wilson kblade tour review

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Does anyone still play with a Wilson KBlade Tour 93?

• Thread starter henweezy
• Start date Feb 21, 2016
• Feb 21, 2016

How are they? I have the chance to grab two for really cheap and am curious to how they play. Done some thread searching and TW review articles but I want to hear some more opinions.  

I still do. I bought them on release in '08 after mostly due to the cosmetics at the time. Haha My brothers and I played with this racket for years and found that it's best attribute is the control. it is a very low powered racket when stock so we added lead at 3&9, and in the throat to compensate. If you're familiar with any of the ProStaff 90's, I'd say they play similarly, but the 90's are more powerful and the kBlade Tours play more control oriented. getting into the nitty gritty.. mainly strung with luxilon original 53-58. Groundstrokes: I hit a rather flat ball and the racket doesn't do anything special in the spin department to help with that, but I never had issues generating spin when needed. obviously, being a mid racket, you're going to have a racket that lacks a huge sweetspot, and I always felt that with this one. still I loved the racket and it has been my main racket for years. (I'm not a huge racket connoisseur, but have used a fair share of them). I feel very confident taking huge cuts at the ball and placing it where I intend. serve: by far, when I'm on, the best serving racket I've used. I don't hit it a great deal of pace, so placement is where I try to do my damage and I'm always very confident where the ball will travel when it leaves my racket. 2nd serves leaves a bit to be desired but if you don't have issues generating pace and spin, it shouldn't be an issue. volleys/lobs/feel: this is where I feel the racket shines the most. I love volleying with the racket and it has great feel for those touch shots. it provides great stability and maneuverability when you're fannagling around the net so you can punch volleys away and execute the finesse shots with confidence. customizing: I've owned three of these and have always had bigger than usual buttcaps on each of them. I've never really known why but it is something you may want to know to swap out. I've swapped the buttcaps back and forth with the same sized ones taken off of ProStaff Tours. the stock weight and balance allows weight to be added at strategic locations without having to worry about it being too heavy. I hope this helps. it's been a while since I've posted on the forum.  

I just recently went back for a nice honeymoon with my Kblade 98. Compared to the newer lines of this line, I love the K-factor version the best. I'm not sure about the 93, but I know these racquets are definitely underrated. They should be held in as high regards as the old prestiges that people deem as the pinacle of control-oriented racquets.  

EndLy said: I still do. I bought them on release in '08 after mostly due to the cosmetics at the time. Haha My brothers and I played with this racket for years and found that it's best attribute is the control. it is a very low powered racket when stock so we added lead at 3&9, and in the throat to compensate. If you're familiar with any of the ProStaff 90's, I'd say they play similarly, but the 90's are more powerful and the kBlade Tours play more control oriented. getting into the nitty gritty.. mainly strung with luxilon original 53-58. Groundstrokes: I hit a rather flat ball and the racket doesn't do anything special in the spin department to help with that, but I never had issues generating spin when needed. obviously, being a mid racket, you're going to have a racket that lacks a huge sweetspot, and I always felt that with this one. still I loved the racket and it has been my main racket for years. (I'm not a huge racket connoisseur, but have used a fair share of them). I feel very confident taking huge cuts at the ball and placing it where I intend. serve: by far, when I'm on, the best serving racket I've used. I don't hit it a great deal of pace, so placement is where I try to do my damage and I'm always very confident where the ball will travel when it leaves my racket. 2nd serves leaves a bit to be desired but if you don't have issues generating pace and spin, it shouldn't be an issue. volleys/lobs/feel: this is where I feel the racket shines the most. I love volleying with the racket and it has great feel for those touch shots. it provides great stability and maneuverability when you're fannagling around the net so you can punch volleys away and execute the finesse shots with confidence. customizing: I've owned three of these and have always had bigger than usual buttcaps on each of them. I've never really known why but it is something you may want to know to swap out. I've swapped the buttcaps back and forth with the same sized ones taken off of ProStaff Tours. the stock weight and balance allows weight to be added at strategic locations without having to worry about it being too heavy. I hope this helps. it's been a while since I've posted on the forum. Click to expand...

robok9 said: I just recently went back for a nice honeymoon with my Kblade 98. Compared to the newer lines of this line, I love the K-factor version the best. I'm not sure about the 93, but I know these racquets are definitely underrated. They should be held in as high regards as the old prestiges that people deem as the pinacle of control-oriented racquets. Click to expand...

I put about 3" strips. not too much. When I was younger, the strips were 4-5" , but now that I don't play as much .. they needed to be trimmed down. haha  

• Feb 22, 2016

EndLy said: I put about 3" strips. not too much. When I was younger, the strips were 4-5" , but now that I don't play as much .. they needed to be trimmed down. haha Click to expand...

Hall of Fame

I do love that racket and always thought about switching back from time to time but I finally put my last one up in classifieds, sad day, great frame. I just want the consistency of a MP.  

mavsman149 said: I do love that racket and always thought about switching back from time to time but I finally put my last one up in classifieds, sad day, great frame. I just want the consistency of a MP. Click to expand...

henweezy said: What didn't you like about it besides having a smaller head vs a MP? Click to expand...

Trouble with the 93's is that you needed a lot of effort to impart topspin. Strange, the 98 models with the 18x20, I felt were so easy to put topspin on.  

• Mar 6, 2016

henweezy said: so that means 3" at 3 and 3" at 9? That's a very subtle add but I have yet to play with the KBlade to see if it would need lead at all. Has it improved power and stability immensely for you? Click to expand...

• Jul 18, 2016

After many racquettests I'm back with a pure controlracquet. Now, I am the lucky owner of "K Blade Tour 93". Yes, exactly the silverbullet in 2008. Originally bought as a collector's item (unstrung in new condition), but fortunately strung it up and since then no longer placed the racquet out of hand. It is an Allround Racket par excellence . Rich feel, super Serve- and volley racquet with excellent control. A huge sweetspot for the small head and very easy to maneuver. With this racket the joy of playing is back on the court ... through Amplifeel, the newer blades were no longer playable for me. Promptly, in the last tournament i play my opponent asked me about the "extraordinary" racquet i am playing ...... it seems that the K Blade Tour 93 is already be a classsic frame.  

