Had an opportunity to play an hour with the Clash 100Pro v3 this weekend and some initial impressions:
Racquets:
- Clash 98v1 w/ NRG2 1.30 @55 (5 hours old string)
- Clash 100Pro v3 w/ NRG2 1.30 @55
55 yo male, former HS and DivIII soccer and tennis player, retired from tennis for almost 30 years, and returned to the game in 2020. Primarily a baseline counterpuncher w/ flat forehand and relatively spinny THBH. Decent form but poor movement after too many surgeries.
My preference is towards muted, plush, and forgiving racquets that provide some free power. I do have previous arm/shoulder issues so use the Clash for any non-competitive play, otherwise I use the new Pure Strike 100 (which is also awesome).
First impressions:
- Groundstrokes: Just like my 98, it’s effortless. I have a slower swing and it’s just great. Many had issues with control, and yes, it’s still a lively string-bed but the 16x20 offers an improvement.
- Serve: Aces. Plenty of power and spin.
- Volleys: TBD
- Feel: Pleased to report that the v3 is very much closer to the v1 than the v2. The 16x20 pattern feels tighter in a good way and it had that familiar Clash feel many, like myself enjoy and appreciate.
- Comfort: It’s a Clash again. Very comfortable and a super easy ride.
BTW - Did they change the head shape? The 100Prov3 seems to have a head shape similar to the 98v1. I found the original Clash 100 to be a little ‘big’ and unwieldy, but did not find the same issues with the Clash Pro.
More to come but the new release will please many existing v1 users.