Official Wilson Clash thread

[jk175d]

What are you guys stringing your 98 Clash with? And at what tension? Strung my 98 with poly plasma pure 1.23 @ 22/21 kg and felt that was too hard. Felt like 20/19 would have been better. At 22kg I missed the pocketing feel

I've found I like the clash 98 with a little more tension than my previous racquet. Also, for context.. I'm not a string breaker so I can get 25-35 hours out of a string job. I play natural gut mains and smooth poly crosses. Ideally I would string in low 50's and restring every couple of matches. But that's too expensive with the gut, so instead I string higher anticipating the drop in tension over the first couple of outings. I've found the strings lock into a tension about 10lbs lower from the original tension then will stay there until they finally break. So my target for that settled tension is 47-48lbs. Last time I strung at 59/52 and after a couple of matches it was 47. Looser than that and it feels a little too spongy in the clash and loses that great crisp feel at contact.

I had a similar philosophy about it on the Prince Tour 98 but I liked that one to settle at closer to 40lbs.

There are so many variables to strings/tension I actually don't think random string advice from strangers is very useful, but the takeaway from my own experience would be simply that you might want to take your favorite set up from your previous racquet and try the same but just a few lbs tighter on the clash 98.


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[Jouke]

Well, I tried exactly that, but was a little disappointed as I felt it was too stiff. Thats what got me curious to your experiences regarding tension. I will lower with 2 kgs next time.

 

[jk175d]

Well, I tried exactly that, but was a little disappointed as I felt it was too stiff. Thats what got me curious to your experiences regarding tension. I will lower with 2 kgs next time.

My point exactly [emoji16]

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[Jouke]

My point exactly [emoji16]

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You said to go tighter, my experience is to go lower than normally on the clash.

 

[jk175d]

You said to go tighter, my experience is to go lower than normally on the clash.

My prevailing view was that the variables and personal preferences are infinite, so random advice from strangers about strings tends to be useless. That's what I meant by you proved my point

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[Jouke]

the variables and personal preferences are infinite, so random advice from strangers about strings tends to be useless.

Well, its what keeps this forum going

 

[A_Instead]

I find these forums the best advice available as long as you are smart enough to know the BS from the useful information..

 

[Singhisking]

Hello everyone, got my 100 strung with Luxilon ALU Pow / Techni X-one bi : 52 / 55 lbs (mentioned before) and plays out quite well, comfort and control. However, after like 5-6 hours of play, the luxilon is eating away my technifibre ones a lot. Might break anytime now. Any solution/suggestion please?

 

[mad dog1]

What are you guys stringing your 98 Clash with? And at what tension? Strung my 98 with poly plasma pure 1.23 @ 22/21 kg and felt that was too hard. Felt like 20/19 would have been better. At 22kg I missed the pocketing feel

Full Poly hybrid.

52/50 with diadem solstice pro 1.35/rs lyon 1.25.

 

[kaiser]

I think you'll find you get good durability with this setup. I have experience with gut mains and poly crosses and the gut slides easily on the poly and takes a while to notch and still longer to break.

I’ve been playing CC indoors in my RF97As for the last two winter seasons in order to combat (successfully!) developing elbow soreness. I have found it lasts me at least twice as long as full poly with minimal loss of playability. Negates the additional cost for the gut.
In summer I play mostly on clay and was able to stay with full poly until my last league match... elbow is flaring up again and am seriously considering the Clash T or 98 having enjoyed my RF97s for the past five years or so. Anyone else having made that switch?

 

[Holdfast44ID]

I do like the 98...But in match play...need something lighter...But not as light as the 100... I will add some head tape to my 100 to bring the swing weight up..

The 98 is lighter than the Tour, from what I recall.

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[Dallasatl]

I thought I would share that I broke 2 2015 PD’s in the winter and everyone suggested switching to Clash. I was tired of all the demo ups and downs so I bought 2 Clash Tours.

I break strings fast and decided that I would go all out poly. So low RA Clash Tour and poly was a big jump from Stiff PD’s and NXT around 56#... it took about 2 months to really adjust.

BUT after breaking about 25 sets of strings I decided to try low tension. I now play with full poly at 45# and love it.

If you have a clash give it a try. Last Wednesday at men’s night A drills some dude actually said “is that thing legal!?”

It’s a ton of fun to tap into that power, main downside is some poly loses tension really fast so after 3-4 hours if you don’t break them, you might be playing with 35# poly.




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[Grinch]

I thought I would share that I broke 2 2015 PD’s in the winter and everyone suggested switching to Clash. I was tired of all the demo ups and downs so I bought 2 Clash Tours.

