Wilson QC issue?

[tennisnoob1949]

I have a Wilson BLX Tour 90 (the red, black and white one), and the approximate balance is 32.5 cm (vs. the specs on the racquet say it should be closer to 31.5 cm). I've replaced the leather grip with a synthetic grip, and then added an over grip, so I'm thinking that's approximately the same weight.

I've heard about Wilson's QC issues, but can balance be different by what seems to be 3 points purely due to production variances?

 

[SpinToWin]

Is it strung or unstrung?

 

[tennisnoob1949]

Strung. I think the 'official' spec is 12 pts unstrung, which would typically mean 9 pts strung. This one looks close to 6 pts strung.

 

[mhkeuns]

I think it's pretty normal, unfortunately. I have a Blade 98 16x19 CV. After it was strung with full bed of Wilson NXT, it was no longer a HL racket. I am relieved that it still feels great, hits with both power & spin, and easy to maneuver. I hope your racket plays well. I guess that's all that matters.

 

[esgee48]

Wilson and most other mass marketers IIRC uses ± 3% on mass. That means as much as 6% difference between 2 of the same frames. That means very large deltas from balance and SW are possible. There are some companies that do come within .1% of stated specs, but these are generally the smaller volume frame makers.

 

[ONgame]

leather grip is still at least 6 grams heavier than synthetic + overgrip

 

[tennisnoob1949]

That may be true ... I used the customization worksheet, and saw the effect of ~5 additional grams of weight on the handle. It still only brings the balance point from 32.5 to about 32.2 cm - so that would not fully explain the difference from spec (though it would explain some of it).

 

[Crocodile]

Many Wilson frames have variable specs so each one you get is different. They are naturally custom made. The problem is finding a matched pair.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Does a bear s*** in the woods?

 

[Deki]

No

Does a bear s*** in the woods?

No, he uses a toilet in the woods and tolerance of +/- 7% between it.

 

[am1899]

Does a bear s*** in the woods?

Is the pope Catholic?

 

[tennisnoob1949]

Thanks for the replies!

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

No

No, he uses a toilet in the woods and tolerance of +/- 7% between it.

That's a big spread...

 

[esgee48]

That factoid depends on whether the bear (Ursus Wileyus) had a big Fat Guy or a lean Old Guy 24-36 hours earlier. Note that I did not say Fast Guy.

 

[CopolyX]

does a hippo poop in the water?

 

[kingcheetah]

As others have stated, Wilson can have some QC issues-- maybe due to the size of the company and the likelihood they use several manufacturers. I highly recommend the TW matching service if you're buying new frames. If they are used/through the classifieds, may the odds be ever in your favor.