Wilson Clash string setup and at what tension

Grapplesnake CES Neon Dust and Neon Liquid Dust 46/49 in my Clash Tour. The more time on the court the better it’s feeling. This is my third setup, first was Lux Smart at 45, started out great but strings became to springy the more I hit. My second was was Lux Alu Rough at 50, felt a bit to stiff for me.
 
I demoed the regular Clash twice with Luxilon 4G at 50lbs and it felt good so you could try that, but I also demoed the Tour with Luxilon Smart at 50lbs and it felt 10 times better for my game. I prefer heavier racquets and the Tour feels more stable to me. I just bought a Tour strung with Hyper G at 50lbs so I'll let you know how that compares to the Smart. I like the bite you get from Hyper G and it's not an extremely stiff poly in my opinion. I used to play natural gut in mains of my old racquet with Hyper G's in crosses at 48lbs and it feels amazing, but that was Volkl PB Mid 10 stick and Hyper G chews through gut or multifiliment quick so if money isn't an issue that is a nice mix. In terms of how the Smart plays, it has an interesting feel, it's kind of springy and my arm didn't hurt at all after 1hr of intense hitting with a pro. I actually liked the Smart and hoping I like Hyper G in the Tour more. I've spoken to some players and they said their arms, shoulders, etc., haven't hurt even with full beds of poly in the Clash so I think you can get away with stiffer strings in the Clash due to how flexible and soft it is. I'm 5.0 level.
Hi, what's the latest with you and the clash tour. I'm around your level but am unable (so far) to demo as I'm currently living overseas.
 
Grapplesnake CES Neon Dust and Neon Liquid Dust 46/49 in my Clash Tour. The more time on the court the better it’s feeling. This is my third setup, first was Lux Smart at 45, started out great but strings became to springy the more I hit. My second was was Lux Alu Rough at 50, felt a bit to stiff for me.

Please share your experience during play (spin, comfort, tension maintenance, etc.) about the Grapplesnake CES Neon Dust and Neon Liquid Dust hybrid.
 
Why not try out the new Clash with the same strings to get a good comparison of the two racquets?
Why the move from the PA to the Clash? 55RA? That RPM Blast can be an arm killer. Lots of information from a seasoned 4.0 playing with RPM -->Calling @ByeByePoly

So I’ve got the new Clash and put in a full bed of RPM Blast @44lbs...Just not working for me at all. Feels boardy and I don’t feel connected.
Playing with with PA strung at 48/50 before the new trial. Any recommendation as to my next steps. I’ve got a reel of RPM and some X-One as well that I used in quite some time. I’m happy with the PA but developed some shoulder tendonitis, and thought the Clash was my answer.
 
I imagine the Clash could still be yr answer, I'm happy to report, firt time in a decade, I am able to do fb poly pain-free.

Boardy and disconnected - doesn't mean aggravating and painful, right?

I would not be able to use fb rpm in any other racq, but perhaps would expect to in the Clash.

Ok so you are playing pain-free, but just not enjoy the feel and response.

Ok so rpm is an incredibly spinny tough nut. How about a softer poly? 44 is pretty low tension

In terms of feel there are still some road bumps - it's when you hit really hard the racq responds, but volleys which require less swing
seem a bit disconnected agreed.
 
I imagine the Clash could still be yr answer, I'm happy to report, firt time in a decade, I am able to do fb poly pain-free.

Boardy and disconnected - doesn't mean aggravating and painful, right?

I would not be able to use fb rpm in any other racq, but perhaps would expect to in the Clash.

Ok so you are playing pain-free, but just not enjoy the feel and response.

Ok so rpm is an incredibly spinny tough nut. How about a softer poly? 44 is pretty low tension

In terms of feel there are still some road bumps - it's when you hit really hard the racq responds, but volleys which require less swing
seem a bit disconnected agreed.

Yes, I’m playing without pain for the most part as I’ve taken off a month and I’m doing lots of rehab for the shoulder impingement issue. I went with 44 on the RPM as it was suggested here on the forums. I just don’t feel I can control the ball well with the clash and don’t feel any pocketing with my current setup. I do really want to like this racket and feel I just need to find a string setup that works for me. I do get great topspin from the PA but would give that up for a more arm friendly setup with the clash.
 
