Angell TC95 Reviwe and Pics

[Kal-El 34]

So I received a TC95 in the mail recently. I've had some time, but not much to really get out and play with it. I will post some pics and a review today of how it plays and how it compared to the Donnay X-Dual Pro I have been playing with...

[Kal-El 34]

Set-up: before I get into it here are my specs

TC95
320g
18x20 string pattern
63RA
27.25" length
4 and 1/2 grip size
320mm balance

Cosmetics: Just after taking the frame out of the box, the Angell TC95 looks and feels like a quality, expensive frame. The paint looks great, and racket just feels solid in hand. Hard to put into words, but some frames just feel right when you pick them up.

The gunmetal paint is awesome. Reminds me of the original Donnay X-Series line, which was my favorite looking line of rackets ever. The grommets around the outside stretch all the way down to the throat, adding a nice splash of color. I opted for the blue grommets and grip, and they look really nice. My college colors were blue and white so I am biased to them haha. The lettering looks nice and does not look like it will chip off easily like the Donnay Foil lettering. The only gripe I have, and it is a small gripe, is how big the Angell "A" is on the throat. I feel if it were a bit smaller, the frame would look even tougher. Not a big deal though. Everyone who has seen/picked it up in the few days since I got it just raves over how awesome it looks. Initial feedback is very positive.

The 95sq. in. head seems a tad larger than a standard 95 sq. in. head. I've been using a 97 from Donnay for some time, and I would say either the Donnay is closer to a 95, or the Angell is closer to a 98. I liked the fact the head looked a bit bigger than I was expecting. Racket swings like a mid though. Cuts through the air effortlessly, and not sluggish at all. At 20mm width, it is slightly thinner than the dual pro/pro one offerings from Donnay, yet a tad thinner than their thin beamed offerings.

I also went with a .25 extension compared to standard 27". This is something I have never really tried before, and will take a bit of getting used to, but is something I feel I will enjoy moving forward. I also got a 4 and 1/2 grip size. It is a bit thicker than the 4 and 1/2 offered by Donnay, but I have always felt the Donnay grip to run a bit small.

Overall the quality and build of the racket is really top notch. Paul did a really good job putting his first Angell frame together. I would recommend a lot more people give these sticks a good look, especially those that are picky about their set ups.

[Kal-El 34]

Groundstrokes: Immediately fell in love with this racket from the baseline. Very smooth playing and effortless drive through the ball. I felt a very nice access to spin from both sides, and my depth seemed to increase as well. I feel I have to whip my shot a little more with my Donnay, where I can get the same power and spin with the Angell and not have to work quite so hard for it. The racquet plays incredibly solid. Not too far off from the Donnay, as they are both non hollow frames. The Angell seems a bit more feel oriented though.

Forehands: My forehand is my go to shot. Big western grip, heavy topspin - you know the drill. I felt immediately comfortable with the TC95 on the forehand. Incredibly solid feel making contact, even off center shots. The added weight I think helped my depth, and my shots felt a lot heavier with the TC95. Once I started just letting the racket do its thing and not forcing too much, it was smooth sailing here. Rock solid performance.

Backhands: My backhand is 2h, and a bit flatter shot than my forehand. I liked the depth I was able to generate, and felt I could snap a bit more topspin even than I normally get with my Donnay. Could be the added weight, and it also could be the extended length. I do still have top adjust to shots closer to my body with the extended frame. I felt very confident stepping in and ripping the backhand, and felt the depth and pace were good on defensive shots. My slice really impressed me from the backhand side as well. Great depth and bite, but also excellent touch when I wanted to angle on off. No gripes whatsoever here.

Overall from the baseline I have nothing but good things to say here. Obviously when trying a new frame, there are adjustments that need to be made. However, this frame is right on point from the baseline. Rock solid feel, no vibration or shock on impact, and smooth as silk hitting through the ball

[Kal-El 34]

Volleys: I think I was most impressed with the TC95 at the net. I don't think I have hit with a nicer volleying frame, and I have hit with a lot of rackets. Absolutely no shock anywhere. There is really nice drive and plow through when I wanted to drive the ball deep, and the racket felt buttery smooth when I wanted some extra touch. The added length was really nice when I wanted to stretch out more for shots away from me, but again I have to adjust to shots a little closer to the body. I don't think this will take much time though.

My overhead was killer. Definitely digging the extra length here. Could put the ball wherever I wanted to. Very easy access to power when I wanted to put the ball away. I could also angle the ball off with nasty slice with ease as well. Very smooth

In between groundies and volleys this frame is nice in transition. Approach shots I found to be very comfortable. Immediately confident stepping in and ripping the ball or adding touch when I wanted to. Again - zero complaints on volleys. Solid frame

[Kal-El 34]

Serves: After a bit of adjustment, I was very pleased with the TC95 on serves. The xtra length really helps add some power... scary power haha. The frame just does the work for you, more than what I am used to for the donnay. I love my Donnay, but after hitting with the TC95, feel I am just working to hard. I got the same power, same spin, same control, less effort... all good things

Best surprise was on slice serves. Talk about nasty angles. People I was hitting with were getting mad at how far wide I was slicing then on the duece side.

