Category Archives: Technology
Wilson Clash Tour
If you read the Wilson Clash 100 review there is not much to say about the Wilson Clash Tour in terms of graphics because it is exactly the same!
So we can go directly to the differences between the two models. The Tour does have the “word” tour on the racquet but little else in terms of racquet specifications and that is by design.
Typically a racquet will have some little tiny descriptions such as weight, head size, string pattern, etc. but these racquets have none of that. Wilson, with this racquet, wants the player to make all the decisions based on “feel, control, and power” and not be influenced by descriptors. As you might expect this model is a little heavier overall and in swing weight thus the “Tour” designation.
Our Wilson Clash and Clash Tour demo racquets are strung with Luxilon Natural Gut as the main string and Wilson Sensation Plus as the cross string. This combination should maximize the performance of the racquet.
Before we get to the specifications of the Tour model there is another slightly unusual design feature. The grip pallet is not molded onto the frame but is formed by the carbon fiber. This manufacturing technique does not allow for easy (seriously not easy) grip size and shape customization so be certain you get the grip size you need.
Take a look at the following data to see if you think this new concept is worth a try. Based on the feedback we are getting I would say yes, definatley!
| Manufacturer | Wilson |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Clash Tour |
| Reference Tension | 58 lbs - 26.3 kg |
| String | Luxilon 125 Gut =M Wilson Sensation Plus =X |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 51 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 63 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 47 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 25 |
| Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 317 lbs/Inch |
| Weight, Grams | 328 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.57 |
| Balance, mm | 318 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.52 |
| Length, Cm | 68.5 |
| Length, Inch | 27.0 |
| Head Width | 9.91 |
| Head Length | 12.89 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 647.3 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 100.3 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .647 |
| Main String Grid | 7.68 |
| Cross String Grid | 10.44 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .799 |
| Average Cross String Space | .549 |
| Average Main String Space | .480 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 35 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 195.76 |
| First Moment, Nm | .822 |
| Polar Moment | 348 |
| Torsional Stability | 15 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 329 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.6 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 341.8 |
| Power, RDC | 39 |
| Control, RDC | 64 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 65 |
| Power, Calculated | 1586.1 |
| Head Points | 7.87 |
| Head Weight, % | 46.4 |
| Center of Percussion | 21.7 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 8.91 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 24.5 |
| K, Lb/In | 163.46 |
| Recoil Weight | 174.7 |
| Twist Weight | 247.8 |
| End Weight | 141.6 |
| Tip Weight | 195.0 |
| 9 O'Clock | 99.1 |
| 3 O'Clock | 96.9 |
| Butt Cap | 140.2 |
Wilson Clash 100
Once in a while words “fit”! Clash fits this new Wilson racquet because it disrupts the trend of “everything stiff”. Luckily this trend is dying and Wilson has, in my view, done a masterful job of expediting that demise with this concept.
Not only does this racquet look good it just feels good in the hand. It is light, maybe too light, but the brain detects something different about this racquet. We all know racquets are all about “the brain”!
In this review you may notice the addition of a couple of specifications. One is “Racquet – In Plane Stiffness”. This is the racquets resistance to”squeezing the sides together. The higher the number the more resistant (stiffer) the racquet is. Another addition to the review is the three (3) weights taken at the sides of the head and at the very bottom (butt cap) of the racquet. This very helpful when matching or customizing a racquet. so I thought we would include it.
Before this racquet is strung it has a noticeable “softness” which is expected given the 52 stiffness (Wilson is not using the defacto device, RDC, for their stiffness rating). However, after stringing, the racquet takes on a different “feel”. It is like the string is pulling all the material components together! I intend to hit with this racquet tomorrow so as right now I have no idea how it will feel.
To get the maximum from this racquet our demo is strung with Luxilon Natural Gut, 125 and the new Wilson Sensation Plus multi-filament with a “wear” wrap. This should be a great setup, so if you want to hit with the latest technology this is it!
For each racquet we do an “Accuracy Index”. This tells us how accurately the ball will come off the string bed when hit at different locations on the string bed. This racquet has an index of 97, which is very good, in the areas of the string bed that show the most failure (breakage). The overall string bed index of 94 is quite good and tells us that the string bed should produce as much accuracy as the players skill allows!
