The Wilson Clash 98 and Babolat Pure Strike are popular options for players who are looking for a better mix of power and control than you get from rackets like the Clash 100 and the Pure Drive.
In this article, I will look at the specs of both rackets to see how they compare to each other, so you can get a better idea as to which may suit your game better.
Racket Specs Comparison – Clash 98 vs Pure Strike
Main Differences: The Clash 98 has a more head light balance (8 pts HL vs 4 pts HL), a slightly heavier strung weight (326g vs 323g), a lower frame stiffness rating (60 vs 66), a thicker beam width (24mm vs 21mm / 23mm / 21mm), and a less open string pattern (16 x 20 vs 18 x 20).
Similarities: Both rackets have the same head size (98in), racket length (27in), and, swing weight (327).
NB: For the below comparison I used the 16×19 version of the Pure Strike.
| Racket Specs: | Clash 98 | Pure Strike 16×19 |
|---|---|---|
| Version: | V2 | 3rd Gen |
| Design: |  |  |
| Composition: | Graphite | Graphite |
| Head Size (sq cm): | 632cm | 632cm |
| Head Size (sq in): | 98in | 98in |
| Length (cm): | 68.58cm | 68.58cm |
| Length (in): | 27in | 27in |
| String Pattern: | 16 x 20 | 16 x 19 |
| HL or HH1: | HL | HL |
| Strung Balance (cm): | 31.75cm | 33cm |
| Strung Balance (pts): | 8 pts HL | 4 pts HL |
| Strung Weight (grams): | 326g | 323g |
| Strung Weight (ounces): | 11.5oz | 11.4oz |
| Swing Weight: | 327 | 327 |
| Unstrung Weight (grams): | 310g | 305g |
| Unstrung Weight (ounces): | 10.93oz | 10.8oz |
| Frame Stiffness: | 60 | 66 |
| Beam Width (mm): | 24mm | 21mm / 23mm / 21mm |
1 Head Light or Head Heavy
Head to Head
The Clash 98 wins in terms of power and arm friendliness, while the Pure Strike 98 wins in terms of control and spin.
| H2H | Clash 98 | PS 16×19 |
|---|---|---|
| Power |  | – |
| Control | – |  |
| Spin | – | |
| Arm Friendliness | | – |
Player Recommendations
The Clash 98 is ideal for intermediate to advanced players, while the PS 16×19 is best used by advanced players as it is less forgiving than the Clash.
| Player Level | Clash 98 | PS 16×19 |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner |  | |
| Intermediate |  | |
| Advanced | | |
Pro Player Endorsements
The Pure Strike range of tennis rackets is endorsed by Dominic Thiem, Cameron Norrie, and Alize Cornet, while the Clash 98 is not currently endorsed by any pro tennis player as it is targeted more at recreational players.
Where can you buy these rackets?
The rackets are for sale in most good online tennis shops and through the official Babolat and Wilson websites.