Official Wilson Clash thread

Sam111

New User
Hi, I just bought the Wilson clash 100 after two painful bouts of Tennis elbow. Strung it at 52 with Wilson sensation.

I always imagined this racquet was targetted at players looking to soften the impact on their arms, but I noticed most of you guys are playing with poly strings instead of monofilament which is what I switched to after TE

Was Tennis elbow a factor for you while buying this racquet and if yes , does it still play without wrecking your arm with a poly strings setup ?

I find myself pounding the balls if I'm around 3 ft behind baseline, but not getting results I'm used to.

Appreciate any input, thanks !
 

Wheelz

Hall of Fame
I guess the Clash enables most to play with poly, sort of an advantage. Did not have tennis elbow but I figured to improve my game that a few extra hours on the court will be needed and I should get an arm friendly racquet. Always played with poly in it... never had, yet, problems with elbow or wrist.

what do you mean not getting results ?
 

Wheelz

Hall of Fame
Posted in the string thread but I am 3-4 hours into testing Tourna Silver 7 TOUR. I tensioned it at 48 (I usually go with 52 on tour bite soft or softer string). SO far, I really like it. Definitly a good try and potentiel reel for me if it continues to perform well in the next few sessions.
 

Sam111

New User
I guess the Clash enables most to play with poly, sort of an advantage. Did not have tennis elbow but I figured to improve my game that a few extra hours on the court will be needed and I should get an arm friendly racquet. Always played with poly in it... never had, yet, problems with elbow or wrist.

what do you mean not getting results ?

Results meaning I have to work a bit harder to hit a shot that didn't take this much effort with my previous setup. I'm hoping maybe it's just a drop in fitness from 5 months of no tennis that's making me feel that way. Was using a Pure aero before this, strung with Wilson sensation, Wilson NXT and Technifiber Biphase over the course of a year, and still developed a pretty bad elbow.
 

Chezbeeno

Professional
Has anyone had a chance to try both the Clash and the Pure Drive VS? The PDVS is allegedly a softer feeling PD, which is how a lot of people describe the Clash, so I was curious.
 

Wheelz

Hall of Fame
Results meaning I have to work a bit harder to hit a shot that didn't take this much effort with my previous setup. I'm hoping maybe it's just a drop in fitness from 5 months of no tennis that's making me feel that way. Was using a Pure aero before this, strung with Wilson sensation, Wilson NXT and Technifiber Biphase over the course of a year, and still developed a pretty bad elbow.
I'd put money on that... usually when i wonder about that kind of stuff I film myself and get some answers. the clash is probably less powerful than your pure aero, or at least feeling wise.
 
Hi, I just bought the Wilson clash 100 after two painful bouts of Tennis elbow. Strung it at 52 with Wilson sensation.

I always imagined this racquet was targetted at players looking to soften the impact on their arms, but I noticed most of you guys are playing with poly strings instead of monofilament which is what I switched to after TE

Was Tennis elbow a factor for you while buying this racquet and if yes , does it still play without wrecking your arm with a poly strings setup ?

I find myself pounding the balls if I'm around 3 ft behind baseline, but not getting results I'm used to.

Appreciate any input, thanks !

I strung my Clash 100L with NXT 16 at 57lb. I have some TE issue and if I use poly, it will hurt. So I have to stick with multi, which is actually great string too. Clash is way better than PD in terms of being arm-friendly. Generally TE is caused by 3 factors, right skill, racquet, and string. If you have Clash and a Multi string, you remove two factors that can cause you TE.
 

WYK

Hall of Fame
Has anyone had a chance to try both the Clash and the Pure Drive VS? The PDVS is allegedly a softer feeling PD, which is how a lot of people describe the Clash, so I was curious.

