Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Solinco Blackout v2

swish41 said:
What's the best string for BO v2 in solinco silo?
Is racket string sensitive?
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That’s probably player-dependent. I liked Mach-10, some might like Confidential, others Tour Bite. I remember Confidential being on the lower end of the scale as fas as power, so maybe that for big hitters looking to control the frame’s power.

Outside of Solinco, I’m a fan of Restring Zero 17g.
 
I've found that the racket already creates a high launch angle, so if you add a high launch super shaped string, you'd better have a lot of top spin, or you'll be overshooting quite a bit
 
Had good hits with a variety of Solinco offerings. Tourbite hybrid, confidential, hyper g all were excellent. I am currently hitting with Diadem Dark Matter (multifilament), and am also finding that to be good too. Ive seen other players enjoying Mach-10 in it as well.
 
Power Player said:
The older pre 2014 babolat tweeners have a nice crisp and connected feel. How close does the BO get to that?
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I wouldn't have that description for the BOV2. The feel you describe is what some people also would called hollow, now looking back it is a lot more connected than most modern racquets but just different than the softer "feel" racquets then.

The BOV2 with Lynx Tour to me is closer to the more dampened stable feel you find in other modern foamed fill frames with a lot of technology. Compared to any racquets from that far back, it is so much more solid at the same weight/swingweight range and sends less vibration to your hands.

I have getting a bunch of frames recently from early to mid 2010s and comparing them against modern racquets today. No doubt the newer frames have better playability at a lower weight. But if you would prefer a heavier spec anyway, the older frames generally offer more connectedness but often needs customization to achieve the same stability as newer frames
 
thebigz said:
I wouldn't have that description for the BOV2. The feel you describe is what some people also would called hollow, now looking back it is a lot more connected than most modern racquets but just different than the softer "feel" racquets then.

The BOV2 with Lynx Tour to me is closer to the more dampened stable feel you find in other modern foamed fill frames with a lot of technology. Compared to any racquets from that far back, it is so much more solid at the same weight/swingweight range and sends less vibration to your hands.

I have getting a bunch of frames recently from early to mid 2010s and comparing them against modern racquets today. No doubt the newer frames have better playability at a lower weight. But if you would prefer a heavier spec anyway, the older frames generally offer more connectedness but often needs customization to achieve the same stability as newer frames
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Thats helpful and yes the old ones do feel more hollow. I have a PD Swirly that is more solid and then the 2012 is more hollow, but it still provides a really defined feel since the sweetspot is so huge. I am going to playtest both of mine, since it has been a while and see what direction I want to go in down the road if I want something new.

The newer frames in general feel so muted, and with a power frame that can be tough for me to really get a feel for ball depth.
 
It's been my experience the lower one goes with tension, the less hollow sensation there is.
On some rackets that is...
My 1st tension was 50 lbs on bo v2..
Then went to my std 42..it felt much better..
 
A_Instead said:
It's been my experience the lower one goes with tension, the less hollow sensation there is.
On some rackets that is...
My 1st tension was 50 lbs on bo v2..
Then went to my std 42..it felt much better..
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This is true. I always string at around 45#s. Definitely helps, and I prefer the feel and playability.
 
These racquets are built more for the modern game, which asks you to whack the ball as hard as you can to generate enough racquet head speed and spin to control the ball.

I am in my mid 20s and have been adapting to play this way. And I can see how the newer racquets are higher performing for my type of stroke production. Something my hitting partner noticed is just how much the ball jumps off the ground with the BOV2 when I take a big cut, similar to the effect of Aeros. But if you don’t swing as aggressively, it makes sense you might like more feedback from your racquet to get control despite as some loss of stability and ball quality
 
Haven’t seen much chatter here on the play tests…wondering how everyone is getting on with their V2s.

I’ve been hitting for the last month with my V2 XTDs and have had no desire to pickup the V1s. Granted I’ve added some weight (about 10g more than I did to my V1s), but still, it’s the solid feel that I’m really enjoying. Foam filled FTW!
 
McLovin said:
Haven’t seen much chatter here on the play tests…wondering how everyone is getting on with their V2s.

