Official Wilson Clash thread
- Thread starter TagUrIt
- Start date
TypeRx
Semi-Pro
Sure, I'll keep it very simple. I had the PP100 and PP100P at the same time (several months ago) and had the 93P and Clash Tour at the same time (mid Feb). Since I didn't have head to head comparisons across all rackets, I'll just simply give the edge to the Phantom or Clash Tour. Also, I want to point out that I was a diehard Prince guy and would have LOVED to have loved any of the Phantoms, but it just didn't happen.
- Control: Phantom (especially 93P 18x20). But I did not notice a dramatic difference in control between Phantoms and Clash Tour. Like just about everything else, the user is the most important aspect...the racket is incremental. There are some shots where the Clash Tour feels erratic, which is why it scores lower here for me.
- Power: Clash Tour. The Phantoms all lacked inherent power and required very full and fast swings to generate pace...all the time. I would have difficulty playing defensively with the Prince rackets. The Clash Tour is not the most powerful racket, but it is definitely on the more powerful side. Also, because of launch angle it might take a slight difference in swing path to maintain good power and control with this racket.
- Comfort: Clash Tour. Although all rackets appeared to be comfortable, the highly muted feel of the Clash Tour is more to my liking. The Phantoms were also comfortable, but just didn't have the "feel" that I love. You can definitely feel the flex of the Phantom rackets more than the Clash, but overall, it appeared like less shock was going to my arm with the Clash Tour.
- Spin: Clash Tour. I guess this is expected when comparing 16x19 vs. 18x20 patterns? I don't know -- TBH the spin difference wasn't massive between any of these rackets. I can generate good topspin with just about any racket/string. But I would give the Clash Tour a slight edge here.
- Stability: Clash Tour, kind of. The 93P was really stable, but since the head was a smidge smaller, I feel like the Clash Tour maintains its stability better across the larger head size.
- Aesthetics: Phantoms, by far. I much prefer the traditional design and thin beam of the Prince rackets.
- Other: Phantoms cost less and will probably be more durable. I would imagine they will hold more resale value as well.
Again, I was really hoping to fall in love with the PP100P when I first demo'd it...in fact, I was considering just buying it without a demo since I have had such good prior experience with Prince rackets, knew I needed something comfy/healthy for my arm, and loved the look and thought of a "player's racket". But from just about the first hit on, it was clear it wasn't going to work. In fact, during my first demo round, I ended up loving a racket that I actually ordered as a filler for my demo order and was convinced before trying that I wouldn't like it (Volkl V-Sense 8 315g). Similar, I actually was planning on demo'ing the 93P and it just so happened that the Clash was just released and TW had one I could test. So, I did. And although I hit with the 93P first, after hitting with the Clash Tour I had to force myself to go back to the 93P to continue getting a feel for the racket. It was also clear very quickly that the 93P wasn't the racket for me. Which again was disappointing -- I was really looking forward to meshing with a modern version of my Prince CTS Graduate MP (I still have 4 of them), but none of the Phantoms delivered on this. Maybe the 93P 14x18 will...dunno. Or, maybe I shouldn't care. I am playing well with the Clash Tour, my arm is healthy, etc.
What I learned from all of this is to keep an open mind and listen to what your body tells you when you demo the racket. Specs and aesthetics are good objective and subjective metrics to help narrow your racket search, but demo'ing for an extended period (I also give each demo racket at least 4-5 hours of playtime) is really the most important thing to finding which racket suits your game and preferences the best.
PhxRacket
Hall of Fame
Thank you for the review. I am At the end of a rather nasty TE flare up. I am going to hit with the Clash Tour. I am hoping it or the Phantoms will extend competitive play for me, I can coach and teach with any stick.
TypeRx
Semi-Pro
I feel your pain. I had moderate GE that persisted for 6-7 mos (I kept playing during rehab, maybe 6-8 hours/week). During the GE episode, I looked for alternate rackets/strings while also doing strengthening/stretching/technique adjustments. I ended up going with the Volkl V-Sense 8 315g and used this racket for the last 6-8 weeks of my GE episode. It has now been about 13 mos since my GE fully resolved. I switched from the Volkl to the Wilson Clash Tour about 6 weeks ago and am currently playing 15-20 hours a week without a hint of any elbow/arm pain. In both the Volkl and Clash Tour I am using hybrid Ashaway Kevlar at 75 lbs and Ashaway Monogut ZX Pro at 45 lbs. It is all working quite well.
Definitely play test/demo these rackets. If you like modern tweeners, my guess is you will strongly prefer the Clash Tour over the Phantom line. If you like more lower powered "classical" rackets, my guess is you will strongly prefer the Phantoms (especially the 93P which has great stability/heft).
PhxRacket
Hall of Fame
I am fond of greater control and precision so it seems like the Phantoms fit the bill. But I keep reading good things about the Clash Tour so here we go...
SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
Well then you’re discussing different things. I hope nobody would go away saying that the Clash has the most flexible feel ever - it doesn’t. But that matter - does the frame have a flexible feel - is a different one from the matter of stiffness rating, however that is defined. It is entirely possible that a frame has a low stiffness rating while not having a proportionately flexible feel.
Me 2, but it wont happen! Played with the 98 version but its the same! 16x19 and thick beam and 310 gram..
I've used the regular Clash increased to 322 grams now for about 5 practice matches ..My nerve damaged wrist is able to play longer and more often than usual..Playing well getting good power and spin ;control is decent with Lux NG/ZX 58-55..I can figure out the rest to make it work better
Tour_G
Semi-Pro
Wait, what? Did you already try it?
Shame, I wonder when Wilson is going to release a new kind of Six One or Pro Staff with close string pattern.
PhxRacket
Hall of Fame
Just played with a Clash Tour in a 4.5/5.0 casual doubles weekend match. Too much fun. I have a tight/sore elbow that put an end to my League participation this Spring. I coach and teach so today was a test case. I was happy to give the Clash a good go. It took a set to get used to it. Sets two and three were better than set 1. It was amazing in terms of elbow comfort, I will know more tomorrow morning. Adjusted to the Clash’s qualities and I played pretty well. I do like thin beams and control sticks, but haven’t been able to heal using those.
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Chezbeeno
Professional
For those of you who have tried the Tour and the non-tour, which would you suggest for someone looking to get back into tennis and playing pain-free?
I've been out of the game for a while and now any time I try to play again I get pretty terrible hand and wrist pain (particularly on forehands). I've been using the Blade 16x19, and I have had that problem with those. I demoed the Tour, but it was a smaller grip size, and I'm not sure how it was strung, so I don't think I really got an accurate idea of how it would feel if I were to actually purchase one (and I might just buy one, so I can have the proper grip-size and my own string preferences, especially since the Clash has the 60-day guarantee right now). The guy I spoke to at my local shop said that the non-tour feels a little flexier (and more comfortable?) because of its more head-heavy balance, but I'm interested in hearing what others have to say. I'm fairly confident that I will go back to using the Blades once I'm back in full tennis-shape, I just desperately want a way to get back into tennis that doesn't involve quite as much debilitating pain.
Also, what sort of string setup would be ideal?
I've been out of the game for a while and now any time I try to play again I get pretty terrible hand and wrist pain (particularly on forehands). I've been using the Blade 16x19, and I have had that problem with those. I demoed the Tour, but it was a smaller grip size, and I'm not sure how it was strung, so I don't think I really got an accurate idea of how it would feel if I were to actually purchase one (and I might just buy one, so I can have the proper grip-size and my own string preferences, especially since the Clash has the 60-day guarantee right now). The guy I spoke to at my local shop said that the non-tour feels a little flexier (and more comfortable?) because of its more head-heavy balance, but I'm interested in hearing what others have to say. I'm fairly confident that I will go back to using the Blades once I'm back in full tennis-shape, I just desperately want a way to get back into tennis that doesn't involve quite as much debilitating pain.
Also, what sort of string setup would be ideal?
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
As someone that has played all the Phantom 93P, 100 and Pro 100 18x20 extensively and used my wife's Clash tour, here is my opinion:
1) Control: Phantom 93P and 100 18x20 are precision machines. Head and shoulders above the Clash tour and also above the Phantom 100.
2) Power: Clash Tour is the winner followed by Phantom 100 and then both the 18x20 Phantoms. However, running low tension strings solves most of the power disparity.
3) Stability: Phantom 100 18x20 then I'd say the Clash tour and 93P are tied. Last place to the Phantom 100
4) Spin: TBH I can get them all to spin about the same. Probably the 100 18x20 is the last place racket in this category.
5) Comfort: Phantom 100 is like hitting with a pillow. Clash Tour and Phantom pro 100 18x20 are next. 93P is the firmest feeling but still arm friendly
6) Aesthetics: The 93P with its leather grip, thin beam mid size box beam frame wins hands down. Racket porn. Clash isn't quite as ugly in real life as the picture on the internet but not a beauty.
In the end, The feel, balance, control makes the 93P the winner for me. Feels like an extension of my arm. Phantom Pro 100 18x20 is a great doubles frame. Phantom 100 is a good comfort frame. Clash Tour is a bit erratic in my hands but would play as a good singles frame once I dialled in the power and control. Personally I think an 18x20 Clash 98 would be a better idea for a Tour model but that's just me.
