n61 95(16x18) users: tried the BLX version yet ?

[barney]

I'm a long time user of the n61 95 ("16x18").

I've tried a lot of other rackets, but I haven't found one yet that has the same overall qualities as the n61. I had hoped the k95 would do it, but it didn't work out for me.

I have high hopes for BLX61 95, which I'll probably order today from TW.

Have any of you fellow n61 95 ("16x18") users given it a try ? How do the two compare ?

 

[barney]

I found some feedback from a couple of n61 users in the BLX61 95 racket feedback section: http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/feedback-6195BX.html

This is very promising.

Comments: The new BLX 6.1 has both the N6.1 and K6.1 beat. Vibrations are gone, weight is perfect 12.3 ounces strung, and the new Hybrid grip is awesome. The open (16 x 18) string pattern provides me excellent stability and control without the harshness of the K95, but more firm than the N95. The new BLX 6.1 has just the right weight and balance for my game. Cosmetics are much improved over previous version.
From: Barry, FL 01/10
String type and tension: Pro Supex Maxim Touch 17, 54 pounds
Headsize: 95
NTRP Rating: 4.5

Comments: Wilson got it right again! After an unsuccessful attempt with the KFactor 6.1, they finally reduced the stiffness a bit and got it spot on with the BLX's. I bounced around with a few different frames while the KFactors were out (Prestige Pro) and when I saw the BLX's reduce the stiffness, I was back. Best feature is the dampened feeling with out a dampener. I've always used a "W" dampener or a #64 rubber band but with the BLX's its not necessary. GREAT STICK but very demanding. If you have the skill set you will appreciate what this racquet can do!
From: John, Williamsburg, VA 01/10
String type and tension: Lux ALU/NRG2
Headsize: 95
NTRP Rating: 4.5

Comments: I was very attached to my old n-code 6.1 95 and when it was replaced it with the K factor I was unable to make the switch. This BLX 6.1 95 bring me back to my n-code. But better: more feedback, it tells you what do wrong, more feel/touch, with my brick hands, I can stil put a dropper on a dime! The open string pattern (not avaliable on the K factor) helps my kicker get head high and my weak groundies jump like crazy, Plenty of pop when you get set up well. If your were a n-code fan, or if you are looking for an advanced players stick that can help make you a better player....try this one!
From: Royce Robbins, Midland, TX, USA 01/10
String type and tension: Babolat Hurricane Maines @ 60# and
Babolat Natural gut @ 58 in the crosses
Headsize: 95
NTRP Rating: 4.0

 

[barney]

I finally picked up a BLX61 95 ("16x18") from TW, strung with Pacific 16L gut at 60lbs.

I'm ok with the cosmetics, though I'm not real crazy about the candy stripes.

I'm a USTA rated 4.5 player, with an all around game. No extreme spins. I can hit both one and two hand backhands, but I mostly hit one hand backhands. I mostly use the two hander in doubles for service returns.

I hit with it in a 2 hour drilling session where I hit all shots. My initial impression is that it felt similar to the n61 95, though it didn't quite have the same power, but maybe the gut needs to break-in a bit.

Overall, it also didn't feel quite as solid either. I hit a few shots a bit up in the string bed and got some vibration. I don't know if this means that the sweetspot is lower in the BLX, or maybe that the sweetspot is bigger in the nCode, or maybe the strings still need to break-in a bit.

Based on this one hitting session, I think the BLX could possibly be an n61 95 replacement for me. But it's really to early to tell. I definitely need more time with it, including some matches.

 

[FuriousYellow]

I'm a long-time nsix-one 95 user and have both 16x18 and 18x20 BLX demos from TW in hand. I'll post opinions after playing tomorrow.

I took some weight and balance measurements last night and was surprised the BLXs measured more HL than the n (12pts. vs. 10). My digital scale is El Cheapo, but both BLXs and my n weighed approx the same (~12.4oz w/ Gamma Grip 2 OGs).

My n is strung with Pacific PolyGut 16 and the BLX demos are strung with Wilson Hollow Core 16. I wasn't too impressed with the free sample of Hollow Core I got last year, but I didn't care for Wilson Sensation either when I demoed the n years ago but was still impressed with the racquet anyway. The strings are brand new and appear to be factory strung as they are stenciled.

One thing I noticed immediately is the bevels on the BLX are much more pronounced than on the n. I can really feel them even with an OG. The n has more of a Prince grip feel and the BLX grip more like a Dunlop or Babolat. The stock Pro Hybrid grip has much more tack than the stock grip on the n. It's not that thick either.

 

[barry]

I have about 40 hours of play on my BLX 6.1 (16 x 18) and have retired the K and N series. This one is much better for my game. Only change was replaced the 17 gauge multi with 16. It firmed up the string bed.
Overall the racket is perfect for me, took a bit to adjust to volleying, but otherwise all other strokes have improved.

