tennis347
Hall of Fame
I think that there is a shortage of Blade v7 98 16x19 frames anyway. If you happen to get one that is a bit more headlight that could possibly work for you.
Better Option for Clash 98
- Thread starter Toydy
- Start date
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
you're naughty.
I can't unsee this, so now I'm going to be stuck thinking.... should I ask TW racquet experts to send me a list?
I have four sticks in my bag right now:
two speed mp 360+, one clash 98, one gravity tour 360+
and I keep an additional clash 98 at home. b/c I'm 45. and maybe one day I'll really want to ONLY use the clash frames.
I could add a blade, very comfy stick. wish I could recall how my serve was with it. my strokes were good, I remember that.
my serve is excellent with the gravity tour (98) and the clash 98, but not as good with the speed mp (100).
Cheers!!!!!
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
old school thread!
1. Is the 55 RA a straight RA, or does the stick act like SMART strings, which stiffen up higher and loosen up lower, than the tension you set it at.
meaning, is the clash 98 a 55 ra, but is it really much stiffer on certain shots? and more flexy on others?
2. I'm curious if the Clash 98 is safe at higher tensions with poly, safe on the wrist and elbow?
3. Has anyone gone with 55lbs in the mains with poly? is it boardy?
4. Is it possible that higher tension would solve the string bed issue (being inconsistent)?
5. Have you tried doing a 2-3lb differential? so, 55 mains, and 53 or 52 crosses?
I am curious if that would work ok, with the flex tech in the stick.....
I may string one up and try it out. I remember giving up on this stick b/c of random misfires.
I was always in the 51, 52 lb range, never higher.
cheers
1. Is the 55 RA a straight RA, or does the stick act like SMART strings, which stiffen up higher and loosen up lower, than the tension you set it at.
meaning, is the clash 98 a 55 ra, but is it really much stiffer on certain shots? and more flexy on others?
2. I'm curious if the Clash 98 is safe at higher tensions with poly, safe on the wrist and elbow?
3. Has anyone gone with 55lbs in the mains with poly? is it boardy?
4. Is it possible that higher tension would solve the string bed issue (being inconsistent)?
5. Have you tried doing a 2-3lb differential? so, 55 mains, and 53 or 52 crosses?
I am curious if that would work ok, with the flex tech in the stick.....
I may string one up and try it out. I remember giving up on this stick b/c of random misfires.
I was always in the 51, 52 lb range, never higher.
cheers
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tennis347
Hall of Fame
Good to hear! The Clash 98 is definitely a unique racquet but with any frame, there are pros and cons. Going to hit with the Clash 98 and will also report back!
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
In former sessions, in fall/winter, I was in the 52,51,50 lb range with the 98.
I was playing with it for a month straight, then started mixing in the Speed MP, Vcore 98, and then I got really out of control with my sickness (racketoholic).
Today,
I strung her up with Cyclone Tour 18G in the mains at 54
And IsoSpeed Professional 17G natural in the crosses at 53
I didn't have any issues with the string bed.
Is it slightly higher tension, different strings, different technique?
I played three sets. My opponent, who I play 2x a week, was telling me that I'm a different player.
Let's revisit my stick and needs. And learn how the Clash 98 applies to each of them.
1. Spec
When I got it, I specifically sought an underweight one.
307 grams and 30.5 CM unstrung
321 grams and 31.5 CM with the setup described above
324.6 grams and 31.00 CM with thin layer OG
I'll check SW asap
This spec is perfect for me.
2. Although, in my mind, I feel like I am 36, I'm 46. And I'm constantly playing 20-32 year olds. And I don't go to the gym or anything. I just play a lot of tennis. I'm a thin 140 lbs and 5'8. Lately, I have been seeking a stick that has a nice combo of power and control, more power than in my previous days. The Extreme MP, Pure Aero, Vcore100 have all been in my bag this year, often. Typically, I'm a control stick guy, blade guy, or a vcore98. But lately, I have craved more help from the stick. But I also need to be careful bc I play 8-10 hours a week.
The Clash 98 has put-away power, like a Pure Aero.
And the Clash 98 is safe on the joints! It’s flexible. When you go with higher tension - it doesn’t hurt you, and you mask that crazy low RA - making playability wonderful.
3. I need decent stability, b/c although I'm a 4.0, I play against 4.5 players on average. And one 5.0 female.
The Clash 98 stacks up. I have no issues with stability with these opponents. no lead.