TagUrIt
Hall of Fame
I think because of the technology that went into creating this racquet the beam thickness remains the same for a reason. If you look at the throat of the racquet (literally the center of the whole Clash revolution) the flex there may not work with a beam that’s thinner. Of course I’m only speculating, but I think all the work/research in designing this racquet only accounted for the current beam thickness.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Which prince is that?I think the left one is better in any categories
Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Looks like an EXO3 Tour 18x20.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Ports. Yuck.
I actually have a pair of brand new grommeted prince Halloween Tour Pro 16/18. Maybe I should string one up to see how it plays.
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
LOL a Port snob, are you? People complain about the disconnected and muted feel of ports and then Wilson offers an equally muted and disconnected feeling racket in the Clash at a significantly higher price point and people go ga-ga for it. What goes around, comes around.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Nope. The Clash feels nothing like Ports.
Clash feels muted.
Ports feel like mush.
I am looking for information from any current clash user who has switched from the Serena Autograph racquet (Blade SW104). I love the SW104 but only when I put a full bed of poly (Lux. - ALU Rough @53 lbs) in it. Due to the stiffness and my desire to play with poly, my elbow is starting to act up. I have tried and teach with a full bed of gut or gut/poly blend. I don't like either of those setups when I need to play a match. The extra 1 inch reach and swing weight gives me a great deal of confidence on both first on second serves. I don't love the SW104 at the net due to the high swing weight. I am having a hard time finding another racquet in the Wilson line (I have to stay with Wilson) that I can play with that will generate the kind of power on my first serve I desire and be more arm friendly. I have tried the Five but it is way too light. I have never experimented with adding lead so that could be an option there.
I have hit with the Clash Tour but it is someone else's racquet so I can't make changes to it. The strings feel tight (NXT at 54.5) to me and thus I don't feel a lot of power transferring into my serves. Volleys are solid and the groundstrokes feel a little underpowered but I think part of that is the strings. I have a couple of clashes (one of each model) on order from Wilson but I appear to be at the bottom of the priority list. I know I can't really get a true comparison myself, but I wanted to ask if anyone else has switched from the same racquet I use and did they change anything on the clash - (lower string tension, added weight, extended the length of the racquet, etc). Thanks!
I have hit with the Clash Tour but it is someone else's racquet so I can't make changes to it. The strings feel tight (NXT at 54.5) to me and thus I don't feel a lot of power transferring into my serves. Volleys are solid and the groundstrokes feel a little underpowered but I think part of that is the strings. I have a couple of clashes (one of each model) on order from Wilson but I appear to be at the bottom of the priority list. I know I can't really get a true comparison myself, but I wanted to ask if anyone else has switched from the same racquet I use and did they change anything on the clash - (lower string tension, added weight, extended the length of the racquet, etc). Thanks!
A_Instead
Legend
You will struggle with power and depth of shot in the Clash if you are coming from a SW Blade 104.. these 2 are 2 completely different tools..yet still a same tool with identical purpose..one is a tack hammer whilec the other is a sledgehammer..
You will gain a comfy easy to swing and play with tennis racket in the clash..
But the swing weight difference will be tough for you for some time..
You will gain a comfy easy to swing and play with tennis racket in the clash..
But the swing weight difference will be tough for you for some time..
Not an EXO3. It's a non-port Tour 100 18x20.
Looks like this one: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/reviews/PT1H18/PT1H18review.html
They are same port grommets.
Traditional grommet is optional but hard to find.
Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk
I agree completely. I am thinking about ordering some lead tape and getting the XTP BUTT Caps to extend the length of the racquets. By doing so, I hope to be able to create an arm friendly mini-sledgehammer.
TagUrIt
Hall of Fame
Not sure if you’re on Insta, but Wilson is VERY responsive if you ask them a question there.
Good evening,
over a period of three weeks I've been playing a lot with the clash (after I tried it I bought three of them) and tried out different string setups (strings & tension) , but I had to learn that my "butterflies in the stomach" were clearly premature and I just can not handle this racket.
I've been missing touch & control and I didn't like at all that this stick that it doesn't have a linear progressive feel like RF97A, PS97 or Wilson Vcore 97 Pro 310/330g.
At the same time I've been playing with Wilson Ultra 100 CV and even that the frame has a way higher RA (74 vs. 55 of the Clash) the feel is (for me the same) but better.
In consequence I sold all three Clash, fortunately I got them for a very good price so I sold them to almost 1:1 the price I've paid, this experiment had at least no financial impact!
Have now switched back to my PS97 CV Black again and what can I say, "the magic is back"!
over a period of three weeks I've been playing a lot with the clash (after I tried it I bought three of them) and tried out different string setups (strings & tension) , but I had to learn that my "butterflies in the stomach" were clearly premature and I just can not handle this racket.
I've been missing touch & control and I didn't like at all that this stick that it doesn't have a linear progressive feel like RF97A, PS97 or Wilson Vcore 97 Pro 310/330g.
