Where product evolution is concerned, version 2.0 is generally a safer bet. Especially when the equipment and its accompanying technology are rather ambitious. A company enhances what worked well from the premiere edition, smooths out the rougher edges and comes up with a superior model for its sophomore effort. Given the reception and success of its predecessor, the new Wilson Clash v2 will have to be pretty special to keep this tradition alive.
When Wilson rolled out its innovative Clash franchise, it wanted to start a racquet revolution. Like going from wood to graphite, the company believed it had the potential to redefine the tennis racquet. All hyperbole aside, one hit with the Clash and it was obviously unlike any of its competitors. And judging from its popularity, the playing public agreed.
The uniqueness of the frame—and its name—comes from its bringing together racquet traits that are generally seen as diametrically opposed. If a racquet is highly flexible, its stability suffers; if it’s powerful, then control can be compromised. The Clash flipped the script on both assumptions. It blended an unusually comfortable feel of a soft frame with the power and solidity of a much stiffer racquet. Its successor looks to double-down on those traits without disturbing its foundation.