Looking forward to seeing your review on this! Congrats! This could be the first one I have applied for that I was actually disappointed to not be chosen for.Woohoo!!!
Blackout XTD, here we come!
Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Solinco Whiteout/Blackout XTD
- Thread starter TW Staff
- Start date
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
Very interested in the review of the White Out XTD. It looks nice and appears to have boosted power & stability on a control racket. I wonder if it’d be cumbersome to swing. One reason I don’t try out more extended version is because of my OHBH. On some rackets, it’s more difficult to get it around as I would have liked. I think Pure Control 95 plus wasn’t too difficult get around for an extended player’s stick.
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I tell ya I'm getting anxious. Like a kid waiting for Christmas. They said that be shipped out first of this week but haven't heard anything yet. I've been searching for info and there's quite a bit out there. I saw one review by Brian bros. and they'd strung the Black Out XTD at 45. I'll start around there with the Hyper G in the White Out and see how it goes.
pedrogcr
Semi-Pro
Check you inbox! Just received the e-mail confirming the racquet was shipped today!
Do you have a link for the Bryan Bros review for the Whiteout? I only found the Blackout one...
McLovin
Legend
*sigh*…on the East Coast, so mine likely won’t arrive until Friday at the earliest.
I ordered a reel of Yonex Poly Tour REV in purple, which should arrive around the same time. I liked that string when I was part of the playtest a couple years ago, but was waiting to burn through a few other reels I had before buying some.
Will probably start around 48-50lbs.
I ordered a reel of Yonex Poly Tour REV in purple, which should arrive around the same time. I liked that string when I was part of the playtest a couple years ago, but was waiting to burn through a few other reels I had before buying some.
Will probably start around 48-50lbs.
I’lol be with you being one of the last few to post initial pics
pedrogcr
Semi-Pro
Same here. Racquet is expected to be delivered Friday here in Florida.
Patience pays off, they have arrived. White Out 305 XTD and 3 set OG, 10 gm weight and 1 set each of Hyper G and Vanquish. Head shape is defiantly more oblong than my Gravity and Radicals more like my Prince Tours. Pulled the trap door and it's foam filled all the way
https://i.postimg.cc/QC7v6bzC/20221011-125027.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/Dz7prFFS/20221011-125005.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/cHHDzmvZ/20221011-125021.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/QC7v6bzC/20221011-125027.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/Dz7prFFS/20221011-125005.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/cHHDzmvZ/20221011-125021.jpg
McLovin
Legend
Sweet! I had asked earlier if they were going to include the weighted butt cap plates. TW didn’t answer…but they also didn’t say “no”, so…
ChrisJR3264
Legend
Looking forward to these reviews. I ordered a demo of the xtd. Thanks
Well slight change of plans. I've been playing with Genesis Black Magic lately and am not familiar with Hyper G. I decided rather than go with new racquet and new string I'd go with a string I'm familiar with to isolate changes as much as possible.
So this is the White Out strung with Black Magic 16 at 46 lb. https://i.ibb.co/Y8sNzmP/20221012-112153.jpg
Mine came in at 309 g unstrung and now is 327 g. w/o damper
Feels solid in the hand and quite lively with the ball bounce test. Balance is right at 13 in. and I don't feel heavy swingweight, shadow swinging.
It's a good thing you can change butt caps for weighting,you can't add anything under the cap without digging out foam. https://i.ibb.co/qRdgGkL/20221012-112132.jpg
Looking forward to playing some doubles tomorrow
So this is the White Out strung with Black Magic 16 at 46 lb. https://i.ibb.co/Y8sNzmP/20221012-112153.jpg
Mine came in at 309 g unstrung and now is 327 g. w/o damper
Feels solid in the hand and quite lively with the ball bounce test. Balance is right at 13 in. and I don't feel heavy swingweight, shadow swinging.
It's a good thing you can change butt caps for weighting,you can't add anything under the cap without digging out foam. https://i.ibb.co/qRdgGkL/20221012-112132.jpg
Looking forward to playing some doubles tomorrow
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jangotango
Semi-Pro
Anxiously waiting...
jangotango
Semi-Pro
I hope the foam fill continues into the head. I believe this is the case with the standard Blackout and Whiteout but I'm not certain.
