Babolat Pure Strike 98 vs Wilson Blade 98 – Which Should You Choose?

I have been testing the Pure Strike 98 a fair bit recently and first of all just want to say I love the new colour scheme. I used to be a Strike user (always Strike 100) so wanted to give the 98 sq inch variant a try and compare it to my Blade 98.  Both are more control orientated racquets.  I tested both with Grapplesnake Tour M8 full bed at 50lbs.  I love this string as it has a nice soft feel, good spin and control and seems to suit both these racquets well.

Tech & specs

Babolat Pure Strike 98

The Pure Strike is built around precision, stability and a modern control response.

• Head size: 98 sq in
• Weight: 305g unstrung
• Balance: ~320 mm
• String pattern: 16×19 or 18×20
• Stiffness: ~66 RA
• Beam: 21 / 23 / 21 mm

Read our full review of the Babolat Pure Strike 2024.

Wilson Blade 98 V9

The Blade 98 V9 is built around feel, control and a more connected response from the baseline.

• Head size: 98 sq in
• Weight: 305g unstrung (both mine were underspec however)
• Balance: ~320 mm
• String pattern: 16×19 or 18×20
• Stiffness: ~60–61 RA
• Beam: 20.6 mm

More info on the specs in our Wilson Blade 98 V9 review.

On-Court Comparison

Power

This is where the Pure Strike has the edge I would say yet somehow still allows you to flatten out balls with precision.

• Pure Strike: slightly more pop and depth (although nothing like a Pure Aero 98)
• Blade: lower-powered, more controlled and can feel rigid with certain setups
• The Strike gives you a bit more help on aggressive shots, while the Blade relies more a good clean technique

Verdict: Pure Strike wins for power (but not uncontrollable power)

Control

Both do a decent job here in all honesty but would probably say the Strike does feel more reliable on shorter balls you try to flatten out.  The Blade can feel a bit rigid at times without clean technique.

• Pure Strike: direct, point-and-shoot control (nice pop too though)
• Blade: control comes more from clean technique and the firm connected feel (dwell time I think is the thing that stands out here)
• The Blade gives you more time on the ball, while the Strike feels more suited to aggressive styles of play

Verdict: Tie for me.  Can’t say one is obviously far ahead here. Go for Strike if you want just a tad more pop on the ball.

Feel & Comfort

This is the biggest difference probably between the two. Strike is a far more crisp response whereas the Blade has that more connected feel.

• Pure Strike: crisp, firmer, more direct response (think all out attack)
• Blade: softer, more flexible, more connected
• The Blade has such a controlled and plush response at the net and on volleys. From the baseline you get good response and feedback.

Verdict: Blade wins by far here

Spin

Both generate decent spin but not sure that is their USP necessarily.  I think the Strike does a better job here though.  With Tour M8 in there, got very good access to spin.

• Pure Strike: slightly easier to generate spin vs the Blade
• Blade: more controlled, lower launch angle (relies on string snapback moreso)

Verdict: Pure Strike will give you easier spin, whereas the Blade is more control focussed

Pros and cons

Babolat Pure Strike 98

Pros

• Crisp, precise response
• Slightly more power than Blade (more pop on baseline exchanges)
• Easier access to spin
• Very stable on contact

Cons

• Can feel deadened at times
• Less dwell time vs Blade
• Can feel harsh for some players (those with sensitive elbows)

Wilson Blade 98

Pros

• Outstanding feel and pocketing
• Excellent control (lovely dwell time)
• More arm-friendly vs Strike
• Great for touch and variation (think Serve and Volley, disguised drop shots)
  

Cons

• Lower powered vs Strike
• Requires good clean technique
• Less forgiving on off-centre hits (I find it less stable on backhand returns)

Who Each Racquet Suits

Choose the Pure Strike 98 if you:

• Want a crisper, more direct response
• Like to hit aggressively from the baseline (a good shaped string will give you enough bite on the ball)
• Want slightly more power in a control frame

Choose the Blade 98 if you:

• Want maximum feel and connection
• Prefer a softer, more flexible racquet
• Can generate your own power
• Want a bit more feedback on touch shots (volleys, drop shots)

Final Thoughts

The Pure Strike 98 is a more aggressive control frame that gives you a sharper response, more power, and easier spin. The Blade 98, on the other hand, is all about feel. It gives you the best pocketing and accuracy when you use clean technique.

I prefer the Blade for touch shots, especially volleys. For when I want to flatten out balls, then the Pure Strike does a better job of this. The Blade is the better choice if you want to feel every shot and shape the ball with good clean technique.

Find the latest Blade racquets from the Wilson website here or check out Tennis Warehouse (US, Canada) and Tennis Warehouse Europe for more options.