This article will look at the 16×19 and 18×20 versions of the Babolat Pure Strike and Wilson Blade 98 tennis rackets to see how they compare to each other.
The 16×19 version of the Blade 98 is currently endorsed by Simona Halep while the 16×19 version of the Pure Strike is endorsed by Cameron Norrie.
The 18×20 version of the Blade 98 is currently endorsed by Stefanos Tsitsipas and Karen Khachanov while the 18×20 version of the Pure Strike is endorsed by Dominic Thiem.
Pure Strike vs Blade 98 (16×19 Versions)
For our first racket comparison, I will be using the 16×19 Version of the Wilson Blade 98 V8 (or “B98”) and the 16×19 version of the Babolat Pure Strike (3rd Generation) (or “PS”).
Racket Specs Comparison
Main Differences: The Blade 98 (16×19) has a slightly lower strung weight (11.3oz vs 11.4oz), a lower swing weight (317 vs 327), a more head light balance (5 pts HL vs 4 pts HL), a lower frame stiffness rating (61 vs 66), and a thinner beam width (21mm vs 21mm / 23mm / 21mm).
Similarities: Both rackets have a 98in head size, 27in racket length, and a 16×19 string pattern.
| Specs: | PS 16×19 | Blade 98 16×19 |
|---|---|---|
| Version: | 3rd Generation | V8 |
| Racket: |  |  |
| Head Size: | 98in | 98in |
| Length: | 27in | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 323g (11.4oz) | 320g (11.3oz) |
| Swingweight: | 327 | 317 |
| Balance: | 4 pts HL | 5 pts HL |
| Frame Stiffness: | 66 | 61 |
| Power: | Low | Low |
| Beam Width: | 21mm / 23mm / 21mm | 21mm |
| Composition: | Graphite | Graphite |
| Colors: | Coral and White | Green and Black |
| String Pattern: | 16×19 | 16×19 |
| Grip Type: | Babolat Syntec Team | Wilson Pro Performance |
Both of these tennis rackets have the exact same head size, racket length, and string pattern.
In terms of differences, as the Blade 98 16×19 has a lower strung weight, a much lower swing weight, and a more head light balance, you will find that it is much easier to swing when compared with the Babolat Pure Strike 16×19.
The Blade 98 16×19 also has a slightly thinner beam width but the difference in beam width isn’t that big.
The PS 16×19 has a higher stiffness rating (66) when compared with the Blade 98 16×19 (61), with the B98 being a more arm friendly tennis racket to play with.
Pure Strike vs Blade 98 (18×20 Versions)
For our second racket comparison, I will be using the 18×20 Version of the Blade 98 and the 18×20 version of the Pure Strike.
Racket Specs Comparison
Main Differences: The Blade 98 (18×20) has a slightly lower swing weight (334 vs 327), a lower frame stiffness rating (60 vs 66), and a thinner beam width (21mm vs 21mm / 23mm / 21mm).
Similarities: Both rackets have a 98in head size, 27in racket length, strung weight of 11.4oz, a balance of 4 pts HL, and a 16×19 string pattern.
| Racket Specs: | PS 18×20 | Blade 98 18×20 |
|---|---|---|
| Version: | 3rd Generation | V8 |
| Design: | | |
| Head Size: | 98in | 98in |
| Length: | 27in | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 323g (11.4oz) | 323g (11.4oz) |
| Swingweight: | 334 | 327 |
| Balance: | 4 pts HL | 4 pts HL |
| Frame Stiffness: | 66 | 60 |
| Power: | Low | Low |
| Beam Width: | 21mm / 23mm / 21mm | 21mm |
| Composition: | Graphite | Graphite |
| Colors: | Coral and White | Green and Black |
| String Pattern: | 18×20 | 18×20 |
| Grip Type: | Babolat Syntec Team | Wilson Pro Performance |
Both of these tennis rackets have the exact same head size, racket length, strung weight, string pattern, and balance.
In terms of differences, the B98 18×20 has a lower swing weight so it will be slightly more maneuverable than the PS 18×20.
The B98 18×20 also has a slightly thinner beam width but the difference isn’t huge in terms of the amount of control or power you get with both rackets.
Probably the biggest difference between the two rackets is their stiffness rating with the B98 18×20 (60) having a lower stiffness rating when compared with the PS 18×20 (66).