Racquet for improvement - Blade 98 or Clash 98

You don't have to stick with Wilson. Prince Textreme Tour, Speed Series, Gravity Tour are all nice neutral racquets which would suit your game. Having said that the Blade is the better choice assuming you string for a little extra pop so you get the depth you need.
 
Of the two, I'd go for the Blade but there's so many other racquets out there that would also be great. Demo if you can. If you can't, I suppose the Blade would be suitable. Go for 16x19 if you value better topspin, go for 18x20 if directional control and slice is more your thing (which judging from the thread you linked it is).
 
Lorenn said:
You don't have to stick with Wilson. Prince Textreme Tour, Speed Series, Gravity Tour are all nice neutral racquets which would suit your game. Having said that the Blade is the better choice assuming you string for a little extra pop so you get the depth you need.
Click to expand...

MattHeup said:
Of the two, I'd go for the Blade but there's so many other racquets out there that would also be great. Demo if you can. If you can't, I suppose the Blade would be suitable. Go for 16x19 if you value better topspin, go for 18x20 if directional control and slice is more your thing (which judging from the thread you linked it is).
Click to expand...

Are you guys able to describe why Blade over Clash? The more replies I get, the more opinions they give… I’m also once more into Blade and once into Clash. On one hand I’m a bit scared that Blade would ruin my game as it’s totally different than the Clash and on the other hand I would like to try something else.
 
squall said:
Hi guys,

According to my topic: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/clash-98-vs-blade-98-v8-16x19.720850/post-16187767
I'm still confused about my racquet I should choose as a left-handed counter-puncher playing with spin. If I wanted to become more aggressive player, which racquet would be better for me - Clash 98 or Blade 98 v8 16x19?
Click to expand...

squall

clash is more flexible, lots of people at our club like the clash
blade is more of a players racquet for those who have good technique
but with string variations, its hard to say what works for you
racquet may or may not help at all

z
 
squall said:
Are you guys able to describe why Blade over Clash? The more replies I get, the more opinions they give… I’m also once more into Blade and once into Clash. On one hand I’m a bit scared that Blade would ruin my game as it’s totally different than the Clash and on the other hand I would like to try something else.
Click to expand...

You were having trouble with your current racquet, which lead me to believe you would be better off with something less flexy. You mentioned you would prefer better control and more depth...Clash is a bit more of a extra pop, spin friendly type of racquet. SO to try and balance my suggestion would be Blade with a little extra pop in the strings. So considering your experience with first clash I don't think V2 will fix your issues. Basically V2 is likely to make control worse.

Basically I would recommend the Speed MP 360+ or Prince Textreme Tour. They are ultra easy to use and will grow with you. Blade of the ones you listed. If it lacks enough pop maybe Blade 104 or different string.
 
ChrisG said:
Just demo them, it’s not that difficult
Click to expand...
The problem is that I can't demo it :(

Lorenn said:
You were having trouble with your current racquet, which lead me to believe you would be better off with something less flexy. You mentioned you would prefer better control and more depth...Clash is a bit more of a extra pop, spin friendly type of racquet. SO to try and balance my suggestion would be Blade with a little extra pop in the strings. So considering your experience with first clash I don't think V2 will fix your issues. Basically V2 is likely to make control worse.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't name it trouble, but many times I feel like I can't go "100%" and many times I have to use half of my power to place the ball into the court (not only talking about the length, but also about the width). That’s why I say I feel like I have lack of control.
 
squall said:
Hi guys,

According to my topic: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/clash-98-vs-blade-98-v8-16x19.720850/post-16187767
I'm still confused about my racquet I should choose as a left-handed counter-puncher playing with spin. If I wanted to become more aggressive player, which racquet would be better for me - Clash 98 or Blade 98 v8 16x19?
Click to expand...
-easy way to look at this
-w.clash = high power, high comfort, low control
-w.blade = low power, med. comfort, highest control

-one/two to also consider (sorry for added confusion!)
-w.Pro staff = med. power, med./low comfort, med./high control
-w.ultra = high power, low comfort, high control

-for a counter puncher i would provably consider the w.ULTRA "if" you can handle the LOW comfort/crisp
 
squall said:
Hi guys,

According to my topic: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/clash-98-vs-blade-98-v8-16x19.720850/post-16187767
I'm still confused about my racquet I should choose as a left-handed counter-puncher playing with spin. If I wanted to become more aggressive player, which racquet would be better for me - Clash 98 or Blade 98 v8 16x19?
Click to expand...
Also, it would help if we knew your level, type of player high school, rec. , doubles, senior and what you are currently playing with (racket, specs, strings, tension).
 
