Wilson BLX Six One 95 [16x18] Review
To start this off, I am a big fan of the n95’s which were much more playable frames in my eyes compared to the K95s. I have been playing with a Head intelligence prestige mid plus for the past 6-7 months, and I have not come close to any racquets that compare to it aside from the N95s. My game is baseline with semi western to western forehand and a one hand backhand from eastern to extreme eastern (situation dependable). I would rate my game around 4.5.
Racquet
Strung with OG-Sheep Topspin 15L @ 60 pounds both ways and a grip size of 4 1/4th. Looks much better in person and the only thing I hate are the white swirls at 4 and 10 o’clock on the paintjob but the rest of the frame looks really good. The racquet feels and plays much softer and better compared to the K95s and it actually comes pretty close if not even better next to the N95s in terms of swing weight and flexibility and overall performance and maneuverability.
Serve – (9.5 of 10)
Easy to say that this racquet is one of the best next to the PS Tour 90 for me and my serve, It is seems to be that 16x18 and 16x19 string patterns produce the most power, bite and spin on the ball. The 18x20 version on serve is not as good, you may be able to place the ball a few inches closer to your intended target but the rest of the checks will go to the 16x18. It has great pop on serve, I was able to place the ball at the desired spot most of the time, my power serve and kick were online from the start and I really enjoyed putting major pressure on the opponent with the serve ability of this stick.
Ground Strokes – (8.5 of 10)
Felt really well, comparing to the K95s this felt much more maneuverable and flexible. At first I was having some trouble cracking the ball like I have been doing with my i.prestige however as our hit session was coming to a close I started letting loose on the ball and was ripping some serious forehands. Topspin was pretty easy to access on forehand ground strokes but I felt the control was not all there comparing to my 18x20 i.prestige mp. A lot of my power forehands that I was cracking for winners would sail on me probably due to the open string pattern, the grip pallet shape (since I am coming from a Head pallet which I got really used to on my forehands) and the string which I have never used before and this was my first hit with the racquet. The backhand felt really good, was producing good spin, it was feeling pretty dependable in rallies and serve returns. Overall I would need a few more hit sessions to be able to adapt to the frame and be able to use it the way I want so since I have not done so I can’t really give an accurate review.
Volley – (8.5 of 10)
I am not much of a volley player at this time but when needed will try to close out the point up at the net from time to time. This racquet felt pretty good on volleys again I didn’t notice much of a difference comparing it to my i.prestige volley ability, when I moved in I was able to nail them pretty well and with good depth, feel and control. I would leave this area to a more experienced volley player but for my basic volley skills it did the job pretty well here and I was happy with the result.
Conclusion – (9.0 of 10)
I really enjoyed hitting with this racquet, and it's best feature is the serve and it's wonderful playability. I also tried out the new Youtek Prestige Mid Plus and was very disappointed in it when comparing it to the BLX 95 and i.prestige mid plus. I am making a change to BLX 95 but I have yet to decide if I am going to the 16x18 or the 18x20. Again the BLX 95’s felt a lot better in comparison to the K95’s and pretty similar if not better to the N95’s, overall I think that Wilson made a really nice upgrade on it’s six one line and HEAD has been running downhill on theirs.
