Donnay Pro One 97 users club

royaldoyal

New User
I heard Donnay is in some financial trouble and that's why they don't have any rackets coming out in 2013. Does anyone know anything about this?
 

Xonemains

Semi-Pro
Thinking about trying out the P1 (both versions). How do the grip sizes compare to Babolat's?

I've seen comparisons to the regular pure drive. Anyone have xp w/ the Pure Drive roddick?


You better hope Cjack is reading, he switched from the Roddick,

He knows all about it
 

Xonemains

Semi-Pro
I heard Donnay is in some financial trouble and that's why they don't have any rackets coming out in 2013. Does anyone know anything about this?


I don't think many of us P1 users give a crap, we've all probably stocked up on sticks and grommets, LOL:twisted:

It will be sad if they are already in trouble, tennis fans don't want to see Donnay bite the dust twice!
 

Jim A

Professional
flat hitters using the P1 - are you using the 16*19 for a bit more spin potential or did you go to the 18*20
 

thejackal

Hall of Fame
not sure what this is, but I'll be hitting with it later tonight

167425_10151203283829821_974197870_n.jpg


more details: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=448096
 

Disneos

New User
Hey guys I'm considering getting a pro one, for a doubles player ( serve in volley game ) what would be better the formula 100, the pro one 16 x 19, or the 18 x 20 ( I'll demo no matter what but just looking for opinion )
 

RollTrackTake

Professional
not sure what this is, but I'll be hitting with it later tonight

167425_10151203283829821_974197870_n.jpg


more details: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=448096

Looks like one of the Pro One 16x19 prototypes. Awesome find! Donnay sent out a small batch of 'testers' to pro's and semi-pros before they launched them to the general public. I have a similar looking 'tester' of the 102 sq inch X P-Dual. The guy I bought it from had a bunch of these early Pre-mass production versions. It's actually what got me hooked on the brand.
 

RollTrackTake

Professional
Hey guys I'm considering getting a pro one, for a doubles player ( serve in volley game ) what would be better the formula 100, the pro one 16 x 19, or the 18 x 20 ( I'll demo no matter what but just looking for opinion )

Really depends on what your preferences are. A lot of folks would tell you to go with the Formula because its lighter and seemingly more maneuverable. I'm good with the Pro one 16x19 for singles or doubles.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
can any of you Pro 1 users tell me if you found a soft setup that is not too powerful in this racquet. I would prefer not to use poly mains if possible, to give my arm a little break. I know natural gut with copoly would be good, but it's costly. Anyone try a lower powered multi like NXT Control or a multi/poly or multi/syngut setup?
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Also....can any of you Pro 1 experts tell me how to read the specs off the sticker? Which numbers are the weight, sw, balance and flex?

thanks
 

jjs891

Semi-Pro
Also....can any of you Pro 1 experts tell me how to read the specs off the sticker? Which numbers are the weight, sw, balance and flex?

thanks

First 3 is the wt in gms.
Next 3 is the balance in mm.
Next 2 is RA
Last 4 is the serial # for the particular stick.

For example:

309318681234

309gms. 318mm balance. 68ra. 1234 production #

This is what I know. No sw info that I know of.

Hope this helps. Looking forward to hear what you think of the stick.
I thought you tried it before and didn't care for it ??
 
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maxpotapov

Hall of Fame
First 3 is the wt in gms.
Next 3 is the balance in mm.
Next 2 is RA
Last 4 is the serial # for the particular stick.

For example:

309318681234

309gms. 318mm balance. 68ra. 1234 production #

This is what I know. No sw info that I know of.

Hope this helps. Looking forward to hear what you think of the stick.
I thought you tried it before and didn't care for I?

Does this mean RA spec can vary? Can we ask TW to find flexier version for little extra?
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
First 3 is the wt in gms.
Next 3 is the balance in mm.
Next 2 is RA
Last 4 is the serial # for the particular stick.

For example:

309318681234

309gms. 318mm balance. 68ra. 1234 production #

This is what I know. No sw info that I know of.

Hope this helps. Looking forward to hear what you think of the stick.
I thought you tried it before and didn't care for it ??

Thanks, that was EXACTLY what I needed.

I did try the Pro 1 briefly but gave up quickly because I thought it was too heavy for me at the time. Recently, I have been looking to switch from tweeners like the Juice 100 to a slighlty smaller head and more comfortable racquet to better accomodate my revent switch to a one handed backhand.
I am thinking about ordering a pair from TW and asking for a spec'd one with a 305 weight and most headlite balance possible (what # would be good?, > 315mm or <315mm?) . I think with the lightest specs possible, it will be perfect for me. Also if it's light enough stock, I can add more weight to the handle and make it more headlite, which will also benefit my one hander.