StringStrungStrang said:
Also, it would help if we knew your level, type of player high school, rec. , doubles, senior and what you are currently playing with (racket, specs, strings, tension).
Click to expand...
About 3.5
Rec player, just having a local league. 21 years old. Currently playing with Clash 100, go to string - Hyper G 1.15 at 20kg.
 
squall said:
About 3.5
Rec player, just having a local league. 21 years old. Currently playing with Clash 100, go to string - Hyper G 1.15 at 20kg.
Click to expand...
OK. First, try experimenting with what you have. I'd try some different string combinations, gauge, tensions or perhaps hybrid. Since your string is quite thin and your Clash is powerful, you could increase tension a couple pounds (1 Kg) or next time try a thicker gauge.
You may want a new racquet to cure /improve your game but that is not likely holding you back at the moment.
You may want to consider some lead tape to your current racquet to see how you like a higher swing weight / heavier racket. You can experiment with hoop placement for power control / stability.
If you cannot demo rackets, perhaps you could try one of your partners for a bit.
This way you get an idea of what you want from a racket and can make a better choice.
Lastly, focus on 1 change at a time so you can isolate what you have done that you like or dislike. Also, make some notes along the way.
 
squall said:
I wouldn't name it trouble, but many times I feel like I can't go "100%" and many times I have to use half of my power to place the ball into the court (not only talking about the length, but also about the width). That’s why I say I feel like I have lack of control.
Click to expand...

To me, this sounds like the Blade is for you. If you're generating your own power as you state, the Clash is going to continue to pop off on you. It's a great racket for recreational play, arm friendly, and helps players who hit with low power (meaning the racket has good power to assist). As has been mentioned here, you can also try and tame the Clash a bit with a higher tension.

I personally could not get on with the Clash. I had a Pro Staff that gave me arm issues, moved to the Clash and could never find a good compromise to control my shots. Everything felt like a moon launcher.

I have since moved to the Blade 98 v8 16x19 and have never looked back. Three frames in my bag, and it's an awesome racket. The feel, the control, etc are wonderful. Pair it with some Vokl Cyclone Tour and enjoy. :)
 
I hit with both previous models when I was doing more racquet demos, so the V7 and the first Clash. For me, the Clash was more forgiving for off center hits, had easier power and was a bit more maneuverable. With that though, I felt it was too light for me, and had less control with the power. The Blade feels very precise and controlled. You do have to generate the power, but with decent technique it lends itself to that with good pop. Not a spin monster by any means for me.

I tried the new V8 Blade and didn't feel it was any different from the V7 aside from paint. I do want to try the new Clash though.
 
AmericanTwist said:
What are you hoping to improve about your game?
Click to expand...
I want me to become more aggresive player and stop relying on opponents' errors. I feel like for example with Clash I can't attack flat short balls and generally sometimes the control is erratic.

StringStrungStrang said:
OK. First, try experimenting with what you have. I'd try some different string combinations, gauge, tensions or perhaps hybrid. Since your string is quite thin and your Clash is powerful, you could increase tension a couple pounds (1 Kg) or next time try a thicker gauge.
You may want a new racquet to cure /improve your game but that is not likely holding you back at the moment.
You may want to consider some lead tape to your current racquet to see how you like a higher swing weight / heavier racket. You can experiment with hoop placement for power control / stability.
If you cannot demo rackets, perhaps you could try one of your partners for a bit.
This way you get an idea of what you want from a racket and can make a better choice.
Lastly, focus on 1 change at a time so you can isolate what you have done that you like or dislike. Also, make some notes along the way.
Click to expand...