4. I need head light and then some. Because the stability I need, requires around 320 min or up to 325 or so SW, I need 7 pts HL strung or more to get that around or it'll bother my wrist. Again, I'm a light weight. Typically, when I use a very HL stick, I don't have a good 2HBH, so that is a caveat.
I think I'm wired for this SW range, AND being very HL.
MY Clash 98 as it sits, with strings and og, is 10 pts HL, which is crazy HL.
5. I like a racquet that forces me to use a modern swing. Why? I want that power from a Pure Aero, but I want it to be controllable. I use a semi western grip to dial it in.
The Clash 98 is all this.
6. A rectangular grip is best for a semi western grip.
The Clash 98 has this.
7. Great directional control.
The Clash 98 has this. Believe me, I was corners today that I couldn't hit with my radical mp or vcore98.
Sounds funny, but seriously, go look at a pic of the string bed and you'll see what I mean.
Compare it with another 16x19 98". This stick offers excellent directional control.
8. Good for my serve.
The Clash 98 for some reason is great for my serve. Maybe racquet head speed?
9. Spin.
The Clash 98 has this. It's a spin monster actually.
10. Strokes.
My strokes are perfect with the Clash 98.
Somehow, even with it being so HL, my 2hbh is good! And my forehand is always perfect with the Clash 98.
Both sides feel great. With nice pocketing.
Why did I leave the Clash 98?
I think.... b/c
1. It eats strings.
In the past, I wonder if I had a good week with it, and then things went bad, and I just got frustrated?
I was not restringing every two weeks before. Now, I would do every week. I play 5x a week.
I purchased a machine a month ago, so I can string now.
I bet if I string after 10 hours, I'll be fine.
2. I think I was playing with a lively string, at too low a tension.
I can go up to 54/53 with a poly in the Clash and not have any issues with it getting launchy.
It is a soft and moderately powerful frame, so why would I need to go low with tension?
Now, I had a great day today, in low 60 degree temps, on the day I strung her up.
So maybe I need to go with 55/54 next time. Maybe not? -> if I'm going to string weekly.
We shall see.
3. Possibly technique, maybe I have actually become a better player since fall/winter? And the inconsistent issues with the Clash 98 were my fault?
I know the Clash gets a bad rap.
Even the nerd came back around to the Clash 98 recently, and had a lot more love for it.
I'm not saying the Clash 98 is for everyone. But if my list looks like yours, maybe it's worth another ride?
The combination of all the things I need, if you add them up... there really are not many options, if any others at all.
FWIW I own seven frames. I just came back to the Clash 98 today, to see what's what.
Radical mp 360+
Speed mp 360+
Vcore 98 v6
Extreme mp 360+
Clash 98
Gravity tour 360+
Blade 16x19 v7
I will be moving 4 or 5 of them out of the bag soon.
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Fxanimator1
Hall of Fame
That's a pretty long write up. I strung mine @54 for both mains and crosses. NXT power 16 mains and Isospeed Cream 16 in the crosses. It's a very fun frame to play with.
My gripe was the handle, it felt sort of weird compared to my ProStaff's and other Wilson frames. It just had a strange palette I think.
It's a nice frame though and I am keeping both of mine.
WYK
Hall of Fame
The 'palette' is stranger than you think. It's basically like the Prince 'MORE' set up - moulded in to the frame. There is no foam.
Fxanimator1
Hall of Fame
tennis347
Hall of Fame
Great write up on you revisiting the Clash 98. I find it very user-friendly and it does supply fairly effortless power and spin. My issue is that I hit fairly flat and no longer use poly due to some elbow and shoulder issues after over 30 years of playing. The control can suffer for me a bit, however otherwise I really enjoy playing with the Clash 98. I realize as I get older, I need racquet that can help me on defense and the Blade 98 v7 16 x 19 fails for me in that regard unless my timing and footwork is good all the time. I am only playing 2 times per week these days at 54. The Clash 98 certainly stays in the bag but right now my Prince Phantom 100P is doing the trick for me enabling me to go to defense into offense against player's who hit with alot of pace. The control with the Phantom 100P is phenomenal with a synthetic string and fits my style of game. I will see what happens over the next few weeks. I am definitely not looking for any other racquets this season and may be the Blades up for sale.
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
Nice! glad you have two loves.
I haven’t looked at a prince racquet since high school. I took decades off and came back to tennis during Covid. I will have to check out the 100P!
cheers
tennis347
Hall of Fame
I heard good things about the vcore pro 97 310 but have no interest in trying any other racquets at this time.
birdwizard
New User
justinhaughtmd
Rookie
If you like the clash but want more control string the 98 with a stiff string. All the clashes benefit from a stiff string. I suggest Tourna Big Hitter Silver 7 Tour. Stiff, controlled and never becomes a trampoline. It makes my Clash Pro feel like a 6.1 95 just with more feel.
