The Pure Aero and Blade 98 are two of the most popular tennis rackets sold by Babolat and Wilson, with rackets being used by intermediate to advanced recreational players.
This is due in no small part to the endorsements from top tennis pros with the Pure Aero being endorsed by Rafael Nadal, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and the 2021 US Open Women’s Singles Finalist Leylah Fernandez, while the Blade 98 is endorsed by Emma Raducanu, Simona Halep, and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Babolat Pure Aero vs Wilson Blade 98
For this comparison, I will be using the Rafa version of the Babolat Pure Aero (or “PA”) and the V8 16×19 version of the Wilson Blade 98 (or B98″).
There is also an 18×20 version of the Blade 98 but there is no 18×20 version of the Pure Aaero so I will only be using the 16×19 version of the Blade 98 in my comparisons below.
NB: The Rafa version has the exact same specs as the regular yellow and black Pure Aero.
Racket Specs Comparison
Main Differences: The Blade 98 has a smaller head size (98in vs 100in), a slightly heavier strung weight (11.3oz vs 11.2oz), a more head light balance (5 pts HL vs 4 pts HL), a lower swing weight (317 vs 324), a lower frame stiffness rating (61 vs 67), and a thinner beam width (21mm vs 23mm / 26mm / 23mm).
Similarities: Both rackets have the same racket length (27in), and string pattern (16 x 19).
| Specs | PA | B98 |
|---|---|---|
| Version: | Rafa | V8 |
| Design: |  |  |
| Head Size: | 100in | 98in |
| Length: | 27in | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 318g (11.2oz) | 320g (11.3oz) |
| Balance: | 4 pts HL | 5 pts HL |
| Swingweight: | 324 | 317 |
| TW Stiffness Rating: | 67 | 61 |
| Beam Width: | 23mm / 26mm / 23mm | 21mm |
| Composition: | Graphite | Graphite |
| Colors: | Yellow, Pink, and Black | Green and Black |
| String Pattern: | 16 Mains * 19 Crosses | 16 Mains * 19 Crosses |
| Grip: | Babolat Syntec Pro | Wilson Pro Performance |
Head Size
The most obvious difference between the two rackets is their head size with the head size of the Pure Aero (100in) being two inches bigger than the Blade 98 (98in).
A bigger head size will mean the sweet spot is slightly bigger on the PA when compared with the Blade 98 but the smaller head size on the Blade 98 will mean it has better control and will be better suited to players with a one handed backhand.
Length
Both of these tennis rackets have a standard 27in length.
Racket Strung Weight, Swing Weight, and Balance
In terms of racket strung weight, there is very little difference between the two tennis rackets with the B98 (320g) being slightly heavier than the PA (318g).
However, there is a much bigger difference in terms of the racket’s swing weight with the B98 (317g) having a lighter swing weight than the PA (324g).
This is mainly due to the B98 (5pts HL) having a more head light balance than the PA (4pts HL).
Frame Stiffness
The PA (67) has a higher stiffness rating than the B98 V8 (61).
Speaking from my own experience playing with both of these tennis rackets, the B98 felt a lot more comfortable to play with so if you have had tennis elbow issues in the past, I would recommend you go with the B98 over the PA.
Beam Width
As you would expect from a 98in frame, the Blade 98 has a thinner beam width than the PA so if you want more control go with the Blade 98 but if you want more power then go with the PA.
FAQ
Are these tennis rackets good for beginners?
I wouldn’t recommend either of these two tennis rackets for beginners as they are both too heavy and there are much better options for beginners out there e.g. Wilson Clash 100L.
Which Racket is better for One Handed Backhand Players?
In my opinion, the B98 is by far the best for one handed backhand players.
Which Tennis Racket is more Arm Friendly?
The B98 has a lower stiffness rating and I found it to be the more arm friendly of the two tennis rackets.
Are the rackets Head Light or Head Heavy?
Both are Head Light Rackets.
Which is the better all round racket?
If you are an all court player then I would recommend the B98 but if you like playing from the baseline then I would recommend the PA.