 

[Arize]

I have about 40 hours of play on my BLX 6.1 (16 x 18) and have retired the K and N series. This one is much better for my game. Only change was replaced the 17 gauge multi with 16. It firmed up the string bed.
Overall the racket is perfect for me, took a bit to adjust to volleying, but otherwise all other strokes have improved.

I don't know about that, I still think the nCode Six One 95's are superior to the BLX and K's by a long shot in every aspect, I have tried all of them and the nCode 18x20's are the best stock racquets ever made next to the i.prestige and the old pro tours, I just purchased 2x nsix one 95's 18x20 from the Netherlands and I will be stocking up on these as I find them because all new racquets are junk quality to push on the consumers and don't compare to older version (Materials) which are now made for pro players's custom specs in the ATP ranking of 150 and below.

 

[Ross K]

I don't know about that, I still think the nCode Six One 95's are superior to the BLX and K's by a long shot in every aspect, I have tried all of them and the nCode 18x20's are the best stock racquets ever made next to the i.prestige and the old pro tours, I just purchased 2x nsix one 95's 18x20 from the Netherlands and I will be stocking up on these as I find them because all new racquets are junk quality to push on the consumers and don't compare to older version (Materials) which are now made for pro players's custom specs in the ATP ranking of 150 and below.

Interesting to see such massive praise there - and I say that as one who was also highly impressed with these frames. I still don't know why these frames seem to be largely forgotten about or no longer considered 'cool' or 'trendy'. I'd always recommend the N95s (both patterns) to ppl looking for all court frames with a good power/control combo, and that are solid and stable and pretty head-light, and have a 95" h/size.

R.

 

[barry]

I don't know about that, I still think the nCode Six One 95's are superior to the BLX and K's by a long shot in every aspect, I have tried all of them and the nCode 18x20's are the best stock racquets ever made next to the i.prestige and the old pro tours, I just purchased 2x nsix one 95's 18x20 from the Netherlands and I will be stocking up on these as I find them because all new racquets are junk quality to push on the consumers and don't compare to older version (Materials) which are now made for pro players's custom specs in the ATP ranking of 150 and below.

I can't comment of the 18 x 20 pattern N6.1 or Blx 6.1's, but can comment on the 16 x 18 pattern. I used the N6.1 95 for 2 years, upgraded to the K6.1 for about 4 month, had a shoulder issue so stopped using both frames. After 6 months recovery (using a Kblade 98), went back to the N6.1 and loved the frame. It plays softer than the new Blx and a lot less harsh than the K6.1. The N6.1 became almost impossible to find, so I purchased a new BLX to compare. Since I own all 3 frames I had a basis.
I like a frame with a little more pop than the n6.1 and the BLX is right in the middle between the N6.1 and K6.1. So for me it was a perfect fit. I used a dense pattern for a while with the Blade 98, but hated the board like feel. For me the open pattern seems to be a lot less harsh, and provides much better string feel. Not a spin player, but the ball pockets better with the open pattern. Only downfall is you will be stringing it more often than the dense pattern. Only difference I found was in volleying, the BLX 6.1 has a little less power than the K6.1 frame. I string with Synthetic gut or Multifilament once since the shoulder injury.
I have 2 N6.1’s, 2 K6.1’s, and now 2 Blx 6.1’s and I only use the BLX 6.1’s, also no longer use the vibration dampeners as with the new BLX they are unnecessary. Can't really comment on what the pro's use, suspect it is whatever they want, but overall I find the BLX a very good racket. Wilson got it right on this frame; even the Pro hybrid grip is excellent.

Always try before you buy, I got lucky!

 

[FuriousYellow]

I don't know about that, I still think the nCode Six One 95's are superior to the BLX and K's by a long shot in every aspect, I have tried all of them and the nCode 18x20's are the best stock racquets ever made next to the i.prestige and the old pro tours, I just purchased 2x nsix one 95's 18x20 from the Netherlands and I will be stocking up on these as I find them because all new racquets are junk quality to push on the consumers and don't compare to older version (Materials) which are now made for pro players's custom specs in the ATP ranking of 150 and below.

I hit with the BLX 16x18 yesterday and put it both down after about 20 minutes. It doesn't feel anything like the n, that's for sure. It almost felt a little hollow to me. I suppose this is what player's who appreciate this sensation call "feel" while player's like me who don't call "boardy". I'm going to hit with them again on Monday, but my first impression didn't grab me the way the first impression of the n did.

I also had a chance to hit the Dunlop AG 200 Tour. That felt a lot closer to the n than the BLX.

 

[FuriousYellow]

Hit with both version for a second time for some extended rallies and about two hours of doubles. As with previous versions of the PS, my preference was for the 16x18 over the 18x20. The tighter string pattern is supposed to give better control, but for me it's the opposite. I've never been able to find the same consistency on my shots with any of the the 18x20 versions.

Maybe because the Hollow Core strings were brand new, but the stringbed seemed to soften up a bit this time around. It's still noticeably firmer than the n and doesn't feel quite as solid to me, especially at net. It does feel a little lighter and more maneuverable than the n. In contrast to barry, I found less power with the BLX over the n. It was actually kind of nice as I felt I couldn't overhit. I've been stringing my n ever tighter to try and bring the ball in a bit.

