The Official Angell Users Club

zalive

Hall of Fame
Interesting observation from my end last night. Has me doubting things so much.

So these days I am hitting pretty heavy and high intensity with local D2 coach. Part of it was to lose some weight in the beginning (was 180 now back to 170) but after a few hard sessions, started enjoying it so much I just made it a regular hitting thing. He is young, graduated a couple years back and accepted the head coach position. Mid twenties, athletic and runs after every ball, just like me. The only difference is he is a pure returner. Me on the other hand, I try to put mustard on my forehands every now and then and I can hit them big. I am only 5'9 ish so I hit with proper technique, stepping in, unit turn, core rotation, the whole shabang. Weak link is the OHBH which is not as consistent obviously but I can still run around it and smack the ball around. Even though I'm 34, I beat the #3 kid they recruited last year (Spaniard kid) in straight sets (played D2 myself).

But anyway, coming back to my conundrum. Both my 63 RA TC100 are being strung. Was playing with the Tec LTD 315 16 mains. I have a wrist pain that has been bothering me since Jan. I'm hesistant to go have MRI done. Last time I had MRI done ten years ago, I had a tear in my shoulder tendon so you can understand the apprehension. So far Bengay and medical tape has kept it at bay. But anyway, I wasnt hitting the ball as hard and fast with the LTD 315. Could not afford to go stiffer racquets (had Babs in bag too along with 70RA TC100s) so I went with Donnay Pro One Dual Core since its 61 RA strung. Oh my God, even the guy across from me told me I was hitting like a maniac the forehands were so strong. Not as much spin, but quick with the 'thump' sound. Low net clearance. I have 18G pink Cyclone in that Donnay.

This has me in a lot of doubt. After playing tennis for over two decades now, have I been playing with the wrong string pattern? Was it the denser 18x20 that made my forehands look like a gift from God? I can tell you honestly that even with my TC 100 I do not drop bombs like that. I was not 'hot' I can tell you that so it wasn't like I was in a zone. I'm talking normal neutral rally balls when you hit. Was it the balance perhaps? Donnay always felt sluggish to me and more towards even balance not like the more HL sticks I regularly play with. Was it the non leather grip with OG? Or maybe just a change after a long time? Whatever it was, if I continue hitting like that (for almost two hours too), I am getting a couple more.

I will try and hit with both TC100 today when I get them back from stringing today. Compare head on. Really in doubt though. Not sure what I will do. I play with a eastern/modern eastern with straight arm for my forehand and eastern BH, to give an idea.

Thoughts? Feedback?

18x20 pattern doesn't make you hit harder by itself. It must be the racquet as well which lets you swing big and has a good energy return too. Obviously your regular stroke launches lower trajectory ball with 18x20, so directional speed of the ball is bigger, and obviously there's less topspin on it because of trajectory and pattern. But it doesn't mean ball is heavier as well. Ball in a loop may have identical speed yet directional speed will be lower because of different trajectory. So, thanks to topspin, ball hit with the open pattern racquet can be heavier. In the end you decide which is better. You can test it in a match situation to see which one is more effective for you against different players. And in the end, you can play with a certain racquet just because it brings more joy to you when hitting.
 
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dgoran

Hall of Fame
Interesting observation from my end last night. Has me doubting things so much.

So these days I am hitting pretty heavy and high intensity with local D2 coach. Part of it was to lose some weight in the beginning (was 180 now back to 170) but after a few hard sessions, started enjoying it so much I just made it a regular hitting thing. He is young, graduated a couple years back and accepted the head coach position. Mid twenties, athletic and runs after every ball, just like me. The only difference is he is a pure returner. Me on the other hand, I try to put mustard on my forehands every now and then and I can hit them big. I am only 5'9 ish so I hit with proper technique, stepping in, unit turn, core rotation, the whole shabang. Weak link is the OHBH which is not as consistent obviously but I can still run around it and smack the ball around. Even though I'm 34, I beat the #3 kid they recruited last year (Spaniard kid) in straight sets (played D2 myself).

