Page 47 - Tennis Magazine April 2019
P. 47
Wilson
A bold and
innovative take on
the modern frame
EDITOR’S
CHOICE
Wilson believes it has produced
a game-changer with the Clash.
Three years in development and
built to maximize the more ver-
tical modern swing, the racquet WILSON WILSON
combines the usually opposing
traits of extreme flexibility with Clash 100 Clash 100 Tour
best-in-class stability. Powered
• PRICE: $249 • PRICE: $249
by an all-new technology
• HEAD SIZE: 100 SQ. IN. • HEAD SIZE: 100 SQ. IN.
called FreeFlex, proprietary
• LENGTH: 27 IN. • LENGTH: 27 IN.
carbon mapping construction
• WEIGHT: 10.9 OZ. • WEIGHT: 11.5 OZ.
allows the frame to bend in
• BALANCE: 9 PTS. HL • BALANCE: 9 PTS HL
new dimensions for better ball
• SWINGWEIGHT: 294 • SWINGWEIGHT: 323
pocketing, dwell time and feel.
• RA RATING: 53 • RA RATING: 51
To preserve integrity through
• BEAM WIDTH: 24.5MM • BEAM WIDTH: 24.5MM
the swing, StableSmart frame
• STRING PATTERN: 16×19 • STRING PATTERN: 16×19
geometry allows the racquet to
• NTRP: 3.0-4.5 • NTRP: 4.0+
bend while providing enough
backbone to absorb and deliver How it tested: “Unique” was the most How it tested: Like its lighter sibling,
serious pace. Overall, the Clash commonly used word to describe the the numbers for the Clash 100 Tour don’t
is designed to be a control most talked-about frame in this guide. add up to the power, stability and control
frame, with feel and depend- The amount of control and stability for it produced. The ball pocketing and dwell
able response giving players such a quick, flexible and comfortable time was noticeable on ground strokes,
the confidence to swing freely racquet was remarkable. It proved to achieving easy depth with regularity. In
and to go after their shots.
favor consistency over raw power, yet it fact, the racquet seemed to excel at
still delivered enough zip on serves and higher speeds where, despite its
EXPLORING THE CATALOG ground strokes to go up against the outrageously high flexibility, it remained
biggest hitters in the category. Plus, it composed and obedient. The same held
Additional Clash models in was refreshing to find such arm-friendli- true when changing the direction of the
varying head sizes and weights ness in this weight and head size. It ball, even against significant pace. On
will arrive in the market over wasn’t a hit with everyone, though. There slower swings or when stretched on a
the summer…Clash-inspired were complaints of unpleasant sound return, the frame was stable, but didn’t
luggage will be released to pair and feel on off-center shots, usually on provide much help. It offered excellent
with the line…The Rush Pro shorter swings and volleys. But if you’re feel at net, but volleys had to be struck
3.0 and new Amplifeel shoes searching for something inventive with a with purpose to punch through the court.
are set to debut in the spring… completely different feel and playability Still, the confidence the Clash 100 Tour
Luxilon LXN Smart string, a from its competition—not to mention a instills to go after the ball will be
polyester designed specifically tonic for sore arms—look no further. appreciated by aggressive swingers
to be played at low tensions, looking for an extremely comfortable and
came out in February. Editor’s Choice: Best New Innovation controllable frame.
M A R /A P R 2 0 1 9 T E N N I S . C O M 4 5