I tried a P1 demo last 2 days and I really LOVE the way the ball feels off the stringbed. Makes you want to just hit balls over and over :) My demo is pretty hefty and weighs around 338 grams. I can definitely notice a little extra weight but I think I will get used to it if I force myself to stick it out. My backhand is nice and smooth with it. Right now I play slightly better with my Juice, but that's because I can get away with sloppy footwork and flick balls bacl with it.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Does this mean RA spec can vary? Can we ask TW to find flexier version for little extra?

TW charges a $10 matching service fee if you want certain specs, but for Donnay's they shouldn't charge you anything. How hard is it to look at the sticker? Its not like they have to physically weigh a bunch of racquets!
 

jjs891

Semi-Pro
TW charges a $10 matching service fee if you want certain specs, but for Donnay's they shouldn't charge you anything. How hard is it to look at the sticker? Its not like they have to physically weigh a bunch of racquets!

Jack

I'm not sure how reliable their listed specs are on the sticker.

I have two that are supposed to be only 1 gm apart and 1 mm difference in bal, but in reality they were quite different. I got these second hand so previous owner may have modded them. I couldn't find anything though on the one that was off from listed specs.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
I just ordered one that had a sticker saying 310320.....and TW looked through them while I waited on the phone. They only had 2 in total in 4 1/2", so I was only able to get one, sicne the other one was too heavy. Funny thing was that TW didn't even realize the number's on the stickers were weight, balance, etc. They just thought they were serial numbers :)

If anyone else has one around 310 static unstrung weight in 4 1/2" and wants to sell it please let me know.
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
one of my new babies

ill post some more pics tomorrow to show the differences between this and a retail p1 18x20

2013-01-11_14-14-47_117_zps5409bbc0.jpg
 
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thejackal

Hall of Fame
I'd be interested to read your review of the racquet.

got trolled a bit and realized I got one 18x20 and one 16x19 instead of two matched racquets, so only played with them a bit before giving them to my dad and swithing to leaded-up dunlop 300 tours

the racquets are really solid, though. just rock-solid and not harsh at all despite the high RA ratings. the pallet was kind of strange as I noted before. seems like there's an outer layer of kevlar weaver over the foam pallets. not sure why that is, but maybe it contributed to the feel.
 

ChicagoJack

Hall of Fame
wow...I think I'll stick with $2 lead tape :)

Hi Jack, Yeah man, that $30.00 smakeroos kinda stings. But here's some things to consider.

1. If you ever put lead at 3:00 and 9:00 you better plan on leaving it there forever, because when you remove it, the silver metallic paint located there is likely to come off with it. You wont have that issue with the slides however, because they fit into the outside of the bumpers / grommets.

2. Because they are solid core, you wont be able to put silicone in the pallet. That means you have to put your tailweight on the outside, under the grip. Anytime you do that, you've got the be strategic about altering the grip size too much. +10 buttcap is a big help with that issue, because 10 grams of lead is 40 inches of tape. That can get problematic very quickly if you are finicky about grip feel. To get to -12 points I use the +10 buttcap, and another 10-15 grams of lead right on the outside of buttcap, that gives me the flared, hockey stick feel that I like, without altering the core grip size. Stock balance is about -4.5 points. Iv'e found that tail weighting to -8 is pretty awesome, but right around -12 the stick is right in my golden zone.

... I am thinking about ordering a pair from TW and asking for a spec'd one with a 305 weight and most headlite balance possible (what # would be good?, > 315mm or <315mm?) . I think with the lightest specs possible, it will be perfect for me. Also if it's light enough stock, I can add more weight to the handle and make it more headlite, which will also benefit my one hander.
Like you I was interested in obtaining the lightest, and most headlight frames. I have found that TW only carries 2-3 at most of each grip size. You might luck out, because getting just 1-2 frames in your spec range is going to be a whole lot easier than finding 3-4 in the specs you like. Of course try TW first, but if all else fails you might try ordering directly. I was able to get a set of 6 of the extremely rare 65ra, and all are under spec for mass and balance. Had to wait three months for them to roll off the line, but I got em. By the way, welcome back.

- The Other Jack
 
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Eightmarky

Rookie
can any of you Pro 1 users tell me if you found a soft setup that is not too powerful in this racquet. I would prefer not to use poly mains if possible, to give my arm a little break. I know natural gut with copoly would be good, but it's costly. Anyone try a lower powered multi like NXT Control or a multi/poly or multi/syngut setup?

Jack - have you tried Big Hitter Blue Rough 17 or Black Widow 17? I find they are fairly soft and controlled if strung in the racket's mid range.
 

RollTrackTake

Professional
one of my new babies

ill post some more pics tomorrow to show the differences between this and a retail p1 18x20

knights of Columbus! what is this rare beast you have corralled?
Is this one of the James Blake's personal stock you've obtained?

