SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
In my opinion yes
That’s why I think the 18x20 is low powered. The 18x20 could use a little help with a boost in SW
Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Solinco Whiteout 305 18x20 AND Whiteout 305 XTD 18x20
- Thread starter TW Staff
- Start date
That’s why I think the 18x20 is low powered. The 18x20 could use a little help with a boost in SW
Blade_X
Professional
I just hit a few balls with 16x19 back then and the feel was kinda harsh/direct and a little bit muted. It was strung with element black. The most impressive aspect of the racquet was how stable it was. But it also felt too head heavy and not so quick through the air. So i am very curious of some reviews here on 18x20 that it felt soft and very commutative. I play with a 18x16 so i am more suited to do a full playtest of 16x19. That’s why i am asking if they feel similar with the 18x20 ?
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
Though I have not used the 16x19, the WO 18x20 does swing easier than other frames that weigh 305 grams that I’ve used recently, The feel is firm but somewhat muted. It’s not harsh or bad, imo. To me, the WO 18x20 is less powerful than Pure Strike or V7 Blade 98 but is more maneuverable
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
So…the only downside I’m facing right now is my arm not being used to new shots
I never ever hit flat serves all junior and college tennis so now that I have a reliable and killer flat serve bomb, my arm is dying from the sudden jump in big serving motions. My forehand is also not used to that extra half inch weight transfer when I flick the wrist at the end of the forehand motion. I’m sure some care to my arm and a little more attention to recovery will take care of this but it’s very new and my body is getting caught off guard
I never ever hit flat serves all junior and college tennis so now that I have a reliable and killer flat serve bomb, my arm is dying from the sudden jump in big serving motions. My forehand is also not used to that extra half inch weight transfer when I flick the wrist at the end of the forehand motion. I’m sure some care to my arm and a little more attention to recovery will take care of this but it’s very new and my body is getting caught off guard
McLovin
Legend
If at 55 I can handle an extended frame for 2 hours on the court vs guys 10-15 years younger than me, then I’m sure you can at your age.
In fact, when I was your age, I used extended frames weighing over 350g strung, with a SW north of 360, strung w/ Kevlar/gut in the upper 60s…uphill…both ways…
Ok, that was a long way to go for a Dad Joke, but I couldn’t resist.
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
I’d be really careful to not injure the arm. My hitting buddies have recovered after months of enduring pain and painful rehab/physical therapy. It just doesn’t heal up quickly.
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
It’s really only when I play 3-4 sets of doubles and really going for those free points from the serve. Hit with my student today who can hit pretty heavy and no discomfort at all
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
Week 2:brief report -
As I got my timing down with WO 18x20, here are my thoughts:
As I got my timing down with WO 18x20, here are my thoughts:
- There is more than enough power in the reserves - just have to swing for it. Not so low powered as I initially thought.
- Control is predictable and pin-point
- Very, very spin friendly
- Nice feel at impact - Firm, yet comfortable. Muted, yet very communicative.
- Easy to swing, even under pressure.
- Stable against heavy shots
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
any chance I can convince you to add an extra half inch to that racket of yours...?
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
Definitely honeymoon, but I’m playing better now after about ten hours than in the beginning. Framed a lot of shots at first being too early in the contact zone. I can now hit more freely without thinking about timing. I’m beginning to think this is all I would ever need in a racket because it needs no modification and does just about everything well. I played my best tennis in a long time using the weighted up Pure Strike VS, but for some reason my pinky would slide off the buttcap and rub against the edge causing my inner pinky to get raw. This racket plays close in character with firmer and more muted feel. I can just swing out without having to worry about control and my pinky.
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
I’m actually really curious about the XTD 18x20. Definitely thinking about demoing it.
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
Just wanted to add the free power and the higher SW of the XTD make slices amazing but not in the way you might be thinking.
You can slice with such ease and with enough power without having to really put so much racket head speed into the slice. This allows me to relax and really just get a good proper follow through forward on the slice and it always lands deep on the other side. With some lower power rackets I feel like I have to almost knife it sometimes which can lead to bad technique and wonky slices
You can slice with such ease and with enough power without having to really put so much racket head speed into the slice. This allows me to relax and really just get a good proper follow through forward on the slice and it always lands deep on the other side. With some lower power rackets I feel like I have to almost knife it sometimes which can lead to bad technique and wonky slices
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
Yes, exactly. They both play nicely, but the WO 18x20 is much more user-friendly from the get-go, especially without having to add weight. I think the firmer feel helps with control and predictability.
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
which version blade? very different rackets, especially the V8 as its no longer 18x19
v8, I know they are very different besides both being 27.5 but there's a very limited choice in this length
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
at 104 sq in and 16x19, you’re gonna be closer to the WO16x19 XTD which i found pretty powerful and a lot of spin potential and a little erratic.
the 18x20 is much more control oriented but still has that XTD free power. it might be a bit tougher to use than the Blade with a higher static weight and higher SW and lower launch angle. If you’re valuing that 16x19 pop I would look into the 16x19 XTD. but if you’re looking for a more player esque frame with some power give the 18x20 a chance
Tennis1337
New User
How would the 18x20 xtd work on a one handed backhand? I imagine serve, slice, forehand would benefit a longer frame, but with a onehander I would like a normal length (typically)
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
I imagine it’s quite clunky. The main advantage on two hand backhand with extended racket is that the limited range of motion gets some help. You already have wider range of motion on one handed backhand so adding the extended length might make it unwieldy.
I do not have a one handed backhand so maybe someone else can chime in
The weighted buttcap would of course add static weight, add recoil weight, lower the balance point, add a very small amount of swing weight and more polarization (making the swing path loopier). Maneuverability would increase, while swing resistance and stroke predictability would decrease. So adding/subtracting head-lightness is, pun intended, a balancing act.
As for the WO being highly maneuverable, it's all relative; compared to other sticks that are <=4pts HL in stock form and/or that may have thicker beams and/or heavier static weights, it may seem highly maneuverable, but compared to other thin-ish beam 300-305g 98's that are even more head-light in stock form, it may not seem as maneuverable. But overall, yes, it's not bad.
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
I tried it on the 16x19 XTD 5 grams. it worked well. The racket had the same manuevarability as the 18x20 XTD but that high launch angle with clunky swing made the balls kinda fly if you didnt add enough shape and 'whip'. the headlightness after the weighted cap allowed me to come over the ball so that it drops back in. the 18x20 pattern with all this SW works well so I dont have the urge to add the caps quite yet. I'm still adjusting to the frame in a match confidence sense. Once it hits summer I think i'll start to better feel out what cuztomization needs can be done if any. feels great stock
bleno567
Professional
Yes. I put them on both the WO xtd 18M and BO xtd. I really enjoyed them and found them to help play a lot, so much to the extent I've started tailweighting all my racquets now. I even added an extra 10 grams of lead around the butt to exaggerate the effect of the 10g butt insert.
I don't find either of these frames to be highly maneuverable (both have ~330 SW), but I like pretty HL frames. For me, the tail weight makes them feel more guidable through the swing path. The racquet just moved through the strike path with more stability.
On groundstrokes, I felt like I was able to better absorb pace when my opponent went big, and I wasn't late on shots, because the SW remained close to the same.
On serves, I think the tailweight makes it a little easier to come over the ball, but it was less noticeable.
I finally got a chance to string the whiteout, and have about 4 hours into it. Went with 17g Klip/head hawk rough at 54/50. So far, ground strokes are pretty penetrating and a the sweet spot is generous. I’m playing it alongside my primary stick, ultra pro 18x20 and I feel that I’m getting more power with a slightly larger sweet spot from the solinco frame.
I’m going to use it as my main this week for a singles match, one coaching session and a doubles round robin. So far I’m really enjoying this more than the 16x19 version - though I think that may be because my 16x19 is l3 and feels a little chunky in hand.
I’m going to use it as my main this week for a singles match, one coaching session and a doubles round robin. So far I’m really enjoying this more than the 16x19 version - though I think that may be because my 16x19 is l3 and feels a little chunky in hand.
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
McLovin
Legend
I think for most it will come down to 'feel'. I demoed the Blackout XTD and Pure Drive + "side-by-side" last fall, along w/ the Whiteout XTD 16x19. The 16x19 Whiteout XTD reminded me a lot of my VCORE 98 +, and since I was looking for a little more pop, felt it was a lateral move.
After going back & forth a few days, I came to the conclusion that I simply didn't care for the feel of the PD+. Sure, it had the power, but something about it just didn't gel with me, and it felt a bit sluggish coming around on the forehand. The Blackout XTD, however, really impressed me, although it did take a little customization to dial it in. Nothing drastic, just a little more weight in certain spots to get it's weight/balance/sw to where I like. Luckily it's only 300g, so there was tons of room for customization. (I prefer a slightly heavier stick).
d-quik
Legend
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
Solinco Whiteout 18x20 Racket Review
String and tension used for test: Solinco Hyper G 16G (*46lbs14 hours in total), Kirschbaum Pro Line II 16G (*45lbs)
Tennis experience/background: Have started playing tennis at 12 in the early 80’s. Began playing tennis seriously starting at 15. Played competitively in high school and college, Just playing recreational tennis now @ 4.5 level.
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley): Primarily an aggressive baseliner learning to attack the net more.
Current racquet/string setups: Wilson Blade Pro 18x20 strung with Volkl Cyclone 16G @ 48lbs.
How many hours did you play with the racquet? Around 16 hours total (*mostly long sessions of rallying in the beginning. played mostly doubles)
Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
-Groundstrokes: Transitioning from Blade Pro 18x20 to Whiteout 18x20 took a bit of adjustment. I’ve always gravitated towards heavier HL balanced midsize rackets while I was playing competitive tennis, but lately I have gotten used to playing with rackets with bigger head , higher SW’s and their inherent power & stability. The Whiteout 18x20 has slightly lower SW than the rackets I’ve been playing with. It came around easier and quicker than what I was used to, which often caused frame shots when I wanted to attack. It initially felt lower powered than what I have been accustomed to using, too,
After about fourth session of rallying I was able to dial in my strokes feeling confident enough to start using the racket in matches, Once I got used to the racket, power was not an issue. It had a plenty of power. It just took some effort in timing the shot correctly. Combined with Hyper G the racket offered very good topspin on both my forehand and backhand. Slice took a little longer to master, but I was also able to hit some low, skidding slices like I would have hit with the Blade Pro.
