Solinco Whiteout Users Club

[dr. godmode]

I'm loving the Whiteout enough to commit to the switch. Standard length 18x20 for me. Currently still using it stock, but I definitely need some extra weight to help me when I play those who hit harder than me.

So far, I've still only tried two string setups:

• Tourna Silver 7 Tour
• Head Hawk Power

Definitely preferring TS7T, but the dwell time I'm getting from Hawk Power feels so sweet. Plus, I'm pretty sick of using silver strings. Given that the Whiteout is so plain looking I want a spicier setup.

What setups have you tried?

 

[2ndServe]

neon yellow/green strings look great on all white or black racket racket. YPTP or Hyper G, great colors and great performance

 

[SupahMan5000]

I think ideally Hyper G Diamond Rough is my favorite option that helps in the stiffness of the WO but offering some of that pocketing and spin potential. My main issue is it’s not widely available enough to use that consistently. Thinking of trying tour bite diamond rough to see if it’s close enough.

Other than that I think razor soft plays amazing in the WO it just hurts the arm a little. It’s also black strings in a white racket not much excitement there.

Confidential also plays in the WO nicer than original Hyper G too

 

[McLovin]

neon yellow/green strings look great on all white or black racket racket. YPTP or Hyper G, great colors and great performance

If you want similar performance, but for less $, check out Signum Pro X-Perience. Reels can be found on the ‘bay for under $100.

I’ve been using it (1.24mm) in my Blackout XTDs for ~ 8 months now. Love the spin and control I get out of it.

 

[dr. godmode]

I think ideally Hyper G Diamond Rough is my favorite option that helps in the stiffness of the WO but offering some of that pocketing and spin potential. My main issue is it’s not widely available enough to use that consistently. Thinking of trying tour bite diamond rough to see if it’s close enough.

Other than that I think razor soft plays amazing in the WO it just hurts the arm a little. It’s also black strings in a white racket not much excitement there.

Confidential also plays in the WO nicer than original Hyper G too

I didn't know Solinco was making a Rough Hyper-G. Definitely want to explore some rough strings in this frame.

 

[SupahMan5000]

I didn't know Solinco was making a Rough Hyper-G. Definitely want to explore some rough strings in this frame.

some sponsored players and dealers have been given samples over last few months. its not out yet but there is some feedback across these forums it has been well received and likely will release

my rep doesn't know when it'll release but it seems promising

 

[Blade_X]

My impressions on 16x19 were just ok. It was hard to manoeuvre and a little bit muted. Feel was a little bit harsh. Spin and free power were there but I was more impressed with whiteout 290….. so i am very curious to try 18x20 after so many good reviews that also many say that it’s better than 16x19 and more plush….

 

[dr. godmode]

My impressions on 16x19 were just ok. It was hard to manoeuvre and a little bit muted. Feel was a little bit harsh. Spin and free power were there but I was more impressed with whiteout 290….. so i am very curious to try 18x20 after so many good reviews that also many say that it’s better than 16x19 and more plush….

I would have really like a 290 version of the 18x20, mainly for customization purposes. I have not tried the 16x19, so I can't speak on that. I do have a 16x19 XTD, which I don't really even want to use because the pattern looks way too open for a control racquet.

 

[A_Instead]

Hey Doc.. what's your comment on Solinco grip size to size of others..?
I found them small and very similar to Head size..

 

[dr. godmode]

Hey Doc.. what's your comment on Solinco grip size to size of others..?
I found them small and very similar to Head size..

Yeah I've found it similar to Head as well (which is now my preference). I was using a 3 with my ET's, but decided to go down to a 2 to get some more wrist mobility with Solinco. This is more of a comment on my current preferences than the size or shape of the Solinco grip shape.

 

[tjanev]

i have 3 extended 16x19. currently playing with confidential. feels really nice. have revolution on the other racquet and it feels similiar in spin but little less power and a bit softer.

