Clash 98: underrated racquet of 2019.
- Thread starter J011yroger
- Start date
WillGinRVA
Rookie
What are the chances this is a custom 18x20 they made versus an early model from Wilson?From unstrung customs at Instagram. Bedene testing 18x20 clash?
RoarTT
Semi-Pro
Time will show i suppose
WillGinRVA
Rookie
Nice. I'm glad you posted this because I was about to settle on the Blade 18x20 and buy a 2nd frame, but I think Clash 98 18x20 could be even better lol. I really like the Clash 98 16x19 but don't like the high loopy hits I get from it compared to the 18x20 Blade... and I think an 18x20 Clash could be the best of both worldsA close up. 98 Tour 18x20 apparently.
. Where can I preorder? Lol.
RoarTT
Semi-Pro
I agree. Said from the beginning that a Clash with 18 mains would be nice. It probably will be reality now.Nice. I'm glad you posted this because I was about to settle on the Blade 18x20 and buy a 2nd frame, but I think Clash 98 18x20 could be even better lol. I really like the Clash 98 16x19 but don't like the high loopy hits I get from it compared to the 18x20 Blade... and I think an 18x20 Clash could be the best of both worlds
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
Maybe in time for Black Friday 2020 sales.
BBender716
Semi-Pro
Fyi guys, you can add to cart and also use WILSON25 to stack and you can get a Clash 98 + a Wilson Clash duffle for ~170 shipped. Ridiculous price for this racquet.
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Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
Notorious_Junkballer
Hall of Fame
I will give the 18x20 version a try. Didn't find 16x19 accurate enough and the launch angle was not to my liking either.
Hi all
In the Over50 club and on the Clash98 bandwagon - what a great racket! Ready to go all in but need some string recommendations & tensions to round out the decision making. Played it with Luxilon Smart the last few hits at mid-forties tension with the test racket.
I have the following string reels sitting around that I usually throw on my other rackets: LuxAlu Power, LuxAlu Soft, Solinco TB, Solinco HyperG, Grapplesnake TourSniper, Volkl Cyclone
Any feedback is appreciated.
In the Over50 club and on the Clash98 bandwagon - what a great racket! Ready to go all in but need some string recommendations & tensions to round out the decision making. Played it with Luxilon Smart the last few hits at mid-forties tension with the test racket.
I have the following string reels sitting around that I usually throw on my other rackets: LuxAlu Power, LuxAlu Soft, Solinco TB, Solinco HyperG, Grapplesnake TourSniper, Volkl Cyclone
Any feedback is appreciated.
tlm
G.O.A.T.
I’ve been demoing the clash 98, 100 and 100 light and the 98 is the best for me. Everyone is different when it comes to string but I really like alu power at higher tensions, which on open pattern rackets is always my first choice. I tried Wilson sensation 17 gauge at 60 lbs and it was too tight which made the racket too dead. With multi’s I would suggest tension at lower 50’s, for poly I would recommend mid 50’s.
DJ-
Hall of Fame
From unstrung customs at Instagram. Bedene testing 18x20 clash?
Kinda looks like mine only white o.g and 18m ;-) Looks like 4g too. Gut poly would be great in this version
One Handed Dynasty
Semi-Pro
I think tail weighting would be the main method of fiddling the would make the blade more HL/whippy. It really depends on what end spec you’re trying to achieve. You would have to add 16g to the butcap to get an on spec v7 18x20 blade to the same balance as an on spec clash, while it would only take 3g of lead at 10&2 and 2g in the butcap to get an on spec clash 98 to a 334 strung swingweight and keep the balance the same.
If your only goal is maximizing maneuverability then I’d say go with the clash because you can reach a 334 swingweight and 315mm balance point with a static weight 8 grams lighter than with the blade. I’d definitely recommend that you demo a clash 98 before doing that though since the different layups will have a different feel and the 16x19 pattern will have a higher launch angle than an 18x20. You might be best served waiting for the 18x20 clash 98 that’s coming out in the near future.
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BBender716
Semi-Pro
Been playing with the Blade v7 18x20 and took my Clash 98 out first time today. Conclusion: Blade made me feel like a champ but the Clash 98 made play more like one.
Everything bit more, shots were easier to handle because the Blade is likely above my technique level to take full advantage of.
I think I might be switching but holding onto the blade for working on strokes/change of pace and selling my PST 2019.
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Everything bit more, shots were easier to handle because the Blade is likely above my technique level to take full advantage of.
I think I might be switching but holding onto the blade for working on strokes/change of pace and selling my PST 2019.
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I mean. This is great whatever stick best for you but so unrelated 2 sticks is like switching from sports car to a truck... not saying bc one better than other but such different sticks.. do you wonder if clash 98 is the best open pattern, high launch angle, thick beam offering that fits your game? Or you want to check out beast 98, head extreme, vcore pro 310, prince tour 100 (310).. what made you pick up the blade v7 and not even the 16x19 but the 18x20.. assuming control and sw, stability?
BBender716
Semi-Pro
Agreed. I've been on a long journey to find a stick that fits. I regret trading my Blade v7 16x19 for an 18x20 but I really do like the stability there and 95-98 is my racquet head size sweet spot.
