BLX Tour 90 is the closest thing to a wood racquet

[asifallasleep]

I had the ncode tour 90, the kfactor tour 90 and now the blx tour 90. The progression is prefect. I finally got it together my 2nd day hitting with this racquet. First day I hated it. Had to get my form back together after hitting with the APDC for 2 weeks.

This racquet has it all, touch, finesse and power. It felt effortless striking the ball. I grew up hitting with wooden racquets and this baby feels like an old jack kramer pro staff, but with more power. Extremely stable, you can drive through the ball, you can whip it with spin, you can cut with precise slice, it's like it was an extension of my hand. The racquet was my hand. It's not hype by Wilson, the feel with this baby is unreal.

With the APDC i enjoyed bashing the ball, just banging and whipping away. With the BLX Tour 90 I would slice, flat, aggressive top, looping top, drop shots, lobs, crazy angles, it was so much fun trying every shot in the book and having it all work. So much variety.

I think it's perfect for all court players or players with a lot of variety in their game. Bashers from the baseline who don't have a lot of touch and feel should probably look elsewhere. This stick was designed for Fed, so if your style of play is similar it's the perfect weapon for you.

I strung it @ 50lbs with Babolat VS Gut in the mains and Babolat Hurricane Pro Tour in the crosses.

 

[stormholloway]

I agree it's very sweet, if not perfect, at least for me. I'm perplexed by the mixed reviews.

 

[user92626]

Excuse me, but is that the model used by Fed?

 

[klementine]

^ Fed's racquet is probably all graphite.. or a different lay-up.

I find it hard to believe that Fed needs or wants karaphite black (?) mixed with basalt fibers.

I'm taking an educated guess... but if there is someone with any info.???

 

[charliefedererer]

BLX Tour 90 is the closest thing to a wood racquet

I was intrigued by your opening comparisom to a wood racquet. I think the whole heritage of the overall heavy but head light PS85 down to the BLX Tour 90 was to duplicate the feel and touch of a Dunlop Maxply (or the Jack Kramer Pro Staff built to mimic the feel) but with a bigger head size, durability and more power. The characteristics are what is needed for a true all court game, not just baseline bashing.

 

[JoelDali]

Bring a Jack Kramer and a BLX on the court and play two sets with each.

Then rethink the thread title.



Insanity.

 

[stormholloway]

Bring a Jack Kramer and a BLX on the court and play two sets with each.

Then rethink the thread title.



Insanity.

He's not saying it's closer to a wood racquet than another wood racquet. Perhaps he's saying that it's closer to a wood racquet than any other racquet on the market.

Either way, I think you misunderstood his post. I generally find Wilson's Tour 90s to be closer to old school racquets than other models.

 

[coloskier]

He's not saying it's closer to a wood racquet than another wood racquet. Perhaps he's saying that it's closer to a wood racquet than any other racquet on the market.

Either way, I think you misunderstood his post. I generally find Wilson's Tour 90s to be closer to old school racquets than other models.

Got to agree with you there. But the KPS88 does not seem to be like the PS85 because it is so stiff. I'm looking forward to demoing the BLX90.

 

[VGP]

I agree it's very sweet, if not perfect, at least for me. I'm perplexed by the mixed reviews.

I did read that you like the BLX90 very much.

In the prototype playtest thread I wrote that based on the specs I was really looking forward to hitting with the frame. Seemingly, the weight, balance, flex, headsize, grip size, etc. all are very similar to my current frame......but after giving what was the BLX90 a go, I didn't like it all that much. To me, it felt weird.

 

[jrod]

I'm perplexed by the mixed reviews.

Seriously? YOU are perplexed by mixed reviews? For such a skeptic, you sure seem naive Storm.

 

[stormholloway]

Seriously? YOU are perplexed by mixed reviews? For such a skeptic, you sure seem naive Storm.

Well there seems to be unanimous love for the K90, despite how similar it is to the BLX90. There also seems to be unanimous love for the KPS88, despite the fact that its balance is so far off from a standard Pro Staff.