I break strings fast and decided that I would go all out poly. So low RA Clash Tour and poly was a big jump from Stiff PD’s and NXT around 56#... it took about 2 months to really adjust.

BUT after breaking about 25 sets of strings I decided to try low tension. I now play with full poly at 45# and love it.

If you have a clash give it a try. Last Wednesday at men’s night A drills some dude actually said “is that thing legal!?”

It’s a ton of fun to tap into that power, main downside is some poly loses tension really fast so after 3-4 hours if you don’t break them, you might be playing with 35# poly.




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Did you find a poly that loses tension less than others? What full bed poly do you like?

 

[Grinch]

The 98 is lighter than the Tour, from what I recall.

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TW lists Tour and 98 as same weight 12.5/326. They list the swingweight slightly heavier for the 98 (326 vs 322). Same balance at 31.5cm/9pts. So if your 98 feels much lighter than Tour it may be Wilson QC issues or string weight difference?

 

[WillGinRVA]

Been playing with the regular 100 and it seems to generate insane spin and be very stable, however I think it may be too light and I sometimes over hit with it. Anyone moved up to the Tour from the regular 100? I’m a little worried about the 9.5 HL balance after being strung.

 

[chizzle]

I have the Tour 100. I love it and it accentuates my game (4.5 grinder). I doubt I'll ever fully, successfully change my style. But in the dream that I do, I see myself hitting winners. For some reason, I don't find winners that easy to hit with this racquet. Is it just me ?

I get that there are factors such as swing speed, racquet power, fitness. So just a general question given the awesome flex and feel (are winners more difficult to come by with Clash)?? Your thoughts - thanks.

 

[mad dog1]

Been playing with the regular 100 and it seems to generate insane spin and be very stable, however I think it may be too light and I sometimes over hit with it. Anyone moved up to the Tour from the regular 100? I’m a little worried about the 9.5 HL balance after being strung.

I added lead to my regular 100. That being said, I prefer my stock 98 more.

 

[Jouke]

I have the Tour 100. I love it and it accentuates my game (4.5 grinder). I doubt I'll ever fully, successfully change my style. But in the dream that I do, I see myself hitting winners. For some reason, I don't find winners that easy to hit with this racquet. Is it just me ?

I get that there are factors such as swing speed, racquet power, fitness. So just a general question given the awesome flex and feel (are winners more difficult to come by with Clash)?? Your thoughts - thanks.

I played the 100 and loved it to bits, but I was having one problem. I couldnt hit any winners. I was grinding and winning a lot, but i couldnt hit any winners. Since that isnt my natural play style I got rid of the clash 100 and bought the 98. It suits my style a lot better! And I can hit all the winners I want

 

[mad dog1]

I have the Tour 100. I love it and it accentuates my game (4.5 grinder). I doubt I'll ever fully, successfully change my style. But in the dream that I do, I see myself hitting winners. For some reason, I don't find winners that easy to hit with this racquet. Is it just me ?

I get that there are factors such as swing speed, racquet power, fitness. So just a general question given the awesome flex and feel (are winners more difficult to come by with Clash)?? Your thoughts - thanks.

The trajectory off the stringbed is higher which results in a loopier ball due to the very open string pattern. Whenever the trajectory is higher, the ball takes a longer path to reach your target than a ball that has a lower trajectory. If the ball speed is the same, the higher trajectory ball will give your opponent more time than a lower trajectory ball. That’s part of the reason why you find it harder to hit winners with the clash.

I also find the Clash to put more of my swing energy into generating spin rather than speed which increases my consistency but also makes it harder to hit winners.

 

[chizzle]

The trajectory off the stringbed is higher which results in a loopier ball due to the very open string pattern. Whenever the trajectory is higher, the ball takes a longer path to reach your target than a ball that has a lower trajectory. If the ball speed is the same, the higher trajectory ball will give your opponent more time than a lower trajectory ball. That’s part of the reason why you find it harder to hit winners with the clash.

I also find the Clash to put more of my swing energy into generating spin rather than speed which increases my consistency but also makes it harder to hit winners.

Makes perfect sense, appreciate the response. Do you use the Tour? It seems that the 98 has a bit more lower trajectory/court penetration - even so, I'm not sure it's enough to make a difference. But maybe not (Jouke)?