Overall, I find the maneuverability of the Whiteout 18x20 helped a lot in my ground game. I was able to vary shots more freely and controlled both depth and angles effortlessly. This is an excellent baseline stick for attack minded aggressive baseliners who want pin-point control with good spin potential,. Spin isn’t like the Pure Aero, but it offers better spin potential than other 18x20 frames like the Ultra Pro, Blade Pro or Speed Pro.
-Serves: Just like the slices, my spin serves (*slice, topspin and kick serves) needed more time to adjust to the frame. I was able to serve flat bombs, but other serves floated and were less effective. Not sure why I wasn’t able to use the maneuverability to speed up my swing on serves in the beginning, I think the issue was just transitioning from a racket with higher SW to something that felt much lighter to swing. Once I got familiarized, my second serves have been more dependable and accurate in placement. The spin potential shows in serves as well. It offers more spin that most of the 16x19 players rackets I’ve hit with.
-Volleys: In my opinion, Whiteout is better suited for aggressive punch volleys than delicate touch volleys. It is stable against heavy shots to create delicate touch shots, but I feel that it performs better at putting away shots. The racket is made for aggressive plays and probably suits the all-courters and serve-and-volleyers better than other head heavy 98“ frames.
-Serve returns: Just like the ground strokes, it comes around quickly to help to attack the serves. Good stability on off-center shots. But, this is a player’s racket in the truest form - You will need to be aggressive to bring out its power and spin. Though I have to do more (*swing harder & faster) than Blade Pro to get the similar attacking returns, the control is predictable and felt great to swing out aggressively to put opponents on defense right away.
Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Power/Control - Whiteout 18x20 is a control racket that offers predictable pin-point control on both flat shots and spin shots. It encouraged me to go for the lines and allowed me to take huge cuts. Power is more than adequate, but it will depend on the player’s ability to generate power. Most 305 gram player’s rackets have been trending towards higher SW for more power & stability sacrificing some control and maneuverability. Often users add weight in the handle to create the desired balance. Some that come with lower SW usually feel anemic that they need weight customization. This racket doesn’t need any customization for power while providing great control.
Top Spin/Slice - Excellent spin capability even for being a tight patterned racket. Topspin was noticeable right away. I noticed nice shape and bounce to the shots. Hitting effective slices took a little bit longer, probably due to not being familiarized with the lower SW in the beginning, but it became effective and even the forehand slice when pulled out wide became a weapon. It’s a spin-friendly 18x20 racket.
Comfort - It feels firm. Firmer than the rackets I’ve been using, but it feels comfortable. The firmness & comfort is less than but somewhat similar to Graphene 360+ Radical Pro. Even strung with 16G full poly, it was not jarring at all.
Feel - Firm, yet somewhat muted. It’s communicative in that I can feel the ball on well struck balls. However, off-center hit‘s harsh vibration get muted and don’t feel too harsh and raw. There is good dampening.
Maneuverability - For being a 305 gram player’s racket, it doesn’t come around sluggishly like some of the rackets with higher SW. For example, TFight 305 RS, Pure Strike and Blade V7 pack power but lack quickness and maneuverability. The Whiteout 18x20 comes around quickly making it a better all-court frame. The maneuverability helps in playing aggressive attacking all-court game, as well as creating counter-attacks from playing defense.
Stability - In the beginning against heavy hits in comparison to the over-spec’d Blade Pro, both volleys and ground strokes didn’t feel as stable. As I spent more hours getting more familiarized with the frame, it felt stable and absorbed shock and vibration really well. Even on off-center shots during serve-returns and volleys, there is no twisting in hand or jarring feel. Really great on serve return and punch volleys.
General reaction/comments on overall performance:
Most often with 305 gram rackets or rackets close to that weight range, I’d either tail weigh my rackets for better balance or put weight in the hoop if it lacked power and/or stability. The Whiteout 18x20 does not need any mods. It is a great 18x20 patterned player’s racket that is super user-friendly. I’d recommend this racket to any players seeking easier to use 98” player’s stick. I would also recommend this racket to Speed Pro users or other 100” players racket users who seek more control and easier maneuverability. Coming from rackets like the Blade Pro, it did take some adjustment for me, but it feels like I’m playing more fun and somewhat more daring tennis trying to put more pressure on my hitting buddies.
This was a fun playtest, and I’m going to continue to use the Whiteout 18x20. It is a fabulous stick and one of the best control sticks for intermediates to advanced all-court players in the market in my opinion
Thank you TW. Thank you Solinco. Thank you so much for the opportunity to participate in this playtest.
String and tension used for test: Solinco Hyper G 16G (*46lbs14 hours in total), Kirschbaum Pro Line II 16G (*45lbs)
Tennis experience/background: Have started playing tennis at 12 in the early 80’s. Began playing tennis seriously starting at 15. Played competitively in high school and college, Just playing recreational tennis now @ 4.5 level.
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley): Primarily an aggressive baseliner learning to attack the net more.
Current racquet/string setups: Wilson Blade Pro 18x20 strung with Volkl Cyclone 16G @ 48lbs.
How many hours did you play with the racquet? Around 16 hours total (*mostly long sessions of rallying in the beginning. played mostly doubles)
Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
-Groundstrokes: Transitioning from Blade Pro 18x20 to Whiteout 18x20 took a bit of adjustment. I’ve always gravitated towards heavier HL balanced midsize rackets while I was playing competitive tennis, but lately I have gotten used to playing with rackets with bigger head , higher SW’s and their inherent power & stability. The Whiteout 18x20 has slightly lower SW than the rackets I’ve been playing with. It came around easier and quicker than what I was used to, which often caused frame shots when I wanted to attack. It initially felt lower powered than what I have been accustomed to using, too,
After about fourth session of rallying I was able to dial in my strokes feeling confident enough to start using the racket in matches, Once I got used to the racket, power was not an issue. It had a plenty of power. It just took some effort in timing the shot correctly. Combined with Hyper G the racket offered very good topspin on both my forehand and backhand. Slice took a little longer to master, but I was also able to hit some low, skidding slices like I would have hit with the Blade Pro.
Overall, I find the maneuverability of the Whiteout 18x20 helped a lot in my ground game. I was able to vary shots more freely and controlled both depth and angles effortlessly. This is an excellent baseline stick for attack minded aggressive baseliners who want pin-point control with good spin potential,. Spin isn’t like the Pure Aero, but it offers better spin potential than other 18x20 frames like the Ultra Pro, Blade Pro or Speed Pro.
-Serves: Just like the slices, my spin serves (*slice, topspin and kick serves) needed more time to adjust to the frame. I was able to serve flat bombs, but other serves floated and were less effective. Not sure why I wasn’t able to use the maneuverability to speed up my swing on serves in the beginning, I think the issue was just transitioning from a racket with higher SW to something that felt much lighter to swing. Once I got familiarized, my second serves have been more dependable and accurate in placement. The spin potential shows in serves as well. It offers more spin that most of the 16x19 players rackets I’ve hit with.
-Volleys: In my opinion, Whiteout is better suited for aggressive punch volleys than delicate touch volleys. It is stable against heavy shots to create delicate touch shots, but I feel that it performs better at putting away shots. The racket is made for aggressive plays and probably suits the all-courters and serve-and-volleyers better than other head heavy 98“ frames.
-Serve returns: Just like the ground strokes, it comes around quickly to help to attack the serves. Good stability on off-center shots. But, this is a player’s racket in the truest form - You will need to be aggressive to bring out its power and spin. Though I have to do more (*swing harder & faster) than Blade Pro to get the similar attacking returns, the control is predictable and felt great to swing out aggressively to put opponents on defense right away.
Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Power/Control - Whiteout 18x20 is a control racket that offers predictable pin-point control on both flat shots and spin shots. It encouraged me to go for the lines and allowed me to take huge cuts. Power is more than adequate, but it will depend on the player’s ability to generate power. Most 305 gram player’s rackets have been trending towards higher SW for more power & stability sacrificing some control and maneuverability. Often users add weight in the handle to create the desired balance. Some that come with lower SW usually feel anemic that they need weight customization. This racket doesn’t need any customization for power while providing great control.
Top Spin/Slice - Excellent spin capability even for being a tight patterned racket. Topspin was noticeable right away. I noticed nice shape and bounce to the shots. Hitting effective slices took a little bit longer, probably due to not being familiarized with the lower SW in the beginning, but it became effective and even the forehand slice when pulled out wide became a weapon. It’s a spin-friendly 18x20 racket.
Comfort - It feels firm. Firmer than the rackets I’ve been using, but it feels comfortable. The firmness & comfort is less than but somewhat similar to Graphene 360+ Radical Pro. Even strung with 16G full poly, it was not jarring at all.
Feel - Firm, yet somewhat muted. It’s communicative in that I can feel the ball on well struck balls. However, off-center hit‘s harsh vibration get muted and don’t feel too harsh and raw. There is good dampening.
Maneuverability - For being a 305 gram player’s racket, it doesn’t come around sluggishly like some of the rackets with higher SW. For example, TFight 305 RS, Pure Strike and Blade V7 pack power but lack quickness and maneuverability. The Whiteout 18x20 comes around quickly making it a better all-court frame. The maneuverability helps in playing aggressive attacking all-court game, as well as creating counter-attacks from playing defense.
Stability - In the beginning against heavy hits in comparison to the over-spec’d Blade Pro, both volleys and ground strokes didn’t feel as stable. As I spent more hours getting more familiarized with the frame, it felt stable and absorbed shock and vibration really well. Even on off-center shots during serve-returns and volleys, there is no twisting in hand or jarring feel. Really great on serve return and punch volleys.
General reaction/comments on overall performance:
Most often with 305 gram rackets or rackets close to that weight range, I’d either tail weigh my rackets for better balance or put weight in the hoop if it lacked power and/or stability. The Whiteout 18x20 does not need any mods. It is a great 18x20 patterned player’s racket that is super user-friendly. I’d recommend this racket to any players seeking easier to use 98” player’s stick. I would also recommend this racket to Speed Pro users or other 100” players racket users who seek more control and easier maneuverability. Coming from rackets like the Blade Pro, it did take some adjustment for me, but it feels like I’m playing more fun and somewhat more daring tennis trying to put more pressure on my hitting buddies.
This was a fun playtest, and I’m going to continue to use the Whiteout 18x20. It is a fabulous stick and one of the best control sticks for intermediates to advanced all-court players in the market in my opinion
Thank you TW. Thank you Solinco. Thank you so much for the opportunity to participate in this playtest.
