Donnay X-Dark Red 94 vs. Donnay X-Blue 94

[BreakPoint]

Has anyone played with both the Donnay X-Dark Red 94 and the Donnay X-Blue 94 and can compare the similarities and differences between the two? They appear to have very similar specs except that the X-Dark Red has a 16x19 string pattern while the X-Blue has a 18x20 string pattern.

Thanks.

 

[Kal-El 34]

I've been doing some playtesting for Donnay in New York for the last month or so. I am VERY impressed with their line of racquets. Top to bottom, they are putting out a great product line.

as for the two frames in question here... these are my thoughts.

whereas the x-red is listed as heavier (330g to the blues 320g), i feel the x-blue swings heavier. the blue feels a little stiffer when striking the ball as well. I found that I really enjoyed that when hitting serves and two handed backhands with the x-blue 94.

since experimenting with the racquets, i've noticed that I really had to drop the tension down from where I was with the Head YT Prestige. (60lbs with the Prestige, 53lbs with the Donnays).

both racquets allow very good access to spin. of the two, i was surprised to find my ball was getting more spin with the 18x20 x-blue 94. I've only played with both in their stock settings, and have not really tried messing with the customization kits yet. I will post some more info on the way they play with some customizing when I get a chance to play more with them this weekend.

sorry i am just firing out thoughts as they come to my head. i feel i am bouncing all over the place here haha

serve - advantage x-blue 94. power is better, control felt a bit better for my game. Flat and slice serves were great. Amazing access to spin for my kick serve, although I may have been getting a bit more kick with the red.

backhands - advantage x-blue. with the way i swing, the 18x20 string pattern really allows for my flatter backhand to come to life. I really feel confident swinging away with the blue. The red felt good here, but I felt like it pocketed the ball a little too much for my liking here, and I was sending more shots long. Maybe with some customizing this could be remedied though.

forehands - wash. really liked hitting my forehand with both frames. They are both heavy, but plow through the ball nicely. After dropping the tension down, really ripping the ball becomes almost effortless with both racquets. Tons of access to spin from both if wanted, but I felt I may be getting a bit more power and spin from the blue.

volleys - blue all the way. the x-blue 94 is one of the best volleying racquets i've ever hit with, hands down. great feel, great control. don't know what else to say. the red is good as well, but i like the balance and weight of the blue better at the net here in my opinion.

 

[suppawat]

I have X-Blue 94 and agree that X-Blue 94 is one of the best volley sticks out there. My friend who tried it also like slice and volley from this racquet. On groundstroke, the racquet has enough mass to plow thru the ball smoothly with excellent ball feel. The feel ingredient is like 75% Wilson Pro Staff 85, 25% Head PC600 (and of course 0% Babolat's signatured hollow feel). The ball comes off the stringbed with good ball speed and heaviness if hitting the sweetspot properly. I have a lot of pro stock frames and I can feel that Donnay has a lot of similarities to pro stock frames, especially feel and plow-thru.

My string set-up is Solinco Tour Bite on main and Solinco Vanquish on cross at 52 lbs. The stringbed is lubricated enough to allow main string to move sideway and kick insane spin. You can see the picture below. I am kinda surprised in the spin potential even though the string pattern is pretty dense.

Here is the result from power map when comparing X-Blue 94 to other similar frames.

Regarding X-Dark Red 94, I and my friends have mixed feelings. It's picky on strings. I have it strung with soft poly (Kirschbaum Pro Line II), no one like it. But after changing to a blindtest string (multi), it feels much better. My friends who use Volkl PB10 commented that X-Dark Red 94 is his favorite. But for me, X-Blue 94 is my racquet of choice. I asked Donnay sales rep and learn that Donnay frames work well even at very low tension like 40 lbs.

 

[sdstefanov]

i have 2 blue-94s for sale...

if interested ...send me an email at: sdstefanov @ hotmail . com

 

[BreakPoint]

I
as for the two frames in question here... these are my thoughts.

whereas the x-red is listed as heavier (330g to the blues 320g), i feel the x-blue swings heavier. the blue feels a little stiffer when striking the ball as well. I found that I really enjoyed that when hitting serves and two handed backhands with the x-blue 94.

Thanks very much for your feedback.

However, are you sure about the weights? TW's specs list the X-Dark Red 94 as 11.9 oz. strung, and the X-Blue 94 as 12.0 oz. strung.