 

[jablojimski]

I’m very much undecided on whether to buy the standard or the XTD WO 18x20. I’m a 4.0 all court lefty player with 2HBH who relies on serve (often spin varieties) and play a mix of singles and dubs. My mains are the extreme tour 360+ with 6 grams of lead.

Goal is to have something with a bit more control in my bag for certain days/conditions (plus get a fun new stick to try). I’d lean XTD as I’m not very tall and could use some extra power/reach, but never used a long frame and don’t know if switching back and forth will be an issue (particularly thinking about serve).

I’ll likely compare whichever WO I get with a 2021 Gravity Pro my friend is lending me. I like the GPro for control purposes but curious how it compares in terms of perceived swingweight and spin production compared to the Whiteouts. I also love the 360+ feel so would like something with some feedback as opposed to something overly muted. Thanks for any tips y’all!

 

[SupahMan5000]

I’m very much undecided on whether to buy the standard or the XTD WO 18x20. I’m a 4.0 all court lefty player with 2HBH who relies on serve (often spin varieties) and play a mix of singles and dubs. My mains are the extreme tour 360+ with 6 grams of lead.

Goal is to have something with a bit more control in my bag for certain days/conditions (plus get a fun new stick to try). I’d lean XTD as I’m not very tall and could use some extra power/reach, but never used a long frame and don’t know if switching back and forth will be an issue (particularly thinking about serve).

I’ll likely compare whichever WO I get with a 2021 Gravity Pro my friend is lending me. I like the GPro for control purposes but curious how it compares in terms of perceived swingweight and spin production compared to the Whiteouts. I also love the 360+ feel so would like something with some feedback as opposed to something overly muted. Thanks for any tips y’all!

My very unprofessional and unscientific advice is always : if you can use an extended and not feel awkward, bogged down, uncontrollable, pain, etc etc. always opt for the extended.

Most of the negatives come from feeling unwieldy or messing up your game. But if you don’t run into that the positives outweigh the negative. Huge serve, super confident 2HBHs can’t go wrong

 

[bobeeto]

If you can source it, I had a sample of confidential 3.0 in the blue/aqua color and it was crazyyyyyyy

Bought a reel and it was garbage. Not sure they will ever perfect that one, but the first batch I had held tension for like 15 hours

 

[optimaltennis]

White Out 16x19 with Hyper G round... amazing

 

[dr. godmode]

If you can source it, I had a sample of confidential 3.0 in the blue/aqua color and it was crazyyyyyyy

Bought a reel and it was garbage. Not sure they will ever perfect that one, but the first batch I had held tension for like 15 hours

Apparently that prototype is done with and they aren’t moving forward with it. Maybe it’s because of the problem your had too.

 

[SupahMan5000]

long story short returned to confidential (16L) and it’s my favorite setup in this racket so far. The pocketing feel helps with that boardy stiff hollow feel coming from the frame

@40lbs

 

[PhxRacket]

long story short returned to confidential (16L) and it’s my favorite setup in this racket so far. The pocketing feel helps with that boardy stiff hollow feel coming from the frame

@40lbs

Next setup in my XTD WO.

 

[SupahMan5000]

Next setup in my XTD WO.

Hyper G was okay it has that same “plush” feel from the pocketing . But I think I just prefer confidential in general cause it has a little more feedback less muted

 

[TennisManiac]

The pocketing feel helps with that boardy stiff hollow feel coming from the frame

Sounds like a Babolat.

 

[Addxyz]

Using gut / poly with the STD 16x19. Fun stick.

 

[Papa Mango]

oooh... can I join? 3 frames in rotation
1X tour bite soft 17
1X Gut (VS) / Poly (whatever is the poly of the week)
1X random string testing

This frame needs a crisp string imho

 

[dr. godmode]

oooh... can I join? 3 frames in rotation
1X tour bite soft 17
1X Gut (VS) / Poly (whatever is the poly of the week)
1X random string testing

This frame needs a crisp string imho

TB Soft is your number 1 poly so far?

