Official Wilson Clash thread

G

GenerationTennisElbow

Rookie
If people are looking for flexible Wilson players frames current lineups are unlikely to yield much (unless the ultra tour comes out in a flexy 16x19). Some of the ones I’ve played with include the pro staff 7.5 95 (it and its slightly lighter cousin the 7.0 are both fiberglass composites with respective stiffness ratings of 55 and 59 that were made in the 6.1 mold), the tapered bean series ultras (the fpk is most well-known, and was a composite with Kevlar and ceramic while the graphite was 50 % fiberglass and the Kevlar was a touch stiffer) and the Wilson odyssey comp (sweet 85” in the matrix mold with a 55 RA). I think that the Kobras and some of the 27.25” tour 95s were quite flexible too. For 18x20, the nblade is one of my favorites. RA of 58, and very precise. Just needs some tailweighting to get to the balance I like.


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A

a12345

Professional
asifallasleep said:
IMO the specs alone tell you that The Clash was designed to make the game easier and more fun for beginner and intermediate level players. It's an easy on the arm wide-body (thick) frame with a big head (100). Yikes. Next up will be a frame that hits the ball for you and also keeps score.
Click to expand...

From looking at a lot of the online reviews, it sounds like its a Pure Drive, powerful and easy to use, but instead of being stiff and jarring on your arm like the Pure Drive, its actually quite soft and flexible.

Its a new combination and something unique.
 
asifallasleep

asifallasleep

Hall of Fame
a12345 said:
From looking at a lot of the online reviews, it sounds like its a Pure Drive, powerful and easy to use, but instead of being stiff and jarring on your arm like the Pure Drive, its actually quite soft and flexible.

Its a new combination and something unique.
Click to expand...

I hadn't thought about the comparison to the Pure Drive, and you're right, headsize and beam thickness are similar. Perhaps some higher level players will enjoy it!
 
teachingprotx

teachingprotx

Legend
GenerationTennisElbow said:
If people are looking for flexible Wilson players frames current lineups are unlikely to yield much (unless the ultra tour comes out in a flexy 16x19). Some of the ones I’ve played with include the pro staff 7.5 95 (it and its slightly lighter cousin the 7.0 are both fiberglass composites with respective stiffness ratings of 55 and 59 that were made in the 6.1 mold), the tapered bean series ultras (the fpk is most well-known, and was a composite with Kevlar and ceramic while the graphite was 50 % fiberglass and the Kevlar was a touch stiffer) and the Wilson odyssey comp (sweet 85” in the matrix mold with a 55 RA). I think that the Kobras and some of the 27.25” tour 95s were quite flexible too. For 18x20, the nblade is one of my favorites. RA of 58, and very precise. Just needs some tailweighting to get to the balance I like.


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Click to expand...
Listen to the new kid he knows his stuff ! Good post new user guy i like you GTE . Tell us your story brother and welcome to the club
 
time_fly

time_fly

Hall of Fame
What I want to know is what top pro will Wilson force to endorse the Clash, and what will he/she really be playing with underneath?
 
jm1980

jm1980

Talk Tennis Guru
I hit with the regular version a few months back and didn't care much for it

And the design is frigging terrible

tE6sqWl.jpg
 
A

avocadoz

Professional
The throat of the Clash is so unique that I can't imagine Wilson being able to mask a pro's racquet with just a paintjob. Also, no pro would actually switch to this beginner's racquet. The Clash reminds me of the Volkl V1 MP not in the way it looks, but the way it plays. Both are arm friendly, low sw, lots of power, mediocre spin, and easy to use. I see lots of seniors using the volkl in doubles so I'd say this is another great option for them.
 
Phantasm

Phantasm

Semi-Pro
time_fly said:
What I want to know is what top pro will Wilson force to endorse the Clash, and what will he/she really be playing with underneath?
Click to expand...

probably any pro still endorsing the Burn PJ on tour. PCB is the only "top pro" that comes to mind.
 
D

DFWLoop

Rookie
got mine in saturday. the pj looks much better than the pictures which have been posted. cant wait to swing it. now, what to string this with.....wilson still recommending 48 to 50 lbs with polys? i have been using wilson spin on my blade strung around 53, wonder how the spin would feel on this one.
 
