KaviarDE
New User
link to the website.Quite subtle dual-tapers. I assume they mean 68.5cm long.
https://www.tennispro.fr/wilson-def...nDfwnz6LPo0PU6wC0cH45CeQ1G0tYJFD0YrIzHCB6GKIa
Wilson Python/ Defyer - Released July 2026
- Thread starter FlatShot_V
- Start date
https://www.tennispro.fr/wilson-def...nDfwnz6LPo0PU6wC0cH45CeQ1G0tYJFD0YrIzHCB6GKIa
thenewbig3
Hall of Fame
Quite subtle dual-tapers. I assume they mean 68.5cm long.
I would check the beam measurements after I get them in hand. I have a feeling they are under-reporting beam widths by 0.5mm as well.
danbrenner
Legend
That’s actually pretty cool. The D 100 has a 25 mm thick beam. Just a smidge under the typical tweener at 26
RF 01 mold has a 24mm beam but not at 3&9, in the lower hoop. At 3&9 it actually is 23mm
Charlie Mewborne
New User
I’ve been REALLY surprised to hear reviewers say the 98 version sweetspot is small and it might not be for people that aren’t high level. I have had the complete opposite experience. I think even if you’re a lower level but you were using racquets like Blades, Radicals, Prostaff, etc., the 98 is going to be WAY easier to play with while staying a “control” type frame. The 100 might be too big of a jump in the opposite direction if you’re coming from control sticks. On a side note, I’ll be throwing my three snakeskin 98’s up on the Bay in the next month or so to switch over to the retail paint if anybody is interested. Definitely hit with a decent amount but letting go for a very fair price.
mattimag
Semi-Pro
on this site it is written that only a small quantity will be available with Redline written on them
KaviarDE
New User
yes, after this batch the racket will have Defyer on them instead of Redline
Racquet head size is just one feature. Overlapping a 98 and 100" face is pretty close. String pattern/Power/feel/comfort/control/manueverability are also important. With that said what I've seen of the Defyer 100 is easy power and spin. Seems to be an amazing serving racquet. SeanPlays is the highest level player/review I've seen use it and he liked it. I just think it's not just adding or subtracting 2" to the head that makes/breaks the racquet.
christennis49
New User
I hesitate to suggest that you’re a defyer; more of a disrupter really. 
can i have more examples?Wow, you are clueless.
christennis49
New User
Any ohbh have comparisons how that shot goes on both the 98vs100? If you’ve used both?
Also, looking at the Wilson naming conventions and what I know about the rackets, Blade 98 has a regular version and a “Pro” version, with a high level difference being the regular is loaded up with modern tech and the Pro is a more raw (and slightly earlier mould or beam? Not quite the point), but Defyer only has 98 “Pro”.
Do we expected Defyer retail to have all the same modern tech loaded on to it, or is it actually more of a raw racket and thats why ATP players are using it and adjusting where they need? My point is basically is that partly to blame maybe why the racket is not as “easy” as some people expected? Maybe Wilson have room to introduce a second 98 version down the line, a bit more similar to the 100’s playstyle?
Also, looking at the Wilson naming conventions and what I know about the rackets, Blade 98 has a regular version and a “Pro” version, with a high level difference being the regular is loaded up with modern tech and the Pro is a more raw (and slightly earlier mould or beam? Not quite the point), but Defyer only has 98 “Pro”.
Do we expected Defyer retail to have all the same modern tech loaded on to it, or is it actually more of a raw racket and thats why ATP players are using it and adjusting where they need? My point is basically is that partly to blame maybe why the racket is not as “easy” as some people expected? Maybe Wilson have room to introduce a second 98 version down the line, a bit more similar to the 100’s playstyle?
sargeinaz
Hall of Fame
I absolutely agree. Back when I first started playing tennis in the late 90s, racket size and how a racket played went hand in hand. I basically only used 90-95. Now, I basically don’t care about racket size up to 100, I look at the whole spec picture. This is easy to see when you hit with an aero 100 and a gravity pro. Both 100s, but they’re so different nobody would ever cross demo them.
first_formant
New User
CiscoPC600
Hall of Fame
The name is lame. But the paint job looks sick.
