Yonex Dr 98 vs Wilson Blade 16x19 V7

[Mateo]

First of all Merry Christmas !

I’m considering to buy Blade 16/19 but there is no option for testing, so if it’s not a trouble could you give me your opinion on how it’s plays in relation to Yonex Dr 98 in terms of power level, control and manuvarebility. Let’s say that weight of stock dr 98 is for me max level regarding swing weight....in the past I have played with PS project 7 both 16/19 and 18/20, Blade 16/19 2015 and many more . Currently I have weighted up Radical IG MP and would like to have some more free power and stability when counterpunching power shots. Blade 2015 was great only let say little bit to Head heavy and form the reviews it seems that V7 is slightly less Head Heavy than 2015.
I’m now considering to go back to Yonex or to pull a trigger and buy Blade V7

Thanks


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[tennis347]

I tried the DR 98 when it came out a couple of years ago and didn't like the feel as it was too muted and was jarring to my shoulder on off center hits.

I can honestly tell you that the new Blade v7 98 in the 16 x 19 is a spectacular frame. It has a nice balance between power and control. The feel is buttery and the comfort is phenomenal with the low flex RA of 62.

I would say that the power level is similar between the Blade and DR 98. Alot depends on string type and tension. The control is also similar and the maneuverability is quite good. The new Blade v7 line is a little more HL and has much better feel than 2015 version. I highly recommend the new Blade v7 98 to any player 4.0 and above.

 

[Lumber]

Good question.
I have alternated a bit between a Blade 16x19 and a DR98 myself. The DR98 is clearly more muted and I enjoy the feeling of the Blade more, but still when I play, my impression is that I hit better shots with the DR98, so I am using that one currently.
My belief is that the Blade 16x19 has a bit too open string pattern which reduces control. Also, the DR98 has a smaller hoop, it it more like 97, while the Blade is more like 98,5. This also gives the DR98 better control I believe, even though the feeling of it is worse.
I think it is a shame that the Blade has a relatively open string pattern and I dont know why it is so praised in terms of control, since an open string pattern gives worse control (I dont need excessive spin for my game, maybe different for others)

 

[PMF]

Merry Christmas!

I have a DR 98 and Blade 98 v7 (18x20) both strung with the same exact string, tensions, and grips. With no lead, the static weight of my Blade is under spec at 318g, and my DR98 is slightly over spec at 329g, which makes them somewhat similar in terms of swing weight. I don't have access to an RDC machine, but I would guess they are both in the high 320 range. To me, the string spacing on the DR 98 is fairly tight, so its almost like an 18x20 in disguise. That's probably why I liked the 18x20 Blade better than the 16x19 version when I demo'd them side-by-side last summer.

Please keep in mind this is just my opinion, but for me, the Blade 98 has more free-power, particularly on the ground strokes. I almost feel like the 1HBH with my Blade can be used offensively, which I cannot do as well with the DR 98. Volleys, drop shots, and lobs are clearly more accurate with the DR 98. Serving is slightly better with the Blade 98, and forehands are about the same. I might be getting a little more pace with the Blade, but at my level (4.0 USTA) I'm not sure if that makes a huge difference.

 

[Mateo]

Merry Christmas!

I have a DR 98 and Blade 98 v7 (18x20) both strung with the same exact string, tensions, and grips. With no lead, the static weight of my Blade is under spec at 318g, and my DR98 is slightly over spec at 329g, which makes them somewhat similar in terms of swing weight. I don't have access to an RDC machine, but I would guess they are both in the high 320 range. To me, the string spacing on the DR 98 is fairly tight, so its almost like an 18x20 in disguise. That's probably why I liked the 18x20 Blade better than the 16x19 version when I demo'd them side-by-side last summer.

Please keep in mind this is just my opinion, but for me, the Blade 98 has more free-power, particularly on the ground strokes. I almost feel like the 1HBH with my Blade can be used offensively, which I cannot do as well with the DR 98. Volleys, drop shots, and lobs are clearly more accurate with the DR 98. Serving is slightly better with the Blade 98, and forehands are about the same. I might be getting a little more pace with the Blade, but at my level (4.0 USTA) I'm not sure if that makes a huge difference.

Thanks for the info. Would you say that Blade has same stability as Yonex and also I like Yonex string bed in term that it doesn’t have any trampoline effect and no hot spot, would you say that Blade also has control similar control like Yonex?

