2011 Wilson Racquet Playtest

I've only had my Wilson demo for a few days, so not enough hitting yet to form a solid opinion (though the first outing was VERY encouraging, the string felt completely dead the second day). Still, I hope to have my review up in the next few days. BHBH
 
Fedace said:
can you send me your test frame after you are done /?? i would like to test it too and i will send it back to TW as soon as i am done,,,,promise.
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Well I doubt that I will be getting some extended length, carbon fiber/aluminum/graphite composite, SW < 300 frame like you seem to be looking for....so that would be no.....
 
BobFL said:
Nothing in my inbox :(
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Same here. Although I suspect I'm blackballed cause I didn't spend a whole lot of time with it. You, however, gave the tester a good workout. Can't imagine why they wouldn't want you to give another one another look. :confused:
 
Has anyone received a 2 Black strip racquet? I'm going to playtest mine tomorrow and post my opinions briefly here.

Also, is the time frame that you have the racquet exactly 1 week?
 
Angle Queen said:
Same here. Although I suspect I'm blackballed cause I didn't spend a whole lot of time with it. You, however, gave the tester a good workout. Can't imagine why they wouldn't want you to give another one another look. :confused:
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I didn't spend a lot of time with mine, but mostly because of the arm issues.

I may have been chosen because the last time I playtested a Prince frame, I actually bought one! :shock:

Uh oh, maybe I should have said no! *checking bank balance* :D
 
Got mine two weeks ago; here are observations/ review

Frame is the same as BPs, shown in post 12 on page 1. Has blue and red tape stripes, and strung with a white poly that looks to be Enduro Pro, but I have trouble reading the lettering. The frame has the same profile as the current K Blade Tour 93, with 20mm beam and 18x20 pattern. I think that BP's specs are about right, and I share his feeling about the poly set up. I've hit with the frame stock and with lead tape to mirror my usual set up (2g about 6" above the butt cap, 2g in the throat and 4g at 3 and 9).

Groundstrokes had great directional control and easy access to spin. Nice feel except that I'd also prefer a softer string and my elbow really didn't respond well. Good pop, with solid feedback. Feels relatively solid but insubstantial without lead to me.

Volleys were solid and had good depth and crispness, but I haven't volleyed much with the frame overall.

Serves have the same great Wilson blend of pace and control, with easy access to power.

I didn't hit overheads with the frame and didn't play sets as the string set up hurt my arm within 15 minutes or so each of the 4 times I've tried it.

All in all, I like the frame and find it comparable to the current KBT. With more mass and softer string, I imagine that it will be quite fine.

Current stick is the Head Microgel Prestige Mid strung at mid tension with 17g multifilament on the mains and 17g soft poly on the crosses. I've also been enjoying the BLX 90 lately and may switch back to Wilsons.
 
mrmo1115 said:
Has anyone received a 2 Black strip racquet? I'm going to playtest mine tomorrow and post my opinions briefly here.

Also, is the time frame that you have the racquet exactly 1 week?
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See my review of the double black on the page 10...yes, one week and then send it back.

TripleB
 
Topaz said:
I didn't spend a lot of time with mine, but mostly because of the arm issues.

I may have been chosen because the last time I playtested a Prince frame, I actually bought one! :shock:

Uh oh, maybe I should have said no! *checking bank balance* :D
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I have a funny feeling I'm going to end up buying something as well. I LOVE Prince :) This might bite me in the butt later.... lol *checking credit card balance* :twisted:
 
Narrow red and wider blue

Your personal racquet of choice: My current faves are the PK Black Ace 93 and Dunlop 4D 200 Tour
The color code on the racquet: Red and Blue
Hours played with the racquet: 5

Headsize: ~ 93 sq. in. (No PWS)
Length: 27 in.
Weight and Balance:
12.2oz / 345g / 6+ pts HL (out of the box)
12.6oz / 356g / 8.5 pts HL (with 2 overgrips and rubberband dampener)
Beam Width: 20mm straight flat beam
Grip: Wilson leather grip
String Pattern: 18 x 20
String: Wilson Enduro Tour 16

Grip size was 4 3/8, which meant I had to add two overgrips, which resulted in more weight and a more HL balance.

