Well that sounds very close to my experience with the PD+ (missing the extra 1/2 inch) and the Prince LB (wanting a little more power). Maybe the Xtd will be the fit I'm looking for. Have you tried either the Tour Bite Soft or Hyper G soft in the Blackout Xtd?
Solinco Blackout XTD 28
- Thread starter Fighting phoenix
- Start date
So far have only used Confidential 16 and 17, but may give Hyper G soft a try. What tension do you usually string your racquets at?
Fighting phoenix
Professional
Mine is strung with Tour Bite Soft - one of my favorite polys, feels great in this racquet.
With Poly Tour Pro (16L or 17) I usually string at around 40-45lbs. I actually like a trampoline effect from the low tension and find if its too tight I just lose touch. That said, when I tried Volkl V-Square 17g I strung it at 45lbs and had no control at all. Needed that one to be at least 50lbs. I’m hoping the Solinco soft strings can work for me at the lower tension range.
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what tension/s do you use with the TBS?
Fighting phoenix
Professional
51 mains, 49 crosses, generally my standard
JEDI MASTER
Professional
I have mine with Confidential 16L @ 48#.. for me it plays very well..
I dont feel the launch angle is really high. I just feel this racquet is easy to overhit even if my racquet was strung Yonex Poly Tour Pro 1.25mm string at 57 pounds. You can not take a full swing with this racquet.
How is your son liking it?
AMGF
Hall of Fame
I’m really starting to like my White Out XTD28. I am considering switching to it.
However I’m curious about the Black Out XTD28, does anybody here tried both frames? I’m wondering if it is worth it to buy one just to demo it.
Also if anyone has access to a Briffidi machibe, would you please give me the actual specs? TY!
However I’m curious about the Black Out XTD28, does anybody here tried both frames? I’m wondering if it is worth it to buy one just to demo it.
Also if anyone has access to a Briffidi machibe, would you please give me the actual specs? TY!
McLovin
Legend
I find them to be “true to size”. Grip shape is “middle of the road” as far as square (Prince) -> rectangular (Head TK82).
ericykchan
Rookie
Just played mine for the first time for about 45 minutes with coach. It definitely swung fast, felt much lighter than VCore100 (2023) with the same strings and both with overgrip. It felt solid and plush. My benchmark is VCore100. It has slightly more power but less spin. Did not feel 28" at all. Backhand slices were amazing tho. I wasn't blown away by any thing except the whippiness. Need time to dial in with serve. Definitely require more playing time but so far I don't see a big reason for me to switch from VCore100. After a switch to a 28" racquet, it would take a while to switch back to any regular length racquet, that's a big drawback that only a racquet improves a lot of areas to convince a switch.
VS_Power
Rookie
Bought this racket on a whim and played with it today. We just did some rallies - no match play or serving. It's strung with Solinco Confidential at 48lbs, very similar to what I normally use. Here are my initial honeymoon phase thoughts.
The racket didn't really play how I anticipated it to play. I expected it to be a power racket that I'd have to tame. Instead, it had less power than my Pure Drive+ and I could hit out confidently. I also thought I'd be hitting with a lot more spin given the length, and while I wouldn't say it was lacking in spin, I wouldn't put this racket in the extreme spin category. Overall this combo meant I wasn't hitting as heavy a ball as I do with my other rackets.
The racket surprisingly excelled at control for me. I normally use a VCore 98 but own a few extended rackets (VCore 98+, PD+, Whiteout XTD, APD+). The racket swung really light and maneuverably. In the beginning, all my shots were going more to the left (I'm right handed) because the racket was moving quicker than anticipated. After adjusting to it I felt I had a lot more control over both direction and depth than I expected. Launch angle was neither high nor low (ex: Whiteout XTD 18x20), very predictable. Really refreshing.
I'm a 2HBH player and it's my best shot. They felt amazing with this racket. I might like a little bit more power but it's in the right general zone and I'm OK with it. My forehands were surprisingly controlled, and I felt I could flatten or loop the ball really well, though, I do need more time to adjust to the length to say for sure. Volleys were surprisingly good as the racket swung easily compared to my other extended length rackets.
I'd like to hit more serves with it and against some heavier hitters to get a better feel of the racket, but so far it may have a spot in my bag and may not just be a fun racket to mess around with. This was not the case when I bought the Whiteout XTD 18x20 on a whim, after the first hit I knew it wasn't for me.
Side note I really like the beam on this racket. It was mostly rectangular but with a really moderate bevel on the edges to make it octagonal. I'm not sure how that translates to anything functional but it's not something you see too often and it feels great in hand.
