18x20 Wilson Shift prototype

[alexsoin]

So I got 30+ hours of hitting and playing sets with my Shift315. I’m 99% certain that the switch from Pure Strike 18x20s is happening. I feel like I finally dialed-in on my serves and hitting really big and more consistent. I got over slight awkwardness on 1HBH take back (because of wider throat) and feeling better about my volleys. Enjoying tricky drop shots and slices, getting better shots on a run and out of corners due to increased stability compared to lighter Pure Strikes. Still digging that awesome smooth unique feel at contact. For the first time in 30 years playing fully stock, even w/o OG and w/o dampener. No discomfort of any kind despite high RA rating. Shift315 is just that awesome, string it around 50lbs full poly and start ripping the ball. Just be on advanced side technically and stronger physically, swing fast and fully and you’ll be rewarded with a great mix of feel, power, control and spin.

 

[dekxter]

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

Def could be the strings but my blade has alu power and the shift also had alu power (a lil higher in tension though) but that said the feel just wasn't there for me personally and I REALLY wanted to find something a bit more powerful than a blade and is an 18x20. I also do hit extremely flat on my forehand and tend to generate more top spin on my backhand (my preferred side)

I can definitely agree with people saying the ball looked like it was sailing out but stayed in (awesome!) and definitely a racket for people who like to play with a heap of spin.

 

[Connor35]

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.

Agree. I switched from Clash to Shift and my Clashes chipped so much so fast (playing on green clay and digging low balls).
Whereas my paint still looks out of the box after 6 weeks of playing with my Shift.

 

[zykoniko]

I am Shift player now

Its the best racket i have ever played, and i played all!

I chose this shift after measurement of 10 rackets:
317.9g (with plastic) 291 sw 30.8cm balance

I strung with Luxilon Adrenaline 23/22 kg .

Its a dream. My slice and doublehanded backhand cant be better. Serve is very nice. volleys are also fine.

Only my forehand and my smash is weaker as with a 300g racket, but its training. i cant swing so fast and its my first heavy racket.

I ordered 2 more shift 99 315 with sw 290... i think this sw is perfect, and if not i can lead it up at 12 after some training time...

i sold my 2 300g shifts, both feel like toys after playing the 315 two sets against a strong opponent.

i play on clay most time and its so crazy, because its a 18/20... but i can generate more topspin, fast topspin as with other rackets that have 16/19.... cant believe and explain... and i also have this wonderful control

 

[kkm]

Agree. I switched from Clash to Shift and my Clashes chipped so much so fast (playing on green clay and digging low balls).
Whereas my paint still looks out of the box after 6 weeks of playing with my Shift.

The Clash “paint” is terrible.

 

[Freshproduce]

Just contacted wilson and they told me grommets for this and the 300g model will be out in the next month or two

 

[Grafil Injection]

After a first hit today, I'm struggling to categorise the Shift 315g. Is it more like a controlled version of a Pure Drive, or a powerful and spinny version of a Blade 18x20? Well, whichever, you certainly do feel the stiffness after playing! Thankfully, I had a 200G to sooth my arm. I'm thinking soft poly in a soft syn-gut / multi hybrid might be best.

 

[alexsoin]

After a first hit today, I'm struggling to categorise the Shift 315g. Is it more like a controlled version of a Pure Drive, or a powerful and spinny version of a Blade 18x20? Well, whichever, you certainly do feel the stiffness after playing! Thankfully, I had a 200G to sooth my arm. I'm thinking soft poly in a soft syn-gut / multi hybrid might be best.

I tried Hyper G and Technifibre Ice Code White both 1.25mm at 50-52 lbs from constant pull machine. No soreness or arm pain at all. Played many matches with Shift 315 serving big for 3 hours and such. Yes, the racket has dual character to it, the faster you swing the spinner, more powerful and crisper response you get in return. But for touch and feel slower swings the response is smoother with longer dwell times. I’m digging it and ditched my Pure Strikes already!

 

[Grafil Injection]

I'm wondering if the Shift has flax in it, like the recent Pure Aero, or something similar. It feels a bit crunchy on impact, which reminds me of the Biomimetic M2.0 that also had flax sheets in the throat area.

