Name: Don Opici

Racket Tested: Wilson 6.1 95 BLX

Please rate the categories below 1 through 5 rating (1-poor 5-Excellent) 

Comfort: 5

Power: 4

Control: 4

Stability: 4

Feel: 5

Overall: 5

What is the first thing you noticed when you picked up the racket?

The first thing I noticed was how good the racquet felt in my hand. The comfort of the grip, the weight, the frame – everything just felt right about it. I used the nCode version of this frame for many years, so I had a feeling this would be an easy transition. Although they are similar in a lot of ways, this racquet took it to a whole different level.

What did you like about the racket?

I liked everything about it. It felt very maneuverable. It had the perfect balance of power and control. It was just a solid all around frame. It is very easy to understand why this is the most popular racquet on tour. It is an ideal player’s frame.

What did you dislike about the racket?

I honestly have no complaints. I fully intend on making this my racquet of choice immediately.

Overall, how did it play?

It played great. There was very little adjustment period. I went out and played a set my first time trying the racquet and felt comfortable with it. It was good all around the court for all strokes. It had plenty of pop, yet I never worried that I was going to overhit a ball. I could really swing freely and be confident in my shots.

Compares to:

It compares to all the Wilson 6.1 models (nCode, K Factor). The frame shape is just about identical to previous models, but the BLX technology has added something special to this version.

What type of player do you think this racket is made for? Ie Baseliner, serve and volleyer, all courter, doubles player, etc.

This racquet is for all court players. It felt great from the backcourt as well as at net. It may not be the best choice for beginners, but I can’t imagine too many players not feeling good with this racquet in their hands.

Bottom line:

Go pick one up right now! It is a great, all around, player’s frame. It is solid, has a great mix of power and control, and is maneuverable all around the court. If you are a beginner, I would suggest trying something else until you log more hours on the court. I would suggest it for anyone from a high school player, to a competitive junior, a college player, an aspiring pro, or one of the best players in the world.

CJ Hobgood gives the Six.One Tour BLX a test swing

Name: CJ Hobgood

Racket Tested: Six.One Tour BLX

Please rate the categories below 1 through 5 rating (1-poor 5-Excellent) 

Comfort: 4

Power: 5

Control: 4

Stability: 5

Feel: 4

Overall: 4

What is the first thing you noticed when you picked up the racket? This racket was a bit heavier than what I am used to playing with.

What did you like about the racket? Loves the way I was hitting my returns, loved it on my backhand and at the net.

What did you dislike about the racket? Little bit heavier than what I am used to playing with, so couldn’t serve as well and didn’t find as much spin as I would have liked on low balls.

Overall, how did it play?  It was a great fundamental racket and was awesome for returning a fast serve. It was great for doubles play.

Compares to: Definitely an old school frame feel

What type of player do you think this racket is made for? Ie Baseliner, serve and volleyer, all courter, doubles player, etc.

This racket is for the doubles player looking for solid control at the net and loves to volley

Bottom line:  I think a player like me should play with a racquet like this to ensure playing fundamental tennis. You are forced to use good technique and make sure you are playing the right shots since this racquet has a smaller head size and is quite heavy.

Comments: Liked it for my doubles game

Name: Don Opici

Racket Tested: Surge BLX

Please rate the categories below 1 through 5 rating (1-poor 5-Excellent) 

Comfort: 5

Power: 4

Control: 4

Stability: 3

Feel: 4

Overall: 4

What is the first thing you noticed when you picked up the racket?

The first thing I noticed was the relatively light weight of the racquet. The grip is also very comfortable and cushioned.

What did you like about the racket?

I liked the maneuverability of this racquet. It was very easy to get the racquet back quickly and start my swing. As a result, I felt that I could get into position to be aggressive on a lot of balls. The slightly wider frame also gave me the feeling that I had some help playing with this racquet. I didn’t need to take big swings and hit the sweet spot perfectly to generate power.

What did you dislike about the racket?

The light weight has its draw backs. There isn’t as much force behind your swings and I felt that resulted in some lack of stability. You need to create the acceleration through the ball with this frame.

