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Racquet review: wilson blade 100 v9, tip of the day: breathe through your shot, asics releases its wimbledon collection, including novak djokovic's signature shoe, a winning combination: solinco releases hyper-g hybrid system, geared up: mirra andreeva is climbing the ranks with wilson and nike, wimbledrip: adidas unveils fw24 london collection, shoe review: on roger clubhouse pro, shoe review: adidas barricade 13, string review: head velocity power, geared up: carlos alcaraz plays his show-stopping style with babolat and nike.

Can two square-inches make that much of a difference? That’s the big question when it comes to the Blade 100.

I’ve generally found Blades to be limiting in some way, but this one did just about everything I asked it to do.  TENNIS.com racquet tester

What Needs Work

The specs make it a good platform for customization.

Tester Comments

Bottom line.

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• wilson blade 100 v8

Wilson Blade 100 V8 Tennis Racket Review: Power & Precision

The Wilson Blade tennis rackets have long been known for their ability to deliver both power and control on the tennis court.

The Wilson Blade 100 V8 is the newest addition to the series. And it continues the tradition of delivering top-notch performance for a broad spectrum of players.

In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the unique characteristics of the Wilson Blade 100 V8. We thoroughly evaluate its strengths and determine its suitability for various playing styles.

Is this the racket for you? Let's find out!

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Performance Assessment:

The Wilson Blade 100 V8 is a versatile racket with a balanced blend of power and precision. Here’s how it performs in key areas:

This racket excels at generating power on groundstrokes and serves. The 100-square-inch head size provides a larger sweet spot, allowing players to hit powerful, heavy shots even on off-center strikes. It’s a great choice for players looking to add depth and pace to their game.

Despite the power, the Blade 100 V8 offers remarkable control. The 16×19 string pattern contributes to spin generation and precision, giving players the confidence to place the ball precisely where they want it. It’s especially effective on volleys and touch shots at the net (here are some tips on how to take your volleying to the next level ).

Maneuverability 

The racket’s 6-point head-light balance enhances maneuverability. This is particularly valuable for players who like to make quick transitions at the net or dig out low balls from defensive positions.

The Blade 100 V8 offers a comfortable feel, which is crucial for extended matches. Its 65 RA stiffness rating strikes a balance between power and comfort, reducing the risk of arm strain.

Blade 100 V8 Pros

• Power and control in one package
• Versatile for different playing styles
• Comfortable feel
• Larger sweet spot
• Great for aggressive baseline players

Blade 100 V8 Cons

• Not the lightest racket, which may not suit players who prefer very lightweight options
• Spin potential could be slightly improved for advanced spin players

User Experience

Players who have used the Wilson Blade 100 V8 have praised its ability to deliver both power and precision. It’s particularly well-received by aggressive baseline players who appreciate the blend of control and power it offers. Some users have mentioned that it’s a reliable choice for all-court play.

Verdict: A Quick Summary of the Wilson Blade 100 V8

The Wilson Blade 100 V8 is a remarkable addition to the Blade series , combining power and control in a user-friendly package. Whether you’re a baseline slugger looking to dictate rallies or an all-court player seeking versatility, this racket has something to offer.

It strikes a balance between generating pace and maintaining precision, making it an attractive option for a wide range of players.

This racket’s ability to offer both power and control, along with a comfortable feel, makes it a standout choice for those seeking an exceptional on-court experience.

While it might not be the lightest racket out there, it more than compensates with its performance. If you’re looking to elevate your game and add an edge to your play, the Wilson Blade 100 V8 should be on your radar.

Tech Specs and Performance:

FORTYFIVE° Construction: This is a key update for the V8. It’s a new, patent-protected carbon fiber layup that brings a couple of degrees more flexibility and stability to the frame compared to the V7. This translates to a better feel for the ball on impact.

Maintains Playability: Despite the tweaks, the Blade 100 V8 sticks to the core attributes of the Blade series – a great blend of power and control for competitive players.

Other Technologies: The V8 retains features like Parallel Drilling for a consistent string bed response and DirectConnect for an improved feel and better torsional stability.

Breaking Down the Strokes on Our Blade 100 V8 Playtest

When we first stepped onto the court with the Wilson Blade 100 V8 in our hands, we were eager to see what it had to offer.

We’re huge fans of the Blade 98 V8 , but would the 100 V8 meet those loft expectations?

Groundstrokes

9 out of 10

The Wilson Blade 100 V8 shines on groundstrokes, making it an excellent choice for baseline players ( want to win more points as a baseliner, check out this guide ). It offers a perfect blend of power and control. The larger sweet spot and the 16×19 string pattern provide ample power, allowing players to hit penetrating groundstrokes with ease.

Its precision, combined with the ability to generate topspin, makes it a versatile option. We found it effortless to dictate rallies, change directions, and maintain consistency from the baseline.

7.5 out of 10

At the net, the Blade 100 V8 retains its versatility. The control and maneuverability offered by this racket come in handy during volleys. It’s easy to react to fast-paced shots and execute touch volleys with precision.

The stability of this racket ensures that volleys are crisp and controlled, making it suitable for players who frequently transition between baseline rallies and net play.

8 out of 10

When serving, the Blade 100 V8 gave us both power and precision. The racket’s power potential helps players generate explosive serves, while its control allows for pinpoint accuracy.

Whether you’re going for flat bombs, well-placed slices, or spin-infused kick serves, this racket offers the versatility to excel in your serving game. It gives players the confidence to go for those aces!

On returns, the Blade 100 V8 offers a comfortable and balanced feel. The larger head size increases the margin for error, which can be particularly useful when dealing with fast-paced serves.

The control and maneuverability of this racket also come into play, allowing players to react quickly and direct their returns with precision. Whether you prefer aggressive returns or well-placed blocks, this racket caters to your return game.

8.5 out of 10

After spending time on the court with the Wilson Blade 100 V8, we can say it truly lives up to its reputation. This racket is a versatile ally, providing the perfect balance between power and control. 

The Blade 100 V8 is well suited for aggressive baseline players who rely on powerful groundstrokes to dictate rallies. If you love hitting groundstrokes with depth and pace and aspire to be the player controlling the tempo of the match, this racket is your ideal companion. 

Its balance of power and control allows you to strike the ball with authority while maintaining precision. The larger sweet spot and 16×19 string pattern make it more forgiving, enabling you to generate topspin and hit penetrating shots even on off-center hits.

Based on our playtest, it’s certainly worth a try.

Similar Rackets to the Wilson Blade 100 V8

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably considering a few different rackets, so here are some helpful comparisons to similar rackets.

Comparison to Babolat Pure Drive

When compared to the Babolat Pure Drive , the Wilson Blade 100 V8 offers more control and a slightly softer feel. While both rackets are known for power, the Blade 100 V8 provides a better balance between power and precision.

Players who favor aggressive baseline play with more control may find the Blade 100 V8 more to their liking.

Comparison to HEAD Graphene 360 Speed Pro

Compared to the HEAD Graphene 360 Speed Pro , the Wilson Blade 100 V8 leans slightly more towards power. The Blade 100 V8 has a larger sweet spot, making it more forgiving on off-center hits, while the Speed Pro offers exceptional control.

Players who seek power without sacrificing too much control may opt for the Blade, whereas those prioritizing precision might prefer the Speed Pro.

Comparison to Yonex EZONE 100

The Yonex EZONE 100 and the Wilson Blade 100 V8 are closely matched in terms of power and comfort. The Blade 100 V8 may have a slight edge in control, while the EZONE 100 provides a unique feel due to its isometric head shape.

Players who appreciate a more traditional round head shape and slightly more control might favor the Blade, whereas those who like a more isometric shape and similar power might lean towards the EZONE 100.

Comparison to Prince Phantom Pro 100P

Compared to the Prince Phantom Pro 100P , the Wilson Blade 100 V8 offers more power and a slightly larger sweet spot. The Phantom Pro 100P, on the other hand, emphasizes control and feel.

Players who prioritize power and a larger margin for error may choose the Blade. Those who value touch and precision might prefer the Phantom Pro 100P.

The Verdict: Is the Wilson Blade 100 V8 Right for You?

The Wilson Blade 100 V8 is an exciting option for players who value both power and control. It’s a versatile racket that promises to enhance your performance, making it an excellent choice for those passionate about elevating their game on the tennis court.

If you’re looking to get the most out of your racket setup, then let thetennisbros.com do the hard work for you!

With our custom fittings , you get three personalized string recommendations to help boost your performance on the tennis court! Give us a try today. You never know, perhaps the Wilson Blade 100 V8 is your Excalibur!

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Nov 21, 2023 • Clash Wilson

Wilson Clash 98 V2 Tennis Racket Review: Is It For You?

When we first stepped onto the court with the Wilson Clash 98 V2 in our hands, we were eager to find out if the rumours were true. Were we going to experience the perfect balance of power and control this racket is known for? The Wilson Clash series has redefined…

Nov 16, 2023 • Ultra Wilson

Wilson Ultra Pro 18 x 20 V4 Tennis Racket Review

Precision and Control Redefined When we first stepped onto the court with the Wilson Ultra Pro 18 x 20 V4 in our hands, we were eager to experience the level of control and precision that this racket promised. The Wilson Ultra Pro series has a storied history of delivering control,…

Why pro players love the Blade

Pro players love the Blade, no doubt. Of the current top 100 on the ATP tour, 16 use the Wilson Blade 98 in some form.

