Wilson's new Defyer line has four frames sharing one spin-first DNA. Picking between them comes down to two honest questions about your game — the same two Wilson's own fitting guide uses.
Question 1: how do you swing?
Vertical swings — low-to-high, brushing up the back of the ball — generate spin and net clearance. That's the game the Defyer amplifies. If your swing is more horizontal and flat, you'll still enjoy the 98 Pro's control, but also consider a control frame like the Blade.
Question 2: how fast do you swing?
Medium-to-fast swing speeds — you supply the power, the racket supplies spin and control → Defyer 98 Pro or 100. Average swing speeds — you want the racket to help with easy depth and speed → Defyer 100L or 100UL.
The four frames side by side
| 98 Pro | 100 | 100L | 100UL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head size | 98 in² | 100 in² | 100 in² | 100 in² |
| Weight (unstrung) | 305 g | 300 g | 285 g | 265 g |
| Balance | 31.5 cm / 9 pts HL | 31.5 cm / 9 pts HL | 32.0 cm / 7 pts HL | 33.0 cm / 4 pts HL |
| Pattern | 16x20 | 16x19 | 16x19 | 16x19 |
| Best for | Advanced / competitive | Strong club players | Improvers / intermediates | Juniors stepping up / easy speed |
| Price | £250 | £245 | £220 | £210 |
The two-minute answers
- "I compete and hit big." → 98 Pro. The 16x20 pattern turns your swing speed into heavy, precise spin.
- "I play weekly club tennis and want one racket that does everything." → 100. Forgiveness, spin and feel in the spec most games are built on.
- "I'm improving quickly but full-weight frames tire me out." → 100L. Same head, 15 g lighter, easier acceleration.
- "I'm a junior moving to full size / returning to tennis." → 100UL. Effortless swing speed — which is where spin comes from.
Grip sizes
98 Pro and 100 come in G1–G5; the 100L and 100UL in G0–G4. Between sizes? Go smaller and build up with an overgrip.
All four are currently in the limited first-run Concept Edition — same performance, collector's provenance, standard price.
1 comment
Paul
I’m a 63 yr old tennis player with aggressive top spin style currently using the wilson RF97 but find my timing way off now and often miss hit the ball. Would the Defyer 98 be a good transition to better timing spin and control?
I’m a 63 yr old tennis player with aggressive top spin style currently using the wilson RF97 but find my timing way off now and often miss hit the ball. Would the Defyer 98 be a good transition to better timing spin and control?