Raw Speed. Controllable Power. Great feel.
Introducing the Shift 99! With this racquet Wilson releases the official cosmetic version of the Wilson Labs Project Shift 99 300, a prototype released in February of 2023. Developed with extensive feedback from top coaches and elite players, the Shift 99 combines raw speed with spin-friendly precision and great feel. Under the hood, the Shift's graphite fibers have been meticulously engineered to help the racquet bend in ways that compliment the vertical mechanics of the modern game (think spin). In addition to its impressive pocketing, the Shift's zippy swingweight makes it great for hitting shots on the run or reacting quickly at net. All in all, this is a great option for intermediate and advanced players who want a versatile modern player's racquet that doesn't skimp on feel.
Technical Note: According to Wilson, this racquet has been designed to be torsionally stiff (for added stability and power when driving the ball) and laterally flexible (for increased dwell time on vertical mechanics - think spin).
Specifications
| Head Size: 99 in² / 638.71 cm² | ||||
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm | ||||
| Strung Weight: 11.2oz / 318g | ||||
| Balance: 12.75in / 32.39cm / 6 pts HL | ||||
| Swingweight: 317 | ||||
| Stiffness: 67 | ||||
| Beam Width: 23.5mm / 23.5mm / 23.5mm | ||||
| Composition: Graphite | ||||
| Power Level: Low-Medium | ||||
| Stroke Style: Medium-Full | ||||
| Swing Speed: Medium-Fast | ||||
| Racquet Colors: White | ||||
| Grip Type: Wilson Pro Performance | ||||
String Pattern:
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| String Tension: 48-58 pounds |
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Customer Reviews
Incredible racquetI have a one handed backhand and was playing with Wilson Clash Pro, when strung above 54 pounds was powerfully and accurate. The Shift is exceptional for one handed backhands Federer style and deliver incredible topspin on forehand- upped my game in competition considerably. Strung Head Lynx Tour at 52 but had to switch to Kirschbaum Orange at 52 due to shoulder/elbow sensitivity. Best racquet I have played with in 25 years. Need full swing for crazy topspin- still fine for flat. I am 4.0 and will not go above 310 grams or below 5 points headlight. Racquet gives confidence to those who swing out - modern swing. Will not buy anything else-tried most on market
It's ShiftyI've been using the Shift for the past year. Started with the Pro 18x20 model and switched the 16x20. Not sure what it is about the shift but I really love the way it plays. If I'm not focused on my shots it will be a bit unforgiving, the balls can sail long, but when I dial in to the stroke and mechanics feel great. There's just something about the Shift that is hard to explain. It offers a generous amount of spin and feels great on serve and volley. The balance makes it great for a single-handed backhand. It's stiff but allows for good power. I'm excited to play around with the string combos.
Brilliant RacquetI used Wilson Pro Staff for years until the frames no longer had anything to give.
I for a few months I’d been testing other racquets but nothing really clicked. I saw many great reviews on the Wilson Shift 300 so I decided just to purchase it and hope for the best. I have no regrets. This racquet plays brilliantly just as advertised.
ExplosiveThis racquet is definitely not a beginners racquet or even an intermediate players racquet. This racquet rewards a very fast swing speed and proper footwork. If your legs are underneath you, your weight is behind the ball and you let your arm go without tension the ball is going to explode off the racquet. You can hear it ... it's a pop unlike any I've heard before. However, if you're late or your mechanics are reliant solely on the wrist then you're going to hate the racquet. The racquet does feel like but I don't have any issue countering or absorbing pace with the base specs.
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Definitely takes some timeThis racquet is pretty unique. First off, if you're an advanced level player, it needs weight. Beginners and intermediates will probably play fine with it stock. It's an interesting frame since it's stiff horizontally but not vertically. When you hit linear or flat, it's almost Pure Drive power. When you hit with spin, it's almost Pure Aero levels of RPM's. I don't know if this makes sense but think more power and more spin but same control as a Pure Strike. If you're a Head player, more power than Extreme Tour, more spin than Speed MP. I will say it's much more comfortable when you hit with spin as that makes the racquet bend vertically so it isn't taxing on your elbow. I think this frame is designed more for the younger generation and high level juniors since they have extremely whippy and fast strokes. At the very least if you don't have a modern style stroke, this probably isn't for you. However, despite how funny this sounds if you're an older player with old school strokes, this could still work for you, maybe just not the way you'd think. To an extent, you could see it as a more controlled Wilson Clash. Less erratic, less comfortable, more control, more predictable. Hope this helps!
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Great feel and performanceI’m a midlife and mid level player who realized a heavier racquet will perform better. TW helped me demo about 12 racquets from different manufacturers and yet similar models in the range of 300-320 grams. I’m not nuanced enough of a player to maybe notice what a difference strings and 53 or say 56 string tension would make, but with standard polyester strings and this Wilson set at 53, I’m loving it like McDonalds!
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Try it outDemoed this alongside the Pure Aero 98 — as much as I wanted the Pure Aero, there is no debating the fact that the Shift is a much better stick for me. I’ve been playing a Blade Pro v8 for a few years and Wilson has released a great product.
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Daughter loves it!My daughter loves her new racquet, it was just what she needed!
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Balances control, power and spinI came from a pretty stiff control racquet. I liked it but wanted something a little less punishing when I miss the sweet spot. I demoed a bunch of racquets and ended up liking the Shift the best, which was funny because it was the last one I tried. I thought I'd like a Pro Staff or a Blade. It has a little more power, but not too much. Easy spin, but without sacrificing control. I love the white paint job. I also love that this comes at three weight levels. I may move up to the Pro as I get stronger.