DariaGT
Hall of Fame
LOL Defyer its just a little better than Head "Squared" name failure.
A darker crimson candy apple red with chrome black or blue text would have been tastier
PJ is top notch but look is nothing like fantastic Blade, Ultra and retro pro staff efforts.
TF looks way better in their metallic red and graphics.
A darker crimson candy apple red with chrome black or blue text would have been tastier
PJ is top notch but look is nothing like fantastic Blade, Ultra and retro pro staff efforts.
TF looks way better in their metallic red and graphics.
Just ordered d98 and d100L from korea.
DEFYER
打破常規，才是唯一的規則。 Wilson 全新 Defyer 系列專為拒絕隨波逐流、主宰反擊的球友量身打造。全系列以深邃沉穩的暗紅色作為視覺靈魂，戰拍搭载革命性「TORQ SHAFT 扭力動力拍柄」，能將揮拍動能高效傳導至拍框，賦予球更強烈的旋轉與凌厲球速。 專業戰拍就要搭配專屬包袋。同系列暗紅網球拍袋嚴選頂級耐磨面料與防護隔層，一鍵成套，助你將對手的強勁攻勢，輕鬆轉化為屬於你的精準落點，定義專屬於你的暗紅賽場美學。tw.wilson.com
We're so close!
pizzadontdie
Rookie
It’s honestly baffling they didn’t just call it the Wilson Defy.
pizzadontdie
Rookie
Confidential soft gives me more control, spin and lasts about 25% longer than Mach 10. If you like the pop in Mach 10 I’d stick with it.
cys_tennis
New User
Wilson already has a Defy, it’s a padel padel…
I had seen that the Python 98 prototype had direct connect. I wish that Wilson would get rid of direct connect.
If the full carbon handles on the 300g and 285g Defyers are like the full carbon handles that have been found on racquets such as the Burn, Clash, Steam, and some others, they will basically be black, except the upper of the handles, which will be painted.
Cayenne321
Rookie
They've got prostaff in golf too, they seem fine to have crossover.
thebigz
Professional
Curious did you add lead to the hoop? Or you came to that opinion from trying the P98 stock?
The snakeskin I tried stock were 313SW and definitely had smaller sweetspot than most 98s. The sensation was really good when I connected right on but drop off was noticeable off center, balls can drop short.
It’s not demanding in the sense that it’s much easier to accelerate & manipulate than Vcore 98 or PA98. I feel more creative with it than the Vcore or PA98z But it does feel less consistent for someone like me who aren’t always hitting clean.
tele
Hall of Fame
They probably just wanted to put “Pro” into the name to make it sound cooler. I think the reason for the “Blade Pro” and “Ultra Pro” names was to squeeze certain molds used by pros (steam, H22, H19, etc,) into presently existing silos. I would imagine that, while the layups are different, one of the two Defyers is not loaded with much more “technology” than the other, but we’ll see
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kvan
Semi-Pro
Interesting to see the shark skin-like textures on the retail pj, and Wilson marketing it in the promotional videos so far. Given the snakeskin pj didn’t have the texture it feels pretty gimmicky to me.
Reminds me of the of the old dunlop biomimetic series textures (tech was called AeroSkin), which were more pronounced.
Reminds me of the of the old dunlop biomimetic series textures (tech was called AeroSkin), which were more pronounced.
CalciferKuma
Semi-Pro
The blade has the shark skin like texture on it if that's what it's supposed to be like
Regardless of the other pros being paintjobs, D98 Pro fits in line with the Ultra and Blade Pro being a smaller head, heavier, or more controlled version of the regular (the 100 is the regular model, the 98 is a pro version like the Babolat used to use VS to signify the Strike/Aero/Drive "pro" model)
You're giving Wilson a bit too much credit here. The D98 Pro probably falls in line as the "advanced version" of the silo, like the Clash 100 Pro and RF 01 Pro. The Ultra Pro and Blade Pros (remember there is also a Blade Pro 100) are in their "Pro Labs" silo, which is a catch all for players racquets that share nothing in common with their namesake.
