The Official Angell Users Club

Gee · May 8, 2020

Pneumated1 said:
I'm close to three years with the TC95, and it really has become an extension, especially during weeks when I can play multiple times. I mull over other frames occasionally, but I'm like an old faithful hound in the end. If anything, I'd like a touch more forgiveness when I'm playing sparingly, which is most of the time these days.

The temptation for me are these similar (to the TC95 18x20), super plush frames that would give a marginal boost in forgiveness and stability. The compromise usually isn't worth it, but I look at the TF40 305, Strike 18x20 v.3, and EZONE 98 305 as candidates. If one of those provided more forgiveness and played with the same controlled energy of the TC95 18x20, I'd have the ideal frame.

Exactly my experience with the TC95 18x20 that I played with a few years. The TC95 is still my favourite Angell. However I was looking for a bit more forgiveness like you and then I found the Ultra Tour. Similar feel as the TC95 . Probably because they are both foam filled and have a similar flex.

Gee · May 8, 2020

joohan said:
I'd add the need of stocking on grommets (and racquets in case of PT2.0) to the mix. I don't need that hassle, even less so if it's not and/or it's not going to be my main stick at all. I do get the hype and certain nostalgia, though. I'm just not that big of a fan plus I've already got plenty of "fun hit" sticks I rarely use in my bags.

O yeah,... I forgot the spare grommets that I ordered with my rackets as well.

ed70 · May 8, 2020

joohan said:
Sticking to any racquet (provided that it’s not an entirely bad match for your game) is better for your game in the long run.

I experienced it with TC100 (playing it exclusively for a year) and the same is happening with Yonex Tour G330 (I’m 8 months in of my 12 months commitment). My game is better off sticking to one frame.

Another benefit - every time I contemplate trying something new (like PT2.0 right now), I lose interest when I imagine the time and effort needed to gel with it properly. Saves a lot of money.

Agree completely. Nice to hit different frames, but whenever I have club match or tournament, the TC97’s come out the bag.

Pneumated1 · May 8, 2020

Kurt0707 said:
Yes I feel the difference between TC95 and K7 Lime, TC95 more powerful, feels more solid and modern than K7 Lime. I really like K7 Lime feel though..

That's good to know. I've never tried the K7 Lime and have often wondered if I'm missing out, but I wouldn't want any less stability or power than I'm getting from my TC95 18x20s.

Paul Y · May 8, 2020

Do anyone know if we can ask for specific customs still? Paul sent me an email awhile back on lowering the swing weight even further then what is listed all I have to do is mention the spec and they will know what to do.

redmini · May 8, 2020

topspn said:
By 66RA I assume you mean the TC97. The TC100 is very comfortable, no issue at all. Ezone certainly feels firm but i’ve had no issue with it being brassy or anything like that. So far my arm is not complaining from any of my frames

Yep. Tc97 tour (320g u/s) also had vantage 321 (basically tc100) for years until it broke “accidentally”. That was 63 RA so I have a feel for these two. From what you say I guess the RA70 TC100 is similarly firm to the Ezone and both are arm friendly. Hard to choose!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

topspn · May 8, 2020

redmini said:
Yep. Tc97 tour (320g u/s) also had vantage 321 (basically tc100) for years until it broke “accidentally”. That was 63 RA so I have a feel for these two. From what you say I guess the RA70 TC100 is similarly firm to the Ezone and both are arm friendly. Hard to choose!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

TC100 a smidge less firm and keep in mind its not really 70RA. Angell quotes the RA number of the hairpin and once pallets, grip and strings go in, it drops to around 66RA. TC100 is very comfortable no question. Yonex is surprisingly not jarring at all given it’s higher RA

Rui Lopes · May 9, 2020

rider4ever said:
Thanks emh, Glad to know others have felt/are feeling the same.

I don’t think weight is a problem for me. I always seem to like around 350gms for any racquet I use. That’s why my gravity tour is at 351gms. I used to play with RF97A before the gravity and it was around 365gms.