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
No much less power. pretty different racket Power and control wise
Surprisingly good spin potential
y0035215
Rookie
need o try it. thought I had my match with the shift300 :/
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
Even with a different poly string in my WO 18x20, the spin potential wasn’t effected. It is a very spin friendly 18x20.
As far as power goes, it is adequate. Power comes from being able to swing fast and aggressive. After the review before a singles match against a high level player, I modded the WO with leather grip and 2 grams of lead at 12. It did seem more powerful, but it lowered the launch angle a little for some reason and didn’t swing as fast. Though it played well, I prefer it in its stock form.
As far as power goes, it is adequate. Power comes from being able to swing fast and aggressive. After the review before a singles match against a high level player, I modded the WO with leather grip and 2 grams of lead at 12. It did seem more powerful, but it lowered the launch angle a little for some reason and didn’t swing as fast. Though it played well, I prefer it in its stock form.
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
Whiteout 18x20 is a control stick that begs you to play aggressive tennis. It might not have the 16x19 power, but it has enough juice to pull some point ending winners. The spin potential, accuracy, stability, and ease of swing makes it an all-court attacker’s dream racket without having to carry so much static weight.
y0035215
Rookie
May I ask: How is it when playing against heavy hitters from the baseline? Is there enought plow and stability to bring back an also heavy ball and staying in the rally? I know really relative question, but I had problems in such scenario with my ET/ETA.
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
Extreme Tour? It’s easier to just block back with this racket with the slightly heftier SW. it’s more stable than Extreme if that’s the correct racket
y0035215
Rookie
Correct. Thanks for the improvised answer.
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
I would say the WO 18x20 plays similar to much more maneuverable but slightly less powerful Blade 98 V7 18x20. It has a plenty of power from the baseline with pin-point control. If you like to grind out points with baseline bashing, there are better options. If you like to be aggressive from the baseline and like to hit close to the lines, this is a fantastic racket. Often power comes from having the confidence to swing out and knowing where the balls will land. There is more than enough power actually.
Last edited:
OnyxZ28
Hall of Fame
String and tension used for test:
Hyper G 1.20 at 48
Tennis experience/background:
In previous tests, I have identified myself as an aspiring 4.0. I am happy to report that I have achieved the dream. I do have previous history with 18x20 extended length rackets--I used the i.Prestige MP XL for a long time, and also have a few HPS 6.1 MP Stretch in ye olde collection. I currently use an 2017 Ezone 98+ with leather and nothing other modifications. This review is written from the perspective of one who doesn't need to adjust to the extra length. If you're reading this review and coming from a standard length racket, you'll need to factor in an adjustment period
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
I'm an aggressive baseliner who ventures to net to end points. I favor my forehand over backhand generally, except on returns, where I am somehow steadier on the backhand size. I like to play with driving topspin on the forehand side, and generally hit flat on the backhand side. I rarely slice.
Current racquet/string setups:
Currently I use an 2018 Ezone 98 plus with Hyper G 1.20 at 48. I also used a Pure Aero VS with the same string until recently. Both the Yonex and Babolat have leather grips with no OG, and no other modifications. For this test, I kept the Whiteout XTD stock and did not modify it with leather. I also did not use the provided OG.
How many hours did you play with the racquet? ~20 hours.
Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
-Groundstrokes:
Coming from a 16x19 racket, it took me a bit of time to adjust to the 18x20 bed. The stringbed feels firmer than the i.Prestige MP XL's. McLovin's comparison to the HPS 6.1 stretch is pretty on point. The launch angle of my strokes was much flatter than I expected--flatter than the i.Prestige MPXL, and more comparable to the low trajectory from the very-dense HPS 6.1 stretch, despite the more open string spacing on the WO 18x20.
On forehands I was able to generate the driving spin that I like. Even though the ball wasn't as loopy as my normal gamer, from observing my opponents' reactions to the shots *after* the bounce I could see that I was still hitting a decently heavy ball. With the 18x20 pattern it was easy to flatten shots out and go for lasers. I struggled generating short angles from the baseline because of the lower net clearance relative to the Ezone and the PAVS.
On the backhand side I really grooved with the racket. Generally this is my weaker wing, but for some reason the WO XTD really grooved with my flatter backhand. That's not to say that I wasn't able to loop it when I wanted to, but my natural shot is flat on that wing, and the XTD was very good in that regard. My backhand is more compact than my FH stroke, and the 18x20 pattern complemented the shorter stroke well with a more controlled response than the Ezone 98+ or the PAVS.
-Serves:
I generally serve well with extended length rackets, and this racket was no exception. Serves were flatter than with the Ezone 98+, and missing a few MPH, but that is to be expected given that the Ezone is thicker, and mine have leather grips. Observing my opponenets from my side, I noticed that they dealt with my serves with the WO XTD easier than with my gamers. I grooved more with slice serves than kick--I wasn't getting the normal twist that I’m used to with the Ezone. However, like with the groundstrokes, although I was not getting the same arc, the flip side of it is that the serves were not sitting up as much.
-Volleys:
The WO XTD's stringbed is firmer (cups the ball less) than the Ezone 98+, PAVS's stringbed at the same tension. Relative to other 18x20s, it is also firmer than the i.Prestige MP XL. Again this is where the HPS 6.1 comparison comes in--they both have that kind of crunchy feel to the racket. In the context of volleys, this made the WO XTD surprisingly punchy at the net. Where I was expecting some give because this is a flexible stick with a dense stringbed, what I found instead was a very solid volleying stick, especially from midcourt and on putaways. I'm generally not a touch volleyer so I can't really comment on drop volleys except to say I stink at them. That being said, the WO XTD's volleys went where I wanted to, with a surprisingly bonus on the oomph.
-Serve returns:
The WOXTD excelled at chip and slice returns, which was a pleasant surprise. I was able to keep those low and where I wanted, particularly against kick serves, where I was able to use this to put the returns at the incoming server's feet. When stretched out wide, the extra length and controlled response helped me direct the ball where I wanted, and gave me the confidence to not panic and spray the ball in a desperate winner attempt. I did try to really flatten out a few, but wasn't getting the same effect as I would with the 2018 Ezone 98+.
Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Power/Control-
Maybe because I'm coming from more powerful sticks (the 2018 Ezone 98 Plus and PAVS), but I didn't think the WO XTD was very powerful, or hit a particularly heavy ball relative to the other two in its stock form. I can see how people who tried the STD version would find it anemic. It lacks the mass of the heavier i.Prestige MP and HPS 6.1 Stretch and that is noticeable with the shots generated. It is, however, a well-controlled stick. The string pattern is open for an 18x20, and linear control is excellent, which one would expect of an 18x20 frame. Control of the trajectory of the shot will require adjustment when coming from a 16x19, as to be expected, but I found the WO XTD to be similar to the Gravity Pro in this respect, both hitting surprisingly low trajectory shots.
Top Spin/Slice-
As I touched on before, even though this is 18x20, the RPMs are still there, albeit with a much lower trajectory. Don't go in expecting big loopy spin, even with the extended length and firm stringbed. That being said, do expect heavy, offensive slice that takes you back to the 80s and 90s. Sidespin generation is middling. I wasn't able to get the curving approach shots I usually use on the forehand that I've had success with on other 18x20s (all Heads).
Comfort-
I used to never have arm issues until last year, when my arm exploded trying a leaded 2019 Pure Aero. Since then it's been a little more sensitive. The WO XTD, even with its crunchy feel, didn't give me any discomfort. With Hyper G, I wouldn't call the setup comfortable per se, but as poly strings in a player's racket go, it was about on par with the Ezone 98 plus, which is very good.
Feel-
Crunchy, but in a good, solid way. It also feels like this racket is braided, although I don't see anything in the literature that indicates this. Not tinny at all like the pre-2015 Blades (haven't tried any since the 2015). Outside of the sweetspot, I didn't find it to be jarring or uncomfortable. The racket worked really well with Hyper G, but I did not test it with the included multi (I am not a fan of multis usually).
The flex feels uniform throughout the racket. The i.Prestige MP XL to me has a relatively flexible hoop (not relative to the PT630 of course) and stiffer shoulders, where the Ezone 98+ has a stiff hoop and flexes in the throat.
Maneuverability-
As indicated in my earlier post in this thread, my racket spec'd out at 331 SW on a calibrated Briffidi. This is about on par with the targeted specs. I didn't have any issues with the SW or find the racket to be cumbersome. On forehands, where cumbersome rackets are particularly noticeable, I was still able to whip the racket as if I was still using the 2018 Ezone 98+ with leather, which spec'd out at 336 on the same machine.
Stability-
Stability and plowthrough were excellent on this frame. I was concerned that a lightweight, relatively thin-beamed 18x20 that wasn't evenly balanced would have issues with plowthrough (see: stock Ultra Tour/Pro), but I think the extended length and extra swingweight mitigated this issue. Definitely more stable than the stock PAVS, although it sits a hair below the Ezone 98+ in this regard.
General reaction/comments on overall performance:
I think there is a sorely felt need for extended length 18x20 rackets. One of my teammates has used an i.Prestige MPXL since its inception and hasn't been able to find anything to replace it since, because he can't find any extended length 18x20 offerings out there. I will definitely be recommending the WO XTD to him. Solinco did a very good job with this racket, and to offer an XTD offering is commendable. Head is the 18x20 GOAT, but with no extended length offerings (SHAME), I wanted to thank Solinco for addressing this market need.
Much thanks to TW and Solinco for allowing me to participate in this test! I really enjoyed my time with the WO XTD, which I am passing on to a buddy who loved it.
Hyper G 1.20 at 48
Tennis experience/background:
In previous tests, I have identified myself as an aspiring 4.0. I am happy to report that I have achieved the dream. I do have previous history with 18x20 extended length rackets--I used the i.Prestige MP XL for a long time, and also have a few HPS 6.1 MP Stretch in ye olde collection. I currently use an 2017 Ezone 98+ with leather and nothing other modifications. This review is written from the perspective of one who doesn't need to adjust to the extra length. If you're reading this review and coming from a standard length racket, you'll need to factor in an adjustment period
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
I'm an aggressive baseliner who ventures to net to end points. I favor my forehand over backhand generally, except on returns, where I am somehow steadier on the backhand size. I like to play with driving topspin on the forehand side, and generally hit flat on the backhand side. I rarely slice.
Current racquet/string setups:
Currently I use an 2018 Ezone 98 plus with Hyper G 1.20 at 48. I also used a Pure Aero VS with the same string until recently. Both the Yonex and Babolat have leather grips with no OG, and no other modifications. For this test, I kept the Whiteout XTD stock and did not modify it with leather. I also did not use the provided OG.