I am looking at buying the Clash 100 as an arm-friendly racquet to use to ease back into tennis (before probably going back to my Blades) and in the past I have loved Volkl Cyclone, has anyone tried this in a Clash? I'm curious what tension people would advise to maximize the soft feel of the racquet. It seems like mid-40's is the way to go with poly, but I wanted to get input from others if possible.
 
Interesting thread.

4.5 male with classic S&V game, currently using Duel G 330 in 16x20 with full bed of Natural Gut at 52 lbs.

Not getting younger, starting to feel a bit of GE type of soreness. Not dismissing the possibility that the latter is caused by an increase in playing volume, but also not loving the need for NatGut to get every rpm of spin from that frame.

Anyhow, contemplating something a bit (head-)lighter than the DG97/330, more spin potential. Put off by negative reports of the new Pro/VCore 310, and intrigued by the Clash Tour. Is that crazy talk??

(No, not going to use Poly, no matter what... anyone with experience using multis / SynGut / NG in the Clash?)

(Also, what is it with all the skinny grips?? I need a 4 5/8 with thick leather plus overgrip to feel comfortable holding the racquet, which leaves like 4 racquets on the market for me...)
 
I am looking at buying the Clash 100 as an arm-friendly racquet to use to ease back into tennis (before probably going back to my Blades) and in the past I have loved Volkl Cyclone, has anyone tried this in a Clash? I'm curious what tension people would advise to maximize the soft feel of the racquet. It seems like mid-40's is the way to go with poly, but I wanted to get input from others if possible.

I used Volkl Cyclone 17g full bed (a string I have a lot of experience with in multiple rackets) at 50 lbs in the Clash Tour and liked it much more than Wilson Sensation Multi 16 at 55 lbs for access to spin and control. However, even with the Cyclone I found that there was a trampoline effect that I couldn't get rid of. This was surprising to me. It was comfortable at this tension for sure. I didn't bother trying higher tensions of the Cyclone but this would probably work this issue out for me. Instead, I went to a different string setup altogether (Kev/ZXP) and am happy with where I am at now.

I have also hit with a Clash Tour with Hyper-G at 35 lbs and it felt fine but still had too much "springyness". I only hit with it for 5 mins or so though.
 
I tried Alu Power Rough 16l in mains at 46 and Tourna Black Zone 17 on crosses at 44. Seemed too springy but comfortable. Cut out. Tried Technifibre Red Zone 17 mains at 48 and Red Zone Wax 17 on crosses at 46. Felt a little stiff. Trying Grapplesnake Neon Dust hybrid at 44/46 and it has more control and spin than the other combos mentioned. Decent controlled power. As the mains are stiffer and grab the ball, going a little lower in tension might feel good. I will test other Grapplesnake strings as well. I have a set of Luxulon 4G and am deciding on testing it in a full bed or for the mains in a hybrid. I have a **** load of strings to test on this stick.

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I think on my next Clash restring, I will try a hybrid of Alu 4G and Alu Power. I prefer a higher tension though 55lb at a minimum.
 
I used Volkl Cyclone 17g full bed (a string I have a lot of experience with in multiple rackets) at 50 lbs in the Clash Tour and liked it much more than Wilson Sensation Multi 16 at 55 lbs for access to spin and control. However, even with the Cyclone I found that there was a trampoline effect that I couldn't get rid of. This was surprising to me. It was comfortable at this tension for sure. I didn't bother trying higher tensions of the Cyclone but this would probably work this issue out for me.
Do you think that using Cyclone 16g would solve the problem at all? I'm surprised that even at 50 lbs it felt too springy, I've mostly been hearing that lower tensions (sub-50 lbs) feel better and don't have a springiness issue. If push comes to shove, however, I would take prefer comfort over a less springy feel, at least until my body can handle tennis a little better.
 