I agree with BreakPoint's guess that this is very likely the new BLX Blade Tour.

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General Comments

I liked this racquet a lot. It combines the precision and control of a midsize head, narrow beam and soft-feeling flex with excellent pop and very good comfort on all strokes. The sweetspot felt very large for a 93" head. In terms of feel, it can't quite match the crispness of my PK Black Ace 93 (very few sticks can), but it has more power (that is still very controllable) than the BA93.

Overall, it reminded me of the Prince CTS Mids of the late 1980s and early 1990s (I mean that as high praise), fitting somewhere between the CTS Lightning 90 and the CTS Approach 90 in terms of power level. And its thinner beam provides better control and feel. I'd be happy to own and play with this racquet.

Groundstrokes

Precise and accurate. Comfortable and stable. Excellent pop. Spin potential was not huge but more than adequate for my more classic strokes.

Serves

I had no trouble serving big serves with excellent directional control. The power level of the frame and the precision afforded by its midsize head were most apparent here.

Volleys

Easy to get into position and the generous sweetspot size meant I could volley with great confidence. The excellent pop didn't hurt either.

Serve Returns

Again, the combination of sweetspot size, power and control made for confident shotmaking.


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I wanted to thank the TW Staff for selecting this racquet for me to playtest. And for selecting what turned out to be the BLX 6.1 95 16X18 in last year's Wilson racquet playtest. To me, this excellent matching of racquets to individual player preferences is just another example of the fine work that the folks at TW do on a daily basis.
 
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These reviews of (what is probably) the BLXBT seem very, very promising. I can't wait to buy a pair!

Thanks to the playtesters for their insights and TW for giving them the opportunity.
 
- Your personal racquet of choice
Wilson K-Factor K Blade 98

- The color code on the racquet received (identified by the 2 strips of tape on the throat)
Two Black Strips

- How many hours did you play with the racquet?
One Hour

Groundstrokes: Felt I was able to get nice pop with the ball. Good spin and I could really hit through the strike zone. My backhand felt really great with this racquet. I was a bit hesitant at first with this racquet because the head size seemed huge, way over the 100 sq inch mark. However it came with a Hybrid Grip so it made me feel like I was actually wielding a playable stick. Overall, groundies were good, but control could be improved. 7/10

Serve: Felt great with this stick. Was able to get a lot of pop on my 1st and 2nd serves. Got some nice kick on the 2nd serve especially. 7/10

Volley: Didn't feel that comfortable volleying with this stick, but then again my volleys aren't the best part of my game. Could use more improvement here, but still wasn't bad at all. 6/10

Serve Returns: Felt just like my regular racquet on the return. Nothing too different. 8/10


General comments on overall performance: Overall, I am really happy to be able to be in this playtest. It is an honor and I hope I can do it again. The racquet wasn't the one I was hoping for (Really wanted that new Blade 98), but I am satisfied with what I played with. The racquet isn't suited for me because of the big headsize, and me being a player who likes to stick in the MidPlus range. However, I can definitely see people who want a friendly string bed racquet that has some characteristics of a true player's racquet including the Hybrid grip that gives it a nice feel when holding it.


Edit: After reviewing some of the new pictures and specs of the new Wilson Line. I have come to the conclusion that the Double Black tape racquet is the new Wilson K blade Team 104.
 
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I saw Blade and Blade Tour today and Blade 98 felt stiff. It seems like the racquet I tested was a lot softer than retail Blade. Bad news for me and good news for stiffness lovers :)
 
Keifers said:
Your personal racquet of choice: My current faves are the PK Black Ace 93 and Dunlop 4D 200 Tour
The color code on the racquet: Red and Blue
Hours played with the racquet: 5

Headsize: ~ 93 sq. in. (No PWS)
Length: 27 in.
Weight and Balance:
12.2oz / 345g / 6+ pts HL (out of the box)
12.6oz / 356g / 8.5 pts HL (with 2 overgrips and rubberband dampener)
Beam Width: 20mm straight flat beam
Grip: Wilson leather grip
String Pattern: 18 x 20
String: Wilson Enduro Tour 16

Grip size was 4 3/8, which meant I had to add two overgrips, which resulted in more weight and a more HL balance.

