Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Solinco Whiteout/Blackout XTD

[TW Staff]

Attention Talk Tennis Members:

As we creep towards the end of the year, we have continued to set up playtests with the brands. For this round, we have the extended length Solinco Black and Whiteout frames that launched this summer. This playtest is open to USA Talk Tennis members only.

VERY IMPORTANT: Playtesters will be required to get their test racquet strung. Each racquet will be shipped with two set of strings. Please note that we have one grip size available - grip 3.

Application period closed. Playtesters will be contacted by Friday, October 7th via email.

We have a very limited quantity of racquets to playtest. We select playtesters based on a number of factors, including message board participation and performance on past playtests.

Your review is due by November 4, 2022 by 5 pm PST.

Posting a full review by the deadline is necessary to remain in good standing for future playtests. Reviews lacking sufficient effort will resort in disqualification from the playtest program.

Include the following in your review:

String and tension used for test:
Tennis experience/background:
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
Current racquet/string setups:
How many hours did you play with the racquet?

Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
-Groundstrokes:
-Serves:
-Volleys:
-Serve returns:

Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Power/Control-
Top Spin/Slice-
Comfort-
Feel-
Maneuverability-
Stability-

General reaction/comments on overall performance:

Thanks,
TW Staff

We will delete “request sent” emails, but encourage a lively “pre-game” discussion on the racquets.

 

[StringStrungStrang]

Okay, so this is the ONE I've been waiting for!!
Ever since the earlier playtests of the the Solinco WhiteOut and BlackOut I was asking will there be and Extended version, when TW replied with a yes, I was ecstatic. My next question was - when? Now I can finally say - Finally!
I really like my Babolat Pure Strike 98 16 x19, but there is some missing for me AN EXTENDED VERSION. I also like a my Blade 104 and one of the key reasons is that it 27.5 inches long.
I keep thinking the WhiteOut XTD is the one, but many people have stated how great the BlackOut is which leaves me to think - I'll have to try them both!
I am really interested in the flexibility Solinco provides you with in terms of weighting customization. It is smart and really make it easier to find a set up you like with these racquets.

 

[tjanev]

I've had the whiteout xtd for a couple months now. tried it with revolution 17g. Too bad you don't include testers in my country. I want another one!!

 

[StringStrungStrang]

I've had the whiteout xtd for a couple months now. tried it with revolution 17g. Too bad you don't include testers in my country. I want another one!!

I guess that says it all! What did you use before?

 

[Chairman3]

On average how much does swingweight increase when a racquet is extended?

Never thought about using an extended length racquet, but it is interesting
Also does the racquet actually feel more stable with the increased swingweight?

 

[StringStrungStrang]

On average how much does swingweight increase when a racquet is extended?

Never thought about using an extended length racquet, but it is interesting
Also does the racquet actually feel more stable with the increased swingweight?

According to the TW website for the WhiteOut and WhiteOut XTD the static weight remains the same, but the swing weight goes from 327 to 333.

As for Extended length racquets - they are not for everybody. Some of my friends swear it messes with their swing, but I don't see any negatives in my game., but I miss that length when it is not there.

 

[McLovin]

Woohoo!!!! I've been waiting for this for a while now! I've even refrained from applying to other racquet playtests in the hopes I'd get selected for this one.

 

[Chairman3]

I thought it was more like 10 swingweight points, but maybe I made that up.

 

[A_Instead]

Fun fun....with an extra 1/2 inch...

 

[McLovin]

I've had the whiteout xtd for a couple months now. tried it with revolution 17g. Too bad you don't include testers in my country. I want another one!!

I actually just finished a round of demos from TW that included both the Whiteout and Blackout XTDs. Amazingly, I enjoyed the Blackout XTD more, which was odd because looking at the specs, I would have guessed the Whiteout would be better for me.

I only had a week, and had to use the stock string. I’m hoping to get more flexibility through the playtest, where I can try different strings & tensions. Also…

@TW Staff , will these come with the different butt cap weights? Would be an interesting “bonus” for some of us to try the interchangeable weight system.