Do you think that using Cyclone 16g would solve the problem at all? I'm surprised that even at 50 lbs it felt too springy, I've mostly been hearing that lower tensions (sub-50 lbs) feel better and don't have a springiness issue. If push comes to shove, however, I would take prefer comfort over a less springy feel, at least until my body can handle tennis a little better.

I don't think Cyclone 16 will perform radically different than Cyclone 17. But, let me clarify. Cyclone 17 at 50 lbs felt MUCH better than the Wilson Multi at 55 lbs I had previously tried. I had noticeably more spin and control than with the multi. It is just on certain shots, it still felt a bit more springy than I would like (the multi was VERY springy). This might be alleviated by a higher tension or just a matter of personal preference.

Try Cyclone at 50 lbs. I bet you will be fine.
 
I don't think Cyclone 16 will perform radically different than Cyclone 17. But, let me clarify. Cyclone 17 at 50 lbs felt MUCH better than the Wilson Multi at 55 lbs I had previously tried. I had noticeably more spin and control than with the multi. It is just on certain shots, it still felt a bit more springy than I would like (the multi was VERY springy). This might be alleviated by a higher tension or just a matter of personal preference.

Try Cyclone at 50 lbs. I bet you will be fine.
I expect that Cyclone at 50 is what I'll end up doing. Thanks for the input!
 
Yep like the Volkl cyclone (@48 for me) in this racq - you get bulk sticky spin and the qualities of the string shine through. THink the frame lets the strings do the talking....
 
I've had a chance to hit a couple of times with my Clash strung with Cyclone @ 50 and it feels great! Obviously I haven't had a chance to try it strung with anything else, and I don't have my own stringer, so I doubt I'll be doing too much experimenting in the future, but regardless, I'm happy with the setup. Easy, comfortable power with good access to spin is what I was looking for, and that's precisely what the setup delivers.
 
Does Wilson recommend to string the mains higher or lower than the crosses or keep the same tension for both?
 
Does Wilson recommend to string the mains higher or lower than the crosses or keep the same tension for both?

They don't make a recommendation on cross vs. main tensioning, just a blanket range like every other mfg. A differential is highly dependent on user preference and string selection, so just go with what you like. For hybrids, I usually string mains higher than crosses and for full bed I just leave it all the same.
 
I've had a chance to hit a couple of times with my Clash strung with Cyclone @ 50 and it feels great! Obviously I haven't had a chance to try it strung with anything else, and I don't have my own stringer, so I doubt I'll be doing too much experimenting in the future, but regardless, I'm happy with the setup. Easy, comfortable power with good access to spin is what I was looking for, and that's precisely what the setup delivers.

Have you noticed any trampoline effect on certain shots? Like I reported previously, I liked Cyclone 17 in the Clash Tour EXCEPT for the trampoline effect I experienced on some defensive shots.
 
Have you noticed any trampoline effect on certain shots? Like I reported previously, I liked Cyclone 17 in the Clash Tour EXCEPT for the trampoline effect I experienced on some defensive shots.
I haven't really, except maybe when I slap at the ball. I haven't experienced anything like that on "responsible" shots, though.
 
I’ve been experimenting a bit with my strings, trying to find the best set up (for me) on my Clash Tour. Tried my first hybrid string setup ever and I gotta say it was amazing. I used Luxilon Alu Power 16L in the mains @55lbs and Alu Natural Gut 16L in the crosses also @55lbs. I was a little intimidated to try hybrid considering most of the pros use this set up. My first day I had a few control issues (over hitting, serving long, etc) but I played effortlessly tonight, so much that I forgot about the hybrid setup. Serve was powerful (7aces) ground strokes were smooth and solid, (lots of topspin) volleys were crisp, slices like a Ninja. No complaints at all about this setup. I’ve definitely found my formula and I look forward to what it does for my game.
 
