Solinco Blackout 285 Racket
Series: Blackout
$229.99
Introducing the Blackout 285 ! Like the heavier Blackout 300, this racket is defined by its combination of power, spin and accuracy. At under 11 ounces strung, it swings easier than the Blackout 300, making it great for the rising intermediate player who is looking to play aggressive tennis. Thanks to a near even balance, the 285 not only offers above average stability and comfort for its weight class, it also rewards full swings with enough pop to close out points. Technologies include 40T Carbon Fiber at 3/9 o'clock, resulting in a larger sweetspot along with a more stable feel through impact. In addition to a thick and powerful tapered beam, Solinco adds Liquid Crystal Technology to the layup in order to reduce hash vibrations and lighten the load on your tendons. Ultimately, with the Blackout 285, Solinco has given intermediate players a very user-friendly tool for loading the ball with pace and spin.
Frame specs
| Head Size | 100in² |
| String Pattern | 16x19 |
| Length | Standard |
| Strung Weight | 10.6oz / 301g |
| Balance | 13.38in / 33.99cm / 1 pts HL |
| Swingweight | 315 |
| Stiffness | 70 |
| Beam Width | 23.5mm / 26mm / 23mm |
| Composition | 40T Carbon/Graphite |
| Power Level | Low-Medium |
| Stroke Style | Medium-Full |
| Swing Speed | Medium-Fast |
| Racket Colors | Black |
| Grip Type | Solinco Synthetic |
| String Pattern Detail | 16 Mains / 19 Crosses |
| String Tension | 45-55 pounds |
Where to buy
What players say
The original (2022) Solinco Blackout 285 draws consistently positive but limited feedback: players who tried it describe an arm-friendly, maneuverable frame that gives easy power and spin without feeling harsh. Most independent write-ups today focus on the newer Blackout V2 line, so coverage of this exact 285 version is thinner than for its 300g sibling or the V2 update.
Best for
- Intermediate players wanting easy power
- Players sensitive to arm/elbow strain
- Players moving off flexier tweener frames
- Aggressive baseliners who want a lighter swingweight than the Blackout 300
Pros
- Easy, accessible power and spin described as "nice power, good control and light"
- Comfortable/arm-friendly feel praised by multiple reviewers, no arm fatigue reported
- Felt good "right out of the box" on groundstrokes and volleys with enough stability for full swings
- Clean, solid build quality ("top notch, solid, well made with power and feel")
Cons
- Very little independent written or video review coverage of this specific original 285 version; most current reviews cover the newer Blackout V2
- Lighter swingweight than the Blackout 300 means less plow-through on block/reset shots for bigger hitters (per Tennis Warehouse product notes)
- Small sample of reviews (4 on Tennis Warehouse) makes it hard to gauge consensus on control ceiling for advanced players
Voices
— Lee (MN), Web
Started using the Blackout and really enjoy using it, easy power and spin. The racquet is arm friendly.
— Mark R (NJ), Web
Right out of the box it played well. Ground strokes and volleys all felt good with this racquet.
— Scott Eisenberger (NJ), Web
I just bought this frame and it is top notch. Solid, well made with power and feel.
— Verified buyer (NY), Web
I was pleasantly surprised to love this racquet. Nice power, good control and light. No arm fatigue.