Tennis Now Blogs

Fans,

I'm proud to announce that we've launched our Player Database for public viewing! We've been working very hard here at Tennis Now to get this off the ground for our followers. And here's where it gets even better, after our initial update of each player's page, the rest of the content will solely be added by you, the fans! So it will be like Wikipedia, but for Tennis Fanatics! I can't wait!


-Neemo

I'm definitely excited after reading the news, Rafael Nadal is back after a long hiatus.

He hasn't played a match since retiring from the Australian Open quarterfinal over a month ago against Andy Murray.

On his Facebook page Nadal said, "Practice going well and I'll be back in Indian Wells for sure, last week was great, with great practice and a lot of work well done."

Nadal also said, "Marc Lopez came to practice with me. I am feeling better and better and playing well so looking forward to Indian Wells."

Good to hear Rafa will be back on the courts, he's still a favorite to reclaim his crown at Roland Garros which is around the corner!

We’re a few months into the new season this year, we’ve seen some exciting changes, and players like Tsonga, Blake and Berdych have left their previous racquet sponsors behind in favor of greener pastures in hoping to make a move that would take their game to the next level.

 

We’ve seen the rise of Roger Federer back to his old form picking up the first Grand Slam title in Australia over Andy Murray after a shocking loss at the US Open at the end of the season last year.

What’s excited you the most so far this season, a shocking match that you wouldn’t have expected? Some of your favorite players not doing so well? Let me know what’s on your mind..login to leave your thoughts!

A new year brings out the latest generation of Wilson racquets. For the 2010 year Wilson will be releasing the all new BLX line for consumers and touring pros.

And thanks to our friends at Tennis Express, we're able to bring you a full video review of Roger's new frame!



The first frame on my list is of course the frame of #1 ATP player Roger Federer The Wilson BLX 6.1 Tour Tennis Racquet. Composed of Basalt fibers, BLX is the new Wilson racket technology for THE PERFECT FEEL. Offering exceptional control, the Six.One BLX Tour is ideal for players with long and fast strokes, requiring good technique. The addition of BASALT fibers to the graphite matrix filters out the unwanted, extreme frequencies that are uncomfortable and distracting from the pure sensation of the racket to achieve a cleaner feel at ball contact. The Six.One Tour BLX has a 90 square inch headsize, 12.5 strung weight, and low power allowing for thundering ground strokes and serves along with the deft drop shots and volleys.

Comparing it to the previous K 6.1 Tour 90 .. see below, glad Wilson hasn't messed with perfection, but only improved upon it.


K6.1 Tour specs

Head Size: 90 sq. in 
Length: 27 inches
Weight: Strung— 12.5 oz Unstrung — 12 oz
Tension: 50-60 pounds
Balance: 8Pts Head Light
Beam Width: 17mm Flat Beam
Composition: 80% Karophite Black / 20% Kevlar
Flex: 66 
Grip Type: Leather 
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses
Swing Weight: 331
Swing Speed: Fast
Power Level: Low

BLX 6.1 Tour 90 Specs
 
Head Size: 90 sq. in
Length: 27 inches
Weight: Strung: 12.52 oz Unstrung: 12 oz
Tension Range: 50-60lbs
Balance: 9pts Head Light
Beam Width: 17mm Flat Beam
Flex: 65
Grip Type: Leather
String Pattern: 16 Mains/19 Crosses
Swing Weight:326
Swing Speed: Fast
Power Level: Low

You can see that the swing weight has dropped a tad, leans more towards the head light side than the prior model, and is a bit more flexible than the prior K 6.1 Tour. Also it's gained 2/100 of an ounce in heft.

And just for fun here's a photo comparing the 3 prior generations of Fed's racquet to the new BLX 6.1 Tour =D


For the rest of the Wilson BLX previews check out my blog Tennis & Stuff!

  I finally got a review of Roger Federer's new Wilson BLX 6.1 Tour 90 Tennis Racquet

A new year, brings new releases.