I hardly see the BLX as a departure from the great racquets Wilson has made in the past--in my opinion quite the contrary. Perhaps I'm just having a honeymoon period with it. I've only played a couple of sets with it and I was, admittedly, pretty baked.

I have a lesson tomorrow. We'll see.

 

[jrod]

Well there seems to be unanimous love for the K90, despite how similar it is to the BLX90. There also seems to be unanimous love for the KPS88, despite the fact that its balance is so far off from a standard Pro Staff.

I hardly see the BLX as a departure from the great racquets Wilson has made in the past--in my opinion quite the contrary. Perhaps I'm just having a honeymoon period with it. I've only played a couple of sets with it and I was, admittedly, pretty baked.

I have a lesson tomorrow. We'll see.

Yes, I read your review. Quite frankly, I don't really understand what precisely it does better than a k90. I guess I'd have to try it myself to find out. I'm too sold on the PB10mid to even bother though....

 

[goldenyama]

Well there seems to be unanimous love for the K90, despite how similar it is to the BLX90. There also seems to be unanimous love for the KPS88, despite the fact that its balance is so far off from a standard Pro Staff.

I hardly see the BLX as a departure from the great racquets Wilson has made in the past--in my opinion quite the contrary. Perhaps I'm just having a honeymoon period with it. I've only played a couple of sets with it and I was, admittedly, pretty baked.

I have a lesson tomorrow. We'll see.

Dude, if I got baked before I played I would think that any racquet was the dog's BLX...

 

[agassi fan]

Excuse me, but is that the model used by Fed?

federer uses a pj

 

[stormholloway]

Yes, I read your review. Quite frankly, I don't really understand what precisely it does better than a k90. I guess I'd have to try it myself to find out. I'm too sold on the PB10mid to even bother though....

Well, racquets really don't do anything. It's just a piece of plastic.

That said, the racquet is less polarized than the K90, which was a major plus in my book (I noted that quite clearly in my review). To me it always seemed like the throat didn't exist on the K90 and I can feel it quite well on the BLX.

 

[roller~]

'With the BLX Tour 90 I would slice, flat, aggressive top, looping top, drop shots, lobs, crazy angles, it was so much fun trying every shot in the book and having it all work. So much variety.'

- totally Right

 

[cork_screw]

Ah yes, the voice of reason. I totally agree. All wood racquets have a static weight to them. You really have to club the ball almost with no elbow bend, it's a really ugly swing, but probably the most effective with wooden racquets like how McEnroe, Lavar and Bjorg.
You don't really do that with the BLX90. Also, the BLX90 is much more muted. Whereas wooden racquets have that organic wooble to them (very slight and subtle) but you feel it. Going back to the static weight, the racquet actually feels more hollow than the K90. I believe if you take a buzzsaw and hack two crossections of each racquet the thickness of the racquets would be different. When you tap the BLX90 you can feel how much thinner it is, whereas if you tap the K90 with your finger you almost hear nothing, it's more solid inside. Wood racquets wouldn't have this hollow feeling. I think the K90 is much much more closer to a wooden racquet than any other racquet I've tried, which includes the PS85, and KPS88. To me the K90 is something special that might not be replicated again, whereas the KPS88 is just so so. Specwise it's nice, but it doesn't cover as many dimensions as the K90. The BLX90 is essentially wilson's answer to milking the money cow before Fed retires. I have no problem with that. If I owned a multi million dollar business I would do the same thing.

Bring a Jack Kramer and a BLX on the court and play two sets with each.

Then rethink the thread title.



Insanity.

 

[JT_2eighty]

The BLX90 is essentially wilson's answer to milking the money cow before Fed retires. I have no problem with that. If I owned a multi million dollar business I would do the same thing.

We have a winner!

 

[jrod]

Well, racquets really don't do anything. It's just a piece of plastic.

That said, the racquet is less polarized than the K90, which was a major plus in my book (I noted that quite clearly in my review). To me it always seemed like the throat didn't exist on the K90 and I can feel it quite well on the BLX.

Disagree....I've used the k90 quite successfully to restrict the airflow through the throats of my opponents.

