Official Wilson Clash thread

jk175d · Jul 9, 2019

1HBHfanatic said:
yeah I guess i was abit unclear ?!
but i was agreeing with you!!, the clash 98 has lots of power and going higher in tension is my opinion as well!
here is what i wrote, maybe you missed it:
" ive tried this racquets with low and high tensions,, the few times ive tried it,,
for me, that racquet works well in the higher tensions with all poly!,, and being soo wide open, a thicker poly would work, imo
the 98" is a bit tighter, so 17g string imo would work "..

im also a 4.5 player

Ok thanks. I did read what you said but it didn't sound like you were addressing the point about tension specifically relative to that of your previous regular setup as much as you were describing general experimentation. There are so many variables in why one guy likes one tension over another so general tension discussions aren't really useful imo. But if say 8 out of 10 guys said they switched to the clash 98 with their tried and true string set up, and found they needed to go a few higher, that insight would kind of transcend personal preference.

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BigLou · Jul 10, 2019

hurworld · Jul 10, 2019

The TW Clash 98 written review is up now.

DriveKing · Jul 10, 2019

Had the chance to hit with the Clash 98 for the last week on and off. Had a few thoughts...

Current Set-Up: Angell TCV3 18x20, 320 unstrung, 51 lbs tension, 9 pt HL.

Clash: Original Set-Up, 51 lbs Solinco Tour Bite Soft.

I have to say, I enjoyed the Wilson Clash at first hit. Coming from a much heftier Angell it was fun to go back to a lighter racquet and feel like I could whip it around on almost any shot. My serve exploded off the string bed, which caught my attention. I'm a 4.0 on my best day, with a strong first serve. So for me, the Clash in terms of service was electric. The guy I hit with mentioned that the ball was a lot quicker than my Angell on serve, but it didn't carry as much "heft" when it landed. So take that for whatever it means.

The overall feeling of the racquet on groundstrokes was unique. I enjoyed how easy it was on my arm and how quick the racquet head came around on the ball. For me personally, I prefer a heavier racquet and the 18x20 pattern, despite lighter racquets offering me more "free power," but the Clash was still fun to baseline with.

The 98 also didn't feel too shaky in terms of accuracy. Even with the more open pattern, I was able to find my spots for the most part and swing big. My biggest issue was hitting the ball long more times than not. That free power pushed it deep, even when I tried to add loads of topspin to keep it within the lines. It was hard at certain times to get a proper feel for my power.

At net, it wasn't unstable. I thought it would be. My Angell remains much easier to put hard balls away with at net, but the Clash didn't strike me as too flimsy. Nothing horrible at net from playing with it.

Overall, it was very fun to hit with. I'd recommend it for people who enjoy lighter racquets with a generous sweet spot and those who enjoy an easy sense of maneuverability. Enjoyed the play test, will probably mix it in at times when I'm rallying or trying to really get after my serves.

isukatennis · Jul 10, 2019

Got two new 100 Tours on the truck for delivery today... How are you folks two-piece stringing these? The Wilson way, Klipper way, or your own way?

Mirdad · Jul 10, 2019

isukatennis said:
Got two new 100 Tours on the truck for delivery today... How are you folks two-piece stringing these? The Wilson way, Klipper way, or your own way?

I just do mine the Wilson way. I've never been told what the advantages/disadvantages are using other methods. I really like my Clash Tour. Much better racquet after I added weight and switched to a leather grip. I haven't lost a set since I made the change to the new set up.

Ellxaber · Jul 10, 2019

Hi everybody,a question on Clash's paint job. Plenty of folks seems to have issues with the paint of their Ultra and Pro Staff racquets. Is this issue solved in the Clash model?

I am currently playing with Babolat Pure Drive Team and the racquet feels good for my game. However I am a bit of a design fanatic and those thick beams in the throat area can drive me bananas.

I've read the Ultra 100 CV is a bit similar to the Pure Drive but many people experience problems with the paint.

