numbyumlewis
New User
You'll enjoy it. Let us know!
18x20 Wilson Shift prototype
- Thread starter kkm
- Start date
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
I got mine last night. It definitely looks prettier in person with the perl shine to the light blue. Mine is under spec at 313g unstrung. Strung it at 50lbs with Technifibre Ice Code 1.25 as 1-piece ATW. Way easier to do so with 10 grommet holes in the neck. Grommets are on softer fragile side btw. Also the grip seems bulkier than in my Pure Strikes, in same 4 3/8 size, so I’ll try to play w/o an OG. Also I had to put some bumper tape at the top to balance Shift exactly like my Pure Strikes. Now it’s time to play test and then report back.
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Tennistennischocolate
New User
An update on this.
Really stuggled with the multi at 54lbs (X-one biphase). Too much power, but comfortable. Also, the racket felt much lighter vs the full bed of Revolve.
Currently have a hybrid of Alu power (1.25) in the mains and VS gut in the crosses both at 50lbs. Felt really nice, and great, efforless pace, precision and spin. Main complaint was on receiving faster shots (especially return of serve), where controlling a block return was very hard.
Getting closer!
Which ATW pattern did you use? I've been using the DireDesire and it seems to work well in this frame
Fighting phoenix
Professional
Very cool! Did you get a chance to measure the swingweight? Even if it's slightly under spec in static weight, it could still be over spec in swingweight. Enjoy! I totally love this racquet and am fully committed to the switch I made to it.
Fighting phoenix
Professional
Cool! Yeah, given the power of the 315, I would think a full bet of multi or gut would be difficult to control. Re your complaint on receiving faster shots - is that a function of the strings, or of handling a heavier racquet? I had a hard time at first but have since adjusted, and since the racquet is very stable (ie high twistweight) I find it does great blocking hard hit shots, especially w/ slice backhands and volleys.
I've only been using full poly with this so far, but am keen to see if poly mains/multi crosses would work well and soften it up a bit, since I do have a history of arm issues. Thanks!
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
I knew/used only 2 ATW patterns. One for Pure Strikes with 8 mains in the neck area and another for Shift315 last night with 10 mains. So the latter was done by using ~10 ft side to finish half of mains (9x), the ~30 ft piece to finish the second part of the mains (9x) and go for all crosses from the hoop to the neck. On Pure Strikes 18x20 you have to skip the last main for ~30 ft piece and go with all crosses hoop to neck and then finish with the last main.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
I don't have any equipment to measure SW. The static weight full in is just 2-3g higher than the rackets I used to play with. Just shadow swinging feels a bit faster and easier to swing than SW335 Pure Strikes. As for blocking big heavy shots, you definitely have to be fully dialed-in with the racket to do such effectively.
Tennistennischocolate
New User
Function of the strings - with the full bed of poly, against the same players, returns were more controlled.
Yep, similar issue, trying to find a setup that balances the arm issues with performance.
