Wilson Tennis Racquets Explained

Racquet Lines

Wilson offers several lines of performance tennis racquets, each with distinct overarching playing characteristics.

Within each family, you’ll find a variety of tennis racquets that use the same paint job but offer differing specifications, such as lower weight, to cater to a wide range of player needs and preferences.

Clash

Wilson’s latest edition to their family of tennis racquets is the Clash, which was first released in 2019 and aimed to provide players with a balance between power and control.

However, beyond providing well-balanced performance while hitting, the racquet also quickly gained a strong reputation as one of the most comfortable tennis racquets on the market due to its high flex.

Traditionally, players who wanted a more comfortable racquet had to opt for a heavier, more flexible frame, but the Wilson Clash fills a gap by supplying players with optimal comfort, mid-range power and control, and a moderate weight that’s easy enough to swing.

Pros

• Balanced control and power
• Excellent comfort
• Stable for its weight

Cons

• Lack of feel and response

Here’s a table that lists available racquets within the Clash line and their specs, so you can quickly and easily compare.

Clash Comparison Table

*L = lightweight, UL = ultra-lightweight

All the racquets in the Clash line feature the same materials, construction, and technology. The only exception is the Wilson Clash 108, which features a slightly modified construction, which you’ll notice at the racquet’s throat.

Blade

The Blade is Wilson’s most popular and best-selling tennis racquet, which you’ll find in use by recreational players to the pros.

Like the Clash, the frame offers excellent comfort, but its power is lower, which results in more control and is ideal for big hitters who like to generate their own pace with plenty of topspin.

Pros

• Control
• Feel
• Comfort

Cons

• Power
• Stability

Blade Comparison Table

*L = lightweight

Players evaluating the Wilson Blade 98 often question the difference between the 16×19 and 18×20, which have different string patterns. The 16×19 is better suited for those looking for a bit more topspin and power, while the 18×20 enhances control and stability.

The 100L offers an excellent option for players looking to use the Blade line but aren’t ready for a heavier racquet, and the 104 is perfect for those who want a bit of extra power and spin and a larger head size for a bigger target when swinging to hit the ball.

Pro Staff

Smaller head sizes are one of the key differentiators of the Pro Staff line compared to other Wilson racquets, which helps players to hit with maximum precision and accuracy.

The frame’s unique braided graphite and Kevlar construction also gives the racquet a distinct feel that’s less comfortable than the Blade but provides excellent feedback.

With his signature racquet, the RF97, Roger Federer is closely associated with this line of tennis racquets.

Pros

• Precision
• Feedback
• Stability

Cons

• Power
• Topspin
• Smaller sweetspot

Pro Staff Comparison Table

*L = lightweight, UL = ultra-lightweight

The RF97 is Roger Federer’s signature racquet with identical specs to what he plays with on the court. It’s one of the heavier frames on the market and is ideally suited for advanced players who can handle the added weight.

The Pro Staff 97 is the most popular option within this line, while the 97L and 97UL offer lower weighted alternatives providing a more accessible entry point into this line of racquets.

Ultra

Players interested in Wilson racquets who desire maximum power and excellent spin will find what they’re looking for with the Ultra line.

These racquets are stiffer, have mid-range head sizes, lower weights, and thicker beams, which together deliver effortless power that’s easy to swing for generating plenty of topspin.

Pros

• Power
• Topspin
• Larger sweetspot

Cons

• Comfort
• Stability

Ultra Comparison Table

*L = lightweight, UL = ultra-lightweight

The Wilson Ultra 100 is this line’s flagship model with lighter weight options available as the 100L and 100UL. For maximum power and spin and a larger head size that increases your margin for error when swinging, the 108 is available to consider.

Burn

The Burn line of tennis racquets offers many similarities to the Ultra but, in comparison, places a greater emphasis on spin with open string patterns that help to grip the ball for effortless topspin.

The frames still offer plenty of power through a combination of thicker frames, higher stiffness ratings, and mid-range head sizes, which is ideal for aggressive baseline play.

Pros

• Topspin
• Power
• Larger sweetspot

Cons

• Comfort
• Stability

Burn Comparison Table

*L = lightweight, UL = ultra-lightweight, S = spin

Like the Ultra, the Wilson Burn 100 is this line’s most popular racquet, but for added spin, you can opt for the 100S, 100LS, or 100ULS, which have fewer crosses to enhance grip on the ball.

Kids/Juniors

All the racquets we reviewed in the previous sections were full-sized frames that aren’t ideal for kids or juniors.

However, Wilson does offer a selection of tennis racquets that are shorter in length, making them ideal for younger players.

Although you’ll find different designs, the most important attribute when selecting a kids racquet from Wilson is its length. Here’s a table that outlines the ideal height and age for each.

Wilson’s 26-inch racquets use graphite for their construction, which is standard for adult tennis racquets and helps ease the transition for young players who will eventually move to full-size 27-inch racquets.

All other kids’ racquets from Wilson use aluminum, which is lightweight, inexpensive, and durable.