Racquet Review: Wilson Clash 100 Pro v3

• Price: $259
• Head Size: 100 sq. in.
• Length: 27 in.
• Weight: 11.3 oz.
• Balance: 7 pts. HL
• Swingweight: 325
• RA Rating: 57
• Beam Width: 24.5 mm
• String Pattern: 16x20

What’s New

Wilson adjusted the mass on the Clash 100 Pro. The static weight has dropped from 310g to 305g, but the swing weight is higher. The combination is designed to make the racquet even more forgiving. SI3D technology enhances the lateral, horizontal and torsional bending in the racquet’s shaft and throat. The Hit Stabilizer places more mass at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions of the hoop for greater stability. And the Click and Go bumper and grommet system simplifies the replacement of those parts of the frame.

What Works

Even though this heaviest of the Clash line carries the “Pro” label, don’t let that fool you—it’s a snap to use. It produces effortless pace, spin and depth from nothing more than a third-gear swing. The sweet spot is so voluminous there’s practically no such thing as an off-center hit, and on those rare occasions there’s still some extra help to bail out the shot.

The secret sauce of the franchise when compared to many of the competing forgiving power-brokers available is it brings all these assets to the court without being overly stiff. Or stiff in slightest. Rather than a backboard response, the racquet is designed to slingshot the ball off the string bed with a cuddly, arm-friendly response. Its bending profile allows it to flex at unique angles, resulting is an exceedingly soft frame that seems to know when it needs to stiffen up to provide more stability and power.

Where the Pro could potentially live up to its name is its greater demands in handling versus the 10-gram lighter and quicker Clash 100. It’s 5 grams lighter than the v2 model it replaces, but has a higher, upper 320s swingweight. Throw in a rather chunky beam and some effort is required to swing it effectively. It’s most noticeable on shots where you need to generate your own pace, like the serve.

However, maneuverability shouldn’t be an issue for fit players and those with established strokes. In fact, the rather head-light balance could make it feel downright nimble. And the upshot of the elevated swingweight is added stability and meat behind the ball. Shots aren’t quite as lively as with some stiffer models, but there’s little trouble creating depth and offense. It’s also quite adept when counterpunching—remarkably stable redirecting pace or short-hopping deep shots with an abbreviated swing from just inside the baseline.

If you’ve got the strokes for it, the spacing in the racquet’s 16x20 string pattern is generous enough to create ample spin. Kick serves have plenty of jump and slices stay low and out of trouble. The slightly more conservative configuration helps tame some of the frame’s power, bolster directional control and transmit just a bit more ball connection on the string bed.

The soft, springy, Clash feel seems more responsive when attempting full-swing touch shots like topspin lobs and slow rollers. Unlike a more classic, thin-beamed flexible racquet, it can be a little trickier taking pace off incoming balls for drop shots and other more delicate endeavors. It’s not hopeless in these situations but may take some trial-and-error before achieving proficiency.

At net, it’s old reliable. The frame stands up tall against pace, seemingly capable of punching any volley deep by merely getting the strings on the ball. Anything shoulder-height and above is easy pickings. Skilled vets doing most of their playing on the doubles court should find the performance rather appealing.

It’s the tennis racquet equivalent of a luxury car—a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride. Tester Comment

What Needs Work

When it comes to Clash frames, final judgment often comes down to its Clash-ness. Fans find its hitting experience quite comfortable and attractive—the plushness at contact and forgiving nature is a rare combination—while those accustomed to a more standard response may conclude it’s overengineered and numb.

The 100 Pro is the most control-oriented of the family, but that’s grading on a curve. Sort of like calling someone the most sensible BASE jumper. The biggest hurdle is tempering the frame’s occasional tendencies to launch the ball. It performs admirably during meat-and-potatoes rallying, but the results can be unpredictable when upping the ante with bolder targeting. Those after an enjoyable day on the court will find a ton to offer; those with ambitions leaning more toward serious competition may require more refinement.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking to give your game a forgiving, arm-friendly boost, the new Clash Pro won’t disappoint.