The Official Angell Users Club

Power Player

Bionic Poster
True, but this is really true for any used racquet. If the seller can't tell you the strung specs, you can end up with something way over or way under spec.

I will try adding some more weight to the butt end to raise the balance, but now we are getting near 340 grams static weight, which is over my preferred spec.
I will stay with it for a while and see if I can get comfortable with it. I only had one brief outing so far for 30 mins so that's not much at all. I am going to pcik
up the racquet in a few hours which was restrung with 17g syngut, so I will be curious to see what the swingweight is now.

Yeah, but the whole point of buying an Angell racquet is that you already know what specs you want.The advantage you have is that you at least have an idea of how the racquet plays and what the feel is like.

I do think you will now notice a difference in SW. I learned this years back when I put full poly in a frame and it was a noticeable difference.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
OK, much better....after restringing with full syngut the swingweight went down to 329 (3 pts) and then (and this surprised me) when I removed the
3 gram dampener, it went down another 3 to 326! Who knew a dampener could add 3 swingweight points??? This was the Dunlop green dampener
that weighs 3 grams. If I remove the rubber collar thingy and use a lighter overgrip, I'm sure it will be down to 325. I tried the racquet against a wall
with the syngut and you don't need a dampener at all...no ping whatsoever with no dampener, so I think I will go "commando" for now or maybe just a
little Sampras O, since they are just 1 gram. Also, it's amazing how nice this racquet feels with 5 dollar Genesis Syngut. Plush and responsive too.

About the balance...I already had a nickel wedged inside the butt end, which is 5 grams and made it one more point headlite. I might try upping that
to 10 total and see how that feels & plays. I will get to play a few hours of doubles tonite with the TC100, so I will have a better handle on things
after tonite.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
I happen to really like the flared buttcap. Makes me feel like the racquet won't slip through my hand with a looser grip.

@JackB1 I have a feeling the sluggishness you're feeling is attributed to the nearly even balance. And that's what's confusing me becuase it shouldn't be anywhere near even. Angell QC is pretty rigid so there's gotta be something else going on making that stick head heavy. I'd try lead on the buttcap to make it HL and see how that feels.

I believe my TC100 was ordered at 300g /330mm (4 HL) unstrung, which would make it near even strung, since stringing takes 3-4 points off the balance. It could also be that mine was originally balanced with a leather grip, which I have since replaced with synthetic, which also makes it less headlite.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Thats pretty sweet. I figured it would be a somewhat dramatic SW drop, which on paper sounds weird, but on court, you feel it.

The Sampras Dampener is perfect in this frame. Just tightens up the vibrations a little and unlike on some frames, it will not come out from the mains if you mishit.
 

The_Racketeer

Professional
I believe my TC100 was ordered at 300g /330mm (4 HL) unstrung, which would make it near even strung, since stringing takes 3-4 points off the balance. It could also be that mine was originally balanced with a leather grip, which I have since replaced with synthetic, which also makes it less headlite.
That sounds right. And yes, I believe the balance is as-ordered with the grip you choose. So if yours originally had leather, then the change to synth would affect the balance, but you also shaved some weight off so lead in the buttcap shouldn't be bad at all.

I think everyone in these threads orders the most headlight option for their preferred weight. I did. Mine is 310gm 315mm, so it's heavier than yours but incredibly maneuverable. In fact, maneuverability was one of the main reasons for my switch to Angell.

Good luck with your continued experimentation.
 

teekaywhy

Professional
That sounds right. And yes, I believe the balance is as-ordered with the grip you choose. So if yours originally had leather, then the change to synth would affect the balance, but you also shaved some weight off so lead in the buttcap shouldn't be bad at all.

I think everyone in these threads orders the most headlight option for their preferred weight. I did. Mine is 310gm 315mm, so it's heavier than yours but incredibly maneuverable. In fact, maneuverability was one of the main reasons for my switch to Angell.

