shots. So not saying anything conclusive on control. I’ve said elsewhere before but it need to be revisited at the heavier retail spec.
If you value stability, and like driving the ball through the court more, I don’t think you will prefer the P98 over the blade. P98 is more designed for high swing speed topspin swing style and rewards that more.
Personally I like the P100 more than P98. My preferred frames over the last 2 years are Shift 99 and BOV2 btw.
People assume the P98 is a Blade killer. It’s not. Ultimate they are better suited for different types of players. I tried the Blade 98 V10 with very little expectations since it’s not my type of racquet typically. But I really think it might be the strongest update in 2026 so far. Now my favorite in the modern control category. It’s easy to pick up and play well with.
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MasterZeb
Legend
Wow thank you for the depth. Helps a lot. Can I ask why you preferred the 100 over the p98? And is that your racket of choice rn? Have you tried the vcore 98 as well?
thebigz
Professional
Both P98/P100 are snakeskin prototypes I hit with from a Wilson rep. Did not get to keep them beyond the few sessions I tried when I saw him.
I’m not making conclusions until I have hit with the retail copies of both. Specs, layup likely all can be different than prototype. So don’t take what I or anyone say about the prototypes too seriously. I hit with 2 different P100 prototypes 2 months apart from same rep, drastically different stiffness and feel for example. The early one was softer than P98.
Needs way more time with different string set ups to evaluate more fully too.
But that P100 I hit with more recently: closer to retail specs I’d assume. 322 SW with 4G. I like that string better than Alu Black that was in the P98 unit.
That P100 is much more forgiving than the P98, with less trade off in control than you think, I was missing less in fact due to the forgiveness. The launch angle (I think I can get used to over time) could be a bit more wild but it also gives you more on every shot, hits bigger 1 & 2nd serves especially. Horizontally it’s much stronger against other spin 100s imo. Connected feel, decent stability to maneuverability ratio. Slightly less pop than Vcore or PA 100 but you get significantly better control imo, especially on flatter shots. Not for sensitive arms I’d say but again I tried it with 4G (which I really enjoy the feel and playability of, but I can feel it in my arms after more than usual)
I reviewed Vcore 98 on my page @tenniswithziming on socials before. It’s more noticeably more powerful, more forgiving than P98, less precise, more comfortable, more muted, and less maneuverable. The ladder is my biggest knock for the new Vcore 98. It’s not as easy to generate RHS for a spin frame that benefits from higher swing speeds.
I’m always testing new stuff like I’ve been only hitting Blade 100 Pro for the past 3 weeks. I played matches with them too. But I can always go back to Shift 99 and BOV2 I mentioned before. Those are frames I’ve played some of my best tennis with
sebash
Rookie
I was obviously talking about Blade 98
PhxRacket
Hall of Fame
Another round of demoing begins tomorrow. Second time for the Blade Pro 98 16x19 and Blade Pro 100. First time with the Blade Pro 18x20. I have to really see if the BPs are too much racquet for tournament play. To that end, I will try to schedule back-to-back days of play and measure my recovery.
thebigz
Professional
P98 prototype is not more forgiving than the Blade 98 V10 either. More drop off in off center hits and you notice it more. Sorry I thought I was responding in the other thread. Keep in mind the spec I tested both in below. So retail release could be different
julianokay
Rookie
Interested if anyone has any experience comparing the Blade 98 V10 16x19 to the most recent generations of Radical MPs?
jj4545
Rookie
Does it give more power than the v9 with the new lay up or nothing significant?
Jono123
Hall of Fame
I played much better with it. I seemed to generate good power and my serve was definitely stronger.
What I really enjoyed was the ability to pull the oppo off the court on 2nd serve returns as I could target width without splashing wide.
The 18x20 just gives you a little more confidence and it just clicks. I wasn't a fan of the V9 but the V10 has better feel and slightly more power.
What I really enjoyed was the ability to pull the oppo off the court on 2nd serve returns as I could target width without splashing wide.
The 18x20 just gives you a little more confidence and it just clicks. I wasn't a fan of the V9 but the V10 has better feel and slightly more power.
Filipologi
New User
I would appreciate if someone could summarize the key differences between the v8, v9 and v10 Blades, especially the 98 18x20. I have a preference for a crisp, direct feel, a firm/stiff response at impact for stability and top-notch directional control. Power and spin are lower priorities as I can generate pace on my own (or add with string set-up) and am a flatter hitter.
Asking because I can get solid discounts on the v8 and v9, but would happily pay the extra for the v10 if there are material differences between it and the previous versions.
Thanks!
Asking because I can get solid discounts on the v8 and v9, but would happily pay the extra for the v10 if there are material differences between it and the previous versions.
Thanks!
MasterZeb
Legend
I’ve used the blade 98 v7 previously and tbh I liked it it was good but I can’t remember how it played exactly. There seems to be a lot of blades in the futures/challengers level and college level as well. But then now with this new Wilson Defyer coming out and a few players switching and someone like Fery improving, I’m thinking. Is the blade actually good? Or is it just the best Wilson racket that there is before the Defyer now comes out? I’ve seen that college players get a Wilson set of rackets bags strings for a discounted price. Is that maybe why we see a lot of college players using it? Or do other brands do the same as well and they just happen to pick the blade? Is it maybe the same case for the challengers/futures level? Are Wilson more willing to provide sponsorships or maybe even just offer discounted rackets and so we see so many blades, rather than the racket being particularly amazing?
Jono123
Hall of Fame
I think I may add a little lead to the 18x20. In my last outing I was being pushed around by an Ezone 98 in singles. I had stayed up to watch the football the night before (2am) so that maybe a factor but I felt I was not generating enough power.