The racket didn't really play how I anticipated it to play. I expected it to be a power racket that I'd have to tame. Instead, it had less power than my Pure Drive+ and I could hit out confidently. I also thought I'd be hitting with a lot more spin given the length, and while I wouldn't say it was lacking in spin, I wouldn't put this racket in the extreme spin category. Overall this combo meant I wasn't hitting as heavy a ball as I do with my other rackets.
The racket surprisingly excelled at control for me. I normally use a VCore 98 but own a few extended rackets (VCore 98+, PD+, Whiteout XTD, APD+). The racket swung really light and maneuverably. In the beginning, all my shots were going more to the left (I'm right handed) because the racket was moving quicker than anticipated. After adjusting to it I felt I had a lot more control over both direction and depth than I expected. Launch angle was neither high nor low (ex: Whiteout XTD 18x20), very predictable. Really refreshing.
I'm a 2HBH player and it's my best shot. They felt amazing with this racket. I might like a little bit more power but it's in the right general zone and I'm OK with it. My forehands were surprisingly controlled, and I felt I could flatten or loop the ball really well, though, I do need more time to adjust to the length to say for sure. Volleys were surprisingly good as the racket swung easily compared to my other extended length rackets.
I'd like to hit more serves with it and against some heavier hitters to get a better feel of the racket, but so far it may have a spot in my bag and may not just be a fun racket to mess around with. This was not the case when I bought the Whiteout XTD 18x20 on a whim, after the first hit I knew it wasn't for me.
Side note I really like the beam on this racket. It was mostly rectangular but with a really moderate bevel on the edges to make it octagonal. I'm not sure how that translates to anything functional but it's not something you see too often and it feels great in hand.
VS_Power
Rookie
Just had another practice session with the Blackout 28. This was ball machine session with a ton of serves.
No significant changes to my groundstroke thoughts since my first impressions review. The racket still didn't feel too powerful, though, I was getting some more spin now since adjusting to it. Loopier strokes felt rewarded with spin. Still not monster levels, but enough to feel like this racket had more variety than you'd expect from something with such an extreme length. I sometimes struggle with flattening out shots but those were well in range of this racket too for an unknown reason. After a second session though I still didn't feel used to the length of this racket, so more practice is needed here.
Serves were truly incredible on this. It took me about 40 balls before I adjusted to the length, and those 40 balls were ugly. But once I adjusted I was getting a ton of action on serve. Kick serves were kicking high and fast, slice serves were dicing, and flat serves were bombing big. After one session this must be one of the great serving rackets already, a category I have the PD+ in and the old Dunlop MW200G. Somehow it all clicks for the racket here. Not as powerful as the PD+ but close, with more spin and variety too.
Gonna continue messing around with the racket to see how it does in matches and post-honeymoon.
No significant changes to my groundstroke thoughts since my first impressions review. The racket still didn't feel too powerful, though, I was getting some more spin now since adjusting to it. Loopier strokes felt rewarded with spin. Still not monster levels, but enough to feel like this racket had more variety than you'd expect from something with such an extreme length. I sometimes struggle with flattening out shots but those were well in range of this racket too for an unknown reason. After a second session though I still didn't feel used to the length of this racket, so more practice is needed here.
Serves were truly incredible on this. It took me about 40 balls before I adjusted to the length, and those 40 balls were ugly. But once I adjusted I was getting a ton of action on serve. Kick serves were kicking high and fast, slice serves were dicing, and flat serves were bombing big. After one session this must be one of the great serving rackets already, a category I have the PD+ in and the old Dunlop MW200G. Somehow it all clicks for the racket here. Not as powerful as the PD+ but close, with more spin and variety too.
Gonna continue messing around with the racket to see how it does in matches and post-honeymoon.
ericykchan
Rookie
It has been out of stock on their website for months. I suspect they don't make many if them or at least not at a steady pace. Use the Enquire Now button and a person should reply back and might have stock to sell to you. That's how I got mine (I am located outside of US) after a month of shipment delay. The racquet is great and worth the wait, but such difficulty getting a back up kind of stopping me from a full on switch.
I have a pair of them, I got from my stringer who is sponsored by Solinco. I was just wondering why Tenniswarehouse hasn’t stocked them yet their major competitor has them, although they only have the L1 in stock so it’s obviously selling pretty good.
Have you tried the 28” version? I know you play with the 27.5 . I have been switching back and forth with the pure drive plus 2021 and the blackout xtd 28 and right now really loving the 28” xtd.
ericykchan
Rookie
Yes
I actually bought the 28, love it. Serve and groundies all noticably faster compared to Vcore100. The only thing I lost compared to vc100 is spin.
ericykchan
Rookie
I am going back and forth with BO XTD28 and VCore100. I can't decide...
tamujl2018
New User
I am using a Vcore 100 and just bought a BO XTD 28. Want to hear your opinion on these two.
