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The Clash tennis racquet is one of the newest series of racquets from Wilson.
The Wilson Clash was built with adult recreational and competitive club tennis players in mind. It is a forgiving and easy to swing tennis racquet, with Clash technology that provides unmatched comfort and feel.
Below, we will review the Wilson Clash tennis racquet, including each variation in the series. You’ll learn about the specifications and on-court performance of the Clash, so you can decide if it’s a good racquet for you.
The Wilson Clash Tennis Racquet is Available in Several Versions
The first thing you should know about the Wilson Clash is that it comes in several different versions.
Each version varies in length, weight, head size, and string pattern. Below is a list of the different Wilson Clash tennis racquets available.
- Wilson Clash 100 – our pick for best intermediate tennis racquet
- Wilson Clash 100 Pro (Tour)
- Wilson Clash 98
- Wilson Clash 100L
- Wilson Clash 100UL
- Wilson Clash 108
We’ll review each version of the Wilson Clash in more detail below.
Wilson Clash 100 Review
The most popular version is the Wilson Clash 100. It is what we recommend for most intermediate level players, although it is a great racquet for beginners and even some advanced players too.
Wilson Clash 100 Racquet Specifications
Here are the specifications for the Clash 100.
- Weight: 11 oz. strung
- Head Size: 100 square inches
- Length: 27 inches
- Balance: 320 mm
- String Pattern: 16×19
Advanced tennis racquets typically have a smaller head size and narrower frame to help add control. The best beginner tennis racquets are built with larger head sizes and thicker frames to help with power. The Wilson Clash 100 is right in the middle.
The 100 square inch head size makes it good for all skill levels. The 16×19 string pattern will help beginners and intermediate players learn topspin. And at only 11 ounces, it is heavy enough for fast paced tennis but still easy to handle.
Pros & Cons of the Wilson Clash
For a quick preview of the Wilson Clash, see our pros and cons below.
Pros
- Our pick for #1 intermediate tennis racquet
- Great for most skill levels
- Most comfortable racquet on the market
- Adds control & feel on both groundstrokes & volleys
- Very flexible frame can help with elbow pain
Cons
- Not a lot of power for beginner players
- Advanced players may lose stability against fast pace
The Clash 100 Has a Perfect Blend of Comfort and Control
Wilson put their new FreeFlex technology into this racquet frame which creates maximum comfort. The Clash is probably the most arm-friendly racquet on the market for players who suffer from tennis elbow.
This flexibility, frame design, and string pattern help you generate good spin and control on groundstrokes, volleys, and serves. Beginner, intermediate, and even some advanced players will love this combination of feel and control.
- The feel and spin you can generate from the baseline makes the Clash 100 great for single players.
- The control and easy maneuverability make it great for doubles players who like to move forward for volleys.
Because the Clash 100 is so flexible, it is not the most powerful tennis racquet. Tennis players who aren’t as physically strong or athletic and need a racquet with more power should see our Wilson Ultra review or Babolat Pure Drive review.
It also can lack some stability if you are playing high-level tennis and hitting fast-paced volleys or returns. To add stability, consider the heavier Wilson Clash 100 Pro.
Reviews of the Clash 100 Pro, 100L, and 100UL
There are three other Clash 100 racquets that vary by weight. Heavier racquets are for more advanced players, while the Clash 100L and UL might be better for a beginner.
| Clash 100 Pro (Tour) | Clash 100L | Clash 100UL |
|---|---|---|
| Previously named the Clash 100 Tour. | Lighter than the Clash 100, at 10.3 oz. strung. | Lighter than the Clash 100, at 9.9 oz. strung. |
| Heavier than the Clash 100, at 11.5 oz. strung. | Easier handling and mobility. | Easier handling and mobility. |
| Added power & stability. | Less stability and power. | Less stability and power. |
| Better for more advanced players. | Better for low-level intermediate players & beginners. | Better for beginner junior players. |
| Buy the Clash 100 Pro on Tennis Warehouse | Buy the Clash 100L on Tennis Warehouse | Buy the Clash 100UL on Tennis Warehouse |
- Tennis players who are still learning or prefer a lightweight racquet should consider the Clash 100L.
- Players at a USTA 3.5 to 4.5 skill level will be good with the Clash 100.
- High level 4.5+ players should consider the Clash 100 Pro or the Clash 98 below.
Wilson Clash 98 Review
A version of the Clash racquet designed for even better control, the Clash 98 is an even more advanced tennis racquet. It keeps the comfort of the Clash technology while adding a bit of control and power.
Wilson Clash 98 Racquet Specifications
Here are the racquet specifications for the Wilson Clash 98.
- Weight: 11.5 oz. strung
- Head Size: 98 square inches
- Length: 27 inches
- Balance: 310 mm
- String Pattern: 16×19
This is a more advanced version of the Wilson Clash. This racquet has a smaller head size and therefore a smaller sweet spot. This will help more advanced players handle the racquet a bit easier while increasing control of their shots. The added weight will help increase power as well.
The Clash 98 is a Great Advanced Racquet for Comfort
This racquet’s size and specs make it a high-level intermediate to advanced racquet. Because of the Clash’s flexibility, the Clash 98 is one of the most comfortable, arm-friendly tennis racquets on the market for that skill level.
The Clash 98 is a great baseline racquet. You’ll have great feel, spin, and control on your groundstrokes. Against hard-hit balls, you may not have quite the stability of other tennis racquets. For increased stability without sacrificing too much comfort and feel, see our Wilson Blade review.
I recommend the Clash 98 for high level intermediate and advanced players who like to rally from the baseline and need a comfortable racquet.
Wilson Clash 108 Review
The Clash 108 is one of the best beginner tennis racquets on the market for players who are serious about improving their game.
The Wilson Clash 108 is a Great Beginner Racquet
The Clash 108 is the beginner tennis racquet in the Wilson Clash series. Here are the specifications for this racquet.
- Weight: 10.4 oz. strung
- Head Size: 108 square inches
- Length: 27.25 inches
- Balance: 345 mm
- String Pattern: 16×19
The head size and length of the Clash 108 make it great for people just starting out in tennis. It has a big sweet spot and is relatively lightweight.
Any adult or teenager would find it easy to improve and develop their strokes with the Clash 108. You’d be able to swing this racquet with ease and learn topspin as you transition your game.
However, I wouldn’t recommend this for intermediate level players or adults who are athletic with good hand-eye coordination. In this case, I’d still recommend the Clash 100 or 100L.
The Best Alternatives to the Wilson Clash
There are not very many tennis racquets similar to the Clash, which has only been out for a few years. However, below are some alternative racquets you may want to test.
- Babolat Pure Drive – This racquet has more power but less comfort and control than the Clash. It might be a better option if you are a beginner who needs more power, or an advanced player who needs better stability.
- Wilson Blade – The Blade is a popular, flexible tennis racquet for more advanced players seeking better control while maintaing a high level of comfort.
- Head Extreme – A more powerful racquet than the Clash, the Extreme has good comfort and spin for all skill levels.
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