Wilson Blade 98 v9 16x19 G3 Review

The racket

This is autumn 2025. The one I got is the 2024 Roland Garros edition which I thought had two of my favourite colours blue and orange accents. Last one in my grip size on sale! Alas, not only is the blue a bit on the dull side, the "dead" feel mentioned in a lot of reviews turned out to be worse than "oh it'd be dampened and great - less tennis elbow". It's really dead with the limited choice of hybrid string on offfer - in my case RPM Blast Rough with Wilson Sensation Plus in cool matching orange - to my pleasant surpise.

 

My weapon of choice since 2018 has been the v2 Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 in G2 and G3. I love big spin and I like thin beams, not only do they look cool but also less likely to frame with western forehand.   

Why didn't you demo it?

Generally it takes a while to get the hang of the racket and adapt your swing to a new racket. This v9 has a lower ball trajectory and maybe slightly less power. The feedback is simply not there. It has a dull thud and seems dampened but does not appear to be any kinder to the elbow.

 

I find 305g unstrung frame to suit be best at the moment. The blade weighs in a bit lighter than my 305g Pure Strike. (The G3 is lighter than the G2). It is not as stable but maybe no one should be surprised going to a thinner lighter beam.

 

The shape is not the traditional oval I'm used to but I don't hate it. Ok the sweat spot, let's say the forgiveness for off centre shots, isn't as big as I heard claimed. And it's what I was after: thin beam and dampened feel, just didn't expect it to be so muted and "dead".

 

Will continue to play with it and update my verdict.