 

[SupahMan5000]

Sounds like a Babolat.

Yes it’s very much pure strikey

 

[Papa Mango]

TB Soft is your number 1 poly so far?

For me yes (I have issues), can play/hit groundstrokes with most polys but cannot serve with any, more then 10-15 at a time..
I am ok with Hyper-G soft/PTP etc too in this frame, but they are too mushy/muted in it. TBS has decent crispness for a soft string and I can play with it without any shoulder issues. So not much of a choice for me.

 

[SupahMan5000]

reviving the thread

I have 2 with only leather grips, one with leather and 1.5 in strips at 3/9

After some more use I really enjoy the leather and lead setup. felt weird on the extended at first but it is a lot more stable. Confidential has also proven to be much more enjoyable in this racket than other setups

 

[dr. godmode]

Small update:

Getting absolutely destroyed by this pro-adjacent guy. He hits way too heavy for a 305g stick and my mediocre athleticism.

Added 4g at 12 and used the 5g buttcap replacement thing. This bumped my SW close to 340 which was simply too much. In 35C heat, I was completely dead after 35mins.

Removed 2g on court and gained back some RHS without losing too much stability and plow.

Will likely try leather instead of the 5g trap door thing.

Also try Signum Pro Polaris. Nice string on flat shots. Really enjoyed it on my 2hbh, but I missed so many forehands and served by just a few inches that I know curl in with shaped strings.

Polaris really accentuates the ball pocketing of the Whiteout. Will keep this in mind for future applications as a cross in a poly/poly hybrid.

 

[SupahMan5000]

Small update:

Getting absolutely destroyed by this pro-adjacent guy. He hits way too heavy for a 305g stick and my mediocre athleticism.

Added 4g at 12 and used the 5g buttcap replacement thing. This bumped my SW close to 340 which was simply too much. In 35C heat, I was completely dead after 35mins.

Removed 2g on court and gained back some RHS without losing too much stability and plow.

Will likely try leather instead of the 5g trap door thing.

Also try Signum Pro Polaris. Nice string on flat shots. Really enjoyed it on my 2hbh, but I missed so many forehands and served by just a few inches that I know curl in with shaped strings.

Polaris really accentuates the ball pocketing of the Whiteout. Will keep this in mind for future applications as a cross in a poly/poly hybrid.

Leather adds more weight but it changes the balances less if I’m not mistaken. Nicer way to counterweight imo

I love dumping lead at 12 but it gets so awful when you’re having an off day hahah can’t swing the racket properly at all

 

[dr. godmode]

Leather adds more weight but it changes the balances less if I’m not mistaken. Nicer way to counterweight imo

I love dumping lead at 12 but it gets so awful when you’re having an off day hahah can’t swing the racket properly at all

I like the feel of leather better. My issue with the Whiteout is getting the recoil weight to 170. Right now it’s closer to 160 so I’ll need a huge amount in the buttcap to get where I want to be.

 

[y0035215]

Small update:

Getting absolutely destroyed by this pro-adjacent guy. He hits way too heavy for a 305g stick and my mediocre athleticism.

Added 4g at 12 and used the 5g buttcap replacement thing. This bumped my SW close to 340 which was simply too much. In 35C heat, I was completely dead after 35mins.

Removed 2g on court and gained back some RHS without losing too much stability and plow.

Will likely try leather instead of the 5g trap door thing.

Also try Signum Pro Polaris. Nice string on flat shots. Really enjoyed it on my 2hbh, but I missed so many forehands and served by just a few inches that I know curl in with shaped strings.

Polaris really accentuates the ball pocketing of the Whiteout. Will keep this in mind for future applications as a cross in a poly/poly hybrid.

May I ask if the adjustments have changed anything about the good characteristics of the WO18M? After all, as far as I know, you chosed the Racquet because it felt good in stock. The concern of the low RW also still makes me doubt buying this stick.

