The Wilson Blade is the frame players choose when they want to feel the ball. It has been the control racket of choice on tour for years — and the V10 generation, in its deep green finish, keeps that flex-and-feel character while adding a little more forgiveness than Blades of old.
The problem is the name covers eleven different rackets. A Blade 98 18×20 and a Blade 100UL are not variations on a theme; they are different tools entirely. This guide sorts the range into the three groups it really falls into.
What makes a Blade a Blade
Two things define this family: a flexible layup that lets the ball sit on the stringbed a fraction longer, and a thin, boxy beam that keeps the response connected rather than springy. You do not get free power from a Blade. You get placement, feel and the ability to change direction on a ball late.
If you want the frame to do the work for you, look at the Wilson Clash or Ultra instead. If you want to do the work yourself and be rewarded for it, keep reading.
🏆 The 98s — the real Blades
Blade 98 16×19 V10 · 98 in² · £212.50
The signature frame, and the one most Blade buyers should start with. Best for intermediate to advanced players with full swings who want control but still need the strings to bite.
- The 16×19 pattern gives noticeably more spin and a slightly softer feel than the 18×20
- Enough weight to stay stable against pace, without being a chore over three sets
- The most versatile Blade in the range — works on any surface
Verdict: if someone says "a Blade", they usually mean this.
Blade 98 18×20 V10 · 98 in² · £219.99
The purist's pick. Best for advanced players who hit flat and want maximum precision.
- The denser pattern gives a firmer, more predictable response and better directional control
- Less spin and less free depth — you supply both
- Rewards clean technique and punishes lazy footwork
Verdict: a genuinely demanding frame. Wonderful if you're good enough for it.
Blade 98S V10 · 98 in² · £219.99
The spin variant, with a more open pattern. Best for heavy topspin players who want Blade feel with more revolutions.
⚡ The 100s — Blade feel, more margin
Blade 100 V10 · 100 in² · £219
The bridge frame. Best for players who love how a Blade feels but keep missing the middle.
- Two extra square inches makes a real difference on off-centre contact
- Slightly more free depth than the 98
- Still recognisably a Blade — it hasn't turned into a power stick
Blade 100L V10 · 100 in² · £189.99
Lighter, quicker through the air. Best for doubles players and anyone with a shorter, compact swing.
Blade 100UL V10 · 100 in² · £179.99
The lightest full-size Blade. Best for players managing an arm injury, returning after a layoff, or juniors moving up.
Blade 104 V10 · 104 in² · £207
The forgiveness option, with a slightly longer frame. Best for improvers who want feel without the small target. Often overlooked and genuinely good.
Blade 101 Team V10 · £144
The value entry into the family. Best for club players stepping up from a supermarket racket who want a real frame without a £200 outlay.
🌱 Junior Blades
Blade 26 V10 · £94.99 | Blade 25 V10 · £94.99
Proper junior frames, not toys. Best for competitive juniors roughly 9–12 years old who are already playing matches and need something that behaves like the adult frame they'll graduate to.
Blade Feel Comp Jr 26 · £48
The starter option for juniors just beginning, at a price that doesn't hurt when they grow out of it in eighteen months.
Quick comparison
| Model | Head | Pattern | Power | Control | Spin | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blade 98 16×19 | 98 in² | 16×19 | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | The all-round Blade |
| Blade 98 18×20 | 98 in² | 18×20 | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Flat, advanced hitters |
| Blade 98S | 98 in² | Open | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Heavy topspin |
| Blade 100 | 100 in² | 16×19 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Blade feel, more margin |
| Blade 100L | 100 in² | 16×19 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Doubles, compact swings |
| Blade 100UL | 100 in² | 16×19 | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Arm-friendly, returners |
| Blade 104 | 104 in² | 16×19 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Improvers wanting feel |
| Blade 101 Team | 101 in² | 16×19 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Best value entry |
The two questions that decide it
- Are you missing the sweet spot? If yes, go 100 or 104 — there is no prize for struggling with a 98.
- Do you hit flat or with spin? Flat → 18×20. Spin → 16×19 or the 98S.
We keep demo Blades including the 98 16×19 and 100UL. An hour on court will settle it faster than any spec sheet.
Why buy your Blade from Central Tennis?
- Free restring on adult frames — pick your string and tension at checkout
- In-house professional stringing with quick turnaround
- Demo rackets so you can try before committing £200+
- Grip fitting and customisation in store
- Free UK delivery on qualifying orders
Shop the full Wilson Blade range →
Shop the Wilson Blade V10 range at Central Tennis
In stock now at Central Tennis. Expert stringing and racket fitting available in store.
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