Good luck with your continued experimentation.
I guess the most HL balance you could get from Paul would be to choose the most HL balance with synth grip with a target weight 10g lower than preferred. Then slap on a leather grip.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
How am I supposed to work when this is waiting for me.......

i5c3e9.jpg


35hkys0.jpg
 

morten

Hall of Fame
OK, much better....after restringing with full syngut the swingweight went down to 329 (3 pts) and then (and this surprised me) when I removed the
3 gram dampener, it went down another 3 to 326! Who knew a dampener could add 3 swingweight points??? This was the Dunlop green dampener
that weighs 3 grams. If I remove the rubber collar thingy and use a lighter overgrip, I'm sure it will be down to 325. I tried the racquet against a wall
with the syngut and you don't need a dampener at all...no ping whatsoever with no dampener, so I think I will go "commando" for now or maybe just a
little Sampras O, since they are just 1 gram. Also, it's amazing how nice this racquet feels with 5 dollar Genesis Syngut. Plush and responsive too.

About the balance...I already had a nickel wedged inside the butt end, which is 5 grams and made it one more point headlite. I might try upping that
to 10 total and see how that feels & plays. I will get to play a few hours of doubles tonite with the TC100, so I will have a better handle on things
after tonite.
The Sampras O is 2 grams. Isospeed control classic is a very light string. It will bring it down to 321
 

AMGF

Hall of Fame
I play full bed poly and don't ever felt I needed a dampener. This is a seriously smooth hitting frame.
 

morten

Hall of Fame
Great suggestion on the Isospeed control classic! Do you know any other very light strings?
Rip control is about as light as Isospeed. Also going thinner on your preferred string will bring it down.. like 3 -4 sw points from 16 to 17 gauge. On one racket swingweight went down 10 points from rpm blast 17g to a Head multi 17g ( a now discontinued string) . I have access to a swingweight machine...
 

supineAnimation

Hall of Fame
Rip control is about as light as Isospeed. Also going thinner on your preferred string will bring it down.. like 3 -4 sw points from 16 to 17 gauge. On one racket swingweight went down 10 points from rpm blast 17g to a Head multi 17g ( a now discontinued string) . I have access to a swingweight machine...
Yeah, small things can have a pretty big impact on swingweight, apparently. You'd think head tape wouldn't add much, but it does. But like I said, I think most players can adjust to swingweight within 10 points of what they're used to.

Apparently, Tour Bite 16, one of my favorite polys is super heavy. Paul said it raised the swingweight higher than any other string he'd ever come across. My current favorite, Diadem Solstice 16, feels lighter, when stringing it anyway, so I'm hoping that'll have less of an effect on the SW for the new TC97 I'm getting on Wednesday. But I'm pretty much full poly all the time these days, unless I'm reviewing a string, and I also like to use two O dampeners and head tape. So I'll have to adjust to a slightly higher swingweight if I stick with the TC97.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I keep thinking now and then that I want to check out a 100, but then I realize the 95 is a masterpiece and as long as I'm playing well with it, I'm good. Paul Angell proved years ago that he knew how to make one of the best 95s in the biz with the Dunlops and it appears now that he just refined that and improved it even more.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
OK so I had a good session tonite with the TC-100. Played 2 sets of dubs and one of singles. First the good...
I am serving really well with the TC100...probably as good as it gets for me. The weight in the hoop really hammers the ball on serve. I held every time I served for the 2 sets, which was great. Now the bad...I'm just not feeling it with this racquet, other than serves. The swingweight does feel a little lower, but the racquet still feels head heavy to me. I added about 7 grams to the butt cap and that helped the balance, but it still feels too head heavy for me. I was missing overheads all night (late) and just didn't feel connected. The sweetspot isn't as large as I initially thought and the racquet feels nice when you center a shot, but not so great when you are slightly off. Touch shots weren't great either. Maybe syngut wasn't a smart move, but I'm not sure the strings are the issue? The racquet just feels too "club-like" to me and without any finesse. At the end of the night, I switched to the VCore Xi98 and instantly felt at home and was playing much better. I am very disappointed that things seem to have went downhill already, but it is what it is. I will try it some more and see if things get better, but the weight/balance issue doesn't seem fixable with this particular frame. I let a teammate try it out since he was curious and he normally uses the Speed MP. He didn't care for it and commented how it felt very head heavy to him and that the sweetspot felt small to him.
 

smirker

Hall of Fame
Your problem is that it is pretty much even balanced when strung so is going to feel clubby unless you stick a load of lead at the bottom of the handle. Does it not have a trap door? I had a demo too and found the same thing as you. Heavy to get around, I preferred the 95 at the time.
 