 

[taylor15]

I really enjoyed the whiteout, but now I’m gravitating more towards a tweener style frame. Since the blackout was often compared to the PD, this could be a great one to try to compare against the PD+.

 

[A_Instead]

I think that any Blade 98 player that yerns for more power...the White Out line suits that need ..and way more spin as well..

 

[Bloviator]

Excited to see more discussion around these frames.

 

[StringStrungStrang]

I think that any Blade 98 player that yerns for more power...the White Out line suits that need ..and way more spin as well..

Pure Strike too! That's what I am hoping for at least. If Babolat made an extended version of the Pure Strike 98, I'd be playing it. They don't, so I am hoping Solinco's WhiteOut XTD or BlackOut XTD provide an answer.

 

[Bhagi Katbamna]

I used a Kneissl Red Star which was an extended length racket. I've been in a playtest already so I'll leave this for others.

 

[BenC]

Had my eye on the Solincos since I started dabbling in extended length racquets - EZone 98+, CX200+, Prince 100G-LB. Hoping for something close to the also straight-beam CX200+ since those are now unobtanium.

 

[Fed Kennedy]

Definitely Blackout XTD curious...looking for that Bab ball with more feel.

 

[M Pillai]

I just restrung my regular Whiteout 305 and would be looking forward to compare with the XTD Whiteout 305.

 

[Devil_dog]

Ah, wow! So cool to see this playtest from our beloved TW! I'm a Babolat PD plus player and when I initially saw Solinco had extended versions of the Blackout and Whiteout, I was intrigued. Best of luck to any and all who get on this playtest.

 

[StringStrungStrang]

Had my eye on the Solincos since I started dabbling in extended length racquets - EZone 98+, CX200+, Prince 100G-LB. Hoping for something close to the also straight-beam CX200+ since those are now unobtanium.

I share that extended length enthusiasm! Solinco seems to have a pair of great racquets in the WhiteOut and BlackOut and with the XTD versions there is even more to love. I like the foreward thinking ideas of the foam tech core and weight control modules (weighted trap doors) of 5g / 10g too.

I've used the APD+, Blade 104, various Prince Longbodys, TenX Xcalibre, EZONE DR 98+, a even a ProStaff 97 that was extended to 27.5, among others but never got around to the CX200+. I've heard great things but maybe a bit to high SW for me?

 

[BenC]

I've used the APD+, Blade 104, various Prince Longbodys, TenX Xcalibre, EZONE DR 98+, a even a ProStaff 97 that was extended to 27.5, among others but never got around to the CX200+. I've heard great things but maybe a bit to high SW for me?

I normally use the regular length CX200 with 3-6g of tungsten tape at 10/2, so the higher swingweight CX200+ feels almost normal to me, unmodified.

 

[stapletonj]

My teaching pro was sponsored by solinco, I string a lot of hyper-G, so I am more than a little intrigued by this latest offering.
Will they become the next babolat?
My pro's stick (He loved lead) was way to heavy for me to get a feel for, so I would LOVE to get a feel for this brand in a playtest.

 

[baowow]

I've been using the Blackout XTD for about a week now. Pleasantly surprised how much I liked it. Tried many other 27.5 frames before and never adjusted well, especially on volleys and most felt uncomfortable. I also started hitting two handed forehand due to right shoulder issues and serving lefty. Stock form is pretty solid. Tinkered around with some extra weight, total strung at 338 grams. Really liking it now. Can do everything well, volleying great with it, and loving the extra free power with all shots. Touch shots still working good. Don't know why, not complaining there. Feels comfortable too for an high RA rating. Solinco did well with their current sticks.

 

[StringStrungStrang]

I've been using the Blackout XTD for about a week now. Pleasantly surprised how much I liked it. Tried many other 27.5 frames before and never adjusted well, especially on volleys and most felt uncomfortable.

