Since 1914, Wilson have focused on one thing: the player. Company founder Thomas Wilson’s ambition was to empower athletes, to make everyone who played sport feel like a pro.
That’s why, starting with the wooden V1 over a century ago, all their rackets have been designed to help you play better tennis and enjoy the game. They’re responsible for some of the sport’s most significant innovations, too, introducing the first leather handle grip in 1935, along with the first commercial metal racket, the legendary T2000, in 1967.
The famous frame saw success almost immediately, with Billie Jean King wielding it to win the US Open that same year. Other players soon recognised the benefits of its steel construction, and the T2000’s domination continued into the 70s and 80s – Jimmy Connors liked it so much, he used it to win all eight of his Grand Slam titles.
Wilson have produced so many of the game’s iconic frames. Prior to the T2000 there was the Jack Kramer, the best-selling racket in tennis history. And after it, perhaps the most iconic racket of all: the Pro Staff. Used by greats such as Edberg, Courier, Graf, Sampras, and, of course, Roger Federer, the Pro Staff has maintained popularity right up to the present day, thanks to its winning combination of power, feel, and control.
In their modern range, the Pro Staff is joined by the powerful Ultra, the feel-focused Blade – as endorsed by Serena Williams, the spin-based Burn, and the hugely popular Clash, which provides all-round performance for players of any level. Options for everyone, then. That’s the Wilson way.
DEMO Wilson Blade 98(18x20) Countervail - Black/Lime
The Wilson Blade 98(18x20) Countervail tennis racket reduces vibration and fatigue so you can play at your best for longer, just like Milos Raonic.
The new Blade features Countervail technology, a unique layer of carbon fibre within the frame of the racket that disperses the energy of the ball on impact, reducing vibration and minimising fatigue. The feel of the racket stays the same, but you expend less energy stabilising the arm during each shot. It really makes a huge cumulative difference – according to a study conducted by the University of Minnesota, you experience 30% less racket vibration, fatigue is decreased by 10%, and as a result you have 40% more control over shots when nearing exhaustion. It’s proven in other sports too: bike manufacturers use it in frames built for the gruelling Tour de France.
Since using a racket with Countervail, Milos Raonic has risen eight spots in the ATP rankings and won the same amount of 5-set matches as he had previously in his entire career. He’s also ditched arm sleeves, finding them unnecessary because of the reduced fatigue of a Countervail frame. He says he’s never felt stronger in the big moments.
The Blade is still a big-hitting racket, falling into Wilson’s Attacker category for players that like to swing from the baseline, but with Countervail, it offers greater control than ever before.
Headsize: 98 sq in / 632cm
Weight (U): 10.7oz / 304g
Balance (U): 32.5cm / 6 HL
Length: 27in / 69cm
String Pattern: 18x20
Taper System: 20.6mm Flat Beam
Please be advised that this racket will come strung unless the image displays otherwise.
Please note that all Wilson Blade rackets come without a protective head cover.
The new Blade features Countervail technology, a unique layer of carbon fibre within the frame of the racket that disperses the energy of the ball on impact, reducing vibration and minimising fatigue. The feel of the racket stays the same, but you expend less energy stabilising the arm during each shot. It really makes a huge cumulative difference – according to a study conducted by the University of Minnesota, you experience 30% less racket vibration, fatigue is decreased by 10%, and as a result you have 40% more control over shots when nearing exhaustion. It’s proven in other sports too: bike manufacturers use it in frames built for the gruelling Tour de France.
Since using a racket with Countervail, Milos Raonic has risen eight spots in the ATP rankings and won the same amount of 5-set matches as he had previously in his entire career. He’s also ditched arm sleeves, finding them unnecessary because of the reduced fatigue of a Countervail frame. He says he’s never felt stronger in the big moments.
The Blade is still a big-hitting racket, falling into Wilson’s Attacker category for players that like to swing from the baseline, but with Countervail, it offers greater control than ever before.
Headsize: 98 sq in / 632cm
Weight (U): 10.7oz / 304g
Balance (U): 32.5cm / 6 HL
Length: 27in / 69cm
String Pattern: 18x20
Taper System: 20.6mm Flat Beam
Please be advised that this racket will come strung unless the image displays otherwise.
Please note that all Wilson Blade rackets come without a protective head cover.
Wilson
Wilson Blade
The Wilson Blade tennis racket is a popular choice among players who value control, feel, and precision. With its sleek and modern design, the Blade stands out on the court. The racket's braided graphite and basalt construction offers exceptional stability and control, allowing players to place their shots with accuracy. The Blade's dense string pattern maximises control and spin potential, while its responsive and comfortable feel ensures a solid connection with the ball. Whether you're an aggressive baseliner or a player who relies on finesse, the Wilson Blade tennis racket provides the perfect combination of power, control, and feel for an enhanced playing experience.
Control Racket
Control rackets usually have closed string patterns – essentially, more strings per area – to increase ball contact and give you more control over your shots. They tend to have thinner beams to allow more flex and often utilise material technologies to make you feel more connected to the ball.
Features
Additional Information
- Quick Ref: 150084
- Man. Ref: WRT73311U-DEMO
Choosing the Right Grip Size for your Tennis Racket
One often overlooked, but crucial, aspect when selecting a tennis racket is the grip size. The grip size is the measurement around the handle's circumference, and choosing the right one can significantly impact your comfort, control, and potential to prevent injury. This article will guide you through the process of selecting the right tennis racket grip size.
Importance of Choosing the Right Grip Size
A correctly sized tennis grip ensures you have optimal control over your racket and helps prevent injuries. Too small a grip may cause your hand to shift during play, reducing accuracy and increasing the risk of developing tennis elbow due to overuse of the forearm muscles. Conversely, a grip that's too large can make the racket hard to turn and manipulate, and it could also lead to hand, wrist, or shoulder injuries due to overgripping.
Measuring Your Grip Size
There are two common methods to measure your grip size:
- The Ruler Method: Open your dominant hand and extend your fingers. Align a ruler with the bottom lateral crease of your palm, measuring to the tip of your ring finger. The measurement in inches correlates with your grip size.
- The Finder Test: Hold the racket with a standard Eastern forehand grip, where the base knuckle of your index finger is on bevel #3. You should be able to fit the index finger of your other hand in the space between your ring finger and the palm that's gripping the racket. If there's not enough room for your finger, the grip is too small. If there's too much space, the grip is too large.
Grip Sizes: U.S. vs. European
In the U.S., grip sizes range from 4 inches to 4 ¾ inches, increasing in increments of 1/8 inch. European grip sizes use a different naming system, L0 to L5, each correlating to their U.S. counterparts as follows:
| European Grip Size | US Grip Size |
|---|---|
| L0 or G0 | 4 Inches |
| L1 or G1 | 4 1/8 inches |
| L2 or G2 | 4 1/4 inches |
| L3 or G3 | 4 3/8 inches |
| L4 or G4 | 4 1/2 inches |
| L5 or G5 | 4 5/8 inches |
Choosing the Right Grip Size
When choosing the right grip size, consider the following points:
- Go for the smaller size if you're in between: It's easier to increase the size of a grip than decrease it. You can always add an overgrip (which usually adds about 1/16 inch) to a smaller handle to increase its size, but shaving down a larger handle is not recommended as it can compromise the racket's structural integrity.
- Consider your style of play: Players who rely on spin might prefer a smaller grip size, which allows for more wrist action. In contrast, players seeking control may benefit from a larger grip size.
- Test it out: If possible, try before you buy. Visit a local sports store, hold the racket, and mimic your swing to see how it feels. Remember that comfort is key - if it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.
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