Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Wilson Clash v3

[TW Staff]

Attention Talk Tennis Members:

Happy (almost) New Year! We have a limited quantity of Wilson Clash v3 racquets to playtest in select models (100 and 100 Pro). This playtest is open to USA Talk Tennis members only.

VERY IMPORTANT: Playtesters will be required to get their test racquet strung. Each racquet will be shipped with two set of strings. We will have two grip sizes available - grip 2 and 3.

Application period closed. Selected participants will receive an email by January 3rd, 2025.

We have a very limited quantity of racquets to playtest. We select playtesters based on a number of factors, including message board participation and performance on past playtests.

Your review is due by February 7, 2025 by 5 pm PST.

Posting a full review by the deadline is necessary to remain in good standing for future playtests. Reviews lacking sufficient effort will resort in disqualification from the playtest program.

Include the following in your review:

String and tension used for test:
Tennis experience/background:
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
Current racquet/string setups:
How many hours did you play with the racquet?

Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
-Groundstrokes:
-Serves:
-Volleys:
-Serve returns:

Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Power/Control-
Top Spin/Slice-
Comfort-
Feel-
Maneuverability-
Stability-

General reaction/comments on overall performance:

Thanks,
TW Staff

We will delete “request sent” emails, but encourage a lively “pre-game” discussion on the racquets.

 

[Soundbyte]

Good luck everyone! It's amazing that TW does this and even more amazing if you get selected!

I was lucky to be on the Pure Drive playtest. So sitting this out. 2025 should be a promising year for racket releases!

 

[Trip]

Indeed. Outstanding that TW is offering this up. GL to all the Clash'ers out there!

 

[pheonix6579]

Very interested in clash 3.0. really liked the 1.0. Wasn't a fan of 2.0 as much. Very interesting/different feeling rackets.

 

[TennisBros]

Very interested in the clash v3. Was a fan of the first version. Wasn’t too big of a fan of the second. Am hoping to see progressive strides in the “most comfortable racket” made

Good luck everybody!

 

[Rabbit]

I bought a couple of V2 98s from TW and would really like to test the V3. Really amped about the prospect!

 

[PBODY99]

I have a v1 Clash & would like the chance to compare it to the v3.

 

[Chairman3]

Won't be going for it...no 98

Sad, a moment of silence please

 

[StringStrungStrang]

The Clash V3 Pro has the perfect swing weight for me at 324, giving me some room for modification. I love the stealthy black and red color scheme Wilson choose too !!
I loved the first gen Clash and I'll be rockin' the Casbah with the V3 !

 

[d-quik]

These don't come with 18 mains, right?

 

[fed1]

People saying that they liked V1 will very much enjoy V3.

 

[dak95_00]

I threw in my application. I demoed all of the originals and preferred the 98 pro the most. I’d like to give the regular 100 a shot. We will see.

 

[Rosstour]

I'm gonna apply for this one. I'm a Clash v1 lover and I think I'll be in a good position to offer a thorough analysis

 

[fed1]

I'm gonna apply for this one. I'm a Clash v1 lover and I think I'll be in a good position to offer a thorough analysis

Clash V2 Pro user for a while, I’m really interested in the decrease in weight.

 

[BallBasher247]

Never been a fan of the Clash line but I’m curious how the new 100 Pro plays. Mainly curious just for the fact that it’s a 100” 16x20 tweener

 

[mogo]

Interested to see how the balance affects the ball as the previous Clash Pro was 9pts head light.

 

[WJ155]

I’m either going to go for this or maybe they’ll do a gravity playtest

 

[Icsa]

Combine the feel of the V1 which I liked with the string pattern of the V2 Pro for more control and keep the swingweight on the higher side - this sounds like a great racquet. A bit of a throwback to how my NCode Tour Two plays but with the increased head size. Looking forward to it.

 

[ngoster]

Like others, was a fan of v1. Threw my name in and crossing my fingers.

 

[A_Instead]

Anyone remember the Gen 1 play test..? that was Huge..

Anyone remember the pre market paint scheme..?
I wonder if the resale value of those are still high?

 

[Ombudsman]

Very interested in the v3 despite the 98 no longer being available. The v2s were completely different racquets so look forward to trying the new sticks hoping for a return to the same feel as the v1. The 16x20 will be interesting too.

 

[mad dog1]

Very interested in the v3 despite the 98 no longer being available. The v2s were completely different racquets so look forward to trying the new sticks hoping for a return to the same feel as the v1. The 16x20 will be interesting too.

Shame the 98 is gone. I hit with my 98 v2 the past few days and it’s an awesome racquet. Quite forgiving for a 98. Really winds the ball up good without losing control. Comfort is amazing.

