18x20 Wilson Shift prototype
- Thread starter kkm
- Start date
Blade_X
Professional
My experience with confidential 1.20 was not bad but worse than tour byte soft. Confidential is more muted and for some reason at most frames i ve used it, it can launch the ball on flat shots. It’s "very poppy" and needs a full cut to make it work…. I wouldn’t suggest it if you are pushing for example. Still it excelled on serves, power and spin. At the end of the day tour byte soft gives me more dwell time so more control. The testing continues!
Blade_X
Professional
@alexsoin also to add i hate that Wilson pro cushion base grip. I have issues holding the racquet. In many occasions it’s slipping out of my hand because i don’t feel like i am holding it naturally and with all of my palm surface. That pronounced bevels create gaps between the grip and my palm. It also makes the grip thicker. So i am not even utilising my pro at its highest potential. I am gonna re-wrap it with sublime which is more soft and plush.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
I had to redo mine too because stock grip just made 4 3/8 way too thick imo, coming from Babolats and Yonexes. I liked the way it was wrapped though with extra cover of the buttcap, also extra cushioning was nice. I probably will go with 4 1/4 grip for my future Wilson frames so I don't have to alter stock at all. I wasn't able to wrap my Tourna Pro Thins exact same way. Having thick OG (some ADV Dry FeltTac Ultra) on top of skinny Pro Thin replacement grip is a great combo imo.
I got my strings today and will string them tomorrow. As you said it has started to be selled as wasabi pro. In description it says wasabi produced for mains and wasabi x is produced for crosses. I will string them exactly as you said but in the Nadal version we used wasabi x for mains. Is there any change there or are we good to go. Thanks.Glad to see that other folks starting to like Wasabi Pro (which is Wasabi/Wasabi X)
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
Should be all good, amigo. Going reverse on Nadal racket is just to tone it down in terms on power and spin, to make it closer to Shift Pro. Can be also achieved by stringing with higher tensions but better for your elbows and wrists just to reverse the hybrid and don’t go over 55lbs.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
I'm glad it worked out for you. YMMV obviously but Wasabi Pro hybrid works great for me until it snaps. And in my case it takes 20+h of hitting/playing, thanks to Toroline for making strings with insane snapback and for dense 18x20 pattern of Shift Pro.
BTW, I don't know why Wasabi in particular being compared to Hyper G a lot apart from it's color and probably because of players tried the latter. Solinco released Hyper G 10+ years ago and it exploded the market but haven't changed since I don't count making Hyper G Soft (more of meh kinda string with 0 tension maintenance) and various gauges.
The new strings (last couple years) from Toroline, Restring 0 and Grapplesnake are another level due to the change of materials, their slick coatings, crazy snap, great tension maintenance. I see a bunch of folks switching to Grapple's Tour Sniper as it's a pre-stretched poly, maybe the only one on a market. This is not critical for me as I'm a stringer and always do 10% pre-stretch on any string to be used in my rackets.
I'm not sure if I'm going to try other Torolines, Restring 0 and Grapple since Wasabi Pro is just working greatly for me. Maybe if I need more durable say 40h+ option, there's Toroline's smooth slick poly Enso Pro in 1.25mm as opposed to Wasabi's square profile 1.23mm. Either to put Enso Pro full bed or couple with Wasabi X in crosses, could be a longer lasting combo than Wasabi Pro. Maybe something to try later, it could have different playability though.
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Fintft
G.O.A.T.
I stand by my mushy, yet controlled, Mayami poly poly hybrid, Big Spin mains and Tour Hex crosses at 47/44, b/c as @galapagos put it, "it inspires confidence to take full hits at the ball".
Unlike @alexsoin, mine doesn't snap, but I better cut it after max 40h (and that's way pushing it past the 20h mark in singles. Some people cutting poly after 10-15h), even if the great tension maintainance Tour Hex has.
Unlike @alexsoin, mine doesn't snap, but I better cut it after max 40h (and that's way pushing it past the 20h mark in singles. Some people cutting poly after 10-15h), even if the great tension maintainance Tour Hex has.
Fighting phoenix
Hall of Fame
I have a reel of Big Spin, but not Tour Hex. What would be a good substitute for the Tour Hex?
Scratch that, just checked, Mayami Hit Pro lol
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
Maybe, as I have yet to try Hitt Pro as a cross. I've used it full bed though and although good, is not as great as the hybrid in my sig (that we are talking about).
Fighting phoenix
Hall of Fame
Sorry, I meant that I have a reel of Hit Pro and not Big Spin lol.
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
Well don't hybrid Hit Pro with Tour Hex as each of them are good by their own in full beds. I wouldn't hybrid them.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
I used to cut my polys too after 10h or so, sometimes even less than that. Ones with greater tens maintenance (like Tourna Silver 7 Pro) maybe 15h. And I talk about 90% single matches or singles practice hitting, doubles is not my thing, play 'em very seldom.
