Wilson releases next generation BLADE rackets, includes four new models

What do Serena Williams, Milos Raonic, David Goffin, Madison Keys, and Gael Monfils have in common? The Wilson Blade is their weapon of choice. The racket maker has announced the next generation of Blades that includes four new models: BLADE 98 16x19, BLADE 98 18x20, BLADE 98S and BLADE 104.

The BLADE is the second attacker-focused product to emerge from Wilson’s new PlayerID system. For this system, Wilson categorized three core playing styles in today’s game: Baseliner, Attacker and All Courter. The PlayerID system helps players better select products that speak to their playing style and enhance their overall performance on the court. The introduction of the next generation BLADE rackets follows Wilson’s highly successful re-invention of its attacker-style Pro Staff franchise, which launched in 2014.

“BLADE is an incredible story of how to take performance tennis engineering and design to the next level,” said Hans-Martin Reh, General Manager, Racquet Sports. “We really dug into the playing style of attacker athletes and what they need to optimize their game. Then we looked at materials, construction, string pattern, weight, head size and feel, to design a racket that gives these powerful players greater control, feel and a bigger sweet spot.”

The new 2015 BLADE features a bold, new design with lime green accents on a sleek, black base, and is technology-packed. Evolutionary Braided Graphite and Basalt construction allows the BLADE to be more elastic and reactive at the point of contact for enhanced feel and greater control. The racket also includes Wilson’s Parallel Drilling, a technology that ensures the racket’s grommet holes are parallel with the string bed. This expands the sweet spot size by up to 26 percent, resulting in more power and a forgiving feel.

Further, the BLADE 98S delivers precision spin through Wilson’s patented Spin Effect Technology, which creates 200+ more RPM’s on every shot and enables players to get more balls in the court. And the BLADE 104, Serena William’s racket of choice, has a larger head size and bigger sweet sport.

The BLADE is available for pre-order now at select retailers and will be in retail stores and on Wilson.com in mid-January.

[Photo(s) credit: Wilson]

Federer the "Betterer" and his new Wilson Pro Staff

Tennis fanatics and the media have been speculating about Roger Federer's switch to a larger, black matte Wilson frame ever since he tested it out at the end of last year. The former number one made the change permanent this year and almost swung his way to a record eighth Wimbledon Championship over the weekend. Wilson in partnership with the 17-time Grand Slammer recently announced the release of the full Pro Staff line.

The new Wilson Pro Staff RF 97 Autograph delivers the precise feel Federer demands with a larger sweet spot and more power in comparison to the Wilson rackets he has used throughout his storied career. The Wilson Pro Staff line will feature rackets suited for a variety of attack-style players: from avid players to youth striving to improve their game. The Wilson Pro Staff rackets provide more power without compromising the classic feel long associated with the Pro Staff line. The final graphics package will be unveiled closer to the projected October 1, 2014 in-store date.

Click on the image for a closer view of the specs

“I grew up idolizing the legends of the game, so it was natural for me to play with Wilson Pro Staff 85-inch rackets,” said Federer. “I love the feel a smaller head provides, and larger rackets couldn’t deliver the feedback I needed to be successful. This new Wilson Pro Staff racket has been a long time coming, but I finally have the feel I need in a 97-inch head.”

Wilson is releasing a series of videos explaining the "creative process" behind the development of the new Pro Staff line starring the Swiss. Check out the first episode:

[Photo(s) credit: Wilson]

VIDEO VAULT: Thank you, Wilson

Most tennis commercials for pretty much anything make me want to turn the channel. Actually, they work pretty well as white noise for bedtime (counting sheep just doesn't cut it anymore - boo). They bore me to whatever is worse than tears.

But after catching these commercials by Wilson for their Juice & Steam racquets--in particular this one starring first-time major quarterfinalist Kei Nishikori--during some of Tennis Channel's Australian Open coverage, I felt a strange sensation building inside my belly. No, not gas. It was a giggle. A loud and true giggle.

I cracked up at a tennis commercial. Miracles really do happen kids.

[Via: Wilson]

Looks like Venus is cheating on Wilson in Dubai (tsk, tsk)

Thanks to reader Phillip who spotted Venus Williams in Dubai wielding a painted-over Prince racquet to look like Wilson during her match against Sabine Lisicki.

Could she be considering a switch?

(Edit: The screen grab was taken from this video. You decide.)

[Screen capture: SEWTA]