The Wilson Blade 98 or the Blade Pro / h22 is one of the more popular frames on the tour. Just look at the list of players below. Why do pro players love the Blade? It’s a modern control racquet. It offers good precision and feel, while also giving a decent amount of power without becoming too heavy. The Blade 98 is not only a viable option for pros, intermediate to advanced players can also use this racquet effectively.

The list of current pros using the Wilson Blade 98 in some form

I don’t have specs for all players, but clicking the name should give you the specs or at least some info. Below you will get the specs for Tommy Paul and Sebastian Korda.

Blade 98 competitors

There are a few other brands that offer racquets with similar playability and specs to the Wilson Blade. Below you have the list. Click the link for my review.

HEAD Radical MP Tecnifibre TF40 Diadem Elevate Toalson Forty-Love Dunlop CX 200

Blade players are doing well

Blade players are doing well in Indian Wells. Jenson Brooksby beat Tsitsipas, showing his potential. His shotmaking is not always pretty and he gets some criticism from pundits and experts about his behaviour on the court, but he is a true fighter.

Brooksby is using Solinco Outlast strings on a Wilson Blade 98 16×19. Generation is hard to tell. As a kid he was using the Blade 98 V5. But he has also been seen using the matte paint of a V7. Now he is with V8, but it’s likely a paint job. It could also be that he doesn’t care much about the racquet, at least that’s the feeling I get.

Another upset happened when Tommy Paul beat Alexander Zverev in the first round. Paul uses an H22 pro stock, which is the same mold as the currently available Blade Pro.

His specs are everywhere on the Internet, but I don’t know the origin source. They seem logical though.

Tommy Paul’s strung racquet specifications

Head Size 98 square inches Length 27 inches Beam Width 22 mm String Pattern 18×20 RA 60 Weight 347 g Balance 31.7 cm Grip HEAD shape 3 (TK82)

Sebastian Korda is another Blade Pro or H22 user that was close to beating Rafa in the first round.

Sebastian Korda’s unstrung racquet specs

Weight: 323.50 grams Balance: 31.50 cm Swing weight: 306 swing weight String pattern: 18×20 Grip: 4 (Wilson leather)

Have you tried the Wilson Blade or the Blade Pro? Let me know what you think about them in the comments below.

Buying the Blade

You can buy the new Blade V8 from Wilson.com , they are also the only website to sell the Blade Pro .

The regular retail Blades you can also buy from my other affiliates, Tennis Warehouse , Tennis Warehouse Europe and Tennis Only . The new color-shifting paint job has been a hit with players worldwide and the feel in the new Blade generation is great ( the Blade V7 was also very good ).

Jonas Eriksson

Jonas has been known as "tennis nerd" mainly for his obsessing about racquets and gear. Plays this beautiful sport almost every day.

Adding weight to your racquet

The racquets of servebots (isner and opelka), you may also like, pro string tensions, halle 2024, jack draper’s racquet, new head extreme 2024, tennis brand sponsorships among the top 200 rankings, choosing the best tennis grip for your playing..., the best light racquet on the market, elena rybakina’s racquet, madison keys racquet, head speed pro legend, matteo arnaldi’s racquet.

Tommy Paul is playing with a 16×19 Blade.

Yes, he definitely does!

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Tennis Tribe

Tennis Racquet & Gear Reviews, Doubles Lessons & News

Wilson Blade Tennis Racquet Review: Comparing the Blade 98, 104, & Other Models

Will Boucek · June 2, 2024

When you buy a product through our links below, we may earn money from our affiliate partners to help support the site. However, this does not affect our evaluation or recommendation of each product.  See our list of partners & how we get paid here . You can also learn our process for reviewing tennis gear here .

The Wilson Blade is one of the best tennis racquets for feel on the market. Below, we’ll review the Wilson Blade, including pros, cons, and different models of the racquet. Then, we’ll compare it to other tennis racquets to help you decide if the Blade is right for you.

Review Summary & Ratings for the Wilson Blade

Wilson Blade tennis racquets are one of the most popular models in the world. The newest version of the blade offers slightly better stability than the older model but overall, not much has changed.

Used by Serena Williams and many other top pros, Wilson makes Blade racquets player friendly with different versions for all skill levels. It is one of the best tennis racquets on the market today. The Blade racquet is known for its excellent combination of comfort and control on the tennis court.

See our ratings, plus the pros and cons of the Wilson Blade below for a quick glance at how it performs compared to other tennis racquets.

Our Ratings for the Wilson Blade

• Groundstrokes: 8
• Great high-level intermediate & advanced level racquet
• Excellent combination of comfort & control
• Easy spin with the 16×19 version
• Easy to swing
• Flexible frame can help with tennis elbow
• Not great for players who need help with power
• Very muted feel on contact that some players may not like

Different Versions of the Wilson Blade Tennis Racquet

The Wilson Blade tennis racquet comes in several versions that vary in weight and size. Below is a list of the different Wilson Blade racquets on the market today.

• Wilson Blade 98 16×19 v9
• Wilson Blade 98 18×20 v9
• Wilson Blade 100 v9
• Wilson Blade 104 v9
• Wilson Blade 100L v9
• Wilson Blade 100UL v9

We’ll review each version of the Blade in more detail below.

What did Wilson Update with the Blade v9?

Wilson again only made subtle changes when updating the Blade to the new v9 versions.

• The Blade v9 has a slightly lower swingweight, increasing maneuverability.
• The SW102 Autograph has been discontinued following the retirement of Serena Williams.

You can still purchase the old version of the Blade and its family of racquets for a discount.

3 Steps to Find the Perfect Tennis Racquet for Your Game

Free checklist with 27 racquet recommendations

Wilson Blade 98 Review: A Modern Control-Oriented Racquet

We’ll start with the most popular version of the Wilson Blade. The Blade 98 comes in two versions, one with a 16×19 string pattern, and another at 18×20.

Wilson Blade 98 Racquet Specifications

• Weight: 11.4 oz. strung
• Head Size: 98 square inches
• Length: 27 inches
• Balance: 330.2 mm
• String Pattern: 16×19

This racquet has a relatively thin, yet flexible frame for a modern tennis racquet. The weight allows you to generate enough power while the head size and frame are designed for control and feel.

Other Sellers: Amazon.com | Wilson.com

The Blade 98 Racquet has Excellent Comfort and Control

When making contact with the ball, the Wilson Blade might be the most comfortable advanced tennis racquet on the market. The frame design and flexibility give it a solid, stable feel without much feedback.

The Blade 98 16×19 version can help you generate excellent spin as well.

For even more control, consider the Blade 98 18×20 version. You will find it more difficult to hit with spin and power, but slightly easier to control and feel the tennis ball. The Blade 98 18×20 is one of the best 8 tennis racquets for control .

Wilson Blade 104 Review: A Comfortable, Powerful Frame

For a racquet with added power and spin, the Wilson Blade 104 is one of the best choices in tennis. It still offers excellent comfort and control for a racquet of this size.

Wilson Blade 104 Racquet Specifications

• Weight: 10.8 oz. strung
• Head Size: 104 square inches
• Length: 27.5 inches
• Balance: 329.9 mm

This is a great tennis racquet for intermediate players . The 104 head size gives it a big sweet spot, and the extra length (27.5 inches) adds to the power of this racquet.

Because of the open string pattern, you’ll be able to hit with excellent spin as well. Beginners or intermediate players learning topspin will find the Blade 104 easy to use.

The Blade 104 is the Power Racquet in the Blade Series

This racquet’s size automatically places it in the category of power racquets.

However, there is probably no racquet on the market that is this size and has a comfort level like the Blade 104.

Most skill levels can play with the Blade 104. Players who play from the baseline will be able to create a combination of power and spin that few racquets offer. This combination makes it great for both serving and groundstrokes.

The Wilson Ultra tennis racquet and the Babolat Pure Aero offer more spin and power, but not with this level of comfort.

When you make contact with the ball, the Blade racquet absorbs the impact better than most racquets, making it very arm-friendly as well.

Reviewing Other Versions of the Wilson Blade

The three other Blade versions differ in weight and head size. Wilson has discontinued the SW102 Autograph, but the Blade 100, Blade 100L, and Blade 100UL live on. Here are the specifications for the remaining Blade v9 racquets.

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The Best Alternatives to the Wilson Blade

Below are 3 other tennis racquets similar to the Wilson Blade that you may want to consider.

• Babolat Pure Strike – A stiffer racquet with better power but less comfort on contact.
• Head Radical – A very similar racquet with slightly more power and stability, but provides less precise shot making.
• Head Prestige – An even more advanced, control-oriented racquet with versions similar to the Wilson Blade.

My Experience Playing with the Wilson Blade

I have really enjoyed my experience playing with the Wilson Blade v9.

Recent versions of the Wilson Blade, such as the Blade v8, lost some of the classic Blade feel that I have come to know and love. Thankfully, Wilson has rectified this issue, giving the Wilson Blade v9 a more connected feel to the ball.