So I'll add lead to either the 12 or the 3&9 to give it a little more mass. Have a match later today in the club comp against a big hitter , so I'll report back.
So I'll add lead to either the 12 or the 3&9 to give it a little more mass. Have a match later today in the club comp against a big hitter , so I'll report back.
lphillips96
Rookie
I had this issue too with the 18x20. Never had a problem with the V9 18x20, assuming it's due to lower swingweight but it was less stable and my ball had less plow through.
extreme_western
Rookie
I had the same experience, the v9 18 x 20 didn't need any lead but seems this v10 does
ClownCar96
Professional
Just ordered a second BP100 many months later and it came in at 295g, 288.5 SW. .1 SW off what inordered many months ago (see above). Wow! Bravo Wilson. Have they become as good/better than Yonex in QC spec ranges?
CosmosMpower
Hall of Fame
There are not major differences I have all 3 gens in my bag right now 18x20
thebigz
Professional
V10 does look a lot better imo. Gloss paint also seems to hold up better
Hi
Please can anyone help. I am a decent player
I have the blade v8 18x20 strung with lux element and weighted up to 345g fully strung with some weight at 3 and 9 and a tiny bit at 12 and some weight in the handle to offset. I really like it. I just would love a bit more power and a bit more spin. I also sometimes think it is a bit too headlight. I have one handed backhand.
I bought the python/defyer 98. I’ve hit with it 3 times so far. I added some weight at 3 and 9 but it’s still lighter overall than my blades (332g). I haven’t liked it as much. It’s not bad perfectly playable but feels a bit too raw/harsh not as plush/smooth, a bit tinny. Doesn’t feel as stable or controlled. Doesn’t seem to give a huge amount more power to justify the loss in other things. Maybe slightly higher launch angle and spin than my blades. I think I’m going to get rid of it.
Should I try the v10 blade? Should I try the 16x19? Should I try a different string to element? Should I add more weight to the head? I’m in a bit of a racket mess, I hit with a vcore 98 once and think that I even liked that more than the python but I didn’t get a chance to add weight to that to where I’d be comfortable.
Please can anyone help. I am a decent player
I have the blade v8 18x20 strung with lux element and weighted up to 345g fully strung with some weight at 3 and 9 and a tiny bit at 12 and some weight in the handle to offset. I really like it. I just would love a bit more power and a bit more spin. I also sometimes think it is a bit too headlight. I have one handed backhand.
I bought the python/defyer 98. I’ve hit with it 3 times so far. I added some weight at 3 and 9 but it’s still lighter overall than my blades (332g). I haven’t liked it as much. It’s not bad perfectly playable but feels a bit too raw/harsh not as plush/smooth, a bit tinny. Doesn’t feel as stable or controlled. Doesn’t seem to give a huge amount more power to justify the loss in other things. Maybe slightly higher launch angle and spin than my blades. I think I’m going to get rid of it.
Should I try the v10 blade? Should I try the 16x19? Should I try a different string to element? Should I add more weight to the head? I’m in a bit of a racket mess, I hit with a vcore 98 once and think that I even liked that more than the python but I didn’t get a chance to add weight to that to where I’d be comfortable.
EggSalad
Hall of Fame
I can’t speak for the V10 or Defyer. But I’m a huge fan of the v8 and v9. And easy change would be to try something like Hyper G 1.20 or Tour Bite 1.20 - the soft variants of those strings will have more power but Element is pretty powerful already so not sure if it will be the boost you want. But you will get more net clearance and spin (not drastic).
The V10 16x19 catches my eye as a more powerful and spinny package than the 18M blades. I keep meaning to hit that racquet but haven’t yet. Might be worth a demo.
Nastase
Semi-Pro
@PhxRacket agree the Blade Pro is the best performance-wise, provided you can swing it. Did you not find a set up you liked with the BP100? I’m currently tinkering w the BP100 and like it, but looking for an optimal set up, balance, etc. What is the performance gap you found between the BP100 and the blade 98 V10s you just bought? Any color appreciated.
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PhxRacket
Hall of Fame
Unsurprisingly, I found the BP100 to be a serve bots delight. Whether first or second serve-this thing is built to serve and put the wielder in a winning position. The VX Blade 16x19 is also a great serving racquet, but not in the same way. I think the slightly larger head, plus thicker beam makes a difference. The VX 16x19 was a superior racquet around the net and in the forecourt. Like the previous metric, it was close but I feel like the difference in weight and weight distribution were deciding factors here.
I ordered two VX 16x19 and am headed in that direction. Will look to strings next.
I ordered two VX 16x19 and am headed in that direction. Will look to strings next.
ClownCar96
Professional
still can’t get over how my 2nd BP100 matched my first identically despite ordering them 3 months apart! Really loving this stick. Perfect blend of power, control, and versatility for my game. Absolutely smacking forehands for winners all over the court. I haven’t served much with it yet due to a back injury I’ve been nursing, but I can imagine it will be a weapon in that category as well as others have reported.
Not sure I want to try the defyer 100 now given how much I love the Steam!
After some tinkering, my favorite setup is
322 SW (no lead).
Lynx Tour 1.25 crossed with Sync 1.25 52/50
327g (RF leather adds 4-5g, plus 3-4g of putty,
32.25 balance.
Not sure I want to try the defyer 100 now given how much I love the Steam!
After some tinkering, my favorite setup is
322 SW (no lead).
Lynx Tour 1.25 crossed with Sync 1.25 52/50
327g (RF leather adds 4-5g, plus 3-4g of putty,
32.25 balance.
