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.
