Official Wilson Clash thread

I have been playing with the clash 100 tour a couple weeks now. I think having it less headlight would be beneficial for me and adding an overgrip only made it more headlight. Anyone have suggestions for making it less headlight without adding weight to the head? The tour is already heavier than what I am used to, so I don't want to make it any heavier by adding more weight to the head. I was thinking of going to a different replacement grip, but I'm not sure if that will make a substantial difference.
 

TypeRx

Semi-Pro
t would be beneficial for me and adding an overgrip only made it more headlight. Anyone have suggestions for making it less headlight without adding weight to the head? The tour is already heavier than what I am used to, so I don't want to make it any heavier by adding more weight to the head. I was thinking of going to a different replacement grip, but I'm not sure if that will make a substantial difference.

You really should just move to a regular Clash, but since you already have a Tour this is what I'd think would help reduce HL balance without adding additional overall weight.
  • Remove overgrip
  • Remove base grip and replace with a lighter version (not sure what OEM base grip weighs). More extreme would be to omit the base grip altogether and use just an overgrip or two.
  • Remove butt cap trap door
  • String with thicker gauge string (adds a small amount of weight so subtract some at the handle)
  • Add a dampener or if you already have one, go for a more beefy/heavier one (adds a small amount of weight so subtract some at the handle)
  • Add bumper strip/head protection tape (adds a small amount of weight so subtract some at the handle)
I decreased HL balance the easy way and added ~12g of lead tape to the hoop. Both of my Clash Tours are at 345g now strung (including dampener, head tape, and overgrip). Adding a bit more weight to the hoop really helped with groundstroke plow-through/depth as well improving the reliability of my backhand slice. No perceivable negative impact on my serve or volleys.
 

Chezbeeno

Professional
I had my first real (more heavy-hitting) hit with the Clash today and it was surprisingly solid when returning more powerful shots. I expected to get pushed around a bit by a heavier hitter but I was still able to hit fairly offensive balls even in defensive positions (not to the same degree as with my Blades, but still). Slices felt surprisingly solid as well. I'm just more pleased with the purchase the more I hit with the frame, great job from Wilson.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
 

nickarnold2000

Hall of Fame
You should get more than three hours out of that set up. I’m using 1.35 mains on a warrior 14x16 and get almost 10 hours out of that. What’s your playing level?
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
I have been playing with the clash 100 tour a couple weeks now. I think having it less headlight would be beneficial for me and adding an overgrip only made it more headlight. Anyone have suggestions for making it less headlight without adding weight to the head? The tour is already heavier than what I am used to, so I don't want to make it any heavier by adding more weight to the head. I was thinking of going to a different replacement grip, but I'm not sure if that will make a substantial difference.
The Wilson Featherthin grip is the lightest grip I have found. It may make the grip feel thinner though. But if that doesn’t work, nothing will.
 

MRfStop

Hall of Fame
@TW Staff in the Tennis Warehouse commercial for the Clash why are the pros Milos, Monfils and Lopez hitting with a blacked out racquet...but the girls are hitting with the prototype?
 
You really should just move to a regular Clash, but since you already have a Tour this is what I'd think would help reduce HL balance without adding additional overall weight.
  • Remove overgrip
  • Remove base grip and replace with a lighter version (not sure what OEM base grip weighs). More extreme would be to omit the base grip altogether and use just an overgrip or two.
  • Remove butt cap trap door
  • String with thicker gauge string (adds a small amount of weight so subtract some at the handle)
  • Add a dampener or if you already have one, go for a more beefy/heavier one (adds a small amount of weight so subtract some at the handle)
  • Add bumper strip/head protection tape (adds a small amount of weight so subtract some at the handle)
I decreased HL balance the easy way and added ~12g of lead tape to the hoop. Both of my Clash Tours are at 345g now strung (including dampener, head tape, and overgrip). Adding a bit more weight to the hoop really helped with groundstroke plow-through/depth as well improving the reliability of my backhand slice. No perceivable negative impact on my serve or volleys.