That's the thing about newer gen strings, you don't have to cut them i.e. playing great until they break. And I believe Torolines are not the only option.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
I hope Wilson makes Noir version of Wilson Shift Pro by autumn time/US Open. I want a third (and differently looking) frame in my collection. I afraid we’ll see only Shift 99 in Noir or maybe Shifts won’t even get such treatment…
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There’s a shift 99 “soir” for the French. Deep navy blue I believe. Sadly not the pro.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
I couldn't find that Roland Garros Shift but generally the color schemes from Wilson's French Open are usually a mehhh. There's some Blades, Ultras, Clashes like below https://images.app.goo.gl/k1Kv6thyTEuF6mBR7
It's in the version of the catalog that I have for 2024. The ones you linked are from 2023.
MarTennis
Semi-Pro
FYI - D1 son play testing 315 at a money tournament. Tourbite at 52. Mods: leather grip, tourna overgrip, 7-8 inches lead at 3 and 9. Yes seeing the lead was shocking. He swung it like a champ. 6-2, 7-6. Yes, he was late a few shots. Everything went over the net except a few flat serves. One double fault. I’m pretty sure he gonna make the switch. I think that racket weighs 359 g.
MarTennis
Semi-Pro
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
Triax in the crosses
TheBoom
Hall of Fame
That’s a beast of a stick, any feedback on how well the shift took on the weight? I‘ve heard from A few people it can be sensitive to modification and that it doesn’t always work out as well as a blade would for example
MarTennis
Semi-Pro
Yes. He lost in quarters to 12.67 UTR. Double faults crept in on flat serves. Definitely a sluggishness/need to get better circumstance. Spun some balls into the net when it looked like he was trying to hit the ball flat. Need serious early preparation on backhand. As you can tell, I’m blaming the player and not the racket. But the racket does produce Circumstances that need to be addressed if you’re gonna use it. He seems to like it a lot. We both started calling it the switch cause I think he’s gonna Shift.
MarTennis
Semi-Pro
I think the additional flex in the racket makes flat shots flatter so to speak. Probably don’t need to cover the ball at all and extend fully. Pure observation of my kid.
d-quik
Legend
Heavy discounts on the line right now.
Without having to read 20+ pages of feedback, what were the biggest complaints regarding the version with 18 mains?
They clearly hadn't been selling well if they all ended up on discount but the specs are right up my alley.
Is the feel too weird/odd?
Thank you.
Without having to read 20+ pages of feedback, what were the biggest complaints regarding the version with 18 mains?
They clearly hadn't been selling well if they all ended up on discount but the specs are right up my alley.
Is the feel too weird/odd?
Thank you.
d-quik
Legend
AI Overview (Is this accurate?)
Despite initial popularity as a prototype, the Wilson Shift has faced challenges in sales due to performance inconsistencies, a polarizing "feel," and quality control issues with the first-generation release. the racket's unique characteristics make it a niche frame that isn't ideal for all playing styles, especially flat hitters.
Inconsistent quality control and feel
Limited appeal and marketing issues
Competitive market challenges
Despite initial popularity as a prototype, the Wilson Shift has faced challenges in sales due to performance inconsistencies, a polarizing "feel," and quality control issues with the first-generation release. the racket's unique characteristics make it a niche frame that isn't ideal for all playing styles, especially flat hitters.
Inconsistent quality control and feel
- Prototype issues: The initial "Labs" prototype of the Shift 300 received criticism for a low, "pingy" swingweight that was unstable and jarring. While the company addressed this with the V1 production model by increasing the swingweight, the early inconsistencies created negative buzz.
- Polarizing feel: The Shift was intentionally over-dampened to compensate for a very stiff frame, resulting in a unique, "muted" feel that not all players prefer. The racket's intended performance only emerges when a player hits with the proper spin technique, leaving a less rewarding and more jarring sensation on flat shots or off-center hits.
- Unpredictable launch angle: Some reviewers noted that the high launch angle of the frame can be unpredictable, making it difficult for flat hitters to control their shots. This unpredictability requires a specific stroke style, limiting its appeal to a broader market.
Limited appeal and marketing issues
- Poor marketing: Some tennis enthusiasts believe Wilson did a poor job of marketing the Shift line and its unique attributes, failing to clearly position it as a "spin frame".
- Niche design: The Shift is not a good fit for players who hit flat shots, restricting its target audience. Some also argue that it is too demanding for beginners and intermediate players who haven't yet mastered proper technique.
- Pro player rejection: The Shift is not used by professional players on tour, with some pros opting for other frames or a new, unreleased Wilson racket. This lack of pro endorsement can hurt sales in a market heavily influenced by top players.
- Missing from key market segments: Wilson released the Shift with only a 99-square-inch head size, ignoring the popular 98 and 100-square-inch options offered by competitors like Babolat and Head for their spin frames.
Competitive market challenges
- Competition from other Wilson lines: Wilson's more established and popular racket lines, like the Clash and Blade, draw attention away from newer models like the Shift.
- Alternative spin rackets: Other brands have well-known spin-oriented frames, such as the Babolat Pure Aero and Yonex VCORE. The Shift struggled to compete in this category, and some players found it less spin-focused than expected.
- Crowded market: Reviewers have pointed out that without its unique flex, the Shift would be "just another good frame in a crowded market".