At the same time I've been playing with Wilson Ultra 100 CV and even that the frame has a way higher RA (74 vs. 55 of the Clash) the feel is (for me the same) but better.
In consequence I sold all three Clash, fortunately I got them for a very good price so I sold them to almost 1:1 the price I've paid, this experiment had at least no financial impact!
Have now switched back to my PS97 CV Black again and what can I say, "the magic is back"!
TagUrIt
Hall of Fame
Hey you tried it and it didn’t suit you, nothing wrong with that. When you have a racquet that you enjoy, it does wonders for your game.
PrinceMoron
Legend
Just jumped on the bandwagon with a Tour
Accurate up the line even when hitting late, surprisingly so
Service speed and depth excellent and the stability lets you hit very wide out to the BH on the Ad court
No jarring elbow pain/soreness after stretching for Fhs
Cupping lets you play super steady with good clearance over the net, you could rally all day at 70% power
Accurate on passing shots and you can pick up the pace of the ball easily
Feel is certainly different, it is not soft in the traditional sense like a PS85 or 93P
Looking forward to the 98 version in July
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Accurate up the line even when hitting late, surprisingly so
Service speed and depth excellent and the stability lets you hit very wide out to the BH on the Ad court
No jarring elbow pain/soreness after stretching for Fhs
Cupping lets you play super steady with good clearance over the net, you could rally all day at 70% power
Accurate on passing shots and you can pick up the pace of the ball easily
Feel is certainly different, it is not soft in the traditional sense like a PS85 or 93P
Looking forward to the 98 version in July
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Good stuff. What string set-up?
PrinceMoron
Legend
You can find my review of the Clash Tour and non Tour below.
In a few words I would recommend the Tour version.
Regarding the string set up, I have tried it with Luxilon Smart, too. Luxilon Smart does what it says, but I personally do not recommend it on this racquet; this is because the frame is doing the same job, and by using Luxilon Smart you over-emphasize the advertised quality. At the same time the level of control is not following a proportional change from soft to big, and if you use Luxilon Smart on a Clash it is when you go somewhere between soft to big that the racquet becomes erratic.
As a result I would recommend a poly in mid range tension.
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https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/official-wilson-clash-thread.637021/post-13172795
Hi everyone,
I have play tested both the 100 and 100 tour, I can analyse and write for hours in relation to these 2 frames, but I will try to keep it as short as possible.
The main reason of my review is in order to thank Wilson for providing such a racquet in the market.
Is this racquet revolutionary?
Yes, it is! Why?
Because it is really soft, and it is very stable!
It feels like an old school softy but it is modern and powerful!
As one crazy guy asked in the past traveljam and zalize (about 3 years ago) if is possible to develop a PT57A - soft and plush racquet that plays as a Babolat Pure Drive... well, Wilson has almost done it... I am sure more versions will follow.
It is not a PT57A, and by default it cannot feel the same when you have such a wide beam... but you can understand the revolutionary Wilson concept while playing with it...
Revolutionary! Is that all?
Do you want something more? There is!
The amazing thing is that it plays soft when you hit an easy going shot, and it stiffens up when you go big!
In a few words
It is like this racquet (especially the Tour) is consisted from 2 frames:
1st frame is activated and is very flexible when you hit an easy going shot. Let's say you are a descent player (ATP 1000) and you hit at 50%. This 1st frame will be in charge of the shot by 80-90%.
2nd frame which feels like it is within the 1st is activated when you go bigger... the bigger you go the more stiffness and stability you get. But there is always the 1st frame to absorb the initial shock, and give a higher amplitude regarding the frequency. I would not like to analyze in detail what is going on with the vibration and frequencies in these frames, overall they did fantastic job.
It is revolutionary, it is really fun to play with, it is arm friendly.
Arm friendly is a big thing nowadays... THANK YOU WILSON!
Clash 100 Tour
This is a Tour version, indeed. If you have played with genuine pro stocks you can feel straight away that the mass distribution in this racquet follows a proper (customized by the big guys) Tour Pro Stock... and it is amazing because it a light frame... but it is so stable when you go big.
The twist weight feels amazing. Great blend of control and power. A modern stick, and of course you can adjust the lunch angle with proper strings and stringing method.
No time to analyze every stroke in here, but what you may find interesting is my review regarding the volleys. It felt very different to me.
Volleys
It has the stability of a pure drive... but it is not sparky and does not transfer energy straight away to the ball (the racquet is too flexible).
As a result being super compact (as required let's say with 70+ RA frames) produces short volleys.
Therefore an advanced player has to treat the racquet as a literally old school racquet, and kind of follow through (still shortly - but longer than usual) during this compact volley in order to adjust the "absorbed energy" volley. I guess for a beginner or intermediate player (who are not efficient) it is totally fine at the net kind of straight away.