The biggest difference I noticed was increased maneuverability. I have been a long-time fan of the Wilson Blade line of racquets, but it never felt quite right. While I enjoyed the racquets, I always felt that it felt a little bit sluggish. While I enjoy a racquet with a hefty static weight, I also prefer my racquets to be very head light, resulting in a moderate swingweight.

With the Blade v9, Wilson has addressed my concerns by decreasing the swingweight, increasing the maneuverability. This is my favorite version of the Blade since the long gone K-Blade. It delivers on that classic Blade feel that compliments aggressive groundstrokes and an overall attacking play style.

I recommend the Wilson Blade v9 to anyone who likes to dictate play from the baseline, swinging fast and refusing to be pushed back on defense.

Wilson Blade Video Review

In the video below, I review 5 versions of the Wilson Blade.

About Will Boucek

Will Boucek is the Founder & CEO of Tennis Tribe. With over two decades of experience playing & coaching tennis, Will now works as a doubles strategy analyst for ATP & WTA tour players and coaches. Will helps tennis players at every level play better doubles through smarter strategy. He also has expertise in tennis racquets & gear, testing the latest products from Wilson, Babolat, Head, Prince, and other tennis brands.

Reader Interactions

June 23, 2023 at 6:33 am

What is happen with Wilson Blade TEAM (99 head size – 280g – 16×18) ?

https://wilsonloja.com.br/blade-team-v8

This is bad racquet ? Why ther no exist this racquet to buy ?

Thank you so much

June 23, 2023 at 4:10 pm

Hi Sergio, the Wilson Blade Team v8 is for beginner and lower-level intermediate players. It isn’t made with the same quality as the other Wilson Blade racquets, which is the reason it is priced lower. It can still be a good option for players with a lower budget.

July 12, 2023 at 1:07 am

Hi there, What about the Wilson Blade 100 v8 ? (Not 100L) Is it as arm-friendly and comfortable? Does it provide a bit more power than the 98?

July 12, 2023 at 10:43 am

Hi Ram, the Blade 100 v8 is still very arm-friendly and comfortable. It will have slightly better spin and power than the 98 version with a bit less control and stability. For intermediate or even advanced players who want a more forgiving racquet, it’s a great choice.

July 31, 2023 at 1:32 pm

Tried the Blade 101L V8?

July 31, 2023 at 2:49 pm

Hi Will, I have not tried that one, but it looks like a great racquet. I’m a fan of the 16×20 string pattern for club players since it adds a bit of feel while keeping good spin and power.

Looks like TW Europe has it, but I live in the US. — https://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/Wilson_Blade_101L_v8_Racket/descpageRCWILSON-101LV8-EN.html?from=tribe Sometimes manufacturers release different models to different countries and this one isn’t available in the US.

October 25, 2023 at 7:49 am

The Wilson Blade 98 is the best racquet by far I have ever owned. The racquet helps keep my ball in the court by gripping the ball more than other racquet’s I have in the past. Control, spin, balance, power, is excellent with this racquet. I may never switch to a different racquet.

October 25, 2023 at 8:26 am

Thanks for the comment Kevin! Yep, it’s a fantastic racquet for many players. Very balanced for higher level players but I wouldn’t recommend the Blade 98 for beginners 😉

November 3, 2023 at 3:00 pm

Hi! Thanks for the review. Would you recommend the v8 100 or the 104 for an early intermediate player? I like to play baseline with some spin.

November 7, 2023 at 12:12 pm

Hi Fernando, It sounds like the Wilson Blade 104 is a better option for you. It will have a larger sweet spot and can give you great power and spin from the back of the court.

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Wilson Blade 100 v9 Racket

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Updated with a more stable construction for 2024

Introducing the Blade 100 v9 ! In addition to being slightly more powerful and forgiving than the Blade 98 16x19, this 2024 update delivers impressive command over the ball . It also packs a flexible 60-RA beam, giving it arm-friendly comfort and outstanding ball feedback . With its 16x19 string pattern, spin comes easy, and the speedy sub-325 swingweight makes it great for hitting shots on the run or reacting quickly at net. Like its predecessor, this update incorporates Direct Connect Technology , fusing the butt cap directly to the carbon fiber handle for increased stability. It also retains Wilson's FortyFive layup technology, which increases lateral flexibility to complement the explosive vertical mechanics of the modern game (think heavy ball). New for 2024 is StableFeel technology, which introduces a slightly firmer layup for greater stability and easier access to power. Experienced ball strikers will appreciate the new Clip & Go grommet system, which not only locks down the bumper, but also makes for easier grommet replacement. Ultimately, with minor tweaks to the feel and response the Blade 100 continues to be a solid option for those who want a maneuverable player's racket with controllable power and great feel.

Specifications

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Wilson Blade Racquets

Updated with a more stable construction for 2024, this racquet combines laser-like targeting with outstanding feel. Headsize: 98 in² . String Pattern: 18x20. Standard Length.

The Blade 98 16x19 combines spin-friendly precision with outstanding feel. Updated with a more stable construction for 2024. Headsize: 98in². String Pattern: 16x19. Standard Length.

Wilson celebrates the legendary clay of Roland Garros with this limited edition version of the Blade 98 16x19 v9. Headsize: 98in². String Pattern: 16x19. Standard Length. 

Slightly more forgiving and powerful than the Blade 98 16x19, this racquet combines controllable power with great feel.  Updated with a more stable construction for 2024. Headsize: 100 in². String Pattern: 16x19. Standard Length

Ideal for rising intermediate players, the Blade 100L v9 combines raw speed with pinpoint accuracy and great feel. Headsize: 100in². String Pattern: 16x19. Standard Length.

This ultra-light version of the Blade 100 is perfect for improving players looking to develop confidence and rise to the next level. Headsize: 100in². String Pattern: 16x19. Standard Length. 

With its generous head size, this is the most powerful and forgiving member of the Blade family. It's also extremely fast. Headsize: 104in². String Pattern: 16x19. Length: 27.5".

With its ultra light weight, this racquet brings the outstanding feel of the Blade series to dedicated beginners and early intermediate players. Headsize: 100in ² . Standard Length. String Pattern: 16x19

Wilson adds another chapter to one of the game's greatest control racquets. Recommended to intermediate and advanced players. Headsize: 98 in² . String Pattern: 18x20. Standard Length.

As the most forgiving and powerful member of the Blade v8 family, this versatile racquet brings precision and feel to a wide range of players. The speedy feel is a nice bonus. Headsize: 104 in² . String Pattern: 16x19. Length: 27.5".

On Culture War, Doug Wilson, and the Moscow Mood

“Each of the great world civilizations,” Christopher Dawson wrote in his classic work from the 1940s on  Religion and the Rise of Western Culture , “has been faced with the problem of reconciling the aggressive ethos of the warrior with the moral ideals of a universal religion. But in none of them has the tension been so vital and intense as in medieval Christendom and nowhere have the results been more important for the history of culture.” At the heart of Dawson’s provocative thesis is the insistence that Western European culture was the coming together of two cultures, two social traditions, and two spiritual worlds. The cultural formation of Europe combined “the war society of the barbarian kingdom with its cult of heroism and aggression,” leavened by “the peace society of the Christian Church with its ideals of asceticism and renunciation and its high theological culture.” 

Arguably, the Crusades expressed the best and the worst of this synthesis. There were times when the fusion of warrior-heroism and Christian virtue produced something noble and exemplary during the centuries-long effort to reclaim the Holy Land. And there were times when the fusion failed and produced something ugly and lamentable. But even the failures teach us about the aspirational ideals of Christendom. We cannot understand the rise of Western culture without the religious unity imposed by the Christian Church in the Middle Ages, and likewise, we cannot understand the flourishing of Christendom unless we understand that it grew up out of the soil of warrior kings and barbarian kingdoms.

Dawson’s thesis, though concerned with the rise of Western culture in the Middle Ages, is instructive for our own age. For many of us, it looks as if Western culture has been overrun—whether by Muslim immigration in Europe, critical theory in our universities, sexual degradation in our popular culture, violence in our streets, or plain old anti-Western vitriol in the hearts of many Westerners who have no idea how much more miserable the world would be if their deluded wishes came true. If this is the world we live in—or even something generally headed in this fearful direction—the question we in the Christian West are wrestling with (or should be wrestling with) is what to do now.

The Appeal of the Moscow Mood

Which brings me to the reason you are likely reading this article in the first place, and that is the name “Doug Wilson” in the title. “So, what do you think about Doug Wilson?” is a question I’ve been asked many times during my years in pastoral ministry. I’d say the questioners have been pretty evenly split between “I’m asking because I really like him,” “I’m asking because I hope you don’t like him,” and “I’m asking because I’m not sure what to think.” Even now, I’d rather not be writing this piece because (1) it takes a lot of time, (2) I’m not looking to get into a long, drawn-out debate with Wilson or his followers, and (3) I know a lot of good Christians who have been helped by Wilson and by the people and institutions in his orbit. I’m answering the question now in hopes that I might help those who appreciate some of what Wilson says but also feel like something isn’t quite right.