I’m playing with 18/20 racquets my whole tennis career but last few months I’m considering to give my groundstrokes somewhat more power and spin. As I have changed my grip from semi western to eastern to compensate dead legs and to up the power on my forehand I would also like some more spin. Last 16/19 that I have tried was Speed MP touch and that was really Shxxx of a racquet with trampoline response and really bad control.
Yonex is best 16/19 that I have tried and in terms of compare it to my Head IG radical MP it has some more power, spin and let’s say ok control.



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[PMF]

Thanks for the info. Would you say that Blade has same stability as Yonex and also I like Yonex string bed in term that it doesn’t have any trampoline effect and no hot spot, would you say that Blade also has control similar control like Yonex?

I’m playing with 18/20 racquets my whole tennis career but last few months I’m considering to give my groundstrokes somewhat more power and spin. As I have changed my grip from semi western to eastern to compensate dead legs and to up the power on my forehand I would also like some more spin. Last 16/19 that I have tried was Speed MP touch and that was really Shxxx of a racquet with trampoline response and really bad control.
Yonex is best 16/19 that I have tried and in terms of compare it to my Head IG radical MP it has some more power, spin and let’s say ok control.



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Sorry you don't have access to demo racquets. This obviously makes your decision more difficult.

In terms of stability, I would say these racquets are very similar. With the 18x20 Blade, I haven't encountered any hot spot issues some people have described with other Wilson racquets, but the DR 98 string bed is very consistent as well. A very tough call there.

However, if you have played with more dense string patterns during your tennis career, and you are looking for a little more free power, I'm guessing you will really enjoy the v7 Blade 98 18x20 version. Also, the DR 98 is out-of-production, so it might be difficult to find a new one.

Another option to consider is a new Ezone 98 will be available for purchase in a few weeks. I am planning to buy one. Yonex frames are so predictable and arm friendly. But I consider the new Blade models top notch as well.

Hopefully, more people will provide an opinion for you here. Please let us know what you decide!

 

[Mateo]

Yeah, for me always same story, I have had Pure Strike Project 7 16/19, than I wanted more control and bought 18/20 version....after few months I didn’t like how stiff that racquet is, than bought 3 Radical’s IG, and put the lead at 3&9 to build up swing weight. As I’m not on the court as often as before I was trying something that will give me nice control, but with little more put away power and more spin as I have changed my forehand grip. I have had also 4 Dr’s 98 and sold them. My friend borrowed me DR for the weekend and for sure more power and spin were noticeably higher than with Radical. Also sometime I play with youngsters that hit the ball with lots of power and I have found that Radical when counterpunching that kind of shots lacks stability and doesn’t give me any extra power to pull myself out of trouble.
Also, I’m let’s say sensitive to swing weight, for me 325g is top that I can handle with comfort to have nice head speed and not to be fatigue with the weight.
I know that power racquet’s are not for my style of play because I like to have control and to know what strings/racquet will do.....yeah and I like max 63 stiffness [emoji2].
It’s hard to buy a racquet as not to try it, last purchase that I did was Speed Mp Touch and that was biggest mistake that I have done. Racquet was without control and erratic all the way. I hope that new blade is more “dead” but still more live than 18/20 in terms of power and spin.


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[soundofatrain]

Merry Xmas ! I have played a few seasons with the DR98 (successfully) and have recently switched to the Blade 16x19 V7. They are both excellent frames, but i prefer the rounder head shape of the Wilson frames vs the more squarish shape of the Yonex on my forehand and volleys. They are very comparable in comfort. the Yonex is a little flexier in the throat, while the Blade is a little flexier towards the tip. Power level is fairly comparable between the two frames, but I would give the edge on control to the Yonex, especially on my two handed backhand. The Yonex lies somewhere between the Blade 16x19 and 18x20 with regards to control, the only reason I didn't switch to the blade 18x20 is due to the higher SW. You should try both rackets side by side for a true comparison as forum reviews are highly subjective, just know that you can't really go wrong with either of these frames, nice position to be in
I play all my rackets with a full bed of natural gut and leather grips ( The soft string bed coupled with some tail weighting helps manage my tennis elbow). - 4.5 Competitive Doubles Player (for reference).

 

[Lumber]

Merry Xmas ! I have played a few seasons with the DR98 (successfully) and have recently switched to the Blade 16x19 V7. They are both excellent frames, but i prefer the rounder head shape of the Wilson frames vs the more squarish shape of the Yonex on my forehand and volleys. They are very comparable in comfort. the Yonex is a little flexier in the throat, while the Blade is a little flexier towards the tip. Power level is fairly comparable between the two frames, but I would give the edge on control to the Yonex, especially on my two handed backhand. The Yonex lies somewhere between the Blade 16x19 and 18x20 with regards to control, the only reason I didn't switch to the blade 18x20 is due to the higher SW. You should try both rackets side by side for a true comparison as forum reviews are highly subjective, just know that you can't really go wrong with either of these frames, nice position to be in
I play all my rackets with a full bed of natural gut and leather grips ( The soft string bed coupled with some tail weighting helps manage my tennis elbow). - 4.5 Competitive Doubles Player (for reference).