 

[alexsoin]

I'm wondering if the Shift has flax in it, like the recent Pure Aero, or something similar. It feels a bit crunchy on impact, which reminds me of the Biomimetic M2.0 that also had flax sheets in the throat area.

Most likely there's flax sheets in Shifts. I'm still wondering how the final PJ going to look like. I need a second Shift315 and pearly girly is really not my thing

 

[y0035215]

So many curious post about the 315g. I just got my hands on a used 300g. Hopefully I don't regret it.

 

[alexsoin]

So many curious post about the 315g. I just got my hands on a used 300g. Hopefully I don't regret it.

You know you can always add some tungsten and use 15L-16 gauge strings so your Shift300 will play more like 315 i.e. all potential "regrets" can be addressed with a bit of weight tape and a proper string setup!

 

[ulunxtns]

Any string recommendations for Shift 315?
Looking for something comfortable and spin-friendly, usually string at mid-40s.

 

[alexsoin]

Any string recommendations for Shift 315?
Looking for something comfortable and spin-friendly, usually string at mid-40s.

I tried Technifibre Ice Code White 1.25 and Hyper G 1.25 and a hybrid of both. All were in 50-52 lbs range. Liked 'em all. Next, I'm going to string with Luxilon Smart 1.25 to get a little extra of that "dual racket character" on slower and faster swings. Keep you posted. Lux Smart is the softest of 3, so I might have to up tensions to 53-54lbs.

 

[ngoster]

Any string recommendations for Shift 315?
Looking for something comfortable and spin-friendly, usually string at mid-40s.

The 315 string bed feels pretty soft to me. I had a hybrid setup (IsoSpeed Baseline 1.25 mains and Mantis SG 1.25) @ 46/51#. If I did the same combo again, I'd try 49/54 or 50/55 to firm it up.

 

[pbb]

Any updates on the final look?

 

[Fintft]

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 don't think so, no. Stiffer yes, but no hollow feeling.

 

[nevin23liauw]

Got 2 overspec shift here in Indonesia, no sw machine , #1 at 320.15g , #2 at 318.42g… 1.7g diff luckily, but unfortunately way overspec,no sw machine gonna wait til a friend lends me his briffidi. Balance wise it’s head lighter than 9 pt hl for sure, didnt measure unstrung cuz strung it right away, so quite sure mostly it is in the handle, strung w hyper g 1.20 for #1 at 53-51lbs and max power 1.25 for #2 48-46lbs, found them at around 8.5-8 pt hl strung, def not at 6pt hl Sw maybe 328-329ish by feel, since it wasn’t as heavy as my blade pros that is at 331 and 333. Both are at 341-342g strung w overgrip, no dampener.

Whippy like what @ACT said in his video w leather grip, loving it for loaded topspin shots, but also taking it early flatter shots, trusting it more than my aero 98 that is weighted w 5g on top, and counter w same weight on the handle. Cuz of the weight,i feel like it is more forgiving than the aero 98. Serve wise reliable for slice and spin, the flat is good too but better imo w abit of slice. Volleys are stable. For groundstrokes however It does spray abit sometimes for directional control in terms of depth and have randomness between hitting spin and flat especially if u dont hit center(forgiving but gives that overcooked shot), but it’s only been a week, so let’s see! Returns are good and stable,can block the ball deep, sometimes overshooting too, and also w spin or flatter for a drive return.

4.0 baseliner here, sw forehand and two handed backhand, started tennis again in mid 2019 after mostly basketball, and 3-4 years of tennis cumulated between 4-5, 8-9 and 12-14 years old.

 

[Freshproduce]

Just bought 2 more Shifts and I noticed that the have different buttcaps. I bought all 3 of mine used so I don't know the specific website they were purchased from. just thought this was interesting

https://imgur.com/a/fppuCCf

 

[Soundbyte]

Just bought 2 more Shifts and I noticed that the have different buttcaps. I bought all 3 of mine used so I don't know the specific website they were purchased from. just thought this was interesting

https://imgur.com/a/fppuCCf

Im pretty sure the black is the "retail" that can be purchased from Wilson.com or TW. The White/gray I only saw on the early versions that were sent out to specific people

 

[Geoff]

Just heard that the Shift will be widely available in July. The graphic is basically the same with the Wilson logo being cleaned up. I believe that the 300 and 315 are staying the same as is. There will be a third model in a light. Same head size and string pattern as the 300. That will be available in September. I will be stringing the updated graphics and new model for my rep once he receives them. I’ll continue to update here as I receive new information.