By any measure, one has to marvel at the literary, digital, and institutional output that has come out of Moscow, Idaho in the past several decades. While some internet cranks are wannabees trying to make a name for themselves by trying to tear down what others have built up, Wilson is to be commended for establishing an ecosystem of schools, churches, media offerings, and publishing ventures. For a scholarly and fair assessment of what Wilson has tried to do in Moscow, I recommend Crawford Gribben’s excellent book  Survival and Resistance in Evangelical America: Christian Reconstruction in the Pacific Northwest  (Oxford University Press, 2021).

Wilson also deserves credit for being unafraid to take unpopular positions. True, he often seems to enjoy stating his unpopular positions in the most unpopular ways (more on that later), but no one is going to accuse Wilson of being a spineless  Evangellyfish . He offers the world and the church an angular, muscular, forthright Christianity in an age of compromise and defection. On top of that, Wilson has a family that loves him and loves Christ.

Moreover, Wilson understands that opposition to Christ—his word, his gospel, and his Lordship—is not to be taken lightly. Many Christians are witnessing the disintegration of our Western world, and the Christian consensus that used to hold sway, and they are thinking to themselves, “This is terrible. I can’t believe this is happening.” To the Christians with these concerns—and I count myself among them—Doug Wilson says, “Yes, it is really bad, and let’s do something about it.”

I’m convinced the appeal of Moscow is visceral more than intellectual. That’s not meant to be a knock on the smart people in Moscow or attracted to Moscow. It is to say, however, that people are not mainly moving to Idaho because they now understand Revelation 20 in a different way, or because they did a deep word study on  ta ethne  in the Great Commission, or even because of a well-thought-out political philosophy of Christian Nationalism. Those things matter to Wilson and his followers, but I believe postmillennialism and Christian Nationalism are lagging indicators, not leading indicators. That is, people come to those particular intellectual convictions because they were first attracted to the cultural aesthetic and the political posture that Wilson so skillfully embodies. In short, people are moving to Moscow—whether literally or spiritually—because of a  mood . It’s a mood that says, “We are not giving up, and we are not giving in. We can do better than negotiate the terms of our surrender. The infidels have taken over our Christian laws, our Christian heritage, and our Christian lands, and we are coming to take them back.”

Where the Mood Misfires

And yet, for all that is understandable and sometimes commendable about the Moscow mood, there are also serious problems. In my criticisms that follow I’m not going to focus on historical or theological disagreements I may have with Wilson. I won’t be touching on Federal Vision, or paedocommunion, or his views on the antebellum South, or his arguments for Christian Nationalism, or his particular brand of postmillennialism. My concerns are not so much with one or two conclusions that Christians may reach if Wilson becomes their intellectual mentor. My bigger concern is with the long-term spiritual effects of admiring and imitating the Moscow mood. For the mood that attracts people to Moscow is too often incompatible with Christian virtue, inconsiderate of other Christians, and ultimately inconsistent with the stated aims of Wilson’s Christendom project. 

Rather than expounding these claims in abstract terms, let’s look at a couple of concrete examples.

Five years ago, Doug Wilson and Canon Press started something they call No Quarter November (NQN). The idea is that during November, in addition to giving away free resources, Wilson and his crew will show no mercy (give no quarter) to their enemies. Each year, in advance of NQN, Wilson puts out a promotional video. They always involve a good deal of fire and more than a little sarcasm. 

The  2023 NQN video  ends with a Clint Eastwood-style closeup of Wilson puffing a massive cigar, strapping on a giant flamethrower, and setting ablaze an assortment of Disney characters and media logos. Here’s what Wilson says in the first half of the video:

Welcome back to No Quarter November. 

For eleven months out of the year, I'm notoriously timid—as cautious and polite as a Southern Baptist raising funds for the ERLC. But the month of November is a time for taking no prisoners and for granting “no quarter.” If you think of my blog as a shotgun, this is the month when I saw off all my typical careful qualifications and blast away with a double-barreled shorty.

Everything we do this month will be focused on one singular goal. We want to help you apocalypse-proof your family. 

But why should you listen to me about such things? Well, when it comes to culture war and culture building, we've been at this for half a century now—much longer than such things have been cool to talk about in the green room at G3. 

Like my parents taught me: a strong family isn't possible without quick, full, and honest confession of sin, without any wussy excuse making. And especially now, it's just as important not to confess and repent of things that aren't really sins, because lying is bad and so is being a wuss.

You really should watch the four-minute video if you haven’t already. Notice several things about the mood.

First, it strikes a tone that is deliberately sarcastic and just a little bit naughty. No one really thinks Wilson is timid and cautious the rest of the year. That’s the sarcasm. The naughty part is that Wilson uses the words “wussy” and “wuss”—adolescent slang for someone weak and effeminate. These are words most Christian parents don’t allow their kids to use, since the terms probably originated as a combination of “wimp” and another word I won’t mention.

Second, the video takes cheap shots at other Christians. Wilson’s sarcastic bite is not first directed toward the wicked, the hardhearted, or the forces of evil in our world. He takes a swipe at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and at the G3 Conference. Both are conservative Baptist groups—groups, we might add, that would be on the same side as Wilson in almost every important cultural battle. It’s fine if Wilson wants to disagree with these groups; they’ve disagreed with him at times. But Wilson doesn’t mention them in the video in order to make a serious argument. He uses them for a punchline. If you like Wilson you are supposed to think “Oh no, he didn’t?! That’s hilarious.” And if you like the ERLC or G3, you are supposed to be triggered, because if Moscow can watch their opponents get triggered, that is also funny. When serious criticism is leveled at Moscow, the response often includes a smattering of mockery and memes. This isn’t Wilson using his famous “serrated edge” to make a prophetic point against a godless culture. This is intentionally making fun of other Christians for a quick chuckle.

Third, the point of NQN is explicitly about culture warring and culture building. Rightly understood, it is good to do both these things. But it is instructive to see that Wilson’s stated aim is to “help you apocalypse-proof your home.” I think it’s safe to say this is what Wilson aims to do not just in November (in an intensified fashion), but during the other eleven months of the year, and in Wilson’s mind preparing for the apocalypse means doing battle against the forces of leftism in our world. Wilson’s public persona is largely about commenting on the culture, pushing back on the culture, lampooning the culture, and getting Christians ready for the coming cultural collapse.

Fourth, the video is squarely focused on Wilson himself. On one level, this is not surprising. Christian institutions and organizations often use their founder, president, or leading voice as the “face” of the ministry. But the focus here is not on Wilson as the conduit of biblical teaching and doctrinal truth, or even as the instrument of helpful cultural analysis. The focus is on Wilson himself—Wilson as rebel, Wilson as gunslinger, Wilson as taboo-breaking cigar smoker, Wilson as the courageous hero we need in a crazy world like ours. No Quarter November is selling a carefully cultivated personality and image—Wilson’s personality and Wilson’s image.

Like most well-produced pieces of entertainment, the NQN video is not trying to make a syllogistic argument. The video excels at putting off a  vibe . And what is that vibe? It’s a vibe that communicates, “Join us if you want to get into a shootout with the culture, join us if you want to poke fun at all the limp-wristed Christians out there, join us if you want to be like Doug Wilson in trolling other people and setting things on fire.” 

Wilson’s approach depends on a fundamentally oppositional framework. The Moscow mood provides a non-stop adversarial stance toward the world and toward other Christians who are deemed (or caricatured to be) too afraid to “tell it like it is.” Moscow cannot become the  American Redoubt  for conservative Christians if it is too similar to other places, with basically the same kinds of churches, schools, and institutions found in hundreds of other cities. Differentiation is key, and this can only be sustained by a mood of antagonism and sharp antithesis. In keeping with the spirit of the age, Wilson shares the rhetorical instinct that has come to dominate our politics and political punditry: a negative partisanship that builds a following by exposing the impurity of the other side, even if sometimes the other “side” shares almost all of your own positions. The strategy is not to link arms with other networks, but to punch hard and punch often, all the while forging an unbreakable loyalty to the one who is perceived as the Outsider-Disruptor. And that means always meme-ing his critics, always tweaking his opponents, and never (that I’ve seen) cultivating a broken-hearted and courageous contrition for the remaining sinfulness in our own hearts (Ps. 51:17).

Setting Things on Fire as the World Burns

We can look at the  2021 NQN video  for a second example. Here’s what Wilson says:

Welcome to No Quarter November. 

My name is Douglas Wilson. I'm glad you decided to join us. Now, some people want to know what is it about November that makes us want to burn things? What's with that?

[Wilson takes a swig from a bottle of liquor] There’s a little libation for those evangelicals who think I ought not to be drinking stuff like that. 

The reason, the reason we're doing this is not that we think that there's a moral obligation that we have to be incendiary, because we don't have a moral obligation to be incendiary. What we're saying is that the world has mysteriously, for some bizarre reason, become flammable. 

So the world is flammable. Everything catches fire these days. All you have to do is say something like “white babies” or something like “men shouldn't have sex with unstable women”—things that would have gone past without comment in a saner time. But we don't live in a sane time. 

