Thinking about trying Angell TC 95 16x19

Hi Folks,
I have been using the PS85 for some years and I love the feel and control of this racquet. However, Angell TC 95 16x19 has been on my radar for some time and I feel like I should give it a go. Has anyone moved to the TC95 from a PS85/90 ? Thoughts ?

About me : I am 4.0 C-rated player or was - when i was in US - long time ago though. Left handed. Single Handed BH. More of a baseliner with medium Top Spin most of the times. Use a Flat FH to gain adv on rallies. My serve has deteriorated over the years as I grow older and to some extent, my BH too. The FH has been strong though. I don't like bigger frames. Tried a Head Prestige - 98 sq in. and it look my game down a notch.

Would appreciate any inputs from you guys.
 

Username_

Hall of Fame
Don't get it if you love the PS90/PS85. The launch angle of the TC95 16x19 would greatly affect your game unless you adapt your game to it, or really are intent on wanting a loopier ball.

If you wanna opt for an Angell in your case, get the TC97 instead. The launch angle is more linear and hits a flatter ball similar to the PS85 and PS90 as opposed to the Angell TC95
 

max

Legend
I'm in the OP's boat. I like the comments on the TC 95 being great for serving, and that's been weighing on my mind.

when it comes to launch angle, what is the TC 95 similar to?
 

stephenclown

Professional
I agree with nvr2old - the 18x20 versions would be more more similar to the pro staff 90/85. My TC90 is much more solid than my 16x19 95 and it still feels very soft off the stringbed and loose compared to the pro staff tour 90. My 18x20 TC97 was much more solid feeling compared to both of my other Angells. I still prefer my 90 for serving though of all my frames and the feel was so plush and nice compared to the pro staff although much higher powered.

The launch angle is high on the 16x19 but unsure what to compare it with. Pure aero wasnt anywhere near as controlled but similarish launch angle imo. 90 is a little more neutral but I feel the flex of the 63RA 16x19 95 gives it that additional height.
 
My apologies if I was not clear, I love my PS85 and I love the PS90 too. I prefer the PS85 over the PS90.

I would like to hit a heavy ball when I want and flatten it out when I can.. With the PS85, it has enough mass that it can do both but I have to be on top of my game at all times.

What I am hoping is that the Angell does all that plus a bit of forgiveness due to the larger head and some benefit from the foam filling, if any. Additional benefits like easy power and spin would be great.

Thanks !!

Sent from my SM-N920G using Tapatalk
 

Username_

Hall of Fame
My apologies if I was not clear, I love my PS85 and I love the PS90 too. I prefer the PS85 over the PS90.

I would like to hit a heavy ball when I want and flatten it out when I can.. With the PS85, it has enough mass that it can do both but I have to be on top of my game at all times.

What I am hoping is that the Angell does all that plus a bit of forgiveness due to the larger head and some benefit from the foam filling, if any. Additional benefits like easy power and spin would be great.

Thanks !!

Sent from my SM-N920G using Tapatalk
TC97
- Flattens out easier
- Hits a more linear ball
- Less power
- Less access to spin
- More stability

TC95
- Harder to flatten out
- Hits a loopier ball
- More power
- Easier access to spin
- Less stability

Take your pick.
 

Prince Vegeta

Semi-Pro
My apologies if I was not clear, I love my PS85 and I love the PS90 too. I prefer the PS85 over the PS90.

I would like to hit a heavy ball when I want and flatten it out when I can.. With the PS85, it has enough mass that it can do both but I have to be on top of my game at all times.

What I am hoping is that the Angell does all that plus a bit of forgiveness due to the larger head and some benefit from the foam filling, if any. Additional benefits like easy power and spin would be great.

Thanks !!

Sent from my SM-N920G using Tapatalk
He TC95 hits the heaviest ball that I’ve ever achieved with tons of spin, yet at the same time, it can flatten out better than any other racket I’ve used. It’s kinda odd because you wouldn’t expect to be able to do both so well. The foam filling will just provide a lot of comfort, and a nice crisp, yet flex response. It makes a nice sound too.
 

max

Legend
I haven't judged racquets by "launch angle" before. . . how does the TC95 compare to a basic Volkl C-10?
 

travlerajm

Talk Tennis Guru
Launch angle (or more accurately, launch angle sensitivity to incoming spin/pace) is extremely tension dependent. Higher tension = lower launch angle.