I just felt this week that the sweets pot in the tc97 is very limited. But when you hit the sweet spot with good footwork and timing, it’s magic. Although the gravity tour is only 2” bigger head with the same pattern, I realized how big of a sweetspot it has. I didn’t appreciate the sweetspot before playing with the TC 97 but after a 3 month run with the TC 97, the gravity feels almost like a tweener. I was much more confident and was approaching the net more often which my hitting partner noticed and told me at the end of our session. I also felt volleying was easier with the gravity tour. I think this is a reward of playing with Tc 97 last 3 months. Or may be it could be the getting back honeymoon period

Put 2 grams of lead at 3 and 2 grams at 9 on the TC 97 , and you will see what a great sweetspot is...

Faris · May 9, 2020

Hi guys, was reading the pro tour 2.0 thread about leather grips and I was wonderin how u guys would compare Angell leather (tan or black) with Head finest calfskin or fairway or oehms etc. I know this topic was discussed earlier too but just wanted a refresher from those who have used and are still using leather grips. Where would u rate Angell leather grip? Like at the top with Fairway - and ive never played fairway myself but only heard so much praise abt it from everyone - or at the bottom (I find head tour leather and tourna leather to be pretty ordinary) or somewhere in between? Mine I have two tht are from v2 version racquets and are used and seem flimsy and lighter than what youd expect from leather grip, but could be just usage as well... so just trying to see what u guys honest opinion abt it is.

rider4ever · May 10, 2020

joohan said:
Sticking to any racquet (provided that it’s not an entirely bad match for your game) is better for your game in the long run.

I experienced it with TC100 (playing it exclusively for a year) and the same is happening with Yonex Tour G330 (I’m 8 months in of my 12 months commitment). My game is better off sticking to one frame.

Another benefit - every time I contemplate trying something new (like PT2.0 right now), I lose interest when I imagine the time and effort needed to gel with it properly. Saves a lot of money.

Good advice. Given I am only 2 years into tennis, I think sticking to TC 97 will help me improve my game more than an easier to use racquet like Gravity tour.

rider4ever · May 10, 2020

haqq777 said:
I play regularly with college kids and TC97 18x20 is a little harder to use for me if I want to keep up with them. That isn't a dig on the racquet, just that I'm in my mid thirties and need something to help me keep up with damn kids who have endless supply of energy and hit a heavy ball all day long from everywhere on the baseline.

I played DII college myself and basically grew up on Babolats so I always find myself going back. Currently playing with multiple APD 2013 that I rotate. Easy power and spin, even if you are out of position a bit it lets you keep a deeper ball in play and when you drop racquet head and let it rip, hits a damn vicious ball. It is a lot easier to use than TC97 18x20. Of course lacks feel and touch etc that you get from nicer feeling frames. But life is about compromises, lol. I still have two brand new TC97 18x20. Great frames.

Also, sorry about your holicism. We are all victims here really. I find it best that you just give in to temptation. Might as well enjoy to the fullest - but on a serious note, definitely try adjusting weight like fellow posters suggested. Might be the way to go for you.

haha, I don’t mind buying more racquets but the time required to test and get used to each one is frustrating. I am going to give more time to TC 97 and see how that works out for me. I really liked the TC 95 18x20 as well but for some reason decided to stick with the Tc 97 18x20 3 months ago.

I have tried Prince Tour XC 17L at 45 lbs, solinco hyperG at 45lbs and 50 lbs and found 50 lbs work better for hyperG. HyperG measures 10 lbs lesser on the racquet tune app freshly strung from reference tension. That’s why went up from 45 to 50. Didn’t have that issue with the prince Tour xc. Not sure if that’s an expected behavior of hyperG.

what are your favorite string setups with the TC 97 18x20? Looking forward to try some more setups with this racquet.

rider4ever · May 10, 2020

Rui Lopes said:
Put 2 grams of lead at 3 and 2 grams at 9 on the TC 97 , and you will see what a great sweetspot is...