I’ve been hitting for the last month with my V2 XTDs and have had no desire to pickup the V1s. Granted I’ve added some weight (about 10g more than I did to my V1s), but still, it’s the solid feel that I’m really enjoying. Foam filled FTW!
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V1 was very good. V2 is great. Enough said.
 
Ive been hitting with mine here and there since I got it. Maybe 6 hours total. I have to say its not really a "bail you out" 100sq inch power racket. You have to definitely hit with good racket head speed and intention or it doesn't do much for me. It will also agitate my arm if I'm getting lazy and late on shots. I want to like it but I need to try a softer string perhaps.
 
MattTheTrucker said:
Ive been hitting with mine here and there since I got it. Maybe 6 hours total. I have to say it’s not really a "bail you out" 100sq inch power racket. You have to definitely hit with good racket head speed and intention or it doesn't do much for me. It will also agitate my arm if I'm getting lazy and late on shots. I want to like it but I need to try a softer string perhaps.
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Maybe don’t be lazy and don’t be late on shots?
 
mad dog1 said:
Maybe don’t be lazy and don’t be late on shots?
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It’s a valuable data point still.

There are racquets that makes you feel like a god when you are having a great day. There are also racquets that help you play less bad when you are having a below average day or physically not 100%. The ladder is bound to happen.

I’ve learned to not pick racquets based too much on how it plays on my really good days

Both are important qualities to consider and I always try to have frames that does either really well in my bag.

I played some amazing tennis(by my standard) with the BOV2 last week. When I can accelerate consistently the balls are super heavy for the opponent, on both forehand and backhand. Dropping serve bombs as well. It rewards higher racquet head speed for sure. But my first day I was sore from Pilates and the forehand had little speed/control/free depth when I cannot accelerate fast. Not saying it is a demanding racquet compared to most but commitment is rewarded
 
thebigz said:
It’s a valuable data point still.

There are racquets that makes you feel like a god when you are having a great day. There are also racquets that help you play less bad when you are having a below average day or physically not 100%. The ladder is bound to happen.

I’ve learned to not pick racquets based too much on how it plays on my really good days

Both are important qualities to consider and I always try to have frames that does either really well in my bag.

I played some amazing tennis(by my standard) with the BOV2 last week. When I can accelerate consistently the balls are super heavy for the opponent, on both forehand and backhand. Dropping serve bombs as well. It rewards higher racquet head speed for sure. But my first day I was sore from Pilates and the forehand had little speed/control/free depth when I cannot accelerate fast. Not saying it is a demanding racquet compared to most but commitment is rewarded
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By itself it's not really valuable data. I'll use a car analogy. If I'm driving on a racetrack, physically tired, miss my braking marker, end up on the wrong line and drive off the track, how is that a valuable data point? Here's a valuable data point though. I missed my braking marker, ended up on the wrong line, but the car was light and responsive enough with exceptional braking capabilities allowing me to make the necessary adjustments to salvage the corner. See the difference?
 
I can’t tell how much of this conversation is tongue in cheek, but in any case… There are some rackets that if I’m on the run, jammed, out of position, returning a hard serve, etc., I can just stick the racket out and have a reasonable shot at bunting a deep ball back to stay in the point. Pure Drive is probably the best example. Blackout v2 is not really that sort of racket, despite the wider beam. It seems to require at least some kind of swing to do anything. Not necessarily a bad thing, but you can’t get complacent.
 
Circa 1762 said:
I can’t tell how much of this conversation is tongue in cheek, but in any case… There are some rackets that if I’m on the run, jammed, out of position, returning a hard serve, etc., I can just stick the racket out and have a reasonable shot at bunting a deep ball back to stay in the point. Pure Drive is probably the best example. Blackout v2 is not really that sort of racket, despite the wider beam. It seems to require at least some kind of swing to do anything. Not necessarily a bad thing, but you can’t get complacent.
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Does it feel like a wider PA98 to you?
 
LordGulbis said:
Does it feel like a wider PA98 to you?
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YMMV, but I don’t know that I’d say that for my own experience.

