A racket with an RA value (stiffness) of only 55, but with the power of a Pure Drive: is this possible? Yes, it is! This is the Wilson Clash 100 tested by Mike!
Earlier we reported on the arrival of a completely new Wilson racket family: the Clash . Mike has tested this prototype racket intensively in recent weeks and was/is quite impressed! The final color scheme and specs of the models will be announced on February 1, 2019. They will be available on February 15. The Wilson Clash 100 in the final color scheme is now available in our webshop, including a free string of your choice!
Tested racket:
Brand: Wilson Model: Clash 100 'Prototype' Head size: 100 sq/inch Weight: 295 gr Balance: 31.0 cm Stringing pattern: 16x19 Length: 27 inch RA: 55 Beam: approx. 25.0 mm The above specifications are not necessarily the final specifications. These are the specs as measured with this prototype. In addition, there will be more Clash models with different specs. That is useful to know!
Tester:
Name: Mike Playing strength: 4/4 Type of player: somewhat classic player, flat groundstrokes, generates little spin himself. Had shoulder problems in the past. Racket history player: Head Ti Fire, Babolat Pure Drive, Prince EXO3 Rebel Team, Wilson Steam 100 BLX2, Head Graphene Radical MP and the Prince Textreme Warrior 107. Recently also started using the Diadem Elevate 98 .Baseline:
The Wilson Clash has a very nice 'connected' playing feeling from the baseline. Compared to other rackets, you have fractionally longer ball contact due to the low stiffness. This gives a lot of feeling with the ball, insane comfort, but also easily grabs the ball for spin/slice. The spin was good, not of the outside category as a Babolat Pure Aero or Head Extreme , but more than fine.
Then the power: the frame has a somewhat wider profile, like a Wilson Ultra or Babolat Pure Drive also has. This is noticeable in the power: there is enough of it! Only the unique thing about the Wilson Clash is that the control and connection with the ball is also there. This is unique in the market! And the frame dampens insanely, even with a full bed poly like in 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 get around. I would only have liked a little more stability from the baseline, but for that I will also test the heavier 310 gram Tour version of the Clash at the release.
Service:
I am not someone who usually has to rely on his service, especially considering my shoulder problems in the past. But with the Wilson Clash I serve easier and I feel harder, without having a nagging shoulder the next day or two. Gripping the ball is also easy for slices outwards from the right. I cannot put a lot of kick into the ball when serving, but that should be fine with this racket.
Just:
The maneuverability at the net is top. The racket is quickly in position and the touch is very nice. A little more stability would have finished it off, but that is easily possible with some lead at 3 and 9 o'clock. Very nice and fast at the net though!
Power/control:
I would even say power over control with this Wilson Clash, which is insane for such a smooth racket with RA 55! The power is that of a typical power racket ( Babolat Pure Drive , Wilson Ultra 100 CV , Yonex EZONE 100 , Head Instinct MP ), where the soft feel, longer connection with the ball and touch is that of a classic control racket! In terms of feeling, 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 the balls are difficult to get away for me. And with this Wilson Clash it goes with ease!