My first TC 97 18x20 330g 12 HL came with some lead tape at the 3,2 and 9

although the racquet was 355 gms, it actually felt good. A month later I purchased another exact matching racquet and that didn’t have any weight and came with some old hyperG strings. I played my best tennis since I had switched to TC 97 when I picked up the second racquet with no weight in the hoop. So I went ahead and removed the lead from my other racquet as well.

My racquets are sitting at 350gms with no weigh in the hoop. Not sure if I wanna make them any heavier unless you guys strongly suggest adding weight to the hoop to make the sweetspot bigger.

emhtennis · May 10, 2020

Rider, I am a fan of the string MSV Focus Hex. I play the 1.18mm in my TC97 18X20 at 46lbs. Bonus is that it's only about $90 a full reel.

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rider4ever · May 10, 2020

emhtennis said:
Rider, I am a fan of the string MSV Focus Hex. I play the 1.18mm in my TC97 18X20 at 46lbs. Bonus is that it's only about $90 a full reel.

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk

Thats actually a great deal. Its actually only $80/reel. I have seen MSV Focus Hex mentioned a bunch of times in this thread, so adding to my list to strings to try.

I currently have more than half a reel of Hyper G and Prince Tour XC. I felt the launch angle was much lower with the Prince Tour XC and that make me hit the net a lot with the TC97 18x20 but when I cleared the net, it was just magic. I have a similar response with somewhat lesser feeling but the launch angle is higher with the hyper G which makes the racquet a bit easier to use.

I also have a reel of pros pro intense heat 125 and wondering how that works with the racquet. I am planning on trying it myself but just wanna see if anyone else has tried it and whats their feedback.

I also have some Proline 2 sets which I wanna try as well. May be I should wait till I go through my current strings before trying the MSV Focus?

emhtennis · May 10, 2020

I would burn thru your current string first. For full (slightly hypocritical) disclosure, i am almost to the end of my MSV reel and am about to see what this Tier 1 Black Knight hype is all about. Will also probably try their FireWire as well.

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itsstephenyo · May 10, 2020

I just had the best day hitting with my TC97 after making it lighter from 345g to 327g. Didn't miss a single forehand all day, and I wasn't having to second guess every forehand. Gonna hang onto this weight for a while. I felt like I hit a much bigger ball today, and even came up with some gorgeous returns against a really big server. The stability was amazing even though I shed almost 20g off the stick.

rider4ever · May 10, 2020

itsstephenyo said:
I just had the best day hitting with my TC97 after making it lighter from 345g to 327g. Didn't miss a single forehand all day, and I wasn't having to second guess every forehand. Gonna hang onto this weight for a while. I felt like I hit a much bigger ball today, and even came up with some gorgeous returns against a really big server. The stability was amazing even though I shed almost 20g off the stick.

That’s really good to hear. Was you racquet 330gms unstrung and 12 points headlight? What was your unstrung/strung weight(string weight is 327gms as you mentioned) and balance after you made it lighter?

I know there are 3 slots in the handle where you can remove/add weight. Which ones did you move around?

I have 2 exactly matched TC 97 18x20 racquets right now. Worried I might screw one up.

I will be on the look out for a 4 1/2 TC 97 18x20 in a lighter setup and hopefully I can snag one to try.

itsstephenyo · May 10, 2020

rider4ever said:
That’s really good to hear. Was you racquet 330gms unstrung and 12 points headlight? What was your unstrung/strung weight(string weight is 327gms as you mentioned) and balance after you made it lighter?

I know there are 3 slots in the handle where you can remove/add weight. Which ones did you move around?

I have 2 exactly matched TC 97 18x20 racquets right now. Worried I might screw one up.

I will be on the look out for a 4 1/2 TC 97 18x20 in a lighter setup and hopefully I can snag one to try.

