Clash 98: underrated racquet of 2019.

[tennis347]

Not what I was objecting to. Did you read your own comment before posting it? Do you really think high levels players with long strokes cannot control powerful frames?

Everything points to you being somewhat of a intermediate, which is fine, the sport is there to have fun and I coached my fair share of intermediates back when I coached regularly. But it comes across rather poorly when you then opine on things in the manner you do.

If you read the TW reviews, these are good players saying the control is erratic. I am not making this up. The bottom line is every one is going to have their own opinions on racquets. It has nothing to do with level of play. I must be a decent player if I can maximize the potential of the Blade.For the record, I am taking this personal. Let's move on. You won't see me posting on any Clash forums!!

 

[mad dog1]

If you read the TW reviews, these are good players saying the control is erratic. I am not making this up. The bottom line is every one is going to have their own opinions on racquets. It has nothing to do with level of play. I must be a decent player if I can maximize the potential of the Blade..For the record, I am taking this personal. Let's move on. You won't see me posting on any Clash forums!!

Not sure if using a particular stick means anyone is a decent player cuz I see 3.5s using RFA97 and Prestige MPs. I also see 4.5+ players using these sticks, too.

 

[tennis347]

Not sure if using a particular stick means anyone is a decent player cuz I see 3.5s using RFA97 and Prestige MPs. I also see 4.5+ players using these sticks, too.

I don't think you are going to see many 3.5 players using a Blade because it doesn't supply easy power. Not only that, 3.5 players are not good enough to know what ball pocketing is about. I really have nothing to prove. I have seen you on multiple posts and you should see that I am savvy enough with commentary to show I am experienced player.

 

[mad dog1]

If you read the TW reviews, these are good players saying the control is erratic. I am not making this up. The bottom line is every one is going to have their own opinions on racquets. It has nothing to do with level of play. I must be a decent player if I can maximize the potential of the Blade.For the record, I am taking this personal. Let's move on. You won't see me posting on any Clash forums!!

I think the reviews from the TW playtesters are fun to read and watch, but I have found their opinions and experiences to be significantly different than my own. I’ve have decided it is always best to do an extended demo and not rely on the opinions of others.

 

[tennis347]

I think the reviews from the TW playtesters are fun to read and watch, but I have found their opinions and experiences to be significantly different than my own. I’ve have decided it is always best to do an extended demo and not rely on the opinions of others.

I would agree with you. I do take reviews into consideration but agree that an extended demo is the way to go.

 

[mad dog1]

I don't think you are going to see many 3.5 players using a Blade because it doesn't supply easy power. Not only that, 3.5 players are not good enough to know what ball pocketing is about. I really have nothing to prove. I have seen you on multiple posts and you should see that I am savvy enough with commentary to show I am experienced player.

Prestige MPs are extremely low powered yet I see 3.5s using them. Besides, based on what I’ve learned on the forum, 3.5s hit harder than Nadal so that dispels the notion that the Blade is too low powered for them. Maybe when they reach 4.0, it would be too low powered because once they reach 4.0, they must resort to weak bunty shots.

 

[J011yroger]

Prestige MPs are extremely low powered

Not the Graphene!

J

 

[mad dog1]

Not the Graphene!

J

Truth!

 

[JOSHL]

TT 3.5 would easily beat Denis shapovalov.

 

[mad dog1]

TT 3.5 would easily beat Denis shapovalov.

Obviously! But wrong thread perhaps?

 

[SpinToWin]

If you read the TW reviews, these are good players saying the control is erratic. I am not making this up. The bottom line is every one is going to have their own opinions on racquets. It has nothing to do with level of play. I must be a decent player if I can maximize the potential of the Blade.For the record, I am taking this personal. Let's move on. You won't see me posting on any Clash forums!!

That you play better with the blade doesn't mean you "maximize its potential". Several pros on tour play some variant of the Blade. If "maximizing a frame's potential" is anything real, it is them who do it. You're far from a pro - we all are.