Take look at the following specifications to see if you agree with the player evaluations you may have read.
| Manufacturer | Wilson |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Clash 100 |
| Reference Tension | 58 lbs - 26.3 kg |
| String | Luxilon 125 Gut =M Wilson Sensation Plus =X |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 56 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 61.5 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 51 - After stringing |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 27 |
| Racquet - In Plane Stiffness | 317 lbs/Inch |
| Weight, Grams | 309 |
| Weight, Ounces | 10.90 |
| Balance, mm | 322 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.68 |
| Length, Cm | 68.5 |
| Length, Inch | 27.0 |
| Head Width | 9.92 |
| Head Length | 12.85 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 646.0 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 100.1 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .650 |
| Main String Grid | 7.50 |
| Cross String Grid | 10.37 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .779 |
| Average Cross String Space | .547 |
| Average Main String Space | .469 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 37 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 206.94 |
| First Moment, Nm | .764 |
| Polar Moment | 321 |
| Torsional Stability | 15 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 306 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 10.79 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 320.4 |
| Power, RDC | 34 |
| Control, RDC | 70 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 83 |
| Power, Calculated | 1562.7 |
| Head Points | 6.46 |
| Head Weight, % | 47.0% |
| Center of Percussion | 21.5 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 8.50 |
| Efective Stiffness - lbs | 26.7 |
| K, Lb/In | 179.49 |
| Recoil Weight | 155.9 |
| Twist Weight | 227.1 |
| End Weight | 126.8 |
| Tip Weight | 181.9 |
| 9 O'Clock | 94.0 |
| 3 O'Clock | 93.9 |
| Butt Cap | 119.9 |
Instinct…get it!
The new Head Graphene 360 Instincts are in the shop waiting for your evaluation!
As you can see this new Instinct Series carries forward the “minimalist” graphics concept and a stunning blue color!
If you have been shopping for a new Porsche lately you may have seen a similiar color they describe as “Miami Blue”!
The Instinct Series offers a MP, S, Lite, and PWR (Power) models. And, thankfully, and amazingly, these performance racquets are realistically priced!
I will be adding racquet specifications soon so come back or sign up for notifications so you won’t miss anything!
All Instinct models are at the Racquet Quest World Headquarters so stop by and take a look.
Here is a look the specifications of the Head Graphene 360 Instinct MP…
| Manufacturer | Head |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Head Graphene 360 Instinct MP |
| Reference Tension | 55.0 |
| String | Head FXP Tour Blue |
| Machine Used | True Tension Professional |
| ASPS, RDC | 53.0 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 60.0 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 62.0 |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 46.0 |
| Weight, Grams | 315.1 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.08 |
| Balance, mm | 326.9 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.84 |
| Length, Cm | 68.5 |
| Length, Inch | 26.968 |
| Head Width | 9.88 |
| Head Length | 13.13 |
| Head Area, Sq. Cm | 656.9 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 101.8 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .633 |
| Main String Grid | 7.25 |
| Cross String Grid | 9.50 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .676 |
| Average Cross String Space | .500 |
| Average Main String Space | .453 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 35 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 195.76 |
| First Moment, Nm | .789 |
| Polar Moment, Kg/cm2 | 325 |
| Torsional Stability | 19 |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 306 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 10.79 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 333.7 |
| Power, RDC | 46 |
| Control, RDC | 56 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 83 |
| Power, Calculated | 1938.1 |
| Head Points (negative = head heavy) | 5.20 |
| Head Weight, % | 47.6% |
| Center of Percussion | 20.9 |
| Dwell Time, ms (no swing speed) | 8.74ms |
| Efective Stiffness | 28.6 |
| K, Lb/In | 169.87 |
| Recoil Weight | 147.88 |
| Twist Weight | 228.69 |
| End Weight, grams (Play Ready) | 126.7 |
| Top Weight, grams (Play Ready) | 188.4 |
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year & All Other Happiness!
To all of our friends wherever you are and whatever you celebrate we send our wishes for all kinds of happiness for this season and the year to come!
2018 has been filled with great people and friends which add up to the best year ever!
Thank You!
John
Year End
As this day nears the end and the year sprints to it’s conclusion it is worth the time to reflect on 2018!
This year was the busiest in the history of Racquet Quest, LLC and one of the most rewarding in terms of helping players. Helping players is the “mission” of Racquet Quest so we appreciate the communication with clients that contribute to understanding the goal.
If you have been around Racquet Quest much you know the importance of discussions, some of which may be boring, redundant, or incredibly exciting. It is the boring ones we want to eliminate. We want every discussion to be exciting and helpful so beginning in 2019 we will be requesting comments, suggestions, and participation from you the readers of this and other posts. Be assured that every comment will be treated with “care” and responses will be as meaningful as we can make them.
All of our clients are special and we thank each of them for letting us help their game. Of course there are “Very Special” clients!
Brittany Tagliareni is one very special player. Brittany is Autistic and plays at a very high level in tournaments around the world. I know you have read about Brittany on this site so we will not go into detail except to say Brittany has been an inspiration for me to become better in what I do each day. Period!