I agree with BreakPoint's guess that this is very likely the new BLX Blade Tour.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

General Comments

I liked this racquet a lot. It combines the precision and control of a midsize head, narrow beam and soft-feeling flex with excellent pop and very good comfort on all strokes. The sweetspot felt very large for a 93" head. In terms of feel, it can't quite match the crispness of my PK Black Ace 93 (very few sticks can), but it has more power (that is still very controllable) than the BA93.

Overall, it reminded me of the Prince CTS Mids of the late 1980s and early 1990s (I mean that as high praise), fitting somewhere between the CTS Lightning 90 and the CTS Approach 90 in terms of power level. And its thinner beam provides better control and feel. I'd be happy to own and play with this racquet.

Groundstrokes

Precise and accurate. Comfortable and stable. Excellent pop. Spin potential was not huge but more than adequate for my more classic strokes.

Serves

I had no trouble serving big serves with excellent directional control. The power level of the frame and the precision afforded by its midsize head were most apparent here.

Volleys

Easy to get into position and the generous sweetspot size meant I could volley with great confidence. The excellent pop didn't hurt either.

Serve Returns

Again, the combination of sweetspot size, power and control made for confident shotmaking.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I wanted to thank the TW Staff for selecting this racquet for me to playtest. And for selecting what turned out to be the BLX 6.1 95 16X18 in last year's Wilson racquet playtest. To me, this excellent matching of racquets to individual player preferences is just another example of the fine work that the folks at TW do on a daily basis.
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Sweet write-up Kiefers! I had a KBlade Tour for a while that I really liked. With an overgrip and dampener, it came in around 11.8 ounces, so I think I got a light one. Always wanted to try lead on it but ultimately sold it in favor of the 6.1's and 'sameness'. But I just keep on demoing, OCD...

Did you try the KBlade 93? If so - does this new BLX model follow suit along the lines of making it a bit more soft and dampened? Also - how does it compare to the BLX 95 18x20?

Thanks much!
 
tarkowski said:
Sweet write-up Kiefers! I had a KBlade Tour for a while that I really liked. With an overgrip and dampener, it came in around 11.8 ounces, so I think I got a light one. Always wanted to try lead on it but ultimately sold it in favor of the 6.1's and 'sameness'. But I just keep on demoing, OCD...

Did you try the KBlade 93? If so - does this new BLX model follow suit along the lines of making it a bit more soft and dampened? Also - how does it compare to the BLX 95 18x20?

Thanks much!
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Hey tark, great to hear from you. And thanks for the thumbs up.

At 11.8oz playing weight, I would want to lead it up, too. I don't know if my playtest racquet (12.2oz out of the box) was heavier than spec, or if Wilson has made the BLX Blade Tour heavier than the K version, but I was quite happy with it. (My PK BA93 comes it at 11.9oz with og and dampener, and I would LOVE it if PK made a Tour version that's .4 to .5 ounces heavier.)

No, I've never tried the KBlade 93. But I would imagine the BLX treatment does make it a bit more soft and dampened.

I playtested the BLX 6.1 95 16X18 last November; have not hit with the 18X20. That said, I think I would prefer the BLX Blade 93 over the BLX 6.1 95 -- because of its thinner beam and smaller head. Going from the BLX Blade 93 to my 4D 200 Tour, I notice the 200's 95" head felt less precise (although that sensation may be less going to a BLX 95 18X20's denser string pattern).

Cheers.
 
Keifers said:
Hey tark, great to hear from you. And thanks for the thumbs up.

At 11.8oz playing weight, I would want to lead it up, too. I don't know if my playtest racquet (12.2oz out of the box) was heavier than spec, or if Wilson has made the BLX Blade Tour heavier than the K version, but I was quite happy with it. (My PK BA93 comes it at 11.9oz with og and dampener, and I would LOVE it if PK made a Tour version that's .4 to .5 ounces heavier.)