The Clash, like David S Pumpkins, is really it's own thing. PD's and Aeros are quite a bit higher powered, and that's before you put NXT in it. Don't let the frame width fool you, this is not a soft PD. It has much more control than a PD or an Aero. Add in it's light weight and stability and it also can have a good deal of spin. I find it a very good over all blend of control, power, and spin, with more forgiveness(flex, lack of vibration) and a larger sweetspot than any racquet I have ever owned, aside for one stick: The closest thing I have to it in feel is an old NXG, but that is stiffer yet(at 63RA 16 years ago - likely closer to 60 now), and it weighs considerably more at 340grams. But the parallel drilling on the NXG(before it was a thing, Wilson), large grommetless holes, and it's MORE foamless handle, huge frying pan head with gargantuan sweetspot, give it a feel very much like the Wilson Clash. The NXG gives you comfort and control by using all that tech I mentioned, but also by allowing the throat to do all of the flexing, and keeping the hoop stable and stiff. I suspect the Clash does something similar, just not quite as stiff over all as the NXG. And here of course, 'stiff' is a relative term, as the NXG itself is a rather forgiving frame in about every aspect unless you can't keep from shanking balls off the top of the hoop.
 
Last edited:

Wheelz

Hall of Fame
I tried this week just for a few minutes a prestige tour and ezone 98, i could be wrong and not sure about the strings but i felt both had more power. Power from a stiffer frame, that's how it felt.
 

WYK

Hall of Fame
I have an AI98 that feels more powerful than my Clash 100.

170944839.IsFgutch.jpg
 

Injured Again

Hall of Fame
Has anyone had a chance to try both the Clash and the Pure Drive VS? The PDVS is allegedly a softer feeling PD, which is how a lot of people describe the Clash, so I was curious.

In my opinion, the two racquets are not close in feel or performance. The PDVS feels stiff, and is harsh and tinny when missing the sweetspot, especially if you miss high on the hoop. The Clash feels cushioned on the sweetspot and fairly muted when mis-hitting. I think when people describe the Clash as a softer feeling Pure Drive, what they're referring to is the power levels the frame provides, not how it actually feels on impact.
 

Chezbeeno

Professional
In my opinion, the two racquets are not close in feel or performance. The PDVS feels stiff, and is harsh and tinny when missing the sweetspot, especially if you miss high on the hoop. The Clash feels cushioned on the sweetspot and fairly muted when mis-hitting. I think when people describe the Clash as a softer feeling Pure Drive, what they're referring to is the power levels the frame provides, not how it actually feels on impact.
Cool, good to know! I'm not actually curious to try the PDVS, really, but given the statements made about both frames I was interested on an academic level haha
 

caesar66

Professional
So I picked up a brand new clash 100 and had it strung with Gracelyn’s new “soft poly” mains and prince synthetic/duraflex crosses. I’ve been using the Technifibre tfight 315 xtc for the last few months and am not really looking to switch, though the weight of the tfight+me coming back from an extended tennis break has lead to a pretty tired shoulder after playing multiple sets.

the Clash 100 was...different. I get a lot of free power from the Tfights, and simply didn’t have that from the Clash (which makes sense). Groundies were fine, and volleys lacked some pace, but were still solid. I really missed the weight and stiffness on the serve. I got plenty of kick but no real power. I was worried that the clash would remind me of the old N and K fury series-super flexy and lightweight. Those were great for coaching and feeding balls, but didn’t stand up to heavy hitters in match play. Thankfully, this wasn’t my experience. What it really reminded me of was the Kobra Tour, which was like a very flexible aero pro drive. That was a great racquet for consistency, but it never gave me any extra oomph on first serves or when going for a winner. I’m going to throw a leather grip on the clash and add a little weight at 3 and 9 to see if I notice anything. Overall, not unimpressed or disappointed with the Clash, but I think I need a little more free power. For now, I’m still going to experiment with it, but will also work on getting in better shape to handle the t fights.
 

WYK

Hall of Fame
Posted in the string thread but I am 3-4 hours into testing Tourna Silver 7 TOUR. I tensioned it at 48 (I usually go with 52 on tour bite soft or softer string). SO far, I really like it. Definitly a good try and potentiel reel for me if it continues to perform well in the next few sessions.