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
The best way is obviously to demo Shift Pro. I liked it a lot, it really helps to add some rpm-s to your shots. And I agree that if you hit predominantly flat, you'd better look for another racket. I'm not a flat hitter and play on clay a lot but personally couldn't fully switch to Shift Pro despite 6+ months of trying due to substantial drag on 1HBH and its weird neck design again was kinda awkward especially on 1HBH. The frame is wide and sluggish, quite heavy at the hoop -> hence the drag; the neck is too wide with 10 grommets making it uncomfortable to hold if you tend to hold high/close to the neck on your takeback. I see they are on heavy discount right now at TW, I would go for Pure Strike 18x20 instead which is on heavy discount now as well. Pretty comparable but PS is more consistent and robust, easier to use with 1HBH.
d-quik
Legend
This is the kind of feedback that I was looking for!
Succinct and informative.
I never heard of "substantial drag" though. Can you elaborate on that part specifically? I use a O.H.B.H.
Does this drag not bother you on any other stroke?
Thank you
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
No, this frame was great on my heavy topspin forehands and all three types of serves. I also liked the feel for backhand slices, volleys and dropshots. It's more of a flatter one-hander issue with head-heavy, wide-hoop and/or large head-size frames. In comparison Pure Strike 18x20 is much easier to use with 1HBH despite practically the same specs (narrower beam and slightly smaller head makes a big difference), my current Vcore 95s are like 10 times easier for one-handers
d-quik
Legend
Apparently, huh? Only slightly thinner/smaller yet still yields a noticeable effect. I always found smaller heads to be better on offense, counterpunches, serves, volleys, slice, and single handed backhands so your comparison with the Pure Strike checks out.
Does it (the Shift) negatively affect your OHBH on high, low, or ALL flatly struck backhands?
I wonder if it affects people with a loopier OHBHs like it does with flat ones such as yours.
I sadly do not have regular access to indoor facilities and it is far too cold to hit outdoors now, otherwise I would just demo it so apologies for a kabillion questions.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
I can hit loopy backhand with a ton of spin too especially on clay. The problem with Shift Pro was a different response if you hit dead flat like shallowed swing (blocking big serve, passing shot half volley) vs if you hit with a big loopy swing. The second option feels way nicer silky smooth on contact while dead flat ones feel pretty harsh especially if you hit even slightly out of its tiny sweet spot. And it makes sense that it affects 1HBHs more than forehands, it’s pretty easy at least to create some wrist action and vertical swing path on modern/next gen forehands.
d-quik
Legend
I can already imagine it. I think you are saying it is a night and day difference. Thank you
Chris Wilson
Rookie
I'm a huge fan of the Shift Pro (but not the regular Shift). It produces excellent spin (despite the 18x20 pattern), and decent mass-based power, but it also has good control and flattens out the ball much better than any spin frame I know. I think some people complained about comfort when hitting flat, but I didn't have an issue there; something to consider if you have a sensitive arm. I liken the regular Shift to the 100' Aero, and the Shift Pro to the Aero 98; I think the Shift Pro has better spin and better flat balls than the Aero 98, but less power. (I haven't used the Aero 98 a whole lot, so I may be offbase with that comparison.) The one downside might be that it has a bit of a small sweet spot in my experience, but otherwise it serves well, volleys well, is quite stable, has good plow, and great spin. Underrated frame in my view.
thebigz
Professional
I have both and still plays a lot with the 300g 16x20 shift. To me the biggest downside of the 18x20 shift pro is the maneuverability. It comes in heavy enough that with the extra strings you are pushing 330 swingweight on a slightly underspec one I tried to find. But it plays slower than that number suggest as the beam is thicker and not as aerodynamic as other thinner frames in that swingweight class. It’s a frame that rewards high racquet head speed but accelerating that is quite demanding for me despite having used other frames in similar spec in the past.
Performance is solid. One of the most spin friendly 18x20 you will try. Feel is definitely not as dampened and more crisp than blade, pure drive 98, Yonexs you find today. Shift has a unique feel I happen to like to me I actually enjoy hitting flatter with it since the racquet helps you get a lot of shape already. It has more “pop” when you crank it on a flat shot than topspin strokes.
I would say try it if you are comfortable swinging other frames that are 335 SW! Or try to find an underspec one. I wish it was a 305g stock release and the strings would already bring it to 325 range SW.
Funny bc the 300g Shift comes so underspec so often I had to put more lead tape on it to get it close to 320 SW. but that’s the range I play best with it as this racquet line really like high racquet head speed
thebigz
Professional
Something I really enjoy from the Shift line is that difference in feel when you go flat vs. topspin strokes. It takes some getting used to for sure. But basically you get slightly longer dwell time and “less harsh” impact on more vertical swings but when you go flat it has such a satisfying responsive pop that makes the ball shoot out of your strings a bit faster like in a stiffer power frame that you won’t find in a Pure Aero racquet. Testing it against other frames on the market I definitely would not say it is as dampened as most. So comfort can be an issue for some with higher tensions.
I found Lynx Tour for me provided the most control without being harsh on the arm. Hope that helps