I actually have a normal clash too. That's a good idea to boost up the weight of the standard clash instead of figuring out how to shift the balance of a tour without adding more weight. It looks like I would have to add about 10g to get the tour around 5 points headlight and 10g to get a standard clash 4 pts headlight. That should be doable for the standard clash, but I think it would make the tour model too heavy for me. I don't have a dampener yet, so it looks like that could add another 4g according to some of the reviews for the yonex one.

I haven't tried to pull off yet the butt cap trap door, but that is another interesting idea. I'll have to pull it off and weigh it.
 
Last edited:

Shangri La

Hall of Fame
In TW's reviews, the tour has much lower control score than the non-tour. Does the non-tour actually have better control in play or the score difference is because different players reviewed the racquets?

I'd think the tour is just a heavier version and the two should have the same level of control, no?
 

Holdfast44ID

Semi-Pro
I'm still on the shelf about the Clash Tour 100. I've been trying different strings and tensions to see what feels best. I think I want something with more directional control and more of a "crisp" feel on shots. I'm going to test out Prince sticks and with an 18x20 string pattern.
 

Alex78

Hall of Fame
In TW's reviews, the tour has much lower control score than the non-tour. Does the non-tour actually have better control in play or the score difference is because different players reviewed the racquets?

I'd think the tour is just a heavier version and the two should have the same level of control, no?

Well, what do you think?
That reviewers differ (significantly) in how they assess the playing characteristics of a racquet?
Or that reviewers are interchangeable and will always come up with the "true" assessments?
 

BretH

Semi-Pro
Have had the regular Clash for long enough to make an assessment. Ordered it with full bed of Cyclone at 48 lbs. I was getting more used to it, but definitely did not enjoy my hitting as much as I had with the demo, which has some syngut/poly hybrid. It felt dead at times, and at times a rocket launcher. Although soft on my arm it still had that "boardy" feel I hate.

I just restrung with my normal strings - Klip Legend 16 natural gut in the main at 53 lbs and Hexaspin (a soft poly) in the crosses at 48 lbs.

Such a difference. I felt so much more in control - probably because I didn't have to hit as hard to get decent power. Now I feel like it's not only a keeper, but the racquet I had hoped for when I demo'd one.

I highly recommend trying various strings/patterns with this racquet.
 

1HBHfanatic

Legend
next time im trying the clash, its going to be with a copoly, in the high 50s,
I think ill try it with Wilson.rev.spin at 56lbs
most people I demo with, they like the clash, they hate the lux.smart at 40lbs (usually what we try it with, not sure why),
"too much power", people say, and I agree..
power racquet with power string, not a good combo for most people who tend to hit flat..
 

Shangri La

Hall of Fame
Well, what do you think?
That reviewers differ (significantly) in how they assess the playing characteristics of a racquet?
Or that reviewers are interchangeable and will always come up with the "true" assessments?

I'd think the 2 are similar in control, but the rating difference is significent. That's why I asked here - I dont want to assume. Do you have experience with both?
 
I've played with both. The Tour has more power and feels more stable to me. I also for some reason couldn't seem to hit my backhand right with the standard. So I went with the Tour. The only issue I have with it is that I feel it lacks a little control - but I also haven't play it that much yet. Also I'm used to playing with a 98 Head racquet.
 

Alex78

Hall of Fame
I'd think the 2 are similar in control, but the rating difference is significent. That's why I asked here - I dont want to assume. Do you have experience with both?

I'd think so, too. While I haven't played with either, this is a recurring theme on these boards: How much "truth" is in the reviews? To put it simply, I think they're entertaining and informative, but I'd never use the scores as a guideline for choosing a racquet.
With these two racquets, I suppose you'll get excellent control from both provided you have the ability to exert control with your strokes. Meaning it's the player, not the racquet.
And btw, if you remove the two most extreme outliers in every group (Tour vs Non-Tour; that would be Michelle and Zsofia), the difference in control ratings is no longer (statistically) significant (acknowleding there are only 3 and 5 ratings for the two groups, of course - not going into statistics here, just a simplified observation).
 