Jolly isn't a bad player and he could control it just fine. Many pros on tour use some kind of tweener style frame (from Pure Drive, to Aero, etc.). You're right when you say that racquet opinion is highly subjective as we all have different games. But the claims you are making about racquet feel and controllability are simply wrong. An advanced player can adjust his stroke to control a frame, especially with the use of spin. I can play tennis with my Clash 100 or my Prestige Tour 600, and I'll beat intermediates either way. But if you have flatter strokes with a western forehand grip and have to use full synthetic for comfort, I'm terribly sorry, but you're not at the level where you understand what it means to control a ball as an advanced player does.

And no, it's not the case that only advanced players use Blades. Most players actually have no idea why they use the frame they do and not a different one. Some use an RF 97 cause Federer.

 

[tennis347]

That you play better with the blade doesn't mean you "maximize its potential". Several pros on tour play some variant of the Blade. If "maximizing a frame's potential" is anything real, it is them who do it. You're far from a pro - we all are.

Jolly isn't a bad player and he could control it just fine. Many pros on tour use some kind of tweener style frame (from Pure Drive, to Aero, etc.). You're right when you say that racquet opinion is highly subjective as we all have different games. But the claims you are making about racquet feel and controllability are simply wrong. An advanced player can adjust his stroke to control a frame, especially with the use of spin. I can play tennis with my Clash 100 or my Prestige Tour 600, and I'll beat intermediates either way. But if you have flatter strokes with a western forehand grip and have to use full synthetic for comfort, I'm terribly sorry, but you're not at the level where you understand what it means to control a ball as an advanced player does.

And no, it's not the case that only advanced players use Blades. Most players actually have no idea why they use the frame they do and not a different one. Some use an RF 97 cause Federer.

I use a synthetic string because I have arm problems. I played with poly many players ago. You are making generalizations when in reality you don't know if they are accurate. You have your own opinion like everyone else on this forum. Just because you are teaching pro doesn't mean you are an expert on tennis. I wish you a nice day.

 

[time_fly]

TT 3.5 would easily beat Denis shapovalov.

In their own opinion, anyway. OTOH, real 3.5s swing and miss 50% of the time according to TT 4.5s.

 

[djNEiGht]

so is it safe to say that TT 4.0 only misses 25% of the time...unless the evaluation is coming from a TT 5.0 where the percentage goes up to 75%?

 

[n8dawg6]

so is it safe to say that TT 4.0 only misses 25% of the time...unless the evaluation is coming from a TT 5.0 where the percentage goes up to 75%?

no math on the final!

 

[mad dog1]

so is it safe to say that TT 4.0 only misses 25% of the time...unless the evaluation is coming from a TT 5.0 where the percentage goes up to 75%?

TT 5.0??? No such thing. Doesn’t exist when Fed, Delpo, Raonic, and Matosevic are only rated TT 4.5.

 

[djNEiGht]

@n8dawg6 & @mad dog1

*chuckle*

 

[SpinToWin]

I use a synthetic string because I have arm problems. I played with poly many players ago. You are making generalizations when in reality you don't know if they are accurate. You have your own opinion like everyone else on this forum. Just because you are teaching pro doesn't mean you are an expert on tennis. I wish you a nice day.

And now you’re misrepresenting me. Next one’s a block.

 

[n8dawg6]

cant we all just get along and love the clash 98?

 

[J011yroger]

And now you’re misrepresenting me. Next one’s a block.

Lol, really?

J

 

[am1899]

You come across as a buffoon here. Don't be a buffoon.

...says the guy with the Tsitsi avatar...

 

[tennis347]

cant we all just get along and love the clash 98?

I still have my Clash 98. My first outing was in lousy cool, damp and windy conditions. I might take the Clash out for another try in the next week or so when I hit indoors. It might be very string and tension sensitive. I will then have a better feel for the Clash.

 

[tennis347]

...says the guy with the Tsitsi avatar...

Really, lol.

 

[am1899]

TT 3.5 would easily beat Denis shapovalov.

Probably would - Denis Shapovalov is a pusher.

 

[SpinToWin]

Lol, really?

J

Yeah, I spend little time on these platforms as is so I’ve decided to curate the experience.

 

[SpinToWin]

...says the guy with the Tsitsi avatar...

