Game changer: Wilson tests out new concept racquet 

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If you’re a follower of tennis social media, you may have spotted it. A largely unmarked, silvery frame with little backstory. All that’s known so far is it’s the brainchild of Wilson Labs and it goes by Shift.

The Shift is a concept racquet—right down to its cosmetic—that’s still a work in progress. The frame has been testing well internally, so Wilson decided the time was right to expand the trial group. For the past few months they’ve seeded several hundred samples with players of varying ability to elicit feedback on its performance. If the responses are positive it could spur the frame’s release. The comments may also be used to inspire any last-minute tweaks to the racquet before it becomes available. It’s a unique way for the brand to bring a racquet to market.

There are currently two models in the Shift line. The technologies of the racquets are still under wraps, but certain characteristics are easily apparent. Both have a unique 99 square-inch head size, with the 300g option housing a 16x20 string pattern, while the heavier 315g offering sports a tighter 18x20 configuration. In fact, the latter frame has the rather distinctive feature of 10 main strings running through the throat.

From a playability standpoint, the Shift appears to have a thicker beam and offers more help than the Blade, but not quite as much as the Clash frames. The racquet has a firmer response than those franchises, but isn’t as stiff as the Ultra. The hope is the new frame’s specs and performance will fill certain gaps in the Wilson lineup.

If all goes well the Shift will have a limited release in early 2023, followed by a full run later in the year. Check back for more detailed write-ups and reviews once the frames become available.