Frogman69
Rookie
Feels like butter and easy to swing but something about it is different as I have no pain while playing but suddenly soreness, might be because its so unstable
Wilson Defyer 98 Pro V1
- Thread starter thenewbig3
- Start date
pramod.sanaga
New User
If you got these measurements from TW USA, use a bit of caution. Their SW numbers were lower by 4 compared to what I got from Briffidi. With that in mind, I’d suggest the 286SW ones that leave you a bit of headroomHelp me select 3 racquets from these. I've ordered matching service for Defyer 98 and got following options:
Weight Swingweight Balance Stiffness
Racket 1 : 309.4 290 31.7 66
Racket 2 : 309.7 286 31.5 67
Racket 3 : 307.2 286 31.6 67
Racket 4 : 307.9 288 31.6 67
Racket 5 : 309.3 289 31.6 68
Racket 6 : 308.9 291 31.6 67
These numbers are unstrung and with plastic blister. If I take 2, then 3+4 are simplest choice, but I need 3Any advices? I don't want to customize much.
PS. generally quality control is better than expected.
Adding weight to the head (and to the butt cap/under the grip) would give you easier power if you can swing it equally as fast. Lowering the tension on the strings would give you a greater launch angle, which means easier depth.
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
F Wilson. What about our direct experience? Did you own both?
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
OK, but pray tell, what are the similiarites, except maybe some spin?
Yeah that's not right at all. I have switched from a Pro Staff which I had been using for 3+ years over to this racket with no lead tape at all. I am 4.5 and take lessons once a week from the person that is currently ranked #1 in the USTA for 40+ and it hangs with him. So respectfully it doesn't suck, sounds like user error to me.
1, 5 and 6.Help me select 3 racquets from these. I've ordered matching service for Defyer 98 and got following options:
Weight Swingweight Balance Stiffness
Racket 1 : 309.4 290 31.7 66
Racket 2 : 309.7 286 31.5 67
Racket 3 : 307.2 286 31.6 67
Racket 4 : 307.9 288 31.6 67
Racket 5 : 309.3 289 31.6 68
Racket 6 : 308.9 291 31.6 67
These numbers are unstrung and with plastic blister. If I take 2, then 3+4 are simplest choice, but I need 3
PS. generally quality control is better than expected.
Jono123
Hall of Fame
I have added Silicon to the Defyer. Flipped the butt cap, added cotton wool to fill 2/3rds, injected about six grams of clear silicone, and let it set.
It plays well and keeps the RHS of the frame, but gives it a little more mass without affecting how it feels through contact. I had tried adding lead to the hoop in various places, but that seemed to diminish its natural attributes.
I'd recommend it and it's easy to do.
It plays well and keeps the RHS of the frame, but gives it a little more mass without affecting how it feels through contact. I had tried adding lead to the hoop in various places, but that seemed to diminish its natural attributes.
I'd recommend it and it's easy to do.
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jklos
Hall of Fame
No racquet will help a person win matches. That's up to the player.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yep this. Also the thing about the Defyer that many players won't get is that you have to actually move your feet and use kinetic chain to unlock it's ease of use. It is not like a Prestige where you have to have elite balance and timing to constantly hit the small sweet spot, but its not like a Pure Drive where you can get bailed out with bad technique either.
It sits in the middle. It is demanding but also fair. If you play tennis 3-4x a week and really care about improving technique, it's a great racquet. But like you said, what wins matches is actual footwork and fitness more than anything.
jklos
Hall of Fame
You're asking if the D98 can help a 3.5 player win more competitive matches? Versus the Tour 100P? I mean, the D98 is fairly easy to swing, sweet spot is decent but not large compared to most 100" frames... It has good access to spin if you have the proper swing mechanics and can provide some good power if you have fairly good technique. Can it win you matches? No. As I mentioned above.
