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With an 18 x 20 string pattern on a 96 square inch racquet this is a very control-orientated racquet for 4.0+ players with semi-developed strokes. Also, with a 22mm shaft this racquet also packs a punch in the power line. This is the first of the new Wilson BLX racquets I have had a chance to get my hands on. With the supposed “basalt” fibers, this racquet surprisingly delivered in allowing plenty of feel and power along with the trademark rigid control of a Mid-sized racquet.

At 11.6oz and 7 points head light, this racquet felt like a wall on returns. Due to the tight string pattern, my control on returns seemed to get a boost from the frame I normally hit with (Dunlop Aerogel 100 with lead tape). Even blocking shots; this racquet will do it. Take a big swing at the ball and the tight string pattern will cause the ball to hit the baseline.

Ever wonder how Del Potro was able to hit his spots so well on the serves? Aside from his towering stature that no doubt gives him a tremendous advantage on court, this frame can take some of the credit. With a tight string pattern you get crazy accuracy on your serves, and at 96 square inches, rarely will you ever shank or mishit the ball, which leads to easy service games for you and hard returns for your opponent.

On the forehand side I wasn’t able to generate that much spin but my flat shots were bullets. You could barely see the ball but you could always see where it landed due to the fuzz the ball leaves behind. Heavier hitters could easily hit around 115 mph on forehand shots, no doubt. Again at 96 square inches, an advanced player would rarely shank the ball.

Now for the backhand, it was quite nice playing with it due to the power I was able to get but also for the feel. As someone currently working on improving my backhand, I mishit quite a bit. However, I was pleased to have a frame in my hand that seems a bit more forgiving on off-center hits. The spin potential was somewhat more favorable on my backhand wing than my forehand wing, which when I did attempt to hit with spin, it did bounce pretty high and fast. Although rarely coming hand-in-hand, I was surprised in noticing the benefit of both power and spin on backhand strokes.

Now the grand finale: volleys. I love to play the baseline and surprise my opponents with a sudden rush to the net. Touch volleys were so nice, and were effortlessly placed the ball over the net. As for put-away volleys this racquet can do it. Just punch through the ball and watch it fly just short of your opponent’s baseline.

All-in-all this was a pleasant racquet to play with. It had a nice blend of control and power, and with the 96 square inch head size I found myself playing some great tennis. Even at 11.6oz strung I feel like this racquet could use some lead tape for added power, but as stated before, I play with lead tape on my Aerogel 100.

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