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
@birdwizard
that looks like a nice and honest assessment, thank you for sharing your thoughts!
can you elaborate more on tension? not following you completely there.
so far I'm doing well with 54/53,
I'm about 8 hours in and I think it's holding up ok.
I will probably cut it out at ten hours
fairly heavy hitting
60-72 degrees and sun
that looks like a nice and honest assessment, thank you for sharing your thoughts!
can you elaborate more on tension? not following you completely there.
so far I'm doing well with 54/53,
I'm about 8 hours in and I think it's holding up ok.
I will probably cut it out at ten hours
fairly heavy hitting
60-72 degrees and sun
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birdwizard
New User
Ok, IMO some of the modern flexy racquets are affected strangely by high tension stringing, and to me the Clash is definitely one of them. It's not just that it reduces the power and increases control like in some frames, in the Clash it seems to change the response in a weird way. The Gravity Pro was another one that just clammed up in the mid 50's or higher. I don't know if it's dependent on where the flex is built into the racquet or what, because when I played with the Volkl PB10 it loved to be strung in the high 50's and it's 59 RA or so. But you could string it low also and it would respond consistently, but with more power and a little less directional control as expected. I just think it's something about the Clash technology.
For the record, I have a high swing speed, semi western grip and one handed backhanded backhand. I got the recommendation on TW forums for Kirschbaum Max Power 16 gauge at 50lbs in the Clash 98 and I have found it to be spot on. Even though it's a super firm string it doesn't hurt my elbow at that tension in the Clash.
For the record, I have a high swing speed, semi western grip and one handed backhanded backhand. I got the recommendation on TW forums for Kirschbaum Max Power 16 gauge at 50lbs in the Clash 98 and I have found it to be spot on. Even though it's a super firm string it doesn't hurt my elbow at that tension in the Clash.
eb_tennis_247
Rookie
EZONE 98 Tour is not good for the elbow. Heavy and too firm. Many are reporting arm pain complaints (including myself).
I had the same experience, E98T tore my arm up after one day of heavy rallies, enjoyed the racquet but never touched it again
TagUrIt
Hall of Fame
This post is kinda old. I sold my EZT’s and have VCore 95’s now.
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
I don't know why it took me until may of 2021 to figure this out, but the answer to the question of this thread is...
EZONE 98
the ezone98 is very unique in that it has stability, is whippy, and is good balance of control/power.
the ra is 64, no issues here
305 gram stick unstrung
the middle of the string bed is tight like the clash98.
you can hit flatter with it! you can unload, and get power like the clash 98, but way more control.
and if you want to hit with spin, you can do that and get great spin from it.
and it doesn't eat strings like the c98.
mine came in 303 31.25
with 19g poly 316 32.125
thin wilson feel OG 321 32.00
thick volkl OG 324 31.75
EZONE 98
the ezone98 is very unique in that it has stability, is whippy, and is good balance of control/power.
the ra is 64, no issues here
305 gram stick unstrung
the middle of the string bed is tight like the clash98.
you can hit flatter with it! you can unload, and get power like the clash 98, but way more control.
and if you want to hit with spin, you can do that and get great spin from it.
and it doesn't eat strings like the c98.
mine came in 303 31.25
with 19g poly 316 32.125
thin wilson feel OG 321 32.00
thick volkl OG 324 31.75
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eb_tennis_247
Rookie
How would you rank its arm comfort? I played with EZONE 98 Tour and I started having arm problems after a while.
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
Not as stiff as radical mp or vcore98 v6
I have heard the tour is harder on the arm, when compared with the regular ezone98
What size grip?
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
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That’s too bad 4 1/4 is my grip.
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
Typically an EZ98 guy. ProTour 17L is my traditional string.
I have also been enjoying the Blade V8 16x19 recently. It’s the US OPEN edition. Looks brilliant!
But today, I’ve also figured out how to tame my Clash 98, the only worthy Clash IMO -> 16G Hexagon-X! No more odd activity from that stringbed! I can still crush the ball, but more consistently and control now. It’s now a cheat stick for me. It’s probably still going to be a string eater, but fingers are crossed.
I have also been enjoying the Blade V8 16x19 recently. It’s the US OPEN edition. Looks brilliant!
But today, I’ve also figured out how to tame my Clash 98, the only worthy Clash IMO -> 16G Hexagon-X! No more odd activity from that stringbed! I can still crush the ball, but more consistently and control now. It’s now a cheat stick for me. It’s probably still going to be a string eater, but fingers are crossed.
