New Donnay X-Series - My Thoughts

[v-verb]

Originally Posted by Kal-El 34

if you can handle the extra weight i would give the platinum look. you will get a little extra free power with the golds, but i like the benefit of more control. Power is a nice bonus, but you will win a lot of matches putting a few more quality shots in the court each point. aside from the extra power, i enjoyed the platinum 99 better in every aspect. In the 99 specs, I actually preferred the silver 99 with some tweaks over the gold.

Haven't tried the 99 but took my new X-Platinum 94. Apart from 5 minutes to adjust my strokes to an 18 x 20 string pattern (from a 14 x 18 on my POG mid), the X-Plat 94 was flawless. I haven't hit that consistently ever.

Groundies, overheads, volleys - Superb. I didn't get to serve but hopefully I'll do that this week.


BTW it may be heavy at 335 g unstrung, but the weight wasn't felt at all as it swings so effortlessly.
Donnay puts out an amazing racquet.

Thanks Kal!!

[Kal-El 34]

Originally Posted by v-verb

Haven't tried the 99 but took my new X-Platinum 94. Apart from 5 minutes to adjust my strokes to an 18 x 20 string pattern (from a 14 x 18 on my POG mid), the X-Plat 94 was flawless. I haven't hit that consistently ever.

Groundies, overheads, volleys - Superb. I didn't get to serve but hopefully I'll do that this week.


BTW it may be heavy at 335 g unstrung, but the weight wasn't felt at all as it swings so effortlessly.
Donnay puts out an amazing racquet.

Thanks Kal!!

yea the x platinum 94 is awesome. in the dual series i like the platinum 99 better though. the x-platinum has a majority of the weight in the handle, so it swings a lot lighter than the listed weight of 335g

[Kal-El 34]

Originally Posted by kaiser

Thanks, you make some convincing points there. Weight is not likely to be a problem coming from my 13 oz, ~345 SW 200 Tours... I switched to my current 16x19 200 Tours mostly because I struggled getting enough topspin from my 18x20 HPS 6.1. My groundstrokes have definitely improved since then, but how would you rate the Platinum in terms of spin potential (remember, I string low)?

i have had no issue with spin production from the platinum. easy to generate when you want it. Have you ever hit a pro stock head prestige? A lot of people say the platinums play in the ballpark of those

[v-verb]

HOLY CRAP!!!!

TW is doing a Buy 1 get one free plus a 6 stick bag. So for $200 you get all that stuff.

My poor credit card...

[stringtight]

Hi guys,

I tried and liked all the Donnay's. I boiled it down to the Gold 99 and the Platinum 99. I settled on the Platinum 99. The Gold was the best feel racquet I have ever hit with however, the Platinum shined in all the other areas better. Especially plow through, and have excellent control on all areas of the court. unlike some others, I actually found the Platinum more powerful then the Gold. I put on leather grips and may still add the 5 gram but cap. Both Platinum's were identical in weight and balance right off the shelf! That's the first time I have ever had that happen! very impressive! With the leather grips, mine weight 355 grams and balance at 31.0 cm.

[Kal-El 34]

Originally Posted by stringtight

Hi guys,

I tried and liked all the Donnay's. I boiled it down to the Gold 99 and the Platinum 99. I settled on the Platinum 99. The Gold was the best feel racquet I have ever hit with however, the Platinum shined in all the other areas better. Especially plow through, and have excellent control on all areas of the court. unlike some others, I actually found the Platinum more powerful then the Gold. I put on leather grips and may still add the 5 gram but cap. Both Platinum's were identical in weight and balance right off the shelf! That's the first time I have ever had that happen! very impressive! With the leather grips, mine weight 355 grams and balance at 31.0 cm.

that is a club! bet it plays nicely.. i haven't taken a plat up to that heavy yet but i bet it is a beast

[v-verb]

Originally Posted by Kal-El 34

that is a club! bet it plays nicely.. i haven't taken a plat up to that heavy yet but i bet it is a beast

Hey Kal

Loving those X-Plat 94s - my player is 357 g with overgrip, rubber band and orig leather grip. No extra butt cap weight or top/side weights yet.

