Solinco Blackout Tennis Racket Review & Buying Guide (India)
A 100 sq in, 300g frame with easy spin and unusually plush comfort, now ₹14,015 in India. Full specs, on-court feel, stringing setups and who should buy it.
Solinco Blackout tennis racket review: a spin-friendly 300g frame at ₹14,015
The Solinco Blackout has quietly become one of the most talked-about rackets among intermediate and advanced club players — a 100 sq in, 300g frame that hits harder than its spec sheet suggests while staying unusually comfortable. In India it is now in stock at ₹14,015 (down from ₹23,000), which puts a genuine performance frame within reach of serious club players who would otherwise default to the obvious Babolat and Wilson options.
This review covers the specs, who the racket suits, how to set it up for Indian hard courts, and what else you need to buy alongside it.
Solinco Blackout specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Head size | 100 sq in |
| Unstrung weight | 300 g |
| Length | 27 in |
| String pattern | 16 x 19 |
| Balance | Roughly 9 points head light |
| Frame materials | 40T carbon fibre with liquid crystal |
| Price in India | ₹14,015 (unstrung) |
Note that this SKU ships unstrung, which is standard for performance frames. Budget roughly ₹800–₹2,500 more for strings and stringing depending on what you choose.
How the Solinco Blackout plays
Power and spin
The open 16x19 pattern and the dual-tapered beam — thickest around the 5 and 7 o'clock positions — give you easy depth without swinging out of your shoes. Reviewers consistently describe the Blackout as a powerful frame with easy access to spin, which is exactly what you want on the gritty, medium-fast hard courts most Indian clubs run.
Comfort
This is the Blackout's real party trick. Most power-oriented frames punish you with harsh vibration; the liquid crystal layup makes this one notably plush by comparison. If you play four or five times a week and have had arm niggles with stiffer frames, that matters. (General comfort observation, not medical advice — see a physio for persistent elbow or wrist pain.)
Manoeuvrability
At 300g unstrung with a 9-points-head-light balance, it swings quicker than the static weight suggests. Volleys and defensive blocks are easy. Serving feels fast rather than heavy.
Where it falls short
Precision. Testers have noted the Blackout gives up a little control when aiming at specific targets compared with tighter-patterned frames. If you are a flat, first-strike ball-striker who hits close to the lines, a denser 18x20 pattern will suit you better.
Who should buy the Solinco Blackout?
- Yes: intermediate-to-advanced club players with modern, topspin-heavy strokes and full swings.
- Yes: players moving up from a light 260–280g beginner frame who want more stability without a 315g arm workout.
- Yes: anyone chasing comfort in a power frame.
- No: genuine beginners still developing a swing path — a lighter, more forgiving racket is the better first buy.
- No: flat hitters who want pinpoint control over easy power.
How to string the Solinco Blackout for Indian courts
Solinco is a string company first, and the Blackout is designed around polyester. Practical starting points:
- Full poly, 22–24 kg: for advanced players with fast, heavy swings. Maximum spin and control, least comfort.
- Hybrid (poly mains, multifilament crosses), 22 kg / 23 kg: the sweet spot for most club players in India — keeps spin, adds arm comfort.
- Full multifilament, 23–25 kg: for players with any history of arm discomfort, or those prioritising feel.
In Indian heat, polyester loses tension faster than most players expect. If you play three or more times a week, plan on a restring every 6–8 weeks even if nothing has snapped.
What to buy with it
A new frame needs a grip plan and a way to carry it. The Babolat Syntec Uptake Replacement Grip at ₹366 is a cheap, tacky base grip that handles sweaty Indian conditions well — buy two and change them before they go slick.
For carry, the Solinco Tour Backpack – Blackout at ₹4,999 holds two frames plus shoes and kit and is the right size for club sessions and daily commutes. If you are playing tournaments and travelling with a full setup, the Solinco 15 Racket Tour Kitbag – Midnight Camo at ₹10,499 carries a squad's worth of frames with thermal lining that keeps strings out of the worst of the heat.
Verdict
At ₹14,015 the Solinco Blackout is one of the better value performance frames on the Indian market right now: modern spin-friendly geometry, real plate stability at 300g, and comfort levels most power rackets cannot match. Buy it if you are an established club player with topspin strokes. Look elsewhere if you are still learning the game or if you flat-hit for a living.
Shop the gear
- Solinco Blackout Tennis Racket (Unstrung) — ₹14,015
- Babolat Syntec Uptake Tennis Replacement Grip (Single Piece) — ₹366
- Solinco Tour Backpack – Blackout — ₹4,999
- Solinco 15 Racket Tour Kitbag – Midnight Camo — ₹10,499
Related reading
- How to Choose a Tennis Racket: A Beginner's Buying Guide (India)
- Tennis String Guide: Types and Tension Explained (India)
- Tennis String Gauge Explained: Thin vs Thick Strings (India Guide)
Frequently asked questions
Is the Solinco Blackout good for intermediate players?
Yes. At 300g unstrung with a 100 sq in head and an open 16x19 pattern, it suits intermediate to advanced club players with modern topspin strokes. Genuine beginners are better served by a lighter, more forgiving frame.
Does the Solinco Blackout come strung?
No. This SKU ships unstrung at ₹14,015, which is standard for performance frames. Budget roughly ₹800 to ₹2,500 extra for strings and stringing depending on the string you choose.
What tension should I string the Solinco Blackout at?
A poly and multifilament hybrid around 22 to 23 kg suits most Indian club players, balancing spin with arm comfort. Advanced players with fast swings often go full polyester at 22 to 24 kg.