 

[dr. godmode]

May I ask if the adjustments have changed anything about the good characteristics of the WO18M? After all, as far as I know, you chosed the Racquet because it felt good in stock. The concern of the low RW also still makes me doubt buying this stick.

In stock form, I don't think there are many better 98 square inch racquets. The low RW is not super noticeable for me until I play people who are better than I am. The stability of the frame is much higher than the RW would indicate. It feels much more substantial than a stock EZONE 98, VCORE 98 or Extreme Tour.

As much as I enjoy it stock, I switched to it knowing that I would be customizing the racquet, or at least trying to. I feel that I play my best tennis with SW between 330-335 and RW at 170-173. If you know you like the higher RW (170+), and you want to keep the static weight as low as possible, then I don't think this best choice. That said, the RW isn't like weirdly low for a 305g stick.

 

[babar]

I was very impressed with the WO 305 16x19 and 18x20.
Anyone try the new Dunlop FX500 Tour?
Similar to the WO, just more power?
Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[y0035215]

In stock form, I don't think there are many better 98 square inch racquets. The low RW is not super noticeable for me until I play people who are better than I am. The stability of the frame is much higher than the RW would indicate. It feels much more substantial than a stock EZONE 98, VCORE 98 or Extreme Tour.

As much as I enjoy it stock, I switched to it knowing that I would be customizing the racquet, or at least trying to. I feel that I play my best tennis with SW between 330-335 and RW at 170-173. If you know you like the higher RW (170+), and you want to keep the static weight as low as possible, then I don't think this best choice. That said, the RW isn't like weirdly low for a 305g stick.

That makes sense! Hope you continue to have a good trip with the stick. True, the WO18M is in the normal RW range (150-155). To get higher RW, you need a lot of weight on the buttcap (SW around 325 is fine for me). But you had written all that.

 

[dr. godmode]

I was very impressed with the WO 305 16x19 and 18x20.
Anyone try the new Dunlop FX500 Tour?
Similar to the WO, just more power?
Any thoughts appreciated.

FX500T swings more like the Aero VS. It wants to be dragged through contact more than whipped through contact, whereas I find the Whiteouts like to be whipped. FX500T is a bit launchy and I was pretty disappointed with the general playability. This is coming from someone who has a lot of respect for the normal FX500 too.

 

[Casper777]

How does the whiteout 305 16x19 compares to the Pure Strike 3rd Gen? especially in terms of comfort?

According to the TW university data, all specs are the same, except the Solinco has lower vibration

Anybody had arm problems with the whiteout?

 

[Icsa]

I only played with the 18x20 Whiteout. After the first 3 hours of intense play with it, my forearm wasn't happy for the next 24-48h. It is a relatively stiff, light weight racquet, and even if it is muted, there will be vibrations when returning heavy balls or serving big. My arm is sensitive to new vibrations and that is the reason my regular racquets are heavy and polarized, to reduce vibrations as much as possible. That being said, the next plays with the Whiteout were better, so maybe it is just a matter of getting used to the new vibrations. I think a few grams of weight at the tip of the racquet will solve these issues.

 

[dr. godmode]

How does the whiteout 305 16x19 compares to the Pure Strike 3rd Gen? especially in terms of comfort?

According to the TW university data, all specs are the same, except the Solinco has lower vibration

Anybody had arm problems with the whiteout?

At 66 Strung, I think it plays more comfortably than the 360+ Extreme Tour, the Aux Radical MP and the Strikes. The Strikes mute more of the vibrations but they feel stiffer in my opinion. I also think the TFIGHTS feel stiffer but they vibrate less to me.

I’m not the best data point though as I’ve never had any arms problems even with APD strung at 55lbs with Golden Set Snake Bite.

 

[SupahMan5000]

How does the whiteout 305 16x19 compares to the Pure Strike 3rd Gen? especially in terms of comfort?

