Blade or Pure Strike 98: Which Racket Is Right for You?

[@jesuscamargo6820]

I'm using the pure aero 2019 right now and I would like to change to a control racket, but I tried the Wilson Blade and the ball doesn't work at all, it doesn't have any kind of power and in defensive situations, they completely overwhelm you, instead I tried the Pure strike 98 16 × 19 pattern and won with total solvency in stability and controlled power, the serves are a bomb, with extraordinary directional control, I agree with you that the Après strike is better for an offensive base player

[@jonathanp639]

You are the Most reliable racket and string reviewer right now IMO. I’m enjoying the new Pure strike 98 with Solinco hyper g soft very much. I agreed with everything you said but I haven’t tried to the blade new version yet and I’m afraid to try it and be doubtful. So for now I’ll stick with the strike, and perhaps tried a few different strings in different gauges, although I kinda like that the spin is no like on a extreme tour, as with the strike I can flatten balls easier and its more predictable.

[@tantennis]

Thanks! Yea it feels really good flatten the ball with Pure Strike 98. Actually I prefer the Pure Strike 100 tho. It has way better topspin and can still hit flat ball good. Not sure if it's better than Percept 100 I have to tested it side by side.

[@jonathanp639]

@@tantennis yea I saw you video and took note on your preference for the 100. I have a one hand back-hand so not sure if it would suit my game tho. I’ll definitely try it at some point.

[@berkan54]

The negatives of the blade is so on point. I switched to a blade 100, having a very hard time clearing the net and my forced errors became x3 more. Great on the serves, the net and the touch but my baseline strokes are suffering so much. I might even go back to my pure drive :/

[@berkan54]

Update: I changed my strings from luxilon eco power to babolat rpm blast rough and I’m loving the blade now. Was a hard adaptation but I’m super happy now.

[@Christian3174]

Right strings and a bit of lead makes the blade a beast

[@Robust2013]

You should try my racquet Prince Phantom 100X 305. Its like a Blade with a bigger sweetspot, better spin and more round head.

[@JTACTR]

not.

[@nikkosantos8347]

Hi! What top 3 rackets are you enjoying right now? Thanks!!!

[@petershort936]

While I'm not certain, it does appear that you use an eastern grip on your forehand. If true, I think that may affect your ability to create topspin with the Blade more than the racquet. I use the V8 and have a semi-western grip and have no issues creating spin and generating higher launch angle. Eastern fh grip is versatile, but also requires more effort/technique to create topspin.

[@tantennis]

You are correct. My grip is in between eastern and semi-western. Actually, it's not like I cannot create topspin with the Blade but I would appreciate more topspin like I had on other rackets. I can get much more topspin with PS97 and when I changed to the Blade, lower spin and launch angle are the first things I noticed. I also don't have problems with most rackets except Blade, Pure Strike, Prestige, and Gravity.

[@petershort936]

Then it may be a power issue. Your technique generates enough spin when given a boost in power. When using a soft control racquet you are probably losing some steam on your shots and this have less action and height on the ball. PA98 may be a good option. ISO 300 too?

[@petershort936]

@@tantennis Like you, I've been a Blade V8 player since they came out. I love the maneuverability and speed of the racquet. And I think it's accuracy as a control racquet is result of the dwell time on the strings. The Blade catches the ball and then releases it on your command. Or at least that's how it feels. But I've always wanted a bit more power for put-aways, yes, but like you say, also on defense. With that in mind, I've tested a spectrum of racquets that provide more power without sacrificing maneuverability...all 98s and all with a max 23mm tapered beam. Constant 23mm beams are too much. Radical MP Auxetic - bought this one and am still trying it out; but very powerful through the court; great on serves; requires more focus on spin and lift as it has a lower launch angle; very dense 16x19 string pattern. PA 98 - bought this one too; sometimes I love it and sometimes I don't think I'm good enough to play with it (USTA 4.5 level); great on serves and backhands; still need to work on controlling it from the fh side. T-Fight ISO 300 - nice pop and quick in the hand, but never liked the feel of this racquet... Dunlop FX Tour 500 - almost got sucked into this one with a great honeymoon demo period; very, very powerful racquet that was great on serves and completely transformed my backhand; I had a hard time dialing in the forehand, despite reviewers saying it was a very spinny racquet; I think the sweet spot is pretty small with this one.

[@tantennis]

I think you said it right that Blade pockets the ball on command and that results in high accuracy. Radical MP I cannot gel with lower launch and more power. I feel like I have to really force the spin or have to play flat. PA98 is ok, great playability but it’s slow on backswing and gives me false sense of the ball when I hit deep. I don’t know if it’s gonna land or long. ISO 300 for me it doesn’t play the same way as 305 and 315. And it has high pitch pings when I played with it. Dunlop FX500 tour is ok. For me it’s a replicate of Ezone DR98. Anyway, now the rackets that can make me stay away from Blade 98 are Percept 100D, Blade pro stock 18x19, and ISO 305.