The racquet is different...
Slices is a dream...
Serves are fantastic.
Clash 100
I have found it too light, but I guess it should be fine for regular recreational players.
Big problem is that if you hit lower in the string pattern you get disproportionally big power, it goes erratic, especially if the stringing job is not ideal. Of course this also has to do with stringing job, but in my review I take into consideration what comes from the strings, what from the frame, and what from the stringer... This frame has not a totally uniform reaction throughout the string pattern especially if you go flatter.
I also have to mention that the Clash 100 (not the Tour version) was strung with Luxilon Smart and dynamic tension at 24...
In a few words
With Luxilon Smart = Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde racquet.
Nevertheless, recreational players who muscle the ball, who try to hit the ball big like Kyrgios in rage forehand mode or the eternally average recreational players... this racquet is just right... The frame stiffens up, the string stiffens up, the overall experience remains big time arm friendly, this stick works wonders for the masses.
All shots are acceptably* fine, taking into consideration the target group.
* Acceptably because it can obviously go erratic, and it takes time... possibly long time (ooohhh, but it is fun) to learn its nature.
The less soft and less experienced hands you have... the more erratic nature it has (unless you are registered - due to lack of competence - to always swing at a specific speed), especially if the string job is not super.
Something more?
Keep in mind that with Luxilon Smart at VERY low tension and Clash 100 .....
The Spins Are Sick!
Disadvantages
- Its price.
- The Clash 100 Tour is one of its kind in the market. Yes, you can find more controllable frames in the market, but its control is acceptable (and nothing else incorporating all these amazing properties of the Tour version at the same time).
- The Clash 100 is light for an advanced player. Is it good for the ordinary recreational player? Yes, it is good... BUT there are alternatives out there. For example Yonex 98 DR or Prince Tour 100T (customized) or 100P, even custom Radical microgel, etc. If you string the racquets that I have mentioned in my examples low then you will get the same power, but with more control, better understanding of how the racquet works, and less erratic moments. These alternative frames are still arm friendly.
- The Clash 100 has too high lunch angle in case you like to play kind of flat, but a good stringer will be able to help you with that.
- The paintjob does not feel durable... (maybe Wilson has a reason? not sure)
- The Clash 100 Tour is a ready to play racquet (no customization for the big majority required - forget you usual racquet stats - these racquets play differently). On the other hand the Clash 100 feels that it needs something... but I will not bother you further with customization options!
Last but not least, it will be interesting to play with the Clash for long time... when you take a very stiff racquet to try back the Stiff Era... ooooohhhh... you will love the responsiveness of the stiff racquet in comparison to the flexibility of the Clash... on the other hand you will realize that the Stiff Racquet is nothing more than a drug (side effects included). If you are into drugs then Wilson Clash has a big disadvantage!
The Clash is good for your health!
Main reason for my review is to say a big THANK YOU to Wilson, and I am sure that more companies will try to catch up.
Please accept my apologies for:
A. my poor English
B. the long review
C. not mentioning details (following the review guidelines of other posts within this forum)
Chezbeeno
Professional
I think I had read your reviews before, and they're both helpful. What I want most is something that will be incredibly easy on my body until I can build back up to playing with my Blades, and I hit with the Tour for a little bit and I think ultimately it'll be more taxing for me than the 100. If I was looking to make a permanent change I might have given the Tour more consideration, but this is really just a temporary thing. I ordered the 100 strung with Volkl Cyclone @ 50 lbs. I probably won't be able to hit until next week since I think it'll be delivered the day before I head to Oakland for the weekend for game 1 of the Warriors' first playoff series, but I'll post some feedback whenever I can, though at this point there isn't really a shortage of feedback available.
The reason they call them fun to play is because they are easy racquets to play, feel so comfortable, they are all round, and offer access to easy power and stability.
Both clash models are excellent choice for your injury, it has saved already several players from their injuries.
Your set up looks good! I wish you best of luck!
Hankenstein
Hall of Fame
VERY good review and feedback! Thing is I could have written it as it is my thoughts and feel EXACTLY! Was like reading my own mind.
Specially agree about the LXN smart. It is really nice first 10-15 minutes , then it just mess things up and also breaks after 60-90 minutes of play.
Good review and really good and informative post!!
pfrischmann
Professional
A few more updates. I find my pure strike to have more control and almost as much spin as the clash tour. My kick serve is better with the Pure Strike too. It shouldn't be, but it is. I need to add a little weight to the head of the Clash.
tennismonkey
Semi-Pro
Played a little over 12 hours of court time with the Clash Tour. Mostly dubs at a 4.0 level. My regular stick of choice is the Yonex AI 100.
Feel: It feels on slow swings like the Prince EXO3, Ozone, O3 Tours. Really flexible and rubber bandy. But unlike those sticks it firms up nicely on fast swings so I could still hit flat serves and big groundies without the noodle feel. Can feel the ball compress and pocket on just about every shot.