tgwilkinson
New User
I can't wait for page 136 of this forum to talk about how differently the Redline PJ plays to the Defyer PJ and how you can only use one of them if you're a 14 UTR
Well its a combo, I think the Steam 100 is the only one thats been pigeonholed in, but I suppose it is more advanced than the regular Blade 100, but I didnt say that all 3 were required for it to be a pro, just that the pro models are usually either smaller head, heavier, more controlled beam etc... than the regular model - RF Pro, Clash Pro etc... are in line with this - the Pro Labs silo doesn't really "exist" anymore (the Pro Labs section of their site is hidden away and just includes the Pro Models regardless) - Wilson state the pro models are made for "collegiate and tour level players"
Federauer
New User
Yesterday ia had the 98 in my hands and I honestly have to say that the paintjob looks so sick. It's like often - online okay, kind of cool but live and finally in your hands it's like man, that thing looks stunning. I have to say (for my taste) that Wilson is design wise a great job since the last year. ... sorry, that my English maybe isn't perfect, I'm from Germany.
After all, I ordered the 98 and I'm really looking forward to it. The shop owner recommended me the 98 after I told him, I use to play the Blade 98 V10. Regards from Frankfurt
After all, I ordered the 98 and I'm really looking forward to it. The shop owner recommended me the 98 after I told him, I use to play the Blade 98 V10. Regards from Frankfurt
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thebigz
Professional
You guys are dancing around the real logic. I feel like this is the more obvious explanation because of my conversation with a product/marketing guy at Wilson corporate I spoke to during a Indian Wells photo shoot I worked:
He said that a segment of consumers now(the TT crowd basically) are hyper aware of the real racquets used by pros on tour. They had to respond to that trend of the internet pulling back the curtain of paintjob endorsements. It has became tricky for them to market frames that might even have tested to have better playability for broader amateur player base but are not actually used on tour.
So Pro models are generally just the retail releases of the popular “pro stock” frames used on tour targeted for folks here who have been obsessing over.
This is articulated by Wilson internally and it reflects in the fact that in today’s market, you can buy racquets closest to what their pros are actually using with Wilson, than with any other brand. Especially with Babolat moving on from selling the PA98 2023.
The distribution strategy for “Pro” line isn’t very consistent. The older Ultra Pro V4/H19, and current Blade Pro line/H22/Steam100 for example is exclusive for Wilson. com, the large online retailers like TW, T E, etc plus very few select specialty pro shops in the US. The Wilson rep for my state is not even allowed to sell these models to any of the local pro shops even if they want to carry them. But the current Ultra Pro 99/Steam 99 is distributed much more widely to all local accounts for example.
tgwilkinson
New User
Concerning part of this is the "concept" rackets are $12,500 compared to the Blades which are around $7000. Would be a bit frustrating to say the least if they overcharged for one that's 2 weeks early without the big D on the sideDEFYER
打破常規，才是唯一的規則。 Wilson 全新 Defyer 系列專為拒絕隨波逐流、主宰反擊的球友量身打造。全系列以深邃沉穩的暗紅色作為視覺靈魂，戰拍搭载革命性「TORQ SHAFT 扭力動力拍柄」，能將揮拍動能高效傳導至拍框，賦予球更強烈的旋轉與凌厲球速。 專業戰拍就要搭配專屬包袋。同系列暗紅網球拍袋嚴選頂級耐磨面料與防護隔層，一鍵成套，助你將對手的強勁攻勢，輕鬆轉化為屬於你的精準落點，定義專屬於你的暗紅賽場美學。
We're so close!
tele
Hall of Fame
If "pro" is supposed to now mean "used by pro players" for all models, wilson could do a better job making that clear, as there was recently a switch pro and there still is a clash 100 pro. Is noone on the tour using the defyer 100？
Trying to make logical sense of any of the naming schemes is pointless, it's all "vibes" based on what they think will sell more or like the Blades & Ultras to jam in a load of different moulds into the silo that they want to sell.
jj4545
Rookie
Yes, Aero 98 2023 compared to any Wilson has bad hollow feel. Ezone and Vcore are also nothing special in this regard. Head and Wilson rackets are generally with best feel among the different lines.
jj4545
Rookie
That is the key. If club players are buying those Aeros and Ezone/ Vcores what happens when Wilson (hopefully) achieves similar performance but with Wilson feel, it is win. And dead poly on nice feeling slightly softer frame is still better than dead poly on harsh stiff and hollow feeling Babolat.