Now I am looking at the Clash 100 and try to figure out if this is really such a big thing or it is only a marketing hype because. I am planning to test it in the coming weeks.

JoelDali · Jul 11, 2019

The Clash is disrupting the industry.

Moar Clash = Moar 3.5 titles.

jk175d · Jul 11, 2019

Ellxaber said:
Hi everybody,a question on Clash's paint job. Plenty of folks seems to have issues with the paint of their Ultra and Pro Staff racquets. Is this issue solved in the Clash model?

I am currently playing with Babolat Pure Drive Team and the racquet feels good for my game. However I am a bit of a design fanatic and those thick beams in the throat area can drive me bananas.

I've read the Ultra 100 CV is a bit similar to the Pure Drive but many people experience problems with the paint.

Now I am looking at the Clash 100 and try to figure out if this is really such a big thing or it is only a marketing hype because. I am planning to test it in the coming weeks.

I don't know anything about the other paint job issues you're referring to but I've found the paint/coating on the clash to be unusually durable.

Also, the Clash technology is one of the very rare occasions where the hype is justified. The clash definitely feels different than any other frame. That doesn't guarantee results of course, or that it will suit you. But it's not just the run of the mill annual marketing branding (liquid metal, microgel, graphine, etc...) this really is a noticeably different technology.

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tennistiger · Jul 11, 2019

What I can say is that there are differences in the thickness of the clear elastic outer paint. Some frames do have a thick elastic paint and on other frames it is thin that is it difficult to feel.

BillKid · Jul 14, 2019

I am a bit surprised that there is not more praise for the Clash on TT, considering how so many posters are continuously asking for soft frames.

tomato123 · Jul 15, 2019

Haven't notice a lot of Clashes in my 4.0 league, but I do like to hit at a couple parks that are very active with recreational middle aged adults, and I also play with a Meetup group of 3.0-4.0 players that are on the middle age (30-50) group, and in those environments I am definitely noticing a gradual increase in the number of people hitting with the Clash frames. This past Sunday, out of the 4 courts that were taken up with doubles matches, 3 of them had at least one person using the Clash which made it tied with the Pure Aero for the most-represented racquet in that field. The emphasis on arm friendliness and easy playability seems to be resonating pretty well - what's not to like about that if you're not concerned with every detail of racquet specs?

isukatennis · Jul 15, 2019

Grip size (4 3/8), on my Clash Tour seems more than a bit smaller than same size handle on my Yonex... Do Wilson grips run smaller, Clash run smaller, or Yonex just bigger than most?

Hankenstein · Jul 15, 2019

isukatennis said:
Grip on my Clash Tour seems more than a bit smaller than same size handle on my Yonex... Do Wilson grips run smaller, Clash run smaller, or Yonex just bigger than most?

Yonex have ultra-thin replacement-grips on their frames. If you install a normal grip, for example a Babolat syntec, it will feel like one size bigger.

isukatennis · Jul 15, 2019

Hankenstein said:
Yonex have ultra-thin replacement-grips on their frames. If you install a normal grip, for example a Babolat syntec, it will feel like one size bigger.

Sorry, I meant the actual grip/handle size...ie 4 3.8... I edited now to clarify

bertrevert · Jul 15, 2019

isukatennis said:
Grip size (4 3/8), on my Clash Tour seems more than a bit smaller than same size handle on my Yonex... Do Wilson grips run smaller, Clash run smaller, or Yonex just bigger than most?

isukatennis said:
Sorry, I meant the actual grip/handle size...ie 4 3.8... I edited now to clarify

Think this has something to do with shape. Eg. Wilson v Head: when both are the same size grip the rectangular Head shape feels a size smaller than the more square-ish Wilson. Yonex, IIRC, tends more square-ish thus big-ish than even the Wilson. But altering replacement grips should perhaps alleviate/help...