Hey! Leave me my Greek national pride lol

 

[gutfeeling]

And now you’re misrepresenting me. Next one’s a block.

Looks like we have a good old fashioned Clash on our hands!

 

[n8dawg6]

I still have my Clash 98. My first outing was in lousy cool, damp and windy conditions. I might take the Clash out for another try in the next week or so when I hit indoors. It might be very string and tension sensitive. I will then have a better feel for the Clash.

i didnt like it my first outing either. i think i had built it up too much in my mind based on the lengthy original post in this thread. anyhoo, the second outing went better and now im having a hard time putting it down bc it absolutely clobbers the ball

 

[tennis347]

i didnt like it my first outing either. i think i had built it up too much in my mind based on the lengthy original post in this thread. anyhoo, the second outing went better and now im having a hard time putting it down bc it absolutely clobbers the ball

I agree that I had very high expectations for the Clash due to reviews and this thread. I was very disappointed and annoyed on the first outing with Clash 98 but the conditions were atrocious. I might try changing the stock to my goat wilson contour grip for better feel and cushioning. The string tension needs to be pretty low with Clash. I didn't string it tight at 51lbs with Gamma TNT 15l. A little more free power and spin over the Blade is what I am looking for. I will let you know how the second outing goes the next time I play. Not sure when that will be.

 

[tpro2000]

Is there a main consensus about stringing the 98? I have one coming Monday to mess around with. My TC100 is strung at 47/44 with Tourna S7T, and I've always strung low. I was thinking about starting at the same tension as the Angell and going from there.

Any other thoughts?

 

[n8dawg6]

Is there a main consensus about stringing the 98? I have one coming Monday to mess around with. My TC100 is strung at 47/44 with Tourna S7T, and I've always strung low. I was thinking about starting at the same tension as the Angell and going from there.

Any other thoughts?

im rolling w full poly (cyclone), i feel like thats what its designed for. mine is strung at 50 but i think itd be fine going lower. gonna give element a whirl next

 

[SpinToWin]

Looks like we have a good old fashioned Clash on our hands!

I love a good pun hehe.

 

[Jouke]

Is there a main consensus about stringing the 98? I have one coming Monday to mess around with. My TC100 is strung at 47/44 with Tourna S7T, and I've always strung low. I was thinking about starting at the same tension as the Angell and going from there.

Any other thoughts?

I hate it with silver 7 tour. Took all the pocketing away from the frame

 

[gutfeeling]

If anyone located in the US has an on spec (weight, balance, and sw in line with TW published specs) Clash 98 and wants to trade me for an on spec Blade v7 18x20, please message me.

 

[tpro2000]

im rolling w full poly (cyclone), i feel like thats what its designed for. mine is strung at 50 but i think itd be fine going lower. gonna give element a whirl next

Good to know! I have a ton to use to try (Tier-One Tour Status, Diadem, WeissCannon, Lynx, etc).

I hate it with silver 7 tour. Took all the pocketing away from the frame

Interesting. I typically only use edged strings so I'll at least start there and see what the feeling is out.

I'll also have to bring the static weight up and change the balance a little as well.

 

[FedGR]

1st hit today with the Clash 98 and had a good experience with it. Lots of power and spin, control was decent to good. The ball had a lot to it after bouncing so that was +. The - is that the feeling isn't great, at least with Yonex Pro Tour Strike.. It's much better than the Clash 100 but nothing like the Blade where you get tons of feedback from impact. Plow was also good but I feel I would definitely lead it up a bit just for it to be more solid.

What definitely watered down my experience was that I tried the Clash 98 playing doubles (which is not my forte) and against strong players which know how to put me out of my comfort zone. Will definitely try it again in singles and try find my rhythm and groove with it.

Another good frame from Wilson.

 

[parasailing]

I hate it with silver 7 tour. Took all the pocketing away from the frame

Not a fan of this string either on a Blade v7 18x20.

 

[mad dog1]

Not a fan of this string either on a Blade v7 18x20.

