After the recent release of the Wilson Shift tennis racket range, I thought it would be interesting to compare the new rackets to the Clash 98 (V2), which has similar specs.
Wilson Clash 98 vs Shift 99 – Racket Specs Comparison
For the below comparisons, I have used the V2 (released in 2022) of the Clash 98 and the V1 of the Shift tennis rackets (released in 2023).
The Shift currently comes in three versions (99, 99 Pro, and 99L), so I have compared the three versions to the Clash 98 (V2) separately below.
Clash 98 vs Shift 99 Comparison
Main Differences: The Shift 99 has a larger head size (99in vs 98in), a lower strung weight (11.2oz vs 11.5oz), a lower swing weight (317 vs 327), a less head light balance (6 points HL vs 8 points HL), a higher frame stiffness rating (67 vs 60), and a slightly thinner beam width (23.5mm vs 24.0mm).
Similarities: Both rackets have the same length (27in), and string pattern (16 x 20).
| Specs: | Shift 99 | Clash 98 |
|---|---|---|
| Year Released: | 2023 | 2022 |
| Design: |  |  |
| Head Size: | 99in | 98in |
| Length: | 27in | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 318g (11.2oz) | 326g (11.5oz) |
| Unstrung Weight: | 300g (10.6oz) | 310g (10.9oz) |
| Swing weight: | 317 | 327 |
| Balance: | 6 pts HL* | 8 pts HL* |
| TW Stiffness Rating: | 67 | 60 |
| Power: | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Player Level: | Intermediate to Advanced | Intermediate to Advanced |
| Beam Width: | 23.5mm | 24.0mm |
| Colors: | White | Red and Black |
| String Pattern: | 16 x 20 | 16 x 20 |
| Main Skips: | 7T,9T,7H,9H | 7T,9T,7H,9H |
| Grip Type: | Wilson Pro Performance | Wilson Pro Performance |
*HL=Head Light
Clash 98 vs Shift 99 Pro Comparison
Main Differences: The Clash 98 has a smaller head size (98in vs 99in), a lower strung weight (11.5oz vs 11.7oz), a lower swing weight (327 vs 329), a more head light balance (8 pts HL vs 6 pts HL), a lower frame stiffness rating (60 vs 68), a slightly thicker beam width (24.0mm vs 23.5mm), and a different string pattern (16 x 20 vs 18 x 20).
Similarities: Both rackets have the same length (27in).
| Specs: | Shift 99 Pro | Clash 98 |
|---|---|---|
| Year Released: | 2023 | 2022 |
| Design: | | |
| Head Size: | 99in | 98in |
| Length: | 27in | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 332g (11.7oz) | 326g (11.5oz) |
| Unstrung Weight: | 315g (11.1oz) | 310g (10.9oz) |
| Swing weight: | 332 | 327 |
| Balance: | 6 pts HL* | 8 pts HL* |
| TW Stiffness Rating: | 68 | 60 |
| Power: | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Player Level: | Intermediate to Advanced | Intermediate to Advanced |
| Beam Width: | 23.5mm | 24.0mm |
| Colors: | White | Red and Black |
| String Pattern: | 18 x 20 | 16 x 20 |
| Main Skips: | 8T,10T,8H,10H | 7T,9T,7H,9H |
| Grip Type: | Pro Performance (Wilson) | Pro Performance (Wilson) |
Clash 98 vs Shift 99L Comparison
Main Differences: The Shiff 99L has a bigger head size (99in vs 98in), a lower strung weight (10.6oz vs 11.5oz), a lower swing weight (317 vs 327), a less head light balance (5 pts HL vs 8 pts HL), a higher frame stiffness rating (68 vs 60), and a slightly thinner beam width (23.5mm vs 24.0mm).
Similarities: Both rackets have the same length (27in), and string pattern (16 x 20).
| Specs: | Shift 99L | Clash 98 |
|---|---|---|
| Year Released: | 2023 | 2022 |
| Design: | | |
| Head Size: | 99in | 98in |
| Length: | 27in | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 300g (10.6oz) | 326g (11.5oz) |
| Unstrung Weight: | 285g (10.1oz) | 310g (10.9oz) |
| Swing weight: | 311 | 327 |
| Balance: | 5 pts HL* | 8 pts HL* |
| TW Stiffness Rating: | 68 | 60 |
| Power: | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Player Level: | Intermediate to Advanced | Intermediate to Advanced |
| Beam Width: | 23.5mm | 24.0mm |
| Colors: | White | Red and Black |
| String Pattern: | 16 x 20 | 16 x 20 |
| Main Skips: | 7T,9T,7H,9H | 7T,9T,7H,9H |
| Grip Type: | Pro Performance (Wilson) | Pro Performance (Wilson) |