The Blade 98 (16x19) v8 US Open Edition sports the same features and specifications as the Blade 98 (16x19) v8 within a unique New York City map design to celebrate the remarkable aura and history of the US Open's night sessions. The headlining innovation, FORTYFIVE°, manages to increase both the flexibility and stability of the frame to lend supreme feel for the ball on every shot. Still characterized by its superior presence in the hands of the best players in the world, this evolution of Blade rewards aggressive, precise ball-strikers with a top-tier blend of connected-to-the-ball feel, torsional stability and innovative design to wow teammates and opponents alike.

FEATURES  BENEFITS:

• Braided Graphite + Basalt - Elastic and reactive material combination improves the flex of a racket to increase ball contact with the strings for enhanced feel and greater control.

• Parallel Drilling - Grommet construction provides a consistent, more forgiving string bed response while dramatically increasing the sweet spot.

• Top Grip Taper - Tapered grip lends better feel for top-handed grip placement on two-handed backhand.

• FORTYFIVE° - Patent-protected frame layup produces more connected-to-the-ball feel while better complementing the more modern, vertical swing path. Material increases both flexibility and stability without compromise through the swing.

• DirectConnect - Carbon fiber handle extends to directly connect with end cap for improved feel and enhanced torsional stability.

• US Open Edition racket features unique matte design of "Night Session" New York City map with same specifications as in-line Blade 16x19 v8

• String pattern (16x19) allows strings to stretch more, generating greater capacity for power and spin

• FORTYFIVE° increases flexibility and stability to produce a more connected-to-the-ball feel while better complementing the modern, vertical swing path used by most competitive players

• DirectConnect extends the carbon fiber handle to connect directly to the end cap for improved feel and enhanced torsional stability

• Top Grip Taper provides better feel for top-hand grip placement

• Ergonomic End Cap yields improved comfort and playability

• Braided Graphite + Basalt composition improves the flex of a racket to produce enhanced feel and control

• Parallel Drilling provides a consistent, more forgiving string bed response