Power: About equal to the AI 100 for me. So in the same range as the Pure Aero for me. Easy power regardless of swing speed.
Spin: Same and maybe better because of the pocketing than the AI 100 for me. Launch angle is higher.
Maneuverability: I found my Clash Tour to be more headlight than the AI 100 so it was more maneuverable. Easier for reflex volleys and easier getting the head in position on fast exchanges.
Comfort: Most comfy stick I've hit with. Reminds me of a slightly more comfy Volkl V1 (with kevlar - the newer ones without kevlar aren't that comfy) with the big grommets and huge sweetspot. Also slightly more comfy than the EXO3, Ozone, O3 Tours. Even on shots hit outside the sweetspot or on the frame -- there's no jarring feel. I have tennis elbow, wrist issues, bad shoulder - so this is rather a big deal.
Control: Less than the AI 100 for sure. Not a lot but it's less. I think because the weird way it flexes based on swing speed -- it's not as pinpoint accurate. Definitely not a control oriented racquet. It's a racquet where you supply the control and not vice versa.
Miscellaneous: I switched to this racquet last week and I never went back to my AI 100's. Little to no adjustment needed.
Paintjob: I like the way the rubbery paintjob feels and I like the color scheme. But it's not durable at all. Tiny paint chip on the frame from a very minor racquet collision -- partner and I both went for a volley. Coming from Yonex -- Wilson quality control seems less than great. I have concerns I'll be able to find another racquet with near identical specs but we shall see.
This racquet has so far fit the bill for me ticking off my major wants: 1 - Comfort 2 - Power 3 - Spin 4 - Maneuverability. People who don't like the weird feel and less than pinpoint control should look elsewhere.
Feel: It feels on slow swings like the Prince EXO3, Ozone, O3 Tours. Really flexible and rubber bandy. But unlike those sticks it firms up nicely on fast swings so I could still hit flat serves and big groundies without the noodle feel. Can feel the ball compress and pocket on just about every shot.
Power: About equal to the AI 100 for me. So in the same range as the Pure Aero for me. Easy power regardless of swing speed.
Spin: Same and maybe better because of the pocketing than the AI 100 for me. Launch angle is higher.
Maneuverability: I found my Clash Tour to be more headlight than the AI 100 so it was more maneuverable. Easier for reflex volleys and easier getting the head in position on fast exchanges.
Comfort: Most comfy stick I've hit with. Reminds me of a slightly more comfy Volkl V1 (with kevlar - the newer ones without kevlar aren't that comfy) with the big grommets and huge sweetspot. Also slightly more comfy than the EXO3, Ozone, O3 Tours. Even on shots hit outside the sweetspot or on the frame -- there's no jarring feel. I have tennis elbow, wrist issues, bad shoulder - so this is rather a big deal.
Control: Less than the AI 100 for sure. Not a lot but it's less. I think because the weird way it flexes based on swing speed -- it's not as pinpoint accurate. Definitely not a control oriented racquet. It's a racquet where you supply the control and not vice versa.
Miscellaneous: I switched to this racquet last week and I never went back to my AI 100's. Little to no adjustment needed.
Paintjob: I like the way the rubbery paintjob feels and I like the color scheme. But it's not durable at all. Tiny paint chip on the frame from a very minor racquet collision -- partner and I both went for a volley. Coming from Yonex -- Wilson quality control seems less than great. I have concerns I'll be able to find another racquet with near identical specs but we shall see.
This racquet has so far fit the bill for me ticking off my major wants: 1 - Comfort 2 - Power 3 - Spin 4 - Maneuverability. People who don't like the weird feel and less than pinpoint control should look elsewhere.
TagUrIt
Hall of Fame
I’ve seen a common trend with the Wilson Clash and Clash tour. Most people either love it or hate it. I have a friend that needed to upgrade her racquet I had her demo a few racquets Ultra, Burn and Clash. She hit with the Clash and has never looked back. Another Clash convert to add to fold.lol
Chezbeeno
Professional
I was finally able to hit with my new Clash after getting back to Boulder this morning (was in Oakland for the weekend, go Dubs!). Got it strung with Volkl Cyclone 16g @ 50, per the recommendation of one or two posters on the string forum. Just picking it up for the first time it honestly didn't feel as different from the Tour as I expected, obviously it's lighter, but the more head-heavy balance makes it really feel quite similar imo. There's an excellent chance that part of this is because I maybe got a slightly heavier frame (that Wilson QC though), unfortunately I don't have a way to measure the weight or balance.