ccapman670

New User
I'm a beginner and after demoing a bunch of rackets for the last few weeks have decided on the Clash 100 Regular version. I was wondering if anyone had a recommendation between Alu Power and the new Smart String for beginners? I read through this thread and it seems most people who tried the smart ended up going back to alu power. I've demoed a clash strung with alu power at 52# and with smart string at 55# (which i think is way too high for the smart string). I liked both, felt a little better control with the smart string but loved the power of alu, although sometimes I'd over shoot. I was thinking if I got the smart strung at a lower tension I might still get the control I felt but add a little more power? Thanks!
 

fed1

Professional
I'm a beginner and after demoing a bunch of rackets for the last few weeks have decided on the Clash 100 Regular version. I was wondering if anyone had a recommendation between Alu Power and the new Smart String for beginners? I read through this thread and it seems most people who tried the smart ended up going back to alu power. I've demoed a clash strung with alu power at 52# and with smart string at 55# (which i think is way too high for the smart string). I liked both, felt a little better control with the smart string but loved the power of alu, although sometimes I'd over shoot. I was thinking if I got the smart strung at a lower tension I might still get the control I felt but add a little more power? Thanks!
As a beginner, I may stay away from poly completely, it's asking for trouble. Most beginners are still working on proper stroke mechanics and polys aren't forgiving at all. Try a good multi strung at a bit higher tension, your arm will thank you.
 

ccapman670

New User
As a beginner, I may stay away from poly completely, it's asking for trouble. Most beginners are still working on proper stroke mechanics and polys aren't forgiving at all. Try a good multi strung at a bit higher tension, your arm will thank you.

Thanks! What multi would you suggest?
 

DJTaurus

Hall of Fame
@Blade users: Your thoughts about Clash Tour? I've played with Blade 98 2015 18x20 for 5 years but getting old and looking for more "help". Have tried Babolats but can't connect although I liked PS 18x20 but too similar as Blade, same with Prince Tour 100P. DR98 felt numb. Ultra 100 non CV I liked but hurt my left wrist (right hander, 2 hbh). Burn 100CV - NO. Head Speed MP - Meh. Thoughts are welcome

I did 2 play tests with clash tour. It’s a good racquet but quite uncontrollable at times. Just an arm friendly tweener stick. Nothing can beat 2015 blades connection with the ball (feedback) and when you have that you have power (heavier ball than clash tour) and pin point accuracy. Just drop a few pounds the tension you string your blade.
 

Hankenstein

Hall of Fame
The Clash Tour is for me the best feeling racquet I have ever used, when it´s new strung and 15-25 minutes into the session. Super comfortable, wicked spinn, good control, good power, generous sweetspot, easy to swing, but then the strings start to move extremely much and that creates a unpredictable response from the string-bed. Some shots, when the strings are in place as they are supposed to be, the response is perfect , but when the strings move during the point, the space between the strings can be 3 times bigger then it´s supposed to be and that ofcourse is a formula for problems.

All clash frames have "v1.0" written on it and maybe it will soon be a "v2.0" ? What I want Wilson to change is the string movement. With a Pure Aero for example, where the string spacing is bigger then Clash, the strings snap back in place much better and so does every other frame as well. If Wilson want the Clash to be the game-changer the marketing says it is (and it sure is a unique feeling frame when freshly strung) they must do something on the string-movement. In a Pure Aeruo, a 16 gauge co-poly string strung at 48 lasts me at least 4 hours. Same string, same tension in a Clash Tour last me 60-90 minutes before it snaps right in the centre.
 

Chezbeeno

Professional
@Blade users: Your thoughts about Clash Tour? I've played with Blade 98 2015 18x20 for 5 years but getting old and looking for more "help". Have tried Babolats but can't connect although I liked PS 18x20 but too similar as Blade, same with Prince Tour 100P. DR98 felt numb. Ultra 100 non CV I liked but hurt my left wrist (right hander, 2 hbh). Burn 100CV - NO. Head Speed MP - Meh. Thoughts are welcome
I used the Blades for a bit and recently gave the Clash and Clash Tour a try - the Tour has similar weight to the Blades, but it's a lot more headlight and didn't feel nearly as substantial as the Blades (also I was having the same hand/wrist pain that I did when using the Blades, and I was hoping for something that would help with that pain, otherwise I would just stick with the Blades). I bought the regular Clash and it was super different, and better suited to my needs - the much lighter static weight helped with the pain, but the head-heavier balance made it feel surprisingly solid, and honestly a bit more like my Blades than the Tour, in some ways.
So if you're looking for "help" (though it sort of depends on what you mean by that), I would lean more towards the Clash rather than the Tour. Hope that helps!