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Wilson ShiftThe racquet is okay. I was hoping it would parallel the Wilson NCode N1 Force but it did not for me. It is well constructed and has eye appeal. For others I'm sure it is great.
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Great racquetAmazing feeling playing with this racquet, I changed from a similar type of spin racquet from another brand to this one. It provides me more control and the sweet spot feeling is great. I would recommend it.
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Great racket, but....I really enjoyed to play with the new shift. It has so much control and great spin. Loved it for one handed backhand. However after each session I felt slight discomfort in my elbow. I played with the racket with two different demo string set ups and same discomfort every time. Maybe some softer string, or lower tension would help. Many thanks to Tennis Warehouse to provide us with the demo services. Thanks guys.
Clash on SteroidsI recently switched from the Clash 100L V1 to this. It has actually made my forehand go in. I couldn’t get as much control on the clash. Has the power of the Clash and the Control of the Blade. Still arm-friendly like the Clash but has a little less so it can affect performance. Really great racquet.
Best Racquet Ever!!!Absolutely amazing racquet, would recommend. All of my entire game pretty much improved other than my backhand but I hit those very flat so it was expected. 10/10 racquet if you like to hit with spin and explode your shots.
Shift - hurts shoulder, volleys hardAt first, I loved it. I am an older player that played college tennis. I like to hit hard but also have good touch and feel. I have been playing with the Clash which was easier on my elbow, but had some control issues with over-hitting on forehand. I have had the racquet now for a few weeks. Love it for my serve but volleys are harder with this racquet. Shoulder is hurting and the ball feels like lead coming off the racquet. Strung with NXT 17 at 54 lbs.
LOVE ITIt's exactly what it's advertised to be. Better spin than what I was able generate with my Clash Pro 100 using the same stroke. Still arm friendly like the Clash, although a bit less so in a performance enhancing way. For me personally, going from the Clash Pro 100 to the Shift 99 felt like switching from a comfortable luxury car to a luxury sports car. Additionally kick serves felt easier to hit. It's my favorite racquet I've ever owned.
Best racket I've owned in 44 yrsI'm not a particular fan of Wilson tennis gear but the Shift is an incredible racket. Best feel, power, and control I've ever experienced; it noticeably aids in topspin. I'm using Babolat RPM Blast Orange 16/1.30 String TW Exclusive @ 48 lbs.
This is my racquetNever thought I’d try out the new Wilson Shift. I didn’t mean to, I didn’t plan to. But I have and I won’t go back.
I’ve played with many different racquets through the years. Head Gravity Pro, Yonex Ezone 98/100, Solinco 98 18x20, Babalot Pure Drive 98/Aero 98, Wilson Pro staff 90/97/autograph, Wilson clash 98, I’ve demoed many more and my main racquet being the Wilson Blade 18x20 v7/v8. None of those racquets play like the shift 99. None of them are as fun to play with.
My forehand with the shift can be flat or very spinny. The blade comes close to the same with the forehand but with the shift it feels more consistent and faster (I’m sure due to the light weight of the shift) when you try the racquet can be very precise. Just go through the ball and it’ll do what you want. I’ve never felt more in control of the point than with any other racquet than the shift. No other racquet has been as great for a flat shot than the shift.
The backhand…. Not the best on the backhand side, I'm not sure if it’s because I’m use to a heavier racquet for my one handed backhand or not but it’s something I’ll get use to. Gives plenty spin but due to the light weight it’s not as stable as the blade 18x20
The serve is great, great feeling and I can place the serve wherever I want. Has a nice pop feel on serve when hit flat. Offers a lot of spin as well.
The volleys are decent, good feeling volleys, I’m not the best at volleys so I can’t comment too much on that. Point and shoot. The racquet is excellent on drop shots from behind the service line. Most people say this racquet doesn’t have touch but I disagree. Great spin and touch for it to land just a foot or 2 in front if the net.
All in all great stick and nothing I’ve played with can compare. I’m switching to this racquet from the Wilson Blade 18x20 v8. Nothing can beat an easy to use racquet that makes the forehand a weapon.
Strung with Luxillon 4gs at 50 lbs.
This is my racquetI’ve played with many many different racquets over the past couple of years such as the Solinco whiteout 18x20, Head Gravity Pro, Pure Aero 98 and Pure Drive 98/100, Yonex Ezone 98/100, Wilson Pro Staff 97 and my current main racquet Blade 18x20. Nothing is as easy to drive through the ball as this Wilson Shift. If you want to whip or whack the ball this is the perfect racquet for you, very similar to the Wilson Blade where it’s a point and shoot racquet but the shift gives a lot more power and spin. I’ve never been more consistent on the forehand than with this Shift. Laser beam shots. The ball will stay in with good technique no matter how hard you try to crush the ball. The racquet has a stiffer feeling than the blade but not nearly as stiff as a Babalot pure aero/drive. The Shift has great pop on serves. The slices and backhand are a let down but maybe if I put lead tape on the head it’ll be better (since I’m use to heavier racquets)
This racquet was a surprise for me, I wasn’t even considering it as a racquet for me due to the thicker beam and the light weight, but it plays better than most racquets. I will be switching to this racquet and stringing it with 4gs at 50 pounds.
