Updated with more stability, the Blade 100 v8 remains an obvious choice for intermediate players in search of precision and speed. With its 100 square inch head, this model is more forgiving than the Blade 98, but it still delivers impressive control on full cuts. It’s also fast, making it a great for hitting shots on the run or charging into the front court and finishing points. For 2021 Wilson keeps the revolutionary layup technology that was originally used in the Blade v7 under the name FeelFlex. It’s now called FortyFive and, in addition to increasing stability, it helps the racquet bend in ways that compliment the modern game. For this update, Wilson also introduces Direct Connect Technology which fuses the butt cap directly to the carbon fiber portion of the handle for added stability. Additional updates include Wilson’s new Chameleon paint which activates subtle color changes under different viewing angles and light conditions. Players looking for a more user-friendly entry point into the precision of the Blade universe will appreciate the small learning curve.