 

[alexsoin]

Just bought 2 more Shifts and I noticed that the have different buttcaps. I bought all 3 of mine used so I don't know the specific website they were purchased from. just thought this was interesting

https://imgur.com/a/fppuCCf

Probably the final release will have a red buttcap like all other Wilsons.

 

[Geoff]

The Shift 315 stays the same spec wise. The Shift 300 will be more head heavy thus raising the swingweight.

 

[A_Instead]

A 285 gram version would be nice.. to capture that market..

 

[A_Instead]

Geoff..
What color will the Wilson logo be??

 

[y0035215]

The Shift 315 stays the same spec wise. The Shift 300 will be more head heavy thus raising the swingweight.

Thx. So I will wait until July to purchase another Shift 300 to see what is the final product then.

 

[A_Instead]

I just traded for a 315... looking forward to it..

 

[Chris Wilson]

I'm curious to those of you who have been using the Shift for a while --- what is the comfort like? There was at least one Youtuber who complained of arm pain (though that was the 300, not the 315). I've been nursing a sore wrist for a while now (not tennis related), and the 315 demo I'm using is noticeably easier on my wrist than my Blade Pro or Pro Staff, but that could be a swingweight issue. .

 

[Fighting phoenix]

I'm curious to those of you who have been using the Shift for a while --- what is the comfort like? There was at least one Youtuber who complained of arm pain (though that was the 300, not the 315). I've been nursing a sore wrist for a while now (not tennis related), and the 315 demo I'm using is noticeably easier on my wrist than my Blade Pro or Pro Staff, but that could be a swingweight issue. .

I have had tennis elbow and some shoulder issues this past year, playing with the head radical and extreme I needed to play hybrid only. I’ve been playing with the shift 315 for the last three months, full poly, and zero arm issues. I’m so happy about it.

 

[alexsoin]

I have had tennis elbow and some shoulder issues this past year, playing with the head radical and extreme I needed to play hybrid only. I’ve been playing with the shift 315 for the last three months, full poly, and zero arm issues. I’m so happy about it.

I had some issues with wrists and elbows before. Shift 315 + full poly at 50-52lbs (10% pre-stretched/constant pull) zero issues. Been hitting with the racket for last couple months, really happy about it!

 

[Connor35]

I'm curious to those of you who have been using the Shift for a while --- what is the comfort like? There was at least one Youtuber who complained of arm pain (though that was the 300, not the 315). I've been nursing a sore wrist for a while now (not tennis related), and the 315 demo I'm using is noticeably easier on my wrist than my Blade Pro or Pro Staff, but that could be a swingweight issue. .

I have a little golfer's elbow sometimes, I changed from Clash to Shift 6 weeks ago and I haven't had any issues.
(Admittedly the guy at my club who has the hardest serve and bothers my elbow the month hasn't been there during this time).

 

[1HBHfanatic]

@Chris Wilson
-the shift can get a bit stiff when you go too high with tensions
-ive been staying in the 40lbs range, full poly
-i think thats the comfort zone for me
-i can see how going higher in tension will cause issues, specially if you use poly strings
-in my review of the w.shift.315 i descrived a few of the setups i used

 

[c0ppo]

I'm curious to those of you who have been using the Shift for a while --- what is the comfort like? There was at least one Youtuber who complained of arm pain (though that was the 300, not the 315). I've been nursing a sore wrist for a while now (not tennis related), and the 315 demo I'm using is noticeably easier on my wrist than my Blade Pro or Pro Staff, but that could be a swingweight issue. .

I had some wrist issues with Shift 315, and some shoulder issues as well.
But still using the Shift, and the pain comes and goes. If it persists, I will have to abandon Shift

It's a shame, since I really like this racket. Fast thru the air, stable and can hit some really heavy balls. Excellent for volleys and defence (the worst part of my tennis game).

 

[mcblunder]

I've been getting some TE with the 315. I've restrung to a softer hybrid and it still hit me when I played with it. Might give it one more outing to be sure but it could be on the way out for me, sadly. I enjoyed it, but like my arm more.