Overall, how did it play?

Overall it was a forgiving frame that was easy to get used to. It was comfortable from all parts of the court. It had a good balance of power and control.

Compares to:

It compares to the more colorful Wilson Surge from a few years back. The frame is identical to that racquet.

What type of player do you think this racket is made for? Ie Baseliner, serve and volleyer, all courter, doubles player, etc.

I can see this being a popular racquet for baseliners, but it will perform for all court players as well.   

Bottom line:

I would recommend it for intermediate players looking to transition to more of a player’s frame. It is not meant for beginners, and it isn’t ideal for advanced players. This would have been a great racquet for me as a young junior player. I would also recommend it to more advanced players that may be looking for a lighter weight frame.

Wilson Surge BLX tennis racket

Don Opici was an All-Ivy League player for Columbia University and currently works for Opici wine. For more information on Opici wine go to: http://www.opici.com/home.asp?page=

Pro surfer Cj Hobgood reviews the Six.One Team BLX tennis racket

Name: CJ Hobgood

Racket Tested: Six.One Team BLX

Please rate the categories below 1 through 5 rating (1-poor 5-Excellent) 

Comfort: 5

Power: 4

Control: 4

Stability: 4

Feel: 4

Overall: 5

What is the first thing you noticed when you picked up the racket? What did you like about the racket? This had a lighter head than the one I was previously playing with which makes it easier to swing

What did you dislike about the racket? Not sure, I am not sure I try enough rackets to pick this racket apart, but

Overall, how did it play?  Probably because it’s new, but I loved it!

Compares to: Think is has a little bit of Six. One Tour in it

What type of player do you think this racket is made for? Ie Baseliner, serve and volleyer, all courter, doubles player, etc.

This racket is for the new school guy who likes to put more movement on the ball

Bottom line:  Great racket, which was really an all around racket for me, especially for singles. It was lightweight, but not too light. It was the best of both worlds for my skill level

Comments: I’d buy it

Cj Hobgood is a professional surfer and currently ranked #7 on the ASP World Tour. Follow Cj around the globe on his blog

Name: Courtney Sargent

Racket Tested: Khamsin Five BLX

Please rate the categories below 1 through 5 rating (1-poor 5-Excellent) 

Comfort:  5

Power: 4

Control: 4

Stability: 4

Feel: 4

Overall: 4

What is the first thing you noticed when you picked up the racket?

The grip was surprisingly comfortable, which is not something that I would normally notice.

What did you like about the racket?

The racket gave me extra power, but I always felt in control; the racket has a great feel.

What did you dislike about the racket?

It took a little bit of adjusting to get to at first—but that can happen with any new racket!

Overall, how did it play?

It played really well, and it had a lot of finesse.

Compares to:

I usually play with an nCode Pro, and this racket feels comparatively heavier in the head.  Overall, however, this racket does provide more power than the nCode and gave me just as much control.

What type of player do you think this racket is made for?

i.e. Baseliner, serve and volleyer, all courter, doubles player, etc.

I am an aggressive baseliner/counterpuncher, and this racket seemed to fit really well with my style. My shots had depth and power, and I never felt like I lost any control or consistency.

Bottom line:  This is a great racket for players who are looking for a little additional “oomph” or power, without wanting to sacrifice control.

Comments: It’s also pretty!

Each Racket Review Crew player varies in their tennis level and abilities.

They will outline rackets features and benefits in order to help you find the best racket for you and your game.

We hope you find this blog informative and fun.

The Wilson Racket Review Crew introduces themselves below:

Prakash Armitraj

2010 holds some very exciting rackets in store from Wilson’s new lineup and I look forward to giving you a pro’s perspective on the new rackets.

Cj Hobgood

Hey, I’m Cj Hobgood, I’m 30 years old and a professional surfer, traveling around the world since I was 15.

I have been on the ASP world surfing tour for 12 years now, currently ranked 5^th and finished 1^st in 2001.

