As always the Pro line of racquets gets an update in the new BLX line from Wilson. This stick has all of the specifications of a tweener: a 16 x 19 string pattern, 11.1 oz racquet, swing weight of 318, and a 24 mm beam. As you can suspect this is a very spin and power orientated racquet.

 

 

For those of you who look to improve the height of your kick serve, turn to this racquet to help you kick above five feet. This racquet is very spin friendly due to the 100 square inch head size and the open string pattern. Also this racquet has quite a pack in the flat serve department. With the new basalt technology Wilson used, you can feel the ball on the string bed right before it’s about to explode off your racquet going into the box for an ace.

 

On returns you could easily just spin the ball back, and on a windy day that spin could led the ball over the fence. Also on block shots just add a little spin to ensure the ball goes into play, although the ball may be short you’d have to get ready for a pounding from your opponent.

 

For the backhands, spin was just not an option, it was mandatory. When I tried to hit flat, I found the ball spinning a little, but I was satisfied with it due to the power that the racquet supplied with the spin. When I did go for spin it was just phenomenal, jumping to shoulder height of my opponents which caused good grief for them. For slices, I felt like Roddick low screaming shots causing my opponents to hit difficult shots.

 

As for volleys this frame was like its cousin, the BLX Pro Tour. Drop shots were so easy to pull off; like taking candy from a baby. When you wanted more power from the volley all you had to do was hold a firm grip and push a little. That push plus the power that the racquet supplied carried the ball very close to the baseline. Rarely did I send a ball beyond my intentional target.

 

Now for the forehands: Forehands were just a beauty to hit with. I even emulated Nadal with a high arching follow-through on my forehand. The ball had so much spin that my opponents had to jump to reach them. Needless to say I was not playing John Isner. Flat strokes on the forehand had the same results as those of my backhand. The ball still had spin but had enough power to blast it through the court. Power + spin on the forehand, what else could you want?

 

With the new basalt technology this racquet has major feel, plus the potential from power and spin, this racquet is a must hit for Nadal fans. I only say that because I had a lot of fun emulating his violent upward arching forehand. As a higher level player looking for a lot of control, I would only add this frame to my bag for having a little fun at the end of practice. Nonetheless, this tweener has plenty of control to blend in with its 100 sq. inch head size; but not enough for me.