Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Wilson Labs Shift Prototype

[TW Staff]

Attention Talk Tennis Members:

Are you ready for another playtest? We have some Wilson Labs Shift prototype racquets available in both the 300 and 315 gram version. 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 a set of Luxilon ALU Power and a Wilson multifilament string. Please note that we have one grip sizes available - grip size 3 (4 3/8).

Application period closed. Selected playtesters will be notified via email by Wednesday, March 1st.

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 April 7th, 2023 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]

Looking forward to more feedback on the 300g model!

 

[A_Instead]

This is the play test that I can't wait to hear feedback on.. Completely new frame from Wilson that blends the Blade, ProStaff and the Clash..
Doesn't get much better than that..

 

[Yamin]

Wilson has been on a hot streak in regard to innovation, and I like the roll out of this "prototype". Forty five is the only recent tech I can think of that makes a significant and recognizable difference. I'm sure this will be a very well received racket.

 

[Deleted member 775108]

I'm interested in feedback for the 315 model - Will be very interesting to see how the 23.5mm beam & 68 stiffness jive with an 18x20 frame. My guess is that the lateral flex should make the racquet feel soft as long the player hits with spin.

 

[downs_chris]

I'm excited about this one! The specs look great....

 

[Chairman3]

Good follow on to the Aero 98 playtest, similar-ish specs

Hope they decide the prototype paintjob is the final one.
Seen this thing in person once and it's a looker. Pearlescent effect is really nice

 

[StringStrungStrang]

The specs are very interesting and another great looking (white) frame. I like the fact that it is somewhat HL and has a lower swingweight so you have some room to customize it.

 

[Trip]

Very curious to see how the Shift 300 fairs vs the Prestige MP-L -- both 300g, 99", 31.5cm unstrung balance, 16 mains with 8 in the throat. Hmm...

 

[A_Instead]

Gives me the 1st Profile vibe for some odd reason...
I always wanted one of those back in the day....but was a kid with no money..

 

[SlowTiger]

Gives me the 1st Profile vibe for some odd reason...
I always wanted one of those back in the day....but was a kid with no money..

As an adult, I still have no money...

 

[A_Instead]

And today... money goes to the kids...go figure...

 

[TennisHound]

On the 315g
They’re a little quirky but Grish (Gladiators Tennis) does a pretty good review on the 315g.

I guess the purpose of the Shift is to have power (wide frame and higher RA) with control (muted Clash-inspired frame and dampening technology). Chris from TW felt it was a little too dampened. Michelle from TW was pleased even though it’s 18x20.

Serves are bad apparently, which is usually where larger headed 18x20 frames suffer - Speed Pro, 100p.

 

[taylor15]

The 16x20 is the most interesting. Initially I was too
Intrigued by this stick, but that was before I realized they are two different frames, not one with two weight options. Love a 16x20

 

[Trip]

Serves are bad apparently, which is usually where lather headed 18x20 frames suffer - Speed Pro, 100p.

I don't know... I can smash flat and yet fairly precise bombs with the TT100P (the stiffer 2019 version, mind you), and it can hold it's own on slice/kick as well...

 

[codonnell]

Frame looks fantastic! I’m curious as to how a 99 square inch would play closer to a 100 or 98 for the shift. Also the 16-20 string pattern and 67 flex is right in my comfort zone. More to look forward to for this frame .

 

[SupahMan5000]

anyone else think Wilson missed an oppurtunity to make a 99 in 18x19 model? really wouldve been nice to have another 18x19 model on the market but i guess it would be too similar to the T fight 305??

 

[jdx2112]

Attention Talk Tennis Members:

Are you ready for another playtest? We have some Wilson Labs Shift prototype racquets available in both the 300 and 315 gram version. 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 a set of Luxilon ALU Power and a Wilson multifilament string. Please note that we have one grip sizes available - grip size 3 (4 3/8).

If you are interested in applying, please send an email to discussadmin@tennis-warehouse.com with the following information (please no extraneous comments):

Email Subject: Tennis Warehouse Wilson Shift Prototype Playtest

Full Name:
Shipping Address (one line):
Email:
Username:
Racquet (choice between 300 or 315):

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 (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.

Would love to but I pulled my hamstring two days ago.