I’ve been experimenting a bit with my strings, trying to find the best set up (for me) on my Clash Tour. Tried my first hybrid string setup ever and I gotta say it was amazing. I used Luxilon Alu Power 16L in the mains @55lbs and Alu Natural Gut 16L in the crosses also @55lbs. I was a little intimidated to try hybrid considering most of the pros use this set up. My first day I had a few control issues (over hitting, serving long, etc) but I played effortlessly tonight, so much that I forgot about the hybrid setup. Serve was powerful (7aces) ground strokes were smooth and solid, (lots of topspin) volleys were crisp, slices like a Ninja. No complaints at all about this setup. I’ve definitely found my formula and I look forward to what it does for my game.
Pros like Federer use gut in the mains. IMO, using it as a cross is a waste of the gut.
 
I respect your opinion, but let’s be honest, NONE of us are Federer.LOL I choose this setup because it suits my game.
Yes, that's very true; none of us are pros. If you haven't already, try giving the gut strung as a main a go and see if you like it. I certainly did with great results but it just got too expensive plus, I play on clay and that certainly didn't help durability. Oh, to be rich!
 
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Tried full multi at 56 55 and Clash Tour is a bit wild if prep is not perfect, not a bad thing maybe but I’d like a bit more leeway similar to what I have with my PK (16x20) I have a set of Champions choice (gut/poly) I could try has anyone used this in the racket. With my sensitive arm I’m thinking gut mains 58 poly cross 50?
 
If one needs expensive gut strings for the clash to play well, than its name should be cash instead.


That’s not remotely close to being true. You can string ANY racquet with expensive or inexpensive strings. It’s a matter of playing style and preference. The Clash plays outstanding in the right hands, as do most racquets. As I’ve said before, it’s one of those racquets that’s not for everyone. I choose to go with more expensive strings, but that’s doesn't make me a better player. Playing 3-4 times a week, practicing for hours on end, going to clinics, taking classes are what make me a better player, the strings are just there to assist in that.
 
for me when i try a new frame, i always try it with plasma signum @ 22kg, and after, i choice to up or down tension with my favorite string (hybride gut/poly) i think plasma is a good string to see the capacities of the new frame.
 
I had rpm blast 1,25 with 23/22kg, wasnt very satisfied, changed it to luxilon smart 1,25 22/21kg and it seems really good. Have also on my clash 100 lead tapes and must say it s really very similar to my pure strike but more comfortable.
 
Has anyone strung this with a multifilament? I am stringing one for a very casual player and I know he won’t get the poly changed, so I think I should use a multi. I know the racquet is really designed with poly in mind, but I think I will use Head Velocity. But what tension?
 
Maybe it suits his playing style, low tension doesn’t work for me.

Just because 48 doesn’t work doesn’t mean 44 or even 40 won’t. The string is designed to be lower for a reason - going higher defeats the purpose. Try it at 40-44 - it plays really well. Not sure what your playing style is - the Clash is designed for a low to high swing path - not for flat ball hitters. I am a 5.0 player that uses Clash Tour with Smart at 44 lbs and am considering going a bit lower.
 
Has anyone strung this with a multifilament? I am stringing one for a very casual player and I know he won’t get the poly changed, so I think I should use a multi. I know the racquet is really designed with poly in mind, but I think I will use Head Velocity. But what tension?

I’ve used a few multis and I really like nxt power 17 gauge at 55 lbs. Also liked signum pro micronite 17 gauge at 58 lbs, this was a very good set up.
 
Just because 48 doesn’t work doesn’t mean 44 or even 40 won’t. The string is designed to be lower for a reason - going higher defeats the purpose. Try it at 40-44 - it plays really well. Not sure what your playing style is - the Clash is designed for a low to high swing path - not for flat ball hitters. I am a 5.0 player that uses Clash Tour with Smart at 44 lbs and am considering going a bit lower.

I appreciate the suggestions, but I finally found a string setup that I really enjoy. I have Luxilon Natural Gut in the mains 58lbs and Luxilon Savage in the crosses 55lbs. As I said before, we all have to do what suits our game best.
 
Has anyone strung this with a multifilament? I am stringing one for a very casual player and I know he won’t get the poly changed, so I think I should use a multi. I know the racquet is really designed with poly in mind, but I think I will use Head Velocity. But what tension?

When I used the demo initially it was strung at 52 with a multi.
 