YesTennis

Semi-Pro
When you contact Paul, do you normally call or send and e-mail, and how soon does he normally respond? I sent an e-mail with some questions before ordering several days ago, and haven't gotten a response. Reading earlier posts, it seemed like he always responded quite quickly. Maybe I'll send it again. Thanks.
 

AMGF

Hall of Fame
When you contact Paul, do you normally call or send and e-mail, and how soon does he normally respond? I sent an e-mail with some questions before ordering several days ago, and haven't gotten a response. Reading earlier posts, it seemed like he always responded quite quickly. Maybe I'll send it again. Thanks.

He doesn't respond quickly, but he does respond, sometimes at weird hours. Best is to get him on the phone. He asnwers every questions patiently and really knows his stuff.
 

supineAnimation

Hall of Fame
When you contact Paul, do you normally call or send and e-mail, and how soon does he normally respond? I sent an e-mail with some questions before ordering several days ago, and haven't gotten a response. Reading earlier posts, it seemed like he always responded quite quickly. Maybe I'll send it again. Thanks.
Email is the worst option, in my experience. Contacting him through the Contact feature on his site works better.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Your problem is that it is pretty much even balanced when strung so is going to feel clubby unless you stick a load of lead at the bottom of the handle. Does it not have a trap door? I had a demo too and found the same thing as you. Heavy to get around, I preferred the 95 at the time.

It does have a trap door, but there isn't much room in there since it's filled with foam. But I'm not sure I want to add 15-20 grams to the handle? That would bring it up over 12 oz. I think the TC97 might be more up my alley. The TC100 doesn't get as much love in these Angell threads as the 97 & 95 and probably for good reason. I may try trimming down the top grommet to shave a few more grams from the hoop and also try a different string. The syngut I tried may not have been the best choice.
 
It does have a trap door, but there isn't much room in there since it's filled with foam. But I'm not sure I want to add 15-20 grams to the handle? That would bring it up over 12 oz. I think the TC97 might be more up my alley. The TC100 doesn't get as much love in these Angell threads as the 97 & 95 and probably for good reason. I may try trimming down the top grommet to shave a few more grams from the hoop and also try a different string. The syngut I tried may not have been the best choice.
the power is so ample in these sticks it takes a little bit to dial them in spec wise if you didnt expect it... my tc95 is 8 pts hl but has the wrong strings on atm. But im pretty sure it is the strings. i like it on most every stroke but am missing lines by 3 inches a lot. The point is they are super sensitive to mods so err on the side of lower power strings and more HL balance as you dial things in.

For me it is very close to perfect and my game has some tight margins and it is giving me this wonderful punch on serves and groundies with precision ... and im altering my strokes to be more relaxed but definitely not having any problem with sluggish or small sweetspot. just the opposite and consider avoiding head tape or use a thin rubber band instead of a heavier dampener... it really dies add too much for some people.
 
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supineAnimation

Hall of Fame
It does have a trap door, but there isn't much room in there since it's filled with foam. But I'm not sure I want to add 15-20 grams to the handle? That would bring it up over 12 oz. I think the TC97 might be more up my alley. The TC100 doesn't get as much love in these Angell threads as the 97 & 95 and probably for good reason. I may try trimming down the top grommet to shave a few more grams from the hoop and also try a different string. The syngut I tried may not have been the best choice.
Again, you're not going to be able to get a TC97 with the swingweight as low as you want. 330 is as low as you'll likely be able to get regardless of weight and balance, and that's probably with trimming the grommets.

I have one on the way and I know it's going to come out to a higher swingweight than I currently play with. But I'm willing to try to adapt because there are so few options out there anymore that have a classic feel with high quality material. If it doesn't take, I'm gonna demo the Donnay Pro One (16x19) and the GT, but those are even more expensive than an Angell so I'm hoping I'll like the TC97. If I do I'll order two more.

But you might wanna try to see if you can adjust to that swingweight with the TC100 you have before you buy a TC97.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I just don't see how you can judge a custom frame that is not made to your specs. It doesn't really make sense to me. I know that I would not enjoy an evenly balanced 100 frame either. It would be pretty sluggish and most likely hard to find the middle on a consistent basis. If you can pop the trapdoor and add some weight to at least rebalance it a little, I'd definitely do that.