Jouke · Jul 15, 2019

isukatennis said:
Grip size (4 3/8), on my Clash Tour seems more than a bit smaller than same size handle on my Yonex... Do Wilson grips run smaller, Clash run smaller, or Yonex just bigger than most?

Yonex runs big. Size 3 yonex would be a size 4 Wilson!

toby55555 · Jul 16, 2019

tomato123 said:
Haven't notice a lot of Clashes in my 4.0 league, but I do like to hit at a couple parks that are very active with recreational middle aged adults, and I also play with a Meetup group of 3.0-4.0 players that are on the middle age (30-50) group, and in those environments I am definitely noticing a gradual increase in the number of people hitting with the Clash frames. This past Sunday, out of the 4 courts that were taken up with doubles matches, 3 of them had at least one person using the Clash which made it tied with the Pure Aero for the most-represented racquet in that field. The emphasis on arm friendliness and easy playability seems to be resonating pretty well - what's not to like about that if you're not concerned with every detail of racquet specs?

I've only come across one opponent with a Clash (98) so far in my County League team matches in the UK; and he was the club coach trying out a demo.

John the serve · Jul 18, 2019

BigLou said:
Interesting thread and contributions. I've switched to the Clash 100 from using the Yonex AI98 310g. At first I was not convinced because of lesser weight and control, and the high launch angle, but the feel off the stringbed with the Clash was so utterly addictive that I patiently experimented to see if I could get it to work for me. Where I get to is that I have two "on spec" with 8g of silicone added through buttcap, with Wilson Sensation Plus (1.34) at 52lbs in the crosses and Volkl Cyclone Tour 1.20 at 48lbs in the mains. The thicker multi in the crosses at the higher tension seems to "lock" the stringbed and thereby produce a lower launch angle. I have more control over the launch angle, the spin, and greater ability to hit flatter within the lines - it's actually better at flat hitting in this configuration than any racquet I've hit with - on par with my old PS85 (yep, that's a big statement). An improvement all round over the Yonex, except on serve where I can only get about 90% of the power I had, so I might try to lower the tensions.

tried the same set up in my Tour worked great, got Luxilon 4g Soft in the mains through. Definitely finding lower tension the way to go, If you string high it seems to tighten on the frame and take away some of the frame flex. I think next i'll drop the tension a tad more and go with my usual hybrid set up of Quasi Gut Armour 16 instead of the sensation and Gamma moto 17 in the main just for a tad more spin

avocadoz · Jul 18, 2019

tennisoh said:
I know this is kind of silly to think about, but why is the Wilson Clash not in the hands of one of Wilson's featured pros? Why aren't they hyping this up? Can they not convince anyone to be the face of a racquet that is meant to change the racquet game?

It's puzzling marketing to me.

Because it didn’t change the racquet game. Unless they want to add more unforced errors to their game, why make the switch?

John the serve · Jul 18, 2019

it will take time to filter through but its strange they dont have an a-list to endorse it even if they use a Pro stock. lets face Murray doesn't use a Radical and Djoko doesnt use a speed its a paint job. Maybe they will get a next gen player to endorse like a Felix.

guilhermefdc · Jul 18, 2019

John the serve said:
it will take time to filter through but its strange they dont have an a-list to endorse it even if they use a Pro stock. lets face Murray doesn't use a Radical and Djoko doesnt use a speed its a paint job. Maybe they will get a next gen player to endorse like a Felix.

Head is specially weird in this regard, as Djoko uses a Radical-like (and could endorse it), Murray uses a Prestige-like (and could endorse it), Zverev uses a Speed-like that is also kinda-like the Gravity Pro (and could endorse the Speed, I guess)

hurworld · Jul 19, 2019

guilhermefdc said:
Head is specially weird in this regard, as Djoko uses a Radical-like (and could endorse it), Murray uses a Prestige-like (and could endorse it), Zverev uses a Speed-like that is also kinda-like the Gravity Pro (and could endorse the Speed, I guess)

It's all about the marketing / image they wanna project for each line.
Can you imagine Djoko being the face of Radical?