I tried so many different strings, so I think I'm "done" with strings already.
 
squall said:
I want me to become more aggresive player and stop relying on opponents' errors. I feel like for example with Clash I can't attack flat short balls and generally sometimes the control is erratic.
Click to expand...

I feel like you've already answered the question for yourself. The Clash isn't doing it for you, so there's no point in considering the Clash again.

Give the Blade a shot. If you really do generate your own power then the Blade v8 should suit you well.
 
Control should be very good with the clash since it is so flexible. If you go with any stiffer racquet such as the blade you'll have to dial back your aggressiveness a bit since it is more powerful than the clash. Poly should work on the Clash. Perhaps you should try solid core syn gut. Cheaper to experiment, and I think superior (for me anyways).
 
AmericanTwist said:
Control should be very good with the clash since it is so flexible. If you go with any stiffer racquet such as the blade you'll have to dial back your aggressiveness a bit since it is more powerful than the clash. Poly should work on the Clash. Perhaps you should try solid core syn gut. Cheaper to experiment, and I think superior (for me anyways).
Click to expand...

I don't believe this to be true. The Clash is a less controlled stick than the Blade. I could not in any way play my fully aggressive game with the Clash. With the Blade (and my Pro Staff prior to that), I can. The Blade is pinpoint accurate in play. The Clash is more like a trampoline launcher in comparison. I know Wilson tries to market it as a controlled racket, but many, many people on these forums have similar stories to mine when it comes to control.

I also believe this is what makes the Clash unique. If you have a low powered game, the Clash is atypical in that it achieves more power with a less aggressive stroke in a less flexible stick.
 
Last edited:
-having used the v1 and now the v2
-the extra cross string on some of the v2 clash sticks have given it a nice control feel to it
-im using the v2 98 now (playtesting), it allows me a bit more confidence to go after my shots!
-the clash v2 is still a comfort and launchy "power" stick, but the 16/20 pattern is a great/good modification
 
squall said:
Hi guys,

According to my topic: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/clash-98-vs-blade-98-v8-16x19.720850/post-16187767
I'm still confused about my racquet I should choose as a left-handed counter-puncher playing with spin. If I wanted to become more aggressive player, which racquet would be better for me - Clash 98 or Blade 98 v8 16x19?
Click to expand...
If you're young, strong, fit and process oriented -> Blade
if you're aging or not that fit and results oriented -> Clash

Blade required fitness so will make you work more
Clash will reward you with less effort
 
1HBHfanatic said:
-having used the v1 and now the v2
-the extra cross string on some of the v2 clash sticks have given it a nice control feel to it
-im using the v2 98 now (playtesting), it allows me a bit more confidence to go after my shots!
-the clash v2 is still a comfort and launchy "power" stick, but the 16/20 pattern is a great/good modification
Click to expand...
One doesn't really need that extra cross...

I got my Clash into a much more control oriented stick (though still a powerfull one at that) by changing the grip, adding a tiny bit of weight and changing strings !
No need for a stinkin V2 for that... that's what the brands want us to believe...

EDIT:
I can now play with Clash Pro with as much confidence and accuracy I had with my custom PS97 (see sig)

EDIT II:
And I play with agressive, dictating type of play (albeit at speeds of veterans ;-)
 
squall said:
I want me to become more aggresive player and stop relying on opponents' errors. I feel like for example with Clash I can't attack flat short balls and generally sometimes the control is erratic.
Click to expand...
Changing rackets in hopes to solve that is NOT the best approach immho. that's a skill gap - work on developing the skill.
Choice of stick is not the important point here.
 
CameronS said:
I don't believe this to be true. The Clash is a less controlled stick than the Blade. I could not in any way play my fully aggressive game with the Clash. With the Blade (and my Pro Staff prior to that), I can. The Blade is pinpoint accurate in play. The Clash is more like a trampoline launcher in comparison. I know Wilson tries to market it as a controlled racket, but many, many people on these forums have similar stories to mine when it comes to control.

I also believe this is what makes the Clash unique. If you have a low powered game, the Clash is atypical in that it achieves more power with a less aggressive stroke in a less flexible stick.
Click to expand...

