A racket with an RA rating (stiffness) of just 55, but with the power of a Pure Drive: it's possible! This is the Wilson Clash 100. We previously reported on the new Wilson Clash racket family. Mike tested this prototype extensively and was very impressed. The final specifications and color scheme were announced on February 1, 2019, and the rackets will be available from February 15.
Tested Racket:
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Brand: Wilson
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Model: Clash 100 'Prototype'
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Head size: 100 sq/inch
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Weight: 295 gr
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Balance: 31.0 cm
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String pattern: 16x19
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Length: 27 inch
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RA: 55
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Beam: approx. 25.0 mm
The above specifications were measured on this prototype. More models with different specifications will become available.
Tester:
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Name: Mike
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Playing strength: 4/4
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Player type: Classic player, flat groundstrokes, generates little spin. Previously had shoulder problems.
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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 98.
Baseline:
The Wilson Clash provides a very pleasant 'connected' feel from the baseline. Compared to other rackets, the low stiffness gives you fractionally longer ball contact. This provides a lot of feel, amazing comfort, and makes it easy to generate spin and slice. The spin was good, not like a Babolat Pure Aero or Head Extreme, but more than adequate.
Then the power: the frame has a slightly wider profile, similar to a Wilson Ultra or Babolat Pure Drive. This is noticeable in the power: there is plenty of it! What makes the Wilson Clash unique is that the control and connection with the ball are also there. This is unique on the market! The frame dampens amazingly, even with a full poly stringing like the Luxilon Alu Power 1.25 or Diadem Flash 17. With both strings, I tested the racket at 22/21 kg. Due to the low balance, the racket is also very easy to handle. I would only want a bit more stability from the baseline, but for that I will also test the heavier 310-gram Tour version of the Clash at release.
Service:
I am not someone who usually has to rely on their serve, especially given my previous shoulder problems. But with the Wilson Clash, I serve more easily and feel more powerful, without shoulder discomfort the next day or two. Gripping the ball is also easy for slices out wide from the right. I cannot get much kick on the ball when serving, but that should be perfectly fine with this racket.
Net:
Maneuverability at the net is top-notch. The racket is quick to position and the feel is very nice. A bit more stability would make it perfect, but that is easily possible with some lead at 3 and 9 o'clock. Very nice and quick at the net!
Power/Control:
I would even say power over control with this Wilson Clash, which is amazing for such a supple racket with an RA of 55! The power is that of a typical power racket (Babolat Pure Drive, Wilson Ultra 100 CV, Yonex EZONE 100, Head Instinct MP), while the soft feel, longer connection with the ball, and touch are those of a classic control racket! In terms of feel, the racket reminds me most of the Prince Textreme Phantom 100 and the O3 Tour, ultra-narrow control frames with O-ports. Only with those frames do I struggle to get the balls away. With this Wilson Clash, it is effortless!
Comfort/Arm-friendliness:
In one word: amazing! There is hardly anything more comfortable on the market, or you automatically end up with much larger head sizes. Wilson really has something unique here.
The Wilson Clash 100 in the final color scheme is now available in our webshop, including a free string of your choice!
Conclusion:
I understand why Wilson is positioning the arrival of the Clash as a #racketrevolution. This is certainly something new on the racket market! I was initially a bit skeptical; I have had the opportunity to test and evaluate a lot of rackets in recent years, but this racket line is truly unique. The combination of power and control, with amazing comfort, will make many tennis players happy. Also an absolute must for players with arm problems!