I have used both the KBlade 93 and the Blade 93 (2013 most recent and last all-black version). I didn't notice a huge difference between the two, but the small head coupled with the dense string bed definitely made spin a little more of a challenge than I'd like, but for me it was more about hitting shots that my opponents seemed to generally have less trouble with and also dealing with opponents that have extreme amount of spin on their shots. I was using all poly in these but I've realized recently that all synthetic gut or multifilament is probably the way to go, strung at the higher end of tensions....  

samrocksmyshire

• Jul 22, 2016

I have two of these sitting in the closet that I haven't used seriously in quite some time. The main reason I switched out of them was the lack of spin potential. The tight string pattern, even at low tensions of 45-50 range, did not generate enough spin for how much effort I was putting in. I loved the headsize so the only other racquet that was available at the time with a 93" head size but with an open pattern was the Volkl PB 10 Mid, and I blindly got that one. Anyways, since seriously using the KBlade 93's, my game has changed. So, I tried the racquet again a few months ago with poor results. Unfortunately, I had some serious aches and pains. I think I had just become used to the more open string pattern because I also had issues with the KBlade 98 that I had tried randomly as well. I also do think the K Factor line of Wilsons were the best. Tried others since and nothing as solid as that line. On a completely different tangent, the Volkl PB 10 Mid is perhaps the best feeling racquet for me. Different beast but a great one to try out if you've considered this Wilson 93 line.  

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Wilson Blade Tennis Racquet Review: Comparing the Blade 98, 104, & Other Models

Will Boucek · January 5, 2024

When you buy a product through our links below, we may earn money from our affiliate partners to help support the site. However, this does not affect our evaluation or recommendation of each product.  See our list of partners & how we get paid here . You can also learn our process for reviewing tennis gear here .

The Wilson Blade is one of the best tennis racquets for feel on the market. Below, we’ll review the Wilson Blade, including pros, cons, and different models of the racquet. Then, we’ll compare it to other tennis racquets to help you decide if the Blade is right for you.

Review Summary & Ratings for the Wilson Blade

Wilson Blade tennis racquets are one of the most popular models in the world. The newest version of the blade offers slightly better stability than the older model but overall, not much has changed.

Used by Serena Williams and many other top pros, Wilson makes Blade racquets player friendly with different versions for all skill levels. It is one of the best tennis racquets on the market today. The Blade racquet is known for its excellent combination of comfort and control on the tennis court.

See our ratings, plus the pros and cons of the Wilson Blade below for a quick glance at how it performs compared to other tennis racquets.

Our Ratings for the Wilson Blade

• Groundstrokes: 8
• Great high-level intermediate & advanced level racquet
• Excellent combination of comfort & control
• Easy spin with the 16×19 version
• Easy to swing
• Flexible frame can help with tennis elbow
• Not great for players who need help with power
• Very muted feel on contact that some players may not like

Different Versions of the Wilson Blade Tennis Racquet

The Wilson Blade tennis racquet comes in several versions that vary in weight and size. Below is a list of the different Wilson Blade racquets on the market today.

• Wilson Blade 98 16×19 v8
• Wilson Blade 98 18×20 v8
• Wilson Blade 104 v8
• Wilson Blade 100L v8
• Wilson Blade SW102 Autograph

We’ll review each version of the Blade in more detail below.

What did Wilson Update with the Blade v8?

With the newest versions of the Blade, Wilson did not make significant changes.

• The Blade v8 is slightly lighter than its predecessor (0.1 oz.) and otherwise is virtually the same.

You can still purchase the old version of the Blade and its family of racquets for a discount.

3 Steps to Find the Perfect Tennis Racquet for Your Game

Free checklist with 27 racquet recommendations

Wilson Blade 98 Review: A Modern Control-Oriented Racquet

We’ll start with the most popular version of the Wilson Blade. The Blade 98 comes in two versions, one with a 16×19 string pattern, and another at 18×20.

Wilson Blade 98 Racquet Specifications

• Weight: 11.3 oz. strung
• Head Size: 98 square inches
• Length: 27 inches
• Balance: 326 mm
• String Pattern: 16×19

This racquet has a relatively thin, yet flexible frame for a modern tennis racquet. The weight allows you to generate enough power while the head size and frame are designed for control and feel.

Other Sellers: Amazon.com | Wilson.com

The Blade 98 Racquet has Excellent Comfort and Control

When making contact with the ball, the Wilson Blade might be the most comfortable advanced tennis racquet on the market. The frame design and flexibility give it a solid, stable feel without much feedback.

The Blade 98 16×19 version can help you generate excellent spin as well.

For even more control, consider the Blade 98 18×20 version. You will find it more difficult to hit with spin and power, but slightly easier to control and feel the tennis ball. The Blade 98 18×20 is one of the best 8 tennis racquets for control .

Wilson Blade 104 Review: A Comfortable, Powerful Frame

For a racquet with added power and spin, the Wilson Blade 104 is one of the best choices in tennis. It still offers excellent comfort and control for a racquet of this size.

Wilson Blade 104 Racquet Specifications

• Weight: 10.8 oz. strung
• Head Size: 104 square inches
• Length: 27.5 inches
• Balance: 330 mm

This is a great tennis racquet for intermediate players . The 104 head size gives it a big sweet spot, and the extra length (27.5 inches) adds to the power of this racquet.

Because of the open string pattern, you’ll be able to hit with excellent spin as well. Beginners or intermediate players learning topspin will find the Blade 104 easy to use.

The Blade 104 is the Power Racquet in the Blade Series

This racquet’s size automatically places it in the category of power racquets.

However, there is probably no racquet on the market that is this size and has a comfort level like the Blade 104.

Most skill levels can play with the Blade 104. Players who play from the baseline will be able to create a combination of power and spin that few racquets offer. This combination makes it great for both serving and groundstrokes.

