Yes, that’s what happens for me with this frame too, a la 2016 Nadal
Official Wilson Clash thread
- Thread starter TagUrIt
- Start date
Then unless you have pro-level spin which causes the short shot to spring up and bounce up to the baseline, your shots will not have depth to trouble the opponent.
That’s why I’m trying to lead it up
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
They mean the RA number is lower. For example, an RA of 45 is lower than an RA of 70
Raul_SJ
G.O.A.T.
RA is the same as RDC scale?
Flex Rating Defined:
“Flex” refers to how much a racquet bends (or flexes) when making contact with the tennis ball.
Flex is measured using the Babolat RDC scale with a range of 0 – 100. The lower the number, the less the stiffness. Stiffer racquets bend less while softer racquets bend more.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Yes.
naturallight
Semi-Pro
As someone who really likes racquets like Bab APD's but can't play with them due to their stiffness, I was super excited to see Wilson come out with the Clash. The racquet does a lot of things right, but ultimately it's just not for me.
Good parts: Easy access to spin and power in a super comfortable package. Amazing racquet to hit overheads with and feel the flex. Easy to hit both flat and spin serves. Pretty decent stability on volleys.
Not as good parts: Ultimately there's just not enough control here, which in my view was caused by (1) string pattern that's too open and (2) too much tip weighting (even more than Head's) and (3) possibly some variable flex issues. I also felt the sweet spot wasn't as big as a racquet like the Blade, especially on slower RHS shots like a backhand. Fun racquet to rally with, but I wasn't winning as many points as normal.
If Wilson came out with control-oriented Clash (maybe 100sq, 18x19, slightly lower swingweight), that could really be interesting.
Good parts: Easy access to spin and power in a super comfortable package. Amazing racquet to hit overheads with and feel the flex. Easy to hit both flat and spin serves. Pretty decent stability on volleys.
Not as good parts: Ultimately there's just not enough control here, which in my view was caused by (1) string pattern that's too open and (2) too much tip weighting (even more than Head's) and (3) possibly some variable flex issues. I also felt the sweet spot wasn't as big as a racquet like the Blade, especially on slower RHS shots like a backhand. Fun racquet to rally with, but I wasn't winning as many points as normal.
If Wilson came out with control-oriented Clash (maybe 100sq, 18x19, slightly lower swingweight), that could really be interesting.
Yup, control was the number one reason why I couldn’t make this racquet work. No matter how high I go with the tension, the stringbed is too erratic. I don’t get why Wilson didn’t put more emphasis on control? Even the PA, a very powerful racquet, has better control than the Clash.
Last edited:
socalmd123
Professional
Ya I was amazed at lack of control. Really disappointing.
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Tried it out at the Parabas open. Also didn’t like the control and the launch angle was off putting. My wife loved it though. Worked well with her flat strokes.
nvr2old
Hall of Fame
Yeah who knows. It was a great match. Very competitive with long rallies and great hard ballstriking. She was serving mid 90’s first serve and her opponent low to mid 100s. Score was 6-7, 5-7. I think she’s ranked 123 and opponent 94. I did think she got a lot of spin on her shots for what it’s worth. Very entertaining.
nvr2old
Hall of Fame
As an addendum. All the pundits on TT who say a male 4.5 or 5 could beat these women are IMO absolutely wrong. Just from a conditioning and powerful stroke consistency standpoint they are amazing. More so than the men qualifiers to be honest.
I have finally settled on a lead configuration. I like the stability of the tour but found myself randomly sailing balls. Using the standard 100 with 4g at 12 helped with some plow, but the sweetspot felt small with full poly, as it did stock. Added 4g between 3 and 9, and the racquet is now pleasantly stable with enough plow. It’s solid like the tour but I’m not randomly hitting the tarp or lofting balls 10 feet long anymore. I have a good sense of what the ball is going to do off the strings. I’ll be surprised that it drops in once in awhile, but that’s welcomed!
TagUrIt
Hall of Fame
I agree, with don’t think enough credit is given for how talented they (the WTA players) really are.
Last edited:
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
My friends and I were chuckling about it as well. No way a 4.5-5.0 male can beat a wta pro.
However, there’s no way these wta pros can keep up with the atp male qualifiers. Watched the Ito vs Ruud match & Evans vs Bemelmans match and the quality of the movement and ball striking was unquestionably higher than the women.
I’m surprised I didn’t see you there. I actually ran into a few people I knew.
Last edited:
TW means that when they measured the racquet with an RDC they got a low RA value, which is the stiffness index most people use nowadays.
But
Wilson says that they have
Wilson will hopefully tell us how this index is different, if and why is better? I would also like to know if and how they connect their Stiffness Index with the Frequency published.
According to this Wilson Stiffness Index this is the most flexible racquet and stable and powerful racquet (these 3 things at the same time) in comparison to any flexible racquet after 2016.
Exactly. Almost every company has tried to develop a model replicating the success of the Pure Drive.
The complaint of everyone is the stiffness of the Pure Drive. But if Babolat makes it soft then it is not a Pure Drive anymore.
Wilson heard the market, but engineering wise is a nightmare to make something so soft playing like a Pure Drive, etc.