[@rubinsingh4779]

I’ve read that the tf40-305 16x19 is in between a blade and a pure strike? Whats your experience? Great review btw 👍

[@tantennis]

I think it’s between Blade and Pro Staff hahaha. Not much pure strike-like in my opinion.

[@RazvanAndreiChitu]

How do they compare to the Speed?

[@redmandyl]

Love your honest review. Can you also compare Pure Strike 98 to Pure Aero 98

[@tantennis]

Thanks! Well basically PA98 is more suitable for modern groundstrokes. I think it’s better to play offensive. Pure Strike probably better at flatten the ball rather than topspin. And you get more sense of connection and control over the ball. More accurate and precise on ball placement.

[@tophersuwita]

If you can sum it up, which of the 98 is more forgiving and "better" than its 100 counterpart? I now use 6.1 100 because of your review and really like it. But I can't help but wonder whether I can make my game easier with Babolats (only tried PA+ and PA 98 but didn't like them)

[@tantennis]

@@tophersuwita probably try Pure Strike 100 16/20 or Radical MP.

[@tophersuwita]

​@@tantennisI followed your advice and really gelled with the 16x20. It has similar characteristics as Six One with better plow and tip awareness (vs lower maneuverability though). It feels like a Regna 100!

[@tantennis]

@@tophersuwita Great!

[@hybrid11theory75]

A comparison between Percept 100D and Pure Strike 100 16x20 would be much appreciated. ;)

[@nikkosantos8347]

Yes!

[@tantennis]

Sure. And probably Gravity Tour or Speed Pro? Which one is more comparable to this group?

[@nikkosantos8347]

@@tantennisI haven’t tried either

[@tantennis]

I think Gravity tour is more comparable given it’s 305g but Speed Pro is just being released hahaha.

[@SaqibSheikh]

Current v core pro 97 user. Sick of the lower power though. Thinking of switching to one of these

[@ashton2410]

A lot of reviewers will often refer to some 98" frames as having a small sweet spot. Is the sweet spot on the strike comparable to the blade (is one more forgiving)? Thanks.

[@tantennis]

Yes more forgiving. Looks like I forgot to say in the video.

[@ashton2410]

Sorry, the strike or blade is more forgiving?@@tantennis

[@tantennis]

Strike is more forgiving.

[@jakewold08]

I’m really considering a switch from a pure aero 98 because I’d like additional depth and control, is there a spin oriented string you’d recommend for the blade to make the transition easier?

[@tantennis]

I don’t think Blade will give you additional depth. Strings I recommend for transition are ReString Zero and Lynx Tour.

[@tomk5238]

Mr tan what is a good soft string for the pure strike? I love this racquet but it gives me wrist soreness. I have been hsing confidential 55lbs on all racquets and this is the first time i feet soreness. I would like something with similar control but softer.

[@tantennis]

ReString Sync is my favorite on Pure Strike 2024 so far. Don’t think other soft poly gives the same control. Razor soft probably, but muted feel.

[@tomk5238]

@@tantennis thanks. I will try razor soft as it is diffcult to find non main stream strings at my local tennis shop

[@nikkosantos8347]

How are these rackets different from the percept 100d? Thanks!!!

[@tantennis]

Bascially these are more demanding. Percept 100D has a bit more free power and pop.

[@nikkosantos8347]

@@tantennis thanks for answering! you been a huge help on my racket journey. how about the percept 100d vs pure strike 100 16x19?

[@tantennis]

@@nikkosantos8347 If you like more versatile racket Pure Strike 100 is a good choice. I just hit with it side by side with 100D and my hitting partner said that balls coming from Pure Strike 100 is bouncing toward him faster with the spin. But control and consistency I have to give it to 100D as a baseliner.

[@kaoushik11]

The new Pure Strike is engineered really well!

[@benjaminjensen111]

Its really one of those rackets you can say perfect to and mean it. Its the Babolats Regna 98. it overshadows the Blade no doubt. You need fast and hard strokes and good technique and high string tension. So Its down to players skills and physique between the two rackets more than the racket regarding this comparison video. The RF 97 was much stiffer (68-70) than the PS98. The Blade is noodle soft and suits not many players in the modern game. You cant really win with the blade when playing at lvl advanced. The PS 98 is not to compare with the Blade. Two different rackets for a different kind of player. The PS98 is a better Technifibre T-fight Iso 305/T40, a better Solinco WhiteOut, a better Head Speed, a better Head mp/Pro Radical, a better Boom pro, a better Pro Staff (regular). Its just outclassing the others....and its pretty much the same racket from 2019 (3rd gen) Blade is a different kind of a racket and those change not slightly for every generation The V 7 and 8 is too much different from v9.... Blade 98 you can compare to Dunlop CX 200 or Prince Textreme Tour, Yonex Vcore 98.