S

sureshs

Bionic Poster
teachingprotx said:
Yeah . Cause only 7 people would have bought it at 12 oz . That’s what’s the best part of this . Like pros hair pins it comes to you as a platform low weight .. You can weight it as you deem fit :)
I applaud Wilson for flexible and light . I’ve been screaming for this for years . No more buying 26 juniors with high flex and low weight . And extending it to 27. Which is what I had to do ..
now while we are talking about why Wilson won’t do ? This or that ?
I would love a clash 95 or 90
With a 18x20 pattern ! Love !! Me and 7 other people !:)
Click to expand...

True. The lower static weight is for the casual buyer while advanced players will lead it up and prefer it to be light to start with.
 
dr. godmode

dr. godmode

Hall of Fame
I honestly think Wilson accidentally designed a racquet for seniors. Easy to swing and powerful like a granny frame but much softer and more comfortable. I cant really see high level players adopting this right away due to the weird response. Maybe the nextnexgen will be all about it, but for now I see this frame being purchased by old people.
 
Harry_Wild

Harry_Wild

G.O.A.T.
sureshs said:
True. The lower static weight is for the casual buyer while advanced players will lead it up and prefer it to be light to start with.
Click to expand...
A second Clash called the Wilson Clash Tour is like 1.5 oz. heavier will be release either a week or two afterwards of the Clash.
 
R

robin1982

Rookie
Harry_Wild said:
A second Clash called the Wilson Clash Tour is like 1.5 oz. heavier will be release either a week or two afterwards of the Clash.
Click to expand...

In the Netherlands they're release is together friday. And the 98 version in september


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Dartagnan64

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Interesting it scored an 87 on TW reviews and yet there seemed to be a lot of polarizing opinions from the reviewers. I don't think I've seen a racket get that many critical "dislikes" and get such a high score. I mean terms like "erratic" are never anything you want to see in a review and yet they are everywhere for both the Clash and Clash Tour.

For instance the Phantom 93P got a score of 85 and only dislikes were, "a little too unforgiving" and "I like a stiffer frame."

Definitely going to hit one if possible down at the Indian Wells tournament. But I'm wondering if they shouldn't have done an 18x19 stringbed for this baby.
 
Issya

Issya

New User
I haven’t read any reviews from lower level players such as myself. I’ve been playing less than a year and it could be perfect for my level. Picked up a regular and we’ll see how it is.
 
TagUrIt

TagUrIt

Hall of Fame
DFWLoop said:
got mine in saturday. the pj looks much better than the pictures which have been posted. cant wait to swing it. now, what to string this with.....wilson still recommending 48 to 50 lbs with polys? i have been using wilson spin on my blade strung around 53, wonder how the spin would feel on this one.
Click to expand...


I ordered mine the first day TW made it available for purchase. Doesn’t ship until February 15th. How did you get one so fast? I’m going to string mine with at 50lbs with Alu Power 16L btw.
 
TagUrIt

TagUrIt

Hall of Fame
Issya said:
I haven’t read any reviews from lower level players such as myself. I’ve been playing less than a year and it could be perfect for my level. Picked up a regular and we’ll see how it is.
Click to expand...


Let us know about your experience. (y)
 
FedGR

FedGR

Professional
Good racket but needs some lead. It has stability issues compared to rackets of the same weight.
 
P

pfrischmann

Professional
I posted a quick review of my first impressions. Geoff said it best in another thread. You need to try these racquets with no preconceived notions. They are simply different. As I play with a weighted up Pure Strike and sometimes an Ultra Tour If I'm playing a lot of serve and volley doubles, I'd likely get the regular Clash and add a little bit of lead to get it up to 11.5 ounces with a 320 sw and a balance more like 4-5pts head light. I'm not sure it even needs it but it's what I'm used to. Very different racquets and from my initial hit, they are far more stable and powerful than similar traditional sticks.
 
A

avocadoz

Professional
Has anyone played with the 98 Clash that can comment on how it compares to the 100 & 100 tour? I wish Wilson would release the 98 at the same time so the more advanced players have an option to pick one up. Cuz as it stands, the 100 is just too much of a beginner's frame.
 