But anyway, coming back to my conundrum. Both my 63 RA TC100 are being strung. Was playing with the Tec LTD 315 16 mains. I have a wrist pain that has been bothering me since Jan. I'm hesistant to go have MRI done. Last time I had MRI done ten years ago, I had a tear in my shoulder tendon so you can understand the apprehension. So far Bengay and medical tape has kept it at bay. But anyway, I wasnt hitting the ball as hard and fast with the LTD 315. Could not afford to go stiffer racquets (had Babs in bag too along with 70RA TC100s) so I went with Donnay Pro One Dual Core since its 61 RA strung. Oh my God, even the guy across from me told me I was hitting like a maniac the forehands were so strong. Not as much spin, but quick with the 'thump' sound. Low net clearance. I have 18G pink Cyclone in that Donnay.

This has me in a lot of doubt. After playing tennis for over two decades now, have I been playing with the wrong string pattern? Was it the denser 18x20 that made my forehands look like a gift from God? I can tell you honestly that even with my TC 100 I do not drop bombs like that. I was not 'hot' I can tell you that so it wasn't like I was in a zone. I'm talking normal neutral rally balls when you hit. Was it the balance perhaps? Donnay always felt sluggish to me and more towards even balance not like the more HL sticks I regularly play with. Was it the non leather grip with OG? Or maybe just a change after a long time? Whatever it was, if I continue hitting like that (for almost two hours too), I am getting a couple more.

I will try and hit with both TC100 today when I get them back from stringing today. Compare head on. Really in doubt though. Not sure what I will do. I play with a eastern/modern eastern with straight arm for my forehand and eastern BH, to give an idea.

Thoughts? Feedback?
My experience as well that 18x20 hits harder ball maybe it's from confidence with controlled pattern or whatever but yes problem is I found that retrievers pushers and in general people that need other peoples pace can get flatter strokes back with ease.

Think mannarino vs quarray last night or mannarino vs pretty much any big hitter.

Also margins are smaller I feel with big hitting so if you are not on it's good night
 

haqq777

Legend
18x20 pattern doesn't make you hit harder by itself. It must be the racquet as well which lets you swing big and has a good energy return too. Obviously your regular stroke launches lower trajectory ball with 18x20, so directional speed of the ball is bigger, and obviously there's less topspin on it because of trajectory and pattern. But it doesn't mean ball is heavier as well. Ball in a loop may have identical speed yet directional speed will be lower because of different trajectory. So, thanks to topspin, ball hit with the open pattern racquet can be heavier. In the end you decide which is better. You can test it in a match situation to see which one is more effective for you against different players. And in the end, you can play with a certain racquet just because it brings more joy to you when hitting.
Thanks. True. I have a feeling its the different balance of the stick as well, as a factor. My opponent was caught off-guard initially because he's used to a particular kind of ball coming back-to him. Wasn't like he couldn't return my shots. And with the denser string pattern racquet, I am guessing the ball was coming back to him faster, lower and well, different. Less net clearance, more pace. I think with 16x19 the spin compensates for the quickness (or directional speed as you called it). As @dgoran pointed, margins are smaller too. Maybe some other night I would have been hitting the net tape all night long, who knows.
 
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haqq777

Legend
My experience as well that 18x20 hits harder ball maybe it's from confidence with controlled pattern or whatever but yes problem is I found that retrievers pushers and in general people that need other peoples pace can get flatter strokes back with ease.

Think mannarino vs quarray last night or mannarino vs pretty much any big hitter.

Also margins are smaller I feel with big hitting so if you are not on it's good night
Very good points. I was getting the balls back in from him once he got used to it, more than usual (even though from where I was hitting, it looked like I was hitting missiles). Retrievers like that kind of hitting. Flatter, less spinny returns are easy to put back in one more time.
 
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zalive

Hall of Fame
Thanks. True. I have a feeling its the different balance of the stick as well, as a factor. My opponent was caught off-guard initially because he's used to a particular kind of ball coming back-to him. Wasn't like he couldn't return my shots. And with the denser string pattern racquet, I am guessing the ball was coming back to him faster, lower and well, different. Less net clearance, more pace. I think with 16x19 the spin compensates for the quickness (or directional speed as you called it). As @dgoran pointed, margins are smaller too. Maybe some other night I would have been hitting the net tape all night long, who knows.

