Wilson Five BLX Tennis Racquet
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High five for the Wilson Five BLX tennis racquet. I was surprised by how well I was able to play with this racquet. I use a 95 square inch head size, and wasn’t sure what a 103 square inch head size would do to my game. Uncertain of the outcome, but pleased with the results, I’d consider Wilson’s Five BLX tennis racquet a versatile frame that can accommodate many playing styles.
Groundstrokes
The ground strokes were equally as surprising and enjoyable. I can’t reiterate enough how effective the head heavy balance benefited every swinging motion. Commit to the ball was all I had to do as the racquet did the rest. Thanks to Wilson’s unique Triad technology, the racquet was very soft upon contact. This technology incorporates a polymer similar to the material used in skyscraper foundations to absorb the shock of an earthquake. Astonishing!? I know.
Triad, plus Wilson’s Amplifeel – an updated handle system that enhances feel – work in unison to produce a racquet with extraordinary touch and feel. As a result, I truly enjoyed hitting groundies with this frame. Aside from the touch, the power and control were just right. If you have a long and fast swinging motion, then too much power can hinder your stroke and require you to back off your swing to compensate for it. But there wasn’t too much power here. I was able to relax more and retain my normal swinging motion, which made play more effortless.
Volleys
I don’t spend that much time at the net, but when I am there I want something that is maneuverable. The Five was exceptional again. Good maneuverability and an extra .25 inches of length gave me greater reach and confidence at the net.
Serve
The serve, one of my favorite shots, was the first area of my game that this racquet shined. Being five points head heavy proved to be beneficial. More weight in the head of the racquet facilitated the natural service motion. Once the racquet reached the ball at the pinnacle of the swing, the racquet seemed to take over as it flowed through the rest of the motion. In addition, the 103 square inch head size provided an ample hitting area. Since the racquet I currently use has a 95 square inch head size, 8 additional square inches gave me greater forgiveness, and therefore more confidence to swing away and truly let the racquet fly. My serve was more consistent and powerful with this racquet than my own. I did notice a slight drop in control, but it was minuscule compared to the large gains in consistent and effortless power the racquet afforded.
Overall
My attempt at serving was my first reality check. The racquet undeniably provides control, but accessing it was the challenge. It took a few attempts before I could accurately place the racquet on the ball, let alone the ball in the court. Once I made some adjustments, I was able to begin play. The control the racquet provides is hardly matched, and the feel is nice, but this racquet is demanding. It took a lot more focus on my part to get the ball in the court and over the net, which should be easy to do from a shot that one has the most control over. Needless to say, it wasn’t.
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