But honestly I don't think the TC100 doesnt get love because of the issues you are having. It's really more because the main buyers of these frames want a customized pro stock style frame, and those are almost always 95 or 98 sized. There are guys on here who really like the TC100 a lot. In fact you may want to check into the 105. Who knows? It could be awesome for you if you prefer lighter frames and lower SWs. Worth asking him what the SW is on that model. I agree with Supine. These frames (at least the 95), really are best in the 330s for SW. Just getting mine up from the 327 estimate Paul gave me to 333, made a rather large difference.
 

supineAnimation

Hall of Fame
My Tc97 is 355sw and swings easy. Even my (5'7"/130lbs) gf borrows it from time to time.

The culprit likely is the balance, not the sw.
Yup. You can definitely keep the swingweight lower than that, but if you really can't play with something with a 330 SW or slightly higher, then an Angell is gonna be a tough fit.

The first TC97 I got was on the higher end of the SW range and so with my overgrip, two O dampeners and head tape, it was near 350, which is too high for me. This new one is on the lower end of that SW range and so I expect it will be around 330-335. My YTPPs are between 323 and 330, and I can adjust to 335 if that's what it ends up being.

But if you absolutely need something on the low end of the Angell range, buying used is a fool's errand unless the seller can tell you what the strung SW is by measuring it on an RDC. And even then, your preferred strings and mods may raise it up a bit. But you can ask Paul to select a hairpin that is on the low end for you like I did. So in short, Jack shouldn't buy used.
 

jhusein

Rookie
It's really not that difficult. You just need to have a few supplies on hand before you begin.
I guess the biggest decision you want to make is how you're going to secure the pallet to the hairpin once it's on.
I use a bead of silicone or just reuse the tape that is left over if there's enough.
You also need to figure out how you want to secure the buttcap. Again, I use a bead of silicone with some 1" wide electrical tape on the buttcap and pallet. Never fails and it never squeaks.
You'll also need to have on hand some double sided tape (I recommend 3M 444) as the leather grips that Angell uses are pretty much one time use. Once you take the grip off the tape backing is not sticky anymore so you may want to add some double sided tape to the pallet just to secure the grip again.
Finally, you want to have on hand a scale and balance board. Take measurements as you disassemble and reassemble in order to get as close to your original specs as possible.
One thing you may want to do right off the bat once you take apart your racquet is weigh out the original pallets. Cut the new ones to length and weigh those to see what the difference is.
You'll need a heat gun, narrow screw driver. The pallets are secured in the middle with a staple so you'll have to dig those out as well.
Good luck.

Received the L4 Pallets two days ago. Due to misunderstanding, I ended with A shape as opposed to C. Removing the original pallet was not that bad. Found pieces of metal/lead in the handle. Two at the bottom and one at the top. Removed the one at the top (12g) and put silicone in all empty areas top and bootoom (about 15g total) and let it dry overnight (not sure how will that impact SW!). Original L3 B pallets were 21g and trimmed new L4 pallets were 23g (not bad even though I expected them to be a bit heavier). Just finished installing the new pallets, put a bit of Gorilla glue on both sides and let it dry. I also put a staple on each side. Pallets feel secure and fit nicely. One staple and a bit of glue on the buttcap and all is done. Total weight with overgrip is 342g. Took pics and can post if anyone is interested.
 

The_Racketeer

Professional
It does have a trap door, but there isn't much room in there since it's filled with foam. But I'm not sure I want to add 15-20 grams to the handle? That would bring it up over 12 oz. I think the TC97 might be more up my alley. The TC100 doesn't get as much love in these Angell threads as the 97 & 95 and probably for good reason. I may try trimming down the top grommet to shave a few more grams from the hoop and also try a different string. The syngut I tried may not have been the best choice.

I just don't see how you can judge a custom frame that is not made to your specs. It doesn't really make sense to me. I know that I would not enjoy an evenly balanced 100 frame either. It would be pretty sluggish and most likely hard to find the middle on a consistent basis. If you can pop the trapdoor and add some weight to at least rebalance it a little, I'd definitely do that.

