Since their launch, The Wilson Clash series of tennis rackets have become very popular with recreational tennis players with the Clash 98, 100, and 100 Pro being some of the most popular models.
I was recently searching for a new tennis racket to replace my old Wilson PS RF97 Autograph as I wanted a more arm friendly frame to help with the tennis elbow issues I have had in the past.
I had heard a lot about the Clash Series and their low stiffness rating so I decided to demo the 98, 100, and 100 Pro to see which gave the best balance between power, control, spin, and arm friendliness.
This article will look at the characteristics and specs of these tennis rackets so you can decide which might be a better fit for your game.
Comparison of the Wilson Clash 98, 100, and 100 Pro
For the below comparisons, I have used the V2 versions of the Clash 98, 100, and 100 Pro.
Clash 98 vs 100 (Racket Specs)
As you would expect, the specs of both rackets aren’t worlds apart as both are 27in long rackets, with relatively thick beams and a low stiffness rating.
The main difference between the two rackets is their weights, with the 98 weighing around a half ounce more than the 100.
The 98 has also a slightly more head light balance than the 100 but it isn’t a huge difference so you won’t notice much of a difference when you are swinging both rackets.
| 98 | VS | 100 |
|---|---|---|
| V2 | Version: | V2 |
 | Design: |  |
| 98in | Head Size: | 100in |
| 27in | Length: | 27in |
| 326g (11.5oz) | Strung Weight: | 312g (11.0oz) |
| 8 pts HL | Balance: | 7 pts HL |
| 327g | Swingweight: | 313g |
| 60 | Stiffness: | 57 |
| 24mm | Beam Width: | 24.5mm |
| Graphite | Composition: | Graphite |
| Black, Grey, and Red | Colors: | Black, Grey, and Red |
| 16 Mains / 20 Crosses | String Pattern: | 16 Mains / 19 Crosses |
| Check Price on Amazon | Price: | Check Price on Amazon |
Clash 98 vs 100 Pro (Racket Specs)
The Clash 98 and Clash 100 Pro have very similar racket specs with the main differences being the 98 having a smaller head size, a thinner beam width, and a slightly less head light balance.
| 98 | VS | 100 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| V2 | Version: | V2 |
| Design: | |
| 98in | Head Size: | 100in |
| 27in | Length: | 27in |
| 326g (11.5oz) | Strung Weight: | 326g (11.5oz) |
| 8 pts HL | Balance: | 9 pts HL |
| 327g | Swingweight: | 325g |
| 60 | Stiffness: | 59 |
| 24mm | Beam Width: | 24.5mm |
| Graphite | Composition: | Graphite |
| Black, Grey, and Red | Colors: | Black, Grey, and Red |
| 16 Mains / 20 Crosses | String Pattern: | 16 Mains / 20 Crosses |
| Check Price on Amazon | Price: | Check Price on Amazon |
Clash 100 vs 100 Pro (Racket Specs)
The biggest difference between the 100 and 100 Pro is their weight with the 100 being considerably lighter in terms of strung weight and swing weight.
The 100 is also slightly less head light and stiff.
| 100 | VS | 100 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| V2 | Version: | V2 |
| Racket: | |
| 100in | Head Size: | 100in |
| 27in | Length: | 27in |
| 312g (11.0oz) | Strung Weight: | 326g (11.5oz) |
| 7 pts HL | Balance: | 9 pts HL |
| 312g | Swingweight: | 325g |
| 57 | Stiffness: | 59 |
| 24.5mm | Beam Width: | 24.5mm |
| Graphite | Composition: | Graphite |
| 16 Mains / 19 Crosses | String Pattern: | 16 Mains / 20 Crosses |
| Check Amazon Price | Price: | Check Amazon Price |
Recommendations
If you are unsure about whether you should buy the 98, the 100, or the 100 Pro, then I have listed below some of my recommendations based on some typical tennis player types.
As always, I would recommend that you take advantage of one of the tennis demo programs available before making a final decision on which frame to buy.
Beginners
I definitely feel like the 100 would be better suited to a beginner as I think the 98 and 100 Pro are too heavy for most beginners to play with.
In terms of weight, the 100 is much more manageable for beginners.
Intermediates
I believe Intermediate tennis players could use either of these three rackets as they all give a good balance of power, control, and spin.
My one tip would be that if you like more control from your frame then go for the 98 whereas if you want more power go for the 100 or the 100 Pro.
Advanced Players
Advanced Players will definitely gravitate towards the 98 as the additional weight and control you get with the 98 is more suited to advanced players.
One Handed Backhand Players
The 98 is by far the best choice for One Handed Backhand Players as you need the extra weight and control you get with the 98 to hit an effective one handed backhand.
With the 100 and 100 Pro, I found I could not go for my shots as much on my backhand side, as I found my backhand shots were often sailing long.
Players with Tennis Elbow
All these frames are good options for players who have had issues with tennis elbow as they have a very low stiffness rating of 57, 59, and 60.
However, I would have to give the edge to the 100 as it felt it was a little easier on my arm and elbow when compared with the 98, and the 100 Pro but the difference wasn’t huge.