One of my now regular hitting partners, when he was playing briefly with IGPMP (he is otherwise the open pattern player coming from years of playing with Yonex Tour and EZone racquets) he was hitting a really big ball. He always tries to generate decent topspin and was able to make up a lot, however this racquet made him work hard and he was hitting some bombs. However he didn't stick with it because he thought he needs to work too hard for it lol. Anyway, if I was you I would test it all and see what fits me better, with the open attitude ;)
 

haqq777

Legend
One of my now regular hitting partners, when he was playing briefly with IGPMP (he is otherwise the open pattern player coming from years of playing with Yonex Tour and EZone racquets) he was hitting a really big ball. He always tries to generate decent topspin and was able to make up a lot, however this racquet made him work hard and he was hitting some bombs. However he didn't stick with it because he thought he needs to work too hard for it lol. Anyway, if I was you I would test it all and see what fits me better, with the open attitude ;)
So much equipment so little time, my friend :)
 

topspn

Legend
Interesting conversation! One of the things I like about TC100 is ability to flatten out. I like hitting topspn and throwing in a flattened hit, just throw off opposition with the change of pace
 

Siberia

New User
I've been browsing here for quite awhile and finally decided to make an account and join the Angell train! It was an absolute pleasure working with Paul and he worked to get the specifications of my racket just as I wanted. I wanted as close to 290SW as possible, BUT wanted the RA 63, TC95. He ended up completing my request today and the racket is supposed to arrive tomorrow.

TC95 - RA63 / 300.2g / 324mm / 292SW!

I'm hoping to get it strung tomorrow as well while I'm at it. To anyone out there, did you string your Angell rackets the same tension as your other rackets or is there a difference I should be aware of? I'm currently playing with the Pure Aero strung at 53 with RPM.
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
I've been browsing here for quite awhile and finally decided to make an account and join the Angell train! It was an absolute pleasure working with Paul and he worked to get the specifications of my racket just as I wanted. I wanted as close to 290SW as possible, BUT wanted the RA 63, TC95. He ended up completing my request today and the racket is supposed to arrive tomorrow.

TC95 - RA63 / 300.2g / 324mm / 292SW!

I'm hoping to get it strung tomorrow as well while I'm at it. To anyone out there, did you string your Angell rackets the same tension as your other rackets or is there a difference I should be aware of? I'm currently playing with the Pure Aero strung at 53 with RPM.

Welcome to the club @Siberia... Haven't had a chance to string mine yet, but I'm going to go with the usual set-up and string. That way I can compare it to my other racquets like-for-like, then decide how to set it up in the future. Interested in what others will say...
 

NkdRnr

New User
Very excited! Just ordered my first Angell. I decided on the TC95 16x19 RA 63. I chose to go with similar specs to one of my all time favorites, the Volkl PB10 Mid. Really anxious to get started with it!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

Hoosh

New User
I've been browsing here for quite awhile and finally decided to make an account and join the Angell train! It was an absolute pleasure working with Paul and he worked to get the specifications of my racket just as I wanted. I wanted as close to 290SW as possible, BUT wanted the RA 63, TC95. He ended up completing my request today and the racket is supposed to arrive tomorrow.

TC95 - RA63 / 300.2g / 324mm / 292SW!

I'm hoping to get it strung tomorrow as well while I'm at it. To anyone out there, did you string your Angell rackets the same tension as your other rackets or is there a difference I should be aware of? I'm currently playing with the Pure Aero strung at 53 with RPM.

Congratulations! Paul told me to string the same initially so that the only variable was the racquet. I was coming from a DR98. I experimented with a couple things but am personally liking 2 pounds less on both mains and crosses. 50/52.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

topspn

Legend
I've been browsing here for quite awhile and finally decided to make an account and join the Angell train! It was an absolute pleasure working with Paul and he worked to get the specifications of my racket just as I wanted. I wanted as close to 290SW as possible, BUT wanted the RA 63, TC95. He ended up completing my request today and the racket is supposed to arrive tomorrow.