All things being equal (compare 98 Clash to 98 Blade) using same string and tension I stand by my assertion due to difference in flex, however the 18x20 Blade will give more control. Most people use poly which loosens tension so much even after 1 session that people have very inconsistent perceptions of what their equipment set up offers. Try solid core syn gut and compare again. More flexible racquets will naturally impart more spin offering higher net clearance and hence, control. I don't play with poly anymore so what I like are sticks with 64-66RA. I lead up my sticks to 355g.

OP try increasing the tension and switch to solid core syn gut and see what the results are. After that demo different racquets.
 
AmericanTwist said:
All things being equal (compare 98 Clash to 98 Blade) using same string and tension I stand by my assertion due to difference in flex, however the 18x20 Blade will give more control. Most people use poly which loosens tension so much even after 1 session that people have very inconsistent perceptions of what their equipment set up offers. Try solid core syn gut and compare again. More flexible racquets will naturally impart more spin offering higher net clearance and hence, control. I don't play with poly anymore so what I like are sticks with 64-66RA. I lead up my sticks to 355g.

OP try increasing the tension and switch to solid core syn gut and see what the results are. After that demo different racquets.
Click to expand...

Basically I think most of us feel getting a Clash V2 wouldn't likely help. Blade on the other hand will give the OP something else to try to see which they prefer. My concern is the Clash is the wrong racquet for their current game.

My issue with the Clash it the middle ground. IT is ok for a beginner with a non developed swing, it is ok for an advanced player who knows how to handle the extra flex. The issue in when a player is trying to add power and overthinking the flex. Basically it is more of a grip it and rip it racquet. If you hit long add more spin if you hit short back off.
 
shamaho said:
One doesn't really need that extra cross...

I got my Clash into a much more control oriented stick (though still a powerfull one at that) by changing the grip, adding a tiny bit of weight and changing strings !
No need for a stinkin V2 for that... that's what the brands want us to believe...

EDIT:
I can now play with Clash Pro with as much confidence and accuracy I had with my custom PS97 (see sig)

EDIT II:
And I play with agressive, dictating type of play (albeit at speeds of veterans ;-)
Click to expand...
-have you tried the clash pro v1 vs the clash.pro v2 yet ??? if so, please share your finding here!
-if you havent, how can you dismiss what i said as not true/valid??
 
1HBHfanatic said:
-have you tried the clash pro v1 vs the clash.pro v2 yet ??? if so, please share your finding here!
-if you havent, how can you dismiss what i said as not true/valid??
Click to expand...

Sorry if read that way, didn't meant like that. I I was not saying your assessment was untrue.
Rather, that one can do perfectly fine with the V1 without the extra cross to get that extra control feel and confidence.
Implied there (and probably not very clear) is that users of V1 don't really need to rush to the V2 in search of more control and confidence....

or...hey! maybe they should... It's about time I start seeing V1 Pros in the classified section ;-)
 
Use a 16L HGS. Racket change won't make you aggressive but something that gives you more control and depth might help...
 
@shamaho
-tnx for the clarification
-i enjoyed the clash v1 as a fun hitting comfortable frame (when it first came out)
-i saw how it would appeal to various club levels players, juniors and/or women of various levels
-but it had a bit too much power for some of the bigger hitters/swings/pace,
-tightening the strings seemed to work somewhat, but changing the pattern IMO seemed to be the missing piece to this great puzzle
-i like the v2 update, alot, IMO it will remain a good seller at the clubs
-i keep one in my bag for the friendly doubles matches, and/or days when i need a bit more pop than the w.blades can produce
-i can also see the clash v1/v2 being a great racquet option for coaches who feed balls all day
 
Hi guys,

I've just got my new Blade v8 16x19. I played with it today for the first time and ...... I do not regret at all. It plays way better for me than the Clash. The feel, the control is just unbelievable and I thought I couldn't hit flat and suddenly with the Blade I can....
Obviously I have in mind that it is maybe ALU strung that made the difference.... what do you think guys?
 
squall said:
Hi guys,

I've just got my new Blade v8 16x19. I played with it today for the first time and ...... I do not regret at all. It plays way better for me than the Clash. The feel, the control is just unbelievable and I thought I couldn't hit flat and suddenly with the Blade I can....
Obviously I have in mind that it is maybe ALU strung that made the difference.... what do you think guys?
Click to expand...

