Wilson 2026 (Part II): The Clash of Sensations

After exploring the virulent Defy and the whirling Endure, Here we are back on the track today for the second chapter of our in-depth review. For this new stage, we'll be comparing two historical families, each embodying a very distinct vision of the game: the historicals Blade V.4 and the famous Bela V.3 .

A heart-shaped arrangement of Wilson tennis rackets in various colors on a blue tennis court surface on white line accents.

Blade V.4: Versatility above all

With this fourth generation, Wilson did not seek to revolutionize the Blade from top to bottom. The American brand preferred to refine, down to the millimeter, a tried-and-tested formula that has already proven itself on the court. A distinctive feature of this range is the Blade V.4 is today the only reference Wilson's padel court directly borrows the name of a tennis icon. Heir to the famous Blade , long associated with Roger Federer Before its transition to the RF 01, it also adopted the same visual identity as its tennis cousin. A deliberate nod that further strengthens the links between the two disciplines. The range is thus available in two models with strong personalities to suit every type of arm.

At the top sits this famous Blade V.4 in teardrop format , a demanding paddle designed for rigorous competitors. Its fairly firm feel thanks to the Firm Foam Its impressive structural stability and high balance make it a formidable precision weapon for players capable of generating all the necessary ball speed themselves.
Aesthetically, Wilson opts for understated elegance. This shade Emerald green deep, highlighted by an imposing white logo underlined with a border anise This gives the pala a very chic look and style. Understated without being austere, it attracts attention through its finesse rather than exuberance, reflecting its behavior on the court: efficient, refined and incredibly controlled.

Her little sister, the LS V.4 opens this playing philosophy to a much wider audience. Weighing 10 grams less than its predecessor, it relies on an intermediate balance and a rubberized coating. Fiberglass Weave and total soft rubber This combination prioritizes a smooth and generous ball release, perfect for supporting the player in defensive phases without requiring constant effort. Highly forgiving, it offers an appealing compromise between control and comfort, without compromising the structural stability that is the family's strength.

In terms of cosmetics, this reference adopts the same aesthetic codes as the Blade V4, but in a superb shade Mint which gives it a personality all its own. Brighter than the deep green of its big sister, it pairs perfectly with the white logos enhanced with touches of anise green to offer a fresher, lighter look. A refined, unfussy aesthetic that perfectly reflects the spirit of this LS version: accessible and dynamic.
La Blade LS V.4 is also offered in an elegant version Rose , a very trendy shade lately which gives it an even more assertive visual identity.

Pink padel racket with a perforated white surface and white grip, facing forward.

These models share several top-tier common technologies, starting with the drilling plan. Duo Grid which optimizes power in the upper part of the string bed while enhancing control on lower shots. It also features a textured finish. Spin Texture whose texture significantly improves spin on brushed shots. The whole family Blade ultimately pursues the same performance objective: to offer maximum directional control without ever sacrificing versatility.

Blade V.3 vs Blade V.4: A smooth evolution

Unlike some product lines that start from scratch, Wilson did not seek to revolutionize la Blade with this fourth generation. The philosophy remains the same, but several developments demonstrate a desire to broaden its audience.

The first one is immediately obvious upon reading the catalog. Where the Blade V.3 came in the form of three versions : Pro , V.3 classic and LS (Light Specifications) –, the new generation simplifies its offering with only two models : Blade V.4 et Blade LS V.4 The disappearance of the name Pro This is certainly not insignificant. Without abandoning the demanding DNA of the Pro versions in the range, Wilson seems to have wanted to orient its new Blade towards a slightly less radical and more welcoming behavior for a larger number of players.

This evolution is also reflected in the design. The carbon fiber coating leaves room for a Carbon Fiberglass Composite , a blend of carbon and fiberglass that softens slightly The feel without altering the character of the racket. The rigid foam Firm EVA is preserved, just like the drop shape and this vocation of control which constitutes the identity of the Bladein order to improve overall comfort and slightly widen the tolerance zone. A subtle evolution on paper, but one that is definitely noticeable once the first exchanges begin.

On trial, the V.4 It immediately gives a more tolerant and approachable feeling. Its coating provides a softer feel, with an excellent compromise between responsiveness and comfort, where the Blade V.3 It gives a drier, stiffer feel, typical of pure carbon. In play, this translates to the V.4 being easier to handle on defenses and volleys, while the V.3 demands a more direct commitment on the stroke, with a more direct and demanding return.

Two paddle tennis rackets rest on a rocky ledge by the sea at sunset, with orange cliffs in the background and a boat on the water behind them.

