Wilson Blade 98 16×19 v7 vs. v8

A Detailed Comparison

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By Jon Crim
TennisCompanion

In 2021, Wilson released the Wilson Blade 98 16×19 v8, which begs the question. Is it better than the v7, and should you upgrade?

In this guide, I’ll provide you with a detailed comparison between the seventh and eighth generations of the Wilson Blade to help you decide whether you should upgrade or purchase.

If you’d like to learn more about the latest model, check out my in-depth review and playtest of the Wilson Blade 98 16×19 v8.

Popular Wilson Blade Models

Wilson Blade 98 v8 16×19

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Wilson Blade 104 v8

Wilson Blade SW102 Autograph

Article Contents

Video

Design & Paint

Specs & Tech

Strings & Tension

Performance

Summary

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Video Comparison

If you’re curious to see first-hand how the Wilson Blade 98 16×19 v7 and v8 differ, be sure to check out my video below.

In it, review the differences between the two frames and showcase the performance of each racquet on the court. Here are timestamps for the video, which you can reference to jump to a specific section of interest.

0:29 – Intro
0:47 – Specs & Tech
1:47 – Strings & Tension
2:21 – Peformance
3:37 – Summary

This guide is a written companion to the video, covering much of the same material but providing extra detail. Keep scrolling to learn about how the seventh and eighth-generation Blades differ.

Design & Paint

Wilson Blade 98 16x19 v7 vs. v8 Design and Paint

For the eighth generation of the Blade 98 16×19, Wilson introduces a fresh new paint job that completely breaks the mold of the simple matte black frames with a pop of color in the hoop racquet’s head.

The Wilson Blade 98 now offers a chameleon-style paint job that’s dynamic and shifts between green and copper depending on the light. I’m a huge fan of the change and happy to see Wilson changing things up.

Wilson Blade 98 16x19 v7 Green and Black vs. v8 Chameleon Dynamic Paint

Of course, the Wilson Blade lineup has featured green highlights for the last few models, so it’s not surprising they kept that color as part of the cosmetic and makes it helpful in identifying the frame.

For context, here are the colors Wilson currently associates with each line of performance tennis racquets they offer:

Green: Wilson Blade
Black: Wilson Pro Staff
Red: Wilson Clash
Blue: Wilson Ultra
Orange: Wilson Burn

Beyond the color, you’ll also notice the v8 offers a shinny finish vs. the matte finish of the v7. Unfortunately, the matte paint job isn’t the most durable, and many players have asked for improvements on this front.

Wilson Blade 98 16x19 v7 Matte Paint vs. v8 Shiny Paint

However, although the v8 doesn’t offer a matte finish, it’s not a thick glossy shell either, so don’t expect much improvement in durability.

I’d expect the peeling issue players have had with the matte finish to go away, but as far as nicks and scratches go, I’ve found the frame not to offer much of any improvement.

Specs & Tech

Wilson Blade 98 16x19 v7 vs. v8 Specs and Tech

One of the first places to look when comparing tennis racquets is the specs, which provide a glimpse into how their performance will differ.

Helpful Tip
Keep in mind that specs only tell part of the story when it comes to performance and feel. A tennis racquet’s materials and construction also play a significant role, so it pays to hit with both frames to gain a concrete understanding of their differences.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the Wilson Blade 98 16×19 v7 and v8.

Strung Specs	Blade 98 16×19 v7	Blade 98 16×19 v8
Length	27in / 68.58cm	27in / 69cm
Head Size	98 in² / 632.26 cm²	98 in² / 632.26 cm²
String Pattern	16×19	16×19
Weight	11.4oz / 323g	11.3oz / 320g
Balance	4 pts HL (33 cm)	5 pts HL (32.6 cm)
Swingweight	328	317
Stiffness	62	61
Beam	21mm / 21mm / 21mm	21mm / 21mm / 21mm

As you can see, there’s a minor variation in weight, balance, swingweight, and stiffness, so from a performance standpoint, we’re talking about relatively minor changes that will have a subtle impact.

Furthermore, each frame maintains a braided graphite and basalt construction, and each uses Wilson’s FortyFive tech, previously called FeelFlex, in the v7 model.

Wilson Blade 98 16x19 v7 vs. v8 Specs and Tech Braided Graphite and Basalt

You’ll also find parallel drilling in both frames, red ergonomic butt caps, and a top grip taper design for each of the handles.

Wilson Blade 98 16x19 v7 vs. v8 Specs and Tech Red Ergonomic Butt Caps

As a result, the only tech that’s new for the v8 model is Wilson’s DirectConnect handle, which fuses the butt cap with the handle’s carbon fiber for a bit of extra stability.