We're not incendiary people here at Canon Press. We are ordinary people, normal people in a flammable time. And that explains why things burn in November. . . . If it seems like everything’s gone nuts, if it seems like the world's on fire, just keep doing what you’re supposed to be doing, just stay with whatever your plans were. Keep doing what you ought to be doing. Stay at your post. Ignore the world.

The video is vintage Wilson—excellent production value, savvy, clever, and playful, yet cutting, edgy, and provocative. This video from 2021 has the same vibe as the current video from 2023, so I won’t repeat the same points. But let me make one further observation.

Wilson says that at Canon Press they don’t try to set things on fire. The world is flammable, the video intones, and they are just trying to mind their own business. This is demonstrably not true. In most of the videos, Wilson gleefully and triumphantly sets things on fire. No Quarter November is about everything  except  minding their own business. Why else do we see Wilson conspicuously drinking hard liquor and smoking a cigar? Wilson knows what he’s doing. He’s picking a fight and tweaking other Christians just because he can. He telegraphs this intent with his comment about “a little libation” for those tee-totaling evangelicals.

The supposed point of the 2021 video is that we should ignore the world, tell the truth, and let the world explode if it wants to. But that’s not what the video communicates in effect, nor what NQN, or the focus of Wilson’s whole ministry, is trying to accomplish. No Quarter November does not give us a month of posts on the loveliness of Christ, or the power of prayer, or the finer points of Reformed soteriology, or the wonders of the cross, or the total trustworthiness of the Bible, or the holiness of God, or the glorious intricacies of trinitarian theology. The month is largely about speaking into a host of hot-button cultural issues. Yes, the world is extremely flammable these days. But Wilson also enjoys striking a match. When he makes references to “white babies” or not having sex “with unstable women,” he is not trying to douse the cultural fire around us. He is trying to fan the flames, and usually with a swagger and a self-parading gleefulness. Later he will come back with nuance and qualification once the conflagration—much to his delight—is already out of control. Wilson excels at the  motte and bailey approach : make an outrageous statement that fires up the internet, and then when pressed, retreat to a milder version of the same statement, all without ever giving up the original statement.

Wilson instructs the viewer that “if it seems like the world is on fire, just keep doing what you’re doing.” But that’s not what Wilson’s brand is about. His videos are visually and thematically about setting things on fire. They are about poking people in the eye. I’m all for cultural engagement, even for some culture warring rightly understood. But Wilson’s online persona is not about introducing Reformed creeds and confessions, or about explaining the books of the Bible, or about global mission to the uttermost parts of the earth, or about liturgy, preaching, prayer, and the ordinary means of grace. I’m sure Wilson cares about all those things, but that’s not what No Quarter November and his self-promotional trailers are selling. By and large, it’s not what the other eleven months of videos and tweets and memes and blog posts are selling either. Wilson may be a happy warrior, but it is easier to spot his happiness in the war itself than in the things he claims to be fighting for. We could do with fewer witticisms front and center, and more conspicuous delighting in the sweetness of fellowship with Christ and exulting in the love of God our Savior. And if Wilson and Canon Press believe that their bread and butter really is about all the things I listed a few sentences ago—creeds, confessions, the Bible, missions, the ordinary means of grace—I’d love to see them devote an entire month (hey, why not a whole year) to  just  those things, without any snark, without any sarcasm, and without any trolling of other Christians. 

We must never forget that no matter how important Western civilization may be, we are still sojourners and exiles in the world (1 Pet. 2:11). The most important fight is the fight for faith, not the fight for Christendom. The Christian life must be shaped by the theology of the cross, however much we might prefer an ever-present theology of glory. That means blessing through persecution, strength through weakness, and life through death. “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come” (Heb. 13:14). If we want God to be unashamed to be called our God, our desire must be for a better country, that is, a heavenly one (Heb. 11:16).

The Mood Is the Message

I don’t doubt that many Christians are helped by the resources put out by Wilson and Canon Press. I have many friends who love Wilson’s stuff on the family, the church, and classical Christian education. I often agree with what Wilson says—especially in what he critiques about our present age. I may not agree with what Wilson means by Christendom or Christian Nationalism, but I too would like to see more Christian influence in our land and a return to many of the ideas and ideals that have made Western Civilization truly great. If you are a mature, grounded Christian in a good church, with a good sense of discernment, you can find a number of helpful things from the world of Moscow.

But there’s a difference between snacking on Moscow once you are already full of good Christian discipleship and feasting on Moscow for three square meals a day. I fear that much of the appeal of Moscow is an appeal to what is worldly in us. As we’ve seen, the mood is often irreverent, rebellious, and full of devil-may-care playground taunts. That doesn’t make us better Christians. 

The well-worn critique of the seeker-sensitive movement is apt for the Moscow mood as well:  What you win them with is what you win them to . And with so many of Wilson’s videos and blogs, what he’s winning an audience with is a spirit of derision, cavalier repartee, and the drinking down of liberal tears. Pugnacity and jocularity are not the occasional and unfortunate by-products of the brand; they  are  the brand.

Even more troubling is Wilson’s deliberate decision to use uncouth (at best) and sinful (at worst) language, especially language of a sexual nature. His own denomination has criticized his unnecessarily provocative language, including the use of phrases like “small breasted biddies” and “lumberjack dykes.” At other times he’s used (without the asterisks I’ve inserted) words like d*ck , c*ck , c*nt , a** , b**bs (also here , here , here , and here ), t*ts , b*tch (also here and here ), gaytards , fa**ot, fudgepackers [for male sex], and circle jerks [a term I had to look up, but I wish I hadn’t]. To my knowledge, Wilson has not expressed regret or repentance for this language; to the contrary, he has often defended its use.

Were I to use these words in public (or in private) I would be quickly confronted by my elders and likely brought before my presbytery for questioning. If I persisted, I would probably be deposed as a minister. And rightly so, for such language constitutes filthiness, foolish talk, and crude joking (Eph. 5:4). Which of the Puritans, or Southern Presbyterians for that matter, would have dared to speak this way? What candidate coming forward for ordination could get away with writing in this way? What parent would be thrilled if their daughter’s new boyfriend sprinkled his vocabulary with words like these? If such “prophetic” language is justified for the minister when he is attacking a godless culture, is the language therefore appropriate in the pulpit? According to Wilson’s logic, I don’t see why not. And should we hope to see more pastors employ these terms? Would that be a step toward the saving of Christendom, for Christian ministers to talk more frequently about b**bs and t*ts? In his influential thirteenth-century manual on the training of knights, Ramon Llull insisted that “Courtesy and Chivalry belong together, for baseness and uncouth words are contrary to Chivalry.”

Wilson has frequently compared PCA study committees to a  “stacked. . . blonde in a tight dress”  (also  here  and  here ). Once he wrote that a committee was  “as stacked as Dolly Parton  after  her new implants.”  There is no excuse for this language. To be sure, the prophet Ezekiel could use extreme language in extreme situations to show the ugliness of extreme wickedness. Likening a study committee of a confessionally Reformed denomination to Dolly Parton’s anatomy is none of these things. It’s juvenile, sensuous, and entirely without biblical warrant. This isn’t using graphic language to highlight the horror of sin; it’s a bawdy way to make fun of a group of orthodox churchmen with whom Wilson disagrees. Wilson likes to emphasize that if Christ is Lord, he must be Lord of all. Yes and Amen. But “all” means our hearts, our minds,  and  our typing fingers.

So much of what Wilson produces online strikes me as showmanship. It’s like that famous quip from James Denney that is impossible to make ourselves look clever while also proclaiming that Christ is mighty to save. If Rick Warren did videos like NQN—granted, they would have a much different vibe—the same people that love Wilson’s gimmicks would almost certainly lampoon a hyped-up, dressed-up Rick Warren close-up as self-serving cringe. At the time of this writing, you can purchase from Canon Press a limited edition No Quarter November flag for $59.99 and an NQN Special Reserve Edition Flamethrower for $1,943.

Like Doug Wilson, I love P.G. Wodehouse. His witty use of the English language is without equal. Wodehouse wrote like a trapeze artist engaged in verbal flips and death-defying metaphors—and somehow, he always stuck the landing. I can see how Wilson takes his cues from Wodehouse. Except that with Wodehouse, there was nothing at stake. He was a humorist first and foremost. The point was to dazzle with his words, while poking gentle fun at aristocratic England. But Wilson wants us to believe that the stakes could not be higher. The barbarians have breached the castle wall. The Western world is crumbling. We are engaged in a war. The apocalypse is drawing nigh. 

At the same time, Wilson’s online persona is almost always Wodehousian fun and games. So, in one video, where New Saint Andrews (Wilson’s college) tries to make an important point about the wickedness of contemporary culture, the narrator interjects with a mocking, “Hey, Wokey McWokeface.” It’s not being the “tone police” to say that this kind of insult is silly, unnecessary, and ultimately undermines the seriousness of the issue they are trying to address. Which is it—are we in the trenches against the enemy, or hosting our own late night talk show? Ironically, for all that Wilson says and writes about manhood, his online tone is often juvenile. Petty insults and childish putdowns do not display the  manly virtue of magnanimity —the loftiness of spirit that enables one to bear trouble calmly, to disdain meanness, and to display a noble generosity. 