So far, for me, a full bed of poly at lower tension (46lbs) has been the best allround combination of comfort and playability. Am watching the thread to see if anyone has success with a poly/poly hybrid
Fighting phoenix
Professional
I thought this was a great review on youtube btw, and in general he does a really good job with his reviews. Regarding comfort - I'm using the 315 @ a lower spec swingweight (293 unstrung), and have had minimal issues with comfort (I'm 50 years old, primarily a singles player, now a 6.5 UTR but coming back to the game after playing DI college tennis back in the day). I've been on a racquet journey this last fall/winter since my pure strike was giving me major shoulder issues after I started playing more than once a week, then spent some time playing the Radical MP and the Extreme Aux MP, both of which I needed to play with a hybrid multi/gut in the mains to avoid arm issues. Since switching to this 315, I've only been playing with poly and I find it to be more comfortable than the other racquets I had been using - some of this is personal preference w/r to weight, style of play, etc.. In college, I played with a rather heavy old version of the pro staff, so this feels like home a bit for me, so maybe that's why it's easier? Also, the reviewer didn't mention the lateral flexibility this racquet provides which isn't measure in the standard 68 RA seen with this racquet.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
Yup, it's definitely uncommon. From many 18x20 I've seen in the last 30 years it was either 6 mains in smaller frames like Prestige mid and 8 mains in all the rest. I have one-handed backhand and Shift315 feels a little awkward to hold with a non-dominat hand/palm on a take back. I guess I don't have giant hands and tend to hold rackets high, right at the neck. This is the first racket, which feels weird in that aspect and I played with like 50+ different rackets before.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
My current racket is Pure Strike 18x20 (with RA of 65-66) and I switched from a really flexy Yonex Vcore Pro HD 18x20 with RA of 60. I had some shoulder, elbow and wrist issues for 2-3 weeks in the beginning but then probably my body got used to it and haven't had any issues since. Playing only full polys up tp 55lbs. Let's see how it goes with Shift315, it's been crazy rainy here in South Florida so I didn't have a chance to hit with it yet
UPD: Finally hit for an hour. WOW! This racket is fire. Really like the unique feel which reminds me of old heavy Yonex-es 330-340g RDiS, MP Tour series. It kinda feels like when you strike the weight transfers effortlessly from the handle to the hoop. Slices, dices, drop volleys all that kinda fun comes really easy. Great serving with the stick, tons of kick on serves and tons of topspin on forehands. Need some time to dial-in on big one-handed backhands though. Still take back feels a little weird to me because of the wide throat and a bit sluggish through the air on that shot. As for comfort, full round poly medium stiffness at 50lbs (pre-stretched at 10%) feels awesome, generous sweet spot, no vibro needed.
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It’s not the first, but 18 mains with 10 mains in the throat is very unusual, and this is the first in a pretty long time. Most racquets with 18 mains have 8 mains in the throat. A few racquets with 18 mains have 6 mains in the throat. Having 18 mains with 10 mains in the throat allows stringing top-down without having to go ATW. 18 mains with 10 mains in the throat (instead of 6 mains in the throat) also means fewer mains pulled at a sharp angle.
The Dunlop Kevin Anderson racquet with 18 mains had 6 mains in the throat, and the Wilson Pro Staff spin effect models with 18 mains did too. Obviously these also allow stringing top-down without having to go ATW. For 18 mains I like 10 mains in the throat more than I like 6 mains in the throat, and I wish more brands would have 10 mains in the throat for their racquets with 18 mains.
servingaces
New User
Yeah it is kinda headheavy that is maybe more the problem for the arm. And the stiffness do you really feel when hitting of center.
String certainly can help. I got this racket with the Luxilon Alu Power Rough about 24kg. But the feeling was soo good - only the next the my shoulder and my arm were sore.
Maybe the 300 would be a better fit. Hope I can review this soon.
servingaces
New User
Thanks man
Really appreciate the complement.
J-Wildcard
Semi-Pro
Yeah, good to see your review @servingaces
I saw the frame in a shop today and it looked very nice with that paint job, I actually thought the new pro staff was OK but looked a bit cheaper than the older versions in the same way as the head lines do with the matt paint finish. The blade v8 looked nice but the latest prestige pro didn't work for me with the matt part of the frame not feeling good. But that's just the cosmetic. I like a softer frame so this shift may not be suitable, I neber liked the balance and feel of the blade pre V7, the clash was an OK feeling racket overall and very solid and dependable but not outstanding, moee an intermediate very consistent frame. I have an ultra pro which is one probably one of the nocer feeling Wilson frames but needs modding to get the power. I'm still undecided on the prestige frames (360+ MP) so thinking of trying a 360+ Speed pro as I hear it has more easier power but still decent feel. Hmmm I will have to wait and see.
