Considering a new tennis racket? I’ve been having a ton of fun with the Wilson Shift 99 V1.
This racket has caught the attention of tennis players around the globe in 2025—and I can see why! It has some completely new-to-the-market features that we’ll explore below.
I recently had the pleasure of trying out this racket in a few matches, and I’m eager to share my thoughts with you—specifically as a female tennis player.
Sometimes hugely popular tennis rackets don’t work quite as well for women, but the Wilson Shift was just as great as I’d hoped. It’s definitely an upgrade from any racket I’ve played with before.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about this sweet new tennis racket from Wilson.
- Massive spin enhances height, depth, and angles
- Higher margins over net increase consistency
- Innovative geometry offers optimal comfort
- Environmentally-friendly with plant-based materials
- Excessive spin might reduce control
- Artic-prism design might not appeal to everyone
- Over-reliance on spin may limit versatility
Wilson Shift 99 Tennis Racket specs
Head Size: 99 sq. in. / 639 sq. cm.
Length: 27 in.
Strung Weight: 11.2 oz. / 316 g.
Unstrung Weight: 10.6 oz. / 300 g.
Strung Balance: 6 Pts. Head Light
Swingweight: 316
Flex: 67
Beam Width: 23.5 mm / 23.5 mm / 23.5 mm
Composition: Graphite
String Pattern: 16 Mains x 20 Crosses
Recommended String Tension: 50 – 60 lbs.
Grip: Wilson Pro Performance
Shift Racket Design
First up, the design—the Shift has a lighter, streamlined look that blends style with function really well.
Honestly, just holding this racket in my hand instantly made me feel more confident and ready to tackle the court. It has a compact head size (99 sq. inches), thin beam, and manageable weight (11.2 oz strung) which makes it a top choice for intermediate to advanced female players, according to Wilson.
One standout feature for me is the grip.
Designed with comfort in mind, the Shift has a smaller grip size tailored to the average hand size of female players.
I haven’t had to worry about struggling to maintain my grip during sweaty summer matches or dealt with any blisters or calluses on my palms. The grip is made from high-quality materials that can withstand wear and tear from regular use, which I plan to put to the test this year (stay tuned for an update!).
Shift Racket Performance
On to performance. The Shift shines when it comes to groundstrokes and volleys—it was delivering control and precision every time.
According to Wilson, It’s crafted to minimize torque and increase your swing speed for consistently accurate shots. My backhands, forehands, and serves certainly all felt more powerful and controlled when I played with it.
So, what makes the Shift different from other rackets?
The answer to that is its innovative bending profile.
Sturdy yet flexible, the Shift gives players exceptional control, power, and spin. And as a tennis player who likes to add a lot of spin to their shots, trying out this technology was a game-changer for me.
I was hitting with more spin and still keeping the ball within the court (a rarity for me!).
It’s worth noting that the Shift is the very first tennis racket in the industry that’s been designed to focus on lateral bending without compromising its structure. You can read more about Wilson’s spin technology on their blog.
The cool thing is that the Shift V1 range wasn’t just made overnight or as an afterthought. Tennis players from all over the world gave their thoughts and feedback to make this racket possible.
Thanks to feedback, Wilson even used plant-based materials in parts of the racket including the end cap and bumper. So not only does it help you play better, but it’s also a little kinder to our planet. I love this!
Final thoughts
The Wilson Shift 99 v1 tennis racket is a great addition for female tennis players looking for added precision and control, whether you’re a hobbyist, intermediate, or more advanced player.
The design and functionality of the Shift create a winning combination that will work with plenty of different playing styles—it certainly helped with mine.
If you’re considering a new racket, the Wilson Shift is definitely worth exploring. Let me know what you think in the comments below if you do!
- Massive spin enhances height, depth, and angles
- Higher margins over net increase consistency
- Innovative geometry offers optimal comfort
- Environmentally-friendly with plant-based materials
- Excessive spin might reduce control
- Artic-prism design might not appeal to everyone
- Over-reliance on spin may limit versatility
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