A More Excellent Way

I’m a fan of good satire. John Witherspoon used it to great effect against eighteenth-century Moderates in the Church of Scotland. Sarcasm can be a holy weapon in the Lord’s army (see Elijah on Mount Carmel). But sarcasm and satire by the minister are best used sparingly and against those whose hearts are set against the truth. But Wilson makes fun of those who could be allies and loves to troll people who disagree with him. It’s as if all the world is a meme war to be won, and no publicity is bad publicity so long as people are paying attention to Wilson and Canon Press. I suppose I’ve taken the bait by writing this essay.

One of the sad realities is that Wilson  could  set a different mood—still full of Chestertonian mirth, but focused on better things and in a better way. After Rachel Held Evans—the progressive Christian writer and scathing critic of Wilson—sadly passed away at only 37 years old, Wilson wrote a  moving article  full of sympathy and grace. He showed genuine pastoral sensitivity, without giving away an inch of theological ground.

Wilson knows how to strike that tone—wise, gracious, resolute, and (dare I say) winsome. One can only conclude that he prefers to write in a different way. Wilson could keep all the good stuff on classical Christian education, all the helpful material on family formation, all the countercultural advice on being old school men and women. He could explain the Bible. He could highlight heroes from church history. He could blog about the Great Books. He could work to maximize what he shares in common with other conservative Christian leaders and networks. Christians could be drawn to Wilson because he shows them more of Christ rather than more of Christendom. That’s one viable approach.

But he would have to dial back—way back—the sarcasm. He would have to decrease so that Christ can increase. He would have to press pause on the perpetual pot-stirring. He would have to cultivate a depth of intellectual exploration that is more lasting, and ultimately more helpful, than a surface-level spray into the controversy  du jour . He would have to refrain from keeping his pointer finger permanently extended in search of eyes to poke. He could try to be an evangelical statesman or lean into his role as a seasoned mentor to younger Christians—especially men who don’t need permission to be brawlers, as much as they need a godly role model to emulate and a spiritual father to correct their youthful excesses. He could use the eighth decade of his life to devote his considerable writing talents to persuading unbelievers to consider Christianity, to passing on the Reformed faith, and to offering a deep, penetrating cultural analysis. I believe he could do all this if he wanted to.

Or he can pepper his writing with naughty words, play with blowtorches, and make fun of Southern Baptists. That’s the other option. It will be hard to take both approaches at the same time.

Kevin DeYoung  is the senior pastor at Christ Covenant Church (PCA) in Matthews, North Carolina and associate professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary.

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• Tennis Equipment

can anyone really feel difference bw 98 and 100 ?

• Thread starter E46luver
• Start date Mar 1, 2020

Professional

• Mar 1, 2020

the difference is size of a coin can this really make any difference?  

The thing is that in most popular line there are more specs difference than head size between 98 and 100 models. In Clash, 98 is thinner and denser in the sweet spot. In Ezone, different thickness and flexibility. In Beast, 98 is 16×20 while 100 is 16×19. In Blade and Strike, nothing comparable. Even if head size alone is not noticeable, along with other specs variation, players can easily tell the differences.  

ahh, right, not just size but stuff like string pattern.  

ichaseballs

E46luver said: can this really make any difference? Click to expand...

Hall of Fame

The only time I notice it is on serve. The 100 just feels more unwieldy and slow than a 98 or 95.  

I think in some yonex frames difference is huge in 98 vs 100 in some not that much.  

You will get a more forgiving sweet spot with a 100 over a 98. I tend to have fewer mishits with 100 and find my returns are better as well. The extra 2 sq inches does make a difference off the ground for me. Serving is a toss up. I find more precision with volleys with the 98.  

You can feel it, try 2 of the same rackets, same specs but only in 98 and 100 frame. I feel it right away. But ive got a very sensitive arm after a huge arm/shoulder injury.  

robin1982 said: You can feel it, try 2 of the same rackets, same specs but only in 98 and 100 frame. I feel it right away. But ive got a very sensitive arm after a huge arm/shoulder injury. Click to expand...

You guys feel other things, not the frame area. Like flex, string pattern, swing weight, etc. Difference between 98 and 100 is simply too small... Sent from my SM-G965W using Tapatalk  

Try an Ezone 98 and compare that to the Ezone 100, you’ll soon understand the diff. ;-)  

The head shape plays a big part. For instance my Prince Classic Graphite 100 has a very round head which feels totally different to the oval shape found on my Pro Staff or Pure Storm.  

1HBHfanatic

McGradey said: The head shape plays a big part. For instance my Prince Classic Graphite 100 has a very round head which feels totally different to the oval shape found on my Pro Staff or Pure Storm. Click to expand...

dr. godmode

Another tough thing is most racquets that come in 98 and 100 have different beam widths. So on any 100, the added power or decreased whippyness are enhanced by a thicker beam.  

stephenclown

smalahove said: Try an Ezone 98 and compare that to the Ezone 100, you’ll soon understand the diff. ;-) Click to expand...

A good comparison can be made between the current gen Pure Strike 16x19 and the Pure Strike 100.. Very similar playing rackets.. swing feel as we'll..but the 100 has noticably more forgiveness. And the 100 has less precision.. The 98 takes a little more effort and focus to use as effectively as the 100..  

i feel it  

Difference in circumference between 100 and 98 sqin racquets is 0.3 in. That would give you an increase in beam area of ~0.15 sqin. That is not enough to increase the air drag noticeably. The difference of average head radius, between those 2, would be 0.05 in. That is not enough to increase trampoline effect noticeably. Therefore, you are left only with weight, weight distribution, swing weight, balance, flex, string pattern, string type and tension... Sent from my SM-G965W using Tapatalk  

Wilson Clash 98 Racquet | Tennis Warehouse

Wilson Clash 100 Racquet | Tennis Warehouse

Those specs on TT website appear wrong. Clash racket package says 98 is 12 headlight, 100 is 11 headlight  

2nd Serve Ace

For whatever reason the 100 is just more forgiving on the BH side compared to a 98 that I stick with that slightly larger frame.  

A_Instead said: A good comparison can be made between the current gen Pure Strike 16x19 and the Pure Strike 100.. Very similar playing rackets.. swing feel as we'll..but the 100 has noticably more forgiveness. And the 100 has less precision.. The 98 takes a little more effort and focus to use as effectively as the 100.. Click to expand...

https://imgur.com/tUSB0YD

E46luver said: what difference do you feel ? Click to expand...

• Mar 2, 2020

The PS 98 is the better choice.. does everything better with less.. but does provide more..  

I can definitely feel it and much prefer 98.  

TennisHound

I know what the OP is saying though. You look at the racquet head and there’s maybe a half an inch to a quarter of an inch difference around the hoop between 98 and 100, and you think how much difference can I make? Even so there’s a difference (PDVS and PD are good examples).  

No. There is so little difference between 98sq in and 100 sq in that it's inconsequential. The thing is though, that there are no identical frames in those two sizes that I know of, so you can't even test two frames side by side to even fool yourself into thinking you can tell the difference. Now if you compare two different frames that are 98 and 100 sq in, you are going to be comparing a whole host of different specs as was mentioned earlier. All those things you could tell a difference between. But the long and short of it for me is, pick the frame that feels the best to you when you hit with it. Don't worry so much about all the specs until you have more than one frame you really like compared to all the others. I play with an 82 sq in frame and I don't mind the smaller size at all. We should all be worried about moving our feet more anyway. Footwork could always be better no matter what stick you swing.  

Kevo said: … The thing is though, that there are no identical frames in those two sizes that I know of, so you can't even test two frames side by side to even fool yourself into thinking you can tell the difference. Now if you compare two different frames that are 98 and 100 sq in, you are going to be comparing a whole host of different specs as was mentioned earlier. All those things you could tell a difference between. Click to expand...

glad to know head size is not about head size, but all the other correlated specs.  

I demoed 7 Yonex racquets. 4 were 100 and 2 98’s and 1 was a 97. With all of the racquet I could feel the difference more so with serves than ground strokes and volleys. I decided to go with the 100’s because they truly are more forgiving. I don’t have too many framed or mishits, but feel with the 98 you have to be more precise. It is minuscule, but 98’s don’t allow a lot of room for error with off center hits.  

TagUrIt said: I demoed 7 Yonex racquets. 4 were 100 and 2 98’s and 1 was a 97. With all of the racquet I could feel the difference more so with serves than ground strokes and volleys. I decided to go with the 100’s because they truly are more forgiving. Click to expand...

graycrait said: Why not try out 107/110/115/120? If the 100 is so much better than the 97 then maybe the 115 will be "the one!" Click to expand...

• Mar 3, 2020

TagUrIt said: I demoed 7 Yonex racquets. 4 were 100 and 2 98’s and 1 was a 97. With all of the racquet I could feel the difference more so with serves than ground strokes and volleys. I decided to go with the 100’s because they truly are more forgiving. I don’t have too many framed or mishits, but feel with the 98 you have to be more precise. It is minuscule, but 98’s don’t allow a lot of room for error with off center hits. Click to expand...