How many hours did you play with the racquet? ~20 hours.
Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
-Groundstrokes:
Coming from a 16x19 racket, it took me a bit of time to adjust to the 18x20 bed. The stringbed feels firmer than the i.Prestige MP XL's. McLovin's comparison to the HPS 6.1 stretch is pretty on point. The launch angle of my strokes was much flatter than I expected--flatter than the i.Prestige MPXL, and more comparable to the low trajectory from the very-dense HPS 6.1 stretch, despite the more open string spacing on the WO 18x20.
On forehands I was able to generate the driving spin that I like. Even though the ball wasn't as loopy as my normal gamer, from observing my opponents' reactions to the shots *after* the bounce I could see that I was still hitting a decently heavy ball. With the 18x20 pattern it was easy to flatten shots out and go for lasers. I struggled generating short angles from the baseline because of the lower net clearance relative to the Ezone and the PAVS.
On the backhand side I really grooved with the racket. Generally this is my weaker wing, but for some reason the WO XTD really grooved with my flatter backhand. That's not to say that I wasn't able to loop it when I wanted to, but my natural shot is flat on that wing, and the XTD was very good in that regard. My backhand is more compact than my FH stroke, and the 18x20 pattern complemented the shorter stroke well with a more controlled response than the Ezone 98+ or the PAVS.
-Serves:
I generally serve well with extended length rackets, and this racket was no exception. Serves were flatter than with the Ezone 98+, and missing a few MPH, but that is to be expected given that the Ezone is thicker, and mine have leather grips. Observing my opponenets from my side, I noticed that they dealt with my serves with the WO XTD easier than with my gamers. I grooved more with slice serves than kick--I wasn't getting the normal twist that I’m used to with the Ezone. However, like with the groundstrokes, although I was not getting the same arc, the flip side of it is that the serves were not sitting up as much.
-Volleys:
The WO XTD's stringbed is firmer (cups the ball less) than the Ezone 98+, PAVS's stringbed at the same tension. Relative to other 18x20s, it is also firmer than the i.Prestige MP XL. Again this is where the HPS 6.1 comparison comes in--they both have that kind of crunchy feel to the racket. In the context of volleys, this made the WO XTD surprisingly punchy at the net. Where I was expecting some give because this is a flexible stick with a dense stringbed, what I found instead was a very solid volleying stick, especially from midcourt and on putaways. I'm generally not a touch volleyer so I can't really comment on drop volleys except to say I stink at them. That being said, the WO XTD's volleys went where I wanted to, with a surprisingly bonus on the oomph.
-Serve returns:
The WOXTD excelled at chip and slice returns, which was a pleasant surprise. I was able to keep those low and where I wanted, particularly against kick serves, where I was able to use this to put the returns at the incoming server's feet. When stretched out wide, the extra length and controlled response helped me direct the ball where I wanted, and gave me the confidence to not panic and spray the ball in a desperate winner attempt. I did try to really flatten out a few, but wasn't getting the same effect as I would with the 2018 Ezone 98+.
Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Power/Control-
Maybe because I'm coming from more powerful sticks (the 2018 Ezone 98 Plus and PAVS), but I didn't think the WO XTD was very powerful, or hit a particularly heavy ball relative to the other two in its stock form. I can see how people who tried the STD version would find it anemic. It lacks the mass of the heavier i.Prestige MP and HPS 6.1 Stretch and that is noticeable with the shots generated. It is, however, a well-controlled stick. The string pattern is open for an 18x20, and linear control is excellent, which one would expect of an 18x20 frame. Control of the trajectory of the shot will require adjustment when coming from a 16x19, as to be expected, but I found the WO XTD to be similar to the Gravity Pro in this respect, both hitting surprisingly low trajectory shots.
Top Spin/Slice-
As I touched on before, even though this is 18x20, the RPMs are still there, albeit with a much lower trajectory. Don't go in expecting big loopy spin, even with the extended length and firm stringbed. That being said, do expect heavy, offensive slice that takes you back to the 80s and 90s. Sidespin generation is middling. I wasn't able to get the curving approach shots I usually use on the forehand that I've had success with on other 18x20s (all Heads).
Comfort-
I used to never have arm issues until last year, when my arm exploded trying a leaded 2019 Pure Aero. Since then it's been a little more sensitive. The WO XTD, even with its crunchy feel, didn't give me any discomfort. With Hyper G, I wouldn't call the setup comfortable per se, but as poly strings in a player's racket go, it was about on par with the Ezone 98 plus, which is very good.
Feel-
Crunchy, but in a good, solid way. It also feels like this racket is braided, although I don't see anything in the literature that indicates this. Not tinny at all like the pre-2015 Blades (haven't tried any since the 2015). Outside of the sweetspot, I didn't find it to be jarring or uncomfortable. The racket worked really well with Hyper G, but I did not test it with the included multi (I am not a fan of multis usually).
The flex feels uniform throughout the racket. The i.Prestige MP XL to me has a relatively flexible hoop (not relative to the PT630 of course) and stiffer shoulders, where the Ezone 98+ has a stiff hoop and flexes in the throat.
Maneuverability-
As indicated in my earlier post in this thread, my racket spec'd out at 331 SW on a calibrated Briffidi. This is about on par with the targeted specs. I didn't have any issues with the SW or find the racket to be cumbersome. On forehands, where cumbersome rackets are particularly noticeable, I was still able to whip the racket as if I was still using the 2018 Ezone 98+ with leather, which spec'd out at 336 on the same machine.
Stability-
Stability and plowthrough were excellent on this frame. I was concerned that a lightweight, relatively thin-beamed 18x20 that wasn't evenly balanced would have issues with plowthrough (see: stock Ultra Tour/Pro), but I think the extended length and extra swingweight mitigated this issue. Definitely more stable than the stock PAVS, although it sits a hair below the Ezone 98+ in this regard.
General reaction/comments on overall performance:
I think there is a sorely felt need for extended length 18x20 rackets. One of my teammates has used an i.Prestige MPXL since its inception and hasn't been able to find anything to replace it since, because he can't find any extended length 18x20 offerings out there. I will definitely be recommending the WO XTD to him. Solinco did a very good job with this racket, and to offer an XTD offering is commendable. Head is the 18x20 GOAT, but with no extended length offerings (SHAME), I wanted to thank Solinco for addressing this market need.
Much thanks to TW and Solinco for allowing me to participate in this test! I really enjoyed my time with the WO XTD, which I am passing on to a buddy who loved it.
PhxRacket
Hall of Fame
String and tension used for test: Hyper G 16g @ 47#
Tennis experience/background: Former college player (with a wooden racquet so it was a long time ago), current coach at high performance high school. I have played on and off for nearly five decades.
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley): As I am old, I prefer to rely on a big serve, big forehand and really good hands. I serve and volley when practical. Rely on short angles to attack and finish at the net.
Current racquet/string setups: v7 Blade 98 18x20/Hyper G 17g @ 47#
How many hours did you play with the racquet? I played with this racquet for nearly forty hours. I restrung it once with the same string it came with. I used it for coaching, playing singles sets and really competitive doubles.
Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
-Groundstrokes: I have never used an extended racquet and was curious as to its performance. I literally asked myself, “Does a half inch really matter?” When it came to groundstrokes there was a brief adjustment period. But after that, boy, oh boy, the W/O XTD 18x20 is a ground stroking dream. I could hit big on both sides, but more importantly to me, I was precise. I could get good shape on the ball on both sides. Defensive strokes while digging out of corners were sent deep with some authority. All that was dependent on footwork and a conscious effort to maintain proper spacing because, yeah, a half inch does matter. When tired, it wears very clear that my spacing and timing were off and the XTD amplified that. Having said that, who needs a tweeter? The XTD can really give you pace when you ask nicely. I would rate this 5/5 on groundstrokes.
-Serves: This was where I was expecting some trouble. I am already tall at 6’2” so I thought that the extra length might take a little time to adjust the mechanics of toss height and contact point. I took a basket of balls to my local courts and served with the XTD. Not much adjustment time required and the XTD shined brightly. Whether I asked it to go flat down the T, or sliced out wide, the XTD was so much fun to serve with. There were numerous games I served and didn’t drop a point. Kick serves were functional, but the 18x20 pattern doesn’t produce the same kick as the WO 16x19 standard for instance. I would rate this 6/5 on serves.
-Volleys: Again, the extra length required a little patience while I recalibrated spacing and timing, particularly on volleys. Once I was dialed in, volleys were great. I found that stability was not really an issue if my technique was sound. I had stability issues when I was late, out of position, or my contact point was not quite right. I had no problem volleying hard hit groundies and returns. I really expected better touch volleys, and maybe it was me, but the WO XTD lacked the sublime fell and touch of the Blade. I have a feeling that may come with more use of the WO. I would rate this 4.7/5 on volleys.
-Serve returns: The WO XTD is a return beast. It didn’t matter if I was taking a big cut, chipping and charging, slicing or redirecting a big first serve, the WO XTD excelled on returns!! I found it stable and very maneuverable on returns. I found that I could hit any type of return with similar success, including the dreaded lob return over the net man into the corner or the drop shot return on a weak second serve when the server is staying back expecting a big return. Despite some sluggishness owing to its length, the WO XTD made returning (one of my weaknesses) really easy. It is the easy button! I would rate this 5/5 on returns.
Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Power/Control-The XTD was more powerful than the Blade, particularly on serve. I think that the power of the XTD was what got me so excited to use it more. Maybe it was the headlight balance? Maybe it was the foam filling or other tech? Maybe it was the Hyper G? Whatever the case, this was a powerful 18x20. It was not as powerful as the standard 16x19 though. It was more powerful than a Blade 18x20, less powerful than the Blackout. As far as control goes, I found that it was precise. It is not Pro Staff precise, but it is a fairly precise racquet. Let me put it this way, I easily hit my targets from the baseline, on approach, at the net and my doubles partners were in awe of serve placement. I found easy, controllable depth…provided my input was on point. This is not a racquet for those looking for the easy route. You have to put in the work to get results.
Top Spin/Slice-Topspin was one characteristic that surprised me during the play test. The XTD provided ample topspin when technique was on. The racquet is not a “spin machine.” It will allow you to shape the ball on both sides. I was able to get some forehands jumping high as well as some kick serves. It was far better in this area than my Blade. It was devilish when I needed a defensive or offensive slice. Backhand or forehand, it didn’t really matter. Slicing was easy and deadly. Again, the string spacing, balance and weight are critical for this to be as straightforward as it was.