 

[A_Instead]

My observation with the 315 even though I hit flat..the ball has a lot of rotation.
Not like a pure aero, extreme, etc.. the ball doesnt Arch like those frames.
But it has a lot of spin with the 315... sneaky and silent spin..

 

[alexsoin]

My observation with the 315 even though I hit flat..the ball has a lot of rotation.
Not like a pure aero, extreme, etc.. the ball doesnt Arch like those frames.
But it has a lot of spin with the 315... sneaky and silent spin..

I have some reversed and similar experiences at the same time. I play with lots of spin, buggy whips FHs and loopy OHBH all day on clay. I felt like way more of these shots were a bit floaty with my Pure Strikes. With Shift315 I get better depth and more forward trajectory and the bounce height is still bothering my opponents and their backhands a lot On hard courts I play slightly different, stepping into the court and flattening shots more. And I see that silent spin you are talking about. Same shots landing a little long or wide tend to kiss the lines with Shift315. BTW, defensive and offensive slices are freaking sick and cut like crazy thru the court.

As for TE issues above. I feel like most cases are related either to higher tensions with full poly, poor technique or being out of shape. Then I just switched from Pure Strike, the first 2-3 hits were a little harsh since I was dialing in and shanking the balls quite a bit. All with freshly strung polys at 52-54lbs (trying to find best combo). Now, the first hour of hitting with the fresh poly feels a bit crisper but doesn't bother me at all since I hit cleanly. Once the tension drop ~10% to 46-47lbs or so it's a buttery smooth ride until the string snaps, usually 10-15h for me on 18x20 frames.

 

[donjuan116]

When will the final version of the Wilson Shift 315 come out? I'd hate to buy it thinking i'm getting one racket and 6 months later the entire supply of Shifts is new and feels totally different.

 

[Grafil Injection]

I also noticed a quite similar crunchy feeling at contact to a Graphene 360 Radical Pro. Not necessarily a detriment.

 

[alexsoin]

When will the final version of the Wilson Shift 315 come out? I'd hate to buy it thinking i'm getting one racket and 6 months later the entire supply of Shifts is new and feels totally different.

Hopefully the specs and feel won't change, just the PJ. See Geoff's post above about availability in July.

18x20 Wilson Shift prototype

So I got 30+ hours of hitting and playing sets with my Shift315. I’m 99% certain that the switch from Pure Strike 18x20s is happening. I feel like I finally dialed-in on my serves and hitting really big and more consistent. I got over slight awkwardness on 1HBH take back (because of wider...

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

 

[alexsoin]

I also noticed a quite similar crunchy feeling at contact to a Graphene 360 Radical Pro. Not necessarily a detriment.

Shift315 behaves differently on contact depending on how fast you swing it and what kind of pathway (forward drive, tops/drive, pure tops and/or slice). Some folks feel weird about it, I actually like that type of adjustable unique feel. Definitely takes time to get used to it.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

Shift315 behaves differently on contact depending on how fast you swing it and what kind of pathway (forward drive, tops/drive, pure tops and/or slice). Some folks feel weird about it, I actually like that type of adjustable unique feel. Definitely takes time to get used to it.

-agree 100%
-its not a pickup and go type of racquet, its got a bit of a learning curve to it!?
-but the control from the 315 18/20 is well worth the experience
-once you get going with it, it shines in the correct way, when you need it most
-when one rushes the net, the stick become stiffer for precision volleys
-when you are in trouble in the baseline, and just bunt the ball, it stiffens up and produces bail-out power, to get you back in the point
-when taking big/long strokes, it dull-down the power to allow for a more control/lower power shot, and it makes the ball land in

 

[kkm]

The v1 Clash 98 (the only Clash I ever tried) made a really weird sound on impact, and it was much more noticeable on “softer” shots. I look forward to seeing whether the Shi(f)t 300 or 315 does the same.

 

[alexsoin]

The v1 Clash 98 (the only Clash I ever tried) made a really weird sound on impact, and it was much more noticeable on “softer” shots. I look forward to seeing whether the Shi(f)t 300 or 315 does the same.

No, actually Shift315 is the only racket (out of 30-35 I previously hit with) I could use without a dampener. It doesn’t have that super annoying high pitched pingy sound which most other rackets have. I talk only about full poly 50-55lbs experience, other strings at lower tensions might feel and sound different. Also playing without a damp on Shift315, I feel more connected to the ball. I have a confidence to go for tricky(ier) shots.