Bela V.3: The legacy of a champion, sublimely enhanced

If there is one player whose name has become inseparable from padel, it is... Fernando Belasteguín .
Even after closing the immense chapter of his professional career, his influence continues to guide the development of the rackets that bear his name.
And this last one generation probably marks the culmination of several years of evolution.
After a range Blade Focused on two variations, Wilson returns to a more complete offering with the Bela V.3 at hybrid format , again offered in three versions: Pro, Standard and LS.

La Bela Pro V.3 This represents the most demanding version in the range, displaying a "bulky" feel from the first touch. For the first time, Wilson is offering it with heads made of 24K carbon making it the firmest racket in the entire family, without being overly rigid. To balance this firmness, the brand retains the foam Power foam which brings just the right amount of dynamism to avoid overly punitive behavior.

Padel racket with black textured face, red emblem pattern, numerous white holes, and a red-and-black grip grip at the bottom.

La Bela V.3 standard adopts a 3K carbon offering greater flexibility while maintaining excellent stability. As for the Bela LS V.3 , with a reduced weight and its superb black and white dress, it prioritizes maneuverability and ease of use without sacrificing the sensations that characterize the range.

Bela V2.5 vs Bela V.3: the maturity of a benchmark

Like the Blade, Wilson did not overturn the philosophy of the Bela , but she refined it intelligently. The Bela V2.5 had already laid a very solid foundation by offering a versatile, precise racket true to Fernando Belasteguín's DNA. With this V.3 The American brand takes the concept a step further by reworking several key elements: widened sweet spot , enhanced stability , new Spin² texture More effective for spin, but also a slightly revised mold that improves forgiveness on off-center hits. The result isn't a revolution, but an evolution that's quickly noticeable on the court.

At stake, the Bela V3 It is more consistent and reassuring than its predecessor. It retains the precision that made the range so successful, while offering greater ease of use when the pace picks up. Shots are cleaner, defense requires less effort, and attacking phases gain confidence thanks to improved stability. The Bela V2.5 remains an excellent racket , but this V.3 simply appears as its version la plus aboutie , more modern in its behavior and more pleasant to use on a daily basis.

Finally, despite a heavy frame and a significant weight Displayed by the Bela Pro V.3, Wilson pulls off a minor feat. Thanks to a content balance and to a sweetspot Significantly larger, this new version is much less punishing than its predecessor. This evolution slightly improves its handling without altering its core identity.

Three padel rackets resting on a rocky shoreline with the sea and a sunset in the distance.

On the track: the duel

At stake are two schools of thought: the Blade speak to reason, while the White directly address the feel of the game. The V.4 behaves like a true precision tool: the impact is crisp and very predictable, with accurate ball release and a decent sweet spot, prioritizing dynamism over raw power. In defense, it requires a minimum of commitment thanks to its relatively high balance point and limited bounce to fully exploit its potential, but this new generation is significantly more forgiving than the Blade V.3.
La Blade V.4 still offers a fairly firm feel, while the Blade LS V.4 thanks to its reduced weight, its unique fiberglass weave and its rubber Soft Eva Eco Bloom , pushes comfort and ease of use even further.
Ce new core A low-density, bio-based foam developed to improve the connection between the ball and the racket, is distinguished by its behavior significantly more flexible than the other foams in the range. It extended The contact time upon impact provides more sensation and comfort. superior and a better tolerance on off-center shots. In exchange, it abandons the very sharp return in favor of a more progressive energy return, which makes the racket easier to exploit and more homogeneous across the entire striking area.
At the net, the Blade shine with their exemplary stability : the finish Spin Texture allows you to brush particularly effective slice volleys, although good centering remains essential to make the most of their accuracy on shots above the head.

At the opposite, the Bela range offers a much more enveloping and organic experience, promoting point construction and touch quality. From the baseline, its generous sweet spot on this latest generation—including on the very stiff Bela Pro V.3—readily forgives placement errors and provides a natural ball weight on every return. The added flexibility of the Bela V.3 standard , achieved thanks to its 3K carbon, makes it even more versatile. With its Comfort Flex sides, the Bela LS V.3 Lighter, more maneuverable and forgiving, it will appeal to players who are looking for comfort and fluidity without sacrificing the precision characteristic of the range.

At the net, volleys gain depth thanks to the new finish 3D sandblasted , developed according to the requirements of Fernando Belasteguín To enhance its legendary bandeja, offering remarkable grip on slice shots. More forgiving on smashes than before, the Bela Pro V.3 isn't a hammer for power hitters only, but a true construction racket, ideal for wearing down the opponent before delivering the decisive blow at the opportune moment.

Close-up of red paddle edge with 'C2 Tubular Construction' label from the collage panel

verdict: Blade Or Bela?

After spending several weeks with these two families, one thing is clear: Wilson doesn't offer two competing product lines, but two interpretations of the versatility offensive .