Comfort-Ok, this is when things get a little interesting. I played the XTD for a week straight, one day off. Then I restrung and played another week with fresh Hyper G. After two solid weeks of AMAZING play, I started to get a sore elbow. I don’t know if it was due to the racquet composition or the extended length-I’ve never played extended racquets before. I swapped out the Hyper G for a soft multi and we will see where this goes. In terms of match play comfort, it’s a very comfortable racquet. I was hooked on the feeling of catching forehand in the sweet spot over and over again. Addicting!
Feel-I was not surprised by the feel of the XTD. It felt like the Blade, only longer. It moved through the air quickly and the head light balance made it feel whippier than the Blade-a feature that I REALLY LIKED. I don’t know what the twistweight is, but I played against the usual suspects and felt no twisting instability. I wish it hit better drop shots.
Maneuverability-As I have alluded to earlier, the XTD 18x20 WO is very maneuverable. It is like a Pro Staff and a Blade had a baby…a very long baby. The only issues I can report at this time were what I expected. I needed a few hitting sessions and some live ball play to get used to the length. Initially, my timing was not very good. I was late, a lot. I think this racquet really shined on defense. Into and out of the corners, the XTD was lethal on defense. Serves in on my hands were a different story. Once my friends figured out this was a problem for me, I had to up my anticipation and pre serve movement to try and get in a better return position because the XTD was sort of sluggish here.
Stability-I had no problems whatsoever with the XTD’s stability. Returning big serves, volleying hard hit returns at the net, picking up low balls or balls on full stretch were all easy with the XTD. It is a very stable stick. Nearly flawless in this category. I would put the XTD’s stability up against an RF any day.
General reaction/comments on overall performance: I have loved this play test, maybe more so than any other that I have been involved with. It has ticked all the boxes. I was looking to move on from the Blade and tried a number of 16x19 frames from other manufacturers. I kept running into problems with stability, overhitting and too much power. I feel like the XTD, though an 18x20, is a little wider spaced, plus more head light than the Blade has led to a racquet that I have longed for. It is hippy, but with Hyper G the balls just seem to stay inside the lines. I was pleasantly surprised that serving was so good. Flat bombs, effective kicks and killer slices were all easily produced by the XTD WO 18x20. I have played some really great tennis with this racquet and it will stay in my bag, but there is one doubt. The elbow pain that came out of nowhere. We will see if that clears up using some multifilament and go forward from there. In addition, I found teaching with the XTD tough. Feeding for an extended period of time with the longer racquet was not perfect for me. If I had to give the racquet a rating out of 10…I would give it a 9.8/10. Trust me, it’s that good. But you have to like or tolerate extended frames. I may be getting a few of these going forward.
Thank you Solinco and TW. I was thrilled to be selected for this and have shared the racquet with some of my friends. One more thing, Solinco sent overgrips and a hat with the racquet and strings. I have been in on a few racquet play tests and none of them have done that in my experience. Just made me want to do business with them a little more.
Tennis experience/background: Former college player (with a wooden racquet so it was a long time ago), current coach at high performance high school. I have played on and off for nearly five decades.
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley): As I am old, I prefer to rely on a big serve, big forehand and really good hands. I serve and volley when practical. Rely on short angles to attack and finish at the net.
Current racquet/string setups: v7 Blade 98 18x20/Hyper G 17g @ 47#
How many hours did you play with the racquet? I played with this racquet for nearly forty hours. I restrung it once with the same string it came with. I used it for coaching, playing singles sets and really competitive doubles.
Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
-Groundstrokes: I have never used an extended racquet and was curious as to its performance. I literally asked myself, “Does a half inch really matter?” When it came to groundstrokes there was a brief adjustment period. But after that, boy, oh boy, the W/O XTD 18x20 is a ground stroking dream. I could hit big on both sides, but more importantly to me, I was precise. I could get good shape on the ball on both sides. Defensive strokes while digging out of corners were sent deep with some authority. All that was dependent on footwork and a conscious effort to maintain proper spacing because, yeah, a half inch does matter. When tired, it wears very clear that my spacing and timing were off and the XTD amplified that. Having said that, who needs a tweeter? The XTD can really give you pace when you ask nicely. I would rate this 5/5 on groundstrokes.
-Serves: This was where I was expecting some trouble. I am already tall at 6’2” so I thought that the extra length might take a little time to adjust the mechanics of toss height and contact point. I took a basket of balls to my local courts and served with the XTD. Not much adjustment time required and the XTD shined brightly. Whether I asked it to go flat down the T, or sliced out wide, the XTD was so much fun to serve with. There were numerous games I served and didn’t drop a point. Kick serves were functional, but the 18x20 pattern doesn’t produce the same kick as the WO 16x19 standard for instance. I would rate this 6/5 on serves.
-Volleys: Again, the extra length required a little patience while I recalibrated spacing and timing, particularly on volleys. Once I was dialed in, volleys were great. I found that stability was not really an issue if my technique was sound. I had stability issues when I was late, out of position, or my contact point was not quite right. I had no problem volleying hard hit groundies and returns. I really expected better touch volleys, and maybe it was me, but the WO XTD lacked the sublime fell and touch of the Blade. I have a feeling that may come with more use of the WO. I would rate this 4.7/5 on volleys.
-Serve returns: The WO XTD is a return beast. It didn’t matter if I was taking a big cut, chipping and charging, slicing or redirecting a big first serve, the WO XTD excelled on returns!! I found it stable and very maneuverable on returns. I found that I could hit any type of return with similar success, including the dreaded lob return over the net man into the corner or the drop shot return on a weak second serve when the server is staying back expecting a big return. Despite some sluggishness owing to its length, the WO XTD made returning (one of my weaknesses) really easy. It is the easy button! I would rate this 5/5 on returns.
Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Power/Control-The XTD was more powerful than the Blade, particularly on serve. I think that the power of the XTD was what got me so excited to use it more. Maybe it was the headlight balance? Maybe it was the foam filling or other tech? Maybe it was the Hyper G? Whatever the case, this was a powerful 18x20. It was not as powerful as the standard 16x19 though. It was more powerful than a Blade 18x20, less powerful than the Blackout. As far as control goes, I found that it was precise. It is not Pro Staff precise, but it is a fairly precise racquet. Let me put it this way, I easily hit my targets from the baseline, on approach, at the net and my doubles partners were in awe of serve placement. I found easy, controllable depth…provided my input was on point. This is not a racquet for those looking for the easy route. You have to put in the work to get results.
Top Spin/Slice-Topspin was one characteristic that surprised me during the play test. The XTD provided ample topspin when technique was on. The racquet is not a “spin machine.” It will allow you to shape the ball on both sides. I was able to get some forehands jumping high as well as some kick serves. It was far better in this area than my Blade. It was devilish when I needed a defensive or offensive slice. Backhand or forehand, it didn’t really matter. Slicing was easy and deadly. Again, the string spacing, balance and weight are critical for this to be as straightforward as it was.
Comfort-Ok, this is when things get a little interesting. I played the XTD for a week straight, one day off. Then I restrung and played another week with fresh Hyper G. After two solid weeks of AMAZING play, I started to get a sore elbow. I don’t know if it was due to the racquet composition or the extended length-I’ve never played extended racquets before. I swapped out the Hyper G for a soft multi and we will see where this goes. In terms of match play comfort, it’s a very comfortable racquet. I was hooked on the feeling of catching forehand in the sweet spot over and over again. Addicting!
Feel-I was not surprised by the feel of the XTD. It felt like the Blade, only longer. It moved through the air quickly and the head light balance made it feel whippier than the Blade-a feature that I REALLY LIKED. I don’t know what the twistweight is, but I played against the usual suspects and felt no twisting instability. I wish it hit better drop shots.
Maneuverability-As I have alluded to earlier, the XTD 18x20 WO is very maneuverable. It is like a Pro Staff and a Blade had a baby…a very long baby. The only issues I can report at this time were what I expected. I needed a few hitting sessions and some live ball play to get used to the length. Initially, my timing was not very good. I was late, a lot. I think this racquet really shined on defense. Into and out of the corners, the XTD was lethal on defense. Serves in on my hands were a different story. Once my friends figured out this was a problem for me, I had to up my anticipation and pre serve movement to try and get in a better return position because the XTD was sort of sluggish here.
Stability-I had no problems whatsoever with the XTD’s stability. Returning big serves, volleying hard hit returns at the net, picking up low balls or balls on full stretch were all easy with the XTD. It is a very stable stick. Nearly flawless in this category. I would put the XTD’s stability up against an RF any day.
General reaction/comments on overall performance: I have loved this play test, maybe more so than any other that I have been involved with. It has ticked all the boxes. I was looking to move on from the Blade and tried a number of 16x19 frames from other manufacturers. I kept running into problems with stability, overhitting and too much power. I feel like the XTD, though an 18x20, is a little wider spaced, plus more head light than the Blade has led to a racquet that I have longed for. It is hippy, but with Hyper G the balls just seem to stay inside the lines. I was pleasantly surprised that serving was so good. Flat bombs, effective kicks and killer slices were all easily produced by the XTD WO 18x20. I have played some really great tennis with this racquet and it will stay in my bag, but there is one doubt. The elbow pain that came out of nowhere. We will see if that clears up using some multifilament and go forward from there. In addition, I found teaching with the XTD tough. Feeding for an extended period of time with the longer racquet was not perfect for me. If I had to give the racquet a rating out of 10…I would give it a 9.8/10. Trust me, it’s that good. But you have to like or tolerate extended frames. I may be getting a few of these going forward.
Thank you Solinco and TW. I was thrilled to be selected for this and have shared the racquet with some of my friends. One more thing, Solinco sent overgrips and a hat with the racquet and strings. I have been in on a few racquet play tests and none of them have done that in my experience. Just made me want to do business with them a little more.
Review for Solinco Whiteout 18x20 XTD
String and tension used for test:
Solinco Confidential 17 at 52 pounds
Tennis experience/background:
4.0 player in 30’s
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
Baseliner relying on forehand. But I started playing more doubles now and enjoy adding more net play to my singles game
Current racquet/string setups:
I wish there’s a racquet I could call ‘current one’ lol. Some of my favorites and recent stints with similar spec:
Wilson Blade Pro 18x20: love everything about it, but just too demanding in match play
Babolat Pure Strike: Probably the racquet I played best tennis with, but also only racquet that causes arm pain (I wasn’t even bothered by stiffer Bab’s like Pure Drive/Aero, but somehow couldn’t handle the Strike)
Tecnifibre TF40: very similar spec to Pure Strike & WO, strikes a good balance between Blade Pro and Pure Strike
Solinco Whiteout 16x19: had a short demo of it alongside the Pure Strike and TF40. It ended up being a bit more lively and less stable than the other options, but it really could have gone either way
How many hours did you play with the racquet?
