Wilson BLX Pro Open 100 2012 - Opinion

[GoofyMan]

Hi All,

Did anyone try the BLX Pro Open racket?

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Wilson_BLX_Pro_Open_100/descpageRCWILSON-WPOB.html

If yes, can you please share your impression.

Also - I wonder how does Wilson pricing work. Why some rackets with BLX technology are $189 and others are $159, $129 though they share the same BLX technology.

I've seen it with other manufacturer as well.

In other words - what makes the BLX Pro Stuff a $180 racket, the BLX Six one a $165 racket and the BLX Pro Open a $129 racket? They are all BLXs.

Thanks for the help.

 

[canadad]

My guess is that that they set some of the prices based on who they have using that particular paint job. The Pro Staff 90's price is originally 199.00 for example because it is the paint job that Federer is using and they think they can sell it for that more than a Pro Open. Look at the BLX 5, it is even higher. My guess is that price points are set based on how much they will be able to sell them for. For some reason, the huge, light racquets directed at your more senior players are more expensive. Perhaps they think those are the people that are willing to pay more. Maybe those people don't have to buy two racquets at a time either.
If you are worried about purchasing a racquet that is not as high quality based on price, don't be. All the racquets you have listed do fit in the "top of the line" category. They are use the same technology. However they appeal to a different crowd.
The Pro Open looks like it is on sale, which sometimes means they are being cleared out for an upgrade or the line is being discontinued altogether.

 

[GoofyMan]

Thanks for the detailed response.

My interest in the racket started with the "similar rackets" feature by TW.

I was looking for a 98-100 head size, 10.6-11 oz racket (11 is the heaviest I will try).

The first one that caught my eyes was the Yonex Ezone XI 100. I wasn't sure about the Yonex due to its non traditonal head shape. TW in the XI 100 page lists the Wilson Pro Open 100 as a similar racket.

I am in my late 40s 3.5-4.0 player. I used for many years the Prince O3 Hybrid Hornet Midplus, but the racket is starting to break apart, so I am looking for something new with similar (100 sq, up to 11 oz) specs.

I loved how the Prince played but I want another brand (Wilson, Head, Babo are the preferred brands).

I am stringing my own racket and I hate O3 port stringing, so I will shift brands.

Also the Hornet had a 70 stiffness and I would like something a bit less stiff.

I demoed some 11-11.4 oz rackets but I felt it was too heavy for me.

I will probably need to demo some rackets like the:
Ezone XI 100
Wilson six one team, and Pro Open 100
Head YouTek Graph Speed
Babolat Pure Storm.

 

[A_Instead]

BLX Pro Open is a very good racquet... Read the reviews...

 

[canadad]

I used the K Pro Open for a while and thought it was alright. I felt I was getting pushed around with it and found it too light. It was like I could not get my game to the next level. For me, a 98-100 sq. inches and upper 11 oz lower 12 oz racquet is more to my liking. I have used many, many different racquets over the past couple of years and have settled on ProKennex. Not on your list but you may want to consider are the ProKennex Q5 295 or Ki15 or Q15, Dunlop 500 or 400 series, Head Extreme MP, Volkl V1 or X7 or X8.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

I currently use the first gen blx pro open, and some people here have said that these two versions aren't dissimilar.

The pro open is not going to be much less stiff than your hornet, especially since the hornet had o3 technology which increases the sweet spot and makes the feel softer. Also, be mindful that QC may be off when you decide that you want to order this one. The weight your racket comes in at very well could be over 11 ounces. I have two pro opens and they are definitely off in weight as well as balance.

The pro open has a ton of spin potential but it needs a full-fast stroke to reign in its power with spin. It is a modern-players racket (windshield wiper Fh motion optimal). Also, this racket is good for trying out new strings. It's not string sensitive. Service is OK with this racket, nothing spectacular. Also this racket doesn't have a ton of touch since its so stiff. However, it has more touch than a pure drive or aeropro drive.

 

[canadad]

I currently use the first gen blx pro open, and some people here have said that these two versions aren't dissimilar.

The pro open is not going to be much less stiff than your hornet, especially since the hornet had o3 technology which increases the sweet spot and makes the feel softer. Also, be mindful that QC may be off when you decide that you want to order this one. The weight your racket comes in at very well could be over 11 ounces. I have two pro opens and they are definitely off in weight as well as balance.

The pro open has a ton of spin potential but it needs a full-fast stroke to reign in its power with spin. It is a modern-players racket (windshield wiper Fh motion optimal). Also, this racket is good for trying out new strings. It's not string sensitive. Service is OK with this racket, nothing spectacular. Also this racket doesn't have a ton of touch since its so stiff. However, it has more touch than a pure drive or aeropro drive.

Yep, I agree. This is a nice summary.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

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Yep, I agree. This is a nice summary.