R

robin1982

Rookie
avocadoz said:
Has anyone played with the 98 Clash that can comment on how it compares to the 100 & 100 tour? I wish Wilson would release the 98 at the same time so the more advanced players have an option to pick one up. Cuz as it stands, the 100 is just too much of a beginner's frame.
Click to expand...

I like the 98 Tour more then the 100(Tour)
In a nutshell: More control and feel! But it is not way more. All the frames are easy to customize and they react good with it! And because they're more stable then other rackets, you dont have to make them the same weight as your usual specs.


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D

DFWLoop

Rookie
ok, picked up the racket from the stringer and hit for about 30 min. as the courts were already previously reserved. this is no hype...the racket really hits great, great... great flex and yes i grew up playing with Jack Kramers and Maxply's of the 70's. sweetspot was generous, the 100 sq. in. head size did not seem overly awkward as i have been swinging my blade 98 lately. i am not a pro player but have been playing for decades and i think i found my gamer for 2019. for some of you advanced players that are a little hesitant...demo one and give it a shot. think you will be very pleased.
 
D

Deleted member 54265

Guest
DFWLoop said:
ok, picked up the racket from the stringer and hit for about 30 min. as the courts were already previously reserved. this is no hype...the racket really hits great, great... great flex and yes i grew up playing with Jack Kramers and Maxply's of the 70's. sweetspot was generous, the 100 sq. in. head size did not seem overly awkward as i have been swinging my blade 98 lately. i am not a pro player but have been playing for decades and i think i found my gamer for 2019. for some of you advanced players that are a little hesitant...demo one and give it a shot. think you will be very pleased.
Click to expand...

Did you get the tour or regular version ?
 
FedGR

FedGR

Professional
Btw, if anybody is looking for the regular version in the dazzle prototype PJ, feel free to dm me, I might be selling mine.

edit: sold
 
Last edited:
L

LightHeaded

New User
AZJ1973 said:
I am coming from the Pure Strike over to the Clash because of elbow issues I am still not fully recovered from. I am trying to decide if I should go Clash 100 or Clash 100 Tour. In studying up on arm friendly racquets I learned that heavier racquets (when comparing two) are typically more comfortable racquets. However, when looking at the TW review scorecard they give the 100 model a 90 for comfort and the Tour model an 89. I understand that is almost the same score, but I was actually anticipating the Tour model being scored as more comfortable.

My elbow is still healing but have already pretty much mentally committed towards moving to the Clash. Just need to make the final decision...Clash 100 or Clash 100 Tour. Any suggestions for me?
Click to expand...

I just started having elbow issues for the first time in my life and had recently switched to the pure strike. I too have been looking at the clash but think I will wait for the 98 to come out. I took the winter off (5 months) and my elbow is still sore.
 
JOSHL

JOSHL

Hall of Fame
I’ll demo for sure just for curiousity. I do like how Wilson tries new things like this. A few years ago they did the exact opposite with the Burn FST line-thin beams high stiffness-we all know how that turned out. Time will tell how the clash will fare.
 
Holdfast44ID

Holdfast44ID

Semi-Pro
Man. After not hitting much for the past 3 years due to injuries, I moved from my RF 97's (12.2 - 12.4 oz strung) to the latest Pure Strike 98 16x19 (added weight, so they are 11.8 oz, strung -have 3 of them and Babolat are not consistent with the weighting of their frames as they all have weight and balance discrepancies). I'm using very soft poly at 46/44 lbs to make the sticks more arm friendly. Now, I'm really curious about the Clash. I'd prefer a 98 tour than a 100 Tour if it were available. I'd add a little weight at 3 and 9, regardless. I'm more old school (hard & flat hitter). Former open-level but am old, out of shape, don't hit and have been injured = 4.5. Very tempted to try the Clash because the season will be winding down by the time the 98 comes out! My racquets over the years that I can remember (from 13-years-old): Wilson Jack Kramer Autograph (wood), Donnay Borg Pro (wood/composite), Prince Pro (great for throwing at the fence, distorting the frame into different shapes...), Kneissl White Star (thought I was Lendl), Yonex R22 (broke one hitting a serve, one hitting a forehand, and one with my foot), Wilson Pro Staff 85" (still have 3 of them), Wilson Profile (tried it because Wilson gave them to me and that was a bad decision), (short-lived trials with Dunlop, Head), then back & forth between Wilson Pro Staff variants and Babolat frames later on (heavy to light, back & forth). Just itching to compete again without injuries. The Clash sounds intriguing. It doesn't sound like some new variant of the Profile (yuck) but more like a Pure Drive with more control and flex (arm friendly).
 
