The Blade 98 is one of Wilson’s most popular tennis rackets, with each new version of the tennis racket being eagerly anticipated by recreational players.
One of the main reasons for its popularity is that the Blade 98 is endorsed by top WTA and ATP pros like Stefanos Tsitsipas, Simona Halep, and Emma Raducanu.
The latest version of the Blade 98 is the V8 and this article will look at the differences between the V8 and the previous V7 to see whether it is worth upgrading to the new version.
Wilson Blade 98 V7 vs V8 Comparison
For this racket comparison, I will be looking at the 16×19 and 18×20 versions of the Blade 98 to see what has changed from the V7 to the V8 of the tennis rackets.
First off, I will look at the Wilson Blade 98 16×19 versions!
Wilson Blade 98 16×19 V7 vs V8
Main Differences: The V8 has a lower strung weight (11.3oz vs 11.4oz), a much lower swing weight (317 vs 328), a more head light balance (5pts HL vs 4pts HL), and a slightly lower frame stiffness rating (61 vs 62).
Similarities: Both versions have the same head size (98in), racket length (27in), Beam Width (21.0mm), and string pattern (16 x 19).
Racket Specs Comparison – 16×19 Versions
| Version: | 16×19 V7 | 16×19 V8 |
| Design: |  |  |
| Head Size: | 98in | 98in |
| Length: | 27in | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 323g (11.4oz) | 320g (11.3oz) |
| Swingweight: | 328 | 317 |
| Balance: | 4 Pts HL | 5 Pts HL |
| TW Stiffness Rating: | 62 | 61 |
| Power: | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Beam Width: | 21.0 mm | 21.0 mm |
| Composition: | Graphite | Graphite |
| Colors: | Navy, Green, and Black | Green and Black |
| String Pattern: | 16×19 | 16×19 |
| Grip Type: | Wilson Pro Performance | Wilson Pro Performance |
The head size, racket length, beam width, and string pattern are identical in the 16×19 versions of the Blade 98 V7 and V8.
In terms of differences, the strung weight of the V8 is 0.1 ounces lighter than the V7 so you are not going to feel a huge difference just holding the two rackets in your hand.
The biggest change is in the swing weight and balance, as Wilson has made the V8 more head light so now the V8 has a much lower swing weight when compared with the V7 (328 vs 317).
The V8 (61) also has a slightly lower stiffness rating than the V7 (62) but it is not a huge difference in terms of how the tennis rackets feel to hit with.
Wilson Blade 98 18×20 V7 vs V8
Main Differences: The V8 has a lower swing weight (334 vs 327) and a slightly lower frame stiffness rating (62 vs 60).
Similarities: Both versions have the same head size (98in), strung weight (11.4oz), racket length (27in), Beam Width (21.0mm), Balance (4pts HL), and string pattern (18 x 20).
Racket Specs Comparison – 18×20 Versions
| Version: | 18×20 V7 | 18×20 V8 |
| Design: | | |
| Head Size: | 98in | 98in |
| Length: | 27in | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 323g (11.4oz) | 323g (11.4oz) |
| Swingweight: | 334g | 327g |
| Balance: | 4 Pts HL | 4 Pts HL |
| TW Stiffness Rating: | 62 | 60 |
| Power: | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Beam Width: | 21.0 mm | 21.0 mm |
| Composition: | Graphite | Graphite |
| Colors: | Navy, Green, and Black | Green and Black |
| String Pattern: | 18×20 | 18×20 |
| Grip Type: | Wilson Pro Performance | Wilson Pro Performance |
Similar to the 16×19 versions of the Blade 98, the head size, racket length, beam width, and string pattern are identical in the 18×20 versions of V7 and V8.
The V8 and the V7 versions also have the same strung weight (11.4oz) and head light balance (4 pts HL).
In terms of differences, the V8 has a lower swing weight but the difference in swing weight is much less than in the 16×19 versions.
The V8 (60) also has a slightly lower stiffness rating than the V7 (62).
Is it worth upgrading to the V8 Versions?
In my opinion, if you are a club player and you have a Blade 98 V7 16×19 tennis racket, then it is worth upgrading to the V8 as the lower swing weight will be better for the vast majority of club players.
However, I don’t think the same can be said for the Blade 98 V8 18×20 tennis racket as I don’t think the racket specs have changed enough to make upgrading to the V8 worth it.