Video Review |
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Racquet Specs |
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So, let’s start with what I didn’t like about the new Wilson Tempest Four BLX…nothing! Wasn’t that easy? When I received the racket I said another game improvement stick…wonderful (sigh…). My immediate thought was how it was reminiscent of the old Wilson Profile and Hammer technology they used in the late 80’s and early 90’s. It had similar feel, weight and esthetics. Though I don’t crave large heads and too light of a racket, Wilson surprised me…totally!
 Groundstrokes I was surprised by the control and feel I got with the Tempest Four, especially given its oversized head and head heavy balance. After only a few groundstrokes, I noticed how easy it was to swing, the plow through, and the solid feel. I didn’t have to swing hard to capture the control I needed nor did I lose any feel. Even though the racket was light, its head heavy spec didn’t play that way. It felt more even balanced and solid than other light rackets. Whether it was my forehand or backhand…it all felt solid, balanced, controlled and effortless. Return of Serve My game of late has suffered, greatly, from my backhand return of serve not coming back from the Holidays! Once I started playing with the Tempest Four, magically my backhand returned of serve made a stunning reappearance! I was really happy with the feel and the control of the return of serve. The Tempest Four was solid, controllable and very easy to maneuver. And surprisingly enough, one of the ‘best’ rackets I’ve ever used to return with…that’s how good it was. It truly left an awesome impression on me. For once I didn’t worry, not once during a three set match, about my backhand return. It was finally a weapon rather than a liability. Volleys I’m not sure what to say here…the racquet played flawlessly at the net—as expected. The control and power are the best I’ve felt from any racket in a very long time. It produced a solid feel with great control and predictable power. The volleys were effortless. Anyone playing doubles will love this racquet and its feel. Serve This is my favorite part. I struggled in 2010 with my serve…and whether that was age, mental or physical issues, I don’t know. My recent switch to the Babolat Aero Pro Lite made a world of difference…until I swung the Tempest Four! Well all I have to say is, WOW! I hit serves harder and in spots I haven’t hit in years—even in my “playing” days. Truly the best and most spectacular racket to serve with, either first or second serve, I’ve ever used. Overall So the bad news, I just bought a new racket I can’t afford another! Seriously, a very well engineered, well constructed, and enjoyable frame to play with. Though my hard hitting and fast swing style did not allow me to truly swing like I normally do, I didn’t need to. I enjoyed playing tennis knowing that I didn’t have to swing too hard and could place my shots without fear of having to worry about getting enough on it in order to hit a winner. The Tempest Four is, at least in 2011, my favorite racket to date. If Wilson wanted to slide one my way it would certainly be number ‘one’ in my bag. I continue to be impressed by Wilson not only as a company by as a company that delivers to players what they want and need for their game. I recommend this to players from 2.0 to 3.5, or high level players who are looking for a comfortable racquet that will give them easy power and comfort.
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