But honestly I don't think the TC100 doesnt get love because of the issues you are having. It's really more because the main buyers of these frames want a customized pro stock style frame, and those are almost always 95 or 98 sized. There are guys on here who really like the TC100 a lot. In fact you may want to check into the 105. Who knows? It could be awesome for you if you prefer lighter frames and lower SWs. Worth asking him what the SW is on that model. I agree with Supine. These frames (at least the 95), really are best in the 330s for SW. Just getting mine up from the 327 estimate Paul gave me to 333, made a rather large difference.

I agree with PP. My Angell has a higher swingweight than I was used to but the balance is what makes it maneuverable.

Also, I think the TC100 gets less love than the TC95 because, quite frankly, the TC95 does it all so well already. You get plenty of power, spin, and forgiveness from the TC95, why bother getting the bigger head size? All you're gaining is unneeded power and reduced maneuverability. That's what I've discovered from playing with my TC95 anyway.
 

RollTrackTake

Professional
It does have a trap door, but there isn't much room in there since it's filled with foam. But I'm not sure I want to add 15-20 grams to the handle? That would bring it up over 12 oz. I think the TC97 might be more up my alley. The TC100 doesn't get as much love in these Angell threads as the 97 & 95 and probably for good reason. I may try trimming down the top grommet to shave a few more grams from the hoop and also try a different string. The syngut I tried may not have been the best choice.
The TC 100 is a unique beast in my view. I'm going to tweak it over the next couple months and see what I get. Going to shift some weight around, try different strings, really try to adapt to it. The TC 95 or 97 may be more maneuverable because of the smaller head size. Could be an expensive demo if I can't sell it in the end.
 

supineAnimation

Hall of Fame
The TC 100 is a unique beast in my view. I'm going to tweak it over the next couple months and see what I get. Going to shift some weight around, try different strings, really try to adapt to it. The TC 95 or 97 may be more maneuverable because of the smaller head size. Could be an expensive demo if I can't sell it in the end.
Yeah, I saw it as an investment. If it works out it's worth the price for me, and if it doesn't I can likely recoup most of my money selling it. Judging by the For Sale forum they sell pretty easily for a decent price.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
The TC 100 is a unique beast in my view. I'm going to tweak it over the next couple months and see what I get. Going to shift some weight around, try different strings, really try to adapt to it. The TC 95 or 97 may be more maneuverable because of the smaller head size. Could be an expensive demo if I can't sell it in the end.

What do you mean by "unique beast"? What are your findings so far and why the need to change it so much?
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Spent 3 more hours with the TC95 today. Loving it. Finally found a replacement for the tec 315 it appears. A bunch of people now have tried this frame and everybody is fascinated that it is custom. They had no idea such a thing was possible. I will probably order another in a month or so and have a bag with 2 extreme pros and 2 Angells.
 
Spent 3 more hours with the TC95 today. Loving it. Finally found a replacement for the tec 315 it appears. A bunch of people now have tried this frame and everybody is fascinated that it is custom. They had no idea such a thing was possible. I will probably order another in a month or so and have a bag with 2 extreme pros and 2 Angells.

Glad the TC95 praises didnt steer you wrong... what strings are you using now? Im gonna throw some Kisrchbaum Super smash orange on at 45lbs... I just seem to be missing by1-3 inches all the time on deep second serves and just feel a more control oriented poly over the Luxilon Adrenaline is in order because it feels like it should go in. that's the thing with a new frame lots of little adjustments. Wish I had some L4 A style pallets but I can build up my 4 3/8's C up a bit. Mine is a 63 RA wich is more flexy than my frevious stick so I'm still adjusting. Good time of year for that. Loving the thump and free points im getting with this precision powerhouse frame. Also, my arm seems to dig it too.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Glad the TC95 praises didnt steer you wrong... what strings are you using now? Im gonna throw some Kisrchbaum Super smash orange on at 45lbs... I just seem to be missing by1-3 inches all the time on deep second serves and just feel a more control oriented poly over the Luxilon Adrenaline is in order because it feels like it should go in. that's the thing with a new frame lots of little adjustments. Wish I had some L4 A style pallets but I can build up my 4 3/8's C up a bit. Mine is a 63 RA wich is more flexy than my frevious stick so I'm still adjusting. Good time of year for that. Loving the thump and free points im getting with this precision powerhouse frame. Also, my arm seems to dig it too.