As I've said before, extended length racquets are not for everybody, but I really mesh well. A little extra power on serves and a bit more plow through on ground strokes; a little extra reach at the net. Whenever I play with a regular length racquet and I just miss at the top of the frame I am always thinking I would have had that if this was 27.5 !
I think the difference with these Solinco offerings is that the SW doesn't go through the roof and the trap door weighting they made so easy for everyone.

 

[taydbear7]

Woohoo!!!! I've been waiting for this for a while now! I've even refrained from applying to other racquet playtests in the hopes I'd get selected for this one.

Looking forward to your comparison to Yonex Vcore +.

 

[StringStrungStrang]

Specs according to TW!!

	Head Size	String Pattern	Balance	Length	Beam	Stiffness	Swing Weight	Weight
WhiteOut XTD	98"	16 x 19	13 " 33.02cm 6pt hl	27.5"	21.7 mm	67	333	305 / 323
BlackOut XTD	100"	16 x 19	12.8 " 32.51cm 8pt hl	27.5"	23.5 - 26 - 23 mm	70	328	300 / 320

 

[McLovin]

Looking forward to your comparison to Yonex Vcore +.

Well, I need to be selected first. But if I miss out, here's my 1-week demo review notes:

Solinco Whiteout and Blackout

Still not enough discussion/reviews online about these racquets its hard to come by... I think these are legit top contenders that just haven't had any time to become popular yet like the pure strikes and such. I very recently purchased the blackout and it's addicting probably my favorite...

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

Solinco Whiteout and Blackout

I was using Big Hitter Black and Luxilon Adrenaline. I never string poly higher than 48. I've been stringing both frames at 48 lbs.

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

Solinco Whiteout and Blackout

I was using Big Hitter Black and Luxilon Adrenaline. I never string poly higher than 48. I've been stringing both frames at 48 lbs.

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

 

[Trip]

Fascinated to see what others think of these XTD versions, especially from those who play one or both convention-length variants already.

Given that I was just on the 2023 Pure Aero play test, and that swing weight seems a little on the high side, I'll be sitting this one out, but will be eager to see the feedback from those of you who do get selected. Best of luck!

 

[temnik]

.

 

[kreative]

Currently play with the Ezone 98+ (2020) and excited to test out the Blackout XTD!

 

[taylor15]

I actually demoed Whiteout 305 XTD on my own.

Played maybe 2.5-3h singles total with it. Couldn't get over strange stringbed vibrations on groundstrokes - TW strung it with some grey no-markings string. Even a hefty dampener wouldn't solve it. The string pattern is denser in the center, sparse on the sides - very much like Speed.

Overall, I didn't get a "wow! this is some Roman Prokes's magic" moment I hoped for. And it didn't feel solid on impact.

I've tried two frames with the new gray string in it from the Demos, and both times I was very unimpressed with it. The standard whiteout was also a little harsh outside the stringbed, but I solved that with a multi-poly hybrid. I didn't hear the same remarks about the blackout which is why I would like to try it out now.

 

[StringStrungStrang]

For those wondering how the BlackOut XTD specs compare to Babolat's Pure Drive Plus (specs from TW)
Wondering if they play as a close as their specs. On paper they are similar! However, if I've learned anything its that the numbers are only a starting point in judging a racquets true character.

	Head Size	String Pattern	Balance	Length	Beam	Stiffness	Swing Weight	Weight
Pure Drive +	100"	16 x 19	1.99 " 32.99cm 6pt hl	27.5"	23 - 26 - 23 mm	69	324	300 / 318
BlackOut XTD	100"	16 x 19	12.8 " 32.51cm 8pt hl	27.5"	23.5 - 26 - 23 mm	70	328	300 / 320

This is the Way.

 

[McLovin]

Couldn't get over strange stringbed vibrations on groundstrokes - TW strung it with some grey no-markings string.

I've tried two frames with the new gray string in it from the Demos, and both times I was very unimpressed with it.