A_Instead · Jul 19, 2019

I wish djoko would be the face of the prestige line..but I understand you want your best player in front of a frame that suits the biggest opportunity/market..

mad dog1 · Jul 20, 2019

Finally tried the Clash 98. TBH, it feels so similar to my modded 100. Both are very good. String life is still very short. Diadem solstice pro 1.35/Volkl v-pro 1.28 @ 50/47 is almost halfway notched after about 4 hours of hitting. Mains are moving around and no longer snapping back. Would love to see Wilson offer a Clash in 18/20 pattern.

A_Instead · Jul 20, 2019

Yes..it's a hungry frame..it does eat strings..

1HBHfanatic · Jul 20, 2019

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JOSHL · Jul 20, 2019

mad dog1 said:
Finally tried the Clash 98. TBH, it feels so similar to my modded 100. Both are very good. String life is still very short. Diadem solstice pro 1.35/Volkl v-pro 1.28 @ 50/47 is almost halfway notched after about 4 hours of hitting. Mains are moving around and no longer snapping back. Would love to see Wilson offer a Clash in 18/20 pattern.

They will soon. It’s called a Blade.

mad dog1 · Jul 20, 2019

JOSHL said:
They will soon. It’s called a Blade.

If it’s called a Blade, it won’t be a Clash then.

Holdfast44ID · Jul 20, 2019

mad dog1 said:
If it’s called a Blade, it won’t be a Clash then.

A Clade or a Blash.

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tennistiger · Jul 21, 2019

Custom Clash will be available 2020!

BretH · Jul 21, 2019

So I broke a string on my first Clash 100 (non-tour). This happened a bit sooner than I am used to with my Yonex ai98s, but it was still a good amount of hitting time. I'd say the Clash is harder on strings but for someone who hits fairly hard but definitely not nearly as hard as younger players the string life is more than acceptable. After a bad case of TE a few years back I have never used all-poly but because it's the Clash I restrung with volkl v-square 18 gauge @ 50 lbs. First impressions after a focused 2 hr hitting session yesterday?

This setup struck a good balance between power and control. I felt much more comfortable swinging naturally but adding a bit "more" to each shot - balls were landing in without me having to focus as hard as before. My hitting partners noticed the same thing. Definitely tamed some of the inconsistent hitting I had found using my normal setup of natural gut mains (@48lbs) and round poly crosses (Hexaspin @44lbs). Some near-mishits had crazy spin that pulled the ball down amazingly fast. I am very definitely happy with the feel and power I got. Oh, and the strings didn't require any straightening - the snapback from the smooth surfaces was excellent.

Today I am not feeling any effects of the string on my elbow or shoulder even though I was sore last night from the effort I put out - time will tell but I am pretty sure the racquet cushioned the shock very well. Mains are only very slightly notched so I think I'll have several more hours without worry of breakage even with this thin string. Tension may have dropped but I did not notice a difference from the beginning to the end of the session. I'll keep this setup for the regionals tournament next weekend and if there's anything worthwhile I find out I'll post again.

A_Instead · Jul 21, 2019

One of the nice benefits of the Clash is you can use poly at higher tension..

mad dog1 · Jul 21, 2019

A_Instead said:
Yes..it's a hungry frame..it does eat strings..

Broke the main 5 mins into today’s hitting session. String eater indeed.

Jouke · Jul 21, 2019

mad dog1 said:
Broke the main 5 mins into today’s hitting session. String eater indeed.

Must have been a problem with that string. Not even rafa breaks strings that fast.

A_Instead · Jul 21, 2019

Just like the steam 99s..need to win a grand slam in order to keep strings in them..