I hit for probably an hour (I hit with my wife, which is a bit of a coaching experience more than regular hitting, but she can definitely hit a decent ball, especially on the backhand side) and my biggest takeaway is that I could've kept going for a lot longer if I had wanted to. Prior to the Clash I would've been struggling with some pretty intense hand and wrist pain after about a half hour, unless I stayed away from hitting any kind of normal forehands. BUT, with the Clash I wasn't 100% pain free, but the pain was pretty negligible, and I was able to hit strokes pretty normally. I could definitely tell that if I had been hitting all-out I would've struggled after a little bit, but I got the racquet to ease back into tennis, so that's fine. It felt remarkably solid, especially on the ohbh and volleys. Forehands seemed a lot easier to "get behind" so to speak - I found that the Tour felt rather unsubstantial hitting forehands because of the aggressively headlight balance, so there were times where I just felt like there wasn't enough mass coming through on the forehand side; curiously enough I find that the Clash (mine, at least) doesn't seem to have this issue. I had a tough time getting a consistent launch-angle, sometimes it seemed super high, other times it seemed pretty low, but this if my first time using the racquet, so I wasn't at all surprised.
As far as the feel of the racquet goes it seems most "flexible" when you hit toward the end of the hoop, when you hit squarely it feels fairly muted, not unlike the current Wilson frames with CV (or the Blades at least), but also you can definitely tell that the racquet is softer. I haven't really hit with enough racquets offered currently to make any sort of statement about the feel being "like nothing else," but it's interesting, and definitely worth trying if you're on the fence.
At the end of the day, even though I've only hit with it pretty casually for an hour or so, I'm happy with it so far, and it seems incredibly promising as a way for me to ease back into playing tennis more regularly. I'm not sure whether the specific feel of the racquet or just the fact that it's lighter and somewhat less taxing to use than a Blade is really responsible for how comfortable it is to use (I suspect it's both, especially based on the observations of others, and I'm sure I'll come to have a better idea as I hit more with it). I'll probably keep y'all posted, though no promises, as term paper deadlines are approaching.
Final note on the paintjob: I still don't love it, it looks better in person than in the marketing pics, and it's (very slowly) growing on me. But I still don't love it.
Edit: Spin seemed easier to come by with the Clash than with my 16x19 Blades (unsurprisingly); sometimes I had trouble reigning in the spin to hit a ball that was a little easier for my wife to handle.
I hit for probably an hour (I hit with my wife, which is a bit of a coaching experience more than regular hitting, but she can definitely hit a decent ball, especially on the backhand side) and my biggest takeaway is that I could've kept going for a lot longer if I had wanted to. Prior to the Clash I would've been struggling with some pretty intense hand and wrist pain after about a half hour, unless I stayed away from hitting any kind of normal forehands. BUT, with the Clash I wasn't 100% pain free, but the pain was pretty negligible, and I was able to hit strokes pretty normally. I could definitely tell that if I had been hitting all-out I would've struggled after a little bit, but I got the racquet to ease back into tennis, so that's fine. It felt remarkably solid, especially on the ohbh and volleys. Forehands seemed a lot easier to "get behind" so to speak - I found that the Tour felt rather unsubstantial hitting forehands because of the aggressively headlight balance, so there were times where I just felt like there wasn't enough mass coming through on the forehand side; curiously enough I find that the Clash (mine, at least) doesn't seem to have this issue. I had a tough time getting a consistent launch-angle, sometimes it seemed super high, other times it seemed pretty low, but this if my first time using the racquet, so I wasn't at all surprised.
As far as the feel of the racquet goes it seems most "flexible" when you hit toward the end of the hoop, when you hit squarely it feels fairly muted, not unlike the current Wilson frames with CV (or the Blades at least), but also you can definitely tell that the racquet is softer. I haven't really hit with enough racquets offered currently to make any sort of statement about the feel being "like nothing else," but it's interesting, and definitely worth trying if you're on the fence.
At the end of the day, even though I've only hit with it pretty casually for an hour or so, I'm happy with it so far, and it seems incredibly promising as a way for me to ease back into playing tennis more regularly. I'm not sure whether the specific feel of the racquet or just the fact that it's lighter and somewhat less taxing to use than a Blade is really responsible for how comfortable it is to use (I suspect it's both, especially based on the observations of others, and I'm sure I'll come to have a better idea as I hit more with it). I'll probably keep y'all posted, though no promises, as term paper deadlines are approaching.
Final note on the paintjob: I still don't love it, it looks better in person than in the marketing pics, and it's (very slowly) growing on me. But I still don't love it.
Edit: Spin seemed easier to come by with the Clash than with my 16x19 Blades (unsurprisingly); sometimes I had trouble reigning in the spin to hit a ball that was a little easier for my wife to handle.