No, I've never tried the KBlade 93. But I would imagine the BLX treatment does make it a bit more soft and dampened.

I playtested the BLX 6.1 95 16X18 last November; have not hit with the 18X20. That said, I think I would prefer the BLX Blade 93 over the BLX 6.1 95 -- because of its thinner beam and smaller head. Going from the BLX Blade 93 to my 4D 200 Tour, I notice the 200's 95" head felt less precise (although that sensation may be less going to a BLX 95 18X20's denser string pattern).

Cheers.
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Thanks again man - very much appreciated!

I'm really looking forward to demoing this one. I think the Wilson published spec is 12oz strung. The K version I had was especially light at 11.8 with over grip and dampener (Wilson QC), although it seemed the TW published spec of 11.8 was still a little shy of what Wilson intended. With one true to spec, I think with my usual mods of a single over grip and dampener - it would be about 12.3 which would be fantastic. I think this would give me the stability I was looking for over the K version I had... without having to mess with lead.

I'm highly anticipating BHBH's review on this one as well!

Take care
 
And yet another winner from Wilson!!!

Your personal racquet of choice: Wilson Asian BLX 90 (see my signature!)
The color code on the racquet: Red and Blue
Hours played with the racquet: >10
Headsize: 93 si (+/- an inch or two-it was EVER so SLIGHTLY larger than my ABXL 90)
Length: 27 in.
Weight/Balance/SW: 339 grams/32.3cm/332 SW (as tested on our machine)
Beam Width: 20mm flat (but NOT box) beam
Grip: Wilson leather grip (which I removed to play with a single Tournagrip + lead under the grip to off-set the lost weight)
String Pattern: 18 x 20
String: Wilson Enduro 16 @ 52#, which promptly snapped after an hour or two, then BB Ace 18 @63#)
Grip size: 4 3/8 (I usually use a 1/2)

Test conditions: All playtesting occured on medium speed, recently resurfaced, indoor hard courts.

Hitting/practice/playing partners: GB 50 yo male, former DI player and nationally ranked top 50 men's 45's; FC, 43 yo male, former DII #1 player, 5.0+, AB, 32 yo male, former DI player, 5.0+, GM, 52 yo male, former DI #1 and ACC champ, BR, 54 yo male, former DI player, 5.0.

Test Format: "Free" hitting/rallys, volley/overhead drills, point play. We often play 'two on one' during point play using the singles court ONLY for both the 'lone' guy and the other two across the net. ;)

Pickup 'feel': I think you can often tell a lot about a frame just by picking it up and taking a few 'dry' swings, or perhaps even just bouncing a few balls off the ground. You get a sense of the balance, SW, and basic 'feel' of the ball-on-strings experience any given frame has to offer. Well, in this department the mystery frame immediately made me stand up and take notice. Even with the somewhat lifeless Enduro 16 string, the 'feedback to the hand' (TM-and thanks Drak!) was immediately apparent, even when just bouncing a few balls off the court BEFORE the first 'official' ball was struck!

The Gestalt, for those with short attention spans: I've now been playing the Wilson AK or ABLX 90 exclusively for nearly 4 years. Before that I used first the PS 6.0 85, then the Tour 90, and of course the nCode 90. You may be getting the feeling I kind of like the Wilson Pro Staff series, and if so, you are right! One of the reasons I am so enamored with them is their ability to generate excellent power (assuming one has the proper technique) while preserving feel for the ball and even more importantly, PRECISION of shot making. Until I hit the test frame I'd never come across another racquet (with the exception of the Head Prestige series) that offered this same combination of virtues. Yet for me personally the peculiar shape of the Head grips were off-putting enough to keep me sporting the red "W" for a long, long time. The trade off of course, as has been discussed ad infinitum here, is that of relatively heavy weight and small head size, the combination of which calls on the user to have not only excellent technique, but the kind of fitness necessary to wield the frame and swing aggressively over the course of a long, gruelling match. But today there is good news, tennis fans! The good folks from Wilson have managed to design a frame with all those same virtues in a slightly lighter, slightly larger head-sized, more manuverable package. They call it......well, we're not really certain what THEY call it yet, but I call it good!