Not sure what the current unstrung weight is, but my original unstrung weight was 320g. Fully dressed with OG and head tape she came in at 345g. So I'd guess my current one is 302g unstrung? Or close to that at least, assuming around 25g for strings, OG, and head tape.

The two sticks had different amount of weights in the slots. It took a bit of trial and error to get the weights perfectly equal but I also did just put the weight as close to the buttcap as I could. I also had some rc car weights handy to balance the two sticks evenly. Balance I have no clue. Too lazy to measure and I like how they feel so it's good enough! I tailweighted it as best I could.

I was worried about the stability, removing so much weight, but the stick was so solid. Felt much more natural to me. I dunno how you guys use 350g+ sticks.

edelp · May 10, 2020

Hi, so great to read you like a lighter Tc97. I have mine at 300gr, 32,5cm and 304 SW (strung SW currently 338) and I thing it is super stable! I had my doubts in the beginning but when I got a pt57a at exactly these specs (a WTA pro used them like that at around 310 SW unstrung) I thought it can work and ordered one, and I like even a player’s stick with these specs.
Mine weighs strung 326g with over and anti...
A wonderful frame (still too much for me for two intense hours jaja and I use more TC100).
Enjoy

ollinger · May 10, 2020

I don't see grommets for the 101 frame on the Angell site; do the TC100 grommets fit??

Rui Lopes · May 11, 2020

rider4ever said:
My first TC 97 18x20 330g 12 HL came with some lead tape at the 3,2 and 9

although the racquet was 355 gms, it actually felt good. A month later I purchased another exact matching racquet and that didn’t have any weight and came with some old hyperG strings. I played my best tennis since I had switched to TC 97 when I picked up the second racquet with no weight in the hoop. So I went ahead and removed the lead from my other racquet as well.

My racquets are sitting at 350gms with no weigh in the hoop. Not sure if I wanna make them any heavier unless you guys strongly suggest adding weight to the hoop to make the sweetspot bigger.

Ok it makes sense. But mine is 310g 9 pts HL , so the added lead tape it´s well needed for my taste. I think that the 330g would not need it...

esm · May 12, 2020

lol - all these TC97 18x20 talks recently..... it is making my hands itchy....
so i blamed the current lockdown and made a new WTB post for the EU/UK section for one...

(the wife has been okay with my recent purchases... so am taking the advantages of that

)

ChrisG · May 12, 2020

esm said:
lol - all these TC97 18x20 talks recently..... it is making my hands itchy....
so i blamed the current lockdown and made a new WTB post for the EU/UK section for one...
(the wife has been okay with my recent purchases... so am taking the advantages of that )

Well if you have the wife’s backing, then let’s the spending begin lol !!

ChrisG · May 12, 2020

Do we know more about the octane PJ being offered on the other TC frames (TC 95 I’m looking at you )
I also think a tennis bag in that color could be fire.
Thoughts ?

esm · May 12, 2020

ChrisG said:
Well if you have the wife’s backing, then let’s the spending begin lol !!

oh yeah..... hence the WTB thread (it is being reviewed/approved by TTW).... fingers crossed and hopefully one will show up to buy....
all my Angell racquets are 16x19, so keen to try the TC97 18x20, since from what i have gathered, it plays close to a PT57A

Paul Y · May 12, 2020

I'm trying to figure out which has racket between the 95, 97 & 100 has the highest launch angle. I believe the 97 18x20 has the lowest launch angle but I'm not sure which one has the highest.

aehjmeyer · May 12, 2020

I asked in PT 2.0 thread but probably better to post here...

Anyone with K7 Lime and PT 2.0 experience able to offer some words of comparison?

haqq777 · May 12, 2020

Paul Y said:
I'm trying to figure out which has racket between the 95, 97 & 100 has the highest launch angle. I believe the 97 18x20 has the lowest launch angle but I'm not sure which one has the highest.

Between these three, it will be the TC 100 without an iota of doubt. It is pretty clear after you hit with all three.

haqq777 · May 12, 2020

aehjmeyer said:
I asked in PT 2.0 thread but probably better to post here...

