Executive Summary
The Wilson Clash 100 is the most technically distinctive frame Wilson has produced in decades. With a measured stiffness of approximately 55–57 RA — far below any comparable tour frame — the Clash redefined what it means to be a "flexible" racquet.
Key Characteristic: FreeFlex carbon fibre technology allows the frame to flex forward through the hitting zone while StableSmart geometry maintains lateral rigidity. The result is a frame that absorbs shock and provides extraordinary feel without the unpredictable twisting of older flexible designs. You feel every contact, yet the frame never feels unstable.
Key Positioning: The Clash 100 sits at the extreme flexible end of the spectrum — softer than a Head Prestige, softer than a Tecnifibre TF40, softer than anything typically found on a tour court. It targets players who prioritise arm comfort and connected feel above all else, and who generate their own pace rather than relying on frame power.
Performance Profile
The Clash 100 Pro's denser 18x20 pattern offers more control and precision than the standard Clash 100's 16x19 — but at the cost of some natural spin production and maneuverability.
Performance Comparison: Clash Models
Clash 100 Pro leads in control and stability · Clash 100 leads in spin and maneuverability
Model Context
The Clash family offers three variants spanning two distinct string patterns. The Pro's denser 18x20 caters to control-oriented players; the standard 16x19 prioritises spin and a more forgiving sweet spot.
Clash 100 Pro
The tour-oriented variant. Denser string pattern and marginally stiffer feel versus the standard Clash 100. Preferred by players who want the Clash's extraordinary comfort and feel while maintaining maximum directional precision. The pro-stock custom version used on tour is typically heavily leaded.
Clash 100 (v2)
The benchmark Clash model. More open string pattern amplifies natural topspin production and provides a larger, more forgiving sweet spot. The most flexible frame in Wilson's entire commercial lineup — extraordinary comfort and feel, lower power output than stiffer competitors.
Clash 100L
The lightweight Clash variant. Same FreeFlex and StableSmart technology but 20g lighter. Designed for players who struggle to swing heavier frames consistently, without sacrificing the Clash's core identity of extreme flexibility and exceptional feel at contact.
Technical Must-Knows
Who Plays With This?
The Clash is an unusual tour choice precisely because its extreme flexibility demands a high swing speed to generate pace. Players who use it tend to be exceptional ball-strikers who rely on technique, not frame power.
Potapova's explosive, flat-driving baseline game pairs well with the Clash Pro's 18x20 pattern and extraordinary feel. Her Clash custom is heavily modified for additional weight and stability. Uses Luxilon ALU Power 1.25mm — a firm co-poly that adds control to offset the frame's flexible launch characteristics.
The Clash was developed with direct input from Wilson's tour team and is one of the most technically advanced frames in the modern era. While limited in tour uptake due to its unorthodox feel profile, it has attracted a loyal following among players who've struggled with arm injuries or who prize feel above power output.
String Setup Guide
The Clash's extreme flexibility fundamentally changes how string tension works. The frame is already providing significant energy absorption — your string setup must compensate accordingly. Reference range (Clash 100): 50–60 lbs (22.7–27.2 kg).
Quick Start (Most Players)
- Start point (soft poly, 1.25mm, full bed): 52–55 lbs (23.6–25 kg) — the frame's flexibility means you need moderate tension to avoid a trampoline-like launch.
- If the ball is flying long: Add 2–3 lbs or switch to a firmer co-poly (1.27–1.30mm). The Clash's flex is already absorbing energy — a slightly firmer string compensates.
- If you want more spin: Try a shaped or textured poly at 50–53 lbs. The 16x19 pattern (standard Clash 100) naturally assists snapback; shaped strings amplify it further.
- If arm comfort is the priority: Natural gut mains / soft multi crosses at 48–52 lbs. The Clash + gut combination is among the most arm-friendly setups available at tour level.
- Clash 100 Pro (18x20) note: String 2–3 lbs lower than standard Clash 100 to compensate for the denser pattern reducing string movement.
Pro Reference
| Player | String | Tension | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anastasia Potapova | Luxilon ALU Power 1.25mm | ~52 lbs | Full bed poly; heavy custom frame spec |
| Recommended Hybrid | Babolat VS Touch / ALU Power | 52 / 48 lbs | Gut mains for feel, poly crosses for control |
Top 3 String Recommendations
Best for: Players wanting the Clash's feel with maximum directional precision — Potapova's choice.
ALU Power's firm, dead co-poly character pairs well with the Clash's extreme flexibility — the string provides the control component while the frame provides the feel. The combination avoids the harsh edge that ALU can produce in stiffer frames. At 51–55 lbs, the Clash 100 Pro's 18x20 pattern and ALU Power deliver exceptional accuracy without sacrificing the frame's signature comfort advantage.
Best for: Players who chose the Clash for arm health reasons and want an equally arm-friendly string.
Black Code's softer, more elastic co-poly formula is an excellent match for the Clash's flexibility profile. The combination produces one of the most comfortable setups in modern tennis — exceptional shock absorption at two levels (frame flex + string elasticity). Spin production from the 16x19 pattern is excellent. Tension maintenance is reasonable for a soft poly, making Black Code a reliable long-term Clash pairing.
Best for: Feel-oriented players or those with chronic arm issues who want maximum comfort without sacrificing control.
The Clash + natural gut hybrid is one of the finest feel setups available. Gut mains in the Clash's flexible frame produce an extraordinary connected sensation at contact — the ball sits on the strings noticeably longer than in any stiffer frame. NXT crosses balance gut's expense and provide good durability. Tension maintenance is excellent for both gut and multi. This setup rewards players who prioritise touch, precision and arm health over raw power.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Clash 100 Pro | Clash 100 (v2) | Clash 100L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Size | 100 sq in (645 cm²) | 100 sq in (645 cm²) | 100 sq in (645 cm²) |
| Weight (Unstrung) | 310g / 10.9oz | 300g / 10.6oz | 280g / 9.9oz |
| Length | 27 in | 27 in | 27 in |
| Balance | ~318mm / 5–6 pts HL | ~320mm / 5 pts HL | ~325mm / 4 pts HL |
| String Pattern | 18x20 (control-dense) | 16x19 (open, spin) | 16x19 |
| Stiffness (RA) | ~56–57 | ~54–55 | ~53–55 |
| Swingweight | ~318–325 | ~308–316 | ~290–300 |
| Beam Width | 23.5–24mm | 23.5–24mm | 23mm |
| Technology | FreeFlex + StableSmart | FreeFlex + StableSmart | FreeFlex + StableSmart |
| Target Player | Advanced (4.5+) | All-Levels (3.5–5.0) | Recreational / Comfort |