New Donnay X-Series - My Thoughts

[10ACE]

Originally Posted by SBD

Change the paint jobs to matte but most importantly find a way to cut down costs, most people aren't willing to pay so much

You will be pleasantly surprised by the new line then

[backatcha]

Originally Posted by SBD

Change the paint jobs to matte but most importantly find a way to cut down costs, most people aren't willing to pay so much

It may actually be better (for both them and the consumer) that they do not design a racquet priced to sell to "most people"... that is what all the other ones (Head, Wilson, Babolat etc,...) do already... I like the idea that they put little more attention, innovation, perhaps higher quality materials and additional quality into their products... this always costs more, thus they will have to charge more... what is cool about what they are doing is precisely that they are not "dumbing down" their product for "most people" and they are not cutting corners... We need more "boutique" manufacturers like this not less, maybe even some offering "pro stock" type racquet... Vantage is offering some really cool (and more expensive) customizable products as well... and, regarding Donnays, it is likely that their current products will appeal to the more serious players, or people who are willing to pay more for higher quality, and thus maybe even interest a few pros!

The bottom line is that it may be a mistake (at this time) for them to compete at the low end as their fixed costs will be higher than the other mass marketers in the industry. It is probably better for Donnay to deliver a better product, raise their prices and make more per unit to first establish (and distinguish) themselves again in this competitive market.

[10ACE]

Originally Posted by backatcha

It may actually be better (for both them and the consumer) that they do not design a racquet priced to sell to "most people"... that is what all the other ones (Head, Wilson, Babolat etc,...) do already... I like the idea that they put little more attention, innovation, perhaps higher quality materials and additional quality into their products... this always costs more, thus they will have to charge more... what is cool about what they are doing is precisely that they are not "dumbing down" their product for "most people" and they are not cutting corners... We need more "boutique" manufacturers like this not less, maybe even some offering "pro stock" type racquet... Vantage is offering some really cool (and more expensive) customizable products as well... and, regarding Donnays, it is likely that their current products will appeal to the more serious players, or people who are willing to pay more for higher quality, and thus maybe even interest a few pros!

The bottom line is that it may be a mistake (at this time) for them to compete at the low end as their fixed costs will be higher than the other mass marketers in the industry. It is probably better for Donnay to deliver a better product, raise their prices and make more per unit to first establish (and distinguish) themselves again in this competitive market.

Again u need to read what he wrote- and u will be rewarded soon from the xline and the new line is not drastically different- think metals.....

[Kal-El 34]

Originally Posted by 10ACE

Again u need to read what he wrote- and u will be rewarded soon from the xline and the new line is not drastically different- think metals.....

sounds like you have the same inside info i am getting... the new line looks sweet. its tough trying to get information out without giving too much away haha

[Kal-El 34]

o - orange 99 with full lex adrenaline rough

[Kal-El 34]

lux adrenaline / wilson red alert hybrid for a customer

[Shift]

Originally Posted by Kal-El 34

lux adrenaline / wilson red alert hybrid for a customer

Sent you another email concerning the Donnays.

[10ACE]

Originally Posted by Kal-El 34

sounds like you have the same inside info i am getting... the new line looks sweet. its tough trying to get information out without giving too much away haha

haha yes! Still loving the x series and the racquet in your sig!

[backatcha]

Originally Posted by 10ACE

Again u need to read what he wrote- and u will be rewarded soon from the xline and the new line is not drastically different- think metals.....

Thx for the inside tip... the new line sounds very interesting... but now I'm really really curious!

[JoelDali]

Originally Posted by backatcha

Kal-El: Here are some thoughts concerning the design of the Donnay X-Series racquets and a few suggestions regarding possible improvements and/or problems to address in the new models:

Generally, I think the new line of Donnay should address some of the basic design flaws of the weighting strip system of the X-Series line. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of built in customization but the current system has a few minor issues or problems.

Prob #1: After the normal wear and tear of the head guard, it becomes very difficult to put the head strip in or take the head strip out. Because of the placement of the head strip, it is required to remove and reinstall the head strip (as well as the side strips) every time the racquet is restrung. Because the head strip is installed into the soft plastic of the grommet system, the grooved track of the top strip soon becomes deformed and ultimately the top strip is unable (or is very very difficult) to be reinstalled. This problem was particularly apparent with the assortment of demo racquets that I tried out (note: these were not particularly abused racquets either)... Obviously in the new ones (the 2 Black 99's) that I recently purchased there were no initial problems to install the head strip as there had been no wear to the head guard of the stick, but I am worried about getting used to the top weight strip, then being unable to functionally use it after a while of normal wear. Therefore, I think the top strip concept ought to be rethought... on the other hand, the side strips feed directly into the frame, and are not subject to the same deformation as the head strip, thus the side strip weights work well in the real world of actual use. NOTE: The interchangeable butt cap(s) are an awesome feature, and they work perfectly and easily... this feature is a complete winner!

Suggestion for improvement: Devise a customizable weighting system for the top of the head that is not required to be removed every time the racquet is restrung, and make sure the system is not subject to normal wear and tear of the (plastic) grommet system.

Prob #2: When the standard (stock 0 grams) butt cap is removed from the racquet to customize the handle weight, the clear plastic of the cap frequently separates from the cap and pops off when the key is used to remove it. This problem has occurred more than once and I know others that have had the same experience.

Suggestion for improvement: Redesign the butt cap so that the use of the key to remove the cap from the handle can not damage the clear plastic cover of the standard butt cap. PS This problem only seemed to happen with the standard butt cap.