Groundstrokes: Off both the forehand and backhand wings the test frame delivered the groundstroking goods. Although my shots took on a SLIGHTLY more 'flat' trajectory (when compared to my reference ABLX 90) the sense of freedom to 'swing away' without fear of the ball sailing long was there in spades. And by no means were my shots lacking in spin-there was just overall a little less of it than I am accustomed to seeing. The trade off for decreased spin came in the bonus of additional pace, producing a ball that seemed to pierce more 'through' the court. All of my hitting partners made this observation at one time or another. These characteristics of the frame gave me added confidence during groundstroking rallies to 'hit out' and go for shots, especially the DTL backhand. I think I made more unforced errors with this frame, but it was only because I felt I could 'pull the trigger' more than with my own frame. I suspect I also hit more winners (but we tennis players tend to remember more the times we miss-true?)

Volleys: Volleying with the test frame was a true pleasure. The frame's increased manuverability lent a quality of perceived 'quickness' to my shots at net, and as such I found myself reaching certain balls that might have felt 'out of reach' in the past. I think I was getting both forehand and backhand volleys more 'out in front' owing to the 'nimble' feel I found. It just seemed easier to recover, even after a difficult shot. The 18x20 pattern also seemed to produce excellent backspin and 'skid' on well struck volleys-GB in particular commented on a number of occasions about this quality (and he should know-he hits passing shots with the very best of them!) AB pointed out that he felt it seemed I had more 'touch' around net during point play.

Serves/Overheads: Another of the (many!) virtues of the Wilson PS series are their serving properties. The test frame certainly can take its place amongst them with pride. I was almost immediately able to begin hitting big, nasty first serves with this frame. Placement was excellent. Perhaps even better than with my ABLX 90. GB, GM, AB, and FC all commented on the added pace I was finding with the test frame on first offerings. Second serves were good, with an excellent sense of targeting, but lacked the last word in 'kick' I know I am able to generate with my own frame. Overheads were fun to hit because with the test frame I found I could just POUND them-again more pace for sure, with equally good targeting. I win or lose with my serve, and I'd be happy to take the test frame into a competitive match, despite the relatively short time I've had to hit it, so great is my confidence in my ability to serve well with it straight out of the box.

Return of Serve: I found the stability of the test frame along with its inherent mass and more (for me, in comparison to my reference frame) HL balance conspired to make it great for returning serve. Whether faced with some of the missles fired at me from the frame of AB or FC, or fending off GB's deceptively piercing body serves and well placed spin serves, the test frame was a joy to use to return. Targeting in particular was worth noting. I felt as though I could simply line up the shot and swing away, 'picking a spot' on the court with the confidence I could hit it. Even when FC stormed the net I was able to alternatively 'chip' the ball with nasty underspin towards his feet, or 'drive' through the ball with intention of producing a 'dipping' topspin shot in an effort to disrupt his smooth S&V style.


Approach/Transition/Speciality Shots: This is another area where, in my experience, the Wilson PS series is unmatched, and for me the AK/ABLX 90's are simply superb. The 'raw' feel of the PS series lends itself so well to making the 'touch' or feel shots. Yet again the test frame aquitted itself spectacularly. The 1HBH approach shot struck aggressively with heavy slice has set up many an easy volley for me, and without the ability to hit it well my game is severely hampered. Enter the test frame, with its more than adequate mass but 'nimble' feel and highly manuverable temperament and voila! The approaches I hit had excellent spin, depth/directional control, and 'bite after the bounce'. More than once I was then able to knock off easy winners at net, so penetrating and skidding were my approaches. Half volleys too were very good, with the test frame offering excellent 'feel' for the ball and the ability to 'stay alive' even when AB blistered (as he is prone to do) a 'wandering' second serve from which I had been silly enough to venture forward. Yet the test frame did reveal at least one weakness in this area. Maybe because it is a bit lighter and more HL, it did NOT feel as 'stable' when I was forced to fight off balls struck aggressively at my body when playing net. The ability to simply 'set' the frame and volley the ball back deep was distinctly diminished in comparison to my Tour 90's.