I saw the frame in a shop today and it looked very nice with that paint job, I actually thought the new pro staff was OK but looked a bit cheaper than the older versions in the same way as the head lines do with the matt paint finish. The blade v8 looked nice but the latest prestige pro didn't work for me with the matt part of the frame not feeling good. But that's just the cosmetic. I like a softer frame so this shift may not be suitable, I neber liked the balance and feel of the blade pre V7, the clash was an OK feeling racket overall and very solid and dependable but not outstanding, moee an intermediate very consistent frame. I have an ultra pro which is one probably one of the nocer feeling Wilson frames but needs modding to get the power. I'm still undecided on the prestige frames (360+ MP) so thinking of trying a 360+ Speed pro as I hear it has more easier power but still decent feel. Hmmm I will have to wait and see.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
I feel like Shift315 plays softer than its RA of 68-69 would suggest. Maybe due its patented dual flex. No issues to report with wrists, elbows or shoulders and I had all kind of pains with other frames before. I’m coming from Pure Strike 18x20 with RA of 65-67 and it feels stiffer and less forgiving. Also Shift315 doesn’t require dampener and I can’t play w/o one on Pure Strikes (terrible high pitched pingy sound). So comparing the two Shift315 has larger and softer feeling sweet spot but off-center hits are more muted on Pure Strikes. I hit pretty clean, hard, consistent with a lot of rpms, 5.0 - UTR 11 here. I used medium stiffness Technifibre Ice Code 1.25 white at 50lbs with +10% pre-stretch (constant pull) 1-piece ATW on both frames. I definitely need to dial-in more with Shift315 but it’s pretty easy transition for me and I use complete stock: no vibro, no OG (the grip feels beefier than Babolat’s because of larger knob), just strung it and let it rip! I’ll try to measure the SW in the app, it seems lower than 335 of Pure Strikes.
Tennistennischocolate
New User
Certainly feels softer than it’s RA suggests. The 300 gave some soreness in my shoulder whilst the 315 doesn’t (both at 50lbs Wilson Revovle).
On both I think you can feel the vibrations in the handle on shanks more so than with a blade.
I had a look inside my handle and there is not any foam in the very centre, I.e., it’s hollow.
D
Deleted member 775108
Guest
I dont think there will be an official paintjob (this will be it). My best guess is it will directly go to a Shift v2.0 with a new PJ 2 years from now.
Newby
Semi-Pro
I hope you’re right, but this is what’s listed under the Shift’s profile:
“Developed with extensive feedback from top coaches and elite players, Wilson has made a limited quantity of samples available ahead of the official cosmetic release this summer.”
Newby
Semi-Pro
And also at the bottom of the description:
“The cool limited edition cosmetic is a nice bonus.”
Geoff
Hall of Fame
Wilson has their sales meeting the end of April. Two of the sales reps have said that they are listening to the consumer feedback liking the current graphic. I personally really like the look/color. I also think the paint is sturdier than normal. The reps often times get their new samples right after the sales meeting. Obviously the color has been decided and usually leaks here first a la the Pro Staff v14.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
I still haven’t committed to 100% switch to Shift315. I gotta try selling 3x of my Pure Strikes first. After 3 hitting sessions with Wilson I definitely see that it’s a frame easier to play with, which provides very smooth softer feeling response (if you hit consistently and right). Strike 18x20s have a different crisper response and provide less spin and power than Shift315 but better control. I still haven’t figured out Shift at the net while I rocked the net with Strikes. Gotta spend more time dialing-in. I’d like another Shift315 in orange or some other color, pearly light blue is nice but a little girly imo
Newby
Semi-Pro
Noooooooo no orange plz no orange
Geoff
Hall of Fame
Highly unlikely the rShift will be orange seeing that the new Burn is orange.
I hope they keep the paint quality itself, it's really nice quality, I like it under the fingers on the one hander, and that only "Wilson" gets the fluo orange treatment. But knowing they want max splash, I expect something very bright.. Plus they can always redirect those who don't like it towards the "Labs" version, that's supposed to be "Limited" but will somehow linger in the retailers' inventories for a year or two if necessary
Newby
Semi-Pro
Tennisnerd mentioned in one of his videos that he believes it will be orange. I’m guessing a different orange from the Burn, closer to the orange in the Shift logo on the current prototype.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
I was just making a guess. It’s based on the color of the “I” letter, the only standout one from white-ish racket + black labels color scheme.