The Wilson Ultra tennis racquet and the Babolat Pure Aero offer more spin and power, but not with this level of comfort.

When you make contact with the ball, the Blade racquet absorbs the impact better than most racquets, making it very arm-friendly as well.

Reviewing Other Versions of the Wilson Blade

The other two versions of the Wilson Blade that we will review here are the 100L and the SW102.

The Wilson Blade 100L is a Great Beginner to Intermediate Racquet

This is the low-level intermediate racquet in the Wilson Blade series. Here are the racquet specifications for the Wilson Blade 100L.

• Weight: 10.6 oz. strung
• Head Size: 100 square inches
• Balance: 340 mm

The specs of the Wilson Blade 100L make it great for serious beginner to intermediate players seeking a comfortable, easy-to-swing tennis racquet.

Because of the lightweight nature of this racquet, you will sacrifice some stability. This will be noticed at higher levels of tennis when the ball is moving faster.

Serena Williams’ Wilson Blade SW102

This SW102 version has some unique characteristics that make it different from most advanced racquets you’ll find on tour.

• Weight: 11.4 oz. strung
• Head Size: 102 square inches
• Length: 28 inches
• Balance: 335 mm
• String Pattern: 18×19

The Blade SW102 has added length and head size for a bigger sweet spot and more power. With this racquet, you will find it easy to generate depth and control on your groundstrokes.

The Wilson Blade SW102 is a great racquet for singles players who like to control the opponent from the baseline. This racquet can add power to your serves as well.

However, I don’t recommend this racquet for doubles players who like to move forward to the net. The size of the racquet makes it a bit more difficult to maneuver at the net.

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The Best Alternatives to the Wilson Blade

Below are 3 other tennis racquets similar to the Wilson Blade that you may want to consider.

• Babolat Pure Strike – A stiffer racquet with better power but less comfort on contact.
• Head Radical – A very similar racquet with slightly more power and stability, but provides less precise shot making.
• Head Prestige – An even more advanced, control-oriented racquet with versions similar to the Wilson Blade.

My Experience Playing with the Wilson Blade

After testing and reviewing the newest Wilson Blade v8, it felt like I had lost some feel from the previous version on groundstrokes.

The comfort level and overall control are still off the charts, but there were times when the tennis ball didn’t respond how I expected.

Sometimes you barely feel the ball bouncing off the strings.

The racquet was easy to swing and control. I noticed the added stability which helped me with volleys and returns.

Overall, I personally liked the Wilson Blade v7 better for its feel.

Wilson Blade Video Review

In the video below, I review 5 versions of the Wilson Blade.

About Will Boucek

Will Boucek is the Founder & CEO of Tennis Tribe. With over two decades of experience playing & coaching tennis, Will now works as a doubles strategy analyst for ATP & WTA tour players and coaches. Will helps tennis players at every level play better doubles through smarter strategy. He also has expertise in tennis racquets & gear, testing the latest products from Wilson, Babolat, Head, Prince, and other tennis brands.

Reader Interactions

June 23, 2023 at 6:33 am

What is happen with Wilson Blade TEAM (99 head size – 280g – 16×18) ?

https://wilsonloja.com.br/blade-team-v8

This is bad racquet ? Why ther no exist this racquet to buy ?

Thank you so much

June 23, 2023 at 4:10 pm

Hi Sergio, the Wilson Blade Team v8 is for beginner and lower-level intermediate players. It isn’t made with the same quality as the other Wilson Blade racquets, which is the reason it is priced lower. It can still be a good option for players with a lower budget.

July 12, 2023 at 1:07 am

Hi there, What about the Wilson Blade 100 v8 ? (Not 100L) Is it as arm-friendly and comfortable? Does it provide a bit more power than the 98?

July 12, 2023 at 10:43 am

Hi Ram, the Blade 100 v8 is still very arm-friendly and comfortable. It will have slightly better spin and power than the 98 version with a bit less control and stability. For intermediate or even advanced players who want a more forgiving racquet, it’s a great choice.

July 31, 2023 at 1:32 pm

Tried the Blade 101L V8?

July 31, 2023 at 2:49 pm

Hi Will, I have not tried that one, but it looks like a great racquet. I’m a fan of the 16×20 string pattern for club players since it adds a bit of feel while keeping good spin and power.

Looks like TW Europe has it, but I live in the US. — https://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/Wilson_Blade_101L_v8_Racket/descpageRCWILSON-101LV8-EN.html?from=tribe Sometimes manufacturers release different models to different countries and this one isn’t available in the US.

October 25, 2023 at 7:49 am

The Wilson Blade 98 is the best racquet by far I have ever owned. The racquet helps keep my ball in the court by gripping the ball more than other racquet’s I have in the past. Control, spin, balance, power, is excellent with this racquet. I may never switch to a different racquet.

October 25, 2023 at 8:26 am

Thanks for the comment Kevin! Yep, it’s a fantastic racquet for many players. Very balanced for higher level players but I wouldn’t recommend the Blade 98 for beginners 😉

November 3, 2023 at 3:00 pm

Hi! Thanks for the review. Would you recommend the v8 100 or the 104 for an early intermediate player? I like to play baseline with some spin.

November 7, 2023 at 12:12 pm

Hi Fernando, It sounds like the Wilson Blade 104 is a better option for you. It will have a larger sweet spot and can give you great power and spin from the back of the court.

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Wilson K Blade Tour Tennis Racquet (4 3/8 - Inch, Head Size 93 - Inch) › Customer reviews

Customer reviews.

Wilson K Blade Tour Tennis Racquet (4 3/8 - Inch, Head Size 93 - Inch)

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

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Wilson Blade 98 18/20 V9 Review

This Wilson Blade 98 18/20 V9 review reveals this racquet as the most demanding of the new Blade racquets among Wilson tennis rackets . But it’s excellent.

You can watch the video review of the Wilson Blade racquets here .

When the first generation of the Blade came out, it was all about a 98 sq inch racquet with a dense 18/20 pattern for control. These days, the Wilson Blade V9 racquets are almost too many to count. Check the linked article if you want to see all the released models at the moment. There have been whispers about an 18/19 model as well, which would be appreciated, but add yet another choice for the consumer.