It is also very string pattern dependent. High stringbed density = lower launch angle.

My personal preference is to start with as dense a pattern as I can find. This means I can string at lower tensions to have better tension maintenance and better long-term stability of the stringbed characteristics.

Also, it's desirable to play with the minimum launch angle that still gives you enough spin.
 
Thanks guys ! Just found the huuuggeee Angell thread. Gonna read that a bit and decide on this.

Sent from my SM-N920G using Tapatalk
 
When I went looking for the ideal midplus frame 2+ years ago I held the PS85 as having some of the qualities I wanted. Specificily I love how the PS85 can hit huge flat or spinny shots and its foam filled. TC95 checked those boxes for me... Huge serves, great dtl sampras-ish forehands...some edbergian dtl backhand potential. My second serve is based on Edberg's (a poor imitation but hey) and the TC95 works well with that very twisty second.

The thing about the PS85 is it has amplitude... line it up and really strike it it provides monster shots. TC95 is like that but is much easier on defense and returns far better for me than the ps85. Its tricky to be sure as the TC95 is not a PS85 clone.... an extremely distant relative at best (foam filled and not much else in common). So far Im very happy with it... it has some qualities of the PS85 and Max 200g but it has its own thing and took me a lot to adapt to it's qualities.


its all in here: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...95-16x19-flexy-shakedown.553138/#post-9954079
 
Last edited:

max

Legend
I"m a longtime user of the Dunlop Max 200G and spent a great summer with a PS 85/6.0 (before it stressed my hand). TC 95 sounds good.
 

sp1derman

Professional
I'm in the OP's boat. I like the comments on the TC 95 being great for serving, and that's been weighing on my mind.

when it comes to launch angle, what is the TC 95 similar to?

Launch angle was similar to the PS 6.1 95 blx, 95 square inch but very spaced out strings and makes you very loopy.
 
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clutch21

Rookie
+1 for the TC95 18x20. I was in your exact same boat. Fell in love with the PS85 but found it disadvantageous against bigger hitters when I wasn't in position. Looked at several different frames but just kept coming back to the 85. I finally tried the TC95 18x20 about 1.5 years ago and haven't picked up another racquet since. I got in touch with Paul and he recommended me the 95 with the following specs: 18x20, 63 RA, 320g, 12 pts HL. Only caveat is that the stick does not work well with anything but full bed poly IMO. If you end up giving it ago, consider Kirschbaum Max Power Rough18g strung at 45 lbs. This is my favorite poly in this frame. Solinco revolution 18 is also great.

I've also tried the 97 out of curiosity. Admittedly, it was for less than a set, but I just didn't like the responsiveness compared to my TC95.
 
+1 for the TC95 18x20. I was in your exact same boat. Fell in love with the PS85 but found it disadvantageous against bigger hitters when I wasn't in position. Looked at several different frames but just kept coming back to the 85. I finally tried the TC95 18x20 about 1.5 years ago and haven't picked up another racquet since. I got in touch with Paul and he recommended me the 95 with the following specs: 18x20, 63 RA, 320g, 12 pts HL. Only caveat is that the stick does not work well with anything but full bed poly IMO. If you end up giving it ago, consider Kirschbaum Max Power Rough18g strung at 45 lbs. This is my favorite poly in this frame. Solinco revolution 18 is also great.

I've also tried the 97 out of curiosity. Admittedly, it was for less than a set, but I just didn't like the responsiveness compared to my TC95.
i like rslyon but should try max power some time. I know @SpinToWin i know
 

max

Legend
Having had a rotator cuff problem 25 years ago, and TE plus GE problems recently----well, doing anything in poly sounds like an exercise in "hey, try to break my arm."
 
Having had a rotator cuff problem 25 years ago, and TE plus GE problems recently----well, doing anything in poly sounds like an exercise in "hey, try to break my arm."
Ive heard of some people using syngut and or hybrids... cant remember who though but lower tension poly is really nice... I play in the low 40's high 30's when the string settles (I string at 45-46)
 
When I went looking for the ideal midplus frame 2+ years ago I held the PS85 as having some of the qualities I wanted. Specificily I love how the PS85 can hit huge flat or spinny shots and its foam filled. TC95 checked those boxes for me... Huge serves, great dtl sampras-ish forehands...some edbergian dtl backhand potential. My second serve is based on Edberg's (a poor imitation but hey) and the TC95 works well with that very twisty second.