Seriously, the k90 is an extremely well balanced frame in my opinion, despite the fact that it's SW is a tad over my maximum. Weight distribution is well proportioned. The "throat" on the k90 compared to almost ever other racquet I've played with (and there have been plenty) is very much present.

 

[netman]

You have obviously never played with a wood racquet.

 

[stormholloway]

Disagree....I've used the k90 quite successfully to restrict the airflow through the throats of my opponents.

Seriously, the k90 is an extremely well balanced frame in my opinion, despite the fact that it's SW is a tad over my maximum. Weight distribution is well proportioned. The "throat" on the k90 compared to almost ever other racquet I've played with (and there have been plenty) is very much present.

The throat on the K90 by far contains the least mass of any Tour 90 to date. It's well known that it was the first polarized Tour 90. Do you doubt this? Now the BLX90 is the same static weight with a lower swing weight and balance. Could it be that some of the mass from the head was shifted toward the throat? It sure feels like it.

In other words, you're wrong.

 

[asifallasleep]

He's not saying it's closer to a wood racquet than another wood racquet. Perhaps he's saying that it's closer to a wood racquet than any other racquet on the market.

Either way, I think you misunderstood his post. I generally find Wilson's Tour 90s to be closer to old school racquets than other models.

Exactly. I would however go as far to say the K90 is the reincarnation of the jack kramer autograph and the BLX90 the reincarnation of the jack kramer prostaff, both with todays technology.

 

[volleynets]

Well there seems to be unanimous love for the K90, despite how similar it is to the BLX90. There also seems to be unanimous love for the KPS88, despite the fact that its balance is so far off from a standard Pro Staff.

I hardly see the BLX as a departure from the great racquets Wilson has made in the past--in my opinion quite the contrary. Perhaps I'm just having a honeymoon period with it. I've only played a couple of sets with it and I was, admittedly, pretty baked.

I have a lesson tomorrow. We'll see.

You played high with the blx90?

 

[jrod]

The throat on the K90 by far contains the least mass of any Tour 90 to date. It's well known that it was the first polarized Tour 90. Do you doubt this? Now the BLX90 is the same static weight with a lower swing weight and balance. Could it be that some of the mass from the head was shifted toward the throat? It sure feels like it.

In other words, you're wrong.

Storm - I haven't played with the BLX90 but I used to play with a k90 and now use the PB10mid. The polarization on my current frame is more pronounced than on the k90. Furthermore, the k90 plays more firmly than practically any other frame I've tried, but I tend to prefer flexy frames.

That said, I'm intrigued that you believe you are in a better position than I am to make observations on how I perceive things. This is quite a unique skill. Can you do this with everyone?

 

[JoelDali]

When I hit with the BLX back in November my thought was wow, this really feels like a Donnay Borg Pro Allwood strung at 65+ with Leonia 66. So, yeah I concede, the BLX is definitely the closest thing you'll get to going old school. I'm sure the basalt and dampened feel is the culprit here.

If Fed wins the AO with the BLX90 you'll see thousands of people using them come springtime. Actually Hundreds of thousands. Had he lost in the first round, not so many. Thank God for Wilson Fed is still in it. The suckcess of this PJ'd K90 is riding on the AO results.

I for one, am tempted to add one to the collection, just for the hella it. Being the box beam hoar that I am.

 

[Marcus]

If Fed wins the AO with the BLX90 you'll see thousands of people using them come springtime. Actually Hundreds of thousands. Had he lost in the first round, not so many. Thank God for Wilson Fed is still in it. The suckcess of this PJ'd K90 is riding on the AO results.

QUOTE]

totally !!!

I used a pair of K90's to replace my old PS85's never got on with them too well as they felt very different

I've bought a BLX 90 and it's like a more forgiving PS85 !! I'm about to add another couple to my bag

For me.... the BLX suits me better than the K90, I value it's softer "flexier" feel and i've never served as well as I am with the BLX. No way is the BLX just a PJ of the K90


Mark

 

[stormholloway]

Storm - I haven't played with the BLX90 but I used to play with a k90 and now use the PB10mid. The polarization on my current frame is more pronounced than on the k90. Furthermore, the k90 plays more firmly than practically any other frame I've tried, but I tend to prefer flexy frames.