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Donnay_X-Dark_Red_94_Racquet/descpageRCDONNAY-DXDR94.html

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Donnay_X-Blue_94_Racquet/descpageRCDONNAY-DXB94.html

 

[Kal-El 34]

Thanks very much for your feedback.

However, are you sure about the weights? TW's specs list the X-Dark Red 94 as 11.9 oz. strung, and the X-Blue 94 as 12.0 oz. strung.

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Donnay_X-Dark_Red_94_Racquet/descpageRCDONNAY-DXDR94.html

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Donnay_X-Blue_94_Racquet/descpageRCDONNAY-DXB94.html

yes i mentioned that to the VP of sales for Donnay today. However, I am looking directly at both of the racquets right now, and am going by what is printed on the frame

 

[Kal-El 34]

agh POOP i am sorry i was looking at the red 94 not the dark red.. i misread your original post my friend.. my apologies

 

[Kal-El 34]

but since we are on the topic and i have discussed the red 94 and the blue 94... i might as well throw in my 2 cents on the red 94...

it is my least favorite of the 3 frames. they are both listed as 320g on the frame, but the dark red does seem to swing lighter than the blue.

it feels a bit mushy to me when i hit the ball. its got the same great bite that the blue has to offer, but i found the control to be lacking the most on the dark red out of the entire Donnay line...

i was still hitting some impressive backhands with it, but my forehand tended to sail on me a bit more, with noticeably less "pop" than the blue 94. I also seemed to be getting more topspin with the blue 94.

the dark red still felt very plush at the net, and serving with the racquet is nice as well. i was using a Head YT Prestige before trying these Donnay racquets, and really have a strong preference for the blue over the dark red.

they are similar weights though so i would def. check them both out for yourself. don't overlook the red 99 either. throw the 5g cap in the bottom of it and it is a monster as well.

 

[The Ripper]

Hey guys, nice comments and observations. I got pretty serious about these two rackets too, and I agree, the x-Blue 94 was my favorite of the bunch. The x-Black 94 was my second choice, but not quite as comfortable and solid as the x-Blue 94.

I also found the Dark Red to be a bit insubstantial. Again, the sweetspot on volleys was very small (probably looser/softer strings would help). It was nice but seemed more like a toy than real tool. I guess good for 2.5+.

The Blue felt solid as a rock and I could put the ball on a dime. Since I was demoing, I was playing with the "provided" strings which seemed too stiff (given the rather stiff frame/material) which caused some trouble with feel on the volleys and a very small sweetspot (and I've played with the PS85 for years with no trouble) plus a "tinny" clank to the frame. Because of the high cost of the racket, I didn't want to shell out the dough just to see if some softer and/or lower tensioned strings would turn it in to a solid, smooth and accurate stick. I'd love to give it a try again, but at this point I've gone a little lighter with a Wilson BLX 95 Team. Nevertheless, the Donnays are wonderfully conceived and beautifully made - a real quality frame.

 

[SBD]

Hey guys, nice comments and observations. I got pretty serious about these two rackets too, and I agree, the x-Blue 94 was my favorite of the bunch. The x-Black 94 was my second choice, but not quite as comfortable and solid as the x-Blue 94.

I also found the Dark Red to be a bit insubstantial. Again, the sweetspot on volleys was very small (probably looser/softer strings would help). It was nice but seemed more like a toy than real tool. I guess good for 2.5+.

The Blue felt solid as a rock and I could put the ball on a dime. Since I was demoing, I was playing with the "provided" strings which seemed too stiff (given the rather stiff frame/material) which caused some trouble with feel on the volleys and a very small sweetspot (and I've played with the PS85 for years with no trouble) plus a "tinny" clank to the frame. Because of the high cost of the racket, I didn't want to shell out the dough just to see if some softer and/or lower tensioned strings would turn it in to a solid, smooth and accurate stick. I'd love to give it a try again, but at this point I've gone a little lighter with a Wilson BLX 95 Team. Nevertheless, the Donnays are wonderfully conceived and beautifully made - a real quality frame.

No suprise you like the blue since your coming ffrom the pro staff(both are more on the stiff side), but i can't believe your using the six one team, one of the worst racquets I have played with to date.

 

[Bartelby]

The black and the blue have a different hexagonally molded frame from the red, according to donnay. The frame being stiffer and the blue also being stiffer than the black.