AgressiveBaseliner89
Rookie
Now I see a proper dry analysis of D98 which is exactly what I wanted. I fully understand the physics of frames and technique but I am trying to pick a tool based on my actual style and physical conditioning. When I played with Blade v9 18x20 and Speed Tour 97 they fit my style beautifully but I just could not handle them for long matches. I thought the D100 would fix this but I can already see it is a completely different type of racquet even though I still enjoy using it. Now I have an opportunity to grab D98 and I want to understand if it will give me just a bit more than B98 and ST97 while being less clunky than D100.
jklos
Hall of Fame
Definitely less clunky than a thick beamed 100. It does give you a bit more spin and power than the Blade you mentioned with sacrificing some control, although I still find it controllable with the proper string set up. Try to demo both the D98 and Tour 100P if you can. I think a 4.0 player can get along with the D98 just fine but it may be a little harder to use for a 3.5. Hard to say though.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Like I said you need to have good technique and the d98 will be fine. It will be less clunky than the 100 but the 100 is not really that clunky for its segment. It’s one of the faster 100sqi frames on the market.
But if you hit flat you probably need more control so the 98 will help. Your original question was if the 98 will help you win more matches and that is tough to answer. It really boils down to your technique and fitness level with the D98. It’s not going to be nice if you can’t consistently generate power from the ground up.
thenewbig3
Hall of Fame
Give me the short version, without AI
Jpipes8787
Rookie
Tennis elbow
Sounds like AI
Jpipes8787
Rookie
He probably got a 100 thinking it was a 98 and wilson said screw you pal
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
I gave up on measuring it in the store (besides they don't have L2 in stock anymore so they'd have to order it- And I wanted to have my pick of the litter so to speak) b/c I got $30 off on line from TenisZone(Coupert). Arrives in 1 day.
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
True, but
a) I didn't know that the Prestiges were demanding, at least not the ones I got from Gads and Richard P.
b) Defyer 98 seems to have more power for a 3.5-4.0, but maybe not for a pro/competitive player (not unless you get it to 320SW if it's not).
Jono123
Hall of Fame
I get a lot more spin with the Redline than I can with a 16x19 Wilson. My FH is my main weapon, deep, fast, but relatively flat.
Of late, I've been trying to generate a high and heavy ball, especially when pushed behind the B line. The Redline offers that versatility with high RHS and 16x20 setup.
It's great to have a frame that opens doors. Truly a game changer.
Of late, I've been trying to generate a high and heavy ball, especially when pushed behind the B line. The Redline offers that versatility with high RHS and 16x20 setup.
It's great to have a frame that opens doors. Truly a game changer.
_FrankTheTank_
Professional
Tried Restring Sync today in the D98 and it felt really nice, have had TBHS7T 1.25 and Head LT 1.20 champagne in it, sync is so far the best.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I'm going to put in my old favorite RS Lyon next.
People are having more problems getting this frame suitable to their game than any frame I have seen in years. May fit you perfectly with nothing done to it but you would be an anomaly. The hype around this frame is why you are hearing all the downsides.
jklos
Hall of Fame
I've done nothing to it and it plays great. Adding lead is perfectly normal for any type of player to achieve something that works for them better.
ForehandCross
G.O.A.T.
Just a random observation, I decided to not buy anything because my play time is once a month these days. However, I am really curious how the hype died so soon with release in this case. I think other frames have a more active thread.
However, every time I open this thread its weird to see specific posters telling others how it will not suit them, which is okay but then comes discouraging those posters who think they have gelled with it.
Not sure what's the deal with that, racquets are too subjective for such opinionated approach.
However, every time I open this thread its weird to see specific posters telling others how it will not suit them, which is okay but then comes discouraging those posters who think they have gelled with it.
Not sure what's the deal with that, racquets are too subjective for such opinionated approach.
jklos
Hall of Fame
It's almost like an orchestrated hate campaign lol. Never seen anything like it. If you don't like the racquet, don't use it. Don't come on a thread and bash the racquet and others for liking it. No racquet is perfect.. I hate the Pure Drive but it's a popular racquet that others love.. Would i go on the Pure Drive thread and bash it? Of course not. Wild stuff.
How big is your sample size for “people”?