According to the TW university data, all specs are the same, except the Solinco has lower vibration

Anybody had arm problems with the whiteout?

I have discomfort but it doesn’t hurt

I just don’t like how it feels. It’s pretty solid at 40lbs tho. It needs the strings to pocket and have some give to mesh with the stiffness of the frame

 

[dr. godmode]

Got the rest of my Whiteouts in so I will be testing 3 different setups.

All have the same swingweight as my initial frame after I added 2g at 12, which is 303 unstrung.

Frame A will be counterbalanced by the OEM 5g buttcap weight (I weighed it, it is 5g heavier than the normal trapdoor)
Frame B will be counterbalanced by a 6g of copper at the top of the grip (under the replacement grip)
Frame C will be counterbalanced by a leather grip

Unstrung specs are:

Frame A: 311g, 302SW, 31.7cm, 155.55RW, 20.65 mrg/i, 0.50 polarization
Frame B: 313g, 303SW, 32cm, 151.51RW, 20.81 mrg/i, 0.48 polarization
Frame C: 312g, 303SW, 31.6cm, 157.43RW, 20.61 mgr/i, 0.50 polarization

Will be stringing with ReString Zero 1.23 across the board.

 

[Power Player]

I like the feel of leather better. My issue with the Whiteout is getting the recoil weight to 170. Right now it’s closer to 160 so I’ll need a huge amount in the buttcap to get where I want to be.

I think recoil weight is legit as a guideline but I have found if I am a little over or under the target it can work rather well too. You may be good to go. Im at 168 now, but I'm "supposed" to be at around 162. Of course I am using an extended frame which may skew the data, I have no idea. With standard length frames I typically played a little under 160.

 

[dr. godmode]

I think recoil weight is legit as a guideline but I have found if I am a little over or under the target it can work rather well too. You may be good to go. Im at 168 now, but I'm "supposed" to be at around 162. Of course I am using an extended frame which may skew the data, I have no idea. With standard length frames I typically played a little under 160.

Brando says I should be at 170RW, but my last two sticks were customized by feel to 173 (before it was a thing to track RW). I thought that was an interesting thing to note.

I will probably end up with these Whiteouts in that range, but I'm going to try to work my way there instead of just going straight to 170, just to see if that's where I actually end up.

 

[TripleFault88]

I think recoil weight is legit as a guideline but I have found if I am a little over or under the target it can work rather well too. You may be good to go. Im at 168 now, but I'm "supposed" to be at around 162. Of course I am using an extended frame which may skew the data, I have no idea. With standard length frames I typically played a little under 160.

What do you mean by “supposed” to be?
How does one find out where they are supposed to be? I also don’t know much about recoil weight

 

[dr. godmode]

What do you mean by “supposed” to be?
How does one find out where they are supposed to be? I also don’t know much about recoil weight

Read this thread. Its an excellent read. Brando (OP) has done a ton of research and he's very articulate.

Who Cares about Recoil Weight?

Advanced players care about recoil, and here’s why. Swingweight, twist weight, and recoil weight (also called ‘hitting weight’) all measure the inertia of a racquet along different axes or planes. Recoil weight shares the same plane as swingweight but its axis is the balance point (vs. the...

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

 

[y0035215]

Got the rest of my Whiteouts in so I will be testing 3 different setups.

All have the same swingweight as my initial frame after I added 2g at 12, which is 303 unstrung.

Frame A will be counterbalanced by the OEM 5g buttcap weight (I weighed it, it is 5g heavier than the normal trapdoor)
Frame B will be counterbalanced by a 6g of copper at the top of the grip (under the replacement grip)
Frame C will be counterbalanced by a leather grip

Unstrung specs are:

Frame A: 311g, 302SW, 31.7cm, 155.55RW, 20.65 mrg/i, 0.50 polarization
Frame B: 313g, 303SW, 32cm, 151.51RW, 20.81 mrg/i, 0.48 polarization
Frame C: 312g, 303SW, 31.6cm, 157.43RW, 20.61 mgr/i, 0.50 polarization

Will be stringing with ReString Zero 1.23 across the board.