 

[Kal-El 34]

The black and the blue have a different hexagonally molded frame from the red, according to donnay. The frame being stiffer and the blue also being stiffer than the black.

the hexagon shape in reference refers to the shape of the grommets. If you take a look at them compared to the red you will see they are shaped in the hexagon mold, whereas the red, as well as the rest of the line, are the standard round grommets

 

[Bartelby]

Interesting. Hard to see why that would make a great difference.

the hexagon shape in reference refers to the shape of the grommets. If you take a look at them compared to the red you will see they are shaped in the hexagon mold, whereas the red, as well as the rest of the line, are the standard round grommets

 

[SBD]

Here you go :

"Hexagonal molding is a manufacturing process that incorporates 10 hexagonally shaped string holes on each side of the racquet frame during the molding process. The X-Series Black, Blue and Dark Red models use this technology that allows tournament-level players to generate maximum spin due to increased torsional rigidity, resulting in a firmer feel. The hexagonal holes also make the racquets play slightly stiffer than their RA (machine) ratings that provides exceptional power."

 

[The Ripper]

Sorry! A bit off topic ...

Hey SBD,

Yeah, I was surprised by the Wilson BLX Team - a far cry from the X-Blue (I still have that in the back of my mind - are they lowering the price?). Here's what happened: the last few months I had several league matches and had to play this one guy 3 times. Every match went 3 sets and took 2-1/2 to 3 hours! What a battle. I was hitting long (very hot conditions on hardcourt) and just generally wearing out. Soooo, I demoed a bunch of rackets (Bab Pure Storm Ltd GT (very nice!), Pure Storm GT and BLX 95 Team 18x20) and we played for "fun" with me demoing the 3 sticks. I played the first two sets with the PS Ltd - wonderful racket! Won the first set 6-3, lost the second 5-7 (dumb). Time to try the BLX 95 Team. Guess what? 6-0. My consistency went way up; I was hitting the ball deeper and harder, serves were better and I wasn't feeling overtaxed by a heavy racket. He had never lost 6-0 ... so I bought one.

 

[Kal-El 34]

the dark red does not have the hexagonal grommets. only the black and the blue.

 

[Kal-El 34]

Hey SBD,

Yeah, I was surprised by the Wilson BLX Team - a far cry from the X-Blue (I still have that in the back of my mind - are they lowering the price?). Here's what happened: the last few months I had several league matches and had to play this one guy 3 times. Every match went 3 sets and took 2-1/2 to 3 hours! What a battle. I was hitting long (very hot conditions on hardcourt) and just generally wearing out. Soooo, I demoed a bunch of rackets (Bab Pure Storm Ltd GT (very nice!), Pure Storm GT and BLX 95 Team 18x20) and we played for "fun" with me demoing the 3 sticks. I played the first two sets with the PS Ltd - wonderful racket! Won the first set 6-3, lost the second 5-7 (dumb). Time to try the BLX 95 Team. Guess what? 6-0. My consistency went way up; I was hitting the ball deeper and harder, serves were better and I wasn't feeling overtaxed by a heavy racket. He had never lost 6-0 ... so I bought one.

a heavy racquet can drag ya down fast. if you like the feel of the donnay racquets try out the x-red 99. same great feel, loaded with spin, and ample amounts of power. with the 5g cap in the bottom it is really good.

 

[SBD]

the dark red does not have the hexagonal grommets. only the black and the blue.

Really, are you sure, and does the hexagonal grommets really do anything?

 

[Kal-El 34]

Really, are you sure, and does the hexagonal grommets really do anything?

yes i am sure i double checked the frames today. the hexagonal grommets really just keep the strings in place a little bit better. other than that i don't notice any difference really

 

[ptr]

I have played with X-Dark Red 94 and it felt very very stiff... more stiff than X-Dual Core Gold 99... It is something specific in X-Dark Red or it is a Donnay Quality Control?

I cannot check RA on RDC machine... only hand check is possible.

 

[BreakPoint]

I have played with X-Dark Red 94 and it felt very very stiff... more stiff than X-Dual Core Gold 99... It is something specific in X-Dark Red or it is a Donnay Quality Control?

I cannot check RA on RDC machine... only hand check is possible.

Can you compare the stiffness you felt in the X-Dark Red 94 to some other non-Donnay racquets? I thought the X-Dark Red 94 felt pretty flexy to me, not ultra-flexy but not stiff at all. Was your X-Dark Red 94 strung with poly or at a high tension? That could make it feel stiffer.

 

[TonyB]

When I tried a Dark Red demo from TW, it was strung with poly mains and syn gut crosses at mid- to low-tension. It felt perfect. Nice pocketing, nice softness, not stiff at all.