If you need help to select which racquet you should go for, check out our Tennisnerd Guide to Racquet and Strings or purchase ($50) a personal racquet consultation via email .

You can check out and purchase the new Wilson Blade V9 racquets from my friends at  Tennis Warehouse ,  Tennis Warehouse Europe  and  Tennis Only  or at  Wilson.com .

What is new compared to the V8?

StableFeel  technology introduces a slightly firmer construction for improved stability and easier access to power. This is the main difference from V8 to V9. You get a tad more power, stability and a slightly more dampened feel.

Clip & Go  grommet system, which not only locks down the bumper but also makes for easier grommet replacement. This one stands out quite a bit visually. However, if you don’t like it, you should be able to use V8 grommets since the molds are the same.

Specifications

As you can see in the specs below, this is a demanding control-oriented racquet. You need to look for pinpoint precision and generate good power, depth, and spin to use this racquet fully. But if you do, it will put the ball exactly where you want it. Notice the low stiffness and the higher swing weight (the more strings, the higher the swing weight, if you compare it to the 16/19 version).

How does it play?

The Wilson Blade 98 18/20 V9 does not provide a stark difference from the predecessor. But I can agree with the other players that tried it with me that it is overall a slightly positive improvement. The sweet spot feels a tad larger as the stability is improved and you get a bit more depth on your shots.

Still, I did prefer the 16/19 myself as I get a bit more help with depth and height over net. I also like having a slightly lower swing weight than the 330-strung one I had with this racquet (strung with Alu Power 1.25).

There is no question that the Blade V9 18/20 is a solid and excellent racquet. It is not a huge improvement over the V8, but a slight one. But the Blade 98 remains one of the best control racquets on the market.

I still think that most players will be happier with the Blade 100 or Blade 104, as described in the post about the Wilson Blade V9 racquets . But if you can generate the pace required to beat your opponents, then the Blade 98 V9 18/20 will give you amazing confidence to go for your shots.

Jonas has been known as "tennis nerd" mainly for his obsessing about racquets and gear. Plays this beautiful sport almost every day.

Andy Roddick on the Australian Open

Bublik vs coric prediction, montpellier, you may also like, atp houston string tensions, tecnifibre tf-x1 v2, wilson blade 98 16/19 v9 review, the babolat pure drive celebrates 30 years, babolat pure strike 100 16/20 review, head boom pro 2024 review, head boom 2024, dunlop cx 200 review, dunlop cx 400 tour review, wilson blade v9 racquets.

How do you find this v9 against the 18×20 2024 pure strike? I’ve recently started using the PS and get a great response from it but after a week of hitting I’ve got a bad wrist. I understand the new PS and all blades are softer however don’t want the power to drop significantly, is the blade (v9 or v8) much different?

my shoulder hurt after using wilson blade 98 16×19 version 9 from the 8. i also had to hit perfectly in front for results. went back to the 8 and no shoulder soreness,

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Wilson Blade 98 18×20 v8

Review & Playtest

We hope you love this article. Just so you know, TennisCompanion may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page to help keep this site running. Learn more . Disclosure: Wilson gave me this frame to evaluate, but they did not pay me to write this review or influence its contents.

By Jon Crim TennisCompanion

Fifteen years after releasing the original Blade, Wilson unveiled the eighth generation of the ever-popular racquet franchise in 2021, featuring a slick new chameleon paint job and a handful of refinements.

One of the most anticipated frames in the lineup is the Wilson Blade 98 18×20 v8, a formidable tennis racquet geared toward intermediate to advanced tennis players and well-known for its exceptional precision and control, excellent feel, and arm-friendly comfort.

However, despite the racquet’s rock-solid performance, it’s not ideal for everyone, so it pays to know what you’re getting into before taking the plunge and buying it. To help, I’m sharing my candid thoughts on its design and ideal string setup, along with its on-court performance and upgrade advice so you can decide if it’s a good fit.

Article Contents

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Strings & Tension

Performance & Ratings

Groundstrokes, upgrade advice, new to tenniscompanion.

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Despite the clean and modern aesthetic of the Blade’s prior model, I’m happy that Wilson opted for a completely refreshed look for the eighth generation, which is a fun update that looks and feels great.

As you might remember, the previous generation’s design had a look and feel consistent with the rest of Wilson’s best-selling performance racquets, each with a pop of color at the top of the hoop that helped players easily distinguish one from the other.

Although I liked the look, it was starting to feel a bit dated, so I love how Wilson thought outside of the box with this paint job, drastically changing the racquet’s appearance while sticking with the original theme.

Undoubtedly, green is the frame’s dominant color, but it’s dynamic. As you spin or rotate the racquet, light causes the paint to shift between green and copper for a unique and distinct style that looks fantastic.

Up close, the paint has a mild gloss finish with a subtle glimmer, while matte black lettering contrasts against the color-shifting cosmetic. From a feel standpoint, the racquet is smooth to the touch, not rubbery, as you’d find with other Wilson models like the Clash.

The racquet’s head features matte black at the top with the words’ FortyFive’ printed on the inside edge of the hoop. On one side of the racquet’s head on the inside edge, you’ll find some of the racquet’s specs, including weight, tension, balance, string pattern, and head size printed. Surprisingly, they left out the stiffness index, but I appreciate that they include the spec, which is helpful as racquets change hands.

On the throat’s outside, you’ll find Wilson and Blade logos, the model racquet, and its string pattern and weight. Then, inside the throat, there’s a Wilson and grip size sticker and info on where the racquet is designed (Chicago, IL, USA) and manufactured (China).

The racquet’s handle features a Wilson Pro Performance replacement grip, and at the bottom of the handle, there’s a red butt cap with Wilson’s logo. They don’t print the grip size on the butt cap, but if you pop it off, you’ll find it printed on the inside.

Overall, the Wilson Blade 98 18×20 v8’s design is a solid upgrade from the previous generation, which looks great, and I expect it to be popular with existing users and newcomers alike.