Strings can have a huge effect on how a racquet performs. I have two Prince NXG 100's that I test strings on. Recently one was strung with 17G Hyper G(1.25) in the mains and ProsPro concept(1.22) in the crosses(A string that brings very little to the table other than holding tension and being round and slick - so a good neutral cross to use - 50X47lbs on the lockout with a slow pull). The other is strung with a full bed of RPM Blast 18G(1.2mm) 54X51lbs on the LO. The HyperG had much more spin with nearly the same amount of control. The experiment inspired me to restring my CLash at 50X47 with TB soft at 50 in the mains and concept in the crosses at 47. The stringbed has way more movement/snap in it than before and much more spin, with the same amount of control. This stick likes it strung low. Next will be HyperG and concept which looks like it belongs on the green and silver NXG, but the CLash is gonna look like a Joker stick with it, but it'll be worth it, I hope.
 

Wheelz

Hall of Fame
Ah hybrid world... I am afraid to open that door hehe. Just ordered a reel of Tourna Tour Silver. Pretty satisfied even if I liked all the other strings I tried.
 

WYK

Hall of Fame
Ah hybrid world... I am afraid to open that door hehe. Just ordered a reel of Tourna Tour Silver. Pretty satisfied even if I liked all the other strings I tried.

I'm not sure there's many benefits to stringing a round poly with a different round poly unless you just want mebbe more control. But stringing a shaped poly with a slick round one allows the shaped poly to move much more and be more consistent for longer - not locking up the stringbed nearly as soon as a shaped cross will. It also allows a softer shaped main to be used for longer.

BTW, on that pic with the Clash on the scale, I forgot to mention is has maybe 4 grams of foam stuffed up in the handle. It does't need it, but it sure as hell is forgiving on shanks ;)
I replaced the grip since. It's more like 320g now. Just stupid solid for 320g. Wish I had this stick back in university.
 
Last edited:

Wheelz

Hall of Fame
My friend stuffs it with silicone. I guess I could do that, but id wait to add weight to the head and counter with something soft in the handle.

Yeah it does feel solid and fast !
 
  • Like
Reactions: WYK

Wheelz

Hall of Fame
I'm not sure there's many benefits to stringing a round poly with a different round poly unless you just want mebbe more control. But stringing a shaped poly with a slick round one allows the shaped poly to move much more and be more consistent for longer - not locking up the stringbed nearly as soon as a shaped cross will. It also allows a softer shaped main to be used for longer.

BTW, on that pic with the Clash on the scale, I forgot to mention is has maybe 4 grams of foam stuffed up in the handle. It does't need it, but it sure as hell is forgiving on shanks ;)
I replaced the grip since. It's more like 320g now. Just stupid solid for 320g. Wish I had this stick back in university.
 

Wheelz

Hall of Fame
Also since its sort of offseason, I was debating adding a bit of weight at 12 to add swingweight. Maybe just 2-3 and counter in the handle. That shouldn't throw me off too much ? FYI - winter for me is indoor clay season.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: WYK

Babolix

Rookie
Hated Clash 100 and Tour 100 but was love at first hit with the Clash 98 ! If you had tennis elbow but still want to play with poly/mono and have still precision, spin etc... Clash 98 ;)
 

Wheelz

Hall of Fame
Hated Clash 100 and Tour 100 but was love at first hit with the Clash 98 ! If you had tennis elbow but still want to play with poly/mono and have still precision, spin etc... Clash 98 ;)

I'm getting a good groove with the Tour. You are right its probably a good choice if not the best for arm problems and wanting to play with poly. I definitely haven't tried everything that's out there, far from that... maybe even the 98 or a blade could be a better fit but sometimes its better not to know :).
 