• Jan 31, 2021

I favor the 98 to the 100. And truthfully, I favor the 96 and 97 to the 98 presently AND I'm 66 years old. For one handed backhand players particularly, unless you are very strong, it's much easier to control a backhand drive with a 98 or smaller than a 100 or bigger. Now if I was exclusively a two handed backhand person (I do return with a two handed backhand), then I would probably use a 100 as it's still a frame that serves and volleys fairly well. That being said, I'm amazed at how well the Williams sisters serve and hit volleys with the 104. As a doubles specialist, those oversized sticks suck for me at the net.  

I actually prefer the larger head for both my 1hbh and volleys. On FH and serve smaller (but not too small) is fine.  

• Feb 1, 2021

The only true comparison would be only one variable head size  

BlueB said: I actually prefer the larger head for both my 1hbh and volleys. On FH and serve smaller (but not too small) is fine. Click to expand...

E46luver said: the difference is size of a coin can this really make any difference? Click to expand...

RF_PRO_STAFF

PT280 Fan said: Using the Pro Tour as a reference, it seems most of the 1hbh players use the 98 or smaller, maybe all of them. Whereas there seem to be a number of 2hbh using the 100. I do have a buddy, very strong 1hbh player that uses the Blade 100. I’ve used a 100 before as well, even played a 103” Yonex DR 23 for awhile but my 1hbh prefers the smaller head size for more surgical precision. Click to expand...

Hit 'em clean

Kevo said: that there are no identical frames in those two sizes that I know of Click to expand...

PT280 Fan said: my 1hbh prefers the smaller head size for more surgical precision. Click to expand...

RF_PRO_STAFF said: There's Gasquet, who uses a 100 square inch PT161A. I don't know any other current ohb players who use a bigger headsize than 98 square inch. Click to expand...

BlueB said: Ok Dr, but I'm a butcher Click to expand...

If two racquets had exactly the same specs except for the small difference in head size, I doubt that you would be able to tell the difference. In reality, brands make the 100 size thicker beam, lighter, stiffer, less headlight etc. than the 98 size with the idea that the larger size will be favored by players whose skill level is slightly less and will want more access to free power and a bigger sweet spot. Also, the way that different manufacturers measure head size can be different and one brand’s 98 can be as big as another brand’s 100. So, it just becomes a measure of how they want to market a racquet at this point.  

I think the only way you can tell the difference is in twist weight when hitting off center toward 3 or 9. The 100 will twist more on the off center shot. I believe the difference is noticable.  

PT280 Fan said: Okay then, not sure about you but when I butcher a shot it's not pretty. My buddy is a surgeon with his Blade 100 but he's all about the top and angles but when he goes off he's spraying balls everywhere (love to rush him). I do feel like I had to impart more top to keep the ball in with the 100 and what I didn't like was sometimes setting it up for the net man because of it. As I said, I do play singles tiebreaks but I'm really all about the dubs. Click to expand...

• Mar 27, 2021

As a semi-flat hitter, I can definitely feel the difference. I feel like I have to string lot tighter to keep my balls from flying.  

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That Moscow Mood

How much culture war is too much, for american evangelicals.

This year, it started with a flamethrower.

At the start of November, 70-year-old Moscow, Idaho, evangelical Christian pastor Douglas Wilson was featured in a video promoting this year’s “No Quarter November,” Wilson’s annual monthlong offensive against enemies of his ministry and his views, pursued mostly through the publication of sharply worded blog posts aimed at ruffling extra feathers. In that promo video , Wilson appears carving a Thanksgiving turkey while promising ways to “apocalypse-proof your family.” He touts half a century of “culture war and culture building.” He warns against “being a wuss.” A red-alert alarm sounds, prompting Wilson to head outdoors and strap on a flamethrower to spray fire at cutouts of social media logos and Disney characters. As flames consumed the feminine silhouettes of Ariel and Elsa, the viewer might conclude this guy was a winner in the culture wars.

Like-minded fellow winners could buy a branded No Quarter November flag from Wilson’s website for $59.99 or a NQN flamethrower for $1,943. As Wilson has claimed, preachers are to be “arsonists in the world.” There seems to be no harm in making money while doing it.

Each autumn, since 2018, Wilson has celebrated NQN and, capitalizing on the added traffic to his websites, offered discounts for his books and other content. Fire is a constant theme. In years past, Wilson has been featured in NQN promo videos sitting atop a burning couch , driving a burning pickup truck , torching an office , and setting a boat aflame with a Molotov cocktail while sitting in that boat and dangling his feet over the water—all while calmly puffing a cigar and promising he’ll tell it like it is in a world “that has become flammable.” In his 2021 ad, he bemoaned that “everything catches fire these days. All you have to do is say something like ‘white babies’ or ‘men shouldn’t have sex with unstable women,’ things that would have passed without comment in a saner time.” He claims not to be incendiary, but ordinary, though living in a “flammable time.”

Despite these annual antics, there are still plenty of people who have, until now, been unaware of Douglas Wilson—and many others who get drawn in due to the Classical Christian education movement he helped found , but who don’t realize he also preaches a brand of Christian patriarchy that appears to perpetuate abuse, encourages corporal punishment of children, and aims for replication across the country—which, to Wilson’s mind, ought to return to its perceived Christian roots.

This November, Wilson’s month of antagonistic blog posts (usually printed later as anthologies sold for $6.95) did not evoke his anticipated fear and trembling. For Wilson watchers and critics, some days online it felt like Wilson’s annual firestorm might have finally reached a critical mass of outside observers—and threatened to consume him instead.

Midmonth, two skirmishes on X (formerly Twitter, and a place where many Christians still gather) sidetracked Wilson. First, Christian writer Karen Swallow Prior found herself in a discussion about the supposedly misleading nature of empathy—a concern of Wilson and his theological kin, such as Joe Rigney , now a fellow at New Saint Andrews (a small college in Moscow that was founded by Wilson in 1994). The conversation turned to the danger of using empathy to evaluate abuse claims. To Prior, Rigney cited a 2023 NQN post by Wilson about “untethered empathy,” in which Wilson told the story of a hypothetical 12-year-old girl claiming to have been raped by her stepfather. In Wilson’s made-up example, the accusation is false, but unquestioning empathy would allow the girl to “do whatever she wants to anyone else, including the baby. Chop it up into little pieces.” The danger of “untethered empathy,” to Rigney and Wilson, is a loss of objectivity, where a victim can require all your allegiance, can become “like God.” This, they say, is a sin.

Prior, who is herself antiabortion (but supports increasing access to child care and offering material assistance to pregnant women, and is an advocate for victims of abuse), responded to the fictional example with a video she’d recently received. Since Rigney had pointed to Wilson’s writing on a hypothetical false rape accusation, “I took the opportunity to ask him what he thought about this true story in this video,” Prior told me.

The video featured Emilie Paige Dye, a 2015 alumna of Logos, the K–12 school Wilson co-founded in Moscow. Dye describes being groomed through attention and inappropriate touching by a Logos teacher, then an elder at Wilson’s Christ Church. Dye has written about how naïve she was at the time: “Because I believed everything purity culture taught me, I knew basically nothing about sex. I hadn’t even googled my questions about my body, fearing that I would stumble on porn and instantly damn myself to hell.”

According to Dye, a school secretary was concerned by the teacher’s behavior with her, and in 2014 reported it to school leaders, who, Dye notes, did not escalate the situation to the police at the time. Administrators did see fit to dismiss the teacher from Logos in December 2014, but, Dye said, the teacher’s behavior escalated , even as Dye moved away for college.* She eventually left the church and cut off contact with the teacher.

On X, Wilson himself chimed in on this discussion about Dye’s allegations, asserting, “We are the ones who called the cops immediately.” (In fact, the police report is dated 2017.) Then, he suggested Dye was responsible for two years of covering up the situation. The idea that a teen, manipulated and abused by her teacher, was responsible for this “cover-up” sparked a predictable wave of moral outrage.

Dye told me via email, “Throughout the entire experience, the Wilsons have dehumanized and attacked me for the ‘crime’ of being a victim of abuse. They accused me, a 17-year-old who didn’t even know what a vagina was, of seducing my 53-year-old teacher.” (Offered a chance to comment before publication, Wilson did not respond before deadline. After publication, a representative for the Wilson family denied that the family had attacked Dye or attempted to hide abuse. Through the representative, Wilson said that he was not aware that the student-teacher relationship was physical until 2017, when he reported it to the police.)

I have been covering Wilson since 2021, when I first learned about how the pastor’s theology around women’s submission had horrific, if predictable, impacts on women in his church and church “plants” (new churches that are offshoots of the original).

For Vice , I detailed a range of cases reported out of Moscow, either from women raised in Christ Church or who attended Logos, or whose lives were affected by the Wilsons’ teachings about male-female relationships. The people who spoke to me included women who understood a wifely duty of sexual availability meant they could not refuse their husbands, girls touched inappropriately at Logos, students whom the Wilsons asked intrusive questions about their sexual activity, and one girl coached in counseling by the Wilsons to forgive her father for inappropriately touching her and watching her shower. In my recent book, Disobedient Women , I explored this culture where women are taught that in sex (as Wilson writes in his 1999 book, Fidelity ) “a man penetrates, conquers, colonizes, plants. A woman receives, surrenders, accepts.” Authority and submission are, in his view, “ an erotic necessity.” I tried to understand how Wilson’s drive for Christian nationalism (political dominion) overlaps with his urge toward Christian patriarchy (relational dominion).