I finally got my Blackout XTD 28s and have completely made the switch from the Pure Drive (standard and plus). It's early days and I'm still playing with string/tension but I'm finding the Solinco offers a more solid and stable response with more consistent power. That helps with control, especially on volleys and slice backhands. The PD has more innate power although the Solinco has more than enough with the bonus of providing a more controlled response. Comfort is good with the Solinco even with my testing of Hyper G (I typically use Poly Tour Pro) although I never had any trouble with the PD.
ericykchan
Rookie
My Vcore100 is the latest version. I have both on same string and tension.
Here are what my coach and hiting partners said: balls from XTD28 were faster and landed deeper. vcore100 had more spin. I had more winners with XTD28 but play a more consistent game with Vcore100, so either let me win more points.
Coach said my game is more spin orientated so she suggested to use Vcore100. However, XTD28 was just so more fun to smash forehand with. Serves are actually split. XTD28 more powerful but since I hit slice serve more so Vcore100 gives me more consistency.
Stability is similar but slight edge to XTD28.
One big difference between them and a surprising one is slice. Back hand slice from XTD28 were just so much better, low and fast, with good accuracy too. VCore100 was a bit weak on it, I didn't trust that shot when using VC100.
What string and tension are you using in the Solinco? What do you prefer
ericykchan
Rookie
Grapplesnake CESxLiquid, main 45lb cross 48lb. I like softer string but the stiff CES main works fine. Next I will put BigSpin or Ultra Cable at 50lb.
I prefer softer string as well and have been testing the Blackout 28 with TourBite Soft 16. It's comfortable and has great control but I need something more bite on the ball and a bit more power (I'll trade some control for a bit more pop). When I bought the racquets they gave me a pack of TourBite Soft 17g to trial so that might do the trick. I was also given some Hyper G Soft 17g and regular Hyper G 17 to test and I'll give them a try next week. Will be interesting to see how I go with them. I'm also curious to see how it plays with Volkl V-Square. That is a soft string and offers a lot of grip. I couldn't make it work in the Pure Drive but perhaps it might be okay in the Blackout. Only issue for me is that the V-Square drops tension so quickly the window of playability can be very small, even for someone like me who prefers lower tensions.
ericykchan
Rookie
V-Square was my string of choice and I think the tension maintenance is not as bad but it breaks quickly. You're on the right direction to pair XTD28 with spin friendly string to address the only (in my experience) obvious negative of the racquet.
You didn't find it a spin-friendly racquet? So far that has been my experience as well but I'm not sure if that's not mostly down to using Tour Bite Soft 16g. In my limited time with it, I don't think it's as inherently spin-friendly as the Pure Drive or as powerful but I'm not sure if that's going to be a major problem. For all the spin and power I could get from the PD, the lack of touch and control (plus the loss of confidence when I moved up to the net) were major drawbacks. I just get the sense that if I can find the right string, balance and weight for the Blackout 28, I'll have a really fantastic doubles racquet (that's all I play these days). It is pretty close already.
Which gauge of V-Square did you use? I tried the 18g but it didn't work for me. I've got some 17g and hoping it'll be a better fit although I know a few people who swear that 16g is the best option.
Do you have any other strings you think work well in the Blackout 28?
ericykchan
Rookie
Yes, I think XTD28 is more of a power frame than spin frame. It's okay spin-friendly just not very great (I am comparing with VCore100). Agree that XTD28's touch and control is very good for a power frame but so is VCore100. As you said, once you find the right string/tension then it will be a great doubles racquet, to me, it's even better for single because I am allergic to the net. I can hit top spin forehand/backhand full power without going long. It's basically VCore100 extended by 1 inch, with no sluggish feeling.
I use the 19g V-Square actually. It breaks quicker than the playability drops.
Tecnifibre 4S, Volkl Cyclone Tour, Mayami Big Spin, and Yonex PolyTour Pro or Spin (but there are many cheaper alternatives) should pair well with XTD28, in my humble opinion.
I use the 19g V-Square actually. It breaks quicker than the playability drops.
Tecnifibre 4S, Volkl Cyclone Tour, Mayami Big Spin, and Yonex PolyTour Pro or Spin (but there are many cheaper alternatives) should pair well with XTD28, in my humble opinion.
ericykchan
Rookie
Sw102 is too heavy to swing, less spin potential, but more stable (by not too much tho).
jmacdaununder2
Legend
SW102 felt like it was balanced way too high for a relatively light 28" racquet.
ericykchan
Rookie
As much as I like BO XTD28, lower spin than Vcore100 (I love that head shape) stops me from switching full time. Is there anyone able to compare it with Vcore100+?