 

[alexsoin]

-agree 100%
-its not a pickup and go type of racquet, its got a bit of a learning curve to it!?
-but the control from the 315 18/20 is well worth the experience
-once you get going with it, it shines in the correct way, when you need it most
-when one rushes the net, the stick become stiffer for precision volleys
-when you are in trouble in the baseline, and just bunt the ball, it stiffens up and produces bail-out power, to get you back in the point
-when taking big/long strokes, it dull-down the power to allow for a more control/lower power shot, and it makes the ball land in

Yes I feel like Wilson came up with something unique with the Shift tinkering and trying many many options. Really appreciate all reviewers and all feedback here and on YouTube. I picked one from TW w/o demo-ing, purely based on my reads and views and also specs were real close to my Pure Strikes (and it was long overdue to change them). I just hope that the final version is going to be just a different PJ for 315 and also that this unique feel won’t wear out as the racket wears out. I remember amazing Yonex Vcore 95 (2018) 16x20 with incredible feel which sadly was evaporating in like 3-4 months of heavy hitting.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

-i thought i saw a well placed "leak/updated" of the w.shift new pj on instagram!!?!!
-they placed the white racquets in a long racquet rack along with the other wilson lines
-the shift pj follows the other wilson models, top of it one color (darker) and the rest another
-in the side picture i saw briefly it looked like a "light gray head area" and the rest of it white!!

-can anyone confirm the new paintjob??

 

[Patassa]

Any updates on the final look?

I saw them yesterday. The black dot graphics are gone, replaced with a white wilson logo and there are orange dots on the inside of the throat on both sides. Other than that, looks exactly the same as the "prototype". Very striking paint job. I tried to buy one of the demos out of the Wilson reps hand but he said he'd get in big trouble, however I could have pre ordered yesterday with a July delivery date. Same construction as the prototypes from what the Rep told me and from what I could tell comparing the production model to the prototype demo I was holding. He asked that we respectfully not take any pictures so I didn't.

 

[kkm]

No, actually Shift315 is the only racket (out of 30-35 I previously hit with) I could use without a dampener. It doesn’t have that super annoying high pitched pingy sound which most other rackets have. I talk only about full poly 50-55lbs experience, other strings at lower tensions might feel and sound different. Also playing without a damp on Shift315, I feel more connected to the ball. I have a confidence to go for tricky(ier) shots.

Good to know, because I never use a dampener. The Clash sound was different from anything I’d heard from a racquet.

 

[tsamo]

Welp, bit the bullet.
Found a deal that I could not ignore with all the other prices going around.
Really excited to try it out, with all the things I've been hearing about it and I also kinda love the current design.
Probably going to try it with Solinco Confidential to start, as it is one of my goto strings and then go from there.

 

[Geoff]

Just strung up the soon to be released retail version of the Shift 99 which is the 300g 16x20. The 315g 18x20 is called the 99 Pro and there is a Light versopn that is 285g 16x20 called the 99L
Here are spec comparisons of the Shift 99 for the Pro Lab and soon to be released retail version (the new retail version has the same butt cap as all other Wilson frames). Both racquets are strung with NXT and have a Wilson Pro overgrip. All measurements taken from a Babolat RDC.

	Shift 99 I 300 (Pro Lab version)	Shift 99 (New retail version)
Static weight	318.5g	319.0g
Balance	32.1cm	32.5cm
Swingweight	307 kg/cm2	309kg/cm2
RA	68	69

 

[Patassa]

Just strung up the soon to be released retail version of the Shift 99 which is the 300g 16x20. The 315g 18x20 is called the 99 Pro and there is a Light versopn that is 285g 16x20 called the 99L
Here are spec comparisons of the Shift 99 for the Pro Lab and soon to be released retail version (the new retail version has the same butt cap as all other Wilson frames). Both racquets are strung with NXT and have a Wilson Pro overgrip. All measurements taken from a Babolat RDC.

	Shift 99 I 300 (Pro Lab version)	Shift 99 (New retail version)
Static weight	318.5g	319.0g
Balance	32.1cm	32.5cm
Swingweight	307 kg/cm2	309kg/cm2
RA	68	69

I don't understand your chart vs your paragraph.