All in all, if I had to switch to the BLX I'm sure I could make the adjustment and be content. I'm just glad I don't have to.

 

[shaysrebelII]

Hit with both version for a second time for some extended rallies and about two hours of doubles. As with previous versions of the PS, my preference was for the 16x18 over the 18x20. The tighter string pattern is supposed to give better control, but for me it's the opposite. I've never been able to find the same consistency on my shots with any of the the 18x20 versions.

Maybe because the Hollow Core strings were brand new, but the stringbed seemed to soften up a bit this time around. It's still noticeably firmer than the n and doesn't feel quite as solid to me, especially at net. It does feel a little lighter and more maneuverable than the n. In contrast to barry, I found less power with the BLX over the n. It was actually kind of nice as I felt I couldn't overhit. I've been stringing my n ever tighter to try and bring the ball in a bit.

All in all, if I had to switch to the BLX I'm sure I could make the adjustment and be content. I'm just glad I don't have to.

my sentiments exactly. the n95 (16x18 - never got a chance to use the 18x20) is my favorite racquet I've ever used. I hit better with it when I'm on than I do with any other frame, but for the sake of a little better consistency I switched to the KBT about 8 months ago. the BLX95 was, in my view, a worthy successor to the 6.1 95 line. I don't think of the K95 in the same way. After my brief hit with the BLX95, I described it to my hitting partner by saying that if there were a spectrum between ncode and kfactor, the BLX was closer to the ncode, but still not where I'd like it. Similar to your sentiments, if I ever went away from my KBTs and back to my ncode, the backup I'd buy for it would be the BLX, but you won't see me using it before my trusty n95 anytime soon.

 

[Marcus]

I think one of the "secrets" to getting the best out of an 18x20 string pattern is to pull the tension down 2-4lb over wher you'd string a 16x18

I like my open pattern frames at 60lb main and 62lb crosses, an 18x20 does feel boardy to me at this tension

I'm loving my BLX 95 18x20 at 58main 60 cross, I have my Kblade 93 strung at 57 & 59

Just my findings.....

ATB

Mark

 

[Arize]

I think one of the "secrets" to getting the best out of an 18x20 string pattern is to pull the tension down 2-4lb over wher you'd string a 16x18

I like my open pattern frames at 60lb main and 62lb crosses, an 18x20 does feel boardy to me at this tension

I'm loving my BLX 95 18x20 at 58main 60 cross, I have my Kblade 93 strung at 57 & 59

Just my findings.....

ATB

Mark

I agree Marcus, I currently play witha BLX 95 18x20 strung @ 58 Luxilon BB Rough crossed with Gosen OG Micro Super 16L @ 60 and it feels good, I plan on dropping another 2 pounds with the new ncodes, or I will try my older i.prestige mp tension of full Big Banger 54 main by 58 cross.

shaysrebelII, I am on the same terms as you, I do like the BLX but not as much as the nCode, I usually hit with the BLX, nCode and the i.prestige mp... I have tried many racquets but nothing comes close to them, I would really love to try a Pro Tour 630/280 some day.

 

[JackB1]

Is the BLX 95 a true "player's frame" or a "tweener"? Seems more like a "tweener" to me, with its pretty thick beam and medium power level. I know most "tweeners" dont come in 95", but this one is kind of a "in between-tweener"

 

[shaysrebelII]

Is the BLX 95 a true "player's frame" or a "tweener"? Seems more like a "tweener" to me, with its pretty thick beam and medium power level. I know most "tweeners" dont come in 95", but this one is kind of a "in between-tweener"

the beam width is a misnomer I'd say. Just look at the weight; you'd be pretty hard pressed to say that a racquet with a weight >12oz. is a tweener frame.

 

[Court_Jester]

Having tried the BLX6.1 95 (16x18 ) for a couple of hours, I'd still pick the n6.1 95. The latter just feels much more solid in stock form. The BLX has a noticeably smaller sweetspot (just a bit) and probably needs some lead at the 3- and 9-o'clock positions just to get the same feel and stability to off-center hits as the n6.1

 

[barney]

I've had nagging injuries which has limited my play time with the BLX over the past few weeks. However, I was able to play a few matches with it and spent more time drilling.

My conclusion is that the BLX61 95 ("16x18") is less solid, but more manuverable than the nCode counterpart. And although I find the BLX less solid, it's still a very solid racket. And I'm finding that I really like the increased manuverability. Especially on serves and overheads.

I don't think the BLX has quite the control of the nCode, but the control is still exceptionally good.

I've switched from the n61 95 to the BLX as my main racket for now, I think mainly because of the increased manuverability. I hope to get in more match play over the next few weeks to see how it works out.

 

[barry]

Based on tennis warehouse reviews, the BLX wins in total points.

N6.1
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Reviews/WN6195/WN6195Review.html

Blx6.1
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Reviews/6195BX/6195BXReview.html

Interesting couple of the same people doing the reviews.