Wilson has unveiled its Clash v3 Tennis Racquet series with a bit if a back to basics approach. The Clash v1 was launched several years ago and marketed as the most flexible racquet in tennis, but with the stability to rival any modern carbon fiber racquet. With v2, the racquets were a bit more stable but they lost some of what made the first generation so fun to play with.
Clash Technology History
For Clash v3, the racquets are vertically and laterally flexible (more on that in a minute), but VERY resistant to torsional bending. Vertical flex helps players with a modern swing plane, and lateral flex offers a predictable response for those with flatter "old school mechanics. New in v3 is the HIT stabilizer which Improves off center stability by redistributing carbon fiber to increase racket inertia at 3 & 9,without changing balance or adding weight, to create the most forgiving Clash yet.
Wilson has thinned out the Clash line to make it easier for players to find the best racquet for their game. Let's get to the lineup.
Clash 100 v3
This one has the most accessibility with a light 10.4 ounce weight, 100 square inch head, and an open 16x19 string pattern. Beginner and intermediate players will love the comfort of the 100, but they will also enjoy a surprising amount of power. Progressing junior players who want an arm-friendly racquet that they can swing fast are ideal candidates.
Clash 100L v3
All of the things that make the Clash 100 great are still in the 100L albeit at a reduced weight. The 100L is maneuverable and perfect for younger juniors or adults just starting out, who want a lightning fast racquet.
Clash 100 Pro v3
A couple of key changes from the previous model are the reduced weight (down to 10.8 ounces) a more head light balance. This makes it easier for advanced players with big time racquet head speed to maintain stability, comfort, and power. The 100 Pro also has a 16x20 string pattern which adds control for more accomplished players.
Clash 108 v3
While most racquets these days feature the 100 square inch head size, the Clash 108 offers a massive sweet spot and tons of comfort. Some key details here beside the oversize head. This model is slightly longer than a standard racquet at 27.25 inches and this means a little more reach, power, and spin. The 16x19 pattern is extra grippy thanks to the larger head size, and the weight of 9.9 ounces unstrung is not hard to maneuver at all.
Design and Cosmetic
Wilson is based in Chicago, so the black and red cosmetic certainly reminds me of the Chicago Bulls of the mid 1990s. If you compare the v3 models with the previous versions, the newer models have smoother lines in key bending areas for a softer feel. New Click and Go grommets fit the racquet better, and are easier to swap out when they need to be replaced.
There is only one Clash
With version 3, Wilson reestablishes the Clash as a unicorn of the industry. Tons of flexibility and comfort, but very little twisting on off-center hits. Any player with a history of arm trouble is a perfect candidate thanks to the comfort level. And control enthusiasts will b shocked at the accuracy of their shots even when they miss the sweet spot.