We want everyone to be inspired and we hope it can lead to a healthier life and a better tennis game. Please contrbute your inspirational story to our readers. Here are just a few of the people that made 2018 so terrific…
Robert, Sophie, Aleks 
New Logo 
Ela 
Dr. Zarda and The ZSCS Prototype 
John 
The most famous Joe Falzone! 
“Champion” 
Jack Anthrop & Harrison Gold Junkanoo Bowl 
Samantha 
Madeline 
Omar…happy! 
String Stiffness 
Lachlan 
Eric & Carine 
Ready Racquets 
Jack after removing string from 40 racquets 
IT Support Team 
Our Package Designer 
Carine & Barbara in France…not 2018
Racquet Quest is looking forward to 2019 and we ask that you join us is making 2019 an incredible year for you and your tennis.
Thank you to everyone that made this year, 2018, a very special year! I can’t wait to see what we can do in 2019!
Yonex VCore Pro 100
Yonex has done a brilliant job of updating the performance series with the new VCore, however, there is a Yonex series that has been around for a while and needs to be considered when thinking about a performance racquet, and that is the VCore Pro 100!
Yonex V-Core Pro
The VCore Pro 100 is the Yonex “legacy” performance racquet, much like the Head Prestige is for Head. The VCore Pro 100 is slightly stiffer than the 97 version which may contribute to a little more power. The weight of 300 grams offers a more maneuverable racquet for all court players.
The thin beam and flex fits the bill for those looking for a traditional feeling racquet but with technical materials and components. As with all the Yonex performance raquets this one is made in Japan and the consistency is top notch! This is important when choosing a racquet.
If you are considering a performance racquet you need to demo this one!
Weight: 316 (strung)
Swing Weight: 312 (strung)
Head Size: 100 square inch
Flex: 63 (RDC) (strung)
Length: 27.0 Inches
Beam: 21mm
Pattern: 16 x 19
Head Graphene 360 Extreme
If you can’t get by Racquet Quest to take a look at this exciting new racquet just take a look at this video!
The specifications will be posted here as soon as possible, but in the meantime…
Yonex VCore Series…Red…Hot!
The new Yonex VCore Series is Red and Hot!
Yonex has incorporated several of their best ideas into this VCore model series. Some may be easy to overlook but still yeild some performance enhncements, like the “straight hole” design which may allow more string movement and increased dwell time, like the “trench design” that tucks the grommet barrels into a trench to reduce drag, like “areo fin” placement to reduce drag, like “Namd” graphite that flex’s to increase dwell time and spin potential!
Wow! That is a lot of stuff to consider. The good thing is that you don’t need to think much about these things! Instead, go out and hit with one of the four (4) models, 100×280 gram, 100×300 gram, 98×285 gram, and 98×305 gram, and decide for yourself!
All of the racquets look the same so you will need to look for the “100 or 98” on the shaft and then look for the weight on the hoop right above the throat. There you will find the weight, balance, and length.
Most of the Yonex Performance racquets are made in Japan but this series includes the “Game” model that is made in China but adheres to the Yonex quality standards as far as I can tell. The “Game” is a lighter version (270 gram) of the same “look” and incorporates most of the design features of the other models.
The data that follows is for the Yonex VCore 100, 300 gram version. The other versions will follow!
| Manufacturer | Yonex |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Yonex VCore 100 - 300 |
| Reference Tension | 52 |
| String | Yonex Rexis 130 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Pro |
| APPS, RDC | 55.0 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 62.0 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 65 |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 52.5 |
| Weight, Grams | 318 |
| Weight, Ounces | 11.22 |
| Balance, mm | 328 |
| Balance, Inch | 12.91 |
| Length, Cm | 68.5 |
| Length, Inch | 26.986 |
| Head Width | 9.69 |
| Head Length | 12.83 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 645.8 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 100.7 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 19 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .636 |
| Main String Grid | 7.10 |
| Cross String Grid | 9.75 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .729 |
| Average Cross String Space | .526 (the larger the number the more string movement) |
| Average Main String Space | .445 (the larger the number the more string movement) |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 35 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 195.76 |
| First Moment, Nm | .805 (sometimes referred to as PIck-Up Weight) |
| Polar Moment | 331 (rotation around the center axis) |
| Torsional Stability | 17 (the difference between polar moment and swing weight. Higher is better) |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 314 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.08 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 342 (mdd, from the butt cap) |
| Power, RDC | 48 |
| Control, RDC | 53 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 77 |
| Power, Calculated | 1992.3 |
| Head Points | 4.75 (negative number is head heavy) |
| Head Weight, % | 47.9% |
| Center of Percussion | 21.0 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 8.58 (no swing speed) |
| Effective Stiffness | 29.8 |
| K, Lb/In | 176.28 |
| Recoil Weight | 151.00 |
| Twist Weight | 223.48 |
Meet Jennifer
Jennifer walked into the World Headquarters of Racquet Quest the other day and asked to have her racquets strung. Nothing unusual about that, of course.