I suspect because of the “hype” (or just a brand new line from the largest OEM people understandably want to try) more people in absolute terms are giving them an extended look than any new frame in decades. And the majority of people are not going to like any new frame as much as their gamer, much less switch to it. Assuming they’d all switch en masse to any new release is a very high bar. Anybody that ANY single model "fits perfectly with nothing done to it" would be an anomaly by definition.
If the Blade Pro was released for the first time this year and my favorite player used it and I was really excited about making it work for my game, I could probably try to dial it in for months and still not get the same results as the Pure Aero/VCORE/Defyer type frames I'm used to, because that's what I evolved with as a player. The same goes for most players at any level. That does not mean the Blade Pro is a bad racquet.
But there aren't tons of people trying to do that with the Blade Pro, because it's been around for years at this point and didn't *recently* appear in the hands of a lot of top Wilson players or become available via retail.
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2k replies & 100k views in 3 months since launch for this thread, and there's another one that predated the retail release that got plenty of action as well. "Hype" is clearly being used as a pejorative when it comes to this racquet as many people seem oddly upset by people talking about it too much and want it to fail, but it's easily the most discussed racquet among online reviewers who are generally catering to what gets eyeballs. The interest is there.
60+ online reviews have been published on the 98 since release. 30+ on the 100. I'm not sure what everyone was expecting...best racquet ever for all playstyles? Everyone throws the racquets they've used for years in the trash and adopts the same exact frame? Even at higher levels you see a wide variety of racquet designs and specs.
I completely agree it's odd that people keep coming in here to tell us (for the 3rd time) that they don't like the racquet, or how happy they are when pros stop using it. You don't see that anywhere else and it really has no bearing on those discussing their experiences, setups, and comparing to other models here.
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I think the nuance here is that with relatively minimal tweaking (dropping a string gauge, a bit of lead at 12), it threads the needle of being the best racket I’ve ever played with. That might not mean it’s for everyone but there’s clearly a set of people for who it’s truly special. I’ve tried all the rackets out in the last 3-4 years and many have played well without customization it’s true, but none have played as well and felt as good as figuring out the D98!
ForehandCross
G.O.A.T.
Yeah I meant before the release there was sooooo much discussion here around what the racquet will be , how will it look like and what it's name will be etc. I was a pretty active part of that discussion too.
It's just that I expected more posts about how the racquet felt for those who play tested/play with it. Don't mistake me there are like 30 such posts in this thread and the old one, I expected a just tad bit more discussion around it given the pre release interest.
It's the constant insinuation that anyone who has liked the frame *has* to fall out of love with it. That's what irked me. A racquet could be objectively bad for your game, you may believe it's not made for pro tour. But I can't understand telling others who have liked the frame that they are wrong to like it.
Fighting phoenix
Hall of Fame
It’s really just one bad egg. Better off to just ignore and not give him air time when he decides to drop another bombastic negative statement about the D98
Well one metric that I’m tracking with interest is: not that many of these are showing up on the classifieds, and the ones that do show up move fast. Maybe people are still honeymooning or tweaking or holding on to them as collectibles or backups, of course, but it’s not like people are in a hurry to dump these things.
jj4545
Rookie
Bad release time slot from Wilson, end of July for world and mid August for US means practically end of summer season, far far away from clay season on the pro tour... Not to mention the name change drama and the limited concept edition, supply issues etc.. Only the big enthusiasts change rackets at that time of the year. I expect a lot more posts and practical experience in the next weeks/ months and beginning of next year when people actually try and tinker more with the gear. And also when visibility on pro tour rises with players like Rune, Fery, Korda, Potapova, Sakkari playing more matches with the new cosmetics.
In my biggest local store 98 is unobtainable for demo for weeks, so interest is definitely there.
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StringingIrvine
Professional
its been almost a year with the python/prototype for me. Had black gloss foam filled, about 5 months ago switched to snake skin with no foam.
Always been a foam guy but really like the non-foam with the defyer.
I haven't been paying attention to this thread but was very active on the previous protype thread. I think one of the first ones with the stick.
If you are looking for pure spin, this is NOT the racket for you.
If you are looking for pure power, this is NOT the racket for you.
