Wilson Defyer P98 and P100 Review – the “Python” gets a new name and fresh paint

Henrik and I got our hands on the retail cosmetics of the most hyped racquets since the Wilson Clash. This has been talked about as the “Python” for something like a year, but now it is revealed with a new name. It is called the Wilson Defyer. We have tested the 98 Pro and 100 and here is our Defyer review.

In short, we can say that these racquets are built for spin and launch with a surprisingly plush feel. They are not as powerful as Aeros or VCOREs and the 98 might need some weight added for increased plow-through and stability.

The Python Prototype

We tested the black prototypes for the first time months ago and published a video review about it (click the link and the video should be embedded). The obvious question is: is the Defyer the same as the Python? Yes, from playing with both side by side, we can say that they are. I have heard some pro stocks are foam-filled, but comparing the black ones I have tried and the red retail ones, they play the same.

Most tennis nerds seem to prefer the black paint, which I understand. I must, however say that the red one looks far better in person than in pictures. Still, it is a bold move from Wilson, as it would have been easier just to release the black ones, call them Python and call it a day.

Playability always trumps cosmetic, but for some players, the cosmetic is important. Let us know what you think about the Defyer design in the comments.

They are available from the Wilson website here or at retailers such as Tennis Warehouse Europe (use TNERD10 for 10% off). Like with most racquet-releases these days, there seems to be a pre-sale period in certain markets. We are not a fan of pre-sales or long campaigns here at Tennisnerd, so this is a bit of a downer after waiting so long for this release.

The Wilson Defyer video review

You can check out our video review below or keep reading.

The Technologies

So what’s actually in these racquets? As you know, if you are a frequent tennis nerd reader, we are not huge fans of marketing jargon and usually there is a lot of that in terms of racquet technology. There are three key tech features in the Defyer racquets. There’s the Torque Shaft for maximum energy transfer, an Airfoil Bumper to increase swing speed, and SI3D for spin and contact feel. The SI3D is not new and is also in other recent Wilson racquets. It feels a bit like the Auxetic tech from HEAD and creates a somewhat dampened/muted feel.

The P98 – The Demanding One

Let me be direct: the P98 is not for everyone. This is the smaller head size (98 sq in), and it’s a racquet with a smaller sweet spot that requires excellent timing.

The feel is nice and plush, but you do notice when you hit outside the sweet spot with some brassiness on off-center hits. I also felt like it could have a slightly higher stiffness or twist weight to improve the torsional stability. Playing the racquet in stock form offers excellent maneuverability, but the plow-through is low.

You can increase the twist weight by adding weight to the sides. Not everyone loves to customize racquets, but when I travelled around California a bit in March I saw plenty of College players have lead tape at 3 and 9 on their Pythons, sorry Defyers.

When you do add the weight, it becomes a nice racquet. But it’s not an easy racquet to use straight out of the box. It doesn’t have that crazy explosive bounce you get from an Aero 98, for example. It’s more of a demanding frame, where a player coming from the Blade 98 can feel at home.

Here’s my honest take: I still prefer the Aero 98 2023. That’s my personal favorite in the spin category due to its explosivity and stiffer feel. But I understand why people like the Defyer. It’s a plush spin racquet that rewards consistency and good technique. Some players will love that. Others won’t. But if you want a bit more depth than your control racquet, this one is a must demo.

If we look at the pros, we have a bunch of players using the P98 now. Khachanov, Korda, Fery, Rune to name a few.

The catch: You must add weight. This is pretty much a non-negotiable if you want to play your best with it. For casual players, that’s a hassle. For serious players? It’s fine.

The P100 – The One I Actually Recommend

This is the one most people seem to prefer, honestly. The P100 is much more user-friendly, even softer in feel and the larger head adds both forgiveness and stability. Henrik said that it has the forgiveness of the Wilson Ultra 100, but with the control of a Blade 100. And it’s pretty fast through the air, which is important because sometimes 100 sq in heads feel sluggish compared to smaller frames.

The sweet spot is more forgiving than the P98. It’s not huge, but it’s nice. The spin is good, the power is there, and the control is solid. You get good slice, good depth… it does a lot of things well.

And here’s the big difference: You don’t need to add weight. You can play this straight out of the box. I still felt the need to bump up the swing weight a few points, as it comes in just above or below 290 on average (strung around 320). I like my strung swing weight to be between 325 and 330, but we are all different.

If you have seen our HEAD Extreme review, you know I am a huge fan of the new MP. And possibly I still prefer the slightly stiffer feel of that one for more power and stability, but the P100 can compete for sure. It is an excellent racquet. It will have a little more launch and depth than the 98, so if control is key for your game but you still want a higher trajectory, I think the 98 will be your choice.

But for most people looking at the Defyer line? Get the P100. It’s relatively forgiving, it plays great, and you might not need to customize.

Who Are The Wilson Defyer Racquets For?

These are made for a specific player, and I think that’s important to understand. They’re for players coming from Blade who want more spin and power. If you like the feeling of a Blade but want something a little bit more generous? This is your racquet.

You saw guys like Kachanov, Korda, and Tsitsipas try these because they fit that profile. They were looking for a racquet that gave them lift, depth, and power but stayed in the control-racquet family. Some have stuck with it. Some went back to Blades. That tells you something – it’s not universally better, it’s better for specific players.

Korda actually talked about it on the Changeover Podcast. He said it took him a while to get used to it, but then he realized he was just a bit more dangerous with his rally ball. His general ball was more difficult for his opponent. And looking at how tennis has changed, how explosive everyone is now, how long rallies are – whatever you can get on your rally ball, take it.

So yeah, that’s the positioning. Not for Aero users necessarily. For Blade users who want more.

My Recommendations

The P98: Only if you’re advanced, willing to add weight, and coming from a Blade or control racquet. Don’t get it if you want something easy to play. It demands consistency and commitment.

The P100: This is the choice for most of you. It’s forgiving, plays great out of the box, and delivers what you want: spin, power, control. No modifications needed.

Final Thoughts

So yeah, I think the Wilson Defyer are great racquets. They won’t be for everyone, but if you’re considering a transition from a control racquet like a Blade to something a little bit more forgiving and more spin-friendly, I think these red P racquets are excellent choices.

Are they the best spin racquets ever made? No. But they’re very good, and they deliver what Wilson promised. The design looks amazing in person. The playability is there. The P100 especially is going to appeal to a lot of players.

The Wilson Defyer racquets are available from 9 July from the Wilson website here or at retailers such as Tennis Warehouse Europe. Might be on pre-sale, sadly, but at least they are out after a long wait. I have called this launch the GTA 6 of tennis racquets, but finally they are here.

Let us know what you think of the Wilson Defyer in the comments below.