Thanks for your comments!

What is the reason for a round head shape being better for the forehand?

I must comment about the serve also, which no one has done so far. I find the DR98 is clearly better on serve for me, than then Blade. Perhaps it is partly a personal matter, how one swings the racket in the serve?

 

[10nisne1]

First of all Merry Christmas !

I’m considering to buy Blade 16/19 but there is no option for testing, so if it’s not a trouble could you give me your opinion on how it’s plays in relation to Yonex Dr 98 in terms of power level, control and manuvarebility. Let’s say that weight of stock dr 98 is for me max level regarding swing weight....in the past I have played with PS project 7 both 16/19 and 18/20, Blade 16/19 2015 and many more . Currently I have weighted up Radical IG MP and would like to have some more free power and stability when counterpunching power shots. Blade 2015 was great only let say little bit to Head heavy and form the reviews it seems that V7 is slightly less Head Heavy than 2015.
I’m now considering to go back to Yonex or to pull a trigger and buy Blade V7

Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I've been playing with the Yonex DR 98 for 18 months before I started experimenting with the Wilson Blade v7 16x19 around September.

Personally, I liked everything about the Yonex DR 98 (after customizing to 11.85 oz and making them 8 pts HL) except in the feel department. Prior to the DR 98, I've played exclusively with thin/constant beam 18x20 rackets (iPrestige, 4D 200, F2.0 Tour). I went with the DR 98 at the time because it gave me a little more free power, but still provided excellent control like 18x20 rackets because most of the strings were concentrated in the center.

In the feel and comfort department, the Blade wins hands down for me and I think the Blade provides little more power than the DR 98 as well. However, there are some trade offs. I think the DR 98 provides a more consistent string response/launch angle on my groundstrokes and I can generate more spin with the DR 98 on groundstrokes (probably because I can whip the racket around a little quicker due to 8 pt HL). However, I feel like I can generate more spin on serves with the Blade. Go figure.

In terms of stability, I think the DR 98 and the Blade are about even their stock form, but honestly never thought either racket could use more stability.

Lastly, I find the Blade to be more sensitive to string setup. I prefer a little more stiffer strings and higher tension on the Blade than the DR 98. I feel like the "Clash technology" causes the ball to pocket little too much at my preferred string tension around 47 pounds when using a full set of poly. I tested Solinco Hyper-G (17), Tour Bite (17), Yonex PTP (17), Alu Power Rough (16L), and Alu Power (16L). Hyper-G gave me the best results on the Blade and was the only racket I felt tolerable with control at 47 pounds. Ironically, Hyper-G happened to be the strings I least liked on the DR 98.

 

[soundofatrain]

Thanks for your comments!

What is the reason for a round head shape being better for the forehand?

I must comment about the serve also, which no one has done so far. I find the DR98 is clearly better on serve for me, than then Blade. Perhaps it is partly a personal matter, how one swings the racket in the serve?

I find it easier to hit the outside of the ball with the rounder beam shape ( maybe it’s my eastern grip). In other words it’s easier to shape the shot when hitting forehands- for example returning a wide serve in the deuce court cross court at an angle with some side spin. Similar logic on volleys - against harder hitters you almost need to impart some spin on volleys to control the pace and keep the ball in the court- achieved by hitting the outside of the ball on both backhand and forehand volleys .
With regards to serve - in my experience the serve always takes the longest to adjust to with a new racket - just too many moving parts on the serve to expect immediate results. Can Take weeks of regular play to dial it in with a new racket. So while there was an adjustment period for me , I find my serve is no different with the blade. I am more of a spot server than a big boomer.

 

[CorgiCrazy]

Merry Xmas ! I have played a few seasons with the DR98 (successfully) and have recently switched to the Blade 16x19 V7. They are both excellent frames, but i prefer the rounder head shape of the Wilson frames vs the more squarish shape of the Yonex on my forehand and volleys. They are very comparable in comfort. the Yonex is a little flexier in the throat, while the Blade is a little flexier towards the tip. Power level is fairly comparable between the two frames, but I would give the edge on control to the Yonex, especially on my two handed backhand. The Yonex lies somewhere between the Blade 16x19 and 18x20 with regards to control, the only reason I didn't switch to the blade 18x20 is due to the higher SW. You should try both rackets side by side for a true comparison as forum reviews are highly subjective, just know that you can't really go wrong with either of these frames, nice position to be in
I play all my rackets with a full bed of natural gut and leather grips ( The soft string bed coupled with some tail weighting helps manage my tennis elbow). - 4.5 Competitive Doubles Player (for reference).

interesting crazy

 

[Mateo]

Little update, I have managed to take Wilson Clash 98 for test. Played with it today for two hours. I have eastern forehand and two handed backhand. About strong 4,5 player with dead legs [emoji1].

In short, regarding weight and balance it was all fine, swingweight is ok, not hard to take swings even when you are tired. As I’m more of traditional racquet player (currently Radical IG 18/20 with small weight at 3&9) clash was really power weapon. It has that free power, that needs to be controlled. It was stringed with full poly MSV focus hex 23 kg.
You have to really get shots in sweet spot center to have good control, outside of sweet spot it gets uncontrollable and balls would fly out. For comparison Yonex DR98 has less power, less spin but much better control. Balance and weight is almost same.
In my opinion Clash is not for me. I have big swing and with the clash I have to shorten up and stay on brakes. (For players playing with semi western or western grip this could be real weapon)
But, for example between Clash and Pure Drive I would choose Clash without a doubt.

I think that Blade 16/19 would be best racquet for me with some more control, less power but still more spin and help vs Blade or radical in 18/20, only thing that is concerning me is swingweight that on the old blades that I have had was little bit to much and with added leather grip or lead tape to handle overall weight was to much to handle for example in hot summer day playing with somebody younger or in better shape.
If I play somebody with similar shape 18/20 racquet is best choice for me, but someone younger with better shape and more time on court than me, I really struggle to get penetrating ball, easier winners....
but the problem is that I can’t find Blade for testing and I have to buy than try it.



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[Znak]

Little update, I have managed to take Wilson Clash 98 for test. Played with it today for two hours. I have eastern forehand and two handed backhand. About strong 4,5 player with dead legs [emoji1].

In short, regarding weight and balance it was all fine, swingweight is ok, not hard to take swings even when you are tired. As I’m more of traditional racquet player (currently Radical IG 18/20 with small weight at 3&9) clash was really power weapon. It has that free power, that needs to be controlled. It was stringed with full poly MSV focus hex 23 kg.
You have to really get shots in sweet spot center to have good control, outside of sweet spot it gets uncontrollable and balls would fly out. For comparison Yonex DR98 has less power, less spin but much better control. Balance and weight is almost same.
In my opinion Clash is not for me. I have big swing and with the clash I have to shorten up and stay on brakes. (For players playing with semi western or western grip this could be real weapon)
But, for example between Clash and Pure Drive I would choose Clash without a doubt.

I think that Blade 16/19 would be best racquet for me with some more control, less power but still more spin and help vs Blade or radical in 18/20, only thing that is concerning me is swingweight that on the old blades that I have had was little bit to much and with added leather grip or lead tape to handle overall weight was to much to handle for example in hot summer day playing with somebody younger or in better shape.
If I play somebody with similar shape 18/20 racquet is best choice for me, but someone younger with better shape and more time on court than me, I really struggle to get penetrating ball, easier winners....
but the problem is that I can’t find Blade for testing and I have to buy than try it.



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DR user here recently converted to the v7 18x20. I also tested the v7 16x19, but didn't find it anymore appealing than what the DR offered (and a lesser racquet than the 18x20). If you need to get more stability against heavy shots I'd lead up your DR at 3 and 9 and put the equivalent in putty in the butt cap to keep the swingweight the same.

That or wait for the new EZONE 2020 to come out.

 

[Lumber]

DR user here recently converted to the v7 18x20. I also tested the v7 16x19, but didn't find it anymore appealing than what the DR offered (and a lesser racquet than the 18x20). If you need to get more stability against heavy shots I'd lead up your DR at 3 and 9 and put the equivalent in putty in the butt cap to keep the swingweight the same.

That or wait for the new EZONE 2020 to come out.

Interesting.
Isnt the Blade 18x20 rather different from the DR98, due to having a very high swingweight? Higher than the 16x19. If correct, one would need to swing rather differently, and there would also be more power with the 18x20.

 

[Znak]

Interesting.
Isnt the Blade 18x20 rather different from the DR98, due to having a very high swingweight? Higher than the 16x19. If correct, one would need to swing rather differently, and there would also be more power with the 18x20.

It's an adjustment for sure but one that I felt benefited my game. I now realize that I swing better with a higher SW. I found the string pattern the bigger adjustment IMO in terms of the trajectory.