Last edited:

WYK

Hall of Fame
Also since its sort of offseason, I was debating adding a bit of weight at 12 to add swingweight. Maybe just 2-3 and counter in the handle. That shouldn't throw me off too much ? FYI - winter for me is indoor clay season.

I went out today and played with some weight since the arm is better. Added 5 grams over all at 10 and 2, and another 5 in the handle for 330 ish. Hoop feels more solid and a bit less whippy. A bit more spin and control and feel. I'll let it soak for a bit and see how she does. After adding ProsPro concept to the crosses, she's a bit less power and more spin from that as well. Really enjoying the hit.
 

toby55555

Hall of Fame
Hi, I just bought the Wilson clash 100 after two painful bouts of Tennis elbow. Strung it at 52 with Wilson sensation.

I always imagined this racquet was targetted at players looking to soften the impact on their arms, but I noticed most of you guys are playing with poly strings instead of monofilament which is what I switched to after TE

Was Tennis elbow a factor for you while buying this racquet and if yes , does it still play without wrecking your arm with a poly strings setup ?

I find myself pounding the balls if I'm around 3 ft behind baseline, but not getting results I'm used to.

Appreciate any input, thanks !
Only racket (Clash Pro) I have been able to string with a Poly without elbow/wrist issues; even my Pro Kennex was uncomfortable with poly. Admittedly I string this racket low as recommended, currently I have settled on 44x42 YPPT which itself is a soft poly. Noticeably more spin than I got using NXT and other multis at 54.
 

Wheelz

Hall of Fame
I went out today and played with some weight since the arm is better. Added 5 grams over all at 10 and 2, and another 5 in the handle for 330 ish. Hoop feels more solid and a bit less whippy. A bit more spin and control and feel. I'll let it soak for a bit and see how she does. After adding ProsPro concept to the crosses, she's a bit less power and more spin from that as well. Really enjoying the hit.
I just borrowed an ipad to have that swing weight tool. Thats kind of a cool app if you have not tried it ! My TOUR with 1.25 strings is at 329g, 31.4 bal and 322SW. I guess you have the regular to have a 330g racquet with added weight. Mine is stock....for now !
 
Last edited:

WYK

Hall of Fame
Just weighted it at 326g, 2 grips on an L2 frame for an L4 over all, foam in the handle, some lead in the butt, lead at 10and 2, 16g TB soft mains with 1.22 concept crosses. Sort of a polarized set up. Without strings, second grip, and lead it is 295 on the dot.
I added lead to the hoop for more control volleying harder hit shots mostly.
 

Wheelz

Hall of Fame
thats a nice platform for you! I know its already a stable racquet but i think Ill try 3-9 at first. I've been working on hitting more and more on the rise. I like to be good on serve returns, I suck at volleys. It seems to add up nicely for weight there !
 

Wheelz

Hall of Fame
Only racket (Clash Pro) I have been able to string with a Poly without elbow/wrist issues; even my Pro Kennex was uncomfortable with poly. Admittedly I string this racket low as recommended, currently I have settled on 44x42 YPPT which itself is a soft poly. Noticeably more spin than I got using NXT and other multis at 54.
I am at 48 with Tourna Silver Tour. Once my reel arrives Ill try one at lower tension. I did try Black Code 4s at 45 and really likedit but that was a stiffer string,
 

4hand5lice

New User
I’m loving this stick with Solinco Confidential 17. Breaking strings around the 10hr mark. I’m going to try Confidential 16l. This setup + prehab has made a world of difference on my golfer’s elbow.

edit: stringing at 48 lbs
 
Last edited:

WYK

Hall of Fame
Wilson Clash!(Yeah, I deleted my previous post, coz, like, check out the new one below).
 