Not to derail but I've had this (pics below) for quite some time. Still not quite sure what it is.
The beam is slightly thinner than the Pro 1. Head size is slightly larger. maybe 102. I was thinking it was an X-P Dual Tour prototype. the plastic piece in the throat is weird. not sure what it is. any thoughts?

2u78409.jpg

3v8ll.jpg

168bz7o.jpg

15xward.jpg
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
knights of Columbus! what is this rare beast you have corralled?
Is this one of the James Blake's personal stock you've obtained?

Not to derail but I've had this (pics below) for quite some time. Still not quite sure what it is.
The beam is slightly thinner than the Pro 1. Head size is slightly larger. maybe 102. I was thinking it was an X-P Dual Tour prototype. the plastic piece in the throat is weird. not sure what it is. any thoughts?

2u78409.jpg

3v8ll.jpg

168bz7o.jpg

15xward.jpg

i believe blake plays a 16x19, where as this is an 18x20. i can't give all the details on the frame, but I have 2 of them. Considerably heavier than the retail pro one, and the feel is amazing. Grommets seem a little higher quality, and the headguard on the top is longer than the retail version as well. The paint on the frame is also glossy "like" a head prestige, so the foil lettering and things should not chip off as easily. I am waiting to see if this holds true, but really enjoyed hitting with it yesterday.

your frame in the pictures does look like the x-p dual prototypes. They were considering putting the D shape in the throat for a short time before realizing it would be a mistake. It was supposed to be a gimmick dampener. Very happy they didn't end up putting it into production.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Hi Jack, Yeah man, that $30.00 smakeroos kinda stings. But here's some things to consider.

1. If you ever put lead at 3:00 and 9:00 you better plan on leaving it there forever, because when you remove it, the silver metallic paint located there is likely to come off with it. You wont have that issue with the slides however, because they fit into the outside of the bumpers / grommets.

2. Because they are solid core, you wont be able to put silicone in the pallet. That means you have to put your tailweight on the outside, under the grip. Anytime you do that, you've got the be strategic about altering the grip size too much. +10 buttcap is a big help with that issue, because 10 grams of lead is 40 inches of tape. That can get problematic very quickly if you are finicky about grip feel. To get to -12 points I use the +10 buttcap, and another 10-15 grams of lead right on the outside of buttcap, that gives me the flared, hockey stick feel that I like, without altering the core grip size. Stock balance is about -4.5 points. Iv'e found that tail weighting to -8 is pretty awesome, but right around -12 the stick is right in my golden zone.


Like you I was interested in obtaining the lightest, and most headlight frames. I have found that TW only carries 2-3 at most of each grip size. You might luck out, because getting just 1-2 frames in your spec range is going to be a whole lot easier than finding 3-4 in the specs you like. Of course try TW first, but if all else fails you might try ordering directly. I was able to get a set of 6 of the extremely rare 65ra, and all are under spec for mass and balance. Had to wait three months for them to roll off the line, but I got em. By the way, welcome back.

- The Other Jack

thanks for all the info Jack. Not a problem about ruining the silver lettering...I have no desire to add any weight to the hoop. I wonder if there's anything we can do with a new racquet to protect that delicate lettering? How about some clear nail polish or some other way to seal it?

Where do you buy the weight kits from anyway? Directly from Donnay?
I would like to try the 5g one first?

Anyway I am loving the Pro 1 today. I played 2 great sets of singles today against a much better player and he barely beat me 5-7, 5-7 and I was up 5-2 in the 1st and 3-0 in the 2nd. Gotta stop letting up when I get the lead!
But the Pro 1 performed great.
 

RollTrackTake

Professional
i believe blake plays a 16x19, where as this is an 18x20. i can't give all the details on the frame, but I have 2 of them. Considerably heavier than the retail pro one, and the feel is amazing. Grommets seem a little higher quality, and the headguard on the top is longer than the retail version as well. The paint on the frame is also glossy "like" a head prestige, so the foil lettering and things should not chip off as easily. I am waiting to see if this holds true, but really enjoyed hitting with it yesterday.

Blake is an 18x20 guy. The only reason I thought it could be his is because it has a retail Pro 1 97 PJ. It could have come from a Philip Petzschner stash or some other Donnay endorsers pro stock whom they want pushing the Pro 1. I'm guessing if you were to weigh it that would help solve the mystery.
TT poster Miami Tiburon seems to always have inside knowledge concerning Donnay.

btw. this thread has pics of the James Blake's 'Donnay' (or Dunlop PJ) stick from a few seasons back
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=385554&page=2
 

mimo

Rookie
i have a couple 16 x 19 pro ones and i'm gonna string them with 17g cyclone. what tension do you guys recommend for this type of string?
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
Blake is an 18x20 guy. The only reason I thought it could be his is because it has a retail Pro 1 97 PJ. It could have come from a Philip Petzschner stash or some other Donnay endorsers pro stock whom they want pushing the Pro 1. I'm guessing if you were to weigh it that would help solve the mystery.
TT poster Miami Tiburon seems to always have inside knowledge concerning Donnay.

btw. this thread has pics of the James Blake's 'Donnay' (or Dunlop PJ) stick from a few seasons back
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=385554&page=2

Its definitely from their pro stock stash. Im not sure exactly who's but im trying to figure it out. If blake uses an 18x20 it very likely could be his. I will post more as i get some more.info
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
As well as the X-Dual Pros, correct VS?

