As the Clash 98 and Blade 98 are two of Wilson’s top selling rackets, I thought it would be a good idea to look at their racket specs to see how they compare.
Racket Specs Comparison – Wilson Clash 98 vs Blade 98
For the below comparison, I have used the 16×19 version of the Wilson Blade 98 V8 and the Wilson Clash 98 V2, which has a 16×20 string pattern.
Main Differences: The Blade 98 has a lower strung weight (11.3oz vs 11.5oz), a less head light balance (5 pts HL vs 8 pts HL), a lower swing weight (317 vs 327), a slightly higher stiffness rating (61 vs 60), a thinner beam width (21mm vs 24mm), and a more open string pattern (16 x 19 vs 16 x 20).
As the Clash 98 is more head light, it will also be slightly more maneuverable and the lower stiffness rating will mean that it is more arm-friendly.
The Clash 98’s thicker beam width will also help generate more power than the Blade 98 but this will be at the cost of less control.
| Wilson Clash 98 | VS | Wilson Blade 98 |
|---|---|---|
| V2 | Version: | V8 |
 | Design: |  |
| 98in | Head Size: | 98in |
| 27in | Length: | 27in |
| 326g (11.5oz) | Strung Weight: | 320g (11.3oz) |
| 8 pts HL | Balance: | 5 pts HL |
| 327 | Swingweight: | 317 |
| 60 | Stiffness: | 61 |
| 24mm | Beam Width: | 21mm |
| Graphite | Composition: | Braided Graphite |
| Black, Grey, and Red | Racket Colours: | Green and Black |
| 16 Mains / 20 Crosses | String Pattern: | 16 Mains / 19 Crosses |
| 21-26kg / 48-58lb | String Tension Range: | 22-27kg / 50-60lb |
| Check Price on Amazon | Price: | Check Price on Amazon |
Below is a short video summarising the differences between the two rackets.
Player Level Recommendations
The Clash 98 is best suited to intermediate to advanced players, while the Blade 98 is only suitable for advanced players as it is a low powered frame.
| Player Level | Clash 98 | Blade 98 |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners |  | |
| Intermediate |  | |
| Advanced | | |
Beginners
If you are a beginner then you probably will be better off going for a lighter racket e.g Wilson Ultra 100 V4 rather than either of these two rackets as I think they are far too heavy and unforgiving for most beginners to play with.
However, if you are a beginner who really wants to get one of these rackets then I would recommend the Clash 98 as this will give you some extra help with power and will be the more forgiving of the two frames.
Intermediate Players
I would recommend the Clash 98 if you are an intermediate player (especially if you haven’t developed a full swing yet) as you won’t get much free power if you go with the Blade 98.
Advanced Players
If you have a full swing and you are able to generate your own power then I would highly recommend the Blade 98 as it gives tons of control and is great on slices and serves.
One Handed Backhand Players
Although both rackets would work well with a one handed backhand, I would have to give the edge to the Blade 98 as the additional control you get really helps you hit your one handed backhand with more power and accuracy.
Players with Elbow or Arm Issues
Both rackets are good for players who have had elbow or arm issues in the past but with a frame stiffness rating of 60 and a more head light balance, the Clash 98 is definitely the more arm friendly racket.
Pro Player Endorsements
The Blade 98 is endorsed by several top WTA and ATP pros including Alex De Minaur, Simona Halep, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Elina Svitolina, Paula Badosa, Jelena Ostapenko, and Emma Raducanu.
To the best of my knowledge, no WTA or ATP Pros currently endorse or use the Clash 98, as it was designed with recreational players in mind rather than tennis pros.