Then I bought a Dark Red and strung it at 35 lb. (yes, that's correct) with Big Hitter Blue and it feels a bit stiff. The "classic" soft feel that I found with the demo is not present with this one. I assume it's because of the strings. But damn, I have it strung really low and it still feels crisp/tight.

I may go to 30 lb. next time to see if I can make a difference. Failing that, I will change the crosses to something softer like a syn gut or maybe even nat gut.

 

[BreakPoint]

When I tried a Dark Red demo from TW, it was strung with poly mains and syn gut crosses at mid- to low-tension. It felt perfect. Nice pocketing, nice softness, not stiff at all.

Then I bought a Dark Red and strung it at 35 lb. (yes, that's correct) with Big Hitter Blue and it feels a bit stiff. The "classic" soft feel that I found with the demo is not present with this one. I assume it's because of the strings. But damn, I have it strung really low and it still feels crisp/tight.

I may go to 30 lb. next time to see if I can make a difference. Failing that, I will change the crosses to something softer like a syn gut or maybe even nat gut.

That's exactly why I don't use poly at any tension.

Why not try full multi or full syn gut or a hybrid of the two? Feels awesome.

 

[ptr]

Can you compare the stiffness you felt in the X-Dark Red 94 to some other non-Donnay racquets? I thought the X-Dark Red 94 felt pretty flexy to me, not ultra-flexy but not stiff at all. Was your X-Dark Red 94 strung with poly or at a high tension? That could make it feel stiffer.

X-Dark Red was Mosquito Bite @ 24/23kg and there was a lot of power, A LOT!

I will try it again during next weekend.

Yes, it was kore stiff than for example BLX Blade 98...

 

[BreakPoint]

X-Dark Red was Mosquito Bite @ 24/23kg and there was a lot of power, A LOT!

I will try it again during next weekend.

Yes, it was more stiff than for example BLX Blade 98...

:shock: :shock:

 

[TonyB]

That's exactly why I don't use poly at any tension.

Why not try full multi or full syn gut or a hybrid of the two? Feels awesome.

Well, to be fair, I string my Vantage 90 at 34 lb. with Polystar Energy and it's incredible. Nice controllable power, amazing comfort, outstanding ball pocketing. It's a joy to play with. I figured the Donnay 94 at 35 lb. would be comparable, if not softer. But it wasn't.

I bought the Big Hitter Blue on a whim, based on recommendations on this forum, but it did not live up to my expectations. It's noticeably stiffer than the Polystar Energy.

I don't have many multis laying around, but I have tons of syn gut. I'll probably start out with a hybrid of Cyber Flash poly mains and PSGD syn gut crosses to see if I can soften things up a bit. But I figure the Big Hitter Blue has to be at LEAST as soft as the Cyber Flash.

And by the way, the Dark Red is anything BUT overpowered. In fact, I'm getting much less power out of it than my Vantage 90 or my K90, even with the poly at 35 lb.

 

[ptr]

:shock: :shock:

I'm gonna test it again soon. I have played with it few minutes only so maybe that was only bad impression.

 

[joeellis]

I find it a little odd how there are so many different conclusions in regards to the Dark Red. I currently own 2 DR's and 1 Blue 94. These ended up being my 2 favorite Donnay frames.

What I've found, is that the DR is one of those racquets that feels and plays very different, depending on the string choice. I thought the Wilson K Blade Tour was this way as well.

Once the hot, humid weather arrived, I had to string my DR's considerably stiffer than most. I'm using Lux BB Ace mains @ 58 lbs. and Natural gut crosses in one and Gamma Live wire in the other @ 63 lbs. This gave me the control I needed and a much more crisp feel.

I have the Blue strung simillarly. It gives me better depth control than the DR. probably due to the dense string pattern. I feel like the directional control of both racquets are very good and similar.

There are other things I've found from using both. To me, the DR is more forgiving. The DR has more pop, probably from the less dense string bed. I get slightly more spin with the DR. I get more pop on serves with the DR. The ground strokes are a wash, with the Blue having more control and the DR giving me little better spin with the same swing. The Blue is great at the net. Probably the best volleying racquet I've ever used. The control and maneuverability at net is great. The DR is very good too, just not as good as the Blue. The Blue is more stiff, so to me that is just a personal preference. If I had to compare each racquet to something I've used before, I'd say the DR plays and feels similar to the Head MG Pro and the Blue feels and plays closer to the Wilson K Tour 90. I don't mean exactly, but similar.

It would be a tough descision if I had to strictly use one or the other. They are both that good to me, so I plan on keeping and playing both.