Holdfast44ID
Semi-Pro
After more hours of hard hitting with the Clash Tour, I'm finding that the Grapplesnake CES Neon hybrid string at 44/46 lbs. is working out well. Very grippy string with great control & not overly stiff. I'm getting great spin and good control. My serves are finally getting dialed in with good pace on flatter serves and very good kick on second serves. Hoping to get my serve back to what it used to be years ago. I'm getting great spin on both wings as well and finding excellent directional control (running, down the line forehands working very well). I'm still experimenting with string and thought I'd test out a stiffer string to see if the racquet would still feel comfortable. I tried Luxilon 4G 16l at 46 lbs. in my other stick. Didn't really care for it and my elbow had a dull ache that wasn't very bothersome but took a few hours to go away. I think you need to hit a lot to get a feel for how this racquet plays at different swing speeds and experiment with different strings & tension. To me, poly in the 40's feels better than in the 50's with this frame, even though it is flexible. I think it must play differently than other flexible frames as it is a different type of flex. I used to play with syngut from 62-70 lbs. in the original ProStaff 85" (frequently breaking strings back then), and even full beds of poly in the 90" ProStaff frames (when my first tennis elbow/shoulder issue came about when as the #1 seed in a doubles Open tournament -did not fair well). I'm still curious to test out a Prince stick to see how the comfort/flex and control compare with the Clash Tour. I imagine it is a different feeling and what string tension works in one stick may not work in the other.
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
Played with the reg Clash for a few hours now. Tried it stock at first. Didn’t really care for it. Felt dead in the upper part of the stringbed and way powerful in the lower part. Decided to add 2g of lead at 3 and 2g at 9. Wow did this make all the difference. Very stable and maneuverable, great spin, easy power. Serves are incredible. And it’s only 11.3oz. Amazing. I’m not a fan of the paint job at all. Don’t like the velvet paint or the colors. I do like how the colors are blocked so I can apply lead easily. I like that about the current Wilson line as well. Wish it was gloss but overall a great frame that I will continue to use for the time being. Strung with Tier one Durafluxx main and Prince warrior response at 48lbs.
Yes I tried it in decembre already. It was a demo for a pro player.
Yes or that they release a few real H19 and H22 options...
I think the same. But a bit thinner and less power is an option for me [emoji846]
1HBHfanatic
Legend
i had a chance to hit with clash 100 and clash 100 tour, yesterday
both strung fb poly 44lbs, 16g
both racquets fealt a bit dead on the outside of the sweetspot
a softer string would open that up for me
a little lead at 3/9 would also do that, with polymains/softcross
both racquets had really good/fun characteristics
the w.clash.100 is still my favorite, fast and not unstable
the w.clash.100.TOUR is def more stable/solid, great on volleys
the backhand slice was very nice with these racquets
both strung fb poly 44lbs, 16g
both racquets fealt a bit dead on the outside of the sweetspot
a softer string would open that up for me
a little lead at 3/9 would also do that, with polymains/softcross
both racquets had really good/fun characteristics
the w.clash.100 is still my favorite, fast and not unstable
the w.clash.100.TOUR is def more stable/solid, great on volleys
the backhand slice was very nice with these racquets
pfrischmann
Professional
O.K. I think the biggest issue I am having is the extreme headlight balance with the clash tour. Why the heck didn't they make the racquet the same weight and swing weight as either the Babolat Pure Aero or Pure Drive?? The most popular selling racquets, ever....I feel Wilson missed the boat on this. I get why they did the clash at such a light weight. It's stability vs weight ratio is incredible. My 70+ year old mother loves the clash (she's a solid 3.5) and it is so easy on the arm. But the tour IMO is too heavy or too headlight..however you want to look at it..
TypeRx
Semi-Pro
310g unstrung is too heavy for her? Easy..., use the Clash which only weighs 295g.
Is 310g too heavy for you as well or is it just the balance? If so, add some lead at 12 o'clock and solve the HL problem. Or, use the Clash (which is less HL) and add weight to your liking. Not sure why Wilson (or any mfg) would simply copy the Pure Aero or Pure Drive.
pfrischmann
Professional
Sorry,
the 295 is great for her but far too light for me. My ideal specs are 11.5-11.6 ounces 4-5pts HL and 326SW. It's easy to get a Pure XXX there. impossible to get a Clash tour there. It's my understanding that the Pure XXXX are the best selling racquets in history. Everyone has something to match their specs.
In many ways, the clash is the Aero Pro Drive we've been asking for. Better touch, softer on the arm with almost the same pop and spin..
the 295 is great for her but far too light for me. My ideal specs are 11.5-11.6 ounces 4-5pts HL and 326SW. It's easy to get a Pure XXX there. impossible to get a Clash tour there. It's my understanding that the Pure XXXX are the best selling racquets in history. Everyone has something to match their specs.
In many ways, the clash is the Aero Pro Drive we've been asking for. Better touch, softer on the arm with almost the same pop and spin..