Well got to play three sets doubles yesterday and it did take some adapting. Lost the first two sets got it together to win the third. Initial impressions Lively string bed the ball responds quickly without much cupping or sinking into strings. Feels like a serious "players" frame on the court Full strokes respond well, not so much compact or wristy shots. You need proper form and put some work in to get best results. Serving took some adjusting of toss to get best results. Plays well for the 3ft. over the net topspin to the baseline shots. Fairly high angle of attack off the strings. Not a real flat shot racquet. Stable on volleys and ground strokes. No vibration or hollow feeling. Thank you foam filling. I normally play mid 320 swingweight and didn't have any trouble bringing it around. I like it for the first go around. Playing tomorrow will see how I adapt as I get more time with it.
ChrisJR3264
Legend
I am demo’ing both the 305 and 305 xtd next week. Looking to see how I adjust from the tfight 305
ChrisJR3264
Legend
I have a question. If you demo the whiteout - do you still get the $25 off ?
jangotango
Semi-Pro
An extended with 318 SW sounds pretty sweet to me
I calibrate mine every time I use it. Since I don't have a dedicated spot / phone for it.
McLovin
Legend
So, I recalibrated my SW1, and here’s the temporary results (I can’t redo the SW for unstrung until I restring):
Got in some good play with it today. Hit for an hour w/ a friend in the morning. Definitely liked it better w/ my string & tension (vs the demo frame I had a few weeks back). Feel is similar to my VCORE 98 + in that it is most definitely muted (more on that later), so if you're not digging the 'newer feel' of many frames, this won't be in your wheelhouse (although I think choosing the right string might solve that for some).
During our hitting session, I felt that I could get similar power on the forehand with ~ 90% effort, which again, is what I experienced w/ the demo frame. Felt nimble at the net, and fairly solid, although doing drills is not really a huge indicator: I know about where the ball is going, and it's coming from the baseline. All in all, I walked away feeling good about it.
In the afternoon I got in some doubles w/ a new group of players (some I knew from USTA leagues). Varying levels of 4.5, and a "Recovering 5.0". First few games I was tentative...not trusting the frame. But I stuck with it and was rewarded w/ some excellent shots. Solid off the return (we switched teams a lot, so I played both deuce & ad), very nice at the net (had a few good 'reactive' volleys, as well as just solid shots). The big question was serving, and while it took me a few games to 'trust' in it (was broken twice in my first 3 service games), I served out the set w/ two aces & a big body serve.
After the set I handed it to one of my opponents who uses the Dr 100+. He hit well with it, and liked the pace & spin, but the first words out of his mouth were "it feels a bit too dampened". So again, definitely a muted feeling frame...which luckily I like.
I'm really enjoying this frame right now, although I believe ultimately the backhand will decide in the end. While I hit some solid shots today, I'm still going to need a little tinkering w/ some extra weight in the end (I'll wait until I'm done w/ the "stock" review before modding).
| Static weight | Balance | Swingweight | |
| Unstrung | 302g | 11 1/2 pts HL | |
| Strung | 317g | 8 1/2 pts HL | |
| Grip & dampener | 326g | 9 pts HL | 324 |
Got in some good play with it today. Hit for an hour w/ a friend in the morning. Definitely liked it better w/ my string & tension (vs the demo frame I had a few weeks back). Feel is similar to my VCORE 98 + in that it is most definitely muted (more on that later), so if you're not digging the 'newer feel' of many frames, this won't be in your wheelhouse (although I think choosing the right string might solve that for some).
During our hitting session, I felt that I could get similar power on the forehand with ~ 90% effort, which again, is what I experienced w/ the demo frame. Felt nimble at the net, and fairly solid, although doing drills is not really a huge indicator: I know about where the ball is going, and it's coming from the baseline. All in all, I walked away feeling good about it.
In the afternoon I got in some doubles w/ a new group of players (some I knew from USTA leagues). Varying levels of 4.5, and a "Recovering 5.0". First few games I was tentative...not trusting the frame. But I stuck with it and was rewarded w/ some excellent shots. Solid off the return (we switched teams a lot, so I played both deuce & ad), very nice at the net (had a few good 'reactive' volleys, as well as just solid shots). The big question was serving, and while it took me a few games to 'trust' in it (was broken twice in my first 3 service games), I served out the set w/ two aces & a big body serve.
After the set I handed it to one of my opponents who uses the Dr 100+. He hit well with it, and liked the pace & spin, but the first words out of his mouth were "it feels a bit too dampened". So again, definitely a muted feeling frame...which luckily I like.
I'm really enjoying this frame right now, although I believe ultimately the backhand will decide in the end. While I hit some solid shots today, I'm still going to need a little tinkering w/ some extra weight in the end (I'll wait until I'm done w/ the "stock" review before modding).