I looked a the racquets in her hand and thought to myself…” Well, where are they?”
In her hands were two (2) Head You Tek IG Prestige Mid racquets! If you don’t remember these, they are the pinnacle of the Head Performace series racquets. The head size is 93 square inches; the weight is 350 grams (12.35 ounces), with a swing weight of 309 kg/cm2 (10.9 ounces), and a racquet flex of 64 RDC units.
This is a great racquet for sure, but I don’t see many anymore in the good condition as these are. One needed a grommet set, but that was all.
The reason I mention this is to reassure tennis players that they are capable of using racquets they normally scoff at including a comment “I am not good enough to use that!” A lot depends on what you want to do with the racquet. In Jennifer’s case, she wants to get to the net as quickly as possible, and the nice recoil weight of 146.1 makes this a good racquet at the net! The low swing weight enhances the “mobility” of the racquet which also means this is not a particularly “powerful” racquet.
The new Head Graphene Touch Prestige Mid is still 93 square inches but now has a 16×19 string pattern.
If you are interested in hitting with a Head Graphene Touch Prestige Mid, our demo is strung with Babolat VS Touch natural gut which represents the purest combination I can think of!
Thank you, Jennifer, for giving me an example of what tennis players are capable of!
New Head MXG 7
Head is introducing two (2) new racquets to the MXG Series, and this is an excellent thing in my opinion! It is not that we need a bunch of new racquets, but this signals a commitment to the MXG concept.
In case you don’t know, the MXG Series racquets incorporate a “string suspension system” (my words) into the throat of the racquet. The most notable of this system is the bright silver paint. However, the most important functions are the increase in main string length across the entire throat area and torsional stability that contributes to control of this 115 square inch racquet. We now have ten (10) main strings that are the same length in the throat. These 15.0 inch long main strings do contribute to “power”.
The Head MXG 7 has a slightly “fanned” pattern for the 16 x 18 string format and a built-in vibration damper in the throat. The MXG 7 will accept the Head Tennis Sensor.
The Head MXG 7 is a 115 +/- square inch head with a variable beam (28, 29, 26mm) that puts it in the “game improvement” category. You will see all the specifications below. If you are considering a new racquet and prefer power,”. this is a “must see.” Head has always done a good job in the game improvement category, and this adds a new dimension to the series.
Head MXG 7
The MXG 7 demo is here so call to reserve your spot!
The MXG 7 is available for pre-order and will be available May 11.
| Manufacturer | Head |
|---|---|
| Racquet Model | Head MXG 7 |
| Reference Tension | 57 |
| String | Head Velocity MLT 17 |
| Machine Used | True Tension Pro |
| APPS, RDC | 43.0 |
| ASPS, FlexFour | 55.0 |
| Racquet Flex, RDC | 67 |
| Racquet Flex, FlexFour | 50 |
| Weight, Grams | 282 |
| Weight, Ounces | 9.95 |
| Balance, mm | 370.0 |
| Balance, Inch | 14.57 |
| Length, Cm | 69.7 |
| Length, Inch | 27.44 |
| Head Width | 10.13 |
| Head Length | 14.75 |
| Head Area, cm2 | 756.7 |
| Head Area, Sq. Inch | 118.8 |
| Number of Main Strings | 16 |
| Number of Cross Strings | 18 |
| Ratio Cross/Mains | .610 |
| Main String Grid | 8.56 |
| Cross String Grid | 11.31 |
| Density (% of head filled with string) | .793 |
| Average Cross String Space | .622 |
| Average Main String Space | .519 |
| Dynamic Tension, Kp, ERT | 32 |
| Dynamic Tension, Lbs/in | 178.98 |
| First Moment, Nm | .830 |
| Polar Moment | 340.0 |
| Torsional Stability | 18 (the difference between polar moment and swing weight. Higher is better) |
| Swing Weight, Kg/cm2 | 322 |
| Swing Weight, Ounces | 11.36 |
| Swing Weight Calculated | 386.1 |
| Power, RDC | 59 |
| Control, RDC | 42 |
| Manueverability, RDC | 72 |
| Power, Calculated | 2631.7 (compare to 1996.9 for the MXG 1) |
| Head Points | -6.77 (negative = head heavy. See % below) |
| Head Weight, % | 53.1% |
| Center of Percussion | 20.6 |
| Dwell Time, ms | 9.70 |
| Effective Stiffness | 26.2 |
| K, Lb/In | 137.82 |
| Recoil Weight | 118.85 |
| Twist Weight | 215.2 |
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