Anyone with K7 Lime and PT 2.0 experience able to offer some words of comparison?

Yes, I have played with both. I played with 2.0 with already strung Lynx 17 it came with, and own a K7 Lime strung with RS Lyon 17.

First, they are both incredible feeling sticks. Very comfortable so let me get that out of the way.

1) The biggest difference you feel is how they flex upon ball contact. K7 Lime has more of a uniform feeling flex going from throat up towards the hoop. The PT 2.0 on the other hand has that classic HEAD hoop flex.

2) K7 Lime is considerably easier to use. It is 10g lighter stock in static weight, whippier and more forgiving even at 315g. I was feeling the PT 2.0 weight after playing for an hour and half whereas I have never felt K7 Lime to be a hefty stick.

3) K7 Lime produces a heavier ball for me because it lets me generate more racquet head speed (and it's faster through the air). The PT2.0 is no slouch though and once it gets going it can hammer the ball too. But for me, K7 Lime was a better match play racquet.

4) I felt the PT2.0 had a smaller sweet spot and also lower powered than K7 Lime. It gives a more old school racquet vibe whereas as K7 Lime feels more modern.

5) PT 2.0 is denser pattern 18x20 compared to K7 Lime. Also head size feels smaller in play (no surprise because it is a 95 sq inch).

6) Serving with K7 Lime is a treat (Angells are awesome at serves). Not the same with PT 2.0. Felt heavy and cumbersome.

I would personally prefer K7 Lime for match play because easier to use and lets me hang easier with good opponents. But PT2.0 is a great feel racquet for those days you feel like just rallying a bit and getting touchy feely for fun play.

Pneumated1 · May 12, 2020

haqq777 said:
Yes, I have played with both. I played with 2.0 with already strung Lynx 17 it came with, and own a K7 Lime strung with RS Lyon 17.

First, they are both incredible feeling sticks. Very comfortable so let me get that out of the way.

1) The biggest difference you feel is how they flex upon ball contact. K7 Lime has more of a uniform feeling flex going from throat up towards the hoop. The PT 2.0 on the other hand has that classic HEAD hoop flex.

2) K7 Lime is considerably easier to use. It is 10g lighter stock in static weight, whippier and more forgiving even at 315g. I was feeling the PT 2.0 weight after playing for an hour and half whereas I have never felt K7 Lime to be a hefty stick.

3) K7 Lime produces a heavier ball for me because it lets me generate more racquet head speed (and it's faster through the air). The PT2.0 is no slouch though and once it gets going it can hammer the ball too. But for me, K7 Lime was a better match play racquet.

4) I felt the PT2.0 had a smaller sweet spot and also lower powered than K7 Lime. It gives a more old school racquet vibe whereas as K7 Lime feels more modern.

5) PT 2.0 is denser pattern 18x20 compared to K7 Lime. Also head size feels smaller in play (no surprise because it is a 95 sq inch).

6) Serving with K7 Lime is a treat (Angells are awesome at serves). Not the same with PT 2.0. Felt heavy and cumbersome.

I would personally prefer K7 Lime for match play because easier to use and lets me hang easier with good opponents. But PT2.0 is a great feel racquet for those days you feel like just rallying a bit and getting touchy feely for fun play.

Dang, you may have just sold me on a K7 Lime, lol. I honestly have no issues with my TC95, but I've never really considered the K7 Lime as a potentially more forgiving version. No kidding, man, every one of your points hit home. So you would recommend the K7 Lime to a TC95 18x20 user whose only criterion is a more forgiving match-day racquet? It's a true 98? You know the beam width?

aehjmeyer · May 12, 2020

haqq777 said:
Yes, I have played with both. I played with 2.0 with already strung Lynx 17 it came with, and own a K7 Lime strung with RS Lyon 17.

First, they are both incredible feeling sticks. Very comfortable so let me get that out of the way.