One of the more anticipated releases this year has been the release of the last of the major Head racquet familes to recieve the YouTek treatment.


The new YouTek Extremes have been designed for the modern agressive tennis player with a long fast swing style. The Extreme series is now recieving Head's new YouTek technology, combining several different materials to allow your racquet to be as individual as you are.

The basis of the YouTek technology is a new smart material called d3o, which allows the racquet to adapt to every shot you hit, so you can take on anyone at anytime.


YouTek Extreme Pro-

Like the Microgel Extreme Pro it replaces, the new YouTek Extreme Pro has all the benefits of the Extreme in a heavier and stiffer version, the Extreme Pro provides you with all of the extra touch, power and spin you need for an agressive game. Specifications will mirror those of the Microgel Extreme Pro 2009 it takes the place of, but players will notice a big difference in feel and precision thanks to Head's addition of d3o. Players might find this one to swing a bit heavier than the 2009 Microgel model with a bumped up swingweight of 332 as tested on our in-house RDC machine versus the 2009 Microgel Extreme Pro's 326.

YouTek Extreme Midplus-

Like the Microgel Extreme 2009 it takes the place of, the new YouTek Extreme Midplus is designed for the modern tennis player with the perfect combination of weight and balance to be quick through the air. Now with YouTek technology to perfectly match your Individual needs. Like the YouTek Extreme Pro, the Extreme Midplus will share almost identical specifications with the Microgel Extreme 2009 it replaces.

The Head rep was kind enough to drop into our offices and let our photographer get some shots of the new Extremes, we'll have them at a later date for a full playtest update, so stay tuned for that! I'll be updating this blog with a video review.


Where's the Team version?

For those wondering if there is a YouTek Extreme Team that is going to be released, Head hasn't given us any word on that yet, but if we hear that one is set to be released you can bet we'll be the first to let you know!



Images of both the YouTek Extreme Pro and YouTek Extreme MidPlus 

YouTek Extreme


Extreme Pro





And remember you saw it first at TennisNow!

Today I thought I'd mix it up and give you guys something other than the next gen of 6.1 frames coming from Wilson for Wilson's 2010 lineup. I'm presenting the newest rendition of the Wilson K Factor K Pro Tour: the Wilson BLX Pro Tour.




Initial Thoughts

Pulling it out of the box.. the green paint job the K Pro family had is gone! Replaced by a split black and yellow paint job that will represent the BLX Pro family for the new lineup of K Pro racquets. The Pro Tour is probably the slickest one of the Pro family in my personal opinion; sporting a flat black and yellow paintjob with gold 'BLX' lettering it's gonna be a big hit for those who're looking to replace their K Pro Tours with the latest model.
I think Juan Martin Del Potro is going to enjoy this new stick.
Comparing the old with the new....



K Pro Tour

Head Size: 96 sq. in
Length: 27"
Weight (strung): 11.4
Balance: 8pts Head Light
Swingweight: 300
Flex: 62
Beam width: 22/24/22 mm tapered beam
Composition: 100% Karophite Black
Power Level: Low
Swing Speed: Fast
Grip Type: Leather
String Pattern: 16x20
Tension Range: 50-60lbs



BLX Pro Tour

Head Size: 96 sq. in
Length: 27"
Weight (Strung): 11.5 oz
Balance (Unstrung): 10 Pts Head Light
Swingweight: 316
Flex: 63
Power Level: Low
Swing Speed: Fast
Grip Type: Wilson Pro Hybrid
String Pattern: 16x20
Tension Range: 50-60lbs


Of course, photos.. I just got some new equipment and lighting, so I'm playing around with it. Enjoy!






The Swingweight has gone up quite significantly over the prior K Factor model, I wonder what you guys think of that, was it a bad move by Wilson R&D? Or something that lacked in the K Pro Tour that the BLX Pro Tour has improved upon? Let me know what you think, leave a comment below! For the rest of the Wilson BLX previews check out my blog Tennis & Stuff!