I actually don’t find the Blackout v2 to be a spin-forward racket. Spin is there, but it doesn’t come as automatically as the PA98. Maybe it’s because I’ve been stringing mine higher to keep the top-end power in check? I’d say the Blackout is power first, spin second, and the PA98 is the inverse.

The Blackout also feels a lot more solid than the PA98 (even at lower weight; my Blackout is a 285 that I’ve weighted up to 325g / 325 SW / 32.5 cm). When I think “wider PA98,” I think Dunlop SX 300 Tour.
 
IMO, the V1 was more of a PD clone. I had been using the V1 for 3 years, and was part of the 2025 PD+ play test back in December 2024. I could use the two interchangeably.

The V2 is its own animal, even though they didn’t alter the mold or the string pattern. The combination of foam filling, slightly lower RA, and more headlight balance/lower SW, gives it a unique place in the “100 tweener” line.

I’ve been hitting the V2 XTD for about a month, and have zero desire to pickup my V1s. In fact, they’re in an old bag about to make the trip to Ghana as a donation (a local pro is from there and goes back every year w/ donated equipment for kids).
 
How is it different than current Pure Drive. I’ve always felt Pure Drive was overly powerful with horrible hollow feel, but the current version actually feels nicely solid and comfortable while still providing the power and spin that Pure Drive is known for. Does BO V2 provide more control? Just as much spin? How’s the power level in comparison?
 
Pure drive is a powerful rigid as a steel beam racket that can do extreme damage to your opponent once you learn how to tame it with string and technique..
I think the Pure Drive is a very good racket.. but to me it is so stiff and rigid with no flex anywhere..
It's hard to paint the ball with finesse with a paint brush with bristles that don't move..
The BO v2 has a very nice flex profile that can be used to manipulate the ball with a variety of wrist and arm technique to command the ball with variety. Not just power blast at level 10 like the pure Drive..
I basically have tried almost all the 300 gram 100 inch rackets as far as I can remember...
The black out v2 is unique and very special.
I can't even give a comparison to anything really..
Maybe an older pro kennex ki 10 that had that nice subtle flex.
Demo if you can.. but don't string to high..

Control compared to pure drive will be up to your skill set.. similar..
Bo v2 offers more spin.. BO v2 has slightly less power.. but everything is level 9 to 10 with the right skill set..
 
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mhkeuns said:
How is it different than current Pure Drive. I’ve always felt Pure Drive was overly powerful with horrible hollow feel, but the current version actually feels nicely solid and comfortable while still providing the power and spin that Pure Drive is known for. Does BO V2 provide more control? Just as much spin? How’s the power level in comparison?
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You really need to try it for yourself.
 
mhkeuns said:
How is it different than current Pure Drive. I’ve always felt Pure Drive was overly powerful with horrible hollow feel, but the current version actually feels nicely solid and comfortable while still providing the power and spin that Pure Drive is known for. Does BO V2 provide more control? Just as much spin? How’s the power level in comparison?
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Using the BO V2 XTD now, was on the PD+ 2025 playtest.

The biggest difference to me in that the BO doesn't have a hollow feel. They're similar in power, but I'd say the BO has less power and better control.

I don't notice a huge difference in stiffness, but I'll give the versatility edge to the Blackout. Sweetspot is bigger. And the PD suffers from an huge dropoff in power if you hit just below the sweet spot.

Its a cool frame for sure. This, Ezone 98, and Sx300 Tour are my favorite "power" type rackets from 2025
 
Thanks to TW! I would have liked more time but I am going out of town this week and won't get back on the courts before Halloween, so here goes:

String and tension used for test:
Hypermach hybrid (Mach 10 mains / HGR crosses) at 48/45
Yonex PTS mains / PTP crosses at 45

From my previous post:
Unstrung specs:
With card and plastic 317g

No card/wrap/ unstrung:
303g/31.5cm/294 SW

Strung with the included 1.20 Hypermach hybrid:
319g/32.5cm/323SW

10/12/25 Update: After about 6 hours stock, replaced the factory grip with a Fairway:
333g/31.5cm/325SW

Tennis experience/background:
I am an aspiring 4.0. With deep concentration and great focus, I believe that I am on the cusp of achieving my goals.

Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
I’m an aggressive baseliner who hits relatively flat on both wings. On both sides I like to try to hook ill-advised angles. Serve wise, my bread and butter is my kick serve. Like most righties, I kick down the T on deuce and out wide on ad. My Street Fighter EX3 Dan Hibiki special is a forehand slap that has a 10% chance of going in, and 90% chance of hitting the fence with no bounce.

Current racquet/string setups:
2022 Ezone 100+ stock except for leather grip. PTS/PTP hybrid at 48/45. My previous racket before that was a 2012 PDR+ also stock with leather. The true GOAT PD (don’t come at me Swirly/Team bros). Prior to that, I spent years with a 2017 Ezone 98+ (the GOAT EZ98+, don’t come at me DR98+ bros). I like the 2022 EZ100+ because it has the plow through of the 2012 PDR (albeit a bit less spin), at a much lower static weight. It’s also more polarized, so even with similar swingweights, the EZ100+ does more of its work for me. It also (knock on wood) hasn’t blown up my wrist yet, which the 2012 PDR+ did (twice).

On a side note, I also have a BO v1 XTD+ which I enjoy tremendously as a fun stick. For a 28” racket, it swings like ye olde Prince Thunderbolt MP, with a similar low launch angle. A truly fun and hilarious laser cannon. I also have this strung with PTS/PTP at 48/45.

How many hours did you play with the racquet?
Since receiving the racket on 10/7, and as of 10/28, I’ve played with it 6 times for about 12 hours. Mostly doubles, but about 4 hours of the 12 was singles hitting.

Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):

-Groundstrokes:
As a baseliner, I was impressed with the v2, more so than the V1 XTD+. It is very versatile from the baseline with the hypermach hybrid. I had no problems hitting all out pace, looping deep topspin, or hitting slices. Since I was new to the racket I struggled with dropshots, but I have stone hands anyway, so that is no surprise. Flat slaps were very satisfying with the racket, which produces a pleasing sound. I did not use a dampener and very much enjoyed the feel in hand and the sound feedback from the shots. Feedback on specific shots is below in the topspin/slice section.

-Serves:
Serving was great with this racket. With less power than the 2022 Ezone or the 2012 PDR+, I felt very in control with the hypermach hybrid. The balls twisted more than normal. The maneuverability of the racket made acceleration through the contact zone very easy. I lost a few MPH and didn't hit as heavy of a serve as I would have with the Ezone 100+, but I will match the swingweights and test some more.

-Volleys:
This is probably one of the best volleying extended length tweeners I have used. Between its length, maneuverability, and stability, volleying with this racket was a delight. I was even able to stick quick reaction flicks at the net, which I struggled mightily with with the PDR+. I was very rarely late on my volleys, and the light weight didn’t fatigue me even after long doubles sessions.

-Serve returns:
Like volleys, the maneuverability and stability yielded excellent results on serve returns. I could focus on good contact without worrying about the racket flying out of my hands or a crappy return. Even when out of position the racket was forgiving enough to put the ball back well and not get me in too much trouble.

Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)


Power/Control-
In terms of power, I would say this is on the lower end of the 100 sq in extended tweener category, probably the lowest powered one I've hit with. That being said, it's also one of the most controlled in this category. Normally with other rackets in this category I have to rely on spin and trajectory for control, but the BOv2 can also control the ball like a player's racket does. It was a pleasant surprise, as I went in expecting to hit like a PD, but it played more like a Percept 100 in this regard.

Top Spin/Slice-
Topspin: BO’s string pattern is very open. The top cross is so far up that I almost missed it when stringing it up. The bottom cross is also very close to the bottom of the hoop. One would think this would translate to a higher launch angle but I didn’t find this to be the case at all. Relative same PTS/PTP setup, the BOv2 and the 2022 EZ100+ both had similar launch angles—about 2’ over the net. However, since the BOv2 is about 20 pts lighter on the Briffidi, balls tended to land short. With the provided Hypermach hybrid, the trajectory changed significantly. I was able to comfortable clear the net 4’ or more with the same strokes, the effect being the balls landing deeper. With the Hypermach hybrid, the racket was adept at deep loopy topspin, short dipping topspin at a S&V’rs feet, and hooking sidespin topspin shots, either short angle or banana up the line.