I've played 5 matches with it (it's been on/off for 6 months). and I'm W2-L3
Match 1: I was just a better tennis player but I did find it able to hit winners
Match 2: I was a little better player, but less offensive - I did find a few winners.
Match 3: We were pretty evenly matched talent wise, but I was a counter puncher to his flat, aggressive style. I lost a tight one. *more fitness or reps would have carried me
Match 4: I was too hungover and was terrible. Could have grinded this out if I was sharp, focused.
Match 5: played in extreme heat - which I like - normally. The problem is I moved to the bay area and haven't had to play in those conditions much over the last 1.5 years. I rolled the first set and ran out of gas and lost the second set 1-6 and the match TB badly. Again lack of reps were critical here.

My point in documenting this is to convince myself that I can be successful with this racquet if I give myself a chance and focus on doing a few more things that help me on the court.

 

[Wheelz]

Just played with a friend that has the Clash that hits a mean ball. He did make winners, sadly for me. I also own a Clash but just broke the strings. I strunged mine at 48 so far but I believe he is like 55/50. I tried his backup racket and it seems to launch a bit lower. My next string job will be low 40's to try for fun. The friend does add silicone to the handle and like 2g total at 3-9. He said it was something like 325-330g total.

I need a 2nd Clash ! I've been braking strings often so far

 

[mad dog1]

Makes perfect sense, appreciate the response. Do you use the Tour? It seems that the 98 has a bit more lower trajectory/court penetration - even so, I'm not sure it's enough to make a difference. But maybe not (Jouke)?

I've played 5 matches with it (it's been on/off for 6 months). and I'm W2-L3
Match 1: I was just a better tennis player but I did find it able to hit winners
Match 2: I was a little better player, but less offensive - I did find a few winners.
Match 3: We were pretty evenly matched talent wise, but I was a counter puncher to his flat, aggressive style. I lost a tight one. *more fitness or reps would have carried me
Match 4: I was too hungover and was terrible. Could have grinded this out if I was sharp, focused.
Match 5: played in extreme heat - which I like - normally. The problem is I moved to the bay area and haven't had to play in those conditions much over the last 1.5 years. I rolled the first set and ran out of gas and lost the second set 1-6 and the match TB badly. Again lack of reps were critical here.

My point in documenting this is to convince myself that I can be successful with this racquet if I give myself a chance and focus on doing a few more things that help me on the court.

I have a leaded up 100 and a stock 98. The trajectory is a little lower and control is a little better with the 98.

 

[Holdfast44ID]

TW lists Tour and 98 as same weight 12.5/326. They list the swingweight slightly heavier for the 98 (326 vs 322). Same balance at 31.5cm/9pts. So if your 98 feels much lighter than Tour it may be Wilson QC issues or string weight difference?

It could be variables like strings and grips I was experimenting with at the time. I got rid of my Tours, kept a 98 and am playing with the Blade v7 16x19 98.

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[Jouke]

Makes perfect sense, appreciate the response. Do you use the Tour? It seems that the 98 has a bit more lower trajectory/court penetration - even so, I'm not sure it's enough to make a difference. But maybe not (Jouke)?

Hi Chizzle, I also used my buddys 100 Tour to see if I liked it better than my leaded up 100, I didnt. The added swingweight made hitting big a little better, but not enough for me to switch. The control wasnt better on the tour.

I sold my 100s to a buddy of mine of started playing the blade 18x20 v7. Very nice stick and I loved playing with it, but was struggling on the serve a little. I happened to come across 2 used clash 98s on the bay and bought them. Not really expecting anything after the review on here and on youtube the 98 exceeded all my expectations though. mine are leaded up to 340 swingweight. The serve is perfect with it, there is so much action on the ball. Its crazy. Groundstrokes go deep and have a lot more control, launch angle is lower than the 100. And one of the most important things for me: I can play aggressive and hit winners again. For me it sits between the clash 100 and the blade 98 18x20 perfectly. I would really recommend this stick. Ever since I have gotten it 2 weeks ago I havent picked up the Blade anymore, the clash is so much fun to play with .

 

[Holdfast44ID]

Hi Chizzle, I also used my buddys 100 Tour to see if I liked it better than my leaded up 100, I didnt. The added swingweight made hitting big a little better, but not enough for me to switch. The control wasnt better on the tour.

I sold my 100s to a buddy of mine of started playing the blade 18x20 v7. Very nice stick and I loved playing with it, but was struggling on the serve a little. I happened to come across 2 used clash 98s on the bay and bought them. Not really expecting anything after the review on here and on youtube the 98 exceeded all my expectations though. mine are leaded up to 340 swingweight. The serve is perfect with it, there is so much action on the ball. Its crazy. Groundstrokes go deep and have a lot more control, launch angle is lower than the 100. And one of the most important things for me: I can play aggressive and hit winners again. For me it sits between the clash 100 and the blade 98 18x20 perfectly. I would really recommend this stick. Ever since I have gotten it 2 weeks ago I havent picked up the Blade anymore, the clash is so much fun to play with .