K Pro Team FX

Head Size: 100 sq. in
Length: 27 inches
Weight: Strung — 10.4 oz Unstrung — 9.8 oz
Tension: 53-63 pounds
Balance: 4 Pts Head Light
Beam Width: 26 mm Dual Taper Beam
Composition: 100% [K]arophite Black
Flex: 66
Grips Type: Kontrol Grip
Power Level: Medium
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses
Swing Speed: Fast
Swing Weight: 307

BLX Pro Team FX
Head Size: 103 sq. in
Length: 27"
Weight: Strung: 10.5 oz/Unstrung: 9.9oz
Tension Range: 53-63 Lbs
Balance (unstrung): 5pts Head Light
Beam Width: 26mm Dual Taper Beam
Flex: 65
Grip Type: Wilson Performance Hybrid
Power Level: Medium-High
String Pattern: 16x19
Swing Speed: Fast
Swing Weight: 312



For the rest of my Wilson BLX previews be sure to check out my blog Tennis & Stuff! Enjoy! You saw it first at tennisnow.com!!!

The Successor to the Wilson K Factor K Tour Tennis Racquets is the all new Wilson BLX Tour. Stick of choice for Justine Henin's return for the 2010 season.

Comparing it to the K Tour not much has changed; head size and weight remain the same at 95 square inches and 10.8 ounces strung respectively. Swing weight has been bumped slightly from 336 to 340. Flexibility remains the same at 65 just like the K Tour. The BLX Tour unstrung is 2 points head light, a slight change over the K Tour which was 1 point head light unstrung. A slight change coupled with the swing weight increase might bring a feel most K Tour users thought the K Tour lacked.

Courtesy of our friends at Tennis Express, we're proud to present a full video review of the BLX Tour!



Comparing the Old with the New…

K Tour

Head Size: 95 sq. in
Length: 27.25 inches
Weight: Strung — 10.8 oz Unstrung — 10.2 oz
Tension: 50-60 pounds
Balance: 1Pts Head Light
Beam Width: 22mm
Composition: Karophite Black
Flex: 65
Grips Type: Kontrol Grip
Power Level: Moderate
String Pattern: 16 Mains/20 Crosses
Swing Speed: Fast
Swing Weight: 336

BLX Tour

Head Size: 95 Sq. in
Length: 27.25”
Weight: Unstrung: 10.2 oz/Strung: 10.8oz
Tension: 50-60lbs
Balance: 2pts Head Light
Flex: 65
Grip Type: Wilson Performance Hybrid
Power Level: Moderate
String Pattern: 16x20
Swing Speed: Fast
Swingweight: 340
For the rest of the Wilson BLX previews check out my blog Tennis & Stuff!

In the second of my racquet previews we have the all new Wilson BLX 6.1 95 16x18 the replacement for the K 6.1 95 16x18 tennis rackets.
 


Initial Thoughts

Replacing the K Factor Six-One 95, the all new Six.One 95 BLX offers Wilson’s latest BLX technology. The Six-One 95 BLX brings an enhanced feel to a racquet designed to address the needs of a wide range of competitive players. The midplus head, tournament level weighting, and new addition of Basalt fibers make the feel of the Six-One 95 BLX 16x18 one of the most sought after in the tennis world today. The power, response, and feel of this racquet make the Six-One 95 BLX 16x18 the right choice for tournament players around the world.

Although similar to the Six.One Tour 90 BLX, the Six.One 95 BLX is slightly more forgiving on mishits due to its larger head.

Thanks to our friends at Tennis Express for this full on racquet review video of the BLX 6.1 95 16x18!



Note: The Six.One 95 BLX comes in two different string patterns, the 16 x 18 and 18 x 20. This version, the 16x18, is a bit more open which will allow the string bed to bend a bit more on impact giving a slight edge in power and spin. The 18x20, contains a denser string pattern allowing a firmer feel and increased precision. By engineering Six-One 95 BLX 18x20 to offer even more control, the type of player who will most effectively wield this frame are advanced players with long and fast swings.

