My review of:
Solinco Withe Out v2 XTD 16x19
String and tension used for test:
PP Eruption 1.18 @ 21.5K
Tennis experience/background:
Been around tennis for long time, but have never played tournaments or leagues, always recreational and mostly doubles now that I am hitting 40. I would like to think I have learned sound technique and proper strokes for the different shots, but still have the prep & footwork of a rec-hacker.
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
All Court, willing to move up to the fore Court and net when possible but wouldn't call it S&V or C&C. I like to hit consistent from both wings, open up the opportunity to move up if the space is given but not trying to bash anyone out of the court with pure pace or spin.
Current racquet/string setups:
PK Q+5 (Yellow) with Head rPET Spin2
How many hours did you play with the racquet?
18+
Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
-Groundstrokes:
Fantastic, the frame is able to punch the ball deep and with consistent shape. When setting up to crush the ball you can swing with confidence, particularly my 2HBH was getting a lot more action both with spin and added pace, even tho the hoop is thin and the frame flexes a little there is much more oomph than my opponents were expecting.
-Serves:
I was hitting much bigger serves down the T and the wide slices were bouncing away adding a layer of difficulty to return, definitely one of the best traits of the frame is how good it hits the ball. I did have an adjustment period because I have not used an extended frame in a very long time and during my 1st outing I had to tell myself to accelerate faster because I was not getting there on time with my relaxed swing speed that I was used to.
-Volleys:
The frame absorbs pace and feels super stable even when taking hard shots at the net. I had to get adjusted too at first because I was not getting to the right face-angle and I was not accurate, but once I got used to the sweet spot and the length of the frame I would say I was crushing some of the overheads and volleys that were floating around. Touch volleys and changes of direction have been all consistent and the muted feel of the frame makes them feel like a pillow.
-Serve returns:
Another fantastic trait of the frame, all of my opponents (who all know me and we rotate when we play) commented on how hard I was returning serve, there was several times where it forced an error or coughed up an easy put away for my partner. The frame really allows to swing out with confidence, the spin allows the ball to come down and it comes back much heavier than expected.
Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Power/Control-
Great blend, because its a thin frame with a more classic shaped beams it gives you what you put it but the foam filling probably makes it more responsive than a classic frame and packs a more solid response. I felt this is not a power frame, but the XTD version definitely punches heavier than other frames I have tried and compared.
Top Spin/Slice-
Top spin was always adequate and consistent, the shape of the ball was easy to replicate shot after shot and the bounce was always showing the potential of the drill spacing and pattern. Slices were floating a little because I was getting more action than on my PK frames (which are no spin monsters) but once I got a hang of the frame and got used to it, I was able to get those chip & charge moves where I could sink a ball deep down the shoes and make the opponent give up an easier ball to put away or force them into an error.
Comfort-
Super comfortable, absolutely easy on the arm & joints, without a dampener you feel no vibrations at all and with dampener it tunes out the high vibration noise from some strings, but I could have played without one (I don't like noisy ping frames). I would say this is even more comfortable than my PK frames, this is very muted in the vibrations and sounds.
Feel-
I love it, because am a PK guy and have liked in the past other foam-filled frames I was looking forward to this trial and have enjoyed it very much. This would be the opposite to classic raw frames where you feel all of it, even the flex is not something you pick up on like on other frames. If feel to you is good because you don't feel much, this would be something to try. PK's in comparison still feels some vibrations, with this WO v2 XTD there is none of that.
Maneuverability-
I was not expecting how nimble the frame was going to feel, I was expecting the XTD to be cumbersome and sluggish but it has not been the case at all. At 1st I did have to adjust to be able to get the face at the right angle at contact, but it was more of a me having to dial my swing timing right. After 10hrs stock, I did add 5g in the buttcap, changing the balance a little more towards the handle and that made the frame become alive and now it flips and rotates in a way that matches more my swing style.
Stability-
Very stable, I never had the feel that the ball twisted the frame or that the racquet got pushed around. I was able to defend on body shots and volleys without feeling anything but confidence and the response was consistent and not erratic when having to redirect incoming pace.
General reaction/comments on overall performance:
I would absolutely recommend this frame to anyone, and have passed around the frame to several friends who I play with during the week days with all positive feedback from them. The construction is top notch, the paint job is pretty cool and has not chipped, the foam filling feels different than other brands I have tried and in a positive way. I could totally see myself playing with this frame and would like to thanks TTW and Solinco for the opportunity.
www.tennis-warehouse.com
