When Wilson produces a new racquet, the tennis world sits up and takes notice – and that’s especially true with the all-new Wilson SHIFT.
The first concept racquet from Wlabs, the SHIFT 99/300, is specially designed to provide players with massive spin and controlled power.
Built around insights into maximum lateral flex and best-in-class torsional stability, SHIFT allows players to consistently hit the ball deep into the court with increased confidence and spin on every shot.
The SHIFT 99/300 has a 16×20 string pattern for a balance of control, spin and power.
There is also a Shift 99/315 version with an 18×20 string pattern for improved control, giving players a connected feel at contact.
KEY DETAILS
- The first conceptual racket from the Wlabs company
- Innovative flex profile engineered to be stable yet laterally flexible for power and spin control
- The 16×20 string pattern provides a balance between control, spin and power
- The first racquet of its kind to experience lateral bending with minimal torsional bending
- Built and refined with feedback from players around the world
- Patented frame design that enables an innovative, never-before-seen bending profile
- The elegant design of the arctic prism creates a clean, modern look
THE STORY BEHIND THE WILSON SHIFT
With testing opportunities hit by the Covid pandemic, Wilson got inventive as they sought feedback on SHIFT.
At the end of last year, Wilson shipped 1,000 concept racquets for testing around the world, from Europe to Asia.
The racket itself includes a QR code that allows testers to learn about the frame and provide specific feedback via a survey.
The positive response prompted Wilson to take the racket public last month.
VIEW
The Wilson SHIFT is an eye-catching frame.
While the Wilson range has a look that sets them apart as a large part of the racquet family, the SHIFT is a little different.
The color scheme could be described as a silvery blue, with the tone changing as you tilt the racket.
The gray grip on the racket shaft complements the look perfectly, with the iconic W on the strings confirming that this is a Wilson frame.
WHO IS THIS RACKET FOR?
SHIFT is a racket for everyone.
While the Clash and Blade racquets in the Wilson collection are racquets that offer different qualities for players, the SHIFT falls somewhere between the two in terms of what it offers.
Mass market appeal should ensure this is a big hit for the company that gave Roger Federer and Serena Williams the weapons they needed to become tennis icons.
Intermediate and advanced players should see an improvement in their game when they pick up this racquet, and players who enjoy control from the back of the court will certainly feel the most benefit.
The third of February ⚗️🧪 pic.twitter.com/90dD9BR2fH
— Wilson Tennis (@WilsonTennis) February 2, 2023
TEST DRIVING IN SHIFT
Tennis365.com got the chance to test the Wilson SHIFT and the rating is positive.
With a net weight of 300g, this frame is relatively heavy, yet feels light in the hand.
This allows players to test the racket’s full range of motion, with a ‘bend profile’ that sees the frame move as you hit, offering an exhilarating experience.
When you time your shot just right and make good contact, this racquet makes a wonderful clapping sound and gives you extra punch on impact.
The idea of the frame moving to add extra thrust to your shot may sound like a tennis racquet designer’s fantasy, but experience that injection of pace and power when you hit it right.
SERVING
This racket gives you excellent spin, which is especially useful on the second serve.
There’s no shortage of power when hitting the first serve, but SHIFT comes to life as you bend around the ball for the second serve.
If you play on a surface that is sensitive to kick serves, this racket will give you the opportunity to lift the ball off the surface.
GROUNDSHOTS
The modern game is dominated by players who play from the back of the court and this racket offers everything you need to improve.
The noise this frame makes when it makes perfect contact with the ball is an obvious takeaway from our test, and the ‘pop’ sound is a tasty treat for the user.
We also found this racquet to offer plenty of backhand slice control, with good spring from the strings allowing players to return balls that stay low.
VOLLEY
This shot you get from the back of the court is also useful when trying to finish a point at the net.
This lightness in hand allows players to be creative online, with a good touch that allows you to explore the full range of SHIFT’s capabilities.
WHAT THEY SAY
Michael Schaeffer, Senior Product Manager at Wilson: “We wanted to work on how we could innovate and bring products to life. The idea behind WLabs is that we can work on something that we are excited about and that we think has legs and present it to a wider audience than doing traditional product development and testing. Shift is the first product we’ve used this strategy for, and it’s kind of necessary because of the pandemic.”
OUR VERDICT
Wilson SHIFT is a triumph.
Regular users who are used to the familiar look of the Wilson frame may not recognize it as part of the family, but the new look adds to the appeal of this frame.
The fact that Wilson still aims to add improvements to future SHIFT rackets suggests that this is a story that will have additional chapters, but what a start this is.
For any player looking to shake up their game in 2023, they must give the Wilson SHIFT a test drive.
Check out all the details at Wilson SHIFT here.