More recently, Wilson has made racquets more comfortable with Countervail technology, and vastly opened up string patterns with Spin Effect Technology. With that said, they have never truly started from scratch to redesign a tennis racquet. With the Clash, Wilson “clashes” with a few paradigms of traditional racquet manufacturing. The chief example is the racquet’s unique balance between power and control. Wilson claims the Clash is the most flexible racquet ever, but with stability to rival any current carbon fiber frame on the market. The “Clash” name is actually born from the idea that all racquets are either more suited toward control or power, but not both. With the Clash, tennis players will notice a distinct feel because of its focus on both attributes.
Earlier this year, Wilson introduced the tennis industry to the Clash 100 and Clash 100 Tour models. These racquets were recently voted Best New Innovation by Tennis Magazine 2019 Editor’s Choice Award. Now, Wilson is doubling down on all things Clash by releasing a Clash 98, 100L, 108, and two reduced-length junior models in the Clash 25 and 26. The following is a brief round up of the entire Clash Racquet Family.
Clash 98
The Clash 98 is designed for the advanced player. It sports a thinner 24 millimeter beam and has a little more in common with traditional player’s racquets from Wilson like the Pro Staff and Blade. The 11.5 ounce strung weight matches the weight of the Clash 100 Tour, but the string spacing is tighter so there is a little more controlled response. The 98 keeps the StableSmart and FreeFlex technologies, so the frame is every bit as flexible and comfortable as the other Clash models. Players looking more the most stable Clash racquet should benefit from the higher swing weight of the Wilson Clash 98.
Clash 100L
The lightest racquets in the Clash family are the Clash 100L and 108. With the Clash 100L, players are getting a lightning-quick and easy-to-swing frame. At only about 10.5 ounces strung, the 100L represents a great racquet for a player who was intrigued by the Clash 100, but needed a more mobile option. Junior players that are graduating to an adult-length frame would be excellent candidates for the 100L.
Clash 108
The Clash 108 brings the same technology to an oversize frame. The 108 is one of the most comfortable oversize racquets available due to the StableSmart and FreeFlex technologies. Spin is generated with ease thanks to the wide open 16 x 19 string pattern, and though its the same weight as the 100L, the 108 is 27.25 inches long for more reach, power, and spin. Seasoned doubles players and beginners looking for a racquet they can improve with will find the Clash 108 to be a comfortable, forgiving, and powerful choice.
Clash 100 & 100 Tour
The Clash 100 and 100 Tour feature a 24.5 mm beam, 100 square inch head, and 16 x 19 string pattern. The 100 is right around 11 ounces strung, while the Tour is a half ounce heavier. Though the two frames are similar, the 100 Tour is a couple more points head light than the Clash 100, making it a little easier to whip the racquet through contact when on the run. Both the 100 and 100 Tour feature a wide open 16×19 string pattern so players can get tons of spin potential on every shot. If you are trying to decide between the Clash 100 and 100 Tour, consider the 100 Tour to be more stable, while the 100 is perfect for longer baseline rallies because of the lighter weight.
Clash Junior Racquets
Rumor has it Wilson has a 25 and 26 inch version of the Clash racquets for junior players to be able to take advantage of the new technologies. The frames should be on their way soon, and will both weigh under 10 ounces. Stay tuned for more on these premium junior frames!
Perhaps the most enticing thing about the Clash racquets are that they aren’t designed for one swing or game style. The FreeFlex technology is designed to bend with any type or speed of swing, keeping the ball on the strings slightly longer for more tuned-in control and accuracy. The technology behind the Clash doesn’t discriminate, it’s intended for everyone to enjoy the benefits!
For More on Racquets