Strings & Tension

For my playtest of the Wilson Blade 98 18×20 v8, I strung the racquet with 1.25 mm Luxilon ALU Power Rough at 52 lbs or 23.6 kg. Wilson recommends a tension of 50 – 60 lbs (23 – 27 kg) for context.

If you’re unfamiliar, Luxilon Alu Power Rough is a low-powered polyester that offers excellent precision, spin, and feel, which pairs nicely with the Blade, especially for those looking to maximize control.

I specifically opted for the Rough version of Alu Power because I wanted to maximize grip with the tighter 18×20 string pattern .

Generally speaking, polyester strings are going great option that aligns well with the racquet’s performance characteristics. However, if you’re coming to this racquet for its comfort, I’d recommend you stay away from a full bed of poly which will reduce comfort.

Instead, I’d encourage you to explore a hybrid string setup that combines a multifilament or natural gut in the mains with polyester in the crosses. Alternatively, a control-oriented multifilament would help you retain even more comfort, which would work well for this model racquet.

One of the first places to look when it comes to a racquet’s performance is its specs, which can provide a glimpse into what to expect.

However, as helpful as this data can be, it only tells part of the story. Materials, construction methods, strings, and tension significantly influence a racquet’s feel, which is why I playtest racquets.

Below I’ve provided some high-level background information about this review. You can read my tennis bio if you’d like to learn more about me.

To provide you with the most objective review possible, I’ve rated the Wilson Blade 98 18×20 v8 across twelve performance criteria.

It’s the same rating system I use for all my racquet reviews, so you can use them as a basis for comparison.

In the following sections, I provide additional details on the above ratings organized by groundstrokes, volleys, serves, and returns. After, I’ll summarize my findings on the racquet’s performance.

Hitting groundstrokes, the Wilson Blade offered excellent all-around performance with a strong emphasis on control, influenced heavily by the racquet’s smaller 98 sq in head size and closed string pattern.

I especially enjoyed the frame’s lower power and predictable response, which gave me the confidence to swing freely while maintaining accuracy.

The tighter 18×20 string pattern offers a stiffer response than its 16×19 counterpart. However, it carries the added benefit of naturally lowering the trajectory of my forehand to deliver flatter, more penetrating shots.

On the other hand, the frame’s string pattern isn’t as spin-friendly, so proper technique and adequate racquet head speed are required to get the most out of this racquet in this department.

One of my favorite parts about the racquet off the ground is its weight, which cuts easily through a heavy ball while maintaining stability. As a result, it’s fantastic taking the air out of the ball when hitting slice.

It also delivers excellent comfort with an RA or stiffness rating of only 60, an impressive score that falls on the lower end of the spectrum.

Overall, the Wilson Blade 98 18×20 held up very well at the net.

It’s not the lightest or quickest to maneuver hitting volleys, but if you’re comfortable with the weight and early in your preparation, the Blade will reward you with excellent stability and precise striking.

Despite the racquet’s lower power, I found it to be plenty lively, with the ability to put away the ball confidently.

From a feel standpoint, the racquet delivered an above-average performance that instilled added confidence in finessing the ball and one of the areas I had a lot of fun playing with the racquet.

On serve, the Blade was a solid performer.

It shines in delivering accurate placement, and although it’s a bit more demanding when it comes to hitting a bigger serve, it’s not entirely void of power, either. In other words, I didn’t find the racquet to be underpowered on serve because its weight helps deliver an added punch.

For strong intermediate to advanced players, the Blade 98 18×20 strikes the right balance between accuracy and a resilient enough response to add pace, especially when backed by sound technique.

Hitting kick or slice serves, the racquet’s tighter string pattern didn’t offer much bite, so it required extra focus to get the movement I was looking for, but all-in-all, it performed well. For this reason, using Luxilon ALU Power Rough is a good match.

From a placement standpoint, the racquet performed very well. Overall, it helped me to reliably and consistently hit my spots, which is ideal for players who tend to lean towards accuracy in their serving over power.

Finally, hitting returns, I really enjoyed the Blade 98 18×20 v8.

Although its weight demands well-timed preparation and positioning, it rewards players with rock-solid stability that can easily handle the extra pace an opponent might send your way on serve.

Combined with the Blade’s overall emphasis on control, the racquet helps deliver accurate and deep replies without worrying much about overhitting. It’s also an excellent frame for blocking back a big serve or hitting returns with slice to change up the pace.

At times, I would have loved for the racquet to provide a bit more free topspin to add extra margin for error on my returns, so that’s an area that would require some adjustment for me long term.

However, the Wilson Blade 98 18×20 delivered a solid performance hitting returns for the most part.

Overall, I’m a big fan of the update to the Blade 98 18×20 v8.

Rather than break the mold of what we’ve come to expect from this frame, Wilson fine-tunes the racquet, which I found largely improves performance across the board except for a slight reduction in maneuverability compared to the seventh generation.

From my experience, the Blade 98 18×20 is ideal for strong intermediate to advanced players looking for maximum control and precision in the Blade lineup, along with excellent comfort.

On the other hand, this racquet isn’t ideal for beginners, early intermediates, and those looking for an easier-to-manage racquet that enhances spin and power. If that’s the type of frame you’re looking for, check out the Wilson Blade 104 v8.

If you own the seventh-generation Wilson Blade 98 18×20 and your racquets are in excellent condition, I’d be hard-pressed to provide you with a compelling argument to spend the money to upgrade.

Here’s what the spec changes look like on paper – nothing to write home about unless a bit of added flex or comfort is a top priority.

From a construction and materials standpoint, the only noteworthy change to the racquet is Wilson’s DirectConnect handle, which fuses the butt cap with the handle’s carbon fiber for a bit of extra stability.

Although the racquet has some slight modifications, the spec and construction changes are minor, so in most cases, you’ll be better off sticking with your current frames for the time being.

However, if your current frames have a lot of wear and tear and you’re looking for a refresh, you should feel confident in upgrading. Overall, the eighth generation is as good as the seventh and eeks out some slight improvements, so it’s not a change to shy away from if necessary.