Thanks. I have been playing with this racket for a year and a half and know it very well.

 

[GoofyMan]

Mike,

These are awesome tips you are providing.

I will def demo it before I make up my mind. I usually hit with my son. He is on the high school tennis team and doesn't have time to play with me until the season ends. Luckily, it is over in 2-3 weeks and four demo rackets will be on their way to my house in the second half of April.

If you don't mind me asking - what are you stringing your Pro Open with?

Thanks again.

 

[Dimcorner]

I currently use the first gen blx pro open, and some people here have said that these two versions aren't dissimilar.

The pro open is not going to be much less stiff than your hornet, especially since the hornet had o3 technology which increases the sweet spot and makes the feel softer. Also, be mindful that QC may be off when you decide that you want to order this one. The weight your racket comes in at very well could be over 11 ounces. I have two pro opens and they are definitely off in weight as well as balance.

The pro open has a ton of spin potential but it needs a full-fast stroke to reign in its power with spin. It is a modern-players racket (windshield wiper Fh motion optimal). Also, this racket is good for trying out new strings. It's not string sensitive. Service is OK with this racket, nothing spectacular. Also this racket doesn't have a ton of touch since its so stiff. However, it has more touch than a pure drive or aeropro drive.

I have both the 2013 APD and the 2011 Pro Open and I play with both interchangeably. Some days I feel like BLX and some like APD. BLX is more comfortable to play with but I feel a bit more control with the APD. APD is noticeably stiffer but I play with a bit looser tension on it. Both full poly. Touch wise I don't know. Feels like enough touch for me on both. Serves are ok, I think I get better spin on the APD.

The local Dick's shop had the 2011 BLX Pro Open (1/4" grip) for $79 on clearance not too long ago (that'w when I got mine). Don't know if it's still at that price.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Mike,

These are awesome tips you are providing.

I will def demo it before I make up my mind. I usually hit with my son. He is on the high school tennis team and doesn't have time to play with me until the season ends. Luckily, it is over in 2-3 weeks and four demo rackets will be on their way to my house in the second half of April.

If you don't mind me asking - what are you stringing your Pro Open with?

Thanks again.

I currently have one of my pro opens strung with Volkl cyclone 17 @50 lbs and my other pro open is strung with prince synthetic gut duraflex @54 lbs. I like the cyclone in it, but it's a tad stiff. TONS of spin though.

Smart idea to demo! I've demoed about 24 frames and it's just fun in my opinion. Good idea so that way your perspective on rackets isn't limited!

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

I have both the 2013 APD and the 2011 Pro Open and I play with both interchangeably. Some days I feel like BLX and some like APD. BLX is more comfortable to play with but I feel a bit more control with the APD. APD is noticeably stiffer but I play with a bit looser tension on it. Both full poly. Touch wise I don't know. Feels like enough touch for me on both. Serves are ok, I think I get better spin on the APD.

The local Dick's shop had the 2011 BLX Pro Open (1/4" grip) for $79 on clearance not too long ago (that'w when I got mine). Don't know if it's still at that price.

Good advice, but be careful when mentioning other retailers...

 

[Readers]

Thanks for the detailed response.

My interest in the racket started with the "similar rackets" feature by TW.

I was looking for a 98-100 head size, 10.6-11 oz racket (11 is the heaviest I will try).

The first one that caught my eyes was the Yonex Ezone XI 100. I wasn't sure about the Yonex due to its non traditonal head shape. TW in the XI 100 page lists the Wilson Pro Open 100 as a similar racket.

I am in my late 40s 3.5-4.0 player. I used for many years the Prince O3 Hybrid Hornet Midplus, but the racket is starting to break apart, so I am looking for something new with similar (100 sq, up to 11 oz) specs.

I loved how the Prince played but I want another brand (Wilson, Head, Babo are the preferred brands).

I am stringing my own racket and I hate O3 port stringing, so I will shift brands.

Also the Hornet had a 70 stiffness and I would like something a bit less stiff.

I demoed some 11-11.4 oz rackets but I felt it was too heavy for me.

I will probably need to demo some rackets like the:
Ezone XI 100
Wilson six one team, and Pro Open 100
Head YouTek Graph Speed
Babolat Pure Storm.

Volkl PB10 light is a great stick and cost only 89.

 

[Dimcorner]

Good advice, but be careful when mentioning other retailers...

Really?? I mean this was a clearance 2011 model and TW doesn't even have it anymore. :-?

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Really?? I mean this was a clearance 2011 model and TW doesn't even have it anymore. :-?

No harm no foul, you just don't wanna get banned

 

[oldcity]

I play with the yellow/black blx version. It's pretty well rounded but I would prefer it to be a little more flexy. Other than that the 24mm hoop is wide and catches wind, so it's not the most maneuverable.