Same here when I demoed both the Whiteout XTD and Blackout XTD. I referenced that string in my mini-review quoted above, and asked TW what it was. Didn't get a response. Looked to say 'Demo String' on it, although my eyes are so bad these days, it could have said anything...

 

[Chairman3]

Same here when I demoed both the Whiteout XTD and Blackout XTD. I referenced that string in my mini-review quoted above, and asked TW what it was. Didn't get a response. Looked to say 'Demo String' on it, although my eyes are so bad these days, it could have said anything...

They sell it...

P6 1.30mm Tennis Only String Silver | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

Shaped poly, probably fairly harsh and not super durable, unfortunately

 

[StringStrungStrang]

They sell it...

P6 1.30mm Tennis Only String Silver | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

Shaped poly, probably fairly harsh and not super durable, unfortunately

Good catch! I am guessing these racquets will perform better with something else strung up in them. I am guessing Hyper G, Tour Bite or Confidential will come with it? Solinco does make good string ! Thanks to them everywhere I go I see neon green.

 

[Chairman3]

Good catch! I am guessing these racquets will perform better with something else strung up in them. I am guessing Hyper G, Tour Bite or Confidential will come with it? Solinco does make good string ! Thanks to them everywhere I go I see neon green.

I'd assume hyper-g and Confidential, seems like the two most popular

 

[pedrogcr]

I thought it was more like 10 swingweight points, but maybe I made that up.

I've read in many other posts that if you take a racquet and extend it by 0.5 inches, the swing weight increases by about 20 points. That's why I usually gravitate to the lighter version of racquets I go about extending, as they tend to come with lower SW in stock form.

I only play with extended racquets, and have tried all kinds, and realized that 28 in is too long and 27.5 in is the perfect length for my game.

I've used methods such as XTP butt cap, balsa wood, and using those Head adaptive extenders that move the pallets down the hairpin, and I'm currently experimenting with using a school eraser (those white rubbery ones) as a spacer and am currently in love with my Prince Phantom 100x 290 extended to 27.5. When I feel like I need a little more power, I go with my Gravity MP LITE, and the transition between the two is seamless.

I've had my eyes on the Whiteout XTD since it was announced, since the specs make it sound like the perfect racquet for me (especially the thin 21.7mm beam), but was scared by the RA as I usually play with more flexible racquets (<62), so I think this playtest will be the perfect opportunity to try their foam in the head system and see if the technology really keeps it comfortable. And I also LOVE the clean cosmetics of both Solinco racquets!

The list of racquets I've played extended and will be able to compare include:

28 in: Wilson PS 6.1 Classic Stretch (grew up with it), Prince Graphite 100 LB, Prince Graphite 107 LB (Asia exclusive), Prince Chang Ti 107

27.5 in (most extended by me): Prince Classic Graphite 100, Prince NXG 107, Prince O3 Tour MP, Prince O3 Tour OS, Prince Phantom 100, Prince Phantom 100x 305, Prince Phantom 100x 290, Head Gravity MP LITE, Head 360+ Extreme Tour, Head Flexpoint Radical Tour.

27.25 in: Prince NXG MP, Prince Tour Diablo MP, Prince Phantom 100, Wilson BLX ProStaff 100, Prince Prostaff 100 LS.

So I really hope I get picked for this playtest, as I believe this is the one I'll be able to provide the most insight on.

 

[ne1410is]

Big fan of extended length racquets. My game has just been molded on them from when I was young, so my strike zones just feel off on regular length. Plus the serve is just much easier with extended length. Love Hyper G soft and Solinco in general. I grew up in Torrance so that’s like the cherry on top. Whiteout looks like an amazing stick!

 

[Devil_dog]

For those wondering how the BlackOut XTD specs compare to Babolat's Pure Drive Plus (specs from TW)
Wondering if they play as a close as their specs. On paper they are similar! However, if I've learned anything its that the numbers are only a starting point in judging a racquets true character.