Just because 48 doesn’t work doesn’t mean 44 or even 40 won’t. The string is designed to be lower for a reason - going higher defeats the purpose. Try it at 40-44 - it plays really well. Not sure what your playing style is - the Clash is designed for a low to high swing path - not for flat ball hitters. I am a 5.0 player that uses Clash Tour with Smart at 44 lbs and am considering going a bit lower.
Why lower? Honest question, what makes you think about it when you play with the clash and want to go lower? I'm stringing the clash for a friend and could suggest it as he won't mind.
 
Why lower? Honest question, what makes you think about it when you play with the clash and want to go lower? I'm stringing the clash for a friend and could suggest it as he won't mind.

Luxilon Smart has a recommended tension of 44 (+-4) It is designed for low tensions due to it’s unique construction. Most every poly is stiff in comparison to multi’s. By stringing it lower you almost always have a more comfortable string bed. The average tension on tour is down to 45 due to poly. The Clash was released with Luxilon Smart. If the player does not have good technique and isn’t at least a 4.5, I would hesitate going very low. You need to have decent swing speed and hit good spin to take advantage of these strings in the low 40s.
 
Just because 48 doesn’t work doesn’t mean 44 or even 40 won’t. The string is designed to be lower for a reason - going higher defeats the purpose. Try it at 40-44 - it plays really well. Not sure what your playing style is - the Clash is designed for a low to high swing path - not for flat ball hitters. I am a 5.0 player that uses Clash Tour with Smart at 44 lbs and am considering going a bit lower.
I assume you're especially talking about the 100 inch Clash - ? Because of the open pattern? Would you say a racquet for a flat ball hitter would have a closed string pattern which offers more control by compromising spin?
 
I plan on trying out the new Clash and was wondering what type of string and tension would go well with this racket. I’m a 65 yo 4.0 currently playing with the new Pure Aero and RPM Blast 17g @52lbs
I used Hyper-G on my brother’s rackets and he loves it!
 
I assume you're especially talking about the 100 inch Clash - ? Because of the open pattern? Would you say a racquet for a flat ball hitter would have a closed string pattern which offers more control by compromising spin?

I was just referring to the Clash Tour - read on Wilson site where it was designed for a low to high swing path. I do believe a more closed string pattern is better for flat ball hitters. I'm not sure what string would be best for a flat ball hitter using the lighter Clash 100.
 
I was just referring to the Clash Tour - read on Wilson site where it was designed for a low to high swing path. I do believe a more closed string pattern is better for flat ball hitters. I'm not sure what string would be best for a flat ball hitter using the lighter Clash 100.

I play with two guys in their later 50's and early 60's that use the Clash 100. The flatter hitter of these two uses Alu Power at 52 pounds. The other is using Alu Soft at 52 pounds. I string for both of them and it always strikes me how the cross string density is so much higher up high on the hoop. I guess that's designed so it works with the inherent flex of the frame but it seems that if you do mis-hit up high, you'd want fewer strings and a consequently softer stringbed to help get enough oomph on the ball to possible have it still go in.
 
I play with two guys in their later 50's and early 60's that use the Clash 100. The flatter hitter of these two uses Alu Power at 52 pounds. The other is using Alu Soft at 52 pounds. I string for both of them and it always strikes me how the cross string density is so much higher up high on the hoop. I guess that's designed so it works with the inherent flex of the frame but it seems that if you do mis-hit up high, you'd want fewer strings and a consequently softer stringbed to help get enough oomph on the ball to possible have it still go in.

Interesting. I just put in Luxilon Alu Soft at 45 lbs and it felt stiff enough even at that tension. I really like the string. I do know that if I use a low tension on the Clash and hit a flat ball it can launch out in an impressive way. I am 53 and a 5.0 player. I will never string in the 50s again - I get more feel and a softer string bed and better ball pocketing at lower tensions.
 