That said, I'm intrigued that you believe you are in a better position than I am to make observations on how I perceive things. This is quite a unique skill. Can you do this with everyone?

I'm not saying the K90 isn't firm, or that it isn't a great frame--I think it is, but to say that it isn't highly polarized (where mass is predominantly at the ends and not the throat) seems wrong to me. It's not a matter of perception really. This isn't an opinion. The K90 is polarized, as opposed to every Pro Staff before it.

The BLX90 is also polarized, but a touch less so. Other than that, it has a more dampened feel. But beyond that, I see no significant differences. The BLX90 is very similar to the K. I just prefer the BLX.

 

[jrod]

I'm not saying the K90 isn't firm, or that it isn't a great frame--I think it is, but to say that it isn't highly polarized (where mass is predominantly at the ends and not the throat) seems wrong to me. It's not a matter of perception really. This isn't an opinion. The K90 is polarized, as opposed to every Pro Staff before it....

Polarization is, to an extent, a matter of perception. Ultimately it depends on your reference point. In this particular case your reference is entirely different than mine. If you want to try a polarized frame, try the PB10mid and you'll quickly understand where I am coming from.

 

[stormholloway]

I suppose you're right. I couldn't handle a racquet any more polarized than the K90. Personally, I prefer the opposite.

 

[jrod]

....
In other words, you're wrong.

Are you sure about that?

I suppose you're right....

The fact of the matter is Storm, we both are. It's not always binary you know...

 

[roundiesee]

I had the ncode tour 90, the kfactor tour 90 and now the blx tour 90. The progression is prefect. I finally got it together my 2nd day hitting with this racquet. First day I hated it. Had to get my form back together after hitting with the APDC for 2 weeks.

This racquet has it all, touch, finesse and power. It felt effortless striking the ball. I grew up hitting with wooden racquets and this baby feels like an old jack kramer pro staff, but with more power. Extremely stable, you can drive through the ball, you can whip it with spin, you can cut with precise slice, it's like it was an extension of my hand. The racquet was my hand. It's not hype by Wilson, the feel with this baby is unreal.

With the APDC i enjoyed bashing the ball, just banging and whipping away. With the BLX Tour 90 I would slice, flat, aggressive top, looping top, drop shots, lobs, crazy angles, it was so much fun trying every shot in the book and having it all work. So much variety.

I think it's perfect for all court players or players with a lot of variety in their game. Bashers from the baseline who don't have a lot of touch and feel should probably look elsewhere. This stick was designed for Fed, so if your style of play is similar it's the perfect weapon for you.

I strung it @ 50lbs with Babolat VS Gut in the mains and Babolat Hurricane Pro Tour in the crosses.

Initially I thought this claim was slightly "over-the-top" but having tried the BLX yesterday (albeit the Asian Version, 319g unstrung), I think the OP may be quite right. Certainly the feel of the BLX was pretty soft and flexible despite its RDC rating, even with a full poly set-up (the one I tried had full Big-Banger). There pleasantly was no arm pain at all after playing 2 sets with it (not so with the Asian K90 I tried before). I think for those who do like comfort and a muted feel, the BLX would certainly be a good choice. Now I'll look forward to demoing the US version soon (hopefully)

 

[Pioneer]

I don't believe in the BLX crap, I think they are doing it to maximize profits without having to come up with a REAL new technology

 

[stormholloway]

Are you sure about that?



The fact of the matter is Storm, we both are. It's not always binary you know...

Well, considering the first response was to one statement of yours and the second to another, I'm not sure that was a fair assessment.

 

[0d1n]

"ROFLCOPTER" @ thread title. Yeah...right.

 

[JoelDali]

"ROFLCOPTER" @ thread title. Yeah...right.

No really, it really plays like a wooden raquet.

And the playtest raquet was an AK90

:O

 

[jrod]

Well, considering the first response was to one statement of yours and the second to another, I'm not sure that was a fair assessment.

Well, the two statements were essentially attempting to make the same point, but I suppose it's entirely possible you perceived them to be saying entirely different things ;-) .