If you are looking for pure control, this is not the racket for you.
The racket shines as it does everything exceptionally well but isn't the best in each INDIVIDUAL category. You combine the feel you get and its an amazing blend in a modern racket.
If you swing super vertical, super modern swing path I do not this this racket will suit you. Its hard to say but i suspect you may lack court penetration. You need to hit through the ball, yes its a "spin" racket but more traditional stroke sense.
The racket swings FAST for its swing weight, but you have to balance your mods. If you increase swing weight too much you decrease the amount of spin via RHS and almost negate the racket's purpose. If you don't add enough, its not stable enough for big hitters (depends on version).
Is it the best racket? No... Is it a great blend... yes. Someone coming from a more traditional players frame it will do wonders if they want a more modern frame in terms of power and spin, but still with the control and feel.
If you were using an Ezone, Vcore, Pure Aero, not sure the majority of them will like the defyer unless they wanted more control or more feel. Spin and power in those rackets are better than the defyer.
if you were using any older players frame or 18x20, might suit you depending on what you are looking for.
The hype is real, to a certain type of player with certain type of strokes. Demo before you buy.
Always been a foam guy but really like the non-foam with the defyer.
I haven't been paying attention to this thread but was very active on the previous protype thread. I think one of the first ones with the stick.
If you are looking for pure spin, this is NOT the racket for you.
If you are looking for pure power, this is NOT the racket for you.
If you are looking for pure control, this is not the racket for you.
The racket shines as it does everything exceptionally well but isn't the best in each INDIVIDUAL category. You combine the feel you get and its an amazing blend in a modern racket.
If you swing super vertical, super modern swing path I do not this this racket will suit you. Its hard to say but i suspect you may lack court penetration. You need to hit through the ball, yes its a "spin" racket but more traditional stroke sense.
The racket swings FAST for its swing weight, but you have to balance your mods. If you increase swing weight too much you decrease the amount of spin via RHS and almost negate the racket's purpose. If you don't add enough, its not stable enough for big hitters (depends on version).
Is it the best racket? No... Is it a great blend... yes. Someone coming from a more traditional players frame it will do wonders if they want a more modern frame in terms of power and spin, but still with the control and feel.
If you were using an Ezone, Vcore, Pure Aero, not sure the majority of them will like the defyer unless they wanted more control or more feel. Spin and power in those rackets are better than the defyer.
if you were using any older players frame or 18x20, might suit you depending on what you are looking for.
The hype is real, to a certain type of player with certain type of strokes. Demo before you buy.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah I think it got too much hype when the reality is it’s a top tier 98 frame. But people expected it to string itself or something. I don’t know.
It really is awesome and I have trouble putting it down. But how many rec players are really focused on technique and driving the ball with the legs and core? It sounds like everyone should be, but then I see videos of people playing on flat feet and barely moving and the Defyer is not going to jive with that.
Short answer is I think the Defyer is more demanding than people expected, but it’s still less or equally as demanding than most players 98s. That includes the pure aero 98 imo.
It’s just not a pa98 clone. Which I think I is what people were expecting.
Its just a racquet and seemingly difficult to reel in based on the extensive threads about customizing it. I live in the tennis hub of the south and the one I own is the only one I have seen on-court. The main pro shop here that is the biggest Wilson dealer, the racks are full of defeyers.
Have let two different 4.5/5.0 teams try the frame and one college team. Each players response was the same. They hit a few balls and handed it back.
I believe an honest review of a frame includes the upside and downside, Have spent most of my life in pro shops where by in large we didn’t hype certain frames or gear just to get people to buy them. We sold them frames and gear suitable to their game. The Defeyer was the most hyped frame of all time mainly due to social media. Glad some people love it, but here in the tennis hub of the south that is not what I’m seeing. Sorry that my reviews are not all fluffy and celebrating this frame. Just the truth.
Wilson refunded both of the frames I had and are sending more Blade Pro 16x19 frames.
Have let two different 4.5/5.0 teams try the frame and one college team. Each players response was the same. They hit a few balls and handed it back.