Wilson's newest rendition of the 6.1 family is coming in five, count 'em five different versions! Also check out the BLX 6.1 Tour 90, the BLX 6.1 95 Team, and the new BLX 6.1 95 Lite (A rather nice touch by Wilson on the Lite bringing more options to the table for those who love the 6.1 family.)

Comparing it to the prior generation:

K 6.1 95
Head Size: 95 sq. in 
Length: 27 inches
Weight: Strung — 12.3 oz Unstrung — 11.7 oz
Tension: 50-60 pounds
Balance: 9Pts Head Light Beam
Beam Width: 22mm Flat Beam
Composition: 85% Karophite Black / 15% Kevlar
Flex: 71
Grips Size: 1 2 3 4 5
Grips Type: True Grip
Power Level: Low
String Pattern: 16 Mains/ 18 Crosses
Swing Weight: 325


BLX 6.1 95 (16x18)
Head Size: 95 sq. in
Length: 27"
Weight: strung: 12.3oz unstrung: 11.7oz
Tension range: 50-60lbs
Balance: 9 pts head light
Beam Width: 21.6mm Flat beam
Flex: 62
Power Level: Low
String Pattern: 16x18
Swing Weight: 319
Swing Speed: Fast

BLX 6.1 95 (18x20)
Head Size: 95 sq. in MP
Length: 27 inches
Weight: Strung — 12.3 oz Unstrung — 11.7 oz
Tension: 50-60 Pounds
Balance: 9 Pts Head Light
Beam Width: 21.6 mm Flat Beam Flex: 62
Grips Type: Wilson Pro Hybrid
Power Level: Low
String Pattern: 18 Mains / 20 Crosses
Swing Speed: Fast
Swing Weight: 319


It looks like this is gonna be a bit easier to swing than the prior model, maybe,  319 SW. Everything else remains identical...stay tuned for a play test update.
  Enjoy, and you saw it first @tennisnow.com!
For the rest of the Wilson BLX previews check out my blog Tennis & Stuff!

Wilson's successor to the popular K Pro Open is the Wilson BLX Pro Open. The first thing players will notice is the green scheme that separated the K Pro family has been replaced by a slick black and yellow scheme, with hints of white and gold throughout, a definite fan favorite this has been. Also the guys over at Tennis Express who provided the following video review loved it as well:


The Wilson Pro Family has long been a favorite of aggressive players who like to swing hard and hit with heavy spin. The Pro Open BLX is now elevated to new levels of feel due to the addition of Basalt fibers and BLX technology. Big hitters will have a better sensation than ever when smacking passing shots on match day!

The Pro Open BLX has a 100 square inch head with a strung weight of 11.1 ounces. Players will notice a definite ease in swinging this one versus it's predecessor, the K Pro Open, the swing weight has dropped significantly (RDC tested) from 320 to 305. Offering explosive power from the baseline, the Pro Open BLX is ideal for players looking to push around their opponent. The 16x19 string pattern provides optimal power keeping your adversary on their heels. Head size, string pattern, balance, stiffness, and weight all remain the same  the K Pro Open. The Pro Open BLX is an extremely versatile racquet ideal for players anywhere from intermediate to the professional level.

I think players will appreciate the ease in swinging to take big cuts at the ball and generate some awesome spin from all parts of the court. I had the chance to take this one out and I can definitely say I love it, no matter where I am on the court it maneuvers just as I need it to...

BLX Pro Open Specifications

Head size: 100sq. in
Length: 27"
Weight: Strung-11.1oz / Unstrung-10.5oz
Beam Width: 26 mm Dual Taper Beam
String Pattern: 16 (mains) x 19 (crosses)
Balance: 5pts Head Light
Power Level: Low
Swing Weight: 305
Swing Speed: Moderate
Tension Range: 53-63lbs
Grip Type: Wilson Pro Hybrid