Wilson Blade 98 vs Head Speed MP

The Wilson Blade 98 and the Head Speed MP are both very popular amongst intermediate to advanced recreational tennis players.

The Speed MP is endorsed by tennis pros Jannik Sinner, Bianca Andreescu, and Karolina Muchova while the Blade 98 is endorsed by Stefanos Tsitsipas, Simona Halep, and Emma Raducanu.

This article will help you to figure out which of these two tennis rackets will suit your game better.

Wilson Blade 98 vs Head Speed MP

Wilson Blade 98 vs Head Speed MP Comparison

For this racket comparison, we will be using the 2022 Version of the Head Speed MP (or “SMP”) and the V8 of the Wilson Blade 98 (or “B98”).

I have included the 16×19 version of the B98 as it is more similar to the SMP than the 18×20 version of the B98.

Racket Specs

Specs:Blade 98Speed MP
Version:V82022
Design:Wilson Blade 98Head Speed MP 2022
Head Size:98in100in
Length:27in27in
Strung Weight:320g (11.3oz)315g (11.1oz)
Swingweight:317g323g
Balance:5 Pts HL4 pts HL
Stiffness:6162
Power:Low to MediumLow to Medium
Beam Width:21.0 mm23.0 mm
Composition:GraphiteGraphite
Colors:Green and BlackBlack and White
String Pattern:16×1916×19
Grip Type:Wilson Pro PerformanceHead Hydrosorb Pro

Length and Head Size

The obvious difference between the two rackets is their head size with the SMP having a 100 sq in head size and the B98 having a 98 sq in head size.

Generally speaking, players with a one handed backhand tend to gravitate to rackets with a sub 100 sq in head size while players with a two handed backhand prefer a racket with at least a 100 sq head size.

In terms of racket length, both rackets are a standard 27 inches long.

Balance

The B98 (5 pts HL) is slightly more head light than the SMP (4 pts HL) so again it will favor players with a single handed backhand.

Strung Weight and Swing Weight

The two tennis rackets have a similar strung weight with the B98 (320g) being slightly heavier than the SMP (315g).

However, this is reversed when you look at the swing weight of the two rackets as the SMP (323g), feels much heavier to swing due to it having a less head light balance when compared with the B98 (317g).

Stiffness Rating

Both tennis rackets have a similar stiffness rating at 61 for the B98 and 62 for the SMP so both would be considered to be relatively arm friendly rackets to hit with.

However, I would definitely have to give the edge to the B98 in terms of which racket is the most comfortable to play with.

Beam Width

The Blade 98 has a thinner beam width than the Speed MP so you will definitely find it easier to get power with the Speed MP when compared with the Blade 98.

However, the B98 is the winner in terms of which racket has more control.

Power

If you looking for some help from your tennis racket in terms of power then the SMP will give you more help than the B98.

However, you will probably be better off going with the Babolat Pure Drive or the Wilson Clash 100 if you are looking for a racket that gives you a good amount of power.

String Pattern

Both of these tennis rackets have a 16×19 string pattern so they will be good for players who like to hit balls with lots of topspin from the baseline

Design

I am not a big fan of the design of the V8 versions of the B98 as I much preferred the design of the V7 Blades.

In my opinion, the SMP has a nicer design and is more aesthetically pleasing.

Availability

Both of these rackets are available to buy on online shops such as Tennis Warehouse, and Tennis-Point.

Recommendations

If you are a beginner to intermediate tennis player then I would recommend that you go for the SMP over the B98 as it is easier to generate power and it has a larger sweet spot.

If you are more of an advanced tennis player who can generate their own power then the extra control you get with the B98 makes it a much better racket (especially if you use a one handed backhand).

In terms of different playing styles, the B98 will suit players with an all-court game while the SMP is best suited to players who like to play from the baseline.