[@pedermittet2248]

Great reveiw! How would you compare them to Radical MP?

[@harryjeong5154]

Would also love to know about this as the radical mp is another racquet that I’m considering along the pure strike and the blade.

[@miguelroda8779]

@@harryjeong5154I got the radical mp and this blade v9 98 (16x19). I feel like the radical is more versatile overall. But the blade gives me a little more control. Anyway didn’t play much yet with the blade to have a final opinion.

[@robinou73]

Hi! What the name of these courts in Bangkok ?

[@tantennis]

CV tennis

[@Lenus418]

May I know yr go to string right now on the blade? Is it still the tour bite soft? Thanks

[@tantennis]

Yes still TBS 17

[@Lenus418]

How long does the string tension hold?

[@tantennis]

I think around 5-6 hours best playability. But on the Blade it can stay forever as control is still there. But on other rackets you can simply lose control.

[@CN-ct6oy]

hi i have a question for you which is the main differences between pure aero 100 2023, Ezone 98 2022, strike 100 16x19 and 16x20, percept 100 and 100d? I'm playing with the aero and have in the bag the Ezone but I don't know if try the others because I fell a little much power with the aero and Ezone

[@Frank-wo3qm]

Just tried all 3 98 16x19, 100 16x19 and 100 16x20. Of the three I still prefer the 98, followed by the 100 16x19. Did not like the 16x20 at all. The 100, 16x19 was very nice at the net, light and maneuverable, but I prefer the 98 at the baseline. I am a doubles player, currently using the strike 98 16x19 v3 .

[@hansenshardja7815]

I have some problem with u..backhand in blade 98 v8! Should i change to 100 or 104 blade or other racket you can suggest. Control , biger sweetspot than blade 98,still armfriendly. Thank You

[@tantennis]

Blade 100, Gravity MP/Tour, Percept 100D

[@GabrielSales-l3d]

Hey, great work man! Does the Korda blade has more pop than those rackets? A lot of reviewers are saying it does deliver a pretty heavy ball (tennisnerd and solow)! Cheers!

[@tantennis]

I think it pop really easy, easier than Blade, but I couldn’t say easier than Pure Strike

[@jjeewwoo]

I am currently using 2024 pure strike 98 16x19. It is the best controllable power racket I think. I use this racket more often in tournament these days. By the way, can you let me know the location of tennis court where you review tennis racket? Is it located in Bangkok?

[@tantennis]

It’s in outer Bangkok. CV tennis club. A bit difficult to commute tho.

[@jjeewwoo]

Thanks! Now I know where CV tennis club is located. I am living in Korea. I was looking for tennis court to play because I visit Bangkok quite often. I am enjoying your video very much. I hope to have a chance to see you and play with when I visit CV club. Do you have a plan to review new dunlop cx 200 tennis racket by the way?

[@tantennis]

You can go to Noah BKK 26. It’s much more in the city.

[@johnnacke4134]

Tan: Waiting for your V9 Blade 100 review. It is getting outstanding reviews from Europe..

[@tantennis]

It’s not here now, not sure if it will in the future

[@johnnacke4134]

@@tantennis Same in the States. I don’t understand Wilson..

[@bournejason66]

How does the new Blade 98 compare to gravity pro 2023?

[@tantennis]

I think Blade is more versatile. Lighter and faster. On baseline rally and counterpunch I think Gravity Pro I think Gravity Pro is one of the best. It has great plow and control and pop. Best on return and backhand slice. But spin and launch angle are even lower than Blade despite having 100sqin. head.

[@CB-mr1ci]

Hey Tan, do you think that solinco confidential would be a good string choice for the blade ?

[@tantennis]

I don’t believe so. Blade is dampened and confidential is dead, so it loses ball connection. But yea it plays fine.

[@akbarberlian]

@@tantennis I believe EZ98 2022 that I use also a bit dampen/muted. Any string recommendation to these frames? what about ALU/Tour byte type? or kirschbaum round polys?

[@tantennis]

@@akbarberlian I would go for 1) lively plastic feel poly like polytour pro or 2) anything gray color poly with alu feel, but not too stiff because the racket is already firm.

[@Lad31]

Im using the pure strike 100 (recently came back to tennis after 10 years) and I feel it really good, also I disagree, you can hit really good with top spin, Highly recommend this one for the ones that are coming back to this beautiful sport

[@tantennis]

Pure strike 100 yes but 98 way lower spin

[@wildmanauh]

I have tried many strings with different tensions on the blade, it only works well with a soft poly strung at high tension (58lbs). anything else is a hit and miss.

[@tantennis]

I like it low tension hahaha

[@fabienlefevre7948]

Can you review the hyper G round string?