The Blade V.4 These racquets are primarily aimed at players who like to build rallies methodically. While this generation is slightly softer than the V.3, it retains a crisp feel and carefully preserves its core as a control racquet with a healthy reserve of power as soon as you commit to the ball. It's a remarkably precise tool that allows you to finish points with power without ever compromising accuracy.
La LS V.4 pushes the boundaries of maneuverability even further. Thanks to its more flexible structure, this version lightweight It is extremely tolerant of the arm, while retaining the legendary signature of the family: to be good everywhere, and bad nowhere .

The Bela V.3 They tell a different story. More instinctive, more communicative, they provide a connection with the ball that few rackets can offer. Bela Pro V.3 It impresses with its stability and precision, while proving more accessible than its specifications suggest. Far from being a "board," it absorbs enough vibration for comfort while releasing controllable energy on powerful shots, without ever compromising control. . La Bela V.3 standard This is probably the best compromise in the family. More maneuverable and forgiving, it allows you to generate good power without demanding flawless technique. Meanwhile, the Bela LS V.3 will primarily appeal to players seeking fluidity and a immediate handling .

Ultimately, choosing between a Blade and total White does not amount to opposing two levels of performance, but rather two ways to experience the game The first prioritizes rigor and precision, the second focuses on touch, connection with the ball and the pleasure of each impact.

Man crouching on a blue padel court, holding two red Wilson padel rackets, wearing a navy shirt and white shorts, cap and sunglasses.

Verdict of the Wilson 2026 mega-test: four families, four personalities

Sleeves and ergonomics: When the detail makes all the difference

Before revealing my conclusions, a word on the handle of all these references , which officially remain faithful to Wilson standards with a circumference displayed at 4-1/4″ (size 2) Personally, it's probably one of the best diameters on the market: it fits my hand so well that I never need to add any overgrip, which is rare enough to be worth mentioning.

However, not all ranges offer the same geometry. In terms of sleeve length The hierarchy is very clear: the Blade have the shortest sleeve favoring an ultra-compact and very natural grip. They are followed by the White and the Defy with a perfectly balanced intermediate length.

Finally, endure stand out as a true exception: in addition to offering the thinnest handle of the whole group, they also offer the longest This is a fantastic advantage for players who appreciate having more space at hand or who regularly play their two-handed backhand .

In fact, this is a real technical curiosity that we absolutely had to point out to you: while the measurement 4-1/4″ theoretically designates the circumference of the handle and remains identical on paper for all rackets of the brand, the endure They have a significantly thinner original grip. As a result, their actual palm circumference is considerably smaller and more streamlined than that of other models.

Special mention finally goes to the original grip of the Defy : with its brown leather look It combines superb comfort, a very convincing grip, and a truly successful look. A real nod to the legendary tennis rackets. Pro Staff … and, I admit, it would almost be a shame to hide it under an overgrip!

Finally the padded wrist strap common to the entire range, brings a comfort This is particularly appreciated. It effectively absorbs perspiration in hot weather and significantly improves comfort during play, a small detail that makes a real difference over the course of matches.

Close-up of a black perforated grip on a teal tool body with a barcode label reading 15405254.

The Grand Finale

With the Defy , the endure , the Blade and the White Wilson now offers one of the most coherent ranges on the market, with four playing philosophies and four personalities… allowing each player to choose the one that suits them best. Each family has a distinct identity and caters to a well-defined player profile, without ever encroaching on the territory of the others.

Having the opportunity to test the eleven references from the range simultaneously , on the same fields, with the same balls and under identical conditions, represents a true added value This is the best way to compare each model with maximum objectivity, eliminating as many external variables as possible that can influence feel. The observed differences thus come from the rackets themselves, and not from the testing context.

The Defy The most offensive ones remain: these swords are aimed at attackers who want to finish points with authority.
The endure They embody security and control, with a very manageable round format designed to control the pace of the exchange, and with a substantial power reserve.
The Blade occupy the territory of precision, offering a very direct reading of the ball and remarkable control.
Finally, White position themselves as the most imposing of the bunch: in stark contrast to the Endure's maneuverability, they feel substantial from the moment you pick them up and offer dense, raw, and uncompromising stability, for a driving experience true to the spirit of Fernando Belasteguín .

A huge thank you to Marine Entressangle Trade Marketing at Wilson , for sending the Defy and the Bladeas well as to the great Joffrey Gilant by Mind Padel Shop which allowed me to complete the circle by getting my hands on the new Endure and Bela. Without them, this mega-test simply wouldn't have happened.

Stéphane Penso

Padel fan, Stéphane has become the official tester of the padel planet in Europe. Everything goes through his expert hands. Thanks to his extensive experience in the world of rackets, he is able to scan your equipment from head to toe!