 

[Trip]

Just FYI, not that this carries any real weight, but Jonas from TennisNerd just pushed out an initial assessment to his Patreon members and in a nutshell, he was very taken by the 300 (and Nikki Roen with the 315). Said it's Wilson's best racquet release in a long time. Take that as you will, but at least appears to be a step in the right direction...

 

[stapletonj]

my lifetime fave frame was the Prince Spectrum Comp which was also pearlescent white.
Looks sooooo sexy!

 

[Ahlun]

Been very interested because of the 16x20 pattern. Only other ones most recently have been the vcore 95 and pure aero vs and neither have quite been the "it" stick for my game. Looking forward to see the feedback that comes for it!

 

[Newby]

Super curious about how the 300 plays. Is this Wilson’s first experiment with 16x20? I’ve only tried the Yonex VCORE 16x20 but really interested in seeing how this string pattern works in a non-Isometric head. Also noticed the throat is noticeably different from that of the Blade or the Pro Staff. Looks like it starts by the top of the grip with both beams really tightly spaced and then flares out in a dramatic curve further up the top (unlike the more traditional Y shape).

 

[Deleted member 775108]

Super curious about how the 300 plays. Is this Wilson’s first experiment with 16x20?

Nope they have had many

Only listing less than or equal to 100si racquets in the links below

Past and Current

Current only (Clash V2 Pros basically)

 

[TennisHound]

Just FYI, not that this carries any real weight, but Jonas from TennisNerd just pushed out an initial assessment to his Patreon members and in a nutshell, he was very taken by the 300 (and Nikki Roen with the 315). Said it's Wilson's best racquet release in a long time. Take that as you will, but at least appears to be a step in the right direction...

The reviews on both have been pretty positive, except for serving (315g).

 

[Newby]

Nope they have had many

Only listing less than or equal to 100si racquets in the links below

Past and Current

Current only (Clash V2 Pros basically)

Oh wow. I never had any interest in the Clash so never noticed it was 16x20, but I used to dabble with the H Tour 95 back in the day and I’m surprised I didn’t notice the string pattern.

 

[SlowTiger]

Been very interested because of the 16x20 pattern. Only other ones most recently have been the vcore 95 and pure aero vs and neither have quite been the "it" stick for my game. Looking forward to see the feedback that comes for it!

There seems to be more and more 16x20 racquets coming out. Feels like they are slowly replacing the 18x20 to adjust to a modern game

 

[badmice2]

Curious about the string pattern on a stiffer frame. Gravity 16x20 plays amazing, wondering if this will play with more power.

 

[djkahn86]

315 looks promising. I’m using a 18x20 pro stock clash 98. Wonder how close the shift 315 would play consider they share technology.

 

[Trip]

Per my previous post:

Main Take-Aways from Jonas & Nikki (nothing we don't already know):
- Jonas liked the 300, Nikki the 315
- Best when hit with a bit of swipe, less so purely flat
- Good blend of control/power/spin/stability
- No real weaknesses, as of yet anyways

 

[Fintft]

I'd be mainly interested in the 300.
Are these the specs?

• Category : Performance
• String Pattern : 16/20
• Length : 27in / 68.58cm
• Weight : 10.6oz / 300g
• Head size : 99in² / 638.71cm²
• Balance point : 12.40in / 31.5cm / 9 pts HL
• Beam Width : 23.5mm / 23.5mm / 23.5mm
• Swingweight : 320
• Stiffness (RDC index) : 68

I usually prefer a little higher SW around 335, like in my Blade Pro v8 16x18 (nothing that some tungsten at 3 and 9 wouldn't fix) and if you add an overgrip, a big Wilson dampner and a tape head guard the weight might increase a bit as well (regardless of tungsten) to at least 305g.

 

[bobeeto]

Would love to be on the playtest! Thanks TW for providing us with good opportunities!

 

[A_Instead]

To those who have used the Shift...
What is the shape of the head?

 

[Thibb]

Super cool you are giving folks the opportunity to play test this racquet. I have heard a lot of great things about this racquet but would love to hear more about peoples thoughts on it!

