Wilson Clash 98 v2
Tennis Racquet
Grip Sizes: 1, 2, 3, 4 (learn more)
Colors: Red, Black
Finish: Velvet
Grip: Wilson Performance Pro
Pre-strung: No
Cover Included: No
Overview  |  Specs  |  Tech  |  Strings
Alternatives  |  Players Endorsing  |   Reviews
Overview  |  Specs  |  Tech  |  Strings  |  Alternatives  |  Players Endorsing  |   Reviews
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Overview
Delivering control and precision along with plush comfort that’s easy on your arm, the Clash 98 v2 is an exciting new update to Wilson’s increasingly popular line of tennis racquets.
The frame has the smallest head size of all Clash racquets at 98 in² (632 cm²), along with a manageable 10.9 oz (310 g) unstrung weight and an ultra-low stiffness index of 9.2. These specs fall neatly into the category of a modern player’s racquet that’s well-suited for intermediate to advanced players.
At the racquet’s core, you’ll find FortyFive, Wilson’s proprietary graphite construction that enhances its vertical and horizontal flex, resulting in a comfortable response that doesn’t give up too much power. Combined with StableSmart technology, which you can spot as the distinctive geometric design of the racquet’s throat, the Wilson Clash 98 v2 achieves higher levels of flex while maintaining stability.
New for 2022, the Clash 98 v2 trades its 16×9 string pattern for a tighter, 16×20 string pattern, so there’s an extra cross-string that helps to enhance control for even greater precision around the court. Despite the denser string pattern, there’s still plenty of spin on tap for helping maintain control, consistency, and margin for error.
The racquet delivers lower-end power that emphasizes placement and accurate targeting from the baseline. At the net, it’s a reliable performer with a head light balance to aid maneuverability and enough mass to handle bigger shots. On serves, the racquet won’t deliver easy access to power, but it puts you in the driver’s seat so you can accurately command the ball. Hitting returns, the Clash v8 rewards sound technique and instills confident striking.
Specifications
To help players considering an upgrade, I’ve included the specs of the original racquet alongside the second generation.
The Wilson Clash 98 v2 comes in your standard length of 27 in (68.6 cm) and features a smaller 98 in² (632 cm²) head size with a tighter 16×20 string pattern. That’s one extra cross string than the prior generation.
Wilson quotes the racquet weighs in at 10.9 oz (310 g) unstrung, but you’ll find some variance is typical from one frame to the next. In this case, the frame pictured above weighs 10.89 oz (308.7 g).
You can add 18 or so grams for its strung weight, which will differ slightly from one string to the next.
The Wilson Clash 98 v2’s balance or distribution of weight throughout the frame is 12 pts HL at 30.6 cm when unstrung, which reduces to 8 pts HL at 31.6 with strings installed.
Stiffness measures how much a racquet flexes, influencing a racquet’s power, control, feel, and comfort. The Wilson Clash 98 v2 has an ultra-low stiffness index of 9.2, resulting in lower power, improved control, excellent feel, and top-notch comfort.
Lastly, the racquet’s flat beam measures 24 mm all the way around.
Tech Features
For the construction of the racquet, Wilson incorporates the following tech features.
FortyFive
FortyFive is a unique graphite construction that allows for optimal horizontal and vertical flex, contributing to the Wilson Clash 98 v2’s lower stiffness for comfort without sacrificing torsional stability for control.
StableSmart
To further optimize the Wilson Clash 98 v2, the racquet features StableSmart. This unique geometric throat design helps ensure the racquet’s flex doesn’t detract too much from its power while maintaining optimal stability and predictable response.
Parallel Drilling
Wilson drills select grommets for the Clash 98 v2 parallel to the frame vs. following the arch or angle of the racquet’s head, so the strings pull straight through from one end to the other. The result is a larger sweetspot for improved comfort and better response.
Agiplast Components
Wilson introduces a plant-based bumper guard, grommet system, and butt cap to reduce its environmental footprint further. The new material results from a partnership with Agiplast, an Italian plastic compound manufacturer.
Strings & Tension
When stringing the Clash 98 v2, Wilson recommends using 17 gauge or 1.25 mm Luxilon ALU Power, a popular polyester tennis string that they distribute.
The racquet has a recommended tension between 50 – 60 lbs (22.7 – 27.2 kg) for optimal performance.
If you’re purchasing the racquet for the first time, I’d suggest you start by stringing the racquet at 55 lbs (24.9 kg) and then adjusting your tension up in the future for added control or down for extra power.
Alternative String Recommendations
Luxilon ALU Power is an excellent tennis string that’s a low-powered spin-friendly poly with exceptional feel. Here are a few alternatives to consider with similar characteristics.
For many, polyester tennis strings are too stiff and can cause arm discomfort with prolonged use. If that’s a concern, you may consider hybrid stringing or combining two different types of strings to balance performance and feel.
Popular hybrids combine a polyester tennis string with a more comfortable and powerful multifilament or natural gut. Keep in mind that the string you use in the mains will dominate the overall performance and feel.
Stringing Instructions
Follow these instructions when stringing the Wilson Clash 98 v2.
- Start the mains at the racquet’s head.
- When stringing the mains, skip grommets 7T, 9T, 7B, 9B.
- Tie off the mains at 4T
- Tie off the crosses at 6T
- If two-piece stringing, tie off the crosses at 6T and 6B
Key:
T = Top of the Frame
B = Bottom of the frame
Alternative Racquets to Consider
If you’re interested in the Wilson Clash 98 v2, but you’re not 100% sold, I’d encourage you to check out these racquets that offer similar performance and specs.
Hopefully, these give you some additional options to consider.
Players Endorsing
No ATP or WTA players are currently endorsing the Wilson Clash 98 v2, partly because this racquet is relatively new to the market.
Reviews
What’s your take on the Wilson Clash 98 v2? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the section below.
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