	Head Size	String Pattern	Balance	Length	Beam	Stiffness	Swing Weight	Weight
Pure Drive +	100"	16 x 19	1.99 " 32.99cm 6pt hl	27.5"	23 - 26 - 23 mm	69	324	300 / 318
BlackOut XTD	100"	16 x 19	12.8 " 32.51cm 8pt hl	27.5"	23.5 - 26 - 23 mm	70	328	300 / 320

This is the Way.

The PD+ and Blkout are practically twins. I think the comparisons between them are inevitable. Thanks for providing the numbers.

 

[McLovin]

The PD+ and Blkout are practically twins. I think the comparisons between them are inevitable. Thanks for providing the numbers.

I demoed them side-by-side for a week, and felt they were more different than the specs suggested. Granted, the Blackout’s string had a lower tension, but it felt more flexible than the listed 70RA.

Also, the PD+ felt sluggish coming around on the forehand, which is odd as it’s listed with a lower SW. But…that could be down to Babolat’s QC variances.

 

[Devil_dog]

I demoed them side-by-side for a week, and felt they were more different than the specs suggested. Granted, the Blackout’s string had a lower tension, but it felt more flexible than the listed 70RA.

Also, the PD+ felt sluggish coming around on the forehand, which is odd as it’s listed with a lower SW. But…that could be down to Babolat’s QC variances.

Your observation is partly what makes the playtest intriguing for me.

 

[tjanev]

I guess that says it all! What did you use before?

I was using the artengo 990 power ( it was inexpensive and thought why not try how another racquet feels ) while i was waiting for the 960 control to come out. Before that was the wilson clash tour. didn't like it ( trampoline machine of inconsistency) so i went back to my dunlop max impact plus ( i was missing the heavier swing weight,control, and the consistency ). The artengo was weighted with lead tape to get me similar balance and weight as the dunlop.
I had come back from a 25 year absense last year and i was noticing that i was hitting the top of the frame during serving ( i guess timing was off ) and also i seemed to have been hitting my forehands towards the top of the head/frame ( 12 o'clock) a little too often so i was not judging the distance well for some reason. Lightbulb goes on for a 27.5 inch racquet, that's a control racquet, thats relatively stiff, and is modifiable ( weighted butt caps ), open string pattern, and here we are with the whiteout.

Very happy with it. lower power ( i love powering through the ball, so i stay consistent with my swings and keep it in play ), lots of control, the swingweight feels very similiar to the 260g dunlop that i have had since the late 80's without the 260g weight. now i'm barely hitting the frame at the head of the racquet for both the serve and the forehand. it's a win win win for me.

Warning......the string can make or break your experience of this racquet. I had revolution 17g in first and it felt super consistent and lower power. Cut them out after a month and threw in eruption 17g to see how it would be ( i really liked the eruption in the other 3 racquets ). Eruption at the same tension ( 58m/56c) was a bit more powerful and i was hitting just a bit over the base line. it was frustrating till i got used to it. It seems as though this racquet is a bit more sensitive to the type of string installed ( as compared to the artengo, dunlop and clash ). So if you dont like the racquet at first, maybe try a different string first before deciding on another racquet.

Anyone interested in a blade pro but wants a 27.5 inch racquet, they should consider this racquet. both have a very open string pattern, 16x19 and 98" head
weight WO 11.4 blade 11.3
balance WO 33.02 blade 33.5
SW WO 333 blade 337
stiffness WO 67 blade 60

very similar numbers except stiffness. i haven't played with a blade pro so i can't tell you how they compare, but number wise they're close.
hope this helps.

Tennis warehouse gimme a free whiteout XTD pleeeease
I want to keep trying out different strings and compare the two racquets side by side.

 

[mhkeuns]

Nice looking rackets. I usually gravitate towards Babolat rackets when it comes to extended length rackets. The ones I enjoyed were APD Plus 2013, Pure Drive Plus 2018.& Pure Control 95lus. Didn’t like the Yonex Ezone,98 Plus or Wilson Ultra & Burn 95. I wonder how these will play like? The White Out XTD looks really interesting. It’s kind of like having a Blade 98 or Pure Strike in an extended length, Very interesting.