The thing about the PS85 is it has amplitude... line it up and really strike it it provides monster shots. TC95 is like that but is much easier on defense and returns far better for me than the ps85. Its tricky to be sure as the TC95 is not a PS85 clone.... an extremely distant relative at best (foam filled and not much else in common). So far Im very happy with it... it has some qualities of the PS85 and Max 200g but it has its own thing and took me a lot to adapt to it's qualities.


its all in here: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...95-16x19-flexy-shakedown.553138/#post-9954079

I didn't know that PS85 was foam filled and its good to know that TC95 is foam filled as well. You are right, I can produce loopy-spinny balls with it, given that I am set-up properly. Thanks for the great read in your thread. Loved the info !!

+1 for the TC95 18x20. I was in your exact same boat. Fell in love with the PS85 but found it disadvantageous against bigger hitters when I wasn't in position. Looked at several different frames but just kept coming back to the 85. I finally tried the TC95 18x20 about 1.5 years ago and haven't picked up another racquet since. I got in touch with Paul and he recommended me the 95 with the following specs: 18x20, 63 RA, 320g, 12 pts HL. Only caveat is that the stick does not work well with anything but full bed poly IMO. If you end up giving it ago, consider Kirschbaum Max Power Rough18g strung at 45 lbs. This is my favorite poly in this frame. Solinco revolution 18 is also great.

I've also tried the 97 out of curiosity. Admittedly, it was for less than a set, but I just didn't like the responsiveness compared to my TC95.

This is exactly how I feel. I sometimes hit with the top ranked player in my state and I can hold my own when just rallying. But when we play a set, he ll just easily stretch me and get an easy putaway ball. When I was trying out the Head Prestige MP, my defensive balls were going deep but thats the only thing that worked for me, so it went back in the bag after a week of trying it. Also, it had a weird ping sound, even with a dampener. I think I'll sell it off cheap just to get rid of it.

Both my PS85s are 16x18, 350g, 6-7 HL. Maybe, the 18x20 tc95 is a closer fit to my current set-up rather than the 16x19... Following are the specs I am leaning to :

TC95 (undecided on 16x19 or 18x20)
63RA
320gms
10 pts HL
L2
-------------------
Strung Could be :

strings + Overgrip + 0 dampener

=> Bringing me to ~342 gms and 6-7 pts HL, with a SW of around 320.

Does anyone have the 320gms + 10 Pts HL version ? Could you share your racket stats after stringing , adding grip and dampener ?

My string of choice is Head Sonic Pro - Its an Oldie but a goodie. Ideal tension for me on my PS85 is 43lbs.

What if I aim for a SW of somewhere around 310. Would that get pushed around by heavy hitters ?



Thanks to everyone for your inputs so far.
 

Georgo

New User
TC95 (undecided on 16x19 or 18x20)
63RA
320gms
10 pts HL
L2

The TC95 has a relatively high launch angle, but I find it fairly easy to keep my shots flat when I want to. That is the beauty of this beast (TC95 16x19, 25/25Kg). :)
Tried to get used to a Pure Aero for months before the Angells, but could never adjust to the high launch angle of the PA, only at rather high tensions 27/27Kg.
And with those rigid frames high tension means arm pain in 20 minutes..

So happy that I gave Angells a try, can only recommend it.
 

Chas

Rookie
......................

Both my PS85s are 16x18, 350g, 6-7 HL. Maybe, the 18x20 tc95 is a closer fit to my current set-up rather than the 16x19... Following are the specs I am leaning to :

TC95 (undecided on 16x19 or 18x20)
63RA
320gms
10 pts HL
L2
-------------------
Strung Could be :

strings + Overgrip + 0 dampener

=> Bringing me to ~342 gms and 6-7 pts HL, with a SW of around 320.

Does anyone have the 320gms + 10 Pts HL version ? Could you share your racket stats after stringing , adding grip and dampener ?

...................


Thanks to everyone for your inputs so far.