TC95 - RA63 / 300.2g / 324mm / 292SW!

I'm hoping to get it strung tomorrow as well while I'm at it. To anyone out there, did you string your Angell rackets the same tension as your other rackets or is there a difference I should be aware of? I'm currently playing with the Pure Aero strung at 53 with RPM.
IMHO these frames come into their own at low tension. I had no trouble at all playing full poly @45lbs
 

Subaruvich

Semi-Pro
I've been browsing here for quite awhile and finally decided to make an account and join the Angell train! It was an absolute pleasure working with Paul and he worked to get the specifications of my racket just as I wanted. I wanted as close to 290SW as possible, BUT wanted the RA 63, TC95. He ended up completing my request today and the racket is supposed to arrive tomorrow.

TC95 - RA63 / 300.2g / 324mm / 292SW!

I'm hoping to get it strung tomorrow as well while I'm at it. To anyone out there, did you string your Angell rackets the same tension as your other rackets or is there a difference I should be aware of? I'm currently playing with the Pure Aero strung at 53 with RPM.

Please share your thoughts on how it plays after you hit with it. I have myself one TC95 RA63 with lower SW than average, just like yours. And it plays and feels different from those with higher SW. I added lead to match the SW, but still not quite the same feel and character.
 

topspn

Legend
Please share your thoughts on how it plays after you hit with it. I have myself one TC95 RA63 with lower SW than average, just like yours. And it plays and feels different from those with higher SW. I added lead to match the SW, but still not quite the same feel and character.
What was the SW of the one that plays different vs others?
 

ace18

Professional
I took my new TC100 out for a spin for the second time last night. Actually played some sets. New string job RS Lyon. All I can say is wow. Everything worked well. The first hit, I struggled with slice and volleys. After re-adding the leather grip, those issues went away. I was hitting shots that I'm not confident in hitting with my PS97. My only real struggle was my serve. I was serving long. Minor adjustment with a little practice. I was serving much harder and much more spin than my PS97. I'm a 52 year old 4.5 and was playing against one of my buddies that is a 27 year old 5.0. He hits a very heavy ball. He normally gets the best of me in rallies that go 10 shots or more but last night I was able to hang with him longer and absorb his pace due to the stability of the stick. I won more of the rallies than normal. The best part, I felt confident when rallying. I can't wait until the next hit.
 

ed70

Professional
I took my new TC100 out for a spin for the second time last night. Actually played some sets. New string job RS Lyon. All I can say is wow. Everything worked well. The first hit, I struggled with slice and volleys. After re-adding the leather grip, those issues went away. I was hitting shots that I'm not confident in hitting with my PS97. My only real struggle was my serve. I was serving long. Minor adjustment with a little practice. I was serving much harder and much more spin than my PS97. I'm a 52 year old 4.5 and was playing against one of my buddies that is a 27 year old 5.0. He hits a very heavy ball. He normally gets the best of me in rallies that go 10 shots or more but last night I was able to hang with him longer and absorb his pace due to the stability of the stick. I won more of the rallies than normal. The best part, I felt confident when rallying. I can't wait until the next hit.

I found the PS97 the red one.. to feel heavier in the head than the specs. Maybe this is why your hitting serve long, thinner beam of tc100 and faster racquet head speed?
 

ace18

Professional
I found the PS97 the red one.. to feel heavier in the head than the specs. Maybe this is why your hitting serve long, thinner beam of tc100 and faster racquet head speed?
Yep, I have the red one and it swings a lot heavier than the TC100 more even balanced. But I think you are right, I was swinging faster than I'm used to which was giving more pop. I should have just backed up a foot and served from there, lol. I did notice that I had pretty good directional control serving. When serving to deuce, I'm pretty good at nailing the T, I was missing the T but they were all close and just outside the line, consistently. Serve is normally my least concern because I can go out and hit 50 to 100 serves and figure it out. I've been wanting to find a lighter racquet than my Staffs but one that was stable and can absorb pace. So far, this fits the bill.
 