 

[StringStrungStrang]

Solinco WhiteOut XTD vs. Pure Strike 98 Specs (specs according to TW to keep some sense of consistency!)

Is this the long awaited for extended length version of the Pure Strike?
As far as the specs are concerned there are some subtle differences in the beam, straight vs. variable, and swingweight (likely due to the extended length). Both the Pure Aero Plus and the Pure Drive Plus SWs are 6-8 gr heavier than the standard versions, so if the Pure Strike was ever extended we could expect something like that (as @Chairman3 noted previously about 10 gr). Keep in mind the Solinco WhiteOut XTD SW is 6 gr higher than the WhiteOut Standard. Did I mention both Solinco and Babolat make strings too? There are other racquets like the Wilson Blade ( thanks @tjanev ) other users gave specs for. What other racquets match up?

	Head Size	String Pattern	Balance	Length	Beam	Stiffness	Swing Weight	Weight
WhiteOut	98"	16 x 19	13 " 33.02cm 6pt hl	27.5"	21.7 mm	67	333	305 / 323
PureStrike 98	98"	16 x 19	13 " 33.02cm 4pt hl	27.0"	22 - 23 - 21 mm	66	323	305 / 323

 

[taydbear7]

Well, I need to be selected first. But if I miss out, here's my 1-week demo review notes:

Solinco Whiteout and Blackout

Still not enough discussion/reviews online about these racquets its hard to come by... I think these are legit top contenders that just haven't had any time to become popular yet like the pure strikes and such. I very recently purchased the blackout and it's addicting probably my favorite...

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

Solinco Whiteout and Blackout

I was using Big Hitter Black and Luxilon Adrenaline. I never string poly higher than 48. I've been stringing both frames at 48 lbs.

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

Solinco Whiteout and Blackout

I was using Big Hitter Black and Luxilon Adrenaline. I never string poly higher than 48. I've been stringing both frames at 48 lbs.

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

Hope you are one of the chosen playtester then. <fingerscross>

 

[A_Instead]

Id like the BO+.. but can't properly use a racket with that high of swing weight..

 

[Daddy's]

Got selected for the WhiteOut XTD. I was really intrigued when Solinco released the standard lengths, this should be more of a good thing. I'm a fan of the foam filling in racquets I think it leads to a very solid feel at contact I also like the constant beam and fairly square configuration. 40T should be a fairly stiff carbon to expand the sweet spot and add snap. I've even played with Prince's Liquid Crystal Polymer in the old days and liked the vibration damping which should help with the 40T The racquet seems to be a lot of good ideas blended together. This should be fun.

 

[pedrogcr]

I got selected for my first racquet playtest! Whiteout XTD!
So excited to try this one and share my thoughts with all of you guys! I will try it in stock form, with some customizations as needed, and different strings and tension to see how it plays. I'm hoping the combination of the foam-filling and lower tensions will allow me to play pain-free even with the higher RA. Will also try to add some video to the review, at least of me hitting with my ball machine.

 

[McLovin]

Woohoo!!!

Blackout XTD, here we come!

 

[StringStrungStrang]

Solinco WhiteOut XTD vs. BlackOut XTD vs. Wilson Blade 104. Specs from TW
A different approach to extended length racquets the Blade 104 has the same length and similar beam, but swings faster, has a softer RA (60) and an open string pattern. I've been playing the 18x19 string pattern for several years and these are under appreciated sticks.

	Head Size	String Pattern	Balance	Length	Beam	Stiffness	Swing Weight	Weight
WhiteOut XTD	98"	16 x 19	13 " 33.02cm 6pt hl	27.5"	21.7 mm	67	333	305 / 323
Blade 104 V8	104"	16 x 19	12.99 " 32.09cm 6pt hl	27.5"	22.5 mm	60	317	290 / 306
BlackOut XTD	100"	16x19	12.8" 32.51cm 8 pt hl	27.5	23.5 - 26 - 23 mm	70	328	300 / 320