6-7h singles’ match play and rally. I’d love to play more with it but didn’t end playing as much recently, and mostly league matches that I wasn’t feel confident enough to demo the new racquet
Comments on racquet performance for each stroke
-Groundstrokes: 8.5/10
I had some short stints with extended racquets before, and each time I was wowed from first hits and start asking myself why I’m not using an extended full-time. The WO ETD is no exception. The extra half inch simply adds 10-20% oomph to every shot. It also doesn’t feel as clunky as some other 98 in^2 305g’s when extended. The regular WO was super-fast for the spec and so is the xtd version.
The 18x20 pattern makes the stringbed a lot more predictable than the regular 16x19 I tried before. However, it doesn’t go as smooth into match play. I had a hard time replying on full swings due to the extra length. The power almost feels too much for me that I ended up playing more defensively just to prevent ball from flying. One way to describe it is, 27.5 racquets make the tennis court feel 10% smaller – it takes less input to hit the baseline, but meanwhile also takes more attention to keep the ball in play
-Serves: 9.5/10
Like other extended racquet, biggest improvement comes in first serve speed. Adjusting the contact zone a bit further is necessary for unlocking the power. But the adjustment is totally worth it and it’s so much easier to achieve same result with less effort compared to similar spec racquets in standard length. Second serve is also effortless with some slight adjustment and the racquet encourages the user to go for a full swing kicker
-Volleys: 7/10
I didn’t get to play much volleys with the racquet. The racquet feels stable and the added reach is a good bonus. That being said, this is the also the where that the extra half inch adds some sluggishness of the racquet. Reaction volley was the hardest to adjust to, there were quite a few volleys that I could tell the contact was below the sweet spot. I’m sure if I bite the bullet and start using this or other extended racquet from now, I would be able to adjust to it eventually. But since all my other racquets are in standard length, the WO isn’t what I would reach for a doubles match at the moment.
-Serve returns: 9/10
Similar to volley, it takes some adjustment when I don’t have the reaction time. But when I do have time to set up for a full swing, this racquet absolutely blasts the ball. My favorite shot with the racquet was returning wide serves on both sides down the line from a deep and wide position. I would describe it as a dream return racquet if you’re a Medvedev style returner, but would take more effort and quicker reaction if you love to step into the court to hit on the rise half volley returns
Comments on racquet performance in each area
Power/Control:
It definitely has more than enough power with the extra lenght, but the 18x20 stringbed also gives good control on full swings. I would recommended going for a deader poly at a slightly higher tension for this one.
As mentioned, I had some issue trusting a full swing in point play, but that’s just my problem with all extended length racquets or bringing an unfamiliar one directly into matches. (one exception was Babolat Pure Control 95+ from like 8-9 years ago. Unfortunately the racquet got discontinued after one generation. Well, a 95 in^2, 12oz, 18x20, extended, made by Babolat. Who are we kidding someone’s going to buy that?)
Top Spin/Slice:
The 16x19 WO has a open string space. I much prefer the 18x20 which is a lot more predictable but still hitting enough spin when needed (it’s not the densest 18x20 you will see, maybe similar to a Head Speed Pro). Slicing is also sweet and reliable with the good bite from the stringbed. Again the extra length will kick in on a reaction slice like block return, but when having time to set up it hits a low trajectory with ample side spin
Comfort:
I rarely had any arm problem, and the WO isn’t an exception. When freshly strung it has a slight pingy sound on contact, but the racquet filters out the vibration nicely (thanks to the foam?). After an hour or so it feels very plush and has a clean pop sound without dampner.
Feel:
Not my strength, but I didn’t find it lacking compared to my other racquets. The Blade Pro is hard to beat for feel. I would put it in same level as Head Speed and Yonex Ezone, and above Babolat Pure Drive/Aero.
Maneuverability:
Very maneuverable for an extended length racquet, definitely the easiest I’ve tried so far. The length won’t hide itself on reaction shots like volleys and first serve returns, but when you do have time to set up, serve or groundstroke, I didn’t find it harder to swing than other 305g 27inch racquets.
Stability:
I found the regular WO to be a bit less stable than similar spec racquets. But the XTD is head and shoulders above the regular version. At my level of playing, there wasn’t a time that I was craving for more stability from the racquet. There’re other extended options that could have more plow, but that usually comes at a cost of less maneuverability.
General reaction/comments on overall performance:
Overall it’s been a very positive test. Just to repeat myself, the racquet is very rewarding when I have the time and confidence to go for my shot (especially on serves). It takes some adjustment for me to feel fully comfident with it in match play. But for anyone who’s familiar with extended racquet, or want to start trying one but concerned with potential maneuverability loss, this is definitely one of the best offering out there.
The racquet came in right on spec. The paintjob is nicely done, with a combination of glossy and matte finish. The grip feels slightly larger than Wilson counterparts, but not to the point that I’d go down a size for it.
The package also came with two sets of strings (will try it next), multiple overgrips (feels similar to Wilson grip, but lasts a bit longer) and a cap (a bit stiffer than other tennis caps, could be a good everyday/baseball cap). Thank you Solinco and TW for the opportunity to test out this racquet. It’s always nice to see new competitors entering the market offering solid quality products. I hope the WO/BO line would just be a start of a lot to come.
String and tension used for test:
Solinco Confidential 17 at 52 pounds
Tennis experience/background:
4.0 player in 30’s
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
Baseliner relying on forehand. But I started playing more doubles now and enjoy adding more net play to my singles game
Current racquet/string setups:
I wish there’s a racquet I could call ‘current one’ lol. Some of my favorites and recent stints with similar spec:
Wilson Blade Pro 18x20: love everything about it, but just too demanding in match play
Babolat Pure Strike: Probably the racquet I played best tennis with, but also only racquet that causes arm pain (I wasn’t even bothered by stiffer Bab’s like Pure Drive/Aero, but somehow couldn’t handle the Strike)
Tecnifibre TF40: very similar spec to Pure Strike & WO, strikes a good balance between Blade Pro and Pure Strike
Solinco Whiteout 16x19: had a short demo of it alongside the Pure Strike and TF40. It ended up being a bit more lively and less stable than the other options, but it really could have gone either way
How many hours did you play with the racquet?
6-7h singles’ match play and rally. I’d love to play more with it but didn’t end playing as much recently, and mostly league matches that I wasn’t feel confident enough to demo the new racquet
Comments on racquet performance for each stroke
-Groundstrokes: 8.5/10
I had some short stints with extended racquets before, and each time I was wowed from first hits and start asking myself why I’m not using an extended full-time. The WO ETD is no exception. The extra half inch simply adds 10-20% oomph to every shot. It also doesn’t feel as clunky as some other 98 in^2 305g’s when extended. The regular WO was super-fast for the spec and so is the xtd version.
The 18x20 pattern makes the stringbed a lot more predictable than the regular 16x19 I tried before. However, it doesn’t go as smooth into match play. I had a hard time replying on full swings due to the extra length. The power almost feels too much for me that I ended up playing more defensively just to prevent ball from flying. One way to describe it is, 27.5 racquets make the tennis court feel 10% smaller – it takes less input to hit the baseline, but meanwhile also takes more attention to keep the ball in play
-Serves: 9.5/10
Like other extended racquet, biggest improvement comes in first serve speed. Adjusting the contact zone a bit further is necessary for unlocking the power. But the adjustment is totally worth it and it’s so much easier to achieve same result with less effort compared to similar spec racquets in standard length. Second serve is also effortless with some slight adjustment and the racquet encourages the user to go for a full swing kicker
-Volleys: 7/10
I didn’t get to play much volleys with the racquet. The racquet feels stable and the added reach is a good bonus. That being said, this is the also the where that the extra half inch adds some sluggishness of the racquet. Reaction volley was the hardest to adjust to, there were quite a few volleys that I could tell the contact was below the sweet spot. I’m sure if I bite the bullet and start using this or other extended racquet from now, I would be able to adjust to it eventually. But since all my other racquets are in standard length, the WO isn’t what I would reach for a doubles match at the moment.
-Serve returns: 9/10
Similar to volley, it takes some adjustment when I don’t have the reaction time. But when I do have time to set up for a full swing, this racquet absolutely blasts the ball. My favorite shot with the racquet was returning wide serves on both sides down the line from a deep and wide position. I would describe it as a dream return racquet if you’re a Medvedev style returner, but would take more effort and quicker reaction if you love to step into the court to hit on the rise half volley returns
Comments on racquet performance in each area
Power/Control:
It definitely has more than enough power with the extra lenght, but the 18x20 stringbed also gives good control on full swings. I would recommended going for a deader poly at a slightly higher tension for this one.
As mentioned, I had some issue trusting a full swing in point play, but that’s just my problem with all extended length racquets or bringing an unfamiliar one directly into matches. (one exception was Babolat Pure Control 95+ from like 8-9 years ago. Unfortunately the racquet got discontinued after one generation. Well, a 95 in^2, 12oz, 18x20, extended, made by Babolat. Who are we kidding someone’s going to buy that?)
Top Spin/Slice:
The 16x19 WO has a open string space. I much prefer the 18x20 which is a lot more predictable but still hitting enough spin when needed (it’s not the densest 18x20 you will see, maybe similar to a Head Speed Pro). Slicing is also sweet and reliable with the good bite from the stringbed. Again the extra length will kick in on a reaction slice like block return, but when having time to set up it hits a low trajectory with ample side spin
Comfort:
I rarely had any arm problem, and the WO isn’t an exception. When freshly strung it has a slight pingy sound on contact, but the racquet filters out the vibration nicely (thanks to the foam?). After an hour or so it feels very plush and has a clean pop sound without dampner.
Feel:
Not my strength, but I didn’t find it lacking compared to my other racquets. The Blade Pro is hard to beat for feel. I would put it in same level as Head Speed and Yonex Ezone, and above Babolat Pure Drive/Aero.
Maneuverability:
Very maneuverable for an extended length racquet, definitely the easiest I’ve tried so far. The length won’t hide itself on reaction shots like volleys and first serve returns, but when you do have time to set up, serve or groundstroke, I didn’t find it harder to swing than other 305g 27inch racquets.