1) The biggest difference you feel is how they flex upon ball contact. K7 Lime has more of a uniform feeling flex going from throat up towards the hoop. The PT 2.0 on the other hand has that classic HEAD hoop flex.

2) K7 Lime is considerably easier to use. It is 10g lighter stock in static weight, whippier and more forgiving even at 315g. I was feeling the PT 2.0 weight after playing for an hour and half whereas I have never felt K7 Lime to be a hefty stick.

3) K7 Lime produces a heavier ball for me because it lets me generate more racquet head speed (and it's faster through the air). The PT2.0 is no slouch though and once it gets going it can hammer the ball too. But for me, K7 Lime was a better match play racquet.

4) I felt the PT2.0 had a smaller sweet spot and also lower powered than K7 Lime. It gives a more old school racquet vibe whereas as K7 Lime feels more modern.

5) PT 2.0 is denser pattern 18x20 compared to K7 Lime. Also head size feels smaller in play (no surprise because it is a 95 sq inch).

6) Serving with K7 Lime is a treat (Angells are awesome at serves). Not the same with PT 2.0. Felt heavy and cumbersome.

I would personally prefer K7 Lime for match play because easier to use and lets me hang easier with good opponents. But PT2.0 is a great feel racquet for those days you feel like just rallying a bit and getting touchy feely for fun play.

Amazing feedback, thank you!

haqq777 · May 12, 2020

Pneumated1 said:
Dang, you may have just sold me on a K7 Lime, lol. I honestly have no issues with my TC95, but I've never really considered the K7 Lime as a potentially more forgiving version. No kidding, man, every one of your points hit home. So you would recommend the K7 Lime to a TC95 18x20 user whose only criterion is a more forgiving match-day racquet? It's a true 98? You know the beam width?

Haha, if you are set with TC95, stick with it. I don't know if Lime can compare to the authoritative prowess of TC95, the TC95 hits a mean ball. Lime is a great stick though for sure. I am not sure about beam width or if it is a true 98 however when on top of the 95 hoop is same length, just maybe a couple of mm wider? The TC95 also feels as if there is more weight on both ends (polarized) whereas Lime doesn't feel that way.

I honestly don't have much experience with TC95 18x20 though. I only played with a borrowed one for maybe 10 or 15 mins so I wouldn't be able to make a good comparison. Perhaps @topspn would be in a better position to comment since he owned those.

topspn · May 12, 2020

haqq777 said:
Haha, if you are set with TC95, stick with it. I don't know if Lime can compare to the authoritative prowess of TC95, the TC95 hits a mean ball. Lime is a great stick though for sure. I am not sure about beam width or if it is a true 98 however when on top of the 95 hoop is same length, just maybe a couple of mm wider? The TC95 also feels as if there is more weight on both ends (polarized) whereas Lime doesn't feel that way.

I honestly don't have much experience with TC95 18x20 though. I only played with a borrowed one for maybe 10 or 15 mins so I wouldn't be able to make a good comparison. Perhaps @topspn would be in a better position to comment since he owned those.

Actually @Pneumated1 has my old 18x20 TC95s

I have never hit a K7 lime though but would guess more forgiving then TC95 and not as big a ball as those menacing D beams

rider4ever · May 12, 2020

haqq777 said:
Yes, I have played with both. I played with 2.0 with already strung Lynx 17 it came with, and own a K7 Lime strung with RS Lyon 17.

First, they are both incredible feeling sticks. Very comfortable so let me get that out of the way.

1) The biggest difference you feel is how they flex upon ball contact. K7 Lime has more of a uniform feeling flex going from throat up towards the hoop. The PT 2.0 on the other hand has that classic HEAD hoop flex.

2) K7 Lime is considerably easier to use. It is 10g lighter stock in static weight, whippier and more forgiving even at 315g. I was feeling the PT 2.0 weight after playing for an hour and half whereas I have never felt K7 Lime to be a hefty stick.

