• Head Size: 98 sq. in
  
• Length: 27 inches
• Weight: Strung — 11.2 oz Unstrung — 10.7oz
• Tension: 50-60 Pounds
• Balance: 2 Pts Head Light
• Beam Width: 20.6mm
  
• Composition:  Basalt
• Flex: 66
• Grips Type: Wilson Sublime
  
• Power Level: Medium
• String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses
  Mains skip: 8T, 8H
  One Piece
  No Shared Hole
• Swing Speed: Medium
• Swing Weight: 331

With enhanced feel and comfort, the Wilson Blade 98 is certainly a step up from the previous model. This racquet has a new sleek look with its black and silver paint job and white grip. The open 16 x 19 string pattern offers greater access to impressive power and spin compared to its brother that has an 18 x 20 string pattern. This racquet would be great for advanced, aggressive players who would like a lot of spin and power, but also want a racquet with good control. 

Volleys &Serves

I felt that I could easily hit back volleys with a solid punch. The power on this racquet is still apparent even at the net, as I could consistently hit strong volleys deep in the court. Control, however, might have been slightly lacking. Because the racquet is a bit heavier with an almost even balance, I found that I had to put forth a bit more effort to move the racquet around at net, so my touch volleys and ability to create sharp angles suffered some. The Blade added some power and pop to my serves, but sometimes they ended up going a little long when I hit a flatter serve. On second serves, I felt that I could generate good spin, too. 

Groundstrokes

I loved how the Blade 98 felt from the baseline. I noticed that I was able hit shots deep into the court with pretty good pace but also that I could place them where I wanted relatively easily. There was definitely a difference in spin production when compared to the dense 18 x 20 string pattern. I felt that I could easily add topspin the ball with good depth for more defensive shots, and I thought my backhand slice became a great weapon with the open string pattern. With extra power generally comes a loss in control, but I think I only slightly noticed this sacrifice when I was first adjusting to the weight and string pattern. You can always just string the racquet at a higher tension to balance out the increased power in a racquet, if need be. 

Overall

Wilson has created a great new racquet with awesome feel. Control and maneuverability may have been slightly reduced, especially on groundstrokes on volleys, but the open string pattern and 98 square inch head size creates just the right amount of power, spin, and forgiveness that I like in a racquet.