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
The Clash Tour is for me the best feeling racquet I have ever used, when it´s new strung and 15-25 minutes into the session. Super comfortable, wicked spinn, good control, good power, generous sweetspot, easy to swing, but then the strings start to move extremely much and that creates a unpredictable response from the string-bed. Some shots, when the strings are in place as they are supposed to be, the response is perfect , but when the strings move during the point, the space between the strings can be 3 times bigger then it´s supposed to be and that ofcourse is a formula for problems.

All clash frames have "v1.0" written on it and maybe it will soon be a "v2.0" ? What I want Wilson to change is the string movement. With a Pure Aero for example, where the string spacing is bigger then Clash, the strings snap back in place much better and so does every other frame as well. If Wilson want the Clash to be the game-changer the marketing says it is (and it sure is a unique feeling frame when freshly strung) they must do something on the string-movement. In a Pure Aeruo, a 16 gauge co-poly string strung at 48 lasts me at least 4 hours. Same string, same tension in a Clash Tour last me 60-90 minutes before it snaps right in the centre.
Snapping faster and wearing out faster signals MORE string movement to me rather than less as you imply.
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
Snapping faster and wearing out faster signals MORE string movement to me rather than less as you imply.

That said, I have related worries. I tried dropping the tension to 23kg, which worked fine at the start but made me lose control once the tension settled I found. 24kg worked better. And then I agree that this frame goes through strings quicker than others.

So I’m waiting for the 98 to come out (and for me to have a break from Uni) to demo both side by side and see which one I prefer.
 
I'm still on the shelf about the Clash Tour 100. I've been trying different strings and tensions to see what feels best. I think I want something with more directional control and more of a "crisp" feel on shots. I'm going to test out Prince sticks and with an 18x20 string pattern.

Give Dunlop Srixon CX200 or CX200 Plus a try. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
 
next time im trying the clash, its going to be with a copoly, in the high 50s,
I think ill try it with Wilson.rev.spin at 56lbs
most people I demo with, they like the clash, they hate the lux.smart at 40lbs (usually what we try it with, not sure why),
"too much power", people say, and I agree..
power racquet with power string, not a good combo for most people who tend to hit flat..

Given Clash is supposed to stiffen up as you hit harder, it's not unreasonable to go for a lower tension to maintain some power. I had mine strung with RPM Blast 1.25 at 41lbs and it turned out to be the best setup for me.
 

StringGuruMRT

Semi-Pro
So after my initial hitting with my Clash Tour, I wasn't totally sold on it. I strung it up with Luxilon Smart at 48 lbs. because everyone had said that it performed best with low tension (both the racquet and the Smart strings). Yesterday I strung it up with Diadem Solstice Power at my typical poly tension for a 100 sq in racquet, 55 lbs, and I have to say I'm liking it more. I probably should have gone with my initial instinct of going so low, because I have never liked the way sub 50 lbs tensions play.

I still don't think I'll be switching from my Pro Staff anytime soon, but I am finding hitting with the Clash Tour more enjoyable now...
 