The frame gives you a little added confidence, as every shot hit feels like it's perfect. Even when a bit off enter, the frame felt solid and I didn't feel I lost too much power or spin. Can definitely get used to this

[Kal-El 34]

Overall I am really happy I gave this racket a shot. I am going to be hitting with it a lot more in the coming days, and may be considering a switch. I like my Donnays, and really had no intention of switching, but this TC95 may be just what I have been looking for!

if you haven't tried Angell yet... I highly recommend it.

Paul, the owner, is second to none. Very quick communication, and very open and honest. I think he has a very good product on hand, and I would not hesitate to do business with him or recommend the racket to anyone.

[ced]

Originally Posted by Kal-El 34

Overall I am really happy I gave this racket a shot. I am going to be hitting with it a lot more in the coming days, and may be considering a switch. I like my Donnays, and really had no intention of switching, but this TC95 may be just what I have been looking for!

if you haven't tried Angell yet... I highly recommend it.

Paul, the owner, is second to none. Very quick communication, and very open and honest. I think he has a very good product on hand, and I would not hesitate to do business with him or recommend the racket to anyone.

Thanks for your review ... my TC95 is due any day now ...

[Kal-El 34]

Originally Posted by ced

Thanks for your review ... my TC95 is due any day now ...

let me know what you think... i may have gone with the 100, but I need that 18x20 string pattern

[Kal-El 34]

just realized my typo in my thread title. solid effort by me. any way someone can fix this?

[ced]

Originally Posted by Kal-El 34

let me know what you think... i may have gone with the 100, but I need that 18x20 string pattern

Same here .... perfection would have been a TC100 w/ an 18x20 pattern ... but pleased to see you think the TC95 tends more toward a 98 .... that is indeed perfection.

[zapvor]

you cant switch kal!!!! haha

[brownbearfalling]

Are Angell racquets Identical to vantage?

[ced]

Originally Posted by brownbearfalling

Are Angell racquets Identical to vantage?

They are from the same molds, build and construction strategy. Customization aspects tend to make each racquet unique.

[mykoh]

thanks for the review Kal! mine should be shipped out today! cant. wait. =DDD

[Backhanded Compliment]

Thanks for the review... I love my Prestiges but I am picky and have never been able to get 2 rackets that are identical so I end up having one racket I love and the others are just in case.

Curious how the TC 95 18x20 compares to the current IGPMP?

[ced]

Originally Posted by Backhanded Compliment

Thanks for the review... I love my Prestiges but I am picky and have never been able to get 2 rackets that are identical so I end up having one racket I love and the others are just in case.

Curious how the TC 95 18x20 compares to the current IGPMP?

Mine arrived this morning ... will provide comments as soon as I can get the cast off my foot/ankle.

[Kal-El 34]

Originally Posted by zapvor

you cant switch kal!!!! haha

i don't know... i have a great thing with Donnay, but the Angell rackets do intrigue me. Beautiful playing frame

[Kal-El 34]

Originally Posted by Backhanded Compliment

Thanks for the review... I love my Prestiges but I am picky and have never been able to get 2 rackets that are identical so I end up having one racket I love and the others are just in case.

Curious how the TC 95 18x20 compares to the current IGPMP?

Similar, yet more solid and a softer, more controllable feel. I got the 63 RA, would be interested in trying the 70 as well just to see. If you are picky about your frame, you should check these out for sure... sounds like they may be just what the doctor ordered

[Kal-El 34]

i will be positing my comparison between the tc95 and the retail pro one 18x20 as soon as i receive mine. i was told the p1 18x20 and the dual pro are the same racket, but the grommets are different between the two so i will be the judge of that!~

[Backhanded Compliment]

Originally Posted by Kal-El 34

Similar, yet more solid and a softer, more controllable feel. I got the 63 RA, would be interested in trying the 70 as well just to see. If you are picky about your frame, you should check these out for sure... sounds like they may be just what the doctor ordered

That's interesting to hear. It's been heartbreaking when my one favorite stick cracks and I cant duplicate it. Im the sort of player that endlessly messes with a racket for 5 months and gets it dialed in only to be let down when that one stick either loses its mojo (to fatigue) or cracks outright 8 months later. I want to play with a racket setup for 5 years or so and being able to match sticks is uber-helpful.

How was the serve power and topspin potential of the TC95 compared to a prestige. How stable is the TC95 compared to the IGPMP. Return of serve is a huge part of my game.

Im interested in the thinner profile of the Angell too... I play a lot of doubles and my backhand is an extreme topspinner like Gugas so that clearance might be helpful for "knifing the ball". The Donnay Blue 99 was something I almost bought but the control of the prestige was too good to pass up. My current prestige is a beast...