Summary: I really enjoyed my time with the test frame, and found it a very easy, 'natural' transition from my own ABLX 90's. This is likely in part because of my affinity for the Wilson PS series, and of course also in part because it just so happens my 'preferred' specs and those of the test frame are virtually identical.

When compared to my ABLX 90's, the test frame was easier to swing fast off the ground (slightly lighter, slightly more HL), felt more nimble and offered slightly improved 'feel' at net, and granted me every so slightly more power on serves, overheads, and groundstrokes. Still, there is no free lunch!! For all its many virtues, these advantages came at the ultimate expense of the loss of some degree of spin (which was most sorely missed on 'kick' second serves) and a noticeable (if modest) decrease in stability, especially when attempting to fend off well struck 'body blows' at net.

Continued below!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
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And the conclusion?

Will I likely change to the test frame? Probably not. First, I own several of my frames and know EXACTLY how I want them set up. Second, when using the ABLX 90 I feel completely comfortable and confident when I set up for just about any shot. It would likely take a very long time to feel this same level of confidence in any new frame. Third, and perhaps most importantly, the ability to heavily 'kick' the second serve is very important to me, since I often like to serve and volley and enjoy taking chances with my first serve in hopes of winning easy points. The decreased spin on second serves is therefore a difference that translates quite negatively to my game. Fourth, the loss of spin off the ground seemed to plant many of my groundstrokes firmly within my opponents strike zone, in contrast to the higher bounding balls I typically generate using my own racquet.

Still, this is a GREAT frame and I suspect Wilson will sell a TON of them. The combination of "Precision Power" (TM), manuverability, and deft touch offered by the test stick will make it a 'must demo' for advanced players looking to move to a slightly more forgiving frame.

If I were pressed to sum it up for a 'Tweet', I would say, "Wilson has made a Head Prestige mid with a slightly stiffer feel and more comfortable grip shape!" ;) :)

And finally, thanks to TW for including me in this play test. It was truly an enjoyable experience. :) BHBH
 
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Flattery, flattery all is flattery.


BounceHitBounceHit said:
Will I likely change to the test frame? Probably not. First, I own several of my frames and know EXACTLY how I want them set up. Second, when using the ABLX 90 I feel completely comfortable and confident when I set up for just about any shot. It would likely take a very long time to feel this same level of confidence in any new frame. Third, and perhaps most importantly, the ability to heavily 'kick' the second serve is very important to me, since I often like to serve and volley and enjoy taking chances with my first serve in hopes of winning easy points. The decreased spin on second serves is therefore a difference that translates quite negatively to my game. Fourth, the loss of spin off the ground seemed to plant many of my groundstrokes firmly within my opponents strike zone, in contrast to the higher bounding balls I typically generate using my own racquet.

Still, this is a GREAT frame and I suspect Wilson will sell a TON of them. The combination of "Precision Power" (TM), manuverability, and deft touch offered by the test stick will make it a 'must demo' for advanced players looking to move to a slightly more forgiving frame.

If I were pressed to sum it up for a 'Tweet', I would say, "Wilson has made a Head Prestige mid with a slightly stiffer feel and more comfortable grip shape!" ;) :)

And finally, thanks to TW for including me in this play test. It was truly an enjoyable experience. :) BHBH
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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

But yes, I did like it very much. :) I stand behind what I said: "A Head Prestige that's a bit stiffer and sports the comfy (at least for me and my grips) Wilson grip shape." ;) BHBH
 
BounceHitBounceHit said:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

But yes, I did like it very much. :) I stand behind what I said: "A Head Prestige that's a bit stiffer and sports the comfy (at least for me and my grips) Wilson grip shape." ;) BHBH
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Excellent write-up BHBH. Thanks much for taking the time to do it - very much appreciated! Looks like I'll be taking this one out for a test-drive once it is out.
 