1HBHfanatic · Jul 21, 2019

I wonder if the clash 98 does any better with the string breaking issue??
I lined the 100 and the 98 ontop of each other, both seemed to have the same open pattern gaps,
anyone using a 98" seen the string issue?

jk175d · Jul 21, 2019

I'm not much of a string breaker anyway, but looking at the strings after 8 hrs of hitting on my 98 I see only the most minimal notching. (Gut/poly)

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mad dog1 · Jul 21, 2019

Jouke said:
Must have been a problem with that string. Not even rafa breaks strings that fast.

No. It was the string job that had less than 4 hours of hitting on it from the previous 2 sessions. Snapped 5 mins into today’s session. So diadem solstice pro 1.35 mains were done in less than 4 hrs in the clash 98.

bertrevert · Jul 21, 2019

A_Instead said:
Just like the steam 99s..need to win a grand slam in order to keep strings in them..

Nah the Steam was by-far the bigger string eater, heinous! I remember trying a few setups and just getting bizarre launch angles and leaving the ball sitting up and begging for the opponent to belt. Clash 100 (std) is open for sure but the harder you hit the more it cups the ball, I'm not getting thru strings in any way I've noticed but I have been changing strings a lot while I search setups. An enjoying fb of poly.

I have volkl cyclon 1.24 (17) anthracite in at the moment and it is fantastic!

bertrevert · Jul 21, 2019

BretH said:
bad case of TE a few years back I have never used all-poly

And there you have it... #metoo or whatever I'm in the same boat so wanted to use full poly but cld not in a variety of racq's but finally can in the Clash. That's the (small) revolution for me. It is simply unreal that I can enjoy all the big bite and big burn of poly and hit as hard as I poss can and have the ball stay in. NOt being able to use such a string before was crazy. Now this racq and it sounds like the new Head Gravity is allowing access.

G'luck in your tourny, play well!

Holdfast44ID · Jul 21, 2019

I have the Clash 98 strung with a full bed of GrappleSnake Tour Sniper at 48 lbs. I hit two hours yesterday and it felt boardy. Today, it felt great (hit for three hours, very hard hitting). I was consistently able to rip shots with good control. Maybe it just took awhile for the stringbed to break in but I felt much more grip and pocketing today. Perhaps I will string it a pound or two lower next time. I am looking forward to testing the new Blades next month to see if they have that something extra for me that the Clash 98 might be missing. Otherwise, I think I have a good string setup for now at least.

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toby55555 · Jul 22, 2019

Holdfast44ID said:
I have the Clash 98 strung with a full bed of GrappleSnake Tour Sniper at 48 lbs. I hit two hours yesterday and it felt boardy. Today, it felt great (hit for three hours, very hard hitting). I was consistently able to rip shots with good control. Maybe it just took awhile for the stringbed to break in but I felt much more grip and pocketing today. Perhaps I will string it a pound or two lower next time. I am looking forward to testing the new Blades next month to see if they have that something extra for me that the Clash 98 might be missing. Otherwise, I think I have a good string setup for now at least.

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That sounds similar to my experience with the Tour version ie somewhere around 44-46lbs seems to be optimum with full poly 17g. In my case Yonex Poly Tour Pro 120 so not a shaped poly like yours.
I’ve tried hybrid with gut/poly and multi/poly but not found a combo I liked.
Bought a third frame so I can keep experimenting.

mad dog1 · Jul 24, 2019

I’ve spent enough time comparing the Clash 98 to my modded Clash 100 and have come to the conclusion that for me, the Clash 98 is a better racquet. The Clash 100 feels like it’s going to fold in half when I hit big shots. This feeling is a bit disconcerting. The 98 never exhibits this effect on big shots. It took a little while to get my 2hbh dialed in with the 100. With the 98, it just felt right straight away. There was no dial in period. The 100 has a bit more power and the 98 has a bit more control. Both are immensely comfortable to hit with. Both volley great at the net but the 98 has a bit more stability so it’s easier to stick the volleys for put aways. Both have voracious appetites for strings. I enjoy both but I prefer the 98 a little more.

blablavla · Jul 25, 2019

Jouke said:
Must have been a problem with that string. Not even rafa breaks strings that fast.

