Clash 98: underrated racquet of 2019.

J011yroger said:
Swings like a feather, hits like a truck.

Spin monster.

J
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+1 To the entire post but emphasis on the bold text. Not sure why the TW playtesters didn’t get along with it because IME, the clash 98 is a much better racquet than the 16/19 v7 blade. The only downside for me is it’s a string eater.
 
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mad dog1 said:
+1 To the entire post but emphasis on the bold text. Not sure why the TW playtesters didn’t get along with it because IME, the clash 98 is a much better racquet than the 16/19 v7 blade. The only downside for me is it’s a string eater.
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Interesting. I've tried both and preferred the Blade. The Clash 98 has more free power, more flex, and a more headlight balance. So perhaps you just prefer one of those aspects.
 
time_fly said:
Interesting. I've tried both and preferred the Blade. The Clash 98 has more free power, more flex, and a more headlight balance. So perhaps you just prefer one of those aspects.
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For me, Clash 98 is way more solid and stable. Nowhere is it more apparent than at the net on volleys.
 
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haqq777 said:
Nice! Playing stock or did you customize specs a bit? I played with the 100 and thought that was a decent racquet as well.
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I didn't like the Clash 100 version myself, but the 98 was solid. For me the V7 had a bit more control and less "twisty" feel on contact. I could try hitting in the sweet spot more I suppose.

Never really been able to explain that Clash feel for me. I always say too 'twsity and bendy', if that makes sense. You feel it so much more than even my old Prince Tour 100 with massive flex.
 
ChaelAZ said:
Never really been able to explain that Clash feel for me. I always say too 'twsity and bendy', if that makes sense. You feel it so much more than even my old Prince Tour 100 with massive flex.
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There is something unusual in the flex of the Clash. I own various versions of the Phantom 100 which has as similarly low RA. But the Phantom feels smooth at contact. The Clash feels very "rubbery" like it bends suddenly then rebounds back while you are hitting the ball. The Blade v7, although it has a lower RA than previous versions and incorporates "Clash technology", does not have that same odd feel. It feels more like a traditional flexible racquet.
 
The most underrated stick is Clash 295 which owns 100 tour version. A spin monster with tons of control. One of the best racquets i ve served with and ticks most of the boxes. 310 is too muted compared to the lighter version.
 
topspn said:
To be honest, I think the TF40 is far more impressive but the 98 is the only decent racquet in the clash series
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I have a TF40 305 coming late next week. Can’t wait for it to arrive. Just got a new 2015 Blade 18/20 with an unstrung SW of 291 which I will string up with 16g poly. I have a clash 98 and a clash 100. High time for a racquet shootout out in the Wild West! :cool:
 
In my area you can't go to the hotspot public courts without seeing at least 2-3 people using some version of the Clash. It's definitely won a lot of people over.
 
hurworld said:
Does your signature indicate their pecking order in your preference now?
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Oh gosh, not at all and didn’t even think about sig order. I am waiting on a demo of the Blade 18x20 as well so i have tried most interesting racquets out right now. I still have some weeks of playing them in matches before I decide. TF40 is impressing me though with a stable and clean connected feel that is superior to anything i have tried in a while. However it seems TF QC is similar to Wilson
 
time_fly said:
There is something unusual in the flex of the Clash. I own various versions of the Phantom 100 which has as similarly low RA. But the Phantom feels smooth at contact. The Clash feels very "rubbery" like it bends suddenly then rebounds back while you are hitting the ball. The Blade v7, although it has a lower RA than previous versions and incorporates "Clash technology", does not have that same odd feel. It feels more like a traditional flexible racquet.
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Someone in the industry told me that's why the Clash isnt being used much in the pros.
 
A_Instead said:
The 98 is a Clash that doesn't play like a Clash.. It has its own gig..a good one..
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imo its that little extra security and/or predictability of shots you get from a 98" head vs the open pattern 100"

question
what tension did you all go with?? did you up the tension or stayed in the mid 40s like the manufacturer suggested??
I think the highest I went is 56lbs fb poly w.revolve
 
EP1998 said:
Someone in the industry told me that's why the Clash isnt being used much in the pros.
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I heard the same from a national rep.....with the added comment about the very real possibility of a "player's frame/thin beam version maybe in the works" (of the 98). That was all he said, or was allowed to say about it lol
 
EP1998 said:
Someone in the industry told me that's why the Clash isnt being used much in the pros.
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That's what I like about the Clash, mostly on the two hand backhand (not sure why I feel it more on that wing). Feels like a catapult. I have not been playing for 20years with classic racquets so maybe thats why I have that woah feeling.
 
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