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pedrogcr
Semi-Pro
Racquet came in on Friday, and the first thing that jumps out is the paint job. The racquet is beautiful!
It came with all the goodies, including 3 types of overgrip, 1 set of Hyper G 16L, and 1 set of Vanquish, as well as the 10g butt cap.
I decided to first string it with my cutrent setup of:
- Ytex Square-X Sharp - 41 lbs
- Ytex Square-X - 37 lbs
I decided to go with the white Square-X instead of the black, and think the racquet looks awesome with it!
Didn't have a chance to hit with it yet, but hoping I'll be able to take the ball machine out tomorrow morning.
Here are some pics:
ChrisJR3264
Legend
Did you add the butt cap or did it really come in at 310 grams if my eyes aren't deceiving me?Racquet came in on Friday, and the first thing that jumps out is the paint job. The racquet is beautiful!
It came with all the goodies, including 3 types of overgrip, 1 set of Hyper G 16L, and 1 set of Vanquish, as well as the 10g butt cap.
I decided to first string it with my cutrent setup of:
- Ytex Square-X Sharp - 41 lbs
- Ytex Square-X - 37 lbs
I decided to go with the white Square-X instead of the black, and think the racquet looks awesome with it!
Didn't have a chance to hit with it yet, but hoping I'll be able to take the ball machine out tomorrow morning.
Here are some pics:
pedrogcr
Semi-Pro
310g was with the regular butt cap. But it had the plastic wrap on the handle, and I heard it weights between 2 and 3 grams.
Unfortunately I forgot to weight it without the plastic wrap.
ChrisJR3264
Legend
I ordered both the regular and XTD whiteout 305 demos. Arriving today. Not on the play test but interesting to hit with these. Specs remind me so much of my old pure storm (mins the 16x20 pattern )
ChrisJR3264
Legend
Yeah about 2.5 grams. Do you measure SW? I was on the iso tfight play test. I did the TW DIY SW test and mine was 324 SW (listed spec 333)
pedrogcr
Semi-Pro
Never knew how.
ChrisJR3264
Legend
Take two pencils and stick in the top string of hoop and let it swings 10 x and count how many seconds. Not sure how accurate it is
McLovin
Legend
Just a heads up on the demos: they are strung w/ a "promo" string (someone had a link to it here a few weeks ago), and at a very loose tension (at least mine were). I liked the frame, but not the string, and was on the fence about getting one. Now that I've had a little time w/ the playtest frame at my normal string & tension, I'm seriously considering picking up another & making the switch.
In other words...focus more on how the frame swings & feels on contact. Don't get too caught up in hitting winners, spin, pace, etc. Proper string & tension can make or break a frame.
ChrisJR3264
Legend
Thank you. Will have to say sometimes the string set ups don’t bother me. Unless it’s a pro line rough - that did not play well. Otherwise almost all polys and synthetics I can hit with.
pedrogcr
Semi-Pro
Thanks! Will look into it, but doesn't sound so accurate.
ChrisJR3264
Legend
Lol my thoughts exactly.
ChrisJR3264
Legend
My demos just came in on the whiteout 305 and 305 XTd. Interesting to see how they play tonight. Already just swung the XTD. Seems very odd since I’ve never used a 27.5 inch frame before.
dgoran
Hall of Fame
During summer when it first came out I play tested it with TW strings and absolutely hated it thought it was trash. I suspected it could be the strings but wasn’t sure. Maybe I’ll take it out one more time
ChrisJR3264
Legend
Thanks. I took the demos out tonight. Honestly could not dial into the XTD 305. The regular 305 was nice. Good feel. Control and plow through. Smooth swings.
Had to readjust to a 16x19 pattern again.
dgoran
Hall of Fame
Yeah if you never used extended before it could take you a month or two to adjust
ChrisJR3264
Legend
So far so nice. It cuts through the air nicely. I’m coming from an 18x19 pattern so the open pattern needs adjustment.
Didn’t seem all that disconnected to that silver string job everyone was talking about. I think a few more days getting used to it might help. I’d definitely add a 5G weighted butt cap to this frame though.