If I can brake the strings on my Pure Aero in 2-4 hours of hitting, then Rafa can do it faster, as I don't hit as hard as he does.

Jouke · Jul 25, 2019

blablavla said:
If I can brake the strings on my Pure Aero in 2-4 hours of hitting, then Rafa can do it faster, as I don't hit as hard as he does.

He was suggestin. He broke freshly strung string within 5 min. That for me would indicate a string failure

blablavla · Jul 25, 2019

Jouke said:
He was suggestin. He broke freshly strung string within 5 min. That for me would indicate a string failure

yes, 5 minutes must be a string problem.

Miriel · Aug 20, 2019

Hello everyone,

First post in the forum, glad to be with such tennis lovers.

I am an amateur recreational player and considering to buy my first racquet. Nowadays, I play with my father and I am using one of his racquets which is Wilson Blade 98 18x20. What I feel is that it is a great racquet but I feel that I will be better off if I changed to racquet that is more focused on control and comfort.

Nowadays, I started to learn go to net and playing with different styles. However, I am not very succesful at slices and volleys yet.

So, considering my situation do you think that Clash is suitable for me? Do you think that it is a suitable racquet for a person who is amateur? If yes, which one?

Thanks a lot.

toby55555 · Aug 20, 2019

Miriel said:
Hello everyone,

First post in the forum, glad to be with such tennis lovers.

I am an amateur recreational player and considering to buy my first racquet. Nowadays, I play with my father and I am using one of his racquets which is Wilson Blade 98 18x20. What I feel is that it is a great racquet but I feel that I will be better off if I changed to racquet that is more focused on control and comfort.

Nowadays, I started to learn go to net and playing with different styles. However, I am not very succesful at slices and volleys yet.

So, considering my situation do you think that Clash is suitable for me? Do you think that it is a suitable racquet for a person who is amateur? If yes, which one?

Thanks a lot.

I wouldn't say the focus is on control but it sure forces you to play with spin. Its a bit of a rocket launcher if you hit flat but I feel my game is taking off now I'm forced to concentrate on a loose grip, relaxed wrist and lots of racket head speed. Currently using with full poly at 40lbs. It's definitely a very comfortable racket for me, in fact the first frame where I've been able to use poly with no arm issues, even with a PK Q5 I had to use multi. That said I loaned it to a mate this evening and he reported shoulder issues after just a few rallies so may not suit everyone.
In summary i'd say probably not the racket you are looking for

TagUrIt · Aug 21, 2019

Miriel said:
Hello everyone,

First post in the forum, glad to be with such tennis lovers.

I am an amateur recreational player and considering to buy my first racquet. Nowadays, I play with my father and I am using one of his racquets which is Wilson Blade 98 18x20. What I feel is that it is a great racquet but I feel that I will be better off if I changed to racquet that is more focused on control and comfort.

Nowadays, I started to learn go to net and playing with different styles. However, I am not very succesful at slices and volleys yet.

So, considering my situation do you think that Clash is suitable for me? Do you think that it is a suitable racquet for a person who is amateur? If yes, which one?

Thanks a lot.

Hey welcome to the forum. You’ll find it’s full of experts and high level tennis players that are more than willing to offer you advice about all things tennis.

I'm kidding btw.

To answer question, I have four Wilson Clash Tours and I couldn’t be happier. Since you’ve already been playing with the 98 I would recommend demoing the Tour or the 98 version they just released. Also, if you didn’t already know, Wilson just released the newest version of the Blade too. We can make suggestions, but ultimately it’s going to be up to what you prefer and what suits your game. As with all racquets finding the right string setup is vital to success in the courts. I experimented with several string setups before finding the one I like best. Tourna Big Hitter Blue Rough in the mains and Luxilon Natural Gut in the crosses both 16g.

Do a little homework, video play tests, reviews, etc. Most important demo both the Clash and the Blade and see if you like either of them. Good luck, keep us updated.

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