Tester:

 

Name: Mike

Playing level: 4/4

Player type: Classic player, flat groundstrokes, does not generate that much spin himself. Previously had shoulder problems.

Racket history: Head Ti Fire, Babolat Pure Drive, Prince EXO3 Rebel Team, Wilson Steam 100 BLX2, Head Graphene Radical MP, Prince Textreme Warrior 107, Diadem Elevate FS 98, Tecnifibre T-Fight RS 300, Wilson Blade 98 16x19 V7, Babolat Pure Strike 100.

Intro:

I was really looking forward to this playtest. The Clash V1 was quite a game-changer in the racket world. A racket family entirely dedicated to power and comfort. The Clash 100, 100 Pro and to a lesser extent the 100L were the bestsellers. The 98 was always a bit of an outlier: usually not stable enough for the competitive player, but a frame with a lot of ease of use, comfort and solid power, without flying off the rails as the 100 sq/inch versions sometimes did. Now it's time for the 2nd version of the Clash 98. Has Wilson managed to give this racket a bit more control and stability?

Test scores Wilson Clash 98 V2:

 

Power: 8.5

Control: 7.5

Spin: 8

Comfort: 9

Maneuverability/speed: 8

Touch: 7.5

 

Technology:

 

For the Clash V2, Wilson uses the Braid 45 technology that was also applied to the latest Pro Staff and Blade series. This technology is located in the hoop (the top) of the racket head. Here, the carbon fibers are 'braided' at a 45-degree angle for more stability higher up in the head and for more ball pocketing/connection with the ball. This is actually the most important technical update of the Clash V2. This Clash 98 V2 gets a 16x20 string pattern in addition to a chic new paint job. One extra vertical string, so for more control and consistency and a less 'loopy' ball path. Let's see if this also makes a difference in practice. For this playtest, we also brought the Clash V1 for as fair a comparison as possible.

Baseline:

On my groundstrokes, the soft, comfortable, 'typical Clash feel' immediately stands out. The racket is very forgiving and comfortable. I easily get length in my shots. Because the racket is so flexible, it also grips the ball as if in the head for easy access to spin and slice. The spin potential is really good though. The Clash 98 V2 is also very quick to bring into position due to the low balance. So even if you are a bit late, you can still somewhat make it with this racket through both the low RA (flex) which prevents the racket from immediately kicking back on the arm, but also the low balance point. Then the control. Do not expect the control and stability of a Blade or a Pro Staff from the Clash 98 V2. That is comparing apples to oranges. Where a Blade and Pro Staff are super solid under pressure, this Clash 98 V2 is a bit less so. Still, the stability higher up in the head has improved. With the V1, you would occasionally get weird flyers because the frame is so mega flexible. At the top of the head, this V2 feels more robust and stable, which is a good thing. The 16x20 string pattern provides a slightly higher string density, which is particularly visible and noticeable in the sweetspot. This gives the racket, in my opinion, a slightly better control over the ball. You also don't get such a huge ball path with spin balls. Everything is just a bit more controlled.

Service:

Serving is easy with the Wilson Clash 98 V2. The balls actually all come off with a pretty good speed and also kick (not my strongest point) and slice serves were also good to do. Personally, I find the robust feel of, for example, the Blade 98 16x19 V8 or the Head Boom Pro a bit nicer, but that is personal preference. It is easy to serve with this 2nd version of the Clash 98 in any case.

Net:

Honestly, I do miss just a little bit of stability here. Balls by feel are easy to put away (stop volleys etc.), but with hard incoming balls you do notice that the racket is quite flexible. Smashes are then again very easy to put away.

Power/control Wilson Clash 98 V2:

It is still power over control with the Clash 98, although less than with version 1. The extra vertical string provides a slightly more compact string bed in the sweetspot, which does make the balls come off a bit more consistently. As mentioned earlier, this racket does not offer the control of a Blade or Pro Staff, but it has improved in this area. The dose of free power you get with this racket is very pleasant. You easily get life and speed in the ball and all of that is just a bit more controlled than with the 1st version which still felt a bit wobbly now and then.

Comfort/arm-friendliness:

Super! The Clash is and remains one of the most arm-friendly racket lines on the market and so is this Clash 98 V2! So if you are sensitive on the arm/shoulder/elbow, then this racket is a strong recommendation. The trade-off is then that you possibly give up a little control, but the comfort is amazing. The Wilson Clash 98 V2 is now available in our webshop, including free stringing of your choice.

Wilson Clash 98 V2 bottom line:

This second version of the Clash 98 is certainly an improvement in my opinion. What remains is the familiar soft and super comfortable Clash feel, but with a bit more control and stability. Do not expect this racket to suddenly have a rock-solid feel, but the extra control and stability are noticeable. Absolutely a recommendation for players with arm problems!