Stability:
I found the regular WO to be a bit less stable than similar spec racquets. But the XTD is head and shoulders above the regular version. At my level of playing, there wasn’t a time that I was craving for more stability from the racquet. There’re other extended options that could have more plow, but that usually comes at a cost of less maneuverability.
General reaction/comments on overall performance:
Overall it’s been a very positive test. Just to repeat myself, the racquet is very rewarding when I have the time and confidence to go for my shot (especially on serves). It takes some adjustment for me to feel fully comfident with it in match play. But for anyone who’s familiar with extended racquet, or want to start trying one but concerned with potential maneuverability loss, this is definitely one of the best offering out there.
The racquet came in right on spec. The paintjob is nicely done, with a combination of glossy and matte finish. The grip feels slightly larger than Wilson counterparts, but not to the point that I’d go down a size for it.
The package also came with two sets of strings (will try it next), multiple overgrips (feels similar to Wilson grip, but lasts a bit longer) and a cap (a bit stiffer than other tennis caps, could be a good everyday/baseball cap). Thank you Solinco and TW for the opportunity to test out this racquet. It’s always nice to see new competitors entering the market offering solid quality products. I hope the WO/BO line would just be a start of a lot to come.
Last edited:
!<-_->!
Hall of Fame
Racket tested: Solinco Whiteout 18x20 Standard Length
String and tension used for test: Pro's Pro Eruption 1.18 at 48lbs done on an Ektelon Neos
Tennis experience/background: Self rated 4.0, previously computer rated. Self taught and played for 20 years, but took a hiatus the past couple years and slowly getting back into it now. Played varsity in HS as well as a community college team. Probably closer to a 3.5 at this point due to lack of playing. Predominantly a doubles player, but can play singles.
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley): All court player with a bias towards hanging a foot or two behind the baseline. Moderate topspin fh with an aggressive eastern to semi-western fh grip. Flat backhand bordering on a slap. Try to be active at net and poach when possible. Will mostly serve slices and kicks.
Current racquet/string setups: Wilson Blade Pro v8 18x20 with Pro's Pro Eruption at 48lbs done on an Ektelon Neos
How many hours did you play with the racquet? About 18-20 hours
Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
-Groundstrokes: Groundstrokes were solid and had a slightly higher launch angle when compared to my Blade Pro. Very receptive to slapping balls. That said however, the racket came around a bit slow so often resulted in strokes being a tad late. When the timing was aligned, felt comfortable with directing groundstrokes to where I wanted them. Since I'm coming from a Blade Pro that's notorious for having a high SW, I'm led to believe that the SW of my WO may be overspec as swinging the Blade Pro was fine. Topspin fh's were the most late. Slap fh's were very nice. Flat backhands were solid. Slice bh's were great. Topspin bh's were average. Didn't do enough slice fh's to really gauge.
-Serves: I would say this was my favorite aspect of the racket. Felt it was quite effortless to serve with it, especially the flat serve. Once I got the racket going, it came through and crushed the ball. Slice serves felt better and easier than the kick serve, but the kick serve wasn't bad. When compared to the Blade Pro, it looked like I got more action from the Blade Pro.
-Volleys: Second favorite aspect of this racket. The racket was solid for volleying. All I had to do was stick the racket out and punch it and the volley would be executed crisply. Drop volleys were fine. Not exceptional, but not bad either. Rounding out net play, overheads were good. If I had to stank rank it: 1. Volley, 2. Overheads, 3. Drop Volleys
-Serve returns: This was the worst part of the frame for me and I struggled returning with the frame. I found my returns consistently late and as a result, spraying wide. Block returns were good though and the slice was about the same as well. It was when taking cuts at the return where it struggled.
Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Power/Control- I'd rate this frame to be on the control side of the spectrum as opposed to power. That said, the frame didn't lack power nor was it anemic in any way. It has a moderate power level that I enjoy. Control was great so long as I could time the ball right. I wasn't painting lines, but was able to move the ball side to side and hit the general area of my spots. I say general area because of the sluggishness leading to some miscues. Overall though, was still able to hit towards the direction I was aiming to.
Top Spin/Slice- Topspin was more than my Blade Pro. I think this is the byproduct of it having a more open string pattern. I wouldn't call this a spin monster like a Babolat frame, but I had no issues generating topspin. Slices bit better than topspin during my testing. I was able to hit slices that stayed low for the majority of the time whereas even with my current frame, they float a bit at times. Didn't have the same amount of success on the slice serve compared to the backhand slice.
Comfort- I initially thought this was a relatively comfortable frame. However, towards the end of the playtest, I did feel a few minor twinges in my elbow. I haven't had elbow issues in years and the frame didn't feel stiff either. My guess would be this is a result of hitting late repeatedly.
Feel- This frame falls into the category of muted for me just like many modern day frames. I am coming from a Blade Pro however so I'm likely biased there. In comparison to a Head Gravity I've tried, this frame has more feel than the Gravity. Overall, not entirely disconnected from the ball, but definitely not a frame that provides a strong direct connection. I'd call this a comfortably muted frame.
Maneuverability- This felt like a very average part of the racket. It wasn't hard to maneuver, but it also wasn't coming through the air with ease. In comparison to my Blade Pro, it did feel less maneuverable however.
Stability- A highlight of this racket imo. Very stable, both from the baseline and especially at net. The frame didn't waver even on the shots hit outside of the sweetspot. There was a power dip, but never felt the racket twisting out of my hand or anything like that.
General reaction/comments on overall performance:
Thoughts not touched upon in the above:
String and tension used for test: Pro's Pro Eruption 1.18 at 48lbs done on an Ektelon Neos
Tennis experience/background: Self rated 4.0, previously computer rated. Self taught and played for 20 years, but took a hiatus the past couple years and slowly getting back into it now. Played varsity in HS as well as a community college team. Probably closer to a 3.5 at this point due to lack of playing. Predominantly a doubles player, but can play singles.
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley): All court player with a bias towards hanging a foot or two behind the baseline. Moderate topspin fh with an aggressive eastern to semi-western fh grip. Flat backhand bordering on a slap. Try to be active at net and poach when possible. Will mostly serve slices and kicks.
Current racquet/string setups: Wilson Blade Pro v8 18x20 with Pro's Pro Eruption at 48lbs done on an Ektelon Neos
How many hours did you play with the racquet? About 18-20 hours
Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
-Groundstrokes: Groundstrokes were solid and had a slightly higher launch angle when compared to my Blade Pro. Very receptive to slapping balls. That said however, the racket came around a bit slow so often resulted in strokes being a tad late. When the timing was aligned, felt comfortable with directing groundstrokes to where I wanted them. Since I'm coming from a Blade Pro that's notorious for having a high SW, I'm led to believe that the SW of my WO may be overspec as swinging the Blade Pro was fine. Topspin fh's were the most late. Slap fh's were very nice. Flat backhands were solid. Slice bh's were great. Topspin bh's were average. Didn't do enough slice fh's to really gauge.
-Serves: I would say this was my favorite aspect of the racket. Felt it was quite effortless to serve with it, especially the flat serve. Once I got the racket going, it came through and crushed the ball. Slice serves felt better and easier than the kick serve, but the kick serve wasn't bad. When compared to the Blade Pro, it looked like I got more action from the Blade Pro.
-Volleys: Second favorite aspect of this racket. The racket was solid for volleying. All I had to do was stick the racket out and punch it and the volley would be executed crisply. Drop volleys were fine. Not exceptional, but not bad either. Rounding out net play, overheads were good. If I had to stank rank it: 1. Volley, 2. Overheads, 3. Drop Volleys
-Serve returns: This was the worst part of the frame for me and I struggled returning with the frame. I found my returns consistently late and as a result, spraying wide. Block returns were good though and the slice was about the same as well. It was when taking cuts at the return where it struggled.
Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Power/Control- I'd rate this frame to be on the control side of the spectrum as opposed to power. That said, the frame didn't lack power nor was it anemic in any way. It has a moderate power level that I enjoy. Control was great so long as I could time the ball right. I wasn't painting lines, but was able to move the ball side to side and hit the general area of my spots. I say general area because of the sluggishness leading to some miscues. Overall though, was still able to hit towards the direction I was aiming to.
Top Spin/Slice- Topspin was more than my Blade Pro. I think this is the byproduct of it having a more open string pattern. I wouldn't call this a spin monster like a Babolat frame, but I had no issues generating topspin. Slices bit better than topspin during my testing. I was able to hit slices that stayed low for the majority of the time whereas even with my current frame, they float a bit at times. Didn't have the same amount of success on the slice serve compared to the backhand slice.
Comfort- I initially thought this was a relatively comfortable frame. However, towards the end of the playtest, I did feel a few minor twinges in my elbow. I haven't had elbow issues in years and the frame didn't feel stiff either. My guess would be this is a result of hitting late repeatedly.
Feel- This frame falls into the category of muted for me just like many modern day frames. I am coming from a Blade Pro however so I'm likely biased there. In comparison to a Head Gravity I've tried, this frame has more feel than the Gravity. Overall, not entirely disconnected from the ball, but definitely not a frame that provides a strong direct connection. I'd call this a comfortably muted frame.
Maneuverability- This felt like a very average part of the racket. It wasn't hard to maneuver, but it also wasn't coming through the air with ease. In comparison to my Blade Pro, it did feel less maneuverable however.
Stability- A highlight of this racket imo. Very stable, both from the baseline and especially at net. The frame didn't waver even on the shots hit outside of the sweetspot. There was a power dip, but never felt the racket twisting out of my hand or anything like that.
General reaction/comments on overall performance:
Thoughts not touched upon in the above:
- Grip shape was more rectangular than that of a Wilson. Less rectangular than a Techifbre
- Swingweight felt much higher than the listed spec. I tried a demo from a local store that had 4 grams of lead split at 10&2 and that still swung faster than my playtest frame
- Quality control for weight was good. Mine came in 1g under at 304g unstrung
- The frame picks up dirt really easily. However, the paint quality itself is pretty good. No premature chipping or random chips from being in my bag
- The racket reminds me of a more muted and slightly less powerful Pure Strike 18x20
Icsa
Professional
Racquet used for play test:
Solinco Whiteout 305 18x20 (in standard length)
String and tension used for test:
Solinco Vanquish 16G strung at 55x53
Tennis experience/background:
Recreational player with over 10 years of experience playing singles and doubles in local leagues. Current rating: 3.5 USTA
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
All-court player using a variety of shots to exploit any weaknesses of the other side of the court; I prefer well-placed balls and varying the shots to construct the final winning shot. Explosive flat first serve, reliable slice second serve. One-handed backhand.