Weight Updates: hey all, I should have my blackout XTD string up early next week and looking forward to start hitting with it! I decided to have it first strung with my current “regular” string and tension - poly tour rev/48. I’ll use the hyper-g at 48 next. And then plan to use my traditional all time “regular” string last - rpm blast @48. I do have weights and measurements for my racquet unstrung to share:
McLovin
Legend
Let me know how you like the REV in it. I just ordered a reel (in purple) and plan on putting it in when I cut out the current string (Laserfibre JB Tour 100).
will do! I recently started playing with Rev because I feel like it has a slight edge over rpm blast with spin. I decided to keep on the Rev train for a few more restrings before going back to rpm blast before I was selected for the playtest. But since the playtest came in between that and I’m somewhat used to rev now - I figure I’ll test it with Rev so I can isolate racquet characteristics versus any bias from string and tension. Plus now that I think about it, black and orange - kinda appropriate for the Halloween season!
I’ve got about nine hrs. on mine. Mostly doubles but some rallying and have been impressed but I believe the fun might be over.
This is a racquet that you need to position yourself and commit to the stroke. It’s not a racquet that you can slap at the ball and have good results. If you do put a good stroke on the ball it will go wherever you want with pace and spin. I've had several that caught the line when the opponent was getting ready to call it long.
I feel no penalty from the length on groundstrokes or volleys ,surprisingly so I can see why people like EXD sticks.
I'm not usually an extended racquet fan. I'm tall and have 38 “ sleeves in dress shirts so, long arms and didn't feel I need the extra lenght. I have to admit though , with some adaptation on serve, there is more pace and action on the ball with the extra ½”.
Chasing that extra action on the serve is what led me to my problem. Going for a big slice to the deuce court and it just slipped out of my hand.
https://i.ibb.co/HzF97YW/20221015-112727.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/HT0d14t/20221015-112646.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/9vsjYRk/20221015-112641.jpg,
https://i.ibb.co/HT0d14t/20221015-112646.
https://i.ibb.co/fkvtg9q/20221015-104026.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/pzvpmwJ/20221015-112710.jpg
Cracked on both sides all the way around and something in the throat. It catches my thumbnail sliding over it.
I know, hang on to the racquet stupid.
It cracked right at the top of the #12 grommet both sides. My question for the other testers is: This is right where the racquet transitions from a matte finish on the bottom to a gloss finish on the top. Are all the racquets finished this way?
I'm not feeling much if any extra vibration and will probably try some reinforced super glue and see if I can get some more life out of it.
I really feel bad but I'll write up a review the best I can.
This is a racquet that you need to position yourself and commit to the stroke. It’s not a racquet that you can slap at the ball and have good results. If you do put a good stroke on the ball it will go wherever you want with pace and spin. I've had several that caught the line when the opponent was getting ready to call it long.
I feel no penalty from the length on groundstrokes or volleys ,surprisingly so I can see why people like EXD sticks.
I'm not usually an extended racquet fan. I'm tall and have 38 “ sleeves in dress shirts so, long arms and didn't feel I need the extra lenght. I have to admit though , with some adaptation on serve, there is more pace and action on the ball with the extra ½”.
Chasing that extra action on the serve is what led me to my problem. Going for a big slice to the deuce court and it just slipped out of my hand.
https://i.ibb.co/HzF97YW/20221015-112727.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/HT0d14t/20221015-112646.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/9vsjYRk/20221015-112641.jpg,
https://i.ibb.co/HT0d14t/20221015-112646.
https://i.ibb.co/fkvtg9q/20221015-104026.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/pzvpmwJ/20221015-112710.jpg
Cracked on both sides all the way around and something in the throat. It catches my thumbnail sliding over it.
I know, hang on to the racquet stupid.
It cracked right at the top of the #12 grommet both sides. My question for the other testers is: This is right where the racquet transitions from a matte finish on the bottom to a gloss finish on the top. Are all the racquets finished this way?
I'm not feeling much if any extra vibration and will probably try some reinforced super glue and see if I can get some more life out of it.
I really feel bad but I'll write up a review the best I can.
pedrogcr
Semi-Pro
That's not a crack! It's just where the different types of paint meet. No need to super glue anything.
Curtennis
Hall of Fame
It’s head lynx tour rebranded.
McLovin
Legend
Then either I don't like Lynx Tour, or it was just the tension it was strung at, because I'm enjoying the frame more w/ my string (Laserfibre JB 100) strung at 52lbs.
Hope you're right. Like I said I'm not hearing or feeling vibration out of it. I does look like a decal to put the printing on the top of the racquet, I sure didn't notice it before. Must be my expect the worst attitude. The paint chips in the throat must have come from flex on impact with the court. I can't see or feel any damage to the graphite of the frame.Unless it starts to bother me or comes apart I'll keep playing it. Thanks
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