In reporting for both projects, I learned how frightened former Christ Church members feel about speaking out, drawing Wilson’s ire. That’s why the pushback to Wilson during this year’s No Quarter November surprised me.

Often, within his Christ Church and Logos, Wilson inserts himself in a counseling role (for which he is untrained) along with his wife, Nancy Wilson, who writes about Christian womanhood, Christian motherhood, and Christian grandmothering for Canon Press, the Moscow-based publishing house founded by Douglas. In many patriarchal, evangelical communities, pastors’ wives (and sometimes daughters, such as Wilson’s) are permitted to teach and lead other women. And it was Nancy Wilson who most prominently drew the internet’s critical eye this November.

Within days of his squabble with Prior, an Instagram reel posted in October of this year circulated among Wilson’s critics. The text introducing this reel read, “Spanked Kids Are Happy Kids,” and it featured Rachel Jankovic, Douglas and Nancy Wilson’s daughter. (Jankovic also publishes with Canon Press.) Jankovic gushed about how childhood spanking resulted in her positive adult relationship with her parents and her “affection for that discipline.”

Marissa Burt, who is currently writing a book about the history and theology underlying popular Christian parenting teachings, wrote on X, “I think much of the rhetoric in Wilson’s family life teaching gaslights the community to redefine high control practices as ‘joy.’ ” An X user calling themselves “Poison in Moscow ID” replied, “Here is Nancy Wilson spanking her 3-4 year old for not being excited to see her,” linking a video of Nancy Wilson describing how when Rachel was young and visiting a friend, the child hadn’t been eager to go home and failed to greet Nancy warmly at pickup. Nancy detailed how after she took Rachel home, “I did give her a spankin’,” and explained next time, the child needed to cheerfully greet her with a “Hi, Mom!” The next pickup, Nancy says, was “beautiful.” Doug Wilson can be heard chuckling over the response.

The video of Nancy Wilson describing how to demand joyful greeting from children through spanking has thus far netted 3.1 million views on X. The clip went viral enough to merit a post on Newsweek ; Wilson apologist  and pastor Toby Sumpter labeled the brouhaha #spankinggate. Canon Press dropped a response clip from the docuseries Future Men (released by Canon+, a streaming service featuring Wilson and his family’s books and video content), in which Sumpter argues for the need to spank boys. Sumpter, also senior pastor at Christ Church plant King’s Cross, acknowledges that some might be concerned hitting will breed violence, but “are you going to trust modern psychotherapists and counselors, or are you going to trust God and his word?”

In a series of posts this month, online watchdog Examining Doug Wilson and Moscow pointed out an interesting similarity in Wilson’s responses, first to my original 2021 investigative piece detailing a culture of abuse and then to the current uproar over his family’s teaching on spanking. Then, he wrote that every Christian leader, pastor, writer, board member, or thought leader who read my article “and then publicly voiced their solidarity or sympathy with it—in any way shape or form—has disqualified themselves.” They should step down. To those who made “venomous comments” in response to the article, he advised: “If you don’t repent, you are lost forever.” Now, concerning the upset over Nancy Wilson’s spanking advice, he wrote that the clash over spanking was a “proxy collision between two different ways of looking at the world—the Christian way or the pagan way,” and that a very large number of evangelical leaders need to become … Christians. “Am I questioning your salvation?” he asked. “Well, yes. Yes, I am.”

In a seeming scramble to distract from NQN Blowback One (the resurfaced abuse allegations) and NQN Blowback Two (the spanking clip), Wilson went on the attack, aiming a blog post at Anthony Bradley, a fellow at the Acton Institute for the study of religion and liberty, a Judeo-Christian free market think tank. Bradley had weighed in on Rigney and Prior’s original thread about empathy. Bradley, a thinker who writes about faith, race, and education (and who is Black), in Wilson’s telling became a representative of the mob. Wilson noted that weeks prior, Bradley had shared a historical image of a lynching of two Black men by a mob after false allegations were made against them. And now, Wilson argued, Bradley had “showed up to support a Twitter swarm that was inflamed by the report of a rape.” Wilson wrote, “Anthony Bradley wants to live in a world where black men can get lynched because of white women’s tears.”

I asked Bradley what he thought of Wilson’s attack, and he told me he first laughed and then felt sorry for Wilson. The generous response is informed by Bradley’s reading of German psychoanalyst Karen Horney . He described for me an expansive personality type that can be narcissistic, that “believes themselves to be fighting for a cause … to have a role to play in reining in chaos.” They do so by creating a world around them that feeds their need for affirmation, validation, and self-importance, often attracting other self-effacing personality types who look up to them.

When we spoke over the phone, I asked Bradley if he’d seen Wilson’s flamethrower video for the month. He hadn’t but answered, “I wish you could see my face.” If someone had told him “this is the way a 70-year-old, so-called respected church leader is behaving,” he said, “I would assume you were describing an actor who was promoting some sort of comedy sketch.”

Wilson has built quite a sphere of influence, so vast that it can be difficult to keep up. His constant stream of words can distract from Wilson’s other past controversies, including (but by no means limited to) plagiarism allegations and co-writing a bizarrely nostalgic 1996 book about American chattel slavery . Wilson is also known for his rhetorical turns and the use of sharply sexual or gendered language, describing women as “small-breasted biddies,” “twinkies in tight tops,” “harridans, termagants, harpies & crones,” “tits,” “cunts,” and so on. He has a webpage dedicated to explaining away his various scandals, despite written record of many.

This month, he tried to spin things, once again. Wilson sat for a nearly hourlong video with his now-adult children, N.D. Wilson, Rachel Jankovic, and Rebekah Merkle, who reminisced about their happy childhoods and voiced appreciation for their parents’ parenting style. It was an effort to show how normal the family is, how the outcry over spanking was laughable. Crisis management continued with a promotional message for a $110.70 bundle of books by Wilson and his family, sent out by Canon Press. The ad read, “Apocalypse-Proof Your Family,” “Pastor Wilson’s family hasn’t had a single apostacy across four generations,” and “What’s in the Wilson Family Secret Sauce? It’s not gentle parenting, or joyless legalism, or modern psychology.”

The grifty language was greeted with enough dismay that Wilson himself offered a rare apology for the ad, via blog post , writing, “It really did come off like a child-rearing version of the prosperity gospel. And some of it wasn’t exactly true.” Current Canon Press CEO Brian Kohl apologized for the “weird” message, concluding: “We did a bad job there for a sec. We will now return to our normal soaring heights.”

One unanticipated outcome of all the attention on Wilson is that Examining Doug Wilson and Moscow seems to finally be attracting awareness to the undercurrent of abuse within Wilson’s world. One admin, whom I referred to with the biblically inspired pseudonym “Priscilla and Aquila” in Disobedient Women due to safety concerns stemming from threats for EDWAM’s efforts, told me, “Really, I think I’ve felt all along that eventually enough data will be out there that people will have no choice but to get it.” Priscilla and Aquila added that they hoped “so many horrified, normal Christians will be looking in, that the ones who were kind of mesmerized by him will start to kind of wake up. And I think I’m seeing that.”

Possible evidence to that effect came when conservative theologian and Reformed Theological Seminary professor Kevin DeYoung published a piece late in November acknowledging that the output from Wilson in terms of publishing, schools, and churches is vast. To DeYoung’s mind, it draws some Christians to move to Moscow, Idaho, because they are drawn by the “cultural aesthetic and the political posture that Wilson so skillfully embodies.” DeYoung, former board chair of the Gospel Coalition , did not want to critique Wilson’s theology, historical interpretations, and arguments for Christian nationalism, and did not mention abuse, but instead worried over the “long-term spiritual effects of admiring and imitating the Moscow mood.” It was a critique of tone. Given the rest of Wilson’s history, DeYoung’s criticism could be read as strategic, a way to reach soft Wilson supporters—or perhaps, if you look back at Dye’s or other survivors’ stories , it was just milquetoast, another way to spin things.

Wilson offered a rare concession and tweeted that DeYoung had written a “thoughtful critique” and asked those “ ‘in my corner’ to treat both it and him with respect.” Wilson showed himself as open to criticism (to someone with influence that could matter deeply in his circles). Time will tell if the entreaty from DeYoung results in a more genteel, less incendiary Wilson. For now, Sumpter and Canon Press have started tagging promotions #MoscowMood. And in an end of month wrap-up video, Wilson called this November “the best.”

Perhaps there’s a lesson here: play with fire enough and you stop noticing when you’ve gotten burned.

Correction, Dec. 13, 2023: This article originally misstated that the Logos school dismissed a teacher accused of misconduct in 2015. It was in December 2014.

Update, Dec. 13, 2023 and Jan. 18, 2024: This article has been updated to clarify that Dye provided the account of a school secretary’s concern. Two postpublication comments from the Wilson family have also been added through a representative.