Holdfast44ID

Holdfast44ID

Semi-Pro
TagUrIt said:
Why not try demoing one first? Personally, I think this racquet is going to be worth all the hype. It’ll be even more successful when they make the 98 version.
Click to expand...
My buddy, a retired pro like me, will test one out as well.

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A

AZJ1973

Rookie
LightHeaded said:
I just started having elbow issues for the first time in my life and had recently switched to the pure strike. I too have been looking at the clash but think I will wait for the 98 to come out. I took the winter off (5 months) and my elbow is still sore.
Click to expand...

I really don't get this whole tennis elbow injury. I have not hit a tennis elbow since the end of November and I am still not nowhere near ready to play. Originally the doctor told me I needed to take 6 weeks off. I am currently at 11 weeks.

I am seeing some improvement and normal tasks (pulling up my socks, tying my shoes, squeezing out shampoo) no longer cause sharp pain. But when I do something that puts stress on my elbow I get that reminder from my elbow that it is still injured. Just a quick burning pain.

I think I could go out and hit a bunch of forehands without much pain, but hitting a one-handed backhand volley would send me to tears. Oh well...11 weeks ago I couldn't even grip a racquet.
 
time_fly

time_fly

Hall of Fame
I played the Clash Tour at a 1.5 hour doubles clinic this morning. Our pro shop has them in stock and is pushing them hard -- they handed me one on the way in the door without my even signing up for their demo program. I have to say that I was generally impressed. It was really easy to pick up and rally with. The demo was strung with a hybrid, poly in the mains all at 52. I think full poly at lower tension as Wilson recommends would be a better fit. I experienced the sensations that others have reported: the racquet has nice flex and feel, especially on more touch-oriented shots, but feels like it stiffens up when trading heavier shots. It was easy to access to spin, but I wouldn't call the frame a spin monster. In general I found the handling to be a bit less maneuverable than what I am used to. I'm not sure if the racquet was less head light than I expected or if it is because of the thicker beam and larger head. At the same time, however, it doesn't really have the plow-though of a truly heavy racquet. The power level is relatively high; it does feel comparable to a stiffer, thicker 100 like the Ultra but with much better feel. I could definitely play this racquet if I had to, but I think the regular Clash 100 with some weight customization or perhaps the upcoming Clash 98 might suit my game a bit better.

Overall, I think this series could be a winner for Wilson. I think the biggest difficulty for them will be that "player's frame" snobs will still turn up their nose at the thick beam, large head, and low weight, whereas players of Pure Drives, Ultras, and Burns think it feels "weird" because they are used to stiff, muted sticks (I did hear this comment from some Babolat players that tried it).
 
A

avocadoz

Professional
time_fly said:
I played the Clash Tour at a 1.5 hour doubles clinic this morning. Our pro shop has them in stock and is pushing them hard -- they handed me one on the way in the door without my even signing up for their demo program. I have to say that I was generally impressed. It was really easy to pick up and rally with. The demo was strung with a hybrid, poly in the mains all at 52. I think full poly at lower tension as Wilson recommends would be a better fit. I experienced the sensations that others have reported: the racquet has nice flex and feel, especially on more touch-oriented shots, but feels like it stiffens up when trading heavier shots. It was easy to access to spin, but I wouldn't call the frame a spin monster. In general I found the handling to be a bit less maneuverable than what I am used to. I'm not sure if the racquet was less head light than I expected or if it is because of the thicker beam and larger head. At the same time, however, it doesn't really have the plow-though of a truly heavy racquet. The power level is relatively high; it does feel comparable to a stiffer, thicker 100 like the Ultra but with much better feel. I could definitely play this racquet if I had to, but I think the regular Clash 100 with some weight customization or perhaps the upcoming Clash 98 might suit my game a bit better.