I have both the TC95 16x19 and TC97 16x19. Not quite your specs, but in case it's useful, here's the numbers from mine

Both came with the synthetic grip. I added a thin overgrip and a Babolet (O style) dampener. They are strung with Ashaway's Kevlar/Monogut ZX @ 55/50.


TC95 16x19 - Angell specs - 320g, 305mm bal (ie 12 pts HL) - Strung mass 344g, 310mm bal (=10pts HL), SW 333 (fairly rough, as used timing of 10 swings method )

TC97 16x19 - Angell specs - 320g, 305mm bal (ie 12 pts HL) - Strung mass 342g, 311mm bal (=10pts HL), SW 331


I hope that helps.
 

Guy Jones

Rookie
Having had a rotator cuff problem 25 years ago, and TE plus GE problems recently----well, doing anything in poly sounds like an exercise in "hey, try to break my arm."
Can't you get remedies for rotator cuff strain, I have just had a physio diagnosed it and it sounds like the issue can be rectified. It's a real arsehole of a issue, wish I never pushed myself in the gym.....
 
I have both the TC95 16x19 and TC97 16x19. Not quite your specs, but in case it's useful, here's the numbers from mine

Both came with the synthetic grip. I added a thin overgrip and a Babolet (O style) dampener. They are strung with Ashaway's Kevlar/Monogut ZX @ 55/50.


TC95 16x19 - Angell specs - 320g, 305mm bal (ie 12 pts HL) - Strung mass 344g, 310mm bal (=10pts HL), SW 333 (fairly rough, as used timing of 10 swings method )

TC97 16x19 - Angell specs - 320g, 305mm bal (ie 12 pts HL) - Strung mass 342g, 311mm bal (=10pts HL), SW 331


I hope that helps.
thats one thing i love about the tc95. 63ra... a hefty swingweight, others might not look at it the same way. I think the k7 will appeal to those who are sensitive to it though since it is kevlar braided and not foam filled.
 

clutch21

Rookie
Btw, whats the closest Handle Shape to a Wilson grip ?

A or B or C ?

Definitely go with B. Very similar to the PS85. The string density in the PS85 (16x18) and the TC95 (18x20) are also very similar. I think this makes the 18x20 a better choice in your situation. I can generate incredible spin with this string pattern paired with thin gauge poly (18g). The closed pattern still has great control as well.

Also, I have no trouble against big hitters with an unmodded 320g 12 HL. I imagine this swing weight is probably in the 310-320 range. These frames have surprisingly good plow through given how maneuverable they are.
 
Definitely go with B. Very similar to the PS85. The string density in the PS85 (16x18) and the TC95 (18x20) are also very similar. I think this makes the 18x20 a better choice in your situation. I can generate incredible spin with this string pattern paired with thin gauge poly (18g). The closed pattern still has great control as well.

Also, I have no trouble against big hitters with an unmodded 320g 12 HL. I imagine this swing weight is probably in the 310-320 range. These frames have surprisingly good plow through given how maneuverable they are.

Is yours 63 or 70 RA ?

I have been in contact with Paul and he suggested the 70 RA due to my PS85 heritage. Considering that I have a bit of GE, I would like to opt for the 63. However, it has been pointed out that the 63RA TC95 will come out to around ~335 SW, which is a bit above my ideal SW of ~325. I am torn between the TC 18x20 63 or 70 RA :( I don't to aggravate my GE unnecessarily.. Multis does cure it but no SPIN potential.. This is frustrating.

For folks who have played with both the 63 vs 70 RA, does the 70 RA TC 95 still retain the "plush" feeling that everyone on the Angell thread rave about ? Understand that plow is much better with 63 due the higher SW.


Btw, Paul has been such a pleasure to deal it so far. Hats off to him.
 
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Is yours 63 or 70 RA ?

I have been in contact with Paul and he suggested the 70 RA due to my PS85 heritage. Considering that I have a bit of GE, I would like to opt for the 63. However, it has been pointed out that the 63RA TC95 will come out to around ~335 SW, which is a bit above my ideal SW of ~325. I am torn between the TC 18x20 63 or 70 RA :( I don't to aggravate my GE unnecessarily.. Multis does cure it but no SPIN potential.. This is frustrating.