topspn

Legend
I took my new TC100 out for a spin for the second time last night. Actually played some sets. New string job RS Lyon. All I can say is wow. Everything worked well. The first hit, I struggled with slice and volleys. After re-adding the leather grip, those issues went away. I was hitting shots that I'm not confident in hitting with my PS97. My only real struggle was my serve. I was serving long. Minor adjustment with a little practice. I was serving much harder and much more spin than my PS97. I'm a 52 year old 4.5 and was playing against one of my buddies that is a 27 year old 5.0. He hits a very heavy ball. He normally gets the best of me in rallies that go 10 shots or more but last night I was able to hang with him longer and absorb his pace due to the stability of the stick. I won more of the rallies than normal. The best part, I felt confident when rallying. I can't wait until the next hit.
Serve is just down to getting your timing down on your motion and wrist snap. It will come easily once you have served a bit with it. So you like RS @48 it appears...cool
 

ace18

Professional
Serve is just down to getting your timing down on your motion and wrist snap. It will come easily once you have served a bit with it. So you like RS @48 it appears...cool
Yes, when warming up it felt a bit underpowered but once we started playing I didn't really notice it. It was very comfortable. I normally always hybrid. I did full poly and my arm and shoulder feel great today. I'll be going back to pick up some more at the great price of 7 bucks, lol.
 

ace18

Professional
I am trying out the new Pure Strike, I'm sorry! Mostly just curiosity.
I hit with the Pure Strike 16X19 and 18X20. I wasn't really that all impressed with the 16X19. I liked the 18X20 better even though I'm not an 18X20 guy. I didn't spend a lot of time with either racquet but based upon initial hit, I would have preferred the 18X20. My son plays the PS100, new one, he loves it.
 

topspn

Legend
I am trying out the new Pure Strike, I'm sorry! Mostly just curiosity.

I tried the project one7 and I thought it was super easy to pickup and play effective tennis with. Did everything very well except I kept getting soreness in my arm after i played. Obviously, i won’t contemplate at this point a racquet that gives me any soreness or pain but really good racquet. And don’t tell anyone, I also have a Duel G in my bag and think its a wonderful frame. If I didn’t have my Angells, Duel G would be my racquet for sure.
 

beltsman

G.O.A.T.
I tried the project one7 and I thought it was super easy to pickup and play effective tennis with. Did everything very well except I kept getting soreness in my arm after i played. Obviously, i won’t contemplate at this point a racquet that gives me any soreness or pain but really good racquet. And don’t tell anyone, I also have a Duel G in my bag and think its a wonderful frame. If I didn’t have my Angells, Duel G would be my racquet for sure.

The huge sweetspot on the PO7 (based on TW data) and thin beam, along with the power data, has me super intrigued. I've never seen anything like it.

I would love to see sweet spot and power data for Angells.
 

topspn

Legend
The huge sweetspot on the PO7 (based on TW data) and thin beam, along with the power data, has me super intrigued. I've never seen anything like it.

I would love to see sweet spot and power data for Angells.
Like i said, its pretty good racquet! It won’t have the comfort, serve or heavy ball of a TC100. It is pretty whippy super fast, needs weight in the handle for added response on heavy balls and some @12 but very easy to play with.
 

haqq777

Legend
Yes, when warming up it felt a bit underpowered but once we started playing I didn't really notice it. It was very comfortable. I normally always hybrid. I did full poly and my arm and shoulder feel great today. I'll be going back to pick up some more at the great price of 7 bucks, lol.
Yep, I played all types of full bed poly in my 63 RA TC100 and never any pain or discomfort. RS Lyon is my favorite string so far in the TC100. Where are you getting it at $7 bucks though? Thats a steal of a price for that string!
 

ace18

Professional
Yep, I played all types of full bed poly in my 63 RA TC100 and never any pain or discomfort. RS Lyon is my favorite string so far in the TC100. Where are you getting it at $7 bucks though? Thats a steal of a price for that string!
There is a store in Atlanta that is selling for 6.98 a pack. It didn't sell well so they marked it down. I was shocked when I went to buy it the other day.
 