Wilson Blade 98 16x19 v7 vs. v8 Specs and Tech Top Grip Taper and DirectConnect Handle

Despite similar specs, materials, and construction methods, there are some differences worth discussing, so we’ll get to those shortly.

Strings & Tension

Wilson Blade 98 16x19 v7 vs. v8 Strings and Tension Seventh Generation

The seven and eight-generation Wilson Blade have a recommended tension range of 50-60 lbs (22.68-27.2 kg).

For consistency when comparing the performance of each in a playtest, I strung both with 1.25 mm Luxilon ALU Power at 52 lbs or 23.6 kg.

Wilson Blade 98 16x19 v7 vs. v8 Luxilon ALU Power

If you’re not familiar with Luxlion ALU Power, it’s a lower-powered polyester that delivers excellent spin and durability with exceptional feel that I find compliments the Blade’s strengths.

Of course, many other strings work well with the Wilson Blade. Here are a few of my favorites that also complement this racquet:

However, if you’re looking for a bit of extra comfort and power, you might consider stringing with a polyester and multifilament or natural gut.

Wilson Blade 98 16x19 v7 vs. v8 Hybrid Stringing

Combining two different strings, one for the mains and another for the crosses, is called hybrid stringing.

Performance

Wilson Blade 98 16x19 v7 vs. v8 Performance

On the court, the Wilson Blade 98 16×19 v7 and v8 perform very similarly.

Both offer excellent feel, control, and comfort as highlights. However, hitting with them side by side, I noticed a few nuances in performance that are worth reviewing.

Wilson Blade 98 16x19 v7 vs. v8 Performance Seventh Generation Control and Precision

For starters, I found the v7 to offer better overall control and precision. Of course, not by a longshot, but for me, it’s a result of the frame’s slightly greater stability, which also translated to added touch and was my preferred frame up at the net.

At times, I did feel the v8 offered slightly better maneuverability, but the difference was very subtle and not a significant point of differentiation.

Surprisingly, the most noteworthy difference for me was comfort, where I found the v8 to deliver an overall more forgiving response.

Wilson Blade 98 16x19 v7 vs. v8 Performance Eighth Generation Groundstrokes Forgiving Response

The added comfort was easy to notice hitting serves where I preferred the v8, but it was also apparent on groundstrokes where I found it to offer a slightly better connection with the ball and a small bit of extra power to go along with it.

Wilson Blade 98 16x19 v7 vs. v8 Performance Eighth Generation Groundstrokes Topspin

On groundstrokes, it was a mixed bag. I prefer the v8 hitting topspin but found the v7 to deliver a more consistent and solid performance on slice.

Wilson Blade 98 16x19 v7 vs. v8 Performance Seventh Generation Slice

Finally, on returns, I also give the v7 a slight edge where its added weight and stability benefit the frame.

Summary

Wilson Blade 98 16x19 v7 vs. v8 Summary

Although the 8th generation doesn’t present a significant leap forward, it’s certainly not a step back and outshines the 7th generation in a few areas. Here’s a quick recap of my preferences for each racquet.

Attribute	Blade v8 16×18 v7	Blade v8 16×18 v8
Groundstrokes		X
Volleys	X
Serves		X
Returns	X
Power		X
Control	X
Spin		X
Slice	X
Touch/Feel	X
Maneuverability		X
Stability	X
Comfort		X

Although there are nuances in performance, if I were considering an upgrade, I’d likely save myself the money and stick with my old frames because the performance gap isn’t enough to justify the change.

At the same time, if your old v7 frames are beaten up and need replacing and anything about my preferences for the latest model resonates with you, then I think you’ll be happy moving to the eighth generation.

Furthermore, if I were buying a Blade for the first time, I’d opt for the v8 because I found its performance to better align with my game.

Plus, it will likely be easier to get matching replacements over the next few years, and I prefer the new paint job.

Wrapping Up

Wilson Blade 98 16x19 v7 vs. v8 Wrapping Up The Wilson Blade 98 16×19 v7 and v8 are excellent frames, and the Blade remains on my list of the best overall.

Unfortunately, when manufacturers update tennis racquets, they don’t always end up with a winning formula. However, I’ve found the eighth generation of the Blade to live up to the name, so it’s well worth considering for intermediate to advanced players.

Are you considering upgrading or purchasing a new Wilson Blade? If so, what are your thoughts? We’d love to hear in the comments below.

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Wilson Blade 98 16×19 v7 vs. v8

Article Contents

New to TennisCompanion?

Video Comparison

Design & Paint

Specs & Tech

Strings & Tension

Performance

Summary

Wrapping Up

Play Better Tennis

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