Clash is a spin friendly racquet. Blade is closer to neutral. Between the two I think it was the better choice for you...according to your complaints.
 
zaskar1 said:
squall

clash is more flexible, lots of people at our club like the clash
blade is more of a players racquet for those who have good technique
but with string variations, its hard to say what works for you
racquet may or may not help at all

z
Click to expand...

So are you saying people that have good technique can't use the Clash?
 
Lorenn said:
I don't think that is what they said. I think they were saying that the Blade requires a good solid foundation. Likely because it tends to be considered low powered.
Click to expand...
To be totally honest with you guys, I actually felt the Blade to be more powerful than my Clash 100, but it was maybe first impression or it was because of the fact I could hit flat and exactly knew how much power I put into the shot, which I didn't with the Clash.
 
squall said:
To be totally honest with you guys, I actually felt the Blade to be more powerful than my Clash 100, but it was maybe first impression or it was because of the fact I could hit flat and exactly knew how much power I put into the shot, which I didn't with the Clash.
Click to expand...

I think with your current swing the flex was throwing you off. Basically Clash likes to add spin and if you were trying to hit flat I could the potential difficultly. Clash wants you to add topspin to help control shots. Blade is a bit more neutral. So if you are hitting flat it would likely feel powerful. Now the interest test would be with heavy topspin. You would also have to consider string changes. I do like the H22 Blades. Glad you are happy with the change as I think the V2 clash would've likely not been the right choice for you. The Blade is a nice challenging racquet. You should be able to grow quite a bit with it as long as you don't become frustrated or feel it lacks enough pop for you.
 
Lorenn said:
I think with your current swing the flex was throwing you off. Basically Clash likes to add spin and if you were trying to hit flat I could the potential difficultly. Clash wants you to add topspin to help control shots. Blade is a bit more neutral. So if you are hitting flat it would likely feel powerful. Now the interest test would be with heavy topspin. You would also have to consider string changes. I do like the H22 Blades. Glad you are happy with the change as I think the V2 clash would've likely not been the right choice for you. The Blade is a nice challenging racquet. You should be able to grow quite a bit with it as long as you don't become frustrated or feel it lacks enough pop for you.
Click to expand...

With the heavy topspin I actually have to give the edge for the Clash - it feels that the ball stays "longer" on strings with the Clash, I can't get used to the slice with the Blade yet - I love slicing, but with the Blade my slice go so much over the net yet - I will practice that.
Anyway I feel better control hitting with less spin with the Blade than hitting with heavy topsin with the Clash.
Currenly playing with ALU as it was given as bonus to the racquet, but will try Tourna BHS7T as I have some left in reel. I'm also planning to try Ice Code and hybrid it with Tourna (Tourna mains, Ice Code crosses) - what do you think?
 
squall said:
Currenly playing with ALU as it was given as bonus to the racquet, but will try Tourna BHS7T as I have some left in reel. I'm also planning to try Ice Code and hybrid it with Tourna (Tourna mains, Ice Code crosses) - what do you think?
Click to expand...

I think you will potentially need a little extra pop from the Blade. Basically eventually you will learn how to generate enough power, preferably without extra tension. Oddly enough the more you relax the better your swing tends to be...
 
ChaelAZ said:
I hit with both previous models when I was doing more racquet demos, so the V7 and the first Clash. For me, the Clash was more forgiving for off center hits, had easier power and was a bit more maneuverable. With that though, I felt it was too light for me, and had less control with the power. The Blade feels very precise and controlled. You do have to generate the power, but with decent technique it lends itself to that with good pop. Not a spin monster by any means for me.