Current racquet/string setups:
Depending on conditions using a Wilson 6.1 95 16x18 345 SW with stiff poly at 40# or Wilson RF97 V10 345 SW with synthetic gut at 60#.
How many hours did you play with the racquet?
I used the racquet in singles and doubles matches as well in coaching sessions. In total over 20 hours of play.
Comments on racquet performance for each stroke:
-Groundstrokes:
Solinco did an excellent job with this Whiteout 305 18x20 which comes with a nice combination of power and control. During the groundstrokes the racquet does exactly what is being asked to. It rotates smoothly through the air and with its generous sweet spot, I can direct the ball with the right amount of pace in various conditions. The racquet generates enough pace to keep the opponent on the defensive and allows me to vary the speed of my shots when necessary. A moderate to fast swing is needed most of the time, to achieve pocketing, directional control and spin. On the other hand, compact shots might punish me with an erratic shot and some vibration. The launch angle is slightly lower than a more open pattern like 16x19, but the difference is small and very easy to adjust to it. In return the 18x20 pattern rewards me with great directional control and stability. Spin is easily accessible, which was a pleasant surprise from such a dense string pattern in a mid-size. I can take full swings at the ball without worrying about hitting long. The shots are dampened and dull, but the racquet consistently impresses me with a versatile and reliable response to each type of demand. Despite the racquet's overall performance on groundstrokes, I encountered a bit of a challenge when I was rushed on the backhand side, and I didn’t have time to take a full swing. This could be partly explained by the fact that I’m used to very heavy, high swingweight racquets where just blocking the ball is enough in those situations.
-Serves:
I found it easy to serve with this racquet and what stands out is the ability to place the ball exactly where I want it. On top of that, the string bed has a very good bite giving me plenty of spin for slice or kick serves. Compared to my regular setup, the sweetspot is situated lower and since I use the top of the racquet for first serves to generate a fast contact with the ball, my first serves were not as explosive as I wanted them to be. A few grams of lead at 12 can fix this easily.
-Volleys:
At the net or when taking the ball early in the air, the racquet provides stability, and the dense string pattern enhances directional control as well as reduces the speed of a fast-incoming ball. However, on slow-paced balls, I occasionally struggled to find the right amount of head speed for hitting the ball and I learned that leaning toward a faster swing is better than a slower/blocking swing. I’m still amazed by the amount of spin I can add to a volley slice with this racquet, as the ball cuts low through the air and gives lots of trouble to the opponent.
-Serve returns:
If I take a good swing at the ball, returning serves are as simple as ground strokes. I can direct the ball down the line with pace, chip it with a backhand shot or slice it cross court. As mentioned above, blocking the ball on the backhand side while getting rushed is often not enough and it is where I struggled when a powerful serve caught me by surprise, leaving me no time to react.
Comments on racquet performance in each area
Power/Control-
Excellent combination of power and control. A rather stiff and muted racquet but combined with a dense 18x20 string pattern and a reasonable sweet spot, I found it easy to control and adjust pace and direction. Not the most powerful racquet, but this is a good thing since I want to take a full swing, add enough spin and hit my targets without having to hold back to keep the ball in court.
Top Spin/Slice-
This Whiteout 18x20 provides a surprising amount of spin, it bites the ball well without having to resort to extreme western grips. Fast swings will reward me with enough spin during groundstrokes, volleys and serves. It changed my preconception on “18x20 means no spin”. With racquets like this Whiteout 18x20, one can have both, control and spin.
Comfort-
The racquet has a large sweet spot and a comfortable feel, but in the first hour of playing I felt some arm discomfort, as if there were some residual vibrations that were not noticeable while hitting. The forearm was also sore after a long initial session, but it was ok in the following sessions. I do have a sensitive arm to a certain vibration frequency in light racquets.
Feel-
With a rather muted feel, the racquet responds with a quiet thud upon impact without being harsh. I learned to trust that my muscle/motion memory will get the racquet do the right thing and for the most part it just happens. The disconnect is more pronounced on low paced balls where a fine touch is usually necessary.
Maneuverability-
The racquet moves smoothly and fast through the air, allowing me to make the best contact with the ball. Due to the balance of the racquet, quick changes in direction or angle at the net are easy to accomplish.
Stability-
From the first moment you hold the racquet, the Whiteout welcomes you with a solid and stable feeling. That stability continues on volleys or when redirecting heavy balls. The racquet is rarely pushed or twisted during hits which would suggest a healthy amount of twistweight.
General reaction/comments on overall performance:
I really enjoyed this playtest since I had minimal exposure to dense patterns before. I’m going to continue to use this racquet with minimal customization every time I want a bit more control. The racquet is a great option for the modern game, especially for people looking for a nice combo of power, control and spin. And many thanks to TW and Solinco, for the opportunity.
A few pictures:
PS: The handle feels slightly larger than on Wilson racquets, due to a different shape. My playtest says L2 (4 1/4) but it feels bulkier.
Solinco Whiteout 305 18x20 (in standard length)
String and tension used for test:
Solinco Vanquish 16G strung at 55x53
Tennis experience/background:
Recreational player with over 10 years of experience playing singles and doubles in local leagues. Current rating: 3.5 USTA
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
All-court player using a variety of shots to exploit any weaknesses of the other side of the court; I prefer well-placed balls and varying the shots to construct the final winning shot. Explosive flat first serve, reliable slice second serve. One-handed backhand.
Current racquet/string setups:
Depending on conditions using a Wilson 6.1 95 16x18 345 SW with stiff poly at 40# or Wilson RF97 V10 345 SW with synthetic gut at 60#.
How many hours did you play with the racquet?
I used the racquet in singles and doubles matches as well in coaching sessions. In total over 20 hours of play.
Comments on racquet performance for each stroke:
-Groundstrokes:
Solinco did an excellent job with this Whiteout 305 18x20 which comes with a nice combination of power and control. During the groundstrokes the racquet does exactly what is being asked to. It rotates smoothly through the air and with its generous sweet spot, I can direct the ball with the right amount of pace in various conditions. The racquet generates enough pace to keep the opponent on the defensive and allows me to vary the speed of my shots when necessary. A moderate to fast swing is needed most of the time, to achieve pocketing, directional control and spin. On the other hand, compact shots might punish me with an erratic shot and some vibration. The launch angle is slightly lower than a more open pattern like 16x19, but the difference is small and very easy to adjust to it. In return the 18x20 pattern rewards me with great directional control and stability. Spin is easily accessible, which was a pleasant surprise from such a dense string pattern in a mid-size. I can take full swings at the ball without worrying about hitting long. The shots are dampened and dull, but the racquet consistently impresses me with a versatile and reliable response to each type of demand. Despite the racquet's overall performance on groundstrokes, I encountered a bit of a challenge when I was rushed on the backhand side, and I didn’t have time to take a full swing. This could be partly explained by the fact that I’m used to very heavy, high swingweight racquets where just blocking the ball is enough in those situations.
-Serves:
I found it easy to serve with this racquet and what stands out is the ability to place the ball exactly where I want it. On top of that, the string bed has a very good bite giving me plenty of spin for slice or kick serves. Compared to my regular setup, the sweetspot is situated lower and since I use the top of the racquet for first serves to generate a fast contact with the ball, my first serves were not as explosive as I wanted them to be. A few grams of lead at 12 can fix this easily.
-Volleys:
At the net or when taking the ball early in the air, the racquet provides stability, and the dense string pattern enhances directional control as well as reduces the speed of a fast-incoming ball. However, on slow-paced balls, I occasionally struggled to find the right amount of head speed for hitting the ball and I learned that leaning toward a faster swing is better than a slower/blocking swing. I’m still amazed by the amount of spin I can add to a volley slice with this racquet, as the ball cuts low through the air and gives lots of trouble to the opponent.
-Serve returns:
If I take a good swing at the ball, returning serves are as simple as ground strokes. I can direct the ball down the line with pace, chip it with a backhand shot or slice it cross court. As mentioned above, blocking the ball on the backhand side while getting rushed is often not enough and it is where I struggled when a powerful serve caught me by surprise, leaving me no time to react.
Comments on racquet performance in each area
Power/Control-
Excellent combination of power and control. A rather stiff and muted racquet but combined with a dense 18x20 string pattern and a reasonable sweet spot, I found it easy to control and adjust pace and direction. Not the most powerful racquet, but this is a good thing since I want to take a full swing, add enough spin and hit my targets without having to hold back to keep the ball in court.
Top Spin/Slice-
This Whiteout 18x20 provides a surprising amount of spin, it bites the ball well without having to resort to extreme western grips. Fast swings will reward me with enough spin during groundstrokes, volleys and serves. It changed my preconception on “18x20 means no spin”. With racquets like this Whiteout 18x20, one can have both, control and spin.
Comfort-
The racquet has a large sweet spot and a comfortable feel, but in the first hour of playing I felt some arm discomfort, as if there were some residual vibrations that were not noticeable while hitting. The forearm was also sore after a long initial session, but it was ok in the following sessions. I do have a sensitive arm to a certain vibration frequency in light racquets.
Feel-
With a rather muted feel, the racquet responds with a quiet thud upon impact without being harsh. I learned to trust that my muscle/motion memory will get the racquet do the right thing and for the most part it just happens. The disconnect is more pronounced on low paced balls where a fine touch is usually necessary.
Maneuverability-
The racquet moves smoothly and fast through the air, allowing me to make the best contact with the ball. Due to the balance of the racquet, quick changes in direction or angle at the net are easy to accomplish.
Stability-
From the first moment you hold the racquet, the Whiteout welcomes you with a solid and stable feeling. That stability continues on volleys or when redirecting heavy balls. The racquet is rarely pushed or twisted during hits which would suggest a healthy amount of twistweight.
General reaction/comments on overall performance:
I really enjoyed this playtest since I had minimal exposure to dense patterns before. I’m going to continue to use this racquet with minimal customization every time I want a bit more control. The racquet is a great option for the modern game, especially for people looking for a nice combo of power, control and spin. And many thanks to TW and Solinco, for the opportunity.
A few pictures:
PS: The handle feels slightly larger than on Wilson racquets, due to a different shape. My playtest says L2 (4 1/4) but it feels bulkier.
Last edited:
