Angell TC95, 16x19, 63, 330/315 New Purchase - Need Advice

lstewart

Semi-Pro
Hey gang.... been playing the past 2.5 years with the Pacific X-Feel 95 with lead added at 9 and 3, bringing the weight to 12.2 ounces. Great groundstrokes, but big issues with getting serves in play, so decided to make a change. Ordered an Angell TC95 based on positive comments here. Was trying to get similar weight and flex to what I was using, so ordered the TC95, 16x19, 63 flex, 27 length, 330/315 weight. Had read comments about it having more pop/power, so strung it 4 lbs tighter than what I string the Pacific's. Strung poly mains at 58, synthetic crosses at 60. Have had two intense workouts with it now, and it does not seem like it is going to work. Serve is better, and more confident. Volley's feel good... very solid. Slice / block shots feel great... I hit a lot of slice backhand serve returns, it is very solid here. Problem really is with the forehand. My groundstrokes off both sides with the Pacific 95 have been great. The lefty forehand is a huge weapon, and I am very steady taking huge cuts at the ball. With the new TC 95, the ball seems to sail a little more, probably more power and probably a heavier swingweight. The backhand is off just a little, but can probably be dialed in.... does not feel bad. The forehand is a big issue. I can catch one, but can't blast away 4 or 5 shots. Well hit balls are a little long, and every 4th or 5th one launces way out. The TC95 weights 12.4 ounces strung, grip wrap, and dampener. So the weight is pretty close to what I am using, but I assume I've added some combination of additional power and or heavier swingweight that makes my bread and butter forehand no longer a weapon. My question for those of you that have played the TC95, did I order too heavy of a model, or one not head light enough? Perhaps one of the lighter or more headlight models would be more controllable? At $220 a pop, I can't really keep ordering them hoping one will give me what I had with the Pacific 95, while helping the serve. I've seen comments from others about forehands needing to be dialed in, so I assume this is something others have some thoughts about. Feels like my forehand is too far away to be dialed in with the current setup.
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
How about trying a full bed of a round control oriented poly? Alternatively exaggerate your topspin finish on the forehand, the TC 95 has a remarkable ability to transfer spin to the ball when you go for more spin. This will make balls drop shorter (and explode off the court like you're playing with a Superball).
 

lstewart

Semi-Pro
Thanks Spin. I've tried all poly multiple times over the years (other frames of course) and never cared for the feel on touch, volleys, and slice. But of course trying a different string setup makes sense if it changed the control of the TC95 on the forehand.
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
Thanks Spin. I've tried all poly multiple times over the years (other frames of course) and never cared for the feel on touch, volleys, and slice. But of course trying a different string setup makes sense if it changed the control of the TC95 on the forehand.
Poly strings have gotten better in that regard and the higher swingweight will make up for the stiffer stringbed. I'd try some offerings such as Head Hawk Touch, RS Lyon, Yonex Poly Tour Pro, etc. These are round and control oriented polys, yet with a softer feel than some stiffer offerings on the market.

Anyways, first give yourself some time to adjust to the frame and try to exaggerate spin on the forehand wing, that's what I did with it after a while and it had my opponents looking at the court for craters to explain the bounce.
 
Poly strings have gotten better in that regard and the higher swingweight will make up for the stiffer stringbed. I'd try some offerings such as Head Hawk Touch, RS Lyon, Yonex Poly Tour Pro, etc. These are round and control oriented polys, yet with a softer feel than some stiffer offerings on the market.

Anyways, first give yourself some time to adjust to the frame and try to exaggerate spin on the forehand wing, that's what I did with it after a while and it had my opponents looking at the court for craters to explain the bounce.
Solid advice... Basically Ive been there OP I used the XFP95 for 3.5 years and now used the TC95, all here: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/angell-tc95-16x19-flexy-shakedown.553138/


It does take time and I had the same problem with forehands going long... took at least 4 weeks to adjust. Then I used a more control oriented round poly like RSLyon and things are near perfect. Going a tad more feadlight helps too Id think but everone's stokes are different.

It's worth the transition... serves and returns are the two most important shots... groundstrokes can be calibrated with time and string choice.
 

lstewart

Semi-Pro
Thanks Backhand. I ordered the TC95 based upon your thoughts moving from the Pacific 95. Long way to go for the forehand to be solid enough to want to play serious with this frame. Guess I need to restring and give it a little time.
 