Maybe try the XTD also?

 

[leojramirez]

I only played with the 18x20 Whiteout. After the first 3 hours of intense play with it, my forearm wasn't happy for the next 24-48h. It is a relatively stiff, light weight racquet, and even if it is muted, there will be vibrations when returning heavy balls or serving big. My arm is sensitive to new vibrations and that is the reason my regular racquets are heavy and polarized, to reduce vibrations as much as possible. That being said, the next plays with the Whiteout were better, so maybe it is just a matter of getting used to the new vibrations. I think a few grams of weight at the tip of the racquet will solve these issues.

I wouldn't even entertain it, you are going down the injury route.
Selling my 3 yonex vcore 98s 2023 (played with the 2 previous versions without a problem) because it caused me some serious TE that had me in pain even when lifting a cup of coffee back in March after playing with them for a month. Even though the frames are really comfortable and they were so so good for my game but I could feel the vibration. Still recovering from TE, last physio session was yesterday. I can play with the Yonex VCP 97 2021 but the ohb still has some discomfort and some days I am still a bit mindful/scared so i end up hitting late. Tried the blade v7, no pain but was not convinced as tennis is still hard but not as hard as with the VCP. Tried and ordered a couple of head boom pros, felt solid, no vibrations no discomfort after playing.

 

[dr. godmode]

Maybe try the XTD also?

I’ve got an XTD. Just too hard for me to switch between XL and standard for when I have to review sticks

 

[Power Player]

What do you mean by “supposed” to be?
How does one find out where they are supposed to be? I also don’t know much about recoil weight

Yeah I just go by the chart in the thread DrGodmode linked. It's a theory, not a proven fact to go by, but it tends to be a really nice guideline so it is worth trying.

You can use this link to calculate the numbers - https://impactingtennis.com/racket-customization/customization-calculator/

 

[kevonian]

I wouldn't even entertain it, you are going down the injury route.
Selling my 3 yonex vcore 98s 2023 (played with the 2 previous versions without a problem) because it caused me some serious TE that had me in pain even when lifting a cup of coffee back in March after playing with them for a month. Even though the frames are really comfortable and they were so so good for my game but I could feel the vibration. Still recovering from TE, last physio session was yesterday. I can play with the Yonex VCP 97 2021 but the ohb still has some discomfort and some days I am still a bit mindful/scared so i end up hitting late. Tried the blade v7, no pain but was not convinced as tennis is still hard but not as hard as with the VCP. Tried and ordered a couple of head boom pros, felt solid, no vibrations no discomfort after playing.

what grip size are your vcore 98s

 

[Power Player]

I’ve got an XTD. Just too hard for me to switch between XL and standard for when I have to review sticks

XTD versus Standard would be a fantastic video once/if you log a lot of hours with both. It has been a choice I have not been able to fully make for 10 years now. Currently playing the PA+, which adds a bunch of power back to the frame. I used the PA+ 2016 for a year as well. I am just committing to the 23+ for as long as I can since there are a lot of benefits. It does take a little adjustment, specially since the SW I find doesn't need to be that high (330ish is plenty) or it can be a log.

Really not a lot of YT content on that topic that I have seen.

 

[dr. godmode]

XTD versus Standard would be a fantastic video once/if you log a lot of hours with both. It has been a choice I have not been able to fully make for 10 years now. Currently playing the PA+, which adds a bunch of power back to the frame. I used the PA+ 2016 for a year as well. I am just committing to the 23+ for as long as I can since there are a lot of benefits. It does take a little adjustment, specially since the SW I find doesn't need to be that high (330ish is plenty) or it can be a log.

Really not a lot of YT content on that topic that I have seen.

That is in the works. I think XL is one of the most underrated racquet specs period, followed by decent OS options for players instead of grannies only