Last edited:

WYK

Hall of Fame
So the arm is coming along very well. I spent some time earlier with my NXG's. These are older Princes that are 27.25" from the factory. 100 sq in, with a very stiff hoop on top of a flexible shaft.
I got a couple of these recently from Valek. I used to use an extended Diablo, and my AeroStorms are extended 1/4" as well, so they were right at home. Anywho, I was swinging them earlier to see how my arm was when I realized I can swing a heavier Clash now. In fact, I decided to also swing a longer Clash as well.
I removed the buttcap, added a small piece of balsa for a spacer, epoxied it all up and redid the staples. I then added a shrink sleeve to the bottom half(I didn't want to add too much weight just yet) to help bring the bottom closer to my L4 with the two grips. It is now exactly the same length the NXG's are, weighs 6 grams less than them, but is almost exactly the same balance:

171047896.gR7UR7tm.DSC_0011.JPG


171047943.qC1u56Ug.DSC_0012.JPG


ETA, just saw the lead tape up there and it looks tiny, and I know someone is gonna say sumfin bout it - that is golfer's lead tape. So it's 2.5X as heavy as tennis tape like from Gamma. So it's like adding 4, 4inch strips of gamma lead tape to the hoop.
 
Last edited:

WYK

Hall of Fame
The deleted post was good info as well !

let me know how you like the extended Clash !

Ahh, I didn't wanna bore people with my ramblings since I just totally went to town on the Clash. Still, tho, I rarely see people practising serves. Just seems odd to me. I do it very often. It's easy points.
The epoxy will be dry by tomorrow, but the courts are completely booked all evening. I may have a short hit with the club captain tomorrow morning since he just restrung his PS97.
 

WYK

Hall of Fame
So today was interesting. With another 1/4 inch the Clash flexes a bit more. But it gains a touch more power if you swing holding the buttcap like I do. Volleys are nice if you choke up a bit. Where it made the most difference is on serve. At 336g, and massively head light even with a bit of lead, it has a good deal of power and spin. My NXG's are 342g, 9pts head light and 326 swingweight, and my Storms are 336g, 9pts, so the Clash at 336g feels comfortable and the timing is good. Second serves sent in to the net until I managed the extra spin, and I'm skirting closer to the net to apply the power on ground strokes. The heft of the NXG and Storm still makes the 1HBH a bit better, but I can get used to this. If I add any more weight, I'm gonna have to string higher or put something like BBO in the mains. With the added flex, I think I can get away with a tighter stringbed, tho.
 

BillKid

Hall of Fame
This morning I had the opportunity to hit a few balls with a Clash 100L strung with poly. I found it too light and unstable, but I must admit I was surprised by the pleasant feel and level of comfort. Hard too describe it, but I did not find it too muted. Did not feel very soft either (not noodlish at all).
It seems to me that Wilson has found something interesting here. Although I prefer a more traditional feel, it may be really good for some players looking for a powerful and comfortable stick.
 

Wheelz

Hall of Fame
So today was interesting. With another 1/4 inch the Clash flexes a bit more.
Hockey background here, same thing with hockey sticks. They come with a flex number and they'll feel stiffer if I cut them or softer if I lengthen them. Makes sense for the Clash and even more since it's a flexy stick.
 
  • Like
Reactions: WYK

WYK

Hall of Fame
Hockey background here, same thing with hockey sticks. They come with a flex number and they'll feel stiffer if I cut them or softer if I lengthen them. Makes sense for the Clash and even more since it's a flexy stick.