For folks who have played with both the 63 vs 70 RA, does the 70 RA TC 95 still retain the "plush" feeling that everyone on the Angell thread rave about ? Understand that plow is much better with 63 due the higher SW.


Btw, Paul has been such a pleasure to deal it so far. Hats off to him.
Have never played with the 70... I loved everything about the ps85 except the stiffness so I knew the 63 was my best bet. Feeling should be pretty similar... I think a little lead or in my case tungsten at 3 and 9 witha smidge at 12 has been great. some day Ill snag an 18x20 for curiousity and maybe doubles sake.

Paul is just great... its a great gift to us players... even if you dont use Angell frames he's bucking the trends in the right ways and giving plauyers the options they require. Players needs should lead the racquet industry's production agendas but somehow we just dont with Angell and Babolat. Head trying to be babolat was foolish.
 

Tennisist

Professional
I have both the TC95 16x19 and TC97 16x19. Not quite your specs, but in case it's useful, here's the numbers from mine

Both came with the synthetic grip. I added a thin overgrip and a Babolet (O style) dampener. They are strung with Ashaway's Kevlar/Monogut ZX @ 55/50.


TC95 16x19 - Angell specs - 320g, 305mm bal (ie 12 pts HL) - Strung mass 344g, 310mm bal (=10pts HL), SW 333 (fairly rough, as used timing of 10 swings method )

TC97 16x19 - Angell specs - 320g, 305mm bal (ie 12 pts HL) - Strung mass 342g, 311mm bal (=10pts HL), SW 331


I hope that helps.

How did you order them? These configurations were not available when I was looking ...
 
How did you order them? These configurations were not available when I was looking ...
when you consult with Paul you can ask what is possible (how many other companies do you get to talk to the the designer and ceo). here is a space for notes and you can specify there... sometimes you have to wait for a shipment that has those variances. Paul knows his suppliers and stock.
 
J

joohan

Guest
Is yours 63 or 70 RA ?

I have been in contact with Paul and he suggested the 70 RA due to my PS85 heritage. Considering that I have a bit of GE, I would like to opt for the 63. However, it has been pointed out that the 63RA TC95 will come out to around ~335 SW, which is a bit above my ideal SW of ~325. I am torn between the TC 18x20 63 or 70 RA :( I don't to aggravate my GE unnecessarily.. Multis does cure it but no SPIN potential.. This is frustrating.

For folks who have played with both the 63 vs 70 RA, does the 70 RA TC 95 still retain the "plush" feeling that everyone on the Angell thread rave about ? Understand that plow is much better with 63 due the higher SW.


Btw, Paul has been such a pleasure to deal it so far. Hats off to him.

It's not a popular topic in the Angell thread but there are reports of 63RA Angells aggravating golfers elbow. I've played with two 63RA 18x20 TC95s, three 63RA TC100s and I am one of those who can feel low frequency vibration in certain situations. You can find the conversation in The Official Angell thread, page 307 onwards was the latest on the topic.

Now, of course, prevailing opinion/experiences does not confirm that but, as has been pointed out quite a lot of times during that discussion, we all feel "things" differently and since you already have a bit of GE, it's worth to take into account. I played with 70RA TC90 for a bit and I've been playing with 70RA Vantage 90 (TC90s predecessor) extensively for the past couple of weeks and I haven't felt these vibrations even on heavily off centre shots. I played with PS85 TW reissue for almost a year and BLX PS90 is one of my favourite frames, just fyi.

All that being said, my main frame is TC100 63RA strung with RS Lyon at around 50lbs so you can make allowances.
 

Tennisist

Professional
For folks who have played with both the 63 vs 70 RA, does the 70 RA TC 95 still retain the "plush" feeling that everyone on the Angell thread rave about ? Understand that plow is much better with 63 due the higher SW.

The 70 RA feels definitely stiffer than the 63 variant. It feels similar to the current PS97/RF97A.
Between two racquets of the same frame stiffness, the 18x20 feels noticeably stiffer than 16x19, even after dropping tension to account for the dense pattern.
 
It's not a popular topic in the Angell thread but there are reports of 63RA Angells aggravating golfers elbow. I've played with two 63RA 18x20 TC95s, three 63RA TC100s and I am one of those who can feel low frequency vibration in certain situations. You can find the conversation in The Official Angell thread, page 307 onwards was the latest on the topic.