I have regular cyclone mains and OGSM crosses. It is a very loud and powerful setup, and I string it around 53#s. I could probably string it a little tighter than that but this is working well. I have the 63RA as well and it's just so easy on the arm yet the power level is big time. I finally got my backhand all dialed in.
 

loosegroove

Hall of Fame
I'd really love to try out the TC100 at 63RA. Specs and reviews seem pretty on point to what I like. Any Prince EXO3 Tour/Tour 100 users here to draw a comparison? Guess I'll have to keep on a look out in the classifieds.
 

skeeter

Professional
Again, you're not going to be able to get a TC97 with the swingweight as low as you want. 330 is as low as you'll likely be able to get regardless of weight and balance, and that's probably with trimming the grommets.

I have one on the way and I know it's going to come out to a higher swingweight than I currently play with. But I'm willing to try to adapt because there are so few options out there anymore that have a classic feel with high quality material. If it doesn't take, I'm gonna demo the Donnay Pro One (16x19) and the GT, but those are even more expensive than an Angell so I'm hoping I'll like the TC97. If I do I'll order two more.

But you might wanna try to see if you can adjust to that swingweight with the TC100 you have before you buy a TC97.

For what it's worth, I ordered my TC97 unstrung at 310g, 9 points HL, and asked for as low a SW as possible; according to Paul it came out at 292 unstrung. While I don't have a RDC machine, I'm guessing with strings, overgrip, and dampener, it's still under 330; at least it feels that way. Static weight is right around 11.7oz. Before the 97, I had also tried out a 100 as my first Angell racquet, and asked Paul for as low a SW as possible with a 63RA and 300g static. The lowest he could get it was 308 unstrung. And, yes, while I liked so many things about it (serves, feel, power, touch, etc.), it felt wieldy. Weight in the handle helped a bit but, in the end, just felt too sluggish for me. Have been very happy with the 97.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
For what it's worth, I ordered my TC97 unstrung at 310g, 9 points HL, and asked for as low a SW as possible; according to Paul it came out at 292 unstrung. While I don't have a RDC machine, I'm guessing with strings, overgrip, and dampener, it's still under 330; at least it feels that way. Static weight is right around 11.7oz. Before the 97, I had also tried out a 100 as my first Angell racquet, and asked Paul for as low a SW as possible with a 63RA and 300g static. The lowest he could get it was 308 unstrung. And, yes, while I liked so many things about it (serves, feel, power, touch, etc.), it felt wieldy. Weight in the handle helped a bit but, in the end, just felt too sluggish for me. Have been very happy with the 97.

Sounds like you had a similar experience with your TC100 as I did. It's weird that he can't get the swingweight below 330 for these 100", 300 gram frames. The average swingweight for non-Angell 300 gram, 100" frames is probably 315-320. I understand the higher swingweight for the 95 or 97, but for a 100", with close to even balance, +330 makes it feel sluggish. Your TC97 came in 16 points lower, which probably ended up around 320, which is much better for me personally.
 

supineAnimation

Hall of Fame
For what it's worth, I ordered my TC97 unstrung at 310g, 9 points HL, and asked for as low a SW as possible; according to Paul it came out at 292 unstrung. While I don't have a RDC machine, I'm guessing with strings, overgrip, and dampener, it's still under 330; at least it feels that way. Static weight is right around 11.7oz. Before the 97, I had also tried out a 100 as my first Angell racquet, and asked Paul for as low a SW as possible with a 63RA and 300g static. The lowest he could get it was 308 unstrung. And, yes, while I liked so many things about it (serves, feel, power, touch, etc.), it felt wieldy. Weight in the handle helped a bit but, in the end, just felt too sluggish for me. Have been very happy with the 97.
Maybe, but depending on your strings it may be closer to 330 if not above. Paul picked out a stock TC97 with an even lower stock swingweight for me and he estimated the final swingweight would be 330. But the difference between 325 and 330 is really not very noticeable for most players. And again, Jack, the weight and balance you choose to order does not affect the swingweight.
 
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