3) K7 Lime produces a heavier ball for me because it lets me generate more racquet head speed (and it's faster through the air). The PT2.0 is no slouch though and once it gets going it can hammer the ball too. But for me, K7 Lime was a better match play racquet.

4) I felt the PT2.0 had a smaller sweet spot and also lower powered than K7 Lime. It gives a more old school racquet vibe whereas as K7 Lime feels more modern.

5) PT 2.0 is denser pattern 18x20 compared to K7 Lime. Also head size feels smaller in play (no surprise because it is a 95 sq inch).

6) Serving with K7 Lime is a treat (Angells are awesome at serves). Not the same with PT 2.0. Felt heavy and cumbersome.

I would personally prefer K7 Lime for match play because easier to use and lets me hang easier with good opponents. But PT2.0 is a great feel racquet for those days you feel like just rallying a bit and getting touchy feely for fun play.

Thanks for the detailed review. I have the same question as @Pneumated1 expect want to know your comparison with pros and cons of TC97 vs K7 lime

haqq777 · May 12, 2020

rider4ever said:
Thanks for the detailed review. I have the same question as @Pneumated1 expect want to know your comparison with pros and cons of TC97 vs K7 lime

That was actually my very first comparison when I got the Lime

haqq777 said:
Alright, I'm back after a good hitting session with the Lime and here are my collected thoughts. I used it stock with overgrip and dampner, no lead tape or weight anywhere. I will give thoughts on comparison with TC97 (18x20) first as that is my main stick and also K7 Red afterwards.

First Impressions:
Fairly positive. Overall Lime is a stable and comfortable racquet. Power is okay but it definitely could use weight in hoop area. You need full swings for this racquet in stock form but since it is light and whippy, it moves through the air fast so should not be an issue if you like faster moving racquets. Off center hits were not jarring at all and it plays comfortable but it is most definitely not a sub 60 RA racquet, you can tell just by hitting. Low 60s RA is about right although will have to confirm once I have access to RDC. My timing, as expected, was completely off. I would correct myself and hit late to get timing right and then forget about it a few shots later and be early in my swing again. I am sure adding weight will solve it without any issues. I generally play with 330 swingweight. This felt like it was barely 320.

Comparison with V3 TC97 (18x20):
First comparison is with V3 TC97 (18x20) as I used TC97 as my main stick. I am comparing both racquets in stock form (TC97 is 310 with 9 points HL unstrung) and both racquets with Hyper-G 17. The K7 Lime is more comfortable and has a softer feedback on ball contact, although I have never felt uncomfortable with my TC97. Lime has a lower swingweight when you compare stock versus stock. It is more maneuverable as well and moves through the air quick. Launch angle for Lime is similar to TC97 (18x20). TC97 has more power and plow in stock form even though it is 5 grams less in static weight than stock Lime. I drive the ball more than I brush generally, and really appreciate that about my TC97 racquets. The biggest difference I noted immediately is the feedback and the flex upon ball contact. TC97 has a very clear hoop flex where you can feel racquet flexing in the hoop area upon contact. Very old school ala HEAD Prestige type. By contrast, K7 Lime has more of a uniform flex and not so much of a pronounced head flex. I don't want to compare here with TC95 here either because even though those 'D' beams have a uniform flex, Lime felt different than TC95 or TC100 probably because of much lower power and much lower launch angle. Also, ball sound upon contact. The 'thwack' sound of hitting the ball was absent in K7 Lime. I am guessing that typical Angell TC sound is because of foam filling.

Comparison with K7 Red:
I will be comparing this from memory as I already sold my K7 Red. K7 Red had less power and was definitely more softer and plusher feeling than K7 Lime. I had far greater control with K7 Lime than I had with K7 Red. K7 Red fluttered in stock form on off center hits and was not nearly as stable as K7 Lime. As most of you know, I was not a fan of K7 Red. Even after adding weight it just did not tickle my fancy. K7 Lime on the other hand is something I liked and may work with in the future if I'm in the mood for customization.