KarmaKorps
Rookie
I can. I need a bit more time with the XTD 28 but for now:
...Been playing good tennis with the Blackout XTD for over a year now. All poly, 55m/53crosses, Semi western FH, 2HBH. Flat first and Kick second.
What happened is that I wanted to get a second XTD but wasn't paying attention and accidentally ordered the XTD28 - haven't been on the forum and had no idea Solinco came out with 28" frames.
I've had just one practice session with the 28". First, the backhand - 100% next level, both on topspin BH and definitely on slices. There's something about how the racquet slightly flexes that communicates really well in that split second of contact. I found easier depth, and I found it consistently across the entire practice match. Return of serve was super good - took a short backswing and extended fully out to my target. Lots of fun there.
Not a big difference on my FH side although it was slightly easier to overhit.
Volleys felt very similar to the regular 27.5 XTD, with the obvious extra jamming you need to fight for body-volleys.
Serves took longer to dial in. There is more racquet to swing and it was a matter of listening to the shoulder/arm to see where I needed to relax and whip up. slightly better arc on my kick serve, less double faults, and definitely more spin.
I only tried a few flat serves - most were going long, so that's something Im looking forward to practicing more.
Stability -- heard different comments about this. On serve, you just cannot be slow with this frame unless you adapt your toss and serve motion to use a less aggressive serve (maybe more spot targeting). I found myself paying more attention to my ball toss and getting up and under the ball... so this is a bit like those comments where players say its a good instructional frame. Except, if I can dial this in on flat serves, it's going to be a massive benefit.
One thing to note is that I've been using the 10g buttcap on the regular 27.5 XTD, and I like the polarization it provides for serve. I only just installed the 10g buttcap on the XTD28, so curious to see what that's like. The swing weight will increase by about 4 (an online tennis shop confirmed that the 5g buttcap didn't affect the SW, but the 10g weight did), but the frame feels extra whippy, just shadow swinging - looking forward to seeing how this translates across all the strokes.
More to follow...
KarmaKorps
Rookie
Went out for serve practice last night, with the 10g cap installed. Just wow. I figured it out, and now I want to order a couple more XTD 28s - but I'll get through team practice and real match to see if this experience continues. It's not nirvana unless the great result includes the other strokes as well.
KarmaKorps
Rookie
Curious to see how it goes for you...
Any updates?
KarmaKorps
Rookie
Extremely difficult decision deciding between the BO28, BOXTD, Angel TC100 (27.5, 310 grams), and Dunlop CX200+.
I've won one and lost two practice matches with the BO28 so far. All three matches were pretty close.
No racquet has ever made baseline rallying easier than the BO28. Fairly high launch angle/easy depth, phenomenal slicing, Improved backhand (adds a bit more spin and depth), and fearsome serves - provided you keep a loose arm and go for it.
However, it's not as clear-cut for me with the transition game. I have more confidence with the TC100 27.5". It's a bit more nimble despite my spec (310 grams versus 300 grams for the BO28) and has more feel.
Recently, I've noticed nearly as much control with the TC100 as my trusted Dunlop CX200+ frames, and the Angel has more power/forgiveness while on defense.
One thing I haven't tried yet is Confidential in the BO28. I've had Cyclone and Tourbite so far. I played my best tennis season with Confidential/CX200+ a couple yrs ago, so I'll string up the BO28 one more time, practice with the ball machine, and play a couple more practice matches.
And the 'regular' XTD (27.5") is still a seriously Kick A frame. If I think too much about all of this, I'd probably stick with it. It's a bit more whippy than the BO28, and more manageable/predictable when switching ball direction.
In the end, and for now, that glorious thin-beam feeling of the TC-100, combined with the power and control, is working for me. I'm winning practice matches with it, and about to take it to USTA battle.
JEDI MASTER
Professional
surprisingly my WO28 plays better than the BO28.
both strung the same with Confidinetial 16L @ 48#
anyone try Toroline Wasabi string on these? and what tension?
both strung the same with Confidinetial 16L @ 48#
anyone try Toroline Wasabi string on these? and what tension?
DropWideShot
Rookie
Didn't expect to be using a solinco racquet but they really knocked it out of the park with the XTDs. The standard length frames were fine and got the job done (kudos to them for finally making some good sticks) but the XTD almost feels like THEE improvement to the 27". Playing with hgsoft 18g on it has been a perfect choice that compliments the racquet on feel and spin. All together there is power, stability, maneuverability, awesome feel, and as long as I am in position I just have to think where I want the ball to go . I purchased 3 after the demo(which took some time) and they all came in pretty darn close to each other. Now I am afraid to try a prototype blue string they sent with the sticks as it looks awesome but I also really like what HG Soft does for this frame...
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