The Clash 98 didn't feel too incredibly different tbh. Heftier than I expected for sure. Might add a small amount of lead at 3 and 9.
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tennis347
Hall of Fame
I have been playing with the new Blade 98 16 x 19 v7 since it came out in mid-August. It's really a great all around frame, however with the sale Wilson is running along with the positive reviews, I broke down and bought the Clash 98 last night. I could use a little easier power and spin in my game at 52. I strung it up with Gamma TNT 15l at 51lbs. I am not a poly user anymore and decided to use a little thicker string to get some more durability. I will post my review when I hit with the Clash 98.
I penned a very long post, but ultimately it could be summarised thus:
Don't think I've ever had such an enjoyable first hit with any racquet.
n8dawg6
Legend
you too, huh?
tennis347
Hall of Fame
Yes, I have been on the fence with the Clash since it came out due to the thick beam. The reviews on the 100 and 100 Tour are all over the map. While I really like the new Blade 98 16 x 19 v7, I am looking for a little easier power and spin. The reviews with the Clash 98 have been mainly favorable so I decided to give it try to see if it's a better racquet than the Blade 98 16 x 19 for my baseline game. Not sure if I will actually make the switch but it should be interesting to try the Clash and see if it meets my expectations which are quite high! I have been use to playing with thin flexible beam racquets in my almost 30 years of playing. I thought that with the low flex the 98 Clash might finally be what I am looking for. I don't play with poly anymore due to some arm issues so I don't know how good the control is going to be with the 98 Clash. With the Blade, I can play with any synthetic string and still get decent control. I would like not to work as hard on the ground strokes. I will post my review after I play with the 98 Clash.
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n8dawg6
Legend
yeah the blade is low-powered ... sometimes i want a little more too. the beam is so sexy though
i have the clash strung w cyclone at 50 lbs. feels and sounds very unique just whomping it in the living room. gonna give a whirl in singles tomorrow night
tennis347
Hall of Fame
Let me know your thoughts. I use to play with Cyclone years ago which is a good poly. I have to stay clear of poly these days due to my sensitive shoulder and a little with the elbow. I am curious to see if you like the Clash 98. I should have mine by Weds. Enjoy.
bertrevert
Legend
V interested to hear what find out.
Demo event on w/e was swapping - Gravity MP ... Speed 360 MP ... Blade 98 16x19 v7
Doing so makes crystal clear - those three are in that order of "friendliness".
Really liked the Gravity - light static weight, beefy swingweight.
(ps. Me just a few years less on court than you but have been swapping between player-ish 98 frames, and 100 error-correction frames - been flip-flopping between those for a long time.... too long!)
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tennis347
Hall of Fame
I have been playing regularly and would consider myself on the 4.0-4.5 level. I have never used a racquet that gave me easy power. Maybe the Clash 98 is one?? There are alot of good racquets out there these days! It does make things more complicated. Wilson has done a great job with the new Blade line but I crave a bit more power and spin for my western forehand and OHBH. The plot thickens with the Clash 98, lol. I will be sure to post my review after the first hitting session which will hopefully be towards the end of this week.
I played over 10 hours of hard singles and drills last week and have no more pain in my right wrist than I do in my left. With my other racquets that have a stiffness rating over 60RA, it would take weeks for my wrist to recover from that amount of tennis.
The flex of the frame has saved my wrist and the free power and spin means I get good penetration on serve without having to do much more than roll my arm over, hence my 40 years of rotator cuff tears is manageable. This is why I'm on the Clash and not the Phantom.
There is no perfect racquet and what this one lacks for me is some control and stability (it's well above average, but not RF97 level). I've already addressed some of this with customisation. When I've settled on a spec I will create a matched set with the 2 more Clash 98s I've ordered.
For my purposes, this racquet ticks most boxes and allows me to play virtually pain free. There's no point in me having the perfect racquet and always being injured because of it.
Even if you don't have arm injuries, this frame is worth trying. If you do (or are concerned about avoiding them), it's got to be on your short list.
The flex of the frame has saved my wrist and the free power and spin means I get good penetration on serve without having to do much more than roll my arm over, hence my 40 years of rotator cuff tears is manageable. This is why I'm on the Clash and not the Phantom.
There is no perfect racquet and what this one lacks for me is some control and stability (it's well above average, but not RF97 level). I've already addressed some of this with customisation. When I've settled on a spec I will create a matched set with the 2 more Clash 98s I've ordered.
For my purposes, this racquet ticks most boxes and allows me to play virtually pain free. There's no point in me having the perfect racquet and always being injured because of it.
Even if you don't have arm injuries, this frame is worth trying. If you do (or are concerned about avoiding them), it's got to be on your short list.
tennis347
Hall of Fame
How much weight did you add? What areas of the frame did you add weight? Just curious what string set up and tension you are using as I just bought a Clash 98? Can your arm handle a poly in this frame? I have some minor shoulder and elbow issues from my 30 years of playing. I am a bit reluctant to play with a poly string as I don't want to aggravate my shoulder and elbow.
