The Wilson Shift are out and not much has changed since the excellent prototype release. Here is our Wilson Shift 99 Pro Review.
Wilson Shift 99 Pro Review
The Wilson Shift 99 Pro is the heavier, more control-oriented option of the Wilson Shift racquets. If you haven’t heard about the Wilson Shift, it’s Wilson’s new spin-focused line. According to Wilson, the Shift 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). So even if the Shift 99 Pro has an 18×20 string pattern, it creates a relatively high launch angle and works best for more spin-oriented players.
I have tested the Wilson Shift racquets with many different players. Everyone from ex-ATP pros to senior tour players to ITF junior women players and the feedback has been similar: they all like it. Does it mean the Shift is an automatic switch? No, because it works better for players who naturally apply a bit more top spin to their strokes. But many players will enjoy the Wilson Shift. I think the lighter 99 MP will be the more natural choice for most, while the Shift 99 Pro will work better for advanced players who like a bit more swing weight and heft and bit more control from the denser string pattern.
Wilson Shift Pro Specs
Head Size: 99 in² / 639 cm²
Length: 27 in / 68.58 cm
Strung Weight: 11.7 oz / 332 g
Balance: 12.75 in / 32.39 cm / 6 pts HL
Swingweight: 332
Stiffness: 68
Beam Width: 23.5mm / 23.5mm / 23.5mm
Composition: Graphite
Colors: White
Grip Type: Wilson Pro Performance
String Pattern: 18 Mains / 20 Crosses
Mains skip: 8T,10T,8H,10H
String Tension: 21-26 kg/48-58 lb
Is the retail different from the prototype?
You might have watched or read our Shift review of the prototype version, so a natural question is whether the Shift 99 Pro differs from the prototype. After playing with both side by side with the same string setup, I can safely say they are the same.
How does it play?
If you are an advanced player who hits with plenty of spin and likes a heavier racquet, the Wilson Shift 99 Pro is a must-demo. You might not quite the spin potential of a Pure Aero 98, but it’s close and you get a nice solid feel. The racquet also feels pretty fast for a 315g unstrung spec. I think you need to be quite an advanced player (at least 4.5 NTRP) to get the most out of the racquet, but if you can play at a high level and enjoy a higher swing weight, I think the Shift 99 Pro can be a great option for you.
I wouldn’t be too worried about the high RA stiffness rating. RA doesn’t tell the whole story about how firm a racquet plays or if it’s bad for the arm or not, since racquets flex in different ways and locations. The players who have tested the Shift with me have not noticed any issues in terms of comfort.
Players mainly focused on control might find the Shift a bit too unreliable regarding launch angle as this racquet is most suited towards players who generate heavy spin on their groundstrokes. But it does deliver in terms of stability, power on shots like serves and volleys. On these shots, it’s a pretty balanced frame.
Summary
The Wilson Shift Pro 99 is an excellent racquet. If you fit the demographic above, you should check it out. I would be happy if you considered using our affiliate links to our friends at Wilson Tennis, Tennis Warehouse, Tennis Warehouse Europe and Tennis Only.
The racquet is a bit too heavy and spin-focused for my game. I like the lighter Shift 99 MP better since I can swing it faster and control it better. But the Shift Pro 99 offers better plow-through and stability.
But overall, the Shift racquets remain great as prototypes and retail editions.
