Clash 108
- Thread starter ollinger
- Start date
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
Maybe @monfils is my homeboy can chime in?
I found the Clash 108 to play more predictably than the 100 Tour {less "ball launching") The ball seemed like it pocketed less into the strings with the 108, which is stiffer, and therefore the feedback on depth was better. The larger head size with increased sweet area probably contributed as well to the greater consistency. The 100 Tour felt more like a sling shot. Both frames were demo's strung with Wilson Sensation Plus 16g at 53 lbs. The stability of the Clash 108 was far superior to any oversize and/or light racquet I have tried, and far exceeded my preconceptions about it's potential drawbacks. I am switching to the 108 from the Pro Staff 97.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Sounds like the 108 might be your racquet!
tennistiger
Professional
I played the both 100 and the 108. For me the 108 is simply the best Clash! Same feeling but slightly stiffer, good weight to customise and better sweetspot than the others with surprisingly good control for a 108. Perfect balance between 100sq inch player racket and an typical oversize frame which is most time about 260 g and too light for better players.
tennistiger
Professional
For an usual overzise (seems to me in fact more 110 than 108) it is not light. For example Ezone 108 255g, Pure Drive 110 255g, Ultra 110 270g, XP1 265g...
This was not on my radar, but intrigued enough to demo.
About 15 years ago, I used a racquet from Prince called the Triple Threat Ring. It had a 125 square inch head, 28 inch length, several points head heavy, and a static weight of less than 11 oz. Everyone at my club thought I was nuts until they tried it themselves. Awesome racquet.
About 15 years ago, I used a racquet from Prince called the Triple Threat Ring. It had a 125 square inch head, 28 inch length, several points head heavy, and a static weight of less than 11 oz. Everyone at my club thought I was nuts until they tried it themselves. Awesome racquet.
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I am curious to know what string and tension others are finding best success with on the Clash 108. I am particularly interested in reducing the "launch angle" as much as possible. The ability to consistently drive a hard flatter ball when desired is the one attribute I miss from going from a more players racquet like the PS 97 to the Clash 108. Although this may be more attributable to my inconsistent footwork than the Clash.
Try keeping your mains same tension but increase cross tension by 3-5 lbs.
AZSunTennis
New User
Ok, the word is out. I was wondering how long it would take. The 108 is a great racquet. Control oriented, really! Nice balance and perfect extra length .25. I use Black Widow 18G with no problems whatsoever. Full gut is fine, but plays just as comfortably as full poly. Perhaps this is the best of all the clash racquets. Go figure.
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Thanks hurworld, I had never thought about doing this but makes a lot of sense - reduces amount of snapback from the mains I imagine. Another question: does a shaped Poly like Dunlop Black Widow (in a full bed) increase or decrease launch angle? Lastly I wanted to mention that I tried the new Head Gravity Pro (looking to reduce launch angle) and ended up 1-6 in the first set against the same partner I had achieved a very close set losing 5-7 after many deuces and break points with the Clash 108 the week before. He said that my shots were much less heavy with Gravity Pro than the Clash 108. Since I don't think the Clash 108 produced more unforced errors than the Gravity Pro, I am sticking with the Clash. This partner Plays with a Pure Drive Roddick, so I gotta have the weapon to compete.
Bebe tennis player
New User
4.0 review:
I tested this racquet. Overall it is an excellent racquet if it fits your game. It has good weight distribution, big sweet spot and swings fast.
It responds to big strokes with a controllable ball loaded with spin. When on the run, when a big stroke is not possible, it will tend to launch the ball. It has a very open string pattern and has a trampoline effect.
Personally I do not have enough confidence in this racquet to take it into a match as the potential to launch the ball is too great on a big swing w/o time to set up and impart heavy spin.
At net it was great on overheads but mediocre in block volleys. On serves it was outstanding.
I tried to add weight but that ruined the racquets performance.
Racquet has great clash flexible feel.
Rating: 5-7,6-7
( best 6-0,6-0; worst 0-6, 0-6)
I tested this racquet. Overall it is an excellent racquet if it fits your game. It has good weight distribution, big sweet spot and swings fast.
It responds to big strokes with a controllable ball loaded with spin. When on the run, when a big stroke is not possible, it will tend to launch the ball. It has a very open string pattern and has a trampoline effect.
Personally I do not have enough confidence in this racquet to take it into a match as the potential to launch the ball is too great on a big swing w/o time to set up and impart heavy spin.
At net it was great on overheads but mediocre in block volleys. On serves it was outstanding.
I tried to add weight but that ruined the racquets performance.
Racquet has great clash flexible feel.
Rating: 5-7,6-7
( best 6-0,6-0; worst 0-6, 0-6)
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I find the RA listed at 56 to be total nonsense. I played with the Radical OS for 15 years with a similar RA. That racket was extremely flexible (close to a noodle) and had unbelievable feel. This Clash 108 is comfortable b/c of it's "low" RA but it is still a fat racket with little dwell time and little feel. While I appreciate the companies seeming to be directed to low RAs right now, none of the feel and precision come close to the rackets of the 90s.
n8dawg6
Legend
i have definitely turned over every rock!
AZSunTennis
New User
Having great success with 19g Völkl Cyclone Black string - at 55lbs. Comfortable. Nice launch angle, with control.
netlets
Professional
The Clash Tour is not for flat ball hitters - it was specifically made for low to high modern swing path - lots of topspin in other words. This frame only launches balls when you hit flat.
