Wilson Blade 98 16×19

Should you shortlist it?

The smaller head and control-led design reward clean contact and committed swings. A useful contrast to a power-oriented 100.

The trade-off

Less forgiving of late or off-centre contact. Try the EZONE 100 if maintaining depth takes too much effort.

What to compare in a demo

Try returns, serves and volleys as well as rallies. Check your swing late in a session. Use similar strings and tension when comparing frames.

Alternatives to consider

• Yonex EZONE 98 · 8th generation — a similar choice; 305 g and 98 sq in. A smaller-headed alternative for confident strikers.
• Babolat Pure Drive 98 · Gen11 — a similar choice; 305 g and 98 sq in. A more precise branch of the Pure Drive family.