Overall, I think this series could be a winner for Wilson. I think the biggest difficulty for them will be that "player's frame" snobs will still turn up their nose at the thick beam, large head, and low weight, whereas players of Pure Drives, Ultras, and Burns think it feels "weird" because they are used to stiff, muted sticks (I did hear this comment from some Babolat players that tried it).
Click to expand...
I had the same issue with maneuverability with the tour version. I think it's not because of the extra weight or sw, it's because the frame is so thick plus the 100 sq in headsize.
 
D

Deleted member 54265

Guest
avocadoz said:
I had the same issue with maneuverability with the tour version. I think it's not because of the extra weight or sw, it's because the frame is so thick plus the 100 sq in headsize.
Click to expand...

If you played the regular version how did that compare in terme of maneuverability and stability.

Thanks
 
A

avocadoz

Professional
Toby14 said:
If you played the regular version how did that compare in terme of maneuverability and stability.

Thanks
Click to expand...
It's more maneuverable but stability difference seems negligible to me. The tour definitely has more power and less control. I think this tour version of the 100 just doesn't make sense and it's created to generate more sales. A heavier 98 with a thinner beam would make much more sense as a Clash Tour.
 
Dartagnan64

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
time_fly said:
Overall, I think this series could be a winner for Wilson. I think the biggest difficulty for them will be that "player's frame" snobs will still turn up their nose at the thick beam, large head, and low weight, whereas players of Pure Drives, Ultras, and Burns think it feels "weird" because they are used to stiff, muted sticks (I did hear this comment from some Babolat players that tried it).
Click to expand...

I think the Player's Frames Snobs (PFS for short) will be more offended by the erratic behavior. I have no problems with wide beams and 100 sq in hoop sizes. I hate having poor control of my shots. And the reviews are all over the place on this stick about control and launch angles. Its hard enough for me to go from my Phantom 93P to my Phantom 100 because I miss the great control and feel.

i'd like to try this stick and see if t offers the best of both worlds but I suspect as a great engineer once said, "Ye canna change the laws of Physics." If you put a 16x19 string bed in a 100 sq in frame and make it flexible to boot, control is going to be a potential issue.
 
time_fly

time_fly

Hall of Fame
Dartagnan64 said:
I think the Player's Frames Snobs (PFS for short) will be more offended by the erratic behavior.
Click to expand...

I didn't have much problem with erratic response from the string bed. The power level is towards the higher end so you if you swing big and mis-time it or have stone hands at the net, the ball will fly. Maneuverability was a bigger issue for me. My serve was a bit erratic with it, but I think I just didn't get the timing quite yet. Not the racquet's fault.
 
Dartagnan64

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
time_fly said:
I didn't have much problem with erratic response from the string bed. The power level is towards the higher end so you if you swing big and mis-time it or have stone hands at the net, the ball will fly. Maneuverability was a bigger issue for me. My serve was a bit erratic with it, but I think I just didn't get the timing quite yet. Not the racquet's fault.
Click to expand...

Good to hear but reviews have been kind of all over the place in that regard, so its definitely a racket that clearly needs a demo. Its not like a Phantom 93P where everyone universally says the control and feel are wonderful.

And I'm wondering why a 9 point HL racket with 322 SW would be poorly maneuverable? If anything it should be comparable or better than any tweener out there.
 
D

Deleted member 54265

Guest
Dartagnan64 said:
Its not like a Phantom 93P where everyone universally says the control and feel are wonderful..
Click to expand...

I think I was one of the only ones who gave the 93P a bad review. Did not like that frame at all except for the looks.
 
time_fly

time_fly

Hall of Fame
Dartagnan64 said:
And I'm wondering why a 9 point HL racket with 322 SW would be poorly maneuverable? If anything it should be comparable or better than any tweener out there.
Click to expand...

You would think. Two possible answers come to my mind: (a) Wilson's typical QC. Obviously I didn't have a chance to take measurements. Or (b) a lot of the extra weight over the regular Clash is at 3 and 9, raising the twist weight through the roof.
 
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