Will drop you an email re 16 x 18 Donnays this weekend

Cheers

nigel

[Kal-El 34]

sounds good man... i actually prefer the platinum 94 stock just the same with no slides or added cap. i also go overgrip and dampener with the leather on them... great set up... you tried any new string set ups yet?

[v-verb]

Hey Kal

Nope left the string you put in them. It's a great combo you suggested! Tomorrow I go for a good hit so we'll see how it goes.

Can you get TB 19 easily? I'm dying to try that stuff out!

[Kal-El 34]

i should have some coming in this week... will keep you posted.

interested in trying tour bite soft

[mrc]

I am really a huge fan of this stick. I know it gets a lot of positive feedback but I dont think you can overstate how good it is. Its so TRUE on every shot and just a sweet stick. I switched from Prestige Pro and have not looked back one time. I have not found a weakness except I dont get quite the pop on 1st serve, but it more than makes up for it in every other aspect. Has anybody noticed how awesome the slice BH is with this stick?

[Kal-El 34]

aside from the angell and the head, here is my current collection

[pjonesy]

Originally Posted by Kal-El 34

aside from the angell and the head, here is my current collection

Is the Blue 99 your favorite?

[pjonesy]

Originally Posted by mrc

I am really a huge fan of this stick. I know it gets a lot of positive feedback but I dont think you can overstate how good it is. Its so TRUE on every shot and just a sweet stick. I switched from Prestige Pro and have not looked back one time. I have not found a weakness except I dont get quite the pop on 1st serve, but it more than makes up for it in every other aspect. Has anybody noticed how awesome the slice BH is with this stick?

I hear you, mrc. Personally, I think the Blue X-99 feels the best as far as fitting my swing and the response of the racquet face hitting the ball. I hit an extreme western grip forehand and a 1hbh. The Blue has a high swing weight and I get so much controllable power from the frame, especially on groundstrokes. Unless i catch the ball late. Then the ball flies.

That brings me to the Dual Core Gold 99. I agree with you. It is the most consistent of all the Donnay racquets I've hit. Gold 99 has a very smooth swing, provides a ton of spin and it is maneuverable. It probably has the best balance of maneuverability and swing weight. As far as defending is concerned, yes, the Gold provides the most effective slice. Return of serve is excellent with this racquet. The only negative I have experienced, is on serve. I have shoulder issues, so i have to be careful. At times the Gold did not give me enough power on serve. Also, sometimes I get too cute trying to put an inordinate amount of spin on the ball, don't hit thru the ball and hit short. This has happened with the Gold a few times.

I am currently playing with the Dual Core Platinum 94. It may be the best of both worlds. It has characteristics of the Blue 99 and Gold 99. I'll keep you guys posted on my success.

[Kal-El 34]

You should check out the x platinum 94 then... Right up your ally

[v-verb]

Originally Posted by Kal-El 34

You should check out the x platinum 94 then... Right up your ally

I got a pair of X-Plats from Kal. Superb sticks. Apart from some curiosity factor to hit with a Steam 99s, this stick has ended my racquet quest

[cluckcluck]

I prefer the X-Dark Red 94, the thing is a beauty. I should have bought 10 of them while they were still in production. I have two and they're beginning to get worn.
I've tried to find something similar, but the thin beam keeps me holding on to the Donnay.

Awesome collection though Kal. Gave me a donnaygasm.

[pjonesy]

Originally Posted by v-verb

I got a pair of X-Plats from Kal. Superb sticks. Apart from some curiosity factor to hit with a Steam 99s, this stick has ended my racquet quest

Are you guys referring to the 'unreleased' x-platinum 94?

If so, I picked up 2 of them from Donnay website. Perfect for me as well. Hammer of the Gods.

[v-verb]

Originally Posted by pjonesy

Are you guys referring to the 'unreleased' x-platinum 94?

If so, I picked up 2 of them from Donnay website. Perfect for me as well. Hammer of the Gods.

Yes exactly the unreleased X-Platinums. Great frames - glad you're liking them!

[Kal-El 34]

it's basically thor's hammer in tennis form