Baseball background here. :) If you'll permit me to ramble a bit this Sunday afternoon...
I just took the balance of all my extended sticks, strung and game ready. The NXG's and Storm's are ~9pts head light with a balance point of 32(on a 69.2/27 1/4" scale of balance points). NXG's are 342 and 344 grams, whilst the AeroStorms are both exactly 336g. The modded Clash has a weight of 336g and a balance point of 31.2. So that's closer to ~10pts head light strung. I am thinking of leaving it since the extra HL balance makes it very easy to swing and spin the ball, but it also keeps it from becoming too powerful. It is a lot more stable than stock length, tho. So I would guess the swingweight has got to be maybe nearly 10pts more? Not quite the 326-330 ish the other sticks are, but def in the 320 neighbourhood now.
I like an extended stick for my backhands, both 1H and 2H since I will use the 2H on balls hit high to my BH when pressed or on fast serves(I used to have a 2HBH early in HS before a coach broke me of it to increase my spin and improve my volleying with a 1H). Also, second serves are easier to spin in, which means you can put more pace on them as well. You wouldn't think just .25" or 7mm would make much difference, but it certainly does.
I've tried 27.5" racquets, most notably the Ezone, Pure Control, and the Roddick, but those never jived with me. 27.25 seems to be my sweet spot. The modified Clash feels a lot like the extended Pure Control right now, tho. Some flex when hit nearer the top, but it has much less flutter. By comparison, the NXG and AeroStorm are very stiff at the top(which makes them excellent candidates for extended racquets), but they are harsher to shank with. Well, the Storm is harsher - the NXG is fairly forgiving with it's "feedback" by comparison.
What I may try next is removing the heavy GripActive under grip and replace it with a Karakal grip. They weigh about 1/3 less but are just as thick.
 

WYK

Hall of Fame
Removed the GripActive hurley grip and it is now wearing a Karakal hurley grip under a Karakal Super PU grip. Weight is now 330g. I'll be in Waterford this week for work. I am a member of the tennis club there, tho. So we'll see how she goes.
 

Wheelz

Hall of Fame
Baseball background here. :) If you'll permit me to ramble a bit this Sunday afternoon...
I just took the balance of all my extended sticks, strung and game ready. The NXG's and Storm's are ~9pts head light with a balance point of 32(on a 69.2/27 1/4" scale of balance points). NXG's are 342 and 344 grams, whilst the AeroStorms are both exactly 336g. The modded Clash has a weight of 336g and a balance point of 31.2. So that's closer to ~10pts head light strung. I am thinking of leaving it since the extra HL balance makes it very easy to swing and spin the ball, but it also keeps it from becoming too powerful. It is a lot more stable than stock length, tho. So I would guess the swingweight has got to be maybe nearly 10pts more? Not quite the 326-330 ish the other sticks are, but def in the 320 neighbourhood now.
I like an extended stick for my backhands, both 1H and 2H since I will use the 2H on balls hit high to my BH when pressed or on fast serves(I used to have a 2HBH early in HS before a coach broke me of it to increase my spin and improve my volleying with a 1H). Also, second serves are easier to spin in, which means you can put more pace on them as well. You wouldn't think just .25" or 7mm would make much difference, but it certainly does.
I've tried 27.5" racquets, most notably the Ezone, Pure Control, and the Roddick, but those never jived with me. 27.25 seems to be my sweet spot. The modified Clash feels a lot like the extended Pure Control right now, tho. Some flex when hit nearer the top, but it has much less flutter. By comparison, the NXG and AeroStorm are very stiff at the top(which makes them excellent candidates for extended racquets), but they are harsher to shank with. Well, the Storm is harsher - the NXG is fairly forgiving with it's "feedback" by comparison.
What I may try next is removing the heavy GripActive under grip and replace it with a Karakal grip. They weigh about 1/3 less but are just as thick.
I have a friend who just mentionned he has a 3d printer and offered to try to print something to extend my racquet. He think it might add 10-15g. Can I assume about 10SW per .25 added ? what does the extension add to the balance or change ? I guess it depends on the weight of the extender...

maybe more simple to add the basalt piece ? and i imagine little weight added.

P.S. I also hold the racquet more on the butt cap like you do.
 

Wheelz

Hall of Fame
In any case, I went from 320sw to 330 lately. I do like it but I still feel like I need to get used to timing. On the backhand, no problem at timing, i felt my backhand improved right from the start, more depth and spin. Forehand just have to get used to it but i played a lot of tennis lately, have a blister in the palm so it feels awkward to hold the racquet. Edit : well i think im back stock with my style of play. Had some cross court drills in a long session and felt better with the stock racquet once tired.
 
Last edited:
Top