 

[Ombudsman]

Shame the 98 is gone. I hit with my 98 v2 the past few days and it’s an awesome racquet. Quite forgiving for a 98. Really winds the ball up good without losing control. Comfort is amazing.

Yeah, the v2 was fine but I found it completely different to the v1. There’s a very special and unique feel with the 98v1 - which hopefully the 100Pro v3 will recapture.

 

[fed1]

My thoughts on the 98 being gone is and I have no inside info that this is factual but I think they’d like to move the 98 users over to the Shift 99.

 

[fed1]

Anyone remember the Gen 1 play test..? that was Huge..

Anyone remember the pre market paint scheme..?
I wonder if the resale value of those are still high?

Oh I have one of those camo paint jobs, absolute beauty.

 

[Rosstour]

My thoughts on the 98 being gone is and I have no inside info that this is factual but I think they’d like to move the 98 users over to the Shift 99.

Or Blade 98

 

[samneher]

My friend who works at a shop had the new 100 pro on court yesterday and let me hit with it. It was my first experience with a clash and was so positive that I went out and found a used 98 v2 98 to compare.

My quick thoughts coming from a speed mp ‘24:

1) I was blown away by the 100 pro initially. Though I try to hit with spin, my technique isn’t always perfect and I end up having a relatively low but spinny ball, which often flattens out and goes long when my footwork and timing are off. The pro reminded me of what I had felt with the speed the first time, but magnified: it’s a rocket launcher but it’s so spinny and swings so fast that the angle stays low yet penetrating. It’s hard to explain but I hit harder and missed less. I’m sure it can also do big loopy balls but that’s less my niche. The easy power makes for great passing shots on the stretch.

2) serves are bombs. More kick than I’ve ever had but the flat serves are powerful too.

I’d say the extra power with spin from this frame definitely helped me end points sooner than with the speed.

The 98 actually felt very similar in my opinion but just with a bit less of everything, less free power, less spin, and this meant points went on longer and exposed the weaknesses on the run. I can imagine a stronger player than me doing great with it, but for me it was fun, yet slightly less confident than with the speed.

I’ll definitely be getting a pro 100 when it’s out!

 

[DTLwinners]

very excited for this release; played with the V1 for a long time but didn’t jive as much with the V2.

 

[ekucheraw]

Sitting this one out due to some preconceived notions I have about Clashes but will be watching this thread intently to see if it's worth a second chance in my world! Best of luck to those who get in!

 

[Rosstour]

Sitting this one out due to some preconceived notions I have about Clashes

You think you're too good for a Clash, and that it's for weak unskilled players.

How'd I do?

 

[samneher]

Sitting this one out due to some preconceived notions I have about Clashes but will be watching this thread intently to see if it's worth a second chance in my world! Best of luck to those who get in!

That’s why I stayed away for so long, but what a joy to play with, and hey you can get one that says “pro” on it!

 

[ekucheraw]

You think you're too good for a Clash, and that it's for weak unskilled players.

How'd I do?

Not quite, my older brother plays with a clash and beats the bejesus out of me so I've grown to despise him and everything he stands for, including the frame.

While the above is true, I've obviously used his racquet in the past and never found myself enjoying the feel and response of the frame, but I do appreciate the attempt!

For clarity, he uses a Clash 100 V1, and I've heard rumblings that this new clash plays closer to that first generation, hence the preconceived notions

 

[mad dog1]

Yeah, the v2 was fine but I found it completely different to the v1. There’s a very special and unique feel with the 98v1 - which hopefully the 100Pro v3 will recapture.

V1 was absolutely hell on strings. Needed to restring every 2-3 hours. Of the V1 lineup, I preferred the 100 over the 98. The 100 could do some wild things to the ball with spin it could generate.

 

[thenewbig3]

V1 was absolutely hell on strings. Needed to restring every 2-3 hours. Of the V1 lineup, I preferred the 100 over the 98. The 100 could do some wild things to the ball with spin it could generate.

I don't think the Clash was ever meant for people like you who hit the ball the way you do and break strings this quickly. I know people who use 4G or Hyper-G in the Clash V1 and play it for months and months and honestly they have decent spin/pace at the 3.5-4.0 level.

 

[Rosstour]

I don't think the Clash was ever meant for people like you who hit the ball the way you do and break strings this quickly. I know people who use 4G or Hyper-G in the Clash V1 and play it for months and months and honestly they have decent spin/pace at the 3.5-4.0 level.

It's meant for people who don't want to get a tweener or a power racquet, and still want to play "their game," whose arms are injured or old.

 

[StringStrungStrang]

TW Youtube Review already out !

 

[Cowboy]

I tried the v2 100 when I decided that I needed an upgrade from my nCode. I found the v2 to be too noodly/mushy for my liking.