Think they said the iridescent white is their "Prototype paint" for W Labs and the Shift is probably replacing the Burn (at least as a high profile release, not a prestrung budget series so orange makes sense, they even have the same focus on Spin.
Newby
Semi-Pro
Would be fine with a dark color shifting purple, a neon yellow, or dark gray. Anything but orange unless it’s like color shifting fluorescent orange.
With red/orange color already cornered by the Clash and Burn, and a new version of Burn just released in the color-shift paint, signifying it's hear to stay at least for the current product cycle, I would highly doubt an orange/red color would be given to the Shift.
Newby
Semi-Pro
Wilson’s gonna blindside us with color shifting hot pink…
McGradey
Hall of Fame
Everyone seems to love the paintjob, be surprised if they change it drastically from the pearlescent white. Maybe the top of the hoop will get a secondary colour like the other lines. White racquets seem to be coming into vogue again with the Strike and Tecnifibres.
Remember the proto Radical that was all silver, then the release had more orange. Maybe a similar scenario?
Remember the proto Radical that was all silver, then the release had more orange. Maybe a similar scenario?
I'm all for it!
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
White's definitely en la moda ahora, there's also Solinco Whiteout. This sounds like the most realistic scenario. I'm all here for it. And please change the dotted Wilson label on the Y to the regular one!
UPD: that kind of color scheme is already used in the current French Open Clash 100 and it doesn't look that great IMO...
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alexsoin
Semi-Pro
I'm digging this rose gold-ish design with a proper Wilson label. Perhaps, it's a fake tho.
Newby
Semi-Pro
That's just camera lighting but I wouldn't mind a rose gold (though it'd be a little too close to the Pro Staff V14 color).
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
Some old WIlson hammers were basically all chrome or more like grey with a bit of shine. Full shiny chrome is a bit extreme, some extra elements/other colors will be needed (like the one below).
Tennistennischocolate
New User
Have been using a hybrid of Alu power (mains) and head velocity at 52lbs.
Plays quite nicely, but still getting shoulder pain… think I’m going to have to abandon my Shift and go back to something softer - which is a shame as have been quite enjoying the 315.
Plays quite nicely, but still getting shoulder pain… think I’m going to have to abandon my Shift and go back to something softer - which is a shame as have been quite enjoying the 315.
Freshproduce
Rookie
Hit with this yesterday for the first time with Yonex Polytour Drive at 48lbs. I haven't seen my forehands kick up this much in a long time. My hitting partner noticed that I had a lot more topsin that I normally do. I was really surprised with how much spin this thing generates considering how dense the pattern is. I am looking forward to hitting with this more and I will probably get a second one.
I finally got to demo the Shift.
I really wanted to like this and it is definitely a whippy racket (did some amazing slices and drop shots) the overall feel just doesn't mesh with me coming from my blade 18x20 v7
Serving with this was a treat but I was also demoing the pro staff v14 and I'd say that the pro staff felt much better to serve on.
The racket has a hollow feeling where as with the blade it felt more plush when making contact with the ball.
Maybe I'll be one of those forever using the blade users hah...
I really wanted to like this and it is definitely a whippy racket (did some amazing slices and drop shots) the overall feel just doesn't mesh with me coming from my blade 18x20 v7
Serving with this was a treat but I was also demoing the pro staff v14 and I'd say that the pro staff felt much better to serve on.
The racket has a hollow feeling where as with the blade it felt more plush when making contact with the ball.
Maybe I'll be one of those forever using the blade users hah...
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Tennistennischocolate
New User
Lol - could be the same here.
I do wonder if blade-like characteristics (lowing static weight, higher sw, close to even balance, soft frame / low powered response, etc), result in a playing style / muscle memory that takes a long time to adjust to a racket that isn’t similar
I do wonder if blade-like characteristics (lowing static weight, higher sw, close to even balance, soft frame / low powered response, etc), result in a playing style / muscle memory that takes a long time to adjust to a racket that isn’t similar
Freshproduce
Rookie
I'm surprised. I felt like the Shift was one of the most solid racquets I have hit with in a long time. I haven't tried the V7 blade so I can't compare. Maybe it's due to the strings