Cayenne321
Rookie
Coincidentally, the best feel on a spin racquet comes out next week (Head Extreme).
Tim Buktu
Rookie
2026 Vcore 98 feels excellent. Great connected feel with the ball/string and perfect amount of flex/beam thickness.
v9 Blades were pretty mushy/wobbly feeling so it all depends which Wilson model/range you get. Some recent Heads have felt like chesp hollow crap.
thebigz
Professional
Tbh the pro labs models really don’t move as many units in the grand scheme of things. They are mainly just there to serve the very small slice of highly informed consumers. Or advanced players that makes up for a tiny percentage of overall tennis players. Massive units being moved in local pro shops network that doesn’t even carry these models. And maybe the direct order with Wilson site is slightly better margin. But again the volume does not move the needle
Maybe there’s a tiny edge here, is scaling these models and availability so it’s easier for supplying to lower level pros/ juniors/college players. The upcoming girls getting signed today are not given some special pro stock steam 100. Just supplied the same Blade 100 Pro we can buy. The top 50 guys can get whatever they want made, but moving down the chain, most players don’t care or don’t have enough pull to get some very specific custom layup/string pattern made for them like Dimitrov(he has the clout regardless of ranking)
The level of knowledge here does not represent 98% of the tennis players out there. I have to explain my Blade 100 Pro to decent amateur players I hit with and 9/10 don’t know how it’s not a Blade, and half don’t know what Steam molds are. People don’t follow racquet releases like they do football.
That was the reasoning behind the initial Pro Labs releases, branding which largely doesn't exist anymore (Blade Pro/H22, Ultra Pro/H19, Pro Staff 6.1 - 2/3 of which are now gone), but now Pro is on their website is designated as frames designed for use by tournament, college and tour players (basically yeah a frame targeted at more advanced players, or intended to be customized). It's just the same as Head's Pro/Tour designations, or that generally we agree a "Team" racquet is a more accessible, usually cheaper casual version of a frame.
Grafil Injection
Legend
Interesting that the Burn 100 was also 23-25-23mm beam.
extreme_western
Rookie
100% this. V surprised that there isn't a wider consensus about the Vcore 98 26 being the benchmark modern power/spin 98, far surpassing the PA23 given it's infinitely superior hitting feel, which is the standard for this Defyer to now match.
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tele
Hall of Fame
Yes, I got the reasoning behind the Pro Labs releases and the use of the term “Pro Labs”. I also understand how “pro” is generally used by racquet companies. No disagreement there.
My point was just that Wilson has been inconsistent/messy with their usage of “pro” (i.e., there is not a consistent “real logic" behind it, to use the expression in a previous post by someone else). As a result, you have a blade 98 and a blade 98 pro, despite the fact that both the blade 98 and the H22 are in the control/player end of the spectrum, weigh the same, and are used by pros on the tour (not sure if anyone is using a v10). However, there is no regular defyer 98 but there is a defyer 98 pro.
evalir
New User
Yeah, Wilson generally hasn't been the best over the past few years when it comes to how they name things (and adapting to the modern tour). I think the Defyer is a chance to correct this, and while the launch has been kinda botched, I still think they're on OK path to improve. The latest blade is quite good it seems, and the Defyer seems like a step in the right direction even though it's gotten very varied reviews. Gotta give them time (and to their credit, their apparel line is among the best right now).
For me vcore 98 tour 2023 model was a powerful racquet but struggled to get good control for consistently flattening forehands and really ripping the ball. Sure a part off this is my not relaxed enough arm and too little racquet drop in backswing phase. Also maybe I'm late too often in my forehands. Still more power and 16x19 so I fear the launchiness is even worse on new vcore. So expensive to test that I have moved onto other racquets. Really loved the serving with 2023 vcore and forehands when it clicked. Well maybe power/spin benchmark but those aren't really useful if you don't get predictable control.
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