Although I've had a Clash 100 Tour for half the year, I've had the 98 for less, so someone else might be better placed. I do think what I learned with the Tour has translated well to the 98 though. They are similar in a lot of ways. I'll only talk about the 98 here.
So far 4g at 3 and 9, with a little in the handle to keep the balance. I'm not very scientific about it, just go with what feels good. It feels like it needs more in the hoop, but definitely doesn't need more power, so I'm considering some at 8 and 4. I don't tend to hit much below the middle of the string bed, so this may not last long. It's a work in progress.
Strings I think I've almost settled on. Demo came with fresh looking ALU Power or Rough. Felt okay for poly, but aside from going ooh and aah at the stupid spin, I didn't love the way it felt at net and it would have been too stiff for my wrist anyway. After trying a couple of setups, I've settled on nat gut and Cream, which is really, really good until I break it *. Best so far has been 52/48. Will try higher with the gut, but not the Cream.
* Not much data on longevity yet, but I got 10 hours out of it last week, which is longer than I'd keep a full bed of poly even if my wrist could handle it. Am chasing a few frays with string savers, but it's still playing okay. I'd say I am getting around double what I would from a multi and it plays much better.
You really have to see what works for you. I play all court tennis, serve and volley around half the time and am always looking to attack. I really only stay back on very slow Plexicushion or when my serve is getting punished. If you're a dedicated baseliner, then maybe something else would suit you better .. but then again, so might the 100 Tour.
tennis347
Hall of Fame
Thanks for your input. I understand that there's alot of trial and error. Coming from the Blade 98 16 x 19 v7, I thought the Clash 98 would be more suitable as well as an easier transition. I might experiment adding some lead to the hoop but still want to maintain good maneuverability. I also think that 98 will be more suitable to my OHB. Lastly, since I am not going to use a poly string, I still want to be able to maintain some control. I will post my review when I get my Clash 98.
Notorious_Junkballer
Hall of Fame
When will the 18x20 be released?
DJ-
Hall of Fame
Is this even happening? Wonder if wilson on IG have been asked
Notorious_Junkballer
Hall of Fame
DJ-
Hall of Fame
Have non pro's seen / tested it ? It could be a prototype or paint job of something else? I hope it does exist !
n8dawg6
Legend
played a set w the clash and a set w the trusty blade tonight. clash will take more of a transition period if i want to use it. its a tweener with w a very muted flexy feel.
i actually didnt like the feel, not right off the bat like i did the blade. i was hitting everything a little short and very spinny with the clash ... prolly due to lower SW than the blade. kinda tough to know where the ball was going with it
sweetspot was generous, it has the usual tweener benefits on not-perfectly-struck balls. will definitely mess around with it some more
I demoed the Blade 16x19v7 and 18x20 along with the Clash 98, 100, and 100t a little while ago. Came down to a battle between the Blade 16x19 and the 98, with the 98 ultimately prevailing. Just found more easy, yet controllable, power with the 98 (8 mains likely helped), better oomph on serves, and seemed to generate some powerful deep groundies that stayed in more than not. My OHB never felt better. Strung it with gut/poly (Klip at 54 and WCSS at 50) and feels awesome. Frankly, while the feel is a little unique, it didn't take me long at all to adjust. 4.0/4.5 all courter here.
tennis347
Hall of Fame
The very low flex must be a unique feel. Now it makes sense that the Clash plays better with a lower tension. I would imagine it will be less demanding over the Blade which is a great frame IMO. I also decided to order the Tour 100 for comparison with the 98 Clash. I am in NY so there's not much playing time left due to the cold weather and I don't play much indoors. I am not going to say I will be switching to the Clash, however want to experience something unique. I will keep you posted with my thoughts by the end of the week.
tennis347
Hall of Fame
This is the kind of review I want to hear with the Clash 98. I am also on your level of 4.0-4.5 and looking for easier power with also some control. I will have my Clash 98 shortly and be posting my review.
tennis347
Hall of Fame
I just received my Clash 98 strung with Gamma TNT 15l at 51lbs. The racquet came in at 332 grams strung. I am glad that weight came in over spec weight as I prefer not to add any lead tape. Just bouncing a ball on the frame you can really feel the flex of this frame. I also ordered 100 Tour just for comparison but didn't like the balance as much so I will be sending it back.
I will be playing tomorrow and report back on my thoughts of the Clash 98.
I will be playing tomorrow and report back on my thoughts of the Clash 98.
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n8dawg6
Legend
yeah the clash 100s didnt do anything for me, but the 98 is different. i spent another 2 hrs with it last night. theres some extra power there to tap into, and it isnt nearly as clunky as the typical 100 sq in tweener. i found topspin easy to generate ...
tennis347
Hall of Fame
That's exactly what I am looking for. Just swinging the Clash 98 in my living room, I can tell that there's very easy racquet speed. Definitely will be easier to use than the Blade 98 v7 which is also a great racquet but a bit too demanding. Did you add any weight to your Clash 98?
I don't think it needs any more weight. Mine came in over spec weight.
I will post my review tomorrow night.
I play mine at 340 swingweight. But lately the thought has been creeping in my head that it might take away the speed and manouverability of the frame, making it clunkier and more difficult to swing.