 

[Fyrepower]

I have been using this racket for a while and I believe that it is pretty much a jack of all trades, ace of none. It isn't string sensitive(as mentioned before), and has middle-of-the-road spin, control and power. I don't find it to be stiff but, I'm probably not a good judge.

 

[Federerkblade]

i suse the pro open

whats slighly better than in all these aspects racqet wise if pro open is jack of all trades

 

[avince]

I am satisfied of my blx pro open 2012. Much spin and a nice blend of control and power to hit strong groundstrokes.

 

[RollTrackTake]

If I were to go back to that style of racquet (100 sq in, medium powered tweener) the BLX Pro Open would be my choice. I played with it for a while after playing/demoing the APDC, APDGT, PDGT & EXO3 Black. For me it beat those racquets in terms of feel & performance. I demoed the Pure Drive 2012 and bought a couple of Donnay Formula 100's but again the Pro Open just felt better. A great mix of crispness and relative comfort. I had mine strung with Weiss Cannon Black 5 Edge at 50lbs and put 5 grams under the buttcap. If these things are on sale for $80 I should pick up a couple because when the time comes where I can't generate a ton of power on my own I'll be looking for the BLX Pro Open.

 

[KFwinds]

The first one that caught my eyes was the Yonex Ezone XI 100. I wasn't sure about the Yonex due to its non traditonal head shape. TW in the XI 100 page lists the Wilson Pro Open 100 as a similar racket.

The Yonex Ezone xi 100 is a FAR superior racquet to the Wilson Pro Open. Make sure to give it a try -

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

The Yonex Ezone xi 100 is a FAR superior racquet to the Wilson Pro Open. Make sure to give it a try -

Why is it FAR superior?

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

I have a question for my fellow pro open users here...

When hitting a hard topspin forehand, how often do you guys clip the frame with this stick? I seem to be doing this a lot lately. Would it be more user error or does the thick beam and pws system contribute? Thanks

 

[Dimcorner]

Both my racquets have about the same beam width so it's about the same. I demoed the Wilson Pro staff 95 and I still shank them so I would guess it's user error

 

[Federerkblade]

I have a question for my fellow pro open users here...

When hitting a hard topspin forehand, how often do you guys clip the frame with this stick? I seem to be doing this a lot lately. Would it be more user error or does the thick beam and pws system contribute? Thanks

i do that sometimes the head shape is not round

 

[Fyrepower]

I have a question for my fellow pro open users here...

When hitting a hard topspin forehand, how often do you guys clip the frame with this stick? I seem to be doing this a lot lately. Would it be more user error or does the thick beam and pws system contribute? Thanks

I have this problem as well, sometimes. I usually associate it with the thickness of the beam, as I don't usually notice this problem with other rackets.

 

[KFwinds]

Why is it FAR superior?

For starters, it's softer and less harsh than the Pro Open, with much better feel, spin, and control. I feel more connected to the ball with the Yonex than I did with the Wilson. Power level is about the same, but I think I would give the edge to the Yonex.

In other words, I find the Ezone xi 100 pretty much better in every category that a player would find relevant in making contact with a tennis ball...

 

[Muppet]

I have a question for my fellow pro open users here...

When hitting a hard topspin forehand, how often do you guys clip the frame with this stick? I seem to be doing this a lot lately. Would it be more user error or does the thick beam and pws system contribute? Thanks

I'm not a Pro Open user, but this may help:

Adding a little weight to your frame could slow down your swing speed a bit, to help with your timing. The lighter racquets are harder to find the sweet spot with because they allow you to swing so darn fast.

 

[A_Instead]

Ezone Xi 100 isnt bad and would make a good choice... It hit a real nice ball....The only issue that I had is that it was pretty fat and got it its own way.

 

[Federerkblade]

what other racquets are similar to pro open apart from yonex. i love the pro open but dont like the paintjob or the headshape. wish it was more like a pure drive head shape

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

what other racquets are similar to pro open apart from yonex. i love the pro open but dont like the paintjob or the headshape. wish it was more like a pure drive head shape

You hit the nail on the head: pure drive, apd, Dunlop 500T, instinct, or extreme.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

I'm planning on stringing my pro open with full bed of scorpion today @53lbs. Will let you guys know how it goes. I'm hoping that it's going to be a bit softer than cyclone.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Strung my racket up last night with scorpion, and my initial impressions are as follows:

The first thing that I realized was how easy this was to string; it was a piece of cake compared to cyclone. Much softer and way less coil memory. It has a very slick surface, so it would make sense that this string is a great cross for guy mains. Knots are a sinch as well. I am probably going to hit with it either tomorrow or Sunday, so I'll let you guys know how it compares to cyclone and also my current synthetic string job in my backup pro open.