tarkowski said:
Excellent write-up BHBH. Thanks much for taking the time to do it - very much appreciated! Looks like I'll be taking this one out for a test-drive once it is out.
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Absolutely and gladly! :) I really enjoy these play tests. Also check back later for the '360 degree' review from the OTHER side of the net, featuring our old pal Geoff and new friend, Andres (AB). :) Best, BHBH
 
- Your Personal Racquet of Choice:
Head Radical Microgel.
- The color code on the racquet received (identified by
the 2 strips of tape on the throat):
Blue and Black
- How many hours did you play with the racquet:
3 hours
- Comments on racquet performance in the following categories:
Groundstrokes, Serve, Volley, Serve Returns:

I felt like I was playing with those big red whiffle ball bats that you would play with when you were little. The racquet felt like it was hollow and there was not much feel to it. You could put some pace on the ball, especially with serves, but it was at the expense of your elbow due to the hollowness of the racquet.

- General comments on overall performance.

Overall, I didn't like it because I prefer a racquet with more feel. I would recommend this racquet to any 3.0 or anyone that is just getting into tennis.
 
BounceHitBounceHit said:
Excellent! :) BHBH
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My feedback on the test racket that BHBH reviewed, from the other side of the net. I am using BHBH's usual racket of choice, Asian BLX 90 (see his signature line) as a baseline comparison.

Groundstrokes - He had great depth, pace and placement. There was no compromise in consistency either. Spin seemed less than the ABLX 90 but on the other hand there seemed to be an increase in pace.

Volleys - Crisp, low, deep off the test racket. Had great racket maneuverability handling balls that came at him with pace and or spin. Volleys were as good or better than the ABLX 90 in all categories.

Overheads - Great pace and control. Like the volleys as good or better than the ABLX 90.

Serve Returns - As expected similar feedback as groundstrokes. Overall not as strong as the ABLX 90.

Serves - Great pace but definitely less spin. BHBH could hit his spots but second serve lacked usual kick and was easier to return offensively.

Summary - BHBH had an increase in pace with a decrease in spin. This is not unexpected with the 18 x 20 string pattern. This is a great racket for those playing a relentless attacking game. Spin was not non existent just noticeably less than his normal frame. BHBH could easily play his very effective aggressive yet consistent all court game with this frame.
 
Geoff said:
My feedback on the test racket that BHBH reviewed, from the other side of the net. I am using BHBH's usual racket of choice, Asian BLX 90 (see his signature line) as a baseline comparison.

Groundstrokes - He had great depth, pace and placement. There was no compromise in consistency either. Spin seemed less than the ABLX 90 but on the other hand there seemed to be an increase in pace.

Volleys - Crisp, low, deep off the test racket. Had great racket maneuverability handling balls that came at him with pace and or spin. Volleys were as good or better than the ABLX 90 in all categories.

Overheads - Great pace and control. Like the volleys as good or better than the ABLX 90.

Serve Returns - As expected similar feedback as groundstrokes. Overall not as strong as the ABLX 90.

Serves - Great pace but definitely less spin. BHBH could hit his spots but second serve lacked usual kick and was easier to return offensively.

Summary - BHBH had an increase in pace with a decrease in spin. This is not unexpected with the 18 x 20 string pattern. This is a great racket for those playing a relentless attacking game. Spin was not non existent just noticeably less than his normal frame. BHBH could easily play his very effective aggressive yet consistent all court game with this frame.
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Thanks Geoff! Nice to see my perceptions confirmed from your side of the net! :) Now, if I can just get rid of this nasty cold and get back out there! ;) Have a safe trip. BHBH
 
I met with our wilson rep yesterday. The power holes is the Henins racket. I guess they were tired of listening to the paint job complaints (which she was obvioulsy playing with a PJ, cant hide power holes!!) I play with the KBT so I was happy to hit with the new blx Blade Tour. Seems like an easy switch... not loving the PJ as much as the KBT but it will grow on me I am sure. It is the standard BLX pj with black and gold.
 
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