Is the Angell ASL 3 the Kinder, Gentler APD?

[pfrischmann]

Hi guys,
I've demoed and owned a ton of racquets. If I'm being honest with myself, the APD/PA's are my stick. They are what I learned to play with. For some reason, I don't volley well with them (I think it's because I cant really feel the tip of the racquet). It's hard to flatten the ball out and I'm not a huge fan of the feel. However, kick serves and dipping forehands are my thing, even in doubles. If I could change the APD, I'd make it a little softer, a little more stable and slightly flatten out the trajectory. Is this the ASL-3?

BTW, I tried the TC-100 in APD specs. I couldn't get used to the full racquet flex. I do like ball pocketing but this was just a little too weird.

 

[joohan]

Artengo TR990 is getting some traction here and it looks like it might be worth looking into given what you're looking for.

 

[Lavs]

You SHOULD try PA VS 2020!

 

[pfrischmann]

Artengo TR990 is getting some traction here and it looks like it might be worth looking into given what you're looking for.

Wow, I've never heard of them or the company Decathlon. Any additional information?

 

[blablavla]

Wow, I've never heard of them or the company Decathlon. Any additional information?

Decathlon is a huge sport retailer.
They sell some branded goods, but their core business is the so called private label.
In a variety of categories they offer good stuff for lower prices.

You can think of them like Lidl or Aldi if you want.
You might find there some really good things for ridiculous price, but of course exceptions apply.

 

[blablavla]

Hi guys,
I've demoed and owned a ton of racquets. If I'm being honest with myself, the APD/PA's are my stick. They are what I learned to play with. For some reason, I don't volley well with them (I think it's because I cant really feel the tip of the racquet). It's hard to flatten the ball out and I'm not a huge fan of the feel. However, kick serves and dipping forehands are my thing, even in doubles. If I could change the APD, I'd make it a little softer, a little more stable and slightly flatten out the trajectory. Is this the ASL-3?

BTW, I tried the TC-100 in APD specs. I couldn't get used to the full racquet flex. I do like ball pocketing but this was just a little too weird.

if you want to switch now, you could demo something from Head offering.
Extreme and Instinct are essentially same PA / PD, just with a tad softer RA.
If you can wait a bit, there was a leak in the Head 2021 catalog, and there are some frames in the Extreme 2021 range that might be of interest to you. However it is not clear if that is a leak or real products to be presented in 2021 or just some BS aimed at their competitors.

 

[joohan]

Wow, I've never heard of them or the company Decathlon. Any additional information?

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/artengo-tr-990-pro.616246/

For example. Decathlon top of the line products easily compete with best in the business (bicycles for instance). I've been wearing Artengo tennis clothes for the past two years, unbeatable for the price.

 

[blablavla]

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/artengo-tr-990-pro.616246/

For example. Decathlon top of the line products easily compete with best in the business (bicycles for instance). I've been wearing Artengo tennis clothes for the past two years, unbeatable for the price.

and Deca says that some of the top pros helped them with the design.

 

[joohan]

and Deca says that some of the top pros helped them with the design.

It's most probably true. Oliver Marach, doubles player, plays with Artengo, as does Steve Darcis. I've read extensively about Decathlons bike design and production (top of the line is made in France) as well as bunch of reviews - outstanding quality products for 2/3 price of direct competitors. Based on how Artengo racquets are recieved, I'm sure the quality extends there as well. I haven't personally tried TR990 yet (planning on buying one in summer) but based on reviews of the people that have, it is well worth a shot. Even more so for 70-80 bucks...

 

[pfrischmann]

How incredibly interesting, a whole brand of sporting goods I've never heard of. Thanks!

 

[blablavla]

How incredibly interesting, a whole brand of sporting goods I've never heard of. Thanks!

I think a sporting goods retailer with focus on OEM equipment would be a better description.

 

[pfrischmann]

well that's not going to work. It looks like the product is no longer available..

 

[blablavla]

well that's not going to work. It looks like the product is no longer available..

if you want to switch now, you could demo something from Head offering.
Extreme and Instinct are essentially same PA / PD, just with a tad softer RA.
If you can wait a bit, there was a leak in the Head 2021 catalog, and there are some frames in the Extreme 2021 range that might be of interest to you. However it is not clear if that is a leak or real products to be presented in 2021 or just some BS aimed at their competitors.

 

[esm]

well that's not going to work. It looks like the product is no longer available..

I read the existing produce is being phased out and new product is to be available soon

 

[pfrischmann]

Hopefully they wont change the tr990 pro.

 

[avocadoz]

Hi guys,
I've demoed and owned a ton of racquets. If I'm being honest with myself, the APD/PA's are my stick. They are what I learned to play with. For some reason, I don't volley well with them (I think it's because I cant really feel the tip of the racquet). It's hard to flatten the ball out and I'm not a huge fan of the feel. However, kick serves and dipping forehands are my thing, even in doubles. If I could change the APD, I'd make it a little softer, a little more stable and slightly flatten out the trajectory. Is this the ASL-3?

BTW, I tried the TC-100 in APD specs. I couldn't get used to the full racquet flex. I do like ball pocketing but this was just a little too weird.

I'm with you when it comes to the PA and volleys. I've always struggled to volley with it particularly on the backhand side. It always felt bulky and a bit unstable to me. The new PAVS is great for volleying with a bit of lead added. It's more stable and has better touch.

 

[pfrischmann]

Cool, I will def give it a try.

 

[pfrischmann]

Interesting turn of events. I was talking to a relative who got their hands on an Artengo TR-990. I've put down my Pure Strike for a while and have become reacquainted with my Pure Aero's. Interestingly enough the PA don't hurt my elbow as much as the PS does. ...weird. I'll give a report when I get it.