Prob #3: The beam width of the racquet at the top does not allow for the manual application of lead tape at the higher 10/2/12 positions without significant overlap of the frame. I understand the point was to create as thin a beam as possible, but because the width of beam gets thinner and thinner as you go to the top of the frame, it creates a problem with manual lead customization. Even a slightly wider beam would do the trick... just a subtle difference would help, and may even improve the stability at the top of the stick.

Suggestion for improvement: Maintain the same width of the frame at the top of the frame as the width at the middle of the frame, and allow for sufficient width at any point of the frame for a strip of 1/4 in lead at any preferred position without any overlap outside the inner side of the frame.

Prob #4: The paint job of these racquets is truly beautiful but the paint does seem to chip off and scratch fairly easily. Also, as the weighting strips become more difficult to install, due to normal wear, it is very likely that the metal key used to install the strips, particularly the head strip, will eventually slip and seriously scratch the paint.
-----
Well those are a few ideas for the new models... however, regarding the current models (the amazing Black 99's)... I am currently experimenting with the 5g butt cap and a few grams of lead at the 9/3 or the 10/2 (some times with the side strips and some times without the side strips). Because of the design issues mentioned above, I have not been using the top head strip... but I doubt I will really miss it or need it.

Once again, let me be clear that I love these sticks... it will be very interesting to watch the on-going evolution of these frame as the new models are revealed to the public... I love the innovation, and I love that someone is manufacturing something different, something with a higher level of quality than the standard stuff... viva la difference. Donnay has really delivered a great product that is worth every penny.

Deleted ::::

[tlm]

I have been trying the yellow 99 for the last couple of days. To me it is definitely more powerful than the white, to much for my liking.

The yellow has the same weight+balance as the white, for those that like that weight+want some power it should be good. I used it with the lux main+multi x's which came with it, which was under powered in the white, but a lot of power in the yellow.

So i am not going to waste anymore time or string trying to make the yellow right. I am just going to stay with the white+most likely will be purchasing a couple of them.

[Kal-El 34]

tlm glad to hear you are enjoying your time with them. i had 2 new people switch to x-whites today. at the club that i work with these frames have been going out the door to people wanting them as soon as we get them in.

[Overheadsmash]

I have a red 99 and a black 99 and I love them both. So stable on impact and great feel. I also really like the control I get with the thin beam. The red has bb ace 18 in it and I can really slice the ball well with that setup. Overall, I'm impressed with these racquets. They are also easy to string.

[2ndServe]

what do the different colors mean? What plays closest to the old Ti.Radical MP, ProStaff 85, Six One Tour. etc?

[T1000]

Thanks for the reviews Kal-el, and I see that you're in NYC I'm in Southern CT maybe sometime we could get a hit in, maybe this summer if we both have time?

Any way I have a couple questions about the frames. My serve and volleys are my weapons and I also have a big forehand and consistent backhand, I love to flatten both out. I was looking at these and from reading your reviews I'm guessing that the red 99, black 94, black 99, and dark red 94 are the ones to try out (If I'm only allowed to try four at a time from TW)?

2. Would I be eligible for a sponsorship from the company, I start singles and mixed doubles on my DI college club team (World Team Tennis rules) as a freshman, the only male freshman to start at those positions in my section. I could have played varsity but I was hurt at the beginning of the year and my class schedule conflicted with practice so I couldn't play for that reason either. I was ranked top 50 in my section in U18s and went 34-1 in singles in high school over four years. Just wondering if you knew this since 250 a racquet is kind of steep for me right now. I do plan on playing varsity next year if that helps.

Thanks man

[10ACE]

Blue 99 I have settled on and love it- although after warm ups and on my first service in the match the plastic cover on the 5g butt cap came flying off- this happened to the regular version when i demo'd- not sure why Donnay didn't make all butt caps like the 10g one which is solid and think the all black is awesome.

[Kal-El 34]

Originally Posted by 10ACE

Blue 99 I have settled on and love it- although after warm ups and on my first service in the match the plastic cover on the 5g butt cap came flying off- this happened to the regular version when i demo'd- not sure why Donnay didn't make all butt caps like the 10g one which is solid and think the all black is awesome.

i took the plastic off all of my caps when i got them. i prefer the look without them. not sure why they are even on the caps honestly.

[dak1004]

I would appreciate the board's recommendations for a good string set-up for a Donnay X-Black 94 that would make it play less mushy (it could just be old strings) or reduce the effects of the flexibility.

I have been using an X-Red 99 for a few months and I'm happy with it 90% of the time. I've tried numerous string set ups and find a full bed of Pro Line II @ 52 lbs works best with the 5g buttcap and no side weights. The 10% of the time I don't like the racquet is against 4.5-5.0 players who hit extremely heavy topsin on every shot (I live in Miami and we have a lot of S Americans who try to emulate Nadal) and I think more weight overall would help some.

A friend has an X-Black 94 he wants to trade but it seemed extremely low powered and flexible in comparison. The racquet has the original Donnay poly strings and they are very loose so it's possible the strings are just shot. I have hit with the Dark Red and it seems less flexible even though it has the same stiffness rating. I would like to use Pro Line II in it but I think a crisper string would make a big difference in this racquet. I'm open to using a multi too as NXT Control works well in the Red. Also, the Black frame has a suggested tension 5 lbs lower than the Red frame so your tension recommendations are appreciated as well. Thanks, Dak

[Shift]

Originally Posted by Kal-El 34

i took the plastic off all of my caps when i got them. i prefer the look without them. not sure why they are even on the caps honestly.

Sent you another email.

[AlpineAce]

Originally Posted by Shift

Sent you another email.

is it really necessary to post on here that you sent someone and email??
A. don't you think they will find this out
B. why are you telling the whole world?