PhxRacket
Hall of Fame
Tension?
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
54/53
ichaseballs
Professional
for many players the clash can be the "better" or "best" racquet for you.
i say this while i have two clash98 racquets sitting in my closet.
it stares at me knowing all well that i am getting older, as my wrist & elbow are both falling apart...
personally the yonex sticks are a tad more feel/control, without sacrificing too much comfort.
i say this while i have two clash98 racquets sitting in my closet.
it stares at me knowing all well that i am getting older, as my wrist & elbow are both falling apart...
personally the yonex sticks are a tad more feel/control, without sacrificing too much comfort.
ron schaap
Hall of Fame
wilson advises not to string thjeir Clash models over 25kg otherwise you dont profit from the unique clash technology. So if you want a clash but you dont want it to pl;ay like a clash by all means string at those ridiciously high tensions, but why buy a clash then in the first p;ace?
WYK
Hall of Fame
Calm down there, Ron. Wilson's own literature, as well as TW's, state you can string it up to 26kg, which is over 57lbs.
I've had mine up to 57lbs, and it does add control without making the ride too harsh. It does lose some of it's plushness, though.
I think the spin actually goes up the tighter you string the Clash as you can now swing out more.
tennis347
Hall of Fame
I just bought the Yonex VCP 97 310 and found it more arm friendly and offers more stability than the Clash. The VCP97 310 is a much better all around that does everything well. I just bought a second one after 2 solid hitting sessions. Yonex has hit a home run with this frame. It's very user-friendly compared to most players racquets made today. Highly recommended!!
Harry_Wild
G.O.A.T.
This racquet is aimed at advanced players! These not so many of them as beginning and intermediate recreational tennis players.
Tsitsipas77
New User
Old or new version?
tennis347
Hall of Fame
The new version.
Tsitsipas77
New User
Can you compare to blade v7 or v8 or extreme tour ? Not available in eu so far
tennis347
Hall of Fame
I have played with the v7 Blade 16 x 19 for a while. IMO, the new Yonex VCP 310 97 has a more connected ball feel, a bit more power, better control, spin potential is pretty close, better maneuverability and more user-friendly along with much better stability.Can you compare to blade v7 or v8 or extreme tour ? Not available in eu so far
Tsitsipas77
New User
Sounds good. Will definitely try it out then.
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
What string tension and string do you use with the clash 98?
Thank you for articulating my exact issues with the Clash 98. I'm currently demoing a much stiffer stick, (Pure Strike 16 x 19 3rd Gen) and it's so much more consistent from stroke to stroke, day to day. I like it. We'll see how much my elbow likes it.
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
I had sporadic issues with the stringbed but I’m telling you. 16 gauge Hexagon-X from Ytex. Completely different ballgame now. Cheat stick. No issues with control or random mishits EVER, now. I string at home and have tried everything, this is truly a setup to try - for everyone who has been frustrated.
This string has a rating of 10 out of 10 for control.
This string has a rating of 10 out of 10 for control.
jalapeno74
Rookie
I agree that the Yonex' are more connected but they don't have the smoothness of the Clash. If you want a raquet that is easy on the arm/elbow go with the Clash - the Yonex lineup is not on the same level
ron schaap
Hall of Fame
mains Babolat rpm blast 1.35 at 22kg and cross Babolat spiraltek 1.25 at 21kg because i wanted to experiment with strings lying here.
tennis347
Hall of Fame
The new Yonex VCP 97 310 has a 60 RA and offers much better stability than the Clash. The Clash has too much flex IMO and the lack of stability on off center hits causes some jarring to the arm. It all comes down to personal preference. The new Yonex frame is quite plush and has more power as well better control than the Clash 98.
jalapeno74
Rookie
Oh, okay 60 RA is definitely an improvement from the last version. I used to play the (green) HD Version with 59RA and that one was a great stick - but also a bit more jarring than the Clash 98.
Will try the new version for sure
But... In my experience all (my) Yonex sticks were a bit stiff in the upper hoop, and I tried the VCore 95, the VCP97HD and the Ezone 98. Maybe it has something to do with the shape
Will try the new version for sure
But... In my experience all (my) Yonex sticks were a bit stiff in the upper hoop, and I tried the VCore 95, the VCP97HD and the Ezone 98. Maybe it has something to do with the shape
Ryebread
Hall of Fame
I can not imagine how anyone would suggest that the new yonex vcp has more power than the clash 98.