I believe an honest review of a frame includes the upside and downside, Have spent most of my life in pro shops where by in large we didn’t hype certain frames or gear just to get people to buy them. We sold them frames and gear suitable to their game. The Defeyer was the most hyped frame of all time mainly due to social media. Glad some people love it, but here in the tennis hub of the south that is not what I’m seeing. Sorry that my reviews are not all fluffy and celebrating this frame. Just the truth.
Wilson refunded both of the frames I had and are sending more Blade Pro 16x19 frames.
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
It might be that it doesn't have enough power for a 5.0.
The 3.5s can't swing it fast enough.
Many 4.0s don't swing fast on each shot either?
What do you think?
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
I think everyone wanted it to be a PA98 clone but it just isn't. I think it's an above average racquet and I have fun playing with it. However, most of my power racquet friends prefer the UP99 over the D98.
Jpipes8787
Rookie
I for one don’t believe anything you say
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So what?? Who are you? What part of me makes you believe that I care anything about what you think about me?
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Their common response was twist weight/ torsion stabilty/wobble of the frame and disconnectedness to the ball. One guys response was just too muted.
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I had an opportunity to hit these two frames this week, D98 (well python prototype but I assume it's the same) and the UP99. Both were strung with hyper-g. The D98 was a better hit than I was expecting, but the UP99 could hit a missile. I felt like it was better for my game in most categories, not that the D98 was bad. I think it's every bit as good as the PD98 (I hate the aero98) and I could play with it if it was provided as a stick. The 100 may be better but if I had to play Wilson right now the UP99 would be on my very short list of frames.
The prototype with the red grommets would look sick though, I'll give them that.
The hype is because it was a mystery
The reality is it's a good, "modern" Wilson frame.
It was touted as a Wilson Pure Aero and a more powerful Blade.
It isn't either of those.
It's just a good, modern racquet. Caters to modern technique and fast swinging.
Youtubers have an agenda to promote the racquet.
[A very few] forum members have some absurd agenda to discredit the racquet because they and their two [alleged] 5.0 buddies didn't switch after one hit.
Basically, try it and decide for yourself.
I'm still back and forth on it myself.
Korda's video was probably most insightful even if he's head and shoulders above our levels.
He didn't like it at first and then eventually adjusted. Anyone not coming from a vcore/pure aero will probably require quite a bit of adjustment. I did and I'm still deciding if it's worthwhile.
On any given day most of our errors are completely unrelated to the racquet we're holding.
You and I agree on more than you think. You saying it was touted as something it is not is accurate. Players such as Korda and the 30+ players I have put the frame in their hands don’t like it immediately and players not paid to use it really have no reason to try and make it into something that suits them.
You said you are back and forth and wondering if it is actually worthwhile. Totally my experience and sent mine back for refund/ exchange for other frames. Wilson also allowed me to set up a seperate wholesale account. Will help me to streamline additional orders and not get bogged down in the call center trying to take care of a problem. Thank you Wilson.
Honest reviews help people decide if they want to purchase another expensive tennis racquet.
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einca13
Rookie
I have been playing the D98 for over two months now and I have officially retired my 16x19 H22’s. I have been keeping one in my bag as my safety net all this time and it is now out. They all sit unstrung in my closet. I have to admit it kind of surprised me as I tried the D98 out of curiosity with zero expectations.
It took me some time to dial in the specs and string choice as the D98 requires a different setup to shine. Could I go back to my old frames and play well, of course but the D98 just suits my game better. More pop, more spin without sacrificing much control. Feel is not on par with the H22, but nothing is.
Is this frame for everybody, of course not. Will some people try really hard to like it when it probably is making their game worse, probably. But for some us, it just works really well and that is all you can ask for from a frame.
It took me some time to dial in the specs and string choice as the D98 requires a different setup to shine. Could I go back to my old frames and play well, of course but the D98 just suits my game better. More pop, more spin without sacrificing much control. Feel is not on par with the H22, but nothing is.
Is this frame for everybody, of course not. Will some people try really hard to like it when it probably is making their game worse, probably. But for some us, it just works really well and that is all you can ask for from a frame.
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