The dual pros are the same mold as the p1. This one is definitely different. Ever so slightly longer, headsize slightly different, and weight/balance totally different. It is xenecore blasted though, at least through the grip

Guess ill just have to saw it in half and find out :)
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
the feel of the pro stock is so much different as well. it feels unlike anything i've hit from donnay really, in a good way though. even more stability. i do feel it is stiffer than the retail pro one too. the sticker on mine says 66 and i would say that's about right, whereas the retail to me feels more like low 60's
 

RollTrackTake

Professional
the feel of the pro stock is so much different as well. it feels unlike anything i've hit from donnay really, in a good way though. even more stability. i do feel it is stiffer than the retail pro one too. the sticker on mine says 66 and i would say that's about right, whereas the retail to me feels more like low 60's

Interesting stuff. Considering they (Donnay) don't have a lot of current pro players using their racquets it probably makes your find really rare.
 

TheLambsheadrep

Professional
The dual pros are the same mold as the p1. This one is definitely different. Ever so slightly longer, headsize slightly different, and weight/balance totally different. It is xenecore blasted though, at least through the grip

Guess ill just have to saw it in half and find out :)

That's right, I half forgot and half wanted the answer to be yes haha.

I def see the slight difference, too. The P1/XDP has a more symmetrical oval shape going on, where the pro stock looks more like my TF335 (ever so slightly wider at the top). The XDP head shape is close to my TF335, and the TF335 is close to my Dunlop 4D 300 Tour (even though theyre from the same mold...can there be head shape variance among different racquets (in this case, racquet brands) from the same mold?)
 

ChicagoJack

Hall of Fame
thanks for all the info Jack. Not a problem about ruining the silver lettering...I have no desire to add any weight to the hoop. I wonder if there's anything we can do with a new racquet to protect that delicate lettering? How about some clear nail polish or some other way to seal it?

1. Yeah sure, no problemo, happy to help. I've tried clear nail polish. It's effective, but up close you can kinda see brush marks. I've purchased 3 dif kinds of spray on clear lacquer... matte, semi gloss, and hi gloss, hoping that might get a more pro look. I'll experiment with these but, it needs to be applied in a narrow temperature range, and given that I'm doing this in my garage I will have to wait till spring, way too cold in Chicago right now.

I'll try adding some lead to the butt of my Pro 1. Not sure I want to pay $30 for the weight kit? Wouldn't 10g of lead at the butt do the same?. Or I could tape 2 nickels inside the buttcap (they weigh 5 g's ea)

2. Adding nickels to the inside of the buttcap is a not a good idea. You will be adding length to your frame, and even minor changes in length result in huge increases in SW. I think that's the exact opposite of what you are trying to achieve. However, if you could figure out a way to add them to the outside of the cap at the very end, that would work.

3. If all you want to do is add a bit of tail weight you don't need the weight kit. The +10 butt cap is only required in my case because anything over 15-20 grams of lead right on the buttcap is just too flared. So I need the +10 to get to the +25 that I like. I've found (see pics) that 5-20 grams of 1/4 inch lead tape wrapped around the buttcap has the added bonus of providing a nice flared feel. (The racquet in the pics shows 15 grams) I've since figured out that three rows will create fewer wrinkles than a sprial, looks a bit cleaner, but once the grip is on there, that gets smoothed out either way.

4. Many of the pros pay P1 or **** for custom caps, and Gasquet's grip is one where you can see the flare quite prominently. Mine is no where near that extreme, but I've figured out why Gasquet likes the flare. It gives you more leverage right where the flare pushes into the heel of the palm. The BH side is where most people draw the line at max SW, not the FH side. That added leverage makes it a lot easier to control the racquet thru the backhand stroke. It's been a big help for me.

So with the lead tape option, you get the flare, much more flexibility with weight, plus it's much cheaper too. Feel free to ask if you have any follow up.

[..] Pics Below

IMG_2108_zpsd9a53a02.jpg


GripMod1_1500wide_zps61e6174b.jpg


IMG_2109_zps1b625363.jpg


GasquetGrip1_1500wide_zpsfe9c2f1a.jpg


- Jack
 
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