This extended length version of the Blackout 300 hits a heavy ball
With the Blackout 300 XTD, Solinco takes the spin and pop of the standard length version and kicks it up a notch. At 27.5 inches long, this stick will enable you to attack the ball with extra momentum, resulting in heavier groundies and dangerous serves. Technologies include 40T Carbon Fiber at 3/9 o'clock, resulting in a larger sweetspot along with a more solid and responsive feel on off-center impact. Ball feedback is further enhanced by Solinco's Liquid Crystal Technology which is added to the layup in order to reduce hash vibrations. On the court, this stick swings heavier than the standard length Blackout 300, making it slightly more challenging to use. However, for the aggressive player who can leverage the extra dynamic mass, this stick, with its spin-friendly targeting and powerful delivery, is a formidable weapon.
This racquet's weight and balance can be modified using Solinco's weight control modules (interchangeable butt-cap plates that enable you to add 5 or 10 grams to the stock weight) - sold separately
Specifications
| Head Size: 100 in² / 645.16 cm² | ||||
| Length: 27.5in / 69.85cm | ||||
| Strung Weight: 11.3oz / 320g | ||||
| Balance: 12.8in / 32.51cm / 8 pts HL | ||||
| Swingweight: 328 | ||||
| Stiffness: 70 | ||||
| Beam Width: 23.5mm / 26mm / 23mm | ||||
| Composition: 40T Carbon/Graphite | ||||
| Power Level: Low-Medium | ||||
| Stroke Style: Medium-Full | ||||
| Swing Speed: Medium-Fast | ||||
| Racquet Colors: Black | ||||
| Grip Type: Solinco Synthetic | ||||
String Pattern:
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| String Tension: 50-60 pounds |
Videos
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Customer Reviews
Great Racquet but Requires CustomizationSome background information. I play with a Wilson Blade 104 v.8 that has been significantly customized by adding lead tape to the handle, 3 and 9 o'clock as well as 4 and 8 o'clock. With this lead tape, my racquet weighs 12 ounces. I have no complaints about my current racquet but am looking for something with a little more control and less trampolining effect. I really wanted to like this racquet since there are not many racquets on the market with these specs. I played two sets, and my review is based on my own experience and comments made by my opponent. First, the positives. Great racquet for serving. My opponent commented that my serves were noticeably heavier although slightly slower. Accuracy on my serves was excellent. Overheads and volleying were also excellent. I had no issues putting volleys away with either power or touch. While the racquet is on the lighter side, it has good plow through if you make contact in the sweet spot. However, the racquet loses some stability on off center hits. Second, the aesthetics are worth mentioning. The racquet just looks cool in all black. Finally, the price is right. In many respects, this racquet is very similar to a Babolat Pure Drive Plus which I also used in a demo. This racquet is $50 cheaper.
The negatives are as follows. The racquet, in its stock form is too light, especially head light, in my opinion. However, this could be corrected with lead tape. I may try the racquet again with these modifications and report my findings at a later date. The racquet is stiff and has a firm feel on contact. If you like a flexible racquet or a plush feel, this racquet is not for you. Despite the stiffness, however, I had zero arm or elbow problems. Credit Solinco for the design in this regard. The racquet experiences some vibration on off-center hits but adding lead tape may solve this problem since my Blade in stock form had the same issue. Lastly, maneuverability is average. The racquet, for some reason, feels heavier than it plays. I have no explanation for this, but it was noticeable. However, if you have proper mechanics and footwork, I did not have any issues. Issues only arose when I had poor racquet preparation or footwork.
In the end, this is a very solid racquet, and I would highly recommend it especially if you are considering a Babolat Pure Drive Plus. Perhaps with the proper customization, it would become my racquet of choice but for now I am sticking with my Blade.
Awesome Racket...I have used all the extended's racquets by Babolat and Ezone 100 plus. This is the best. Great feel if you string right. I added 4 grams at 3 and 9 and a leather grip which added 5 grams. The racket is great. Right now using Black Code 16 g at 52 lbs. I am a former D1 player but now aged out so 4.5.
AwesomeWhen I put in the 10 gram butt cap, it turned into a serve cannon.
Awesome racquet I am a solid 4.0 player and enjoy extended racquets. Not too many brands are doing this and this was well straight out the box. Maybe you can play around with weight but it was amazing as it is. Plenty of plow through and feel!
Is this the Babolat Pure Drive?As a user of the Babolat Pure Drive Plus for as long as I can remember I was looking for a replacement that was a little more durable. I have had several Pure Drives crack on me within the first year (only one in my own frustration), I purchased this racquet as a replacement to the Pure Drive and I couldn't be happier. It feels like the same stick and I love the look of the blacked out frame. I've only had it a week so I can't speak to its durability but I love the way it plays. I am a former 4.5 and a solid but aging 4.0.