I'm a 41 year old 130lb 4.0 woman (I'm a 4.5 if you go by the USTA videos on YouTube but i play with 4.0 women) and i did not like the Clash with a poly. I have the Clash 100 with lead tape at 10 and 2. I was using NXT 17 multifilament strung at 50 lbs and wasn't satisfied with the spin enough to continue paying $20 for one string set. The power and control were good. But the NXT started fraying badly and the durability isn't great and I wanted to try something less expensive with more spin. I had Volkl Cyclone 16 black strung at 46lbs. It was horrible. To be fair, I probably should've done 17 gauge. I played with it for an hour and it made both of my elbows hurt. I immediately switched back to my other Clash with NXT to save my elbows. Low power, which i expected, but no improvement in spin, and my technique is good. Had those cut out and now I've played an hour with Technifibre Multifeel 17 black multifilament strung at 47 lbs, and the spin and control are good for me. Less power than NXT, but with the increased spin, I feel better generating my own power. Almost as comfortable as NXT but half the price. Hopefully it will be more durable. Just sharing in case this is useful for anyone else.
 
Interesting. I just put in Luxilon Alu Soft at 45 lbs and it felt stiff enough even at that tension. I really like the string. I do know that if I use a low tension on the Clash and hit a flat ball it can launch out in an impressive way. I am 53 and a 5.0 player. I will never string in the 50s again - I get more feel and a softer string bed and better ball pocketing at lower tensions.

Didn't see this post until now. With the last stringings, I went down two pounds for each of them and they both like it better. I said they should continue to drop tension until they find loss of control, then go back to the previous tension level.

These two guys have been using the Clash since it first came out and I believe the original thinking was that a flexy frame could use a stiffer stringbed to maintain control. I've only been stringing for these two guys the last few months and have been suggesting they go lower in tension. With the higher stringbed density high in the hoop, I think they would further benefit from even lower tensions or maybe just lower cross tension for the upper half of the crosses.
 
I'm a 41 year old 130lb 4.0 woman (I'm a 4.5 if you go by the USTA videos on YouTube but i play with 4.0 women) and i did not like the Clash with a poly. I have the Clash 100 with lead tape at 10 and 2. I was using NXT 17 multifilament strung at 50 lbs and wasn't satisfied with the spin enough to continue paying $20 for one string set. The power and control were good. But the NXT started fraying badly and the durability isn't great and I wanted to try something less expensive with more spin. I had Volkl Cyclone 16 black strung at 46lbs. It was horrible. To be fair, I probably should've done 17 gauge. I played with it for an hour and it made both of my elbows hurt. I immediately switched back to my other Clash with NXT to save my elbows. Low power, which i expected, but no improvement in spin, and my technique is good. Had those cut out and now I've played an hour with Technifibre Multifeel 17 black multifilament strung at 47 lbs, and the spin and control are good for me. Less power than NXT, but with the increased spin, I feel better generating my own power. Almost as comfortable as NXT but half the price. Hopefully it will be more durable. Just sharing in case this is useful for anyone else.

My son is currently using black Cyclone as his string of choice, but he is using the 17 gauge. He's a very hard hitting 26 year old and I thought the 16 gauge may be better for him but he thought it was much stiffer than the 17 gauge, even though he's using it in a heavily weighted 365 gram Pure Drive Tour with so much mass that I thought it would make most any string feel soft.

I don't know if you want to give a poly string a try again but there are some very thin gauges of Cyclone (and Cyclone Tour which is even softer) that almost certainly will work better in your situation.
 
My son is currently using black Cyclone as his string of choice, but he is using the 17 gauge. He's a very hard hitting 26 year old and I thought the 16 gauge may be better for him but he thought it was much stiffer than the 17 gauge, even though he's using it in a heavily weighted 365 gram Pure Drive Tour with so much mass that I thought it would make most any string feel soft.

I don't know if you want to give a poly string a try again but there are some very thin gauges of Cyclone (and Cyclone Tour which is even softer) that almost certainly will work better in your situation.

Thanks for your comments. If the Multifeel doesn't end up working out well for me, I'll consider it. What's your opinion on Hyper G 17 gauge in a Clash? Or Volkl B Square 17 gauge? I bought them back when I bought Cyclone, but after the Cyclone experience, I've been hesitant to try them.
 
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