Tennis Warehouse: Solinco Racquet Playtest
- Thread starter TW Staff
- Start date
djNEiGht
Legend
@mad dog1 @snoflewis @JOSHL
SoCal meet up? I still have a 305 around. Josh has tried the black out I had before and wasn't impressed IIRC. The 305 I have is a very early prototype with no logo on the hoop or even foam.
SoCal meet up? I still have a 305 around. Josh has tried the black out I had before and wasn't impressed IIRC. The 305 I have is a very early prototype with no logo on the hoop or even foam.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Any other SoCal folks are welcome, too.
HypnoticLasagna
Rookie
I have the 305xtd with weight modules, LMK.
@boulderchips, any interest in a forum meetup?
it's an open invite to anyone willing to meet somewhere in SoCal (likely LA). happy to have you join us.
I was lucky enough to get on the Blackout 300. I will be using a FB with Hyper-G 17 as that is my main gauge I use. I will try Hyper-G 16 and see if there is a difference with feel and control. Not sure of using a hybrid but I could change my mind and give it a go.
Best to all selected!
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
No plans to hybrid.
TW Staff
Administrator
It is extremely simple. You just need to pop out the trap door in the butt cap. We have a video of the process as well that should be up next week right around the time you get your racquets.
Thanks,
Brittany, TW
Chezbeeno
Professional
I think general consensus is that you either use your normal string setup, or whatever is closest to your normal setup, just so that you know what you're feeling is the racquet, not the string. That being said, everyone does their own thing. Regardless, it's always great to be able to use a couple string setups, so you can get an idea of how the racquet responds to different strings.
What setup are you leaning towards if you're picked?
boulderchips
Rookie
Definitely. I have no Solinco frames to offer, but I'll bring my Ezones!
taydbear7
Professional
I did not apply but was always curious about Vanquish. I see there's a package of Tour Bite/Vanquish for sale. Always curious about Vanquish since I always hybrid a poly with multi.
McLovin
Legend
Bloviator
New User
Agreed.
Hope there is something interesting to be said about the new frame.
djNEiGht
Legend
@snoflewis what string/gauge/tension you going to use?
Alekok1221
Rookie
I really wanna know the opinion about the blackout frame, the best part is that because it has a 9pt headlight balance unstrung and 300 grams you can make it like the whiteout but more powerful and forgiving.
starting with YPTP 1.25mm at 50lbs. Prefer to keep strings as a constant when comparing two sticks.
djNEiGht
Legend
Okay...if we get to meet up I will put the same string/tension.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
I string at 45/43…string tbd at the moment.
djNEiGht
Legend
I've been at that tension too for my personal set up.I string at 45/43…string tbd at the moment.
Cobra Tennis
Professional
Excited to give the Blackout 300 a go!
I played with the old Solinco Protocol 300 years ago and it was just an old PD clone...same layup and everything. I recall the PD being based on a ProKennex frame (Black Ace maybe)??? And Solinco used that mold.
I'm a steady PD user for the last 20 years so I'm really interested to see how it stacks up.
I played with the old Solinco Protocol 300 years ago and it was just an old PD clone...same layup and everything. I recall the PD being based on a ProKennex frame (Black Ace maybe)??? And Solinco used that mold.
I'm a steady PD user for the last 20 years so I'm really interested to see how it stacks up.
The Pure Drive came from the Pro Kennex Destiny line of racquets.
Bhagi Katbamna
Legend
Didn't get picked but still looking forward to the reviews of the whiteout.
djNEiGht
Legend
The prototypes I had were molded
AceyMan
Professional
which color [yellow / graphite / blue] ?
yellow. admittedly not the best string in the world, but i've been using it, it's solid, and i don't feel like trying anything new.
btw, aren't you somewhere along the 405? you should join us for the next socal meet
I may hybrid, but not sure yet. I'm probably going to start with OGSM/Max Power Rough since that's my go to setup. Once that breaks I may hybrid the provided strings, though I usually don't hybrid shaped polys and instead go for textured ones. If I hybrid the whiteout with the solinco strings I'll also sting a UP16m the same so that I can get a feel for the string setup in my main frame too just to make sure any feedback is from the frame, not the strings.
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TW Staff
Administrator
We have sent out an email to those selected to participate in the Solinco Racquet playtest and received confirmation. For those that have received the email, congrats and we received all your confirmation emails! Your racquets will be shipping by end of day tomorrow and should be arriving within 1-5 business days.
For those that were not selected, thank you so much for applying. We had a great turnout of applicants for new racquets. The Whiteout was an extremely popular choice. And guess what, we have more playtests lined up the next couple months! We are hoping to spread the cheer and get as many playtesters on as possible.
We always like to leave these tips here:
Apply for string playtests first and leave detailed, thorough reviews. We generally have a larger amount of strings to send out for playtests and your chances are much higher of being selected. Additionally, it helps if you have a good history on the message board and are participating in a positive way especially in the shoe, string and racquet sections (bonus points if it is in threads related to the specific playtest).
Lastly, we like to make sure to spread the wealth. We try to give members a chance who were not selected to be on one of the last couple major playtests (racquet/shoe). If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at discussadmin@tennis-warehouse.com and we would be happy to help.