I opted for the Blade 100L instead. (~70RA) and have slowly been working toward softer and heavier frames. Current favorite stick is between the v8 Blade 100 and the Pure Strike 100 16x20... both around 64RA. I applied for the Pro, as it matches the 16x20 pattern and is a higher stiffness rating than the regular 100.

 

[dak95_00]

I’m either going to go for this or maybe they’ll do a gravity playtest

I was thinking the exact same thing. I was on the original Gravity playtest and tried out the S. I used it for nearly 4 years and switched to the Pro 2021 model in 2023 and like it so much I haven’t switched from it.

I’d like to try the 98 or just the regular MP but I’d be interested in trying any of them. If I didn’t break strings so often with the S, I’d be tempted to go back to it.

 

[dak95_00]

Anyone remember the Gen 1 play test..? that was Huge..

Anyone remember the pre market paint scheme..?
I wonder if the resale value of those are still high?

That paint was and is so much better than any other racquet of the last handful of years. While Wilson has recently upgraded their paint styles, they missed the mark on the original Clash. I don’t like the gold Pro Staffs either. I did like the throwback with the original yellow and red pinstripes. I like the green Blades.

 

[travlerajm]

I just saw this. Hopefully not too late to toss my name into the hat.

I enjoyed the Clash 98 v1 with a little lead at 3 and 9.

I think the Clash concept in general (i.e., softer flex in a thicker beam) is sound racquet design. In fact one of my favorite racquets ever was the Aluminum-Graphite hybrid Blade Feel Team, with fatter beam but super soft flex.

 

[A_Instead]

I have been beaten by many Clashes ever since they have came out..
They work perfectly for those who can figure out the flexibility and string bed.. I was never good enough to figure it out..

 

[Boomersooner]

Hope I get chosen. 98v1 was one of my favorite frames ever, provided I kept my foot on the gas! Good luck everyone!

 

[Yamin]

Have been using the 98v1 and my bro uses the v1 100. Both looking for a bit more stability but closer to v1 than V2

 

[longtimelurker]

Apparently in 2 years we will see another 98 in the lineup, it has been a discussion point after many have complained. The pro lools good

 

[Rosstour]

Apparently in 2 years we will see another 98 in the lineup, it has been a discussion point after many have complained. The pro lools good

Will that be the v4?

 

[longtimelurker]

Will that be the v4?

Apparently just chatter, yes next iteration. Really do hope so, that frame was/is so good.

 

[bigserving]

It looks and sounds like it is checking plenty of boxes for what I am looking for!

 

[Tsquared]

Looks abroad there is a 103 model as well…

Wilson Clash Team 103 V3.0 Racket | Tennis Warehouse Europe

www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com

 

[OEEspino]

Attention Talk Tennis Members:

Happy (almost) New Year! We have a limited quantity of Wilson Clash v3 racquets to playtest in select models (100 and 100 Pro). This playtest is open to USA Talk Tennis members only.

VERY IMPORTANT: Playtesters will be required to get their test racquet strung. Each racquet will be shipped with two set of strings. We will have two grip sizes available - grip 2 and 3.

To apply, please send an email to discussadmin@tennis-warehouse.com with the following information:

Title: Wilson Clash v3 Playtest
Name:
Address (one line):
Email address:
Username:
Model (100 or 100 Pro):
Grip Size (2 or 3):

We have a very limited quantity of racquets to playtest. We select playtesters based on a number of factors, including message board participation and performance on past playtests.

Your review is due by (TBD- please check back soon).

Posting a full review by the deadline is necessary to remain in good standing for future playtests. Reviews lacking sufficient effort will resort in disqualification from the playtest program.

Include the following in your review:

String and tension used for test:
Tennis experience/background:
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
Current racquet/string setups:
How many hours did you play with the racquet?

Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
-Groundstrokes:
-Serves:
-Volleys:
-Serve returns:

Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Power/Control-
Top Spin/Slice-
Comfort-
Feel-
Maneuverability-
Stability-

General reaction/comments on overall performance:

Thanks,
TW Staff

We will delete “request sent” emails, but encourage a lively “pre-game” discussion on the racquets.

As a Clash v1 and v2 user as my first rackets learning the game. im really interested how the 100 pro v3 stacks up. Like is it going to be a higher power control racket? Or is it a more all arounder? Im excited

 

[Rosstour]

I have been beaten by many Clashes ever since they have came out..
They work perfectly for those who can figure out the flexibility and string bed.. I was never good enough to figure it out..

Shaped poly in thin gauge, at low tensions. 35-45lb is perfect IMO. Combines high dwell time with the high flex and the racquet becomes a catapult

I use Cyclone Tour 17 but have been messing with the @j0llyroger combo of Lynx Tour main/Hawk Touch cross and that has played amazing as well