What's a racquet that is between Clash 98 and Blade 98?

[roadto50]

I used to play with a Blade 98 16x19 and really like the feel and precision of the racquet. Changed to the Clash 98 for extra spin and pop and definitely got loads of that. However, I am not feeling as connected to the ball. Need to hit with a bit more margin.

What's a racquet that has the feel and control of a Blade 98 but the spin and pop of a Clash 98? Willing to go outside of Wilson. Any racquets I should demo?

 

[Rosstour]

TF40 but I'm biased.

 

[roadto50]

Specs on the TF40 305 certainly looks like what I am looking for.

 

[Rentege]

The new Head Radical MP sits pretty nicely between the two. Might consider trying the Pro too but it’s not going to have near the pop of the Clash.

 

[Ryebread]

Ezone 98

 

[Chezbeeno]

The new Head Radical MP sits pretty nicely between the two. Might consider trying the Pro too but it’s not going to have near the pop of the Clash.

I second this - the new MP is really nice. Maybe not quite as much feel as the Blade, but more pop, and still a very comfortable racquet.

 

[roadto50]

Thanks for the suggestion. I've never played with a Head racquet or really even looked at them. If you compare it to the Wilson lines, how does the Head series match up? Like is a Prestige the Head equivalent of a Pro Staff? What about the Radical, Gravity, and the Speed?

 

[bogdan101]

Bash 98.

 

[SinneGOAT]

Pure strike 98.

 

[Chezbeeno]

Thanks for the suggestion. I've never played with a Head racquet or really even looked at them. If you compare it to the Wilson lines, how does the Head series match up? Like is a Prestige the Head equivalent of a Pro Staff? What about the Radical, Gravity, and the Speed?

It's tough to match Wilson and Head lines up with each other. Your best option is saying a Wilson racquet you like and then looking for similar spec'd Head frames. There's a lot of overlap in specs with Head's lines so you might find multiple viable Head options to match any one Wilson frame.
Now that I'm thinking about it, the Speed MP might also be a good option for you, considering what you're looking for.

 

[canta_Brian]

Probably worth hitting a gravity if you like the 100sq“ clash as well as the 98

 

[jdx2112]

Gravity Tour
Extreme Tour
CX 200

 

[Rosstour]

Specs on the TF40 305 certainly looks like what I am looking for.

I tried the Clash first. Loved it at first (and still do) but I was concerned that its special attributes would become gimmicky over time. TF40 is the real deal.

 

[CosmosMpower]

Vcore 98

 

[ron schaap]

I tried the Clash first. Loved it at first (and still do) but I was concerned that its special attributes would become gimmicky over time. TF40 is the real deal.

your comment seems interesting at first sight but then you wonder what the h..l does he mean?
a racquet works for you or dont, but that doesnt change because you dont believe in it anymore. then its pure between the ears. Every racquet manufacturer has one or more gimmicks I would even go as far to call those pro stock models gimmicky because only pros may need that.

 

[mhkeuns]

I would say the TFight 305 RS. It actually is a great racket that is more user-friendly than the Blade 98 and will offer a lot more control than the Clash 98. I also like the Snauwaert Grinta Tour 98 strung with the 18G poly at 45lbs.

 

[Polotechnics]

Extreme Tour fits the bill. It's fantastic. I switched from Extreme MP to the tour. Really helped me. Still powerful enough, stacks of spin and a bit more control. I'm a 4.5 ish using the American rating system. I added a touch of weight at 3 and 9 for a bit of help on the first volley

 

[tennis347]

Angell k7red. It's very user-friendly and supplies good control, spin, comfort. Depth comes easy on a moderate swing. It's easier to use than the Blade and has better feel over the Clash 98. I have been using the XL version of the k7red has more power and better stability over the standard version and is a better racquet than the Blade or Clash IMO. Even the XL is pretty user-friendly friendly if you have decent technique. Otherwise, the standard K7 Red has some room for customization as needed.

 

[jdx2112]

Angell k7red. It's very user-friendly and supplies good control, spin, comfort. Depth comes easy on a moderate swing. It's easier to use than the Blade and has better feel over the Clash 98. I have been using the XL version of the k7red has more power and better stability over the standard version and is a better racquet than the Blade or Clash IMO. Even the XL is pretty user-friendly friendly if you have decent technique. Otherwise, the standard K7 Red has some room for customization as needed.

Is there any way to demo the K7?

 

[tennis347]

Is there any way to demo the K7?

Angell does not have demo program. Best bet is to try and find a used one on TW forums.

 

[beltsman]

Thanks for the suggestion. I've never played with a Head racquet or really even looked at them. If you compare it to the Wilson lines, how does the Head series match up? Like is a Prestige the Head equivalent of a Pro Staff? What about the Radical, Gravity, and the Speed?

It's not exact but

Prestige - Pro Staff
Radical - Blade
Speed - Pro Staff 100

You might want to demo the Radical and Speed. I can't speak to TF.

 

[roadto50]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Actually ended up putting lead on the Clash 98 at 3 and 9, 1.5g each. Feels really stable and closer to a Blade 98.

 

[Crocodile]

Maybe Tecnifibre T40 40 305 or 315 would sit in between the blade and clash 98’s.

 

[jdx2112]

Maybe Tecnifibre T40 40 305 or 315 would sit in between the blade and clash 98’s.

Honestly I think those Racquets’s might even be more controlled than the Blades. Certainly more than the 16/19.

 

[Curtennis]

You’re looking to fill a very narrow gap. I’d just string the one tighter or the other looser and just call it a day.
of course if you just want to try different racquets that’s fine too. But sometimes good enough is good enough.

 

[Rosstour]

TF40 but I'm biased.

Specs on the TF40 305 certainly looks like what I am looking for.

your comment seems interesting at first sight but then you wonder what the h..l does he mean?
a racquet works for you or dont, but that doesnt change because you dont believe in it anymore. then its pure between the ears. Every racquet manufacturer has one or more gimmicks I would even go as far to call those pro stock models gimmicky because only pros may need that.

The crazy flex and thick beam worked really well at first and I was able to generate really good depth on every shot. But I just had a nagging feeling that the charms would wear off and I would regret not going with a more traditional frame. I'm glad I listened, the TF40 is much better suited to where I'm at right now.

Clash will work a lot better when I'm 50-55 and can't keep increasing swing speed.

Maybe Tecnifibre T40 40 305 or 315 would sit in between the blade and clash 98’s.

Honestly I think those Racquets’s might even be more controlled than the Blades. Certainly more than the 16/19.

I've hit with the Blade 98 and I agree. But again, now I'm biased because I bought a bunch. But I bought them for a reason...

 

[jdx2112]

The crazy flex and thick beam worked really well at first and I was able to generate really good depth on every shot. But I just had a nagging feeling that the charms would wear off and I would regret not going with a more traditional frame. I'm glad I listened, the TF40 is much better suited to where I'm at right now.

Clash will work a lot better when I'm 50-55 and can't keep increasing swing speed.





I've hit with the Blade 98 and I agree. But again, now I'm biased because I bought a bunch. But I bought them for a reason...

When I play with my Clash 98 it proved super easy depth, but a light ball. Good spin, but not heavy and penetrating. Defense is so easy though.

 

[Rosstour]

When I play with my Clash 98 it proved super easy depth, but a light ball. Good spin, but not heavy and penetrating. Defense is so easy though.

Exactly.

 

[jdx2112]

Exactly.

It’s why I keep playing with my Gravities. More weight of shot.