Wilson BLX backpack - the best tennis backpack you can buy! (a review)

[GameSetMatch]

I recently bought a Dunlop 4D backpack and was disappointed with its lack of features. http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=337446

Wandered past the local tennis shop recently and bought a Wilson BLX backpack (black 'club' version) and its superb!

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Wilson_BLX_Club_Bags/descpageBGWILSON-BLXCLUBBP.html

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/viewlarge.html?pcode=BLXCLUBBP

Pros

• It's huge. Much wider than the Dunlop. You can get everything into this backpack - shoes, several tins of balls, drinks, clothes etc
• Lots of very useful storage compartments (unlike the Dunlop)
• Outer side meshed compartment for a tin of 4 balls
• Outer side compartment (lined with heat/cold reflective material) for large drink cannister
• 2 main compartments (one for racquets, one for gear).
• The main comparment can be unzipped almost like a suitcase giving easy access to items
• 1 internal zipped compartments for valuables.
• 1 smaller outer zipped compartment (which I use for 'wet' clothes).
• Comfortable padded straps
• Good quality zips
• Does everything you could reasonably want from a backpack

Cons

• My only minor gripe is the outer zipped compartment, if used for wet gear could have a thicker lining or better still a heat lined covering to prevent the possibility of moisture soaking through into the bag. I used a clear plastic bag inside it for wet clothes.

Overall:

• 9/10

Note: the black BLX backpack (known as the 'club' line) is different to the red or blue BLX backpack (known as the 'team' line). The latter has different internal storage compartments and doesn't have the side pockets for balls drinks etc. Check carefully before buying.

 

[gti303]

so you can put 2 sticks comfortably in there?

 

[GameSetMatch]

Yep, no problem. You could have 2 in the smaller main compartment, and 2 in the bigger main compartment (total 4) without gear, if you really wanted to, though obviously you won't have much spare room for gear. I use the smaller main compartment for 2 sticks (see picture above). More than 4 doesn't really work because although they physically fit, the zips don't really close properly.

 

[cueboyzn]

This backpack looks great.

 

[cueboyzn]

Anyone else have used this backpack or have any comments on it? Am considering getting one of these.

 

[Torres]

I've got one of these, along with the Super 6 bag from the same range. It's a great backpack. Absolutely huge.

 

[MAXXply]

I've got one of these, along with the Super 6 bag from the same range. It's a great backpack. Absolutely huge.

Torres, I'd be interested to hear your owner feedback about the Club Super Six bag...how is it different to all the other Wilson bags?

 

[Torres]

Torres, I'd be interested to hear your owner feedback about the Club Super Six bag...how is it different to all the other Wilson bags?

I can't compare it to other Wilson bags, as this is the only Wilson '6' bag that I have. My other 6 bag is a Babolat.

The Wilson Super Six BLX (the back one) is a pretty basic bag IMO - 2 racquet compartments, 1 centre compartment for clothes/shoes/balls etc and 1 small awkwardly placed oddiments pocket on the outside.

I bought it because I wanted an understated, black bag. However, I waswas abit disappointed that there wasn't a bit more 'jazz' in terms of functionality. For example, there's no thermo lining, no drinks pockets, no internal (as opposed to external) zipped pocket for valuables or anything like that. There is a shoe bag though which is okay but nothing amazing.

Its good though the two side racquet compartments are padded internally as well as externally ie sponge padding on either side of each of the individual racquet compartments (unlike the Babolat Team 6 bag that I also have). Talking about the individual racquet compartments they're a little bit narrow which surprised me. 3 racquets on either side is a real squeeze.

The padding on the shoulder straps is disappointingly thin - nowhere near as thick as the shoulder strap padding on the black BLX backpack. There's also one shoulder strap in addition to the two that allow you to wear it as a 'backpack'. Wearing this 6 bag as a backpack isn't that comfortable because of the position of the straps - it digs in your neck slightly. You really wouldn't want to be filling this up and making it a heavy bag. Babolat have an better implementation of the straps on their bags IMO.

Unless I carry 3+ racquets to the court (which would be pretty unusual), I prefer using the BLX backpack - much better variety of non-racquet storage options, perfect for 2 racquets plus gear, and very comfortable - it really is excellent.

Overall I'd give the:-

- BLX Super 6 bag, 6/10 (its a basic bag) with an extra mark taking it up to 7/10 if you're swayed by the color.
- BLX backpack, 9/10 - its the best tennis backpack that I've come across and can't really be bettered very much.

 

[Donny0627]

I have this same backpack and agree totally with your review. And to anyone who is wondering, I have often carried 4 rackets in the racket compartment without a problem. Great product wilson, 9/10(The drawstring for the small "mesh" outer comparment snapped after a few days, but I never use it anyway)...

my 2cents

 

[PatrickT]

Looking into getting this backpack, but can't find one to look at local. Anyone care to post a few photos so I can see what it looks like?

(sorry for the old thread bump)

 

[robby c]

so you can put 2 sticks comfortably in there?

3 Head Prestige(21 mm wide) will fit. Two wider racquets easily fit.
And the bag stays upright on a crowded bench.
Has a very well insulated water bottle compartment on the outside.
Sturdy construction all around.
Money well spent.

 

[aimr75]

i have this backpack and it is very good, comfortable and spacious. I also use it to carry my laptop and other stuff to work

 

[yellowmatter]

I've been looking for a backpack and this one caught my attention, it is good looking and discreet. I also came across that dunlop as well as the biomimetic line. Along with wilson they seem to be better quality than other brands, prince and yonex also look fine on pics and videos.

I want to have enough space for books, one or two raquets, shoes and clothing, and a bottle.

What other backpacks are there with similar features?

 

[zapvor]

wilson designs really good bags. better than say yonex/head

 

[MikaJP]

So what do yo guys think of the new BLX backpack (http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Wilson_BLX_Club_Bags/descpageBGWILSON-CLUB13BP.html)? vs. Babolat Team Line (http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Babolat_Team_Line_Bags_Black/descpageBGBAB-BTLGBP.html) bags?

Basically I'm looking for a bag to fit:

- two rackets
- 2 cans of balls
- pair of tennis shoes
- towel, water bottle and set of clothes to get changed after playing

Would prefer a back bag instead of a full size tennis bag as I live in London and hate taking the tube (underground! ) with a huge bag... So this bag is not for going to tournaments or anything..

Is the BLX still the way to go or should I look around?

 

[yellowmatter]

I ordered this backpack but when i did, the last one was already gone and it was discontinued.
Does anyone know if the new one is as good or better? It has the same cool and discreet vibe as the previous one, so i think i'll buy it.

[/IMG]

 

[PatrickT]

Bumpity! I'm in need of a new bag and this one has caught my eye. Any other testimonials?