J

joohan

Guest
A stream of consciousness (haven't had one for a long time):

I am a bit of a fancy pants, I like my guitars handmade from solid wood etc. I had a bit of a revelation last week when I picked up a "plastic bowl back" electro-acoustic and could not put it down. Ridiculously easy to play which inspired me to create some beautiful tunes...I was even considering making an offer to the owner.

Shell shocked, I went to look for something similar online and I've come across an Ovation guitar video review. The guy there said a beauty of a quote:

"The guitar should be so comfortable and easy to play that the process you focus on is creating music instead of playing an instrument."

Seems absolutely relevant regarding tennis frames.
 

beltsman

G.O.A.T.
Like i said, its pretty good racquet! It won’t have the comfort, serve or heavy ball of a TC100. It is pretty whippy super fast, needs weight in the handle for added response on heavy balls and some @12 but very easy to play with.

I haven't found the TC 100 to be all that powerful - I can crush the ball more with the 95. But the 100 is more forgiving. Less precise though. I want to see if the PO7 fills the Gap in between.
 

topspn

Legend
I haven't found the TC 100 to be all that powerful - I can crush the ball more with the 95. But the 100 is more forgiving. Less precise though. I want to see if the PO7 fills the Gap in between.
hmm...I thought TC100 had tons of power just delivers it differently. The one7 will be very user friendly except on comfort. It will hit flat zingers but it will not hit a ball with lots of weight behind it like a TC100 and in stock form will be a bit overmatched against heavy hitters.
 

scf

Semi-Pro
Yep, I played all types of full bed poly in my 63 RA TC100 and never any pain or discomfort. RS Lyon is my favorite string so far in the TC100. Where are you getting it at $7 bucks though? Thats a steal of a price for that string!
There is also a store, where it's available for a little bit more than $7 (after tax is excluded).
 

haqq777

Legend
There is also a store, where it's available for a little bit more than $7 (after tax is excluded).
Must be a temporary mark down in prices. Have never seen a set of RS Lyon for under 10 bucks, even on sale! I need to hunt for deals more often I guess :) - does this store have a website for online orders?
 

beltsman

G.O.A.T.
hmm...I thought TC100 had tons of power just delivers it differently. The one7 will be very user friendly except on comfort. It will hit flat zingers but it will not hit a ball with lots of weight behind it like a TC100 and in stock form will be a bit overmatched against heavy hitters.

Interesting, we shall see!
 

Sambuccashake

Hall of Fame
I haven't found the TC 100 to be all that powerful - I can crush the ball more with the 95. But the 100 is more forgiving. Less precise though. I want to see if the PO7 fills the Gap in between.
I have owned the Project One 7 and is currently playing the TC95 (63 RA). Imho, there is very little resemblance between the two. The Babolat felt surprisingly dead.
 

ed70

Professional
I have owned the Project One 7 and is currently playing the TC95 (63 RA). Imho, there is very little resemblance between the two. The Babolat felt surprisingly dead.

Exactly how I found it could not think of a frame ive hit recently that is further away from the feel of an Angell, I actually thought the sweet spot was not large and outside of it was jarring. Ive mentioned before for a frame that was hyped and is from the biggest seller of frames in the UK, I have not encountered 1 person using one. Obviously not good enough to prise people away from their pure drive or aero's.
 

topspn

Legend
Well, just had 1/2hr for some quick serves with TC100 strung YPTS @50. No chance to hit, not even a wall but serving was pretty darned good. Much heavier ball and kicks looks great and comfort did not seem like a factor. I like it better then RS at least on serve. Playing a doubles match tomorrow so will see how it goes.
 

scf

Semi-Pro
Well, just had 1/2hr for some quick serves with TC100 strung YPTS @50. No chance to hit, not even a wall but serving was pretty darned good. Much heavier ball and kicks looks great and comfort did not seem like a factor. I like it better then RS at least on serve. Playing a doubles match tomorrow so will see how it goes.
Strung at 22kg it died for me too fast :(
 

zalive

Hall of Fame
Yes, 1.20

I see...textured strings are in reality even thinner because the outer diameter counts for the gauge...meaning they can be even more sensitive...
I use YPTP 1.25 and I try to hybrid it with some other crosses. The reason is, this way a string bed may die bit later than full bed of YPTP...
 
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