I tried the new V8 Blade and didn't feel it was any different from the V7 aside from paint. I do want to try the new Clash though.
Click to expand...
I had the Clash 98 v1. It definitely had lots of power. With a flat swing, it took me 4 good months of frustration to add more spin to get the ball to stay in. I've since moved on and eventually locked onto the Dunlop CX Tour 18x20. My swing has since evolved into a more modern swing. I still hit very flat but can generate more snap. With that said, I got the pleasure to try out the Clash 100 Pro v2 last week and, I'll tell ya, it was an absolute blast to hit with. Whether I swing out on a put away or ease up for a defensive shot, as long as I swing all the way through the ball, it went where I wanted it to go. I had to be very careful though. The easiness of the racquet also afforded me to be lazy with my footwork. I didn't have to be in good position to hit a good ball. It just had to be ok. This eventually lead to pushing the ball causing it to sail.

So what I personally learned about the Clash is that it is a powerful racquet so it's suitable if you don't have much power yourself or have a full swing to complement it.
 
Fxanimator1 said:
So are you saying people that have good technique can't use the Clash?
Click to expand...
FX
absolutely NOT saying that Clash is not for people with good technique, people with
good technique can play with pretty much anything.
remember andy roddick beat a 4.5 player in an exhibition with a frying pan.
what i meant is that Clash is a bit more forgiving than Blade, of course its a generalization.
z
 
I don't know much about the Clash as I've only used it for a short period, but one thing I do like about the Blade v8 (although 18x20) that I've currently moved to is that I really feel like if mistakes are happening it's all on me. I know that's often more so the case anyway but sometimes certain rackets have attributes that don't really play into your game as well as you'd like or they give you things for free maybe too easily. I'm very happy to now have a racket that feels like it's just solid all around and I no longer have any indecision as to whether some faults aren't helped by a racket not suiting my game as well as I'd like. It means now when things go wrong I solely focus my mind on things like footwork, body coiling, correct take back etc and that's actually quite liberating when on the court.
 
BTW so many other good racquets lately too. I know you are looking at these 2 but they represent different classes of racquets and there are many in each of those classes. ie the Wilson Blade is similar to a Pure Strike, WhiteOut, Technifbre TF40 among others.
 
TooManyRackets said:
If you play with a lot of spin then, I don't think the Clash 98 or Blade 98 are great options. I think you would be better off going with a Pure Aero or a Head Extreme.
Click to expand...

I was going to mention the Pure Aero or even a Pure Drive for that matter. I think both offer more spin and control than a Clash but are less comfortable frames. But few will deny their performance prowess on the court.
 
I played the Clash 98 v1 for two years and recently switched to the Blade 98 v8 18x20. I chose it because I can control the ball far better than with the Clash. It's a better fit for my game and my taste in what a racquet should be.

The Blade is a bit more demanding, but no issues once I adjusted to it. I can produce enough topspin and slice with either racquet. I don't hit a crazy heavy ball though, so for a power baseliner Nadal-type of player, I'd look at the Babolats.

Also - I liked the 18x20 Blade much more than the 16x19, and would recommend people demo both of them. My runner up to the Blade was the Dunlop CX 200.
 
Hi, I have a Clash 98 V2 with Tecnifibre Triax 16G @ 56lbs (got to this this combination looking for some balance of control and power, with arm friendliness), and have been enjoying the combination. I've played with Blade 98 V7, but thought it too demanding for me, albeit wonderful in the first few games. Maybe buying a second Clash, but I've been wondering how would the Blade 100 V8 would compare with the Clash, considering it should be a little more powerful than the Blade 98, maybe closer to the Clash, with more control... Anyone can comment?
 
CameronS said:
To me, this sounds like the Blade is for you. If you're generating your own power as you state, the Clash is going to continue to pop off on you. It's a great racket for recreational play, arm friendly, and helps players who hit with low power (meaning the racket has good power to assist). As has been mentioned here, you can also try and tame the Clash a bit with a higher tension.

I personally could not get on with the Clash. I had a Pro Staff that gave me arm issues, moved to the Clash and could never find a good compromise to control my shots. Everything felt like a moon launcher.

I have since moved to the Blade 98 v8 16x19 and have never looked back. Three frames in my bag, and it's an awesome racket. The feel, the control, etc are wonderful. Pair it with some Vokl Cyclone Tour and enjoy. :)
Click to expand...
Hey! I am having the same issue! Using prostaff gave me arm pain! I am moving to blade 98 16x19! Hope it works!
 
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