I grew up with a dad who moved to Florida to surf and play tennis, so naturally me and my identical twin brother Damien, who also surfs on the ASP world tour, (currently rated # 10) took to surfing and tennis.

Traveling on the road all year long and not being able to surf all the time when the ocean was flat, me and Damien hit the tennis courts.

It was just too easy! I mean the racquets were small and easy to travel with….and we could always find a court no matter where we where in the world.

It was a great work out and I always had a partner to hit with.

A lot of the other professional surfers love to play tennis, mainly the Australians and South Africans.

It’s been fun to meet and spend time with professional tennis players who also love to surf.

I’ve become good friends with Mark Philippoussis who I get to hang with as we have a surfing tournament outside of Melbourne. I have also got to know Gustavo Kuerten, as we have a surfing tournament near his house in Florianopolis.

I love playing tennis because like surfing, it’s such a mental sport that really takes place in your head.

Maria Diegnan

I’m Maria Diegnan and I am 48 years old but fighting it every day!

I play on two leagues and also play club tournaments.

I am a 4.0 USTA ranked player and an AA ranked in club tennis.

I have been playing tennis almost 6 years due to a lack of softball players….my true passion. Although hitting people at the net or just drop shotting the person when they are on the baseline is lots of fun too!!

My claim to fame is being the oldest ball person in the US Open in NYC. After being a ball “girl” at my local club for a women’s challenger tournament, I was made privy to the fact that ball kids at the Open have to try out, and there is no such thing as too old.

I made the cut the first time out and now a second year rookie. Let

So let’s hear it for the old lady!!!

My style of play is aggressive, with soft hands and good feel when it counts.

I never give up and will eventually figure out my opponent’s weaknesses, sometimes a little too late! But then I say “Get ya next time!”

I enjoy scooting around to my matches on my Suzuki 400S.

When not playing tennis, I am taking rides on my Harley Road Queen with my old man John, who supports me all the way.

I look forward to trying Wilson’s new rackets and giving the opinion of a club player with a serious competitive streak.

Don Opici

My name is Don Opici, and tennis has been a big part of my life from an early age. I grew up playing in my hometown of Franklin Lakes, NJ. I began playing junior tournaments at age 9 but really dedicated myself at age 14. I traveled all over the NY tri-state area looking for the best competition to practice against and playing tournaments on the weekends. I played high school tennis for Ramapo High School and graduated in 1997.

I went on to play college tennis at Columbia University. I was the captain and an All-Ivy selection in 2001, and our team won two Ivy League titles during my four years. It was an unforgettable experience, and I was fortunate to be around great players and coaches that improved my game every day. I also made some life long friends.

After graduation, I wasn’t quite ready to hang up my racquets. I also had the urge to travel and see the world before getting a real job. I played about six months of futures and challenger tournaments that brought me to Europe, Japan, and Mexico. I’m glad I can say I did it and have no regrets, but I never found it as fun as being part of a team like high school and college tennis.

I turned 30 this year, and I work in my family business called Opici Wines. We import and distribute wine across the US. I don’t get to play tennis as often as I’d like, but I try to get on the court a few times a month. I would describe my tennis game as an aggressive baseliner. I’ve never had the game to overpower opponents, so I had to be consistent and take advantage of opportunities to be aggressive. I’m a huge NY sports fan, especially the Yankees, Giants, and Knicks. I figure the success of the Yankees and Giants make up for a decade of terrible Knicks basketball. Let’s just hope 2010 brings Lebron to the Garden.

Courtney Sargent

My name is Courtney Sargent, and I am second-year pre-dental student at the University of Florida.

I have played tennis for over ten years, competing in USTA tournaments as well as high school tennis.

My style could best be described as a counterpuncher/aggressive baseliner.

Now that I’m in college, my priorities have shifted a little more towards academics and a little further from tennis.

However, that has only allowed me to appreciate the sport even more as a means of stress relief, exercise, fun, and of course, a little friendly competition!

My hobbies include Outback Steakhouse, reading Us Weekly in the gym, my dogs Coco Puff and Mactavish, and hating mayonnaise.