Ready for takeoff: Wilson launches Shift v1 racquet franchise

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It’s been teased, it’s been tested and now the finished product has finally arrived. After a unique development process, the Wilson Shift v1 is hitting store shelves.

The company’s newest racquet franchise is designed to bring best-in-class stability, controllable power and high spin production to the court.

The Shift represents a brand-new frame shape and geometry from Wilson. Drawing inspiration from its discoveries constructing the Clash racquet, the key technology revolves around the frame’s bending properties. The patent-pending ARC 3D frame technology minimizes torsional bending as it optimizes lateral flexibility. This allows the frame to be incredibly stable at contact while accentuating launch angle and spin generation.

It’s designed to attract the modern aggressive baseliner taking big cuts to produce a lively and heavy ball.

There are currently two models in the franchise which are differentiated by weight and string pattern. The quicker Shift 99 (300g) has a more open 16x20 string pattern for greater acceleration and spin potential. It’s the user-friendlier of the two, easier to whip through the hitting zone to generate lots of work on the ball. The heavier Shift 99 Pro (315g) is more stable and sports a tighter 18x20 configuration for greater directional control.

However, the high launch of the frame gives it both the target window over the net, and spin potential, of a more open pattern. The added heft provides more weight of shot.

The Shift also represents the first concept racquet for Wilson Labs, a new innovation platform intended to fast-track the time it takes to go from idea to execution. Rather than go through the standard steps, beginning last October, the manufacturer put the prototype in the hands of sales reps, coaches, juniors and other players worldwide to give immediate feedback on the racquet.

Each sample frame had a QR code that took users to a play-test questionnaire to detail their on-court experiences.

This led to a soft rollout beginning in February. The racquets were available for purchase in limited supplies, but remained in concept form. Each still had a QR code and was monitored for user feedback. The insights gathered during these trial periods resulted in three modifications:

• The balance point of the Shift 99 was altered to increase the swing weight, and move the sweet spot higher up on the frame.
• A Shift 99L version (expected to launch on Sept. 1) will offer a lighter option.
• Players loved the look, so Wilson kept the overall arctic ice design, and color-shifting, prism texture.

In terms of Wilson’s racquet lineup, the Shift is thicker and more powerful than the Blade and Pro Staff, but doesn’t offer as much assistance as the Clash or Ultra lines. Its high RA rating gives it a decidedly firm and clean response. It’s intended for players looking for a stiffer feel and a ball that jumps off the string bed. It’s not devoid of touch, but is more in its element performing grip-and-rip tactics.

Both the Shift 99 and 99 Pro models are priced at $269 and are currently available for purchase. To learn more, demo or buy, visit Tennis-Point.com.