They have managed it, and you can not call the Clash a bad copy of a Pure Drive. It is something new, first time presented, its own nature, a beautiful thing...
Flexible for sure, stable for sure, powerful for sure, descent control, good spins, controlable lunch angle, fun to play, all round racquet.
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Holdfast44ID
Semi-Pro
That could be a great combination. Other than the Clash Tour, the Prince Phantom series sounds intriguing as well. I will do my best with the Tour and consider the 98 whem it comes out. With string and new grips, my Tours weigh in at 11.7 oz. Wilson QC was good for this pair as there was only a 2 gram difference in weight. I added two grams inside the handle of the lighter stick to even the weight. This stock setup might be fine. If I had to adjust, maybe I would add just a little weight to 3/9. But 11.7 oz is where I had my Pure Strikes at before I switched so weight is the same at the moment.
Man, it just won't stop raining around here. Can't even get out to hit. I will try some new strings and provide more feedback once I get on the court again.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Your idea sounds good but I am not sure if possible.
There are 2 potential restrictions for this technology (the way I understand it), first a thick beam is required, second constant beam is preferable...
pfrischmann
Professional
Hi guys, quick update. I am mostly enjoying the heck out of the Clash Tour. Ground strokes are great with plenty of spin. Nice and deep. Flick shots are amazing! Volleys are very good but it took a while to find the center of the racquet. It's really head light. Feel is really prety good. The best thing..I have full poly in the racquet and zero arm issues. It is so confortable. My only issue now is the serve, especially the kick serve. It just hangs...Flat seems fine although not as dangerous as with my Pure Strike. Control on the flat serve is propably better with the Clash tour...but the kick serve just has no anger to it.. weird.
Anybod else having these issues?
Anybod else having these issues?
Gian Maranon
New User
My serves, especially the kick is really good with my clash tour.
My have to adjust a bit ?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
pfrischmann
Professional
That's good to hear Gian. It may be me.
Hello everybody,
coming from the RF97 Autograph (340g), which I have been playing for more than 1.5 years, I noticed that I have been a little bit too late (too heavy racket?) sometimes especially with the backhand and as well on the serve, therefore it came to my mind to switch to something lighter (and therefore easier to play).
In addition I had the feeling that with the RF97 I had made my tennis life unnecessarily difficult even though I truly LOVE this fantastic-racket (precision, touch and huge amoint of plow through if you are in time).
For some weeks I've played the PS97 CV (315g), very good racket, however it lacked stability especially on Winnern with the FH.
Almost 1.5 months ago, I had the chance to try out both Clash prototypes and finally "out of my gut feeling" I've opted for the standard version (295g)
The "more stability" of the Tour is eating away the "lovely maneuverability" of the standard version, in case may I'm not happy with it, I can still play around and make some adaptions with a little tuning, without to getting a heavy racket like the RF97 again.
Last night I finally got my first (out of two) Wilson Clash 100 (295g), stringed it with my standard Tennisoutlet Hybrid strings (24/23kg, Tennisoutlet are OEM strings from Isospeed) and was able to train 2h today (my RF97 were stringed with the same combination but 25 / 24kg).
I can't understand from where the hype is coming from that the clash is a power racket, if you swing it normally, you will not get much out of it, only if you swing it harder the wide frame starts working and you're rewarder with nice speed!
What impressed me a lot and also needed some adaption is the different launch angle of the ball from the strings with the same technique (compared to the RF97), the balls go much higher above the net and are always 1.5-2m before the baseline.
After 20 minutes I dialed in and was able to play really accurate, the length become very accurate and the angles are extremely easy to hit.
In terms of arm friendliness I can only say that I have rarely played such an agreably racquet, while most Head (especially since Graphene is installed) and the Babolat PS17 16/19 went on my forearm ("golfer's elbow") I felt my shoulder (supraspinatus tendon) after intensive training with the RF97A.
With the Clash there was simply nothing, neither on the arm nor in the shoulder.
This weekend I'll play again twice 2h drills, then I will compare it with the second Clash (stringed with Luxilon Adrenaline, 24/23).
coming from the RF97 Autograph (340g), which I have been playing for more than 1.5 years, I noticed that I have been a little bit too late (too heavy racket?) sometimes especially with the backhand and as well on the serve, therefore it came to my mind to switch to something lighter (and therefore easier to play).
In addition I had the feeling that with the RF97 I had made my tennis life unnecessarily difficult even though I truly LOVE this fantastic-racket (precision, touch and huge amoint of plow through if you are in time).
For some weeks I've played the PS97 CV (315g), very good racket, however it lacked stability especially on Winnern with the FH.
Almost 1.5 months ago, I had the chance to try out both Clash prototypes and finally "out of my gut feeling" I've opted for the standard version (295g)
The "more stability" of the Tour is eating away the "lovely maneuverability" of the standard version, in case may I'm not happy with it, I can still play around and make some adaptions with a little tuning, without to getting a heavy racket like the RF97 again.
Last night I finally got my first (out of two) Wilson Clash 100 (295g), stringed it with my standard Tennisoutlet Hybrid strings (24/23kg, Tennisoutlet are OEM strings from Isospeed) and was able to train 2h today (my RF97 were stringed with the same combination but 25 / 24kg).