My Conclusion:
I could definitely make the K7 Lime work, but with my newish V3 TC97 (18x20) already in rotation, and now that I am finally playing well with them, I think I will wait a while and see how things pan out. No plans of switching just yet because my game will not improve if I switch to Lime and there wwasnt any outstanding enough feature in Lime to make me reconsider my TC97 racquets. But I will give Lime a nod of approval for sure. A superior racquet than K7 Red for my game.

Pneumated1 · May 12, 2020

haqq777 said:
Haha, if you are set with TC95, stick with it. I don't know if Lime can compare to the authoritative prowess of TC95, the TC95 hits a mean ball. Lime is a great stick though for sure. I am not sure about beam width or if it is a true 98 however when on top of the 95 hoop is same length, just maybe a couple of mm wider? The TC95 also feels as if there is more weight on both ends (polarized) whereas Lime doesn't feel that way.

I honestly don't have much experience with TC95 18x20 though. I only played with a borrowed one for maybe 10 or 15 mins so I wouldn't be able to make a good comparison. Perhaps @topspn would be in a better position to comment since he owned those.

"Sticking with it" seems to be in my nature and sounds like good advice, and I probably will in the end. I bought my pair from topspn in nearly mint condition at least a year and half back. I agree about the polarized feel of the TC95 and actually prefer a depolarized setup, but I'm pretty much committed to the TC95 despite her constant demands. Thanks!

Pneumated1 · May 12, 2020

topspn said:
Actually @Pneumated1 has my old 18x20 TC95s I have never hit a K7 lime though but would guess more forgiving then TC95 and not as big a ball as those menacing D beams

I think I mentioned somewhere on the previous pg of this thread that I'm not willing to compromise on any of the TC95 18x20 attributes. If I find a better frame (at least for me) it has to be as menacing, as stable, as comfortable/flexible, as versatile, and most importantly, fractionally more forgiving. But I won't compromise on the other traits to get the last, so I'm content hitting this beast until the 'perfect' frame emerges. And it may not.

emhtennis · May 12, 2020

I would just play with it until you are too old and have to switch to the TC100 [emoji14]

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Pneumated1 · May 12, 2020

emhtennis said:
I would just play with it until you are too old and have to switch to the TC100 [emoji14]

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I'm probably already too old, but I'm not sure I'll ever be able to control the TC100, lol

rider4ever · May 12, 2020

haqq777 said:
That was actually my very first comparison when I got the Lime

Thanks @haqq777. I felt very similar to your feedback when I was trying out the K7 and TC97. TC 97 had lot more plow through although that could be the extra 15gms weight in the TC 97

did you end up sticking with the 310 gms unstrung weight? I cam contemplating either getting lighter Tc97 or modify my current frames to make them easier to use.

I love playing attack with my current setup when I am moving well. But as I get sluggish, I start mishitting.

rider4ever · May 12, 2020

haqq777 said:
I play regularly with college kids and TC97 18x20 is a little harder to use for me if I want to keep up with them. That isn't a dig on the racquet, just that I'm in my mid thirties and need something to help me keep up with damn kids who have endless supply of energy and hit a heavy ball all day long from everywhere on the baseline.

I played DII college myself and basically grew up on Babolats so I always find myself going back. Currently playing with multiple APD 2013 that I rotate. Easy power and spin, even if you are out of position a bit it lets you keep a deeper ball in play and when you drop racquet head and let it rip, hits a damn vicious ball. It is a lot easier to use than TC97 18x20. Of course lacks feel and touch etc that you get from nicer feeling frames. But life is about compromises, lol. I still have two brand new TC97 18x20. Great frames.

Also, sorry about your holicism. We are all victims here really. I find it best that you just give in to temptation. Might as well enjoy to the fullest - but on a serious note, definitely try adjusting weight like fellow posters suggested. Might be the way to go for you.

What grip size do you use? If you have any extra tc97 18x20 and want to part with them, let me know

haqq777 · May 12, 2020

rider4ever said:
Thanks @haqq777. I felