Wilson Clash 100 V3 Review: Better Than the V2? (2024)

Why Listen to Me? (Or: Confessions of a Racket Testing Addict)

Here’s something you should know about me – I’ve tested so many rackets that my pro shop guy has started including me in his family holiday photos. I’m Sophia Williams, and when I’m not coaching tennis (8 years and counting), I’m probably somewhere on court muttering about frame stiffness and flex points. That Exercise Science degree from the University of Florida? It mostly taught me exactly why that elbow of yours is complaining after every session.

Every time I walk into my local tennis shop, Steve (my long-suffering racket guy) just sighs and starts preparing the demo rack. “Another review?” he’ll ask, already knowing the answer. What can I say? Someone’s got to test these things properly.

My testing process is pretty thorough:

• Extensive on-court sessions with all levels of players
• Real match testing (when I can convince my students to let me stop analyzing their footwork)
• Teaching hours (because nothing tests comfort like 6 hours of lessons)
• Late-night hitting sessions (sorry, neighbors)

I don’t have any fancy sponsorships or brand deals – just an arguably unhealthy obsession with finding the perfect frame for every playing style. And maybe a slight problem with buying “just one more racket” to compare against the others.

Full disclosure: I may or may not have a spreadsheet rating every racket I’ve ever tested. My therapist says admitting it is the first step.

First Impressions (Or: When Comfort Gets an Upgrade)

The moment you pick up the Clash 100 V3, you know something’s different. It’s like Wilson took everything we loved about the previous version and thought, “How can we make this even more comfortable?” During my first hitting session, my student Sarah (who typically complains about every racket being too harsh) actually forgot to complain. Progress!

Ready To Try It Yourself? Check out the Wilson Clash 100 V3 on Amazon

The Nitty-Gritty Tech Stuff

Let’s get nerdy with the specs:

• 100 sq. inch head: Sweet spot paradise
• 16×19 string pattern: Spin-friendly without losing control
• 295g (10.4 oz) unstrung: Light enough for long sessions
• FORTYFIVE°: That famous Clash flexibility
• DirectConnect: Better feel at contact

Feel and Response (Or: The Comfort King Keeps Its Crown)

After six weeks of intensive testing (and several raised eyebrows from my students who keep seeing new rackets appear), here’s what stands out:

The feel breakdown:

• Comfort Level: Off the charts – your arm will thank you
• Impact Feel: Plush but not mushy
• Power: Controlled but available when needed
• Sweet Spot: More forgiving than my ex

Performance Breakdown

Groundstrokes

This is where the V3 really shows its evolution. The famous Clash comfort is still there, but now there’s an added level of control that makes you feel like you can really go after your shots.

During a particularly intense lesson last week, I had my advanced junior (who normally plays with a much stiffer frame) try a few games with it. His response? “Wait, I can hit this hard AND my arm doesn’t hurt?” Welcome to the Clash life, kid.

Serving

The serve motion is where you really feel that unique Clash flex pattern. It’s like the racket loads up energy and releases it in a way that’s both powerful and controllable.

Serving highlights:

• Flat Serves: Plenty of pace when needed
• Kick Serves: Great bite and control
• Slice Serves: Surprisingly precise

Volleys

Here’s where things get interesting. The Clash 100 V3’s comfort doesn’t come at the expense of feel at net. Touch volleys feel natural, and the stability on punch volleys is impressive for such a comfortable frame.

String Setup (Or: My Poor Stringer’s Adventure)

After testing more string combinations than I care to admit (sorry again, Steve), here’s what works best:

Best setups tested:

• Full Poly: Lower tension (around 48-52 lbs) works beautifully
• Hybrid Option: Poly mains (50) / Multi crosses (48)
• Comfort Setup: Full multi at 54 lbs if you want cloud-like feel

Who’s This For?

Perfect match for:

• Players with arm issues: Finally, relief!
• All-court players: Who want comfort without sacrifice
• Intermediate to advanced players: Looking for control with comfort
• Long session players: Teaching pros, league players

Maybe look elsewhere if:

• You need: Ultimate stability for heavy hitting
• You love: Super firm, ultra-feedback frames
• You’re looking for: Pure power above all else

The Bottom Line

The Wilson Clash 100 V3 is like that friend who somehow gets along with everyone. It’s comfortable enough for sensitive arms, stable enough for aggressive play, and controlled enough for precise shot-making. Wilson has managed to improve on what was already one of the most comfortable frames in tennis.

Is it perfect? No racket is. But if you’re looking for exceptional comfort without sacrificing playability, or if you want a frame that can handle long playing sessions without beating up your arm, the Clash 100 V3 deserves your attention.

Ready to experience comfort perfected? Check out the Wilson Clash 100 V3 on Amazon

P.S. If you see me comparing the flex patterns of different rackets by pressing them against my ear, no you didn’t. It’s a totally normal and scientific testing method. I think.