Thanks Backhand. I ordered the TC95 based upon your thoughts moving from the Pacific 95. Long way to go for the forehand to be solid enough to want to play serious with this frame. Guess I need to restring and give it a little time.
yeah... i lost some of my first few matches with the tc95 because my forehand kept being 3 inches out... but a predictable control poly really made it possible for me to go to my shots.

people avoid my backhand like the plague so my forehand really has to be on
 

saleem

Semi-Pro
I have been using full poly (my choice of poly is WS Silverstring), experimented with few different polys and multis but went back with silverstring.
 

lstewart

Semi-Pro
Tuesday evening was the first time I hit with the TC95. Sort of a 2 hour college team type practice with former college players we do once a week, and definitely doubles oriented. The TC95 felt pretty good... great on volleys, but I could tell my groundstrokes were carrying deeper than normal. They were pretty much around the baseline, and we were not just bashing groundstrokes, so I did not think too much about it. Yesterday had a groundstroke banging til your arm falls off workout with a former Argentina clay court topspinner, and the forehand was clearly an issue. Backhand had a tendency to sail 3 inches long, while the forehand probably had a tendency to sail 3 feet long. I guess I am so used to swinging as hard as I can with the very low powered Pacific 95, that I don't really have any other speed for topspin. I hit bad enough for 1.5 hours to have lost most of my confidence to try to go for good forehands with the TC95. I think I could bluff my way through some good doubles with it since I liked it for serve, volley, and chipped returns. Singles would be a completely different story, I would just have to push, junk, and slice to keep balls in play.
 

Ft.S

Semi-Pro
I think if your shots are not late and your timing is not an issue even after hitting for couple of hours, I'd say the racquet is not too heavy. However, a string setup that works with one racquet often doesn't translate to same results on another racquet. You may have to go through some trial and error to find the right strings and tensions for your game with the Angell. Where are you located btw?
 

topspn

Legend
I have been using full poly (my choice of poly is WS Silverstring), experimented with few different polys and multis but went back with silverstring.
Out of curiosity, what do you string at for TC95? I do summer time @50lbs and indoor winter season @48 full poly on the TC95
 
Out of curiosity, what do you string at for TC95? I do summer time @50lbs and indoor winter season @48 full poly on the TC95
i string at 45... RSlyon is like silverstring but is more muted, lower powered, more spin and better pocketing. silverstring does have nice feel and is crisp... its the poly i tell all 1st time poly users to start with.. great string
 

topspn

Legend
i string at 45... RSlyon is like silver string but is more muted, lower powered, more spin and better pocketing. silverstring does have nice feel and is crisp... its the poly i tell all 1st time poly users to start with.. great string

hmm..i never tried silverstring or weiss cannon for some reason over all these years which is kinda weird. I am purely curious but not sure this string would be for me. I like medium firm poly, preferably round, decent spin potential and on the control side.
 
I don't want to be captain obvious but I'd suggest to start where @Backhanded Compliment finished regarding the strings and tension...given you've both switched from the same frame.
yeah and i had the exact same problem finding my depth on the forehand wing... it just took an adjustment time plus the right string... i think he's got two that will work. the thing with the xfp95 is that it is super low powered and nimble... like a mid but with less putaway plow and more defensive capabilities. you can just hit out like crazy with it... the angell allowed me to take a more relaxed swing and still hit a heavier ball. right string and we clicked.
 

saleem

Semi-Pro
Out of curiosity, what do you string at for TC95? I do summer time @50lbs and indoor winter season @48 full poly on the TC95
I tried RSlyon and it is nice but I like my string little crisper and that is why I keep going back to SilverString, I am usually at 46 main and 48 crosses.
 
J

joohan

Guest
I tried RSlyon and it is nice but I like my string little crisper and that is why I keep going back to SilverString, I am usually at 46 main and 48 crosses.

SilverString is exceptional in 63RA TC95 but I'm really looking forward to experiment with other strings now that I have two of them in my bag...RS Lyon is next in line.
 
SilverString is exceptional in 63RA TC95 but I'm really looking forward to experiment with other strings now that I have two of them in my bag...RS Lyon is next in line.
which reminds me that i havent used silverstring in the tc95 yet! in general i like as little power as possible and dont know how silverstring does at lower tensions.

yonex poly tour pro 1.25 black is also awesome but so muted i needed to cross it with scorpion... another old fave i havent tried in the tc95 yet
 

Tommy Haas

Hall of Fame
Why does Angell not make a PT57A without the trademarked Head graphics? The patent on the mold itself and Twaron has long expired.
 

AMGF

Hall of Fame
Absolute worst case scenario that no string combo works. You can:
1- Add weight to the grip for more hl.

2- take of the pallets and remove the higher placed weight in the handle weight system and move it down. You can get to 305mm and maybe even more hl.

3- work with a coach. The stock Tc95 is powerful but not that powerful that everything sails long with fresh strings at 60lbs. Maybe you can turn this bump in the road into an opportunity to work on your fh? If your last frame was really low powered, you maybe developped a really heavy swing with little need for top spin.

Don't give up it may take some work but it's worth it.
 

Brett69

Rookie
My advice is to put in a full bed of RPM and go up 3 pounds over whatever you were stringing your Pacific at.
 

Brett69

Rookie
Give it a full month of adjustment. If it still doesn't feel right, there's a certain site that ends in bay where you can list it
 
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J

joohan

Guest
Hey gang.... been playing the past 2.5 years with the Pacific X-Feel 95 with lead added at 9 and 3, bringing the weight to 12.2 ounces. Great groundstrokes, but big issues with getting serves in play, so decided to make a change. Ordered an Angell TC95 based on positive comments here. Was trying to get similar weight and flex to what I was using, so ordered the TC95, 16x19, 63 flex, 27 length, 330/315 weight. Had read comments about it having more pop/power, so strung it 4 lbs tighter than what I string the Pacific's. Strung poly mains at 58, synthetic crosses at 60. Have had two intense workouts with it now, and it does not seem like it is going to work. Serve is better, and more confident. Volley's feel good... very solid. Slice / block shots feel great... I hit a lot of slice backhand serve returns, it is very solid here. Problem really is with the forehand. My groundstrokes off both sides with the Pacific 95 have been great. The lefty forehand is a huge weapon, and I am very steady taking huge cuts at the ball. With the new TC 95, the ball seems to sail a little more, probably more power and probably a heavier swingweight. The backhand is off just a little, but can probably be dialed in.... does not feel bad. The forehand is a big issue. I can catch one, but can't blast away 4 or 5 shots. Well hit balls are a little long, and every 4th or 5th one launces way out. The TC95 weights 12.4 ounces strung, grip wrap, and dampener. So the weight is pretty close to what I am using, but I assume I've added some combination of additional power and or heavier swingweight that makes my bread and butter forehand no longer a weapon. My question for those of you that have played the TC95, did I order too heavy of a model, or one not head light enough? Perhaps one of the lighter or more headlight models would be more controllable? At $220 a pop, I can't really keep ordering them hoping one will give me what I had with the Pacific 95, while helping the serve. I've seen comments from others about forehands needing to be dialed in, so I assume this is something others have some thoughts about. Feels like my forehand is too far away to be dialed in with the current setup.

I know this won't help you right now but considering the ultra low power of the XFP 95, the 18x20 TC95 might have been a better option for you...
 

10nis

New User
I know this won't help you right now but considering the ultra low power of the XFP 95, the 18x20 TC95 might have been a better option for you...

playing more (at least a week or 10-20 hours) is certainly needed to make a sound judgment about string set/changes and then frame

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
J

joohan

Guest
playing more (at least a week or 10-20 hours) is certainly needed to make a sound judgment about string set/changes and then frame

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No argument there. On the other hand, I used to play with some low powered frames too and have zero problems with launching the ball with the 18x20 TC95. Just a thing to consider, nothing more.
 
Why does Angell not make a PT57A without the trademarked Head graphics? The patent on the mold itself and Twaron has long expired.
because Angell doesnt do the clone thing. It is an eponymous brand after years of more mercenary work with dunlop. That said providing a layup option with twaron would make sone people very happy. Still some frames like the tc95 dont need it... basically its already foam filled so does it need more dampening? head twaron frames are hollow.

as for the OP.. expect it to take 4 weeks minimum but the right string will help a lot... i learned to use a more relaxed stroke because the xfp95 really asks you to hit out all of the time... ultimately they are very different frames that produce a similar ball crushing sensation with the tc95 beong a far more potent server's stick.
 
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lstewart

Semi-Pro
Thanks for all the excellent feedback guys. I agree with Backhand that the Pacific 95 is such a low power but great control stick, that I have now ingrained myself to swinging from the heels on everything, and don't really have a feel at this point for a 75% effort swing. I've put some stiff poly crosses in the TC95 with the poly mains to see how that feels. I've got it at 58, so my arm might explode! But I should be able to tell if it helps with the control on the forehand. Some of the other suggestions were good. In hindsight I think I may have preferred a little lighter set-up for lower power, or maybe the 18 main pattern. Anyway, will try to all poly to see if it helps, and if control is better, will restring again at a little more arm friendly range. By the way, someone asked where I am located. NW Arkansas. Thanks guys.
 
Thanks for all the excellent feedback guys. I agree with Backhand that the Pacific 95 is such a low power but great control stick, that I have now ingrained myself to swinging from the heels on everything, and don't really have a feel at this point for a 75% effort swing. I've put some stiff poly crosses in the TC95 with the poly mains to see how that feels. I've got it at 58, so my arm might explode! But I should be able to tell if it helps with the control on the forehand. Some of the other suggestions were good. In hindsight I think I may have preferred a little lighter set-up for lower power, or maybe the 18 main pattern. Anyway, will try to all poly to see if it helps, and if control is better, will restring again at a little more arm friendly range. By the way, someone asked where I am located. NW Arkansas. Thanks guys.
yeah I generally only swing at 80-85% power... the only time I swing for say 90-95% is when I truly want to destroy the ball... those are the shots where my opponent might be right there but the pace and heaviness just forces them to give an unforced error ;)

With the XFP95 I had to hit 90% all of the time just to maintain depth and not have things sit up. I turn 46 at the end of the month... it just doent make sense to play like Im 22!
 

lstewart

Semi-Pro
Yep, I am used to swinging all out with the Pacific 95. To be honest, I really like doing it, and I am 58! Like you, I stay fit, have been lifting weights forever, etc. If I could work my serve out with the Pacific, I would not be looking at a change. I don't play singles tournaments anymore, so I just need to make it though one good ball banging workout. The old days of 3 or 4 tourney matches a day would be a different issue....
 
Yep, I am used to swinging all out with the Pacific 95. To be honest, I really like doing it, and I am 58! Like you, I stay fit, have been lifting weights forever, etc. If I could work my serve out with the Pacific, I would not be looking at a change. I don't play singles tournaments anymore, so I just need to make it though one good ball banging workout. The old days of 3 or 4 tourney matches a day would be a different issue....
yeah I suppose I could play 3-4 matches in a day but Id be popping full courses of Ibuprofin for my knee (had an acl reconstruction that took me out of college play) for days. Maybe I could play 4 matches a day 2 days straight but it doesnt seem worth it if I cant get out of a chair for a day! (this has never happened, I just dont want it to)

Overall Id say, try the strings and give it some time the TC95 does hit a heavier ball even at 80% than the xpf95 at 90% and it took some adjustment ... both are very unique frames that sit at opposite poles for "players" MPs.
 

lstewart

Semi-Pro
Backhand, threw some old stiff Becker Bomber poly in the crosses of the TC95 just to see if it helped. Already had Volkl poly in the mains. You were correct. Made a huge difference. Was swinging away from both sides and everything was dipping in the court. Unfortunately after an hour my elbow was hurting. Arm does not tolerate all poly very well. But I did have it crazy tight, and the Becker poly is like wire. Maybe I can put a little softer poly in it at a few less pounds and still keep the ball in the court. I now do know the racket will work for me, so just will have to see if I can find a string set-up my arm can handle that still keeps the ball in play. By the way, I am you in 12 years. I've had 4 knee surgeries... 2 on each knee. Badly need another one on the left knee, but putting it off. Maybe later this fall. No fun getting old and dealing with all the miles on court! Thanks for the suggestions.
 
Backhand, threw some old stiff Becker Bomber poly in the crosses of the TC95 just to see if it helped. Already had Volkl poly in the mains. You were correct. Made a huge difference. Was swinging away from both sides and everything was dipping in the court. Unfortunately after an hour my elbow was hurting. Arm does not tolerate all poly very well. But I did have it crazy tight, and the Becker poly is like wire. Maybe I can put a little softer poly in it at a few less pounds and still keep the ball in the court. I now do know the racket will work for me, so just will have to see if I can find a string set-up my arm can handle that still keeps the ball in play. By the way, I am you in 12 years. I've had 4 knee surgeries... 2 on each knee. Badly need another one on the left knee, but putting it off. Maybe later this fall. No fun getting old and dealing with all the miles on court! Thanks for the suggestions.
ive only had 2 knee surgeries but nothing recent... i sure hope im not going that route. Part of my training routine is just to keep everything strong and less injury prone.. 27+ years later im still good ... so far
 

lstewart

Semi-Pro
At 46 I had been through 3 knee surgeries... had another one at 50. They can't really repair my problem, so I need another one pretty bad at this point. I think I probably hit the ball better now than I did 35 plus years ago as a college player, but the wheels are not what they used to be....!
 

saleem

Semi-Pro
Backhand, threw some old stiff Becker Bomber poly in the crosses of the TC95 just to see if it helped. Already had Volkl poly in the mains. You were correct. Made a huge difference. Was swinging away from both sides and everything was dipping in the court. Unfortunately after an hour my elbow was hurting. Arm does not tolerate all poly very well. But I did have it crazy tight, and the Becker poly is like wire. Maybe I can put a little softer poly in it at a few less pounds and still keep the ball in the court. I now do know the racket will work for me, so just will have to see if I can find a string set-up my arm can handle that still keeps the ball in play. By the way, I am you in 12 years. I've had 4 knee surgeries... 2 on each knee. Badly need another one on the left knee, but putting it off. Maybe later this fall. No fun getting old and dealing with all the miles on court! Thanks for the suggestions.
you should try silverstring or rslyon poly, both are low power but easy on the arm, string it 46-50 range and it should work.
 

wsk429

Semi-Pro
yeah I generally only swing at 80-85% power... the only time I swing for say 90-95% is when I truly want to destroy the ball... those are the shots where my opponent might be right there but the pace and heaviness just forces them to give an unforced error ;)

With the XFP95 I had to hit 90% all of the time just to maintain depth and not have things sit up. I turn 46 at the end of the month... it just doent make sense to play like Im 22!

It's better to play like a 22 when you're 46 than to play like a 46 when you're 22!
 
At 46 I had been through 3 knee surgeries... had another one at 50. They can't really repair my problem, so I need another one pretty bad at this point. I think I probably hit the ball better now than I did 35 plus years ago as a college player, but the wheels are not what they used to be....!
well I turn 46 at the end of the month but I play 26 year olds all the time... in fact I'm way faster and infinitely stronger than I was when I was 26. I've gotten much more serious about agility training and such, back in the old days I think I just relied on my serve and my return (you could do that in the 80's). Now my movements a big advantage for me for defense...if my eyes were as good as they were 26 well then I'd be 26 but I'm certainly moving way faster than I was when I was 26. I don't recover the same way day after day but I can play better. So for me i play a more athletic game at 45 than 20... just i cant play 5 days in a row for 2-4 hours a day like my teenage years.

i look like im in my 30's and play like it... though im 45. after my ACL reconstruction what 27 years ago I enjoy the fact that I've got very good court coverage and move quickly now.
 
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lstewart

Semi-Pro
Yeah, it is good to be fit as a senior player. I also don't look like, or play like my age, but I sure feel it in the knees and arm! I also generally work out with younger guys. Trained every day with my son all through his junior career until he left to play in college. I think I would actually prefer to face the younger power players with the modern game than the senior offspeed stuff.
 
Yeah, it is good to be fit as a senior player. I also don't look like, or play like my age, but I sure feel it in the knees and arm! I also generally work out with younger guys. Trained every day with my son all through his junior career until he left to play in college. I think I would actually prefer to face the younger power players with the modern game than the senior offspeed stuff.
yes the crafty senior play can be real challenging... im a ballstriker and prefer pace so i generally hit bigger than those i play... especially the younger ones with loopy shots eho think depth and grinding will effect my 1hbh (its s mistake against extreme one handers but we are rare in the usa). I can go between flat and very spinny since i remade my game 9 years or so ago... most of the younger crowd dont have great slice backhands, which if used well can cause me more trouble than deep, heavy topspin. Slice is a bit of a lost art.

Angell tc95 frames allow me to switch from flat to spin nicely... they are versatile.
 
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lstewart

Semi-Pro
I hit a hard driving ball with just enough top to keep it in the court. Love to swing all out on eastern grip forehand, and also have a one hand backhand. Game was developed in the 70's, so have that old school type of stroke, but have modernized it a little over the years. Yes, younger players at times don't handle low balls, or slice very well. I can hit slice backhands all day in my sleep.
 
I hit a hard driving ball with just enough top to keep it in the court. Love to swing all out on eastern grip forehand, and also have a one hand backhand. Game was developed in the 70's, so have that old school type of stroke, but have modernized it a little over the years. Yes, younger players at times don't handle low balls, or slice very well. I can hit slice backhands all day in my sleep.
Yeah my main hitting partner was a teaching pro in SF who was frequently a hitting partner for WTA players who needed practice against wicked lefty slice backhands... we are a good yin and yang. He thinks about how Neil Young would play tennis... with me its Jimmy Hendrix. Since he switched to the prostaff 95s weve had these truly crazy rallies where we both end up using the entire court (He's decided that baseline rallies with me are a losing proposition). So hes baiting me to the net before I can take an approach... so I end up just S&V-ing so Im volleying the ball I want. Its deeply chaotic tennis and I dig it. He's got the best second serve Ive ever faced and Ive hit with futures guys (admittedly they were all shorter in stature). Our matches are like Wilco's Sky Blue Sky album.... no monotony.
 
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