Slice: I had the same impression of slice on this racket as I did with the PAVS. I am an old school slicer and I don’t use racket head speed to cut severly on the ball. My slice is more of a flat shot with the bottom edge leading slightly. Because of this, my slices rely alot on the weight of the racket to supply pace. Here, the BOv2 needed more plow for that kind of slice. That being said, practicing the cutty slices yielded good results. The ball was skiddy with more sidespin that I normally get slicing on the backhand side. On the forehand side, I enjoyed Pam Shriver style shovel approaches with this racket. It cups the ball more than the 2021 PD+, even without woofer grommets.

Comfort-
The foam works. This is a very comfortable racket, more so than the 2021 PD+. It feels less muted than the 2012 PDR+, but did not make my wrist go boom. It’s also much more comfortable than the BOv1 XTD+, which after an hour or so gave me minor twinges.

Feel-
The dampening of the racket did not come at the expense of feel. (*cough* 2025 ezone *cough*). I felt very connected to the racket. Even though the pattern is very open, the stringbed response is very predictable, and there were no hotspots in the stringbed with both setups.

Maneuverability-
Measuring at 323 on my briffidi stock, and 325 with a fairway, this is probably the lightest swinging 27.5 racket I’ve used. For reference my Ezone 100+ clocks in at a hefty 342, my old PDRs at 345, and my trusty 2017 Ezone 98+ at 332. I didn’t have any problems flicking the racket around when pressed for time, or on quick reflex volleys.

Stability-
For its weight and swingweight, this racket is remarkably stable. Shots hit outside of the sweetspot didn’t feel dead or torque the racket undesirably. Even facing against heavy hitters I could feel the hoop pancake and snap back against the ball. Adding a leather grip did wonders to help with the plowthrough, and really woke the racket up without a commensurate loss in maneuverability.

General reaction/comments on overall performance:

I feel like the foam fill works. Relative to the BO v1 XTD+, with the same string setup, the v2 feels more muted, but not as muted as the 2012 PDR+ or the 2021 PD+. It is, however, rawer than the 2022 Ezone 100+, and significantly more so than the 2025 Ezone 100+ (which I did not like). I will add weight to match the swingweight of the v2 to the 2022 Ezone 100+ and do another comparison from there.

The grip shape is more rectangular than Yonex, or even the TK82S. I prefer Yonex’s small buttcap flare, and the shape is comparable, albeit slightly bigger.

Thanks so much to Solinco and TW for including me on this review. I look forward to tinkering with the racket more, and definitely look forward to the Vice City grommet and bumper colors.
 
Soundbyte said:
I'm sorry to hear 90% of the racket market is too light for you.

What's your usual setup? 310g stock? 315g? Do you often add weight via leather grip or lead?
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Yes indeed
I am used to 315. In general I add a Sampras overgrip and no other weight. The issue I had yesterday was on returns against a heavy one so I switched to my rs305 and had no problems anymore
I test for my pleasure and because of reading you all :)
 
Boubi said:
In general I add a Sampras overgrip and no other weight.
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What is a "Sampras overgrip"? Do you mean Tournagrip? The great thing about lighter frames is the ability to customize to your preferred specs. Getting to 315g unstrung is easy w/ a leather grip and a little lead here & there. Or, using the 10g butt cap weight from Solinco + a little lead at 3/9 or 12 to balance it out.
 
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My XTD was 314 with a fairway and no other mods. Granted, the fairway is pretty beefy as far as leather grips go.
 
Boubi said:
Tested yesterday...too light for me
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That's like saying the portions are too small at buffet.

If its too light just add weight as other suggested.

The spec was there and if not as heavy as you used to play then probably shouldn't even try at first place.
 
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