I agree with your points. Drives and serves are good with the Clash 98. I would still get some flyers, but very few compared to the Tour (I hit pretty flat and hard). I noticed that it lacked on some of the touch shots for me (slice BH or FH approach shots down the line go wide more often than with the Blade 98). I have three Blades but am keeping the Clash 98. Best stick in the Clash lineup.

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[Casius_Juventus]

When you select your racquet, make sure to go through the lot and weigh them, my clash 98 weighed 315.5 unstrung, they all weigh different. I wanted the heaviest one. Plenty of plow through, spin, and comfort. My favorite racket ever.

Wilson Quality Control is totally atrocious.
My new Clash 98 arrived yesterday and its unstrung specs came in at Weight 317g with Balance 31.4cm compared to the official Wilson unstrung specs of 310g and 30.6cm !!
The entire 7g difference seems to be right at the tip of the head !! I dread to think what the Swingweight must be !!
I'm testing it out tomorrow. I just hope my arm doesn't fall off !!

 

[DrGaryx275]

Wilson Quality Control is totally atrocious.
My new Clash 98 arrived yesterday and its unstrung specs came in at Weight 317g with Balance 31.4cm compared to the official Wilson unstrung specs of 310g and 30.6cm !!
The entire 7g difference seems to be right at the tip of the head !! I dread to think what the Swingweight must be !!
I'm testing it out tomorrow. I just hope my arm doesn't fall off !!

mine was 315.5

 

[AA7]

i think you can customize the Clash now..

Wilson Sporting Goods | Official Website

Shop the broadest selection of Wilson gear and apparel, including our exclusive custom builders to make it your own. Free shipping on orders over $50.

www.wilson.com

 

[Dallasatl]

Did you find a poly that loses tension less than others? What full bed poly do you like?

Technafiber Razer Code Blue at 45# holds the best I’ve seen. It jumps to about 36 after 8 hours


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[Dallasatl]

Just played with a friend that has the Clash that hits a mean ball. He did make winners, sadly for me. I also own a Clash but just broke the strings. I strunged mine at 48 so far but I believe he is like 55/50. I tried his backup racket and it seems to launch a bit lower. My next string job will be low 40's to try for fun. The friend does add silicone to the handle and like 2g total at 3-9. He said it was something like 325-330g total.

I need a 2nd Clash ! I've been braking strings often so far and when I go back to my Radical I don't feel as much like a hero ! I added weight to my regular Clash so it is around 325-330. Similar to what a Tour would be, so I am debating on the 2nd one a Tour or modded regular. Modded regular at 3-9 gets a big twistweight boost vs the Tour and I seem to like that. Tour seems fine spec wise stock. I can also add silicone/bluetack in the handle with the regular version. You also start with a higher swing weight , I find it makes it easier to customize even if i don't mind the 31.5.

The clash and clash tour are string breaking machines. I couldn’t go 3 hours strung at 50 or 52 poly. Try 45 and just restring when they go dead or break


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[Wheelz]

Thanks for the tip. I will try that next time. I'm about to grab a string machine so it will be easier to test. I have been stringing with 17 gauge. 16 could help.

 

[mad dog1]

The clash and clash tour are string breaking machines. I couldn’t go 3 hours strung at 50 or 52 poly. Try 45 and just restring when they go dead or break


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Clash 100 and 98 are string eating sticks. I don’t want to be restringing every 3 hours so I continue to use my modded Ultra tour. But the 98 is a lot of fun to play with.

 

[toby55555]

Clash 100 and 98 are string eating sticks. I don’t want to be restringing every 3 hours so I continue to use my modded Ultra tour. But the 98 is a lot of fun to play with.

I have yet to break a string but I use Yonex poly Tour pro at 40lbs.

 

[Dallasatl]

Did you find a poly that loses tension less than others? What full bed poly do you like?

Yes all polys will loose tension fast. I’m using a few Technafiber polys. Razer code Blue holds much better black code. It’s jumping from 45# to 35# in about 2-3 hours play and starts to lose power and sweet spot. I think I’m going to string my next one 48 or 50 with the hope that it settles in the low 40’s


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[SPMoney]

Great review! What string set up are you currently using? Thanks!