I can't understand from where the hype is coming from that the clash is a power racket, if you swing it normally, you will not get much out of it, only if you swing it harder the wide frame starts working and you're rewarder with nice speed!
What impressed me a lot and also needed some adaption is the different launch angle of the ball from the strings with the same technique (compared to the RF97), the balls go much higher above the net and are always 1.5-2m before the baseline.
After 20 minutes I dialed in and was able to play really accurate, the length become very accurate and the angles are extremely easy to hit.
In terms of arm friendliness I can only say that I have rarely played such an agreably racquet, while most Head (especially since Graphene is installed) and the Babolat PS17 16/19 went on my forearm ("golfer's elbow") I felt my shoulder (supraspinatus tendon) after intensive training with the RF97A.
With the Clash there was simply nothing, neither on the arm nor in the shoulder.
This weekend I'll play again twice 2h drills, then I will compare it with the second Clash (stringed with Luxilon Adrenaline, 24/23).
I also find it - like Gian Maranon - very easy racquet to kick.
I forgot to mention in my review that I love it more than anything for the return of the serves, on the other hand I love returns with any racquet that feels stable...
JoelDali
Talk Tennis Guru
Some of the top National level 4.0 players I’ve seen could win WTA events.
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
Our Club has a member-only tournament and in past years, the open division had 5.0 rated 40+ year old, former college players in the finals against nationally ranked 14-15 year old juniors. The juniors won. These juniors are amazing. I'm a competitive 4.5 and almost certainly would not beat a highly ranked 12 year old girl at our club.
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
I think you are underestimating yourself. WTA? No way. 12 year old junior girls? Yes. Yes way. [emoji41]
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
I'm not so sure. Our Club has produced a number of highly nationally ranked juniors. I played a kid in our Club tournament about ten years ago when I was a high 4.0 at about age 47 and he was the second ranked 14 year old boy in the nation at age 13. I lost 1 and 1. I got bumped up to 4.5 within the next year or two.
The kids are just hitting machines. They may not have as much overall power as I do, but they hit at 80% of my harder shot pace with incredible consistency. They're fast, and most of them hit against bigger juniors or teaching pros and so can handle pace. I might have a chance if I drop shot them and lob them. I doubt I could consistently overpower them without making too many errors. Maybe if I had a great day I could, but day to day there's no way I could compete against the best of the 12-13 year old girls at our Club.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Your Club isn’t the same as Talk Tennis. TT 4.5s can beat WTA pros.
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
Your Club isn’t the same as Talk Tennis. TT 4.5s can beat WTA pros.
I need to leave my club and join the Talk Tennis Club!
Two or three years ago, our Club hosted a $75k WTA event. Mandy Minella beat Nicole Gibbs in the final. Besides that, having been to a couple of Slams and to Indian Wells a number of times, anyone who thinks a 4.5/5.0 guy can come close to competing with any high level girl or boy junior, much less a WTA pro, is either delusional or doesn't know the game at all.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
How about both?
Holdfast44ID
Semi-Pro
What level was Chris Evert's dad and what age was she when he beat her on a regular basis?
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
jm1980
Talk Tennis Guru
Let's not go that far...
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
I never heard this story!
In any case, if I were to get lucky to play a WTA pro, I'm sure I would be able to win some points here and there. Winning games? One per match if I am totally in the zone and get lucky. Winning a set? **NEVER**. Winning a match? Only if I can hit 48 net cord dribblers in a row.
Holdfast44ID
Semi-Pro
Deleted
Last edited:
Holdfast44ID
Semi-Pro
I have been playing with them both (295g and 310g) for the past three weeks. First I played the 295g for six hours straight (working as a coach). Didn't like it at first but after two hours I started to get the feeling. The two final hours I really played great and I could really hit my targets in match play. Next week I tried it in match play against the top ranked men in my club. With them hitting heavy and deep the Clash 295 was more or less useless. Next week I received the Clash Tour and tried it against the same players. This time I could easily control there power and hit my targets in higher speeds. I have been playing Yonex DR 98+ for some years and currently playing Yonex Vcore Dual-G 310 weighted up to 320g unstrung. Actually considering a switch to the Clash Tour. Really like it.
(B.t.w, a female player in my club ranked in the top 70 WTA was beating guys ranked between 800-1000 ATP on carpet and hard in b.o.3-set matches...but no chance on clay)
(B.t.w, a female player in my club ranked in the top 70 WTA was beating guys ranked between 800-1000 ATP on carpet and hard in b.o.3-set matches...but no chance on clay)
You totally missed the point. They dont rediscover low RA. They just made a low RA racket with power. And that is unique!
They dont say the Clash has the best feel. My PT57A's and H19 has way more feel. But the Clash has more power, but still is very arm friendly and thats the unique sellingpoint for the Clash.
Dont bash if you dont know where you talking about!
Is better than Babolat Pure Drive First Gen ??? I must prove Wilson Clash but I think could be an uncontrolable one for me
Enviado desde mi POCOPHONE F1 mediante Tapatalk