[@tantennis]

Sure

[@JS-vz4xr]

How does this pure strike compare to the ezone 98?

[@benjaminjensen111]

It doesnt. You can compare it to the Solinco Whiteout, The Radical Pro, T-fight Iso 305, Speed MP/Pro. Its just better than them all. The Pure Strike can be compared to the Regna 98 from Yonex

[@rodrigocosta1852]

Wich is the best racquet? Blade or Shift?

[@tantennis]

Overall playability I think Shift 99 for majority of people.

[@MrFeast603]

Do you buy the rackets yourself or the companies send you for testing

[@tantennis]

I bought some. I borrowed some. And demos.

[@mrfs4835]

What is your main racket at the moment?

[@tantennis]

Percept 100D

[@mrfs4835]

@@tantennis why not WO18M

[@leventeyuboglu4501]

@@tantennis so how is the 100D compare to ps100 16x20? looking to specs, I think they can be most comparable racquets!. I liked (not loved) the 100D, very good on the 2hbh, but couldn't produce top spin on the fh, also it was a little sluggish for me so serving was no easy. it could be my favorite if it was a little whippy with same stability.

[@tantennis]

@@leventeyuboglu4501 I think spin on PS100 16x20 is worse and launch angle comes out lower. Yes I agree the serve on 100D is not strong.

[@stuartlloyd-jones9583]

Racket head speed required for both. Use the Pure strike and Blade. Need the swing al little harder

[@tantennis]

Ok

[@benjaminjensen111]

Sounds like you either dont have the skill level for the Pure Strike 98 or have strung the strings too loose. Try string it at a higher tension and give it more weight in the handle, maybe just a leather grip. You also prepare better in the video when you use the Blade than the PS. Maybe relax more using the PS. The PS 98 gives more power which you can translate into using more spin/ giving the stroke more angle and headspeed. The Strike, when used probably, will give you heavier balls with more spin.... than the Blade will.

[@tennnis498]

I believe so. I don't think either racket is as bad for spin as he suggests. He has a very patient swing set up and strike pattern. I think topspin hitters contact the ball earlier and more in front. Sure, he looks good but I don't trust his tennis level to be applicable to me. Also, the strings play a huge role. I'll look and see what he chose. He simply is not swinging hard enough to generate much spin, or using a loopy enough stroke. But I might be wrong. Not every racket is going to create spin like the APD!

[@Brudda97]

Hey Tan! Can you do a review of the Prestige MP-L 2023 its coined as a “Ordinary Player’s pro stock” since its base specs are so customizable. Would love to hear your thoughts. Btw, love the content. keep it up!

[@tantennis]

Actually I can. I am not very interested in Prestige so I didn't review them. But yeah I can borrow them from my friend in no time.

[@brentbelser6223]

great review bro thank you

[@tantennis]

Thanks

[@ctpussakonardlaor1865]

pure strike คนน่าจะชอบมากขึ้นครับพี่

[@jorgeandrescoppiano]

So fav Blade so far…Korda Blade?

[@tantennis]

Yes!

[@tennissliceoflife]

Another great video!

[@tantennis]

Thanks!

[@jorgeandrescoppiano]

Strikes should be 62ra like the rumors of Thiem’s pro stock. Flex comino frontera the throat

[@bengray5013]

Thiem uses the retail gen3 under a paint job of the gen4. His racquets are customised a little with lead tape and he has a head 2.5 custom pallet, but nothing else is unique.

[@fookbia8875]

Pure Strike 18 x 20!

[@SplinterTM_]

Why?

[@SplinterTM_]

I habe tested the 16x19 and it’s nice

[@jorgeandrescoppiano]

Top top top 🔥

[@reins981]

I do not feel the blade at all. It is a racket without character

[@bengray5013]

You’ll never generate as much spin as is possible if you continue to use a continental grip.

[@tantennis]

Not sure why you take that as continental grip. My grip is almost semi western.

[@bengray5013]

@@tantennis it definitely doesn't resemble semi-western at all, it looks like you serve and then never change the grip to hit your other shots. The wrist doesn't lag prior to the swing towards the ball on the forehand, it's definitely technique and grip that holds you back from the spin potential you want to generate.

[@bengray5013]

@@tantennis you say in other comments that your grip is eastern, so it's definitely not semi western, and tbh it's barely eastern looking at your technique (which is fine btw, I'm not saying it's bad or anything)

[@tantennis]

@@bengray5013 It's between eastern and semi-western.

[@bengray5013]

@@tantennis you must have reduced flexibility in your wrist then because the angle of attack on the ball is very shallow

[@svlagonda7417]

Both are garbage!

[@tantennis]

Lol what do you use?

[@bojack3827]

Yeah I agree. Both are overhyped and very 'meh'. The power of marketing...

[@Ryezn5057]

Explain

[@PQV-8898]

What's garbage is this comment.