Seeing as though I have recently made the switch from using the Wilson RF97 to using the Wilson Clash 98, I thought it would be a good idea to look at how these two rackets compare to each other.
Wilson’s RF97 is one of their top-selling tennis rackets mainly due to the fact that it is the racket endorsed by the legendary Roger Federer.
The Clash 98 isn’t currently endorsed by any ATP or WTA pros and I am not sure why this is the case but it might be because the Clash series of rackets are more designed to suit the needs of recreational players and would not be a good fit for a professional tennis player.
Wilson Clash 98 Vs RF97 Comparison
Racket Specs Comparison
Main Differences: The Clash 98 has a bigger head size (98in vs 97in), a lower strung weight (11.5oz vs 12.5oz), a less head light balance (8 pts HL vs 9 pts HL), a slightly lower swing weight (327 vs 333), a lower frame stiffness rating (60 vs 68), a thicker beam width (24mm vs 21.5mm), and a different string pattern (16 x 20 vs 16 x19).
Similarities: Both Wilson rackets have a 27in racket length.
| Clash 98 | VS | RF97 |
|---|---|---|
| V2 | Version: | V13 |
 | Design: |  |
| 98in | Head Size: | 97in |
| 27in | Length: | 27in |
| 326g (11.5oz) | Strung Weight: | 357g (12.5oz) |
| 8 pts HL | Balance: | 9 pts HL |
| 327 | Swingweight: | 333 |
| 60 RA | Stiffness: | 68 RA |
| 24mm | Beam Width: | 21.5mm |
| Graphite | Composition: | Braided Graphite |
| Black, Grey, and Red | Colors: | Black |
| 16 Mains / 20 Crosses | String Pattern: | 16 Mains / 19 Crosses |
| 21-26kg / 48-58lbs | String Tension Range: | 22-27kg / 50-60lbs |
| Check Price on Amazon | Price: | Check Price on Amazon |
In terms of specs, both rackets are very similar as both have a racket length of 27in and a similar HL balance (8 pts HL vs 9 pts HL).
The main differences between the two rackets besides the different head sizes (98in vs 97in) are the strung weight and the swing weight with the strung weight of the Clash 98 (or “C98”) being 31g less than the RF97 (326g vs 357g).
The lower strung weight of the C98 will mean it is less tiring on your arm after a long match.
Both rackets have similar swing weights with the RF97 having a swing weight of 333g and the C98 having a swing weight of 327g so they should feel similar to swing.
The C98 has a ticker beam width (24mm vs 21.5mm) and a much lower stiffness rating than the RF97 (68 vs 60).
The C98’s thicker beam will help generate more easy power than the RF97 but this will be at the cost of control.
The C98’s lower stiffness rating also means that it will be the more arm friendly racket of the two.
Recommendations
If you are undecided on whether you should purchase the Clash 98 or the RF97, then I have listed some recommendations below based on different player types.
Beginners
I would not recommend that you buy either of these rackets if you are a beginner. Instead, I would recommend that you look at a Clash 100 or Clash 108 as these rackets will be more forgiving and will help you generate more power on your shots.
Intermediate Players
If you are an intermediate player, then I would highly recommend that you opt for the Clash 98 as the RF97 is a very low-powered frame and you need to have a full swing, good technique, and be able to generate your own power to be successful using it.
Advanced Players
In my opinion, advanced players should be able to make either of these rackets work for them.
However, if you have had any issues with tennis elbow then definitely go for the Clash 98 as it is a lot less stiff than the RF97.
One Handed Backhand Players
Although both rackets would work well with a one handed backhand, I would have to give the edge to the RF97 as there is something special about hitting your one handed backhand with this racket.
Players with Tennis Elbow
If you have any sort of tennis elbow or arm/shoulder issues then hands down the Clash 98 is the winner when it comes to which is the most arm friendly racket.
As someone who has suffered from tennis elbow in the past, I can highly recommend the Clash 98 over the RF97.