Mirdad

Semi-Pro
Given Clash is supposed to stiffen up as you hit harder, it's not unreasonable to go for a lower tension to maintain some power. I had mine strung with RPM Blast 1.25 at 41lbs and it turned out to be the best setup for me.
I totally agree. I was almost ready to give up on my Clash Tour but made several changes that resulted in some incredible results with both control, spin and power. Like you I used RPM Blast 17g but strung it at #35 mains/#34 crosses. I normally like to play with at least 12 ounce racquets such as Wilson RFA and have been a big fan of the Pro Staff line. As I age my arm appreciates a more comfortable set up, however I don't want to give up the performance of a traditional players racquet. So I added a leather grip which increased the weight in the handle by about 6 grams, added 2 grams of lead at 3 and 9 (4 total, using 4" strips), and 2 grams running from 1 o'clock to 2 and 10 to 11 in the hoop (also total of 4 grams). So total weight added was 8 grams to the hoop and 6 in the handle. With dampener and Kimony OG the total static weight is 348 grams or 12.26 ounces which is just about perfect weight for me along with 31.75 h/l. I normally hit a very heavy ball but have had difficulties hitting outright winners from a few feet in back of the baseline. With this new set up I was able to hit with more power along with more spin which yielded quite a bit more winners. I certainly would not endorse the Clash Tour as a direct sub for the Wilson RFA but if you are having problems with the weight and stiffness of the Pro Staff types of racquets the Clash Tour can be customized to fit your needs. The other huge advantage of the Clash Tour is even the arm sensitive players like myself can use a full bed of poly, but I've found you have to string in very low. An old school player who prefers hitting flat won't do well with this racquet. I still need to test this set up against a heavy incoming serve. Last couple of times I returned serves with the Clash Tour I found it unstable.
 

Bartelby

Bionic Poster
Beyond all the technological innovations that are hard to assess, the racquet seems based on the simple proposition that you can get away with a flexible racquet if you increase the beam width to maintain the power.
 

TagUrIt

Hall of Fame
The Clash 98 peaked my interest, but I’m going to stay with my Tour. I’m having way too much fun with it. I’m also enjoying experimenting with different types of strings and string setups.
 

DavoAus15

New User
I used the Blades for a bit and recently gave the Clash and Clash Tour a try - the Tour has similar weight to the Blades, but it's a lot more headlight and didn't feel nearly as substantial as the Blades (also I was having the same hand/wrist pain that I did when using the Blades, and I was hoping for something that would help with that pain, otherwise I would just stick with the Blades). I bought the regular Clash and it was super different, and better suited to my needs - the much lighter static weight helped with the pain, but the head-heavier balance made it feel surprisingly solid, and honestly a bit more like my Blades than the Tour, in some ways.
So if you're looking for "help" (though it sort of depends on what you mean by that), I would lean more towards the Clash rather than the Tour. Hope that helps!

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
My current stick is the 2017 blade countervale 18x20 which I love. The only thing it lacks is that 15% power on serve and forehands otherwise it’s a beast. I tried the Clash 100 and fell in love straight away, flex was amazing! Everything I hit no matter how hard somehow landed in. I also tried the Tour and groundstrokes felt bit more solid but the serve let me down just a bit, loads went into the net. I’m yet to try the 98 version and I can’t wait! I think it will hit more like the blade. Maybe go to a 16x19 Blade to look for that extra zip??
I want to transition to the clash but I’m only 95% sold there.
 

Ron555

New User
I like the clash 100 tour..... but it has a lot of power, at least for me. So i end up stringing low power poly on high tension ( black shark 26kg)
Does the clash 98 have more/less/same power as the clash 100 tour?
 

JOSHL

Hall of Fame
My current stick is the 2017 blade countervale 18x20 which I love. The only thing it lacks is that 15% power on serve and forehands otherwise it’s a beast. I tried the Clash 100 and fell in love straight away, flex was amazing! Everything I hit no matter how hard somehow landed in. I also tried the Tour and groundstrokes felt bit more solid but the serve let me down just a bit, loads went into the net. I’m yet to try the 98 version and I can’t wait! I think it will hit more like the blade. Maybe go to a 16x19 Blade to look for that extra zip??
I want to transition to the clash but I’m only 95% sold there.
Apparently the next Blades coming in August have the Clash flex....so you may want to wait.
 

TagUrIt

Hall of Fame
Does the clash 98 have more/less/same power as the clash 100 tour?


The weight is the same so I would say the power is equal. I think the feel might be a touch better on the 98, the beam is thinner and the head is smaller. I think finding the right string set up (for yourself) is the key to having success with the Clash.
 
Top