@Keoni068 : I've tried a number of different strings. I think my favorite set up is Luxilon Alu rough.

 

[SPMoney]

What string and tension are you guys stringing up your 100 Tours with?

50 lbs on a constant pull machine.

 

[Jouke]

What string do you guys like in the 98? Stiff and control oriented at a lower tension?

 

[fed1]

What string do you guys like in the 98? Stiff and control oriented at a lower tension?

I have Luxilon Gut in the mains at 47 and Luxilon Smart in the crosses at 44.

 

[Adm]

Hi guys, I got few private messages in regards to the Clash Tour, I have not checked the forum for a couple of months, now.

I highly recommend to try the Wilson Clash with full bed Poly - same tension mains and crosses - with high string tension close to the upper range (ex. around 56 pounds). The racquet is super friendly, no worries for arm friendliness even with poly at that high tension. It plays more stable, and controllable, power and spin is never an issue with this racquet.

Cheers

P.S. Don't bother with customization, try this stringing tip first, and then if you wish to customize proceed to super minor adjustments, step by step

 

[1HBHfanatic]

Clash 100 and 98 are string eating sticks. I don’t want to be restringing every 3 hours so I continue to use my modded Ultra tour. But the 98 is a lot of fun to play with.

how long did it last you?
im watching that on the w.clash.tour I just strung up with FB poly

like many, I preffer this racquet at higher tension, 56lbs
ive tail weighted this racquet to 10pts HL and added the extra bump at the buttcap, so ive been having fun hitting 1HBHands with this racquet!!
def. a fun racquet to hit out with..

 

[Jouke]

Am I the only one who thinks the clash was works better for low tensions?
I tried it at 22kgs with plasma pure and hated the harsh feel. All the pocketing was gone.

 

[TagUrIt]

Am I the only one who thinks the clash was works better for low tensions?

It’s all about personal preference. For me low tension equals a slingshot. I’d rather have a firmer string bed. 55lbs strung seems to work for me.

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

It’s all about personal preference. For me low tension equals a slingshot. I’d rather have a firmer string bed. 55lbs strung seems to work for me.

I hit the Clash 98 with a Luxilon 16 g at 41# and some of my shots missed by 6ft+. With RPM Blast 16g at 56# it’s a different frame! Still very comfortable but a combination of CONTROLLABLE power and feel. MUCH better than the 100 Tour for my aggressive game style. [emoji2]


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[BounceHitBounceHit]

I hit the Clash 98 with a Luxilon 16 g at 41# and some of my shots missed by 6ft+. With RPM Blast 16g at 56# it’s a different frame! Still very comfortable but a combination of CONTROLLABLE power and feel. MUCH better than the 100 Tour for my aggressive game style. [emoji2]


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P.S. and the SPIN!!!!! Holy Moses! I thought I’d lost the ability to hit really aggressive kick serves, but I haven’t....... [emoji1628]


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[mad dog1]

P.S. and the SPIN!!!!! Holy Moses! I thought I’d lost the ability to hit really aggressive kick serves, but I haven’t....... [emoji1628]


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Puts some CRAZY action on the ball. I have a hard time hitting groundstrokes long because everything somehow drops in.

 

[Dallasatl]

Am I the only one who thinks the clash was works better for low tensions?
I tried it at 22kgs with plasma pure and hated the harsh feel. All the pocketing was gone.

I prefer full poly in mid 40’s , rocket ship. It scares people, which is nice


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[Jouke]

Does anyone the RAL code of the red part on the hoop of the clash? Gave my buddy my clash 98 to test and he dragged it on the floor of the hard court. I was close to crying. My ocd now wants me to cover up the parts he damaged but I dont know the RAL code

 

[Singhisking]

Does anyone the RAL code of the red part on the hoop of the clash? Gave my buddy my clash 98 to test and he dragged it on the floor of the hard court. I was close to crying. My ocd now wants me to cover up the parts he damaged but I dont know the RAL code

You might want to contact Wilson Headquarters in Chicago. they're pretty helpful with cosmetics. I won't be surprised if they even replace yours.

 

[SPMoney]

Am I the only one who thinks the clash was works better for low tensions?
I tried it at 22kgs with plasma pure and hated the harsh feel. All the pocketing was gone.

Now that temperatures are dropping, I'm experimenting with mid 40's.

 

[JackSockIsTheBest]

This thread is for any players that would like to discuss the new Wilson Clash or Wilson Clash Tour.

I just ordered mine (Tour Version) and I can’t wait to get it on the courts.

i heard that they are the most flexible rackets & some team mates & coaches have them, so yeah...