Now, of course, prevailing opinion/experiences does not confirm that but, as has been pointed out quite a lot of times during that discussion, we all feel "things" differently and since you already have a bit of GE, it's worth to take into account. I played with 70RA TC90 for a bit and I've been playing with 70RA Vantage 90 (TC90s predecessor) extensively for the past couple of weeks and I haven't felt these vibrations even on heavily off centre shots. I played with PS85 TW reissue for almost a year and BLX PS90 is one of my favourite frames, just fyi.

All that being said, my main frame is TC100 63RA strung with RS Lyon at around 50lbs so you can make allowances.
Thanks Joohan. Much appreciated. I string my racquets pretty low. 50 when I was using the ps90 and 44/42 (depending on conditions) now with the ps85. Eventually , when I get the tc95, I will try it at 48 . With the denser pattern, it makes sense to go low..


Sent from my SM-N920G using Tapatalk
 
Thanks to Backhanded Compliment , Tennisist and the rest of the guys on your valuable input in this thread.

Btw, how do I edit previous comments of my own. I don't see that option anywhere, unlike other forums ..
 
Thanks to Backhanded Compliment , Tennisist and the rest of the guys on your valuable input in this thread.

Btw, how do I edit previous comments of my own. I don't see that option anywhere, unlike other forums ..
I think you need more posts????

I really hope you like it... I always found the PS85 too stiff so the Ra63 TC95 was perfect for me and as you know already its not a clone or a larger version of any other stick. It has its own thing and I suspect if you jive well with it you might get a 16x19, which would otherwise take more time to get used to. Someday Ill nab a 18x20 but Ive transitioned to 16x19.
 

clutch21

Rookie
Finally ordered the 63RA 18x20 !! Can't wait

Congrats on an awesome racquet! I have the 63 RA as well. What were the full specs you opted for?

My 63ra 320 12 feels very similar in swing weight to the PS85. Very whippy, which I enjoy so much about the 85. Though I can’t objectively test, I personally don’t feel the swing weight is any where near the 330-340 range on my TC95. Maybe 320 tops.

Keep us updated once it arrives!
 
Congrats on an awesome racquet! I have the 63 RA as well. What were the full specs you opted for?

My 63ra 320 12 feels very similar in swing weight to the PS85. Very whippy, which I enjoy so much about the 85. Though I can’t objectively test, I personally don’t feel the swing weight is any where near the 330-340 range on my TC95. Maybe 320 tops.

Keep us updated once it arrives!
Thanks clutch21. Following are the specs :

63RA TC95 18x20
320g
10pts HL
SW ~290 unstrung

You are quite right Wrt to SW of the TC95 . Apparently, the 18x20 version has a SW of around ~320. I went lower than my current specs so that I can add weight later - if reqd.

Sent from my SM-N920G using Tapatalk
 

sma1001

Hall of Fame
For what it's worth i have picked up a TC95 16/19 63RA and, at least the one i have, swings quite freely. I don't know that SW though so it's possible i have a lower SW one, albeit i think they are generally around the same number.
 
For what it's worth i have picked up a TC95 16/19 63RA and, at least the one i have, swings quite freely. I don't know that SW though so it's possible i have a lower SW one, albeit i think they are generally around the same number.
How do you like it compared to your previous racket of choice ?
 

Anton

Legend
Hi Folks,
I have been using the PS85 for some years and I love the feel and control of this racquet. However, Angell TC 95 16x19 has been on my radar for some time and I feel like I should give it a go. Has anyone moved to the TC95 from a PS85/90 ? Thoughts ?

About me : I am 4.0 C-rated player or was - when i was in US - long time ago though. Left handed. Single Handed BH. More of a baseliner with medium Top Spin most of the times. Use a Flat FH to gain adv on rallies. My serve has deteriorated over the years as I grow older and to some extent, my BH too. The FH has been strong though. I don't like bigger frames. Tried a Head Prestige - 98 sq in. and it look my game down a notch.

Would appreciate any inputs from you guys.

Prince Phantom 93P is more reminiscent of PS85 and you can demo it - I'd try that first.
 
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