What tension? I tried it in the clash 98 at 51/49 and it wasn’t good at all for the first 2 hits so i left it in my bag to sit until 5 weeks later. By that time, it had lost enough tension to play more like what I was accustomed to. Gonna try stringing it 5# lower next time.

 

[parasailing]

What tension? I tried it in the clash 98 at 51/49 and it wasn’t good at all for the first 2 hits so i left it in my bag to sit until 5 weeks later. By that time, it had lost enough tension to play more like what I was accustomed to. Gonna try stringing it 5# lower next time.

I had mine strung the same as Hyper G at 44lbs mains and 40lbs crosses and it provides more power but not as much spin and control.

 

[mad dog1]

I had mine strung the same as Hyper G at 44lbs mains and 40lbs crosses and it provides more power but not as much spin and control.

Interesting. I find it doesn’t pocket well similar to max power until it’s lost a considerable amount of tension.

 

[parasailing]

Interesting. I find it doesn’t pocket well similar to max power until it’s lost a considerable amount of tension.

If that is the case, I gonna need to let it sit in the racquet for at least a few weeks to see if it drops anymore tension.

 

[mad dog1]

If that is the case, I gonna need to let it sit in the racquet for at least a few weeks to see if it drops anymore tension.

Can’t hurt. Lol.

if you strung it at the same tension as hyper g, yeah, I recommend you try it 3-5# lower next time...assuming you have another set.

 

[parasailing]

Can’t hurt. Lol.

if you strung it at the same tension as hyper g, yeah, I recommend you try it 3-5# lower next time...assuming you have another set.

Don't have another set so I am gonna just wait a few weeks or maybe just step on the strings to soften it up a bit .

 

[BHud]

That you play better with the blade doesn't mean you "maximize its potential". Several pros on tour play some variant of the Blade. If "maximizing a frame's potential" is anything real, it is them who do it. You're far from a pro - we all are.

Jolly isn't a bad player and he could control it just fine. Many pros on tour use some kind of tweener style frame (from Pure Drive, to Aero, etc.). You're right when you say that racquet opinion is highly subjective as we all have different games. But the claims you are making about racquet feel and controllability are simply wrong. An advanced player can adjust his stroke to control a frame, especially with the use of spin. I can play tennis with my Clash 100 or my Prestige Tour 600, and I'll beat intermediates either way. But if you have flatter strokes with a western forehand grip and have to use full synthetic for comfort, I'm terribly sorry, but you're not at the level where you understand what it means to control a ball as an advanced player does.

And no, it's not the case that only advanced players use Blades. Most players actually have no idea why they use the frame they do and not a different one. Some use an RF 97 cause Federer.

Well...aren't you the arrogant one...simply because one has a different style of play than you, doesn't mean they "don't understand what it means to control a ball". I'm sure there are plenty of older players at TW who have forgotten more about tennis than you'll ever know.

 

[J011yroger]

Well...aren't you the arrogant one...simply because one has a different style of play than you, doesn't mean they "don't understand what it means to control a ball". I'm sure there are plenty of older players at TW who have forgotten more about tennis than you'll ever know.

His arrogance is justified, other guy is a tool.

I approve @SpinToWin 's message.

J

 

[BHud]

His arrogance is justified, other guy is a tool.

I approve @SpinToWin 's message.

J

So it's 347 that's the problem?

 

[J011yroger]

So it's 347 that's the problem?

Ya, he is a little too insecure and overreacted to Spin's message which prompted the harsh realities to be laid upon him.

J

 

[Power Player]

Multiple sources are telling me that Jolly secretly covets the Blade v7, but since he will need to purchase 15-20 at some point, he needed to run a distraction.

 

[J011yroger]

Multiple sources are telling me that Jolly secretly covets the Blade v7, but since he will need to purchase 15-20 at some point, he needed to run a distraction.

I sprayed some balls with @Pickle9 's. It did everything ok but didn't have any exceptional qualities. I didn't like the feel or balance really.

J

 

[mad dog1]

I sprayed some balls with @Pickle9 's. It did everything ok but didn't have any exceptional qualities. I didn't like the feel or balance really.

J

For you, add 3 oz of lead to it and everything will be a-ok.