Thanks,
TW Staff
For those that were not selected, thank you so much for applying. We had a great turnout of applicants for new racquets. The Whiteout was an extremely popular choice. And guess what, we have more playtests lined up the next couple months! We are hoping to spread the cheer and get as many playtesters on as possible.
We always like to leave these tips here:
Apply for string playtests first and leave detailed, thorough reviews. We generally have a larger amount of strings to send out for playtests and your chances are much higher of being selected. Additionally, it helps if you have a good history on the message board and are participating in a positive way especially in the shoe, string and racquet sections (bonus points if it is in threads related to the specific playtest).
Lastly, we like to make sure to spread the wealth. We try to give members a chance who were not selected to be on one of the last couple major playtests (racquet/shoe). If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at discussadmin@tennis-warehouse.com and we would be happy to help.
Thanks,
TW Staff
djNEiGht
Legend
Thanks for providing these play tests to us. I did not apply but will submit a review from my experience with the prototype BO/WO racquets.
M Pillai
Semi-Pro
When is the socal meetup? I am not in SoCal, but maybe travelling to LA in some of the coming weekends, and will try to join if date/place aligns up.
Morch Us
Hall of Fame
M Pillai
Semi-Pro
djNEiGht
Legend
Just let us know when you may be in town. I'm think this failing weekend warrior with a worsening knee along with the other folks could see if anything could happen
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Let me know when you're in SoCal and I'll be happy to try to meet up with you to hit if you want.
M Pillai
Semi-Pro
I string my own, and so plan to do multiple string setups (especially if I like the racquet).
1. My usual strings (so that I can normalize my comparison with my other rackets)
2. HyperG-16 FB (so that I can normalize my comparison with other playtesters, and possibly eliminate any string sensitivity from racket/manufacturer recommendation).
Not planning to do a hybrid at this point, but if I use Vanquish, I will probably use a poly cross (I may have extra HyperG sets).
I understand in case the testers don't own a stringer, it may not be convenient to restring multiple times. If you are using only one setup, I would suggest using one of the strings sent with the racquet in Full Bed, even though I don't think there are any specific expectations for strings on this playtest.
Maybe @TW Staff can advice
1. My usual strings (so that I can normalize my comparison with my other rackets)
2. HyperG-16 FB (so that I can normalize my comparison with other playtesters, and possibly eliminate any string sensitivity from racket/manufacturer recommendation).
Not planning to do a hybrid at this point, but if I use Vanquish, I will probably use a poly cross (I may have extra HyperG sets).
I understand in case the testers don't own a stringer, it may not be convenient to restring multiple times. If you are using only one setup, I would suggest using one of the strings sent with the racquet in Full Bed, even though I don't think there are any specific expectations for strings on this playtest.
Maybe @TW Staff can advice
djNEiGht
Legend
IMO I'd suggest those with out a machine stringing it with what they are normally using or have familiarity with so that the tester is evaluating the frame more than a string not familiar with. That said...most everyone should have had some experience with one of the more popular strings such as HyperG
TW Staff
Administrator
I always recommend playtesters to string the racquet up with what they are comfort with. The string we provide as a courtesy from the vendors. If you can string multiple set ups, that is awesome. If you can only string one time, pick something that is familiar to you (even if that just means using the poly provided).
Hope that helps,
Brittany TW
djNEiGht
Legend
The 3 prototypes I had were pretty close to each other.Just received the Solinco Blackout 300
Specs (unstrung with plastic wrap on handle removed)
Static weight: 303g / 10.65oz
Swingweight: 287.46 measured using Briffidi SW1
Balance: 31.75cm / 12.5"
Really good specs. QC appears to be good.
I eventually put 2 g at 12 and 5g of silicone cubes under the trap door.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Solinco Blackout 300Just received the Solinco Blackout 300
Specs (unstrung with plastic wrap on handle removed)
Static weight: 303g / 10.65oz
Swingweight: 287.46 measured using Briffidi SW1
Balance: 31.75cm / 12.5"
Buttcap: standard
Really good specs. QC appears to be good.
Strung specs (with no overgrip)
Static weight: 320g / 11.3oz
Strings: Volkl Cyclone Tour 1.30/Prince Diablo 1.30 @ 47/45# strung on an electronic constant pull machine
Swingweight: 318
Balance: 32.7cm / 12.875"
Buttcap: standard
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Alekok1221
Rookie
Yeah the blackout is 6pts Headlight strung so 9pts unstrung
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
damn that looks pretty... but can it run crysis?
HypnoticLasagna
Rookie
I wonder
PC Gaming meme. Someone would show off their new hardware, and the best benchmark was always to run the game Crysis. You didn't miss much
PC Gaming meme. Someone would show off their new hardware, and the best benchmark was always to run the game Crysis. You didn't miss much
oh man.. shot in the dark joke...
In 2007 they launched the video game "Crysis" which was a fantastic game but it was so intense that it would crash the computers due to advanced graphics.. so it became a benchmark of performance to test computers processing power and graphic cards etc... anything that would come out would be "ohh that's awesome but can it run crysis?" just a bad joke.. never mind..
here:
Crysis (video game) - Wikipedia
ok now that I completely derailed the thread I will show myself out.
Looking forward to all of your reviews. Racket does look pretty.
