Skip to content

NEWS

zfz6lx1kzsvdqeo84tit2

2022 GEAR GUIDE: SOLINCO RACQUETS—BLACKOUT 300 AND WHITEOUT 305

“Usually, lightning leads to a blackout. This time, the Blackout led to lightning.”

By Jon Levey | tennis.com

Seven racquet companies, two frames from each. One is sure to be a perfect match for your game.

HOW WE TEST: Several samples were requested of every racquet reviewed. Each model was either strung with the manufacturer’s recommended string and tension, or such a string was provided, to optimize the frame’s performance. Racquets were then distributed to our playtesters located throughout the country. Each tester was encouraged to try a racquet for as long as it took to get a feel for its particular playing characteristics, including power, control, comfort, maneuverability and overall playability. In addition to forming their own opinions, they sought assessments from playing partners, students and customers. A special note of thanks to Kevin Brandt, Mitchell Case, James Golden, and Kin Roseborough for their valuable contributions.

Solinco

Blackout 300

  • PRICE: $220 (Buy)
  • HEAD SIZE: 100 SQ. IN.
  • LENGTH: 27 IN.
  • WEIGHT: 11.2 OZ.
  • BALANCE: 6 PTS. HL
  • SWINGWEIGHT: 315
  • RA RATING: 70
  • BEAM WIDTH: 23.5 MM / 26 MM / 23 MM
  • STRING PATTERN: 16X19

Player Profile:

Baseline Bully

Tester Quote:

“Usually, lightning leads to a blackout. This time, the Blackout led to lightning.”

How It Tested:

+ Easy acceleration combined with a thick, stiff frame added up to a powerful stick that was also fairly consistent.

+ Whether bashing balls to the corners or using its extra juice to get out of trouble, it excelled at baseline play.

+ Not a wand at net, but still quite capable of doing damage with volleys—especially chest-high and above—and ruthless on overheads.

– Good pocketing and forgiving feel inside the sweet spot, but noticeably tinnier when con-tacted off-center.

Whiteout 305

  • PRICE: $220 (Buy)
  • HEAD SIZE: 98 SQ. IN.
  • LENGTH: 27 IN.
  • WEIGHT: 11.4 OZ.
  • BALANCE: 4 PTS. HL
  • SWINGWEIGHT: 325
  • RA RATING: 65
  • BEAM WIDTH: 21.7 MM
  • STRING PATTERN: 16X19

Player Profile:

Jack of All Trades

Tester Quote:

“I could (and would) 100% play with the Whiteout.”

How It Tested:

+ Solinco made a racquet worthy of its strings, with many of the desired traits of a player’s frame—versatility, stability, feel—but with more free power.

+ The open string pattern cre-ated a higher launch angle than many frames in this category, with access to excellent spin-potential.

+ Smooth handling and point-and-shoot control made it an adept performer at net, capable of handling any volleying assignment.

– Occasionally erratic unless consistently employing lots of spin for control.

SHARE

Explore Solinco

Indian Wells Rewind: Get the Lowdown on the Solinco Experience at the BNP Paribas Open

The Solinco experience in the desert is one of a kind. Get all the details here!

Read More

CONNECT WITH US AT INDIAN WELLS

You guide to connecting with us during the 2024 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

Read More

Introducing Hyper-G Round

Everything you need to know about the all-new Hyper-G Round.

Read More