 

[StringStrungStrang]

Per my previous post:

Main Take-Aways from Jonas & Nikki (nothing we don't already know):
- Jonas liked the 300, Nikki the 315
- Best when hit with a bit of swipe, less so purely flat
- Good blend of control/power/spin/stability
- No real weaknesses, as of yet anyways

Is it possible that this is something REALLY new in racquet tech?
The 16 x 20 (300) 18 x20 (315) both 6 pts HL, same stiffness, beam width, balance. Ordinarily I'd be concerned about the RA spec at 68 but I have a feeling this where the tech comes in to tame this...I hope. This racquet seems to check quite a lot of boxes for so many players. I wonder will people who regularly choose 16 x19 racquets be turned off by not having that as an option. I think nowadays especially, you have to be open minded when trying out new racquets and let the performance rather than your idea of specs determine your choices.

 

[Trip]

I wonder will people who regularly choose 16 x19 racquets be turned off by not having that as an option.

I doubt it. I would think those who care enough about a string pattern to let it influence a buying decision are in the MASSIVE minority in terms of the total potential target market. The vast majority will key in on overall feel and performance, and stop there.

I think nowadays especially, you have to be open minded when trying out new racquets and let the performance rather than your idea of specs determine your choices.

100%. This includes one's idea of an ideal string pattern, or lack thereof.

 

[BBender716]

As someone who has played with a PA and PA98 I'm super curious how the 300g would handle! Looking forward to the results here!

 

[Djinn]

315 looks promising. I’m using a 18x20 pro stock clash 98. Wonder how close the shift 315 would play consider they share technology.

Same, I'm currently using Gravity Pros and looking to find something more maneuverable. Curious to test this one out.

 

[Deleted member 775108]

To those who have used the Shift...
What is the shape of the head?

No offense in anyway - and out of curiosity - dont pictures work well for this?

 

[Deleted member 775108]

Is it possible that this is something REALLY new in racquet tech?
The 16 x 20 (300) 18 x20 (315) both 6 pts HL, same stiffness, beam width, balance. Ordinarily I'd be concerned about the RA spec at 68 but I have a feeling this where the tech comes in to tame this...I hope. This racquet seems to check quite a lot of boxes for so many players. I wonder will people who regularly choose 16 x19 racquets be turned off by not having that as an option. I think nowadays especially, you have to be open minded when trying out new racquets and let the performance rather than your idea of specs determine your choices.

Multiple people have seemingly noted feeling the lateral flex and noticing the spin-pocketing when that happens. I cant imagine so many well known reviewers with good track records "faking it" because they were influenced by marketing.

 

[colan5934]

To those who have used the Shift...
What is the shape of the head?

Same or nearly the same as the clash 98. Looks like the clash 98 mold without the rib structure in the throat with different string spacing/pattern and layup

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

To those who have used the Shift...
What is the shape of the head?

I bought a 300, its quite round

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

I doubt it. I would think those who care enough about a string pattern to let it influence a buying decision are in the MASSIVE minority in terms of the total potential target market. The vast majority will key in on overall feel and performance, and stop there.

100%. This includes one's idea of an ideal string pattern, or lack thereof.

Problem with that is racquets of same pattern are too similar, if you don't like 18x20 you arent gonna like most 18x20 racquets they're too similar

 

[A_Instead]

Yeah..I saw some pics...it didn't look round. Not many round Head shapes nowadays..
The 1st gen Extreme was round..

 

[Deleted member 775108]

Same, I'm currently using Gravity Pros and looking to find something more maneuverable. Curious to test this one out.

Its highly unlikely a thicker beam racquet would be more maneuverable (assuming they are at at the same spec)

Yeah..I saw some pics...it didn't look round. Not many round Head shapes nowadays..
The 1st gen Extreme was round..

Definitely not as round as the old Extremes

 

[CosmosMpower]

Interested! Love testing 16x20 frames

 

[A_Instead]

My new PA98 is pretty round...

 

[Fighting phoenix]

It's a classic head shape - totally love it, and excited to see how the 300 plays relative to the 315, which felt great even with the higher swingweight than what I'm used to.

 

[Deleted member 775108]

My new PA98 is pretty round...

Looks pretty close, maybe the lower part of the hoop is slightly more round on the Shift? But could be a visual trick due to the colors.

 

[A_Instead]

I hope I get picked... but if not will certainly tune in to get all the feedback..

 

[d-quik]

Do the playtesters picked by TW get a choice as to how the racquet will be strung or will they be preselected?