Another angle to consider is the updated cosmetic. Although it has zero impact on performance, it’s pretty slick looking, so if you dig it and don’t mind spending the money, then all the power to you.

If you own a Blade older than the seventh generation, this release presents an excellent upgrade opportunity because these last two releases are some of my favorites in recent years.

Of course, regardless of where you stand, I’d encourage you to experience the racquet through one of the many demo programs available to players through local pro shops and online retailers. At the very least, I hope my guidance and notes in this review prove helpful in deciding whether a demo is worth your time and energy.

Wrapping Up

As one of the game’s most popular racquets, I’m happy to see that the eighth-generation 2021 Wilson Blade 98 18×20 lives up to the high standards players have come to expect from the frame.

Although it’s not for everyone, the racquet finds a sweet spot with experienced intermediate to advanced players looking for excellent control and stability. If you’re part of that crowd and considering giving the racquet a try, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Have you tried the Wilson Blade 98 18×20 v8? If so, what’s your take? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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The best tour company!! - Bridge to Moscow

• Europe    
• Russia    
• Central Russia    
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• Moscow - Things to Do    
• Bridge to Moscow

The metro tour was very very interesting. My son loved it. And our guide Ivan was so friendly and... read more

Our tour guide was the best, very knowledgeable and lots of patience and caring to explain and to... read more

The best tour company!!

I just returned from a week long visit to Russia. We live in the US and my husband found out he had to travel to Moscow to work. I decided to tag along. We didn't have much time to make plans and I contacted various tour companies. Bridge to Moscow (Katerina) responded the fastest. Via email, she always answered all my questions promptly, which was a great help. Additionally, you pay for the guide at the end of the tour, which made me feel better as I had heard stories about tour companies that were scams. Plus, of the four different guides I ultimately used (2 in Moscow and 2 in St Petersburg) they were the most affordable. But best of all, the guide I had with this tour company was the best one. (Too bad I didn't know that in advance!) Daniel, my guide for two days, was totally wonderful. He is unbelievably knowledgeable ( is there anything about Russia and its rich history he doesn't know?) He was also very interesting. For example, when he took me to see the Tretyakov Gallery, which is huge, he seemed to know which paintings were the most beautiful, the most engrossing. He would supply the political and historical backdrop that was necessary to appreciate the painting more fully. Additionally, he was really able to accomodate my touring needs. I really got a custom tour. I knew I had to wait to see the Kremlin and Arbat Street (my husband had to work the days I toured with Daniel) so Bridge to Moscow helped me figure out what else there was to see, which was plenty!! I liked Daniel's brisk pace (although I would assume he could move slower for those who so wish) especially since there is so much to see! I appreciated that even when we were simply walking from one place to the next, he was regaling me with Russian history, politics and fascinating tidbits. He even showed me relevant photos , to highlight things he was telling me (none of the other guides did this). I could tell that he had put much thought and effort into this tour, and this was very much appreciated. And he is thoughtful...Daniel even found me somewhere to eat that had a yummy salad (something I was having a hard time locating in Moscow! :-) I highly recommend Bridge to Moscow to people who want to see many cool things, some of them obvious to a 'tourist', some of them not so obvious, with an excellent guide who will help you learn more about the riveting tapestry of Russian history.

We had a fantastic half-day tour of the Kremlin guided by Katerina. She was enthusiastic about everything we saw, and could easily answer any questions. We visited the cathedrals and armoury chamber, and she picked out all the most interesting features and objects so that we saw the best of the enormous collections. We even had a lesson on the use of the metro, and some very useful advice on where to go for lunch afterwards. Organization of the tour was excellent. Initial contact was made through the website and then via email. We would definitely recommend this tour company.

We planned what we wanted to see and Anna followed up quickly with a good schedule, with timely response to my many questions. Katerina, as our guide, was ;patient, slowing her strides so we can keep up [ we are a group of 4 aged over 60 :-)] She is friendly and cheerful, always smiling. She has excellent knowledge of the places we visited, making them come alive with her narratives. Her insights on changes in Russia were enlightening. We also appreciated her recommendations on food We had a great time together!

Bridge to Moscow is without a doubt one of the most well-managed, professional, knowledgeable, personable, efficient, attentive guide services imaginable. If you want your visit to Moscow to go smoothly, connect first with Bridge to Moscow. Everything you expect as you use their web site is everything you receive in quality service. Their ability to customize and be flexible results from their considerable capabillities. Their information delivery comes from their education and their passion. They actually understand what they are talking about. I've spent time with Katerina, Anna, and Mikhail, and I expect that the other members of their team are equally qualified. Bridge to Moscow knows how to deliver on the expectations they set.

After going through their website i felt comfortable to book a full day tour with them. things that made me book with them was: 1) good looking website 2) was bale to see the guides (picture and their speciality) 3) very professional and fast response by email (from anna) 4) no advance payment (even though they booked tickets in advance!) So i booked a full day tour and i selected our guide. and my feeling after the tour, well all of us till today (a week later) still are talking about how great our guide was! his name was Mikhail and he was like a book full of knowledge about history which was useful when going to Kremlin. I highly recommend him. Anna from the company was also very professional and prompt in response. Thank you anna and Mikhail

We have never used a guide before, but our time in Moscow was brief (just a little over two days), and so we found Bridge to Moscow through simple Googling. The whole company sounded thoughtful, but we were particularly impressed with the brief biography and "testimonials" for Mikhail. Booking through Anna for a day and a half, he helped us to understand the city in a way that was well worth the price. For example, the day we visited the Kremlin, it was closed except for tours with guides. Mikhail also customized the tour based on our interests and suggested or verified things that we could do our own. A wonderful "bridge" to both Moscow and the Russians who live there, Mikhail could not have a been better guide.

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Wilson Blade 93 2013 Racquet Review

• Some might find the mid headsize unforgiving

Groundstrokes - Score: 84

All of our playtesters loved the new Blade 93's stable, plush feel. Chris found this new Blade to be a significant upgrade from the previous version. He said, "I loved the response of this racquet from the baseline. It felt so much plusher and more comfortable than the BLX Blade Tour it replaces, and it offered better feel. I thought the sweetspot felt more generous and the overall response of the stringbed was more predictable. I found the previous version to feel a little brassy off-center, but this racquet had none of that and offered a more comfortable and consistent response. I was getting all the power I needed, and I loved the way I could accelerate this racquet easily through the hitting zone. I was generating good tip speed with this racquet and that translated into good spin and pace. I hit the racquet with a variety of polys and found it played well with both a firmer string and a more modern, softer co-poly. I also hit this racquet with Wilson NXT, and even though I don't usually use multis, with this racquet I found enough control that I could still be very aggressive. My favorite shot off the ground was my topspin backhand. I thought this racquet was a one-hander's dream -- easy to snap through contact and extremely precise."

"Wilson has once again nailed the midsize Blade offering, with added comfort and an even more solid feel than previous versions," Andy said. "This racquet performed great from the baseline, providing that classic solid feel off both wings and also providing enough heft for knifing backhand slices crosscourt. The small headsize made it super maneuverable through the hitting zone, but there was still enough weight in the head to keep it rock solid at impact. Obviously, it's not going to be quite as forgiving as the 98 square inch versions, but this still might have been my favorite of the new Blades."

Enjoying the stability and control on his groundstrokes was Troy , who said, "I enjoyed the stable and plush feel that this racquet provided on groundstrokes. I felt dialed into my shots, and I found that I could place the ball well and go for offensive shots with no reserve. The weight and balance of this racquet made it easy to whip, and it had enough mass in the hoop to get good plow through. I loved hitting my backhand slice with this stick; I was generating a very low penetrating slice that was creating a difficult return for my opponents. This racquet felt less powerful than my Wilson BLX Six.One 95 (18x20). I wasn't quite getting the pop that is evident with my racquet."

Rounding out the crew's approval of this racquet was Mark , who offered, "I have, so far, put about a dozen hours on this racquet over a period of 6 or 7 sessions, and groundstrokes were an easy transition for me (I usually play with a Prestige MP) from the start. I like the way the frame cuts through the air, and the way it feels when the Blade 93 connects with the ball off both wings. My topspin backhand had a bit more depth than usual, which I enjoyed immensely. My backhand slice was pretty effective, too. Overall, it's a fantastic racquet from the backcourt."

Volleys - Score: 87

Once again the Blade 93 shone, this time in the forecourt on volleys and overheads. It fulfilled every one of Andy's needs at net. He said, "The classic midsize feel felt wonderful on volleys and overheads. It was rock solid at contact and provided excellent ball feel for touch volleys. The tight string pattern also enabled me to have the precision to put the ball on a dime. It felt super maneuverable for when the ball was hit well at me, yet had enough heft for putting away overheads and volleys above the level of the net."

Mark was up to any challenge thrown his way as he moved forward against his opponents with this racquet. He said, "Half volleys, mid-court volleys and any other volley off both wings were a pleasure because the weight and balance of the new Blade 93 were near perfect for me. Even volleys on the stretch were doable due to plenty of weight in the hoop."

Chris thought that the racquet struck a balance of characteristics at net that most frames struggle to find. He said, "The precision I found at the baseline continued at net. I felt completely dialed in on my volleys. I was punching the ball with confidence and found myself constantly tempted to push the boundaries of what was possible, such was the precise response. I loved the feel on touch shots and hit some great angles and drop volleys during this playtest. I was finding that elusive blend of stability and maneuverability that had the racquet feeling fast in my hand but rock solid at impact. I loved it."

Troy liked the feel and control he found on volleys, but he would have preferred a crisper feel. He said, "I found great control when I came to the net with this racquet in hand. I could carve some sharp angles when I needed to, allowing me to hit all corners of the court. I was finding good depth on my volleys, and the mass allowed for plenty of stability against heavy hitters. The feel of this racquet is more dampened than my Six.One 95, and I think I prefer the crisp response of the Six.One 95. I found good touch and feel, just not quite the crispness that I favor in my own racquet."

Serves - Score: 82

"Control" was the word that best described the new Blade 93 on serves, and all the testers felt confident going for their serves with this racquet. Chris found it very natural and easy to serve with, saying, "This racquet doesn't offer a thick, stiff beam for power, nor does it provide a large headsize for a powerful stringbed, but none of that matters. The reason? I simply found it very easy to accelerate through the strike zone, so I could get all the pace and spin I wanted. The racquet also offered some nice mass behind the ball to help me get pace. The maneuverability and punch from the weight made this a very effortless racquet to serve with. I really could let the racquet do most of the work. I wasn't getting quite the pace I find from one of my beloved, old-school Prestige Pro 600s, but I got better spin with this racquet, and that allowed me to be aggressive with added consistency. I was definitely more aggressive hitting my second serve with the Blade 93, and just like at net, I found myself comfortable pushing my boundaries."

Mark felt good on serve. He offered, "A good balance between the amount and distribution of frame materials, along with the beam's firmness, created a lot of confidence on my serve. Directional change was good for me, and the extra pop on my serve was welcomed."

"Serving was an absolute pleasure with this racquet!" said Andy , who loved the blend of power and control. "The excellent heft and plow through provided lots of pop, and the small head and tight string pattern gave me pinpoint control. I felt like I could go for every serve in my arsenal with supreme confidence, and that I could put the ball on a dime at will. The only downside for me was the amount of spin I was able to generate compared to the larger-headed Blades. I felt I couldn't get quite as much action on the ball as I could with the 98s, but I'd trade that extra spin potential for the laser-like precision any day."

Troy also liked the control, but like on volleys, he desired a more crisp, powerful feel. He said, "Control was superb when serving with this racquet. I could easily go for a flat serve down the middle and then transition to a kick serve out wide. The low-powered feel of this racquet allowed me to attack with my serve, which I feel will be beneficial for servers with a lively arm. Not having a huge serve, I felt that power was lacking a bit in comparison to my Six.One 95."

Serve Returns - Score: 81

Once again the stability and great feel were on display, but our playtesters had some mixed feelings in this area. Mark loved returning with this racquet, where all the attributes that he enjoyed about the frame continued to shine through. "Same story here," he said. "Just like on the volley, it's a near perfect blend of weight and balance. I mostly block my returns back, so that type of return was very stable and reliable, and for the rare occasion that I took a full swing at the return, the result was top notch as well."

Chris loved the new Blade on his service returns. He offered, "What a classy stick. Everything just came together on the return for me. I was finding great pace and control, and a rock solid feel. I loved attacking the incoming serve with this racquet and found it also helped me keep my defensive returns solid. I liked the comfort I found as well, and it helped take the sting out of a full stretch return when all I could do was get the tip of the racquet on the fast approaching ball."

Troy loved the control and was feeling confident returning serve as well, but once again felt the lack of power. He said, "I loved the control on my return of serves. It allowed me to take a big rip at the ball and put pressure on the server. I was also pleased with how stable this racquet was when coming in contact with big first serves. I could chip my slice backhand return easily, and the mass of the racquet did much of the work for me. A great racquet for the return specialist, but don't expect any free power ... you have to supply it yourself."

Andy liked the feel on the chip return but felt a little uneasy going into overdrive on his aggressive returns. He said, "This was the one area where I preferred the other new Blades to this midsize offering. I like to take aggressive cuts at the ball on the return, and I like having a little forgiveness on my forehand side, where I have more of an extreme grip. When I shortened up my swing, got my contact out in front, and just used the server's pace the racquet felt great. However, when attacking the return a little more I found myself shanking a few more than I'd like. However, this is only a personal preference of a larger headsize and not the fault of the racquet. On another note, this new Blade felt awesome when chipping the return. It stays stable at impact, and the heft allows you to bunt the chip return back deep quite easily."

Overall - Score: 87

Chris - "I loved the power, spin, control, feel, stability and maneuverability. You might be getting the picture by now that I really liked this racquet! I think Wilson nailed it, and for me this is the best midsize Blade yet. A fantastic racquet. Oh, and the cosmetic is bad ass, too."

Andy - "I think Wilson nailed this midsize offering, and it was my favorite of the four new Blades. It's simply a great feeling midsize frame. It's rock solid all over the court, providing great pop and plow through while also offering pinpoint precision on every shot. Wilson got it right on the feel of the racquet too, as it finds that nice balance between being solid and lively without losing the great ball feel that the classic midsize racquets have. Wilson got it right with this one, and the paint job is sweet too!"

Troy - "The stability and pinpoint precision from all areas of the court. The flat-black finish is sweet!"

Mark - "Darth Vader paint scheme, nice sized sweetspot for an 18x20 / 93 square inch hoop size, firm, but not stiff beam, stock black replacement grip, its overall weight, balance, etc...what's not to like?"

Chris - "None. This racquet is an absolute gem."

Andy - "It's not very forgiving for players with big swings, but that's what you have to expect with a racquet this size. It does feel alright on off-center hits, but the sweetspot is small for those who take big swings with extreme grips (like me on the forehand). But once again, that's not necessarily a fault of the racquet, but just what you have to expect from a midsize frame."

Troy - "It's lacking a bit of power and has a more muted feel than my BLX Six.One 95 (18x20) 2012."

Mark - "It was not available to me before now."

Comparing the racquet to others they've tried, our testers said:

Chris - "The best Blade mid yet thanks to its blend of power, comfort, feel, precision and stability. I thought this was a very forgiving mid and it had that easy to maneuver yet solid feel I found in the Volkl Powerbridge 10 Mid. It is way more forgiving and easier to use than the Six.One Tour and has a livelier and more modern feel to it than the Youtek IG Prestige Mid. It simply blows the BLX Blade Tour racquet away with superior comfort, better feel and a larger and more forgiving sweetspot."

Andy - "It's definitely an improvement from the midsize Blade it replaces. It's much more solid and has much better feel, though it will feel pretty similar in your hand because of the similar weighting. I'd put this in the same category as any Prestige Mid, as the weighting and shape of the head felt similar. However, I think the Blade has a little more pop and a little more lively feel. Overall, this is an excellent racquet and this was a very enjoyable playtest for me!"

Troy - "I felt that this update to the Blade Tour had similar characteristics to both of the previous versions. This version maneuvered like the previous BLX version but had a bit more feel and response. I found the KBlade Tour to provide the most feel and is my favorite of the three versions. I also found a comparison to my old Dunlop M-Fil 200, as well as the Gamma Tour 340X. This racquet feels slightly lower in power than my BLX Six.One 95 (18x20) 2012, and it feels a bit more muted."

Mark - "Both the Prestige mid and midplus come to mind, a slightly heavier/ more forgiving Slazenger Pro Braided, a firmer Pro Kennex Q Tour, and somewhat similar to the Biomimetic 200, but the Blade 93 has a bit firmer/crisper feel. Honestly, the prior BLX Blade Tour was not the frame for me, and on paper they are very close to each other (it cannot just be the cool paint scheme). I have to include the previous model, but they did not feel like they played similarly."

Technical Specifications

Babolat rdc ratings.

(Scores are determined by averaging individual play test scores)

Playtester Profiles

Chris: 5.0 all-court player currently using the Volkl C10 Pro 2012. Chris uses a full-western forehand grip, has a fast swing style and hits a one-handed backhand.

Andy: Open level all court player with a semi-western forehand grip and a two handed backhand. Andy currently using a Yonex RDiS 100 Mid.

Troy: 5.0 lefty all-court player with a full Western Forehand and a two-handed backhand. Troy currently plays with a Wilson BLX Six.One 95 18x20 (2012 version).

Mark: 5.0 lefty all-court player with a one-handed backhand. He currently plays with the Dunlop Aerogel 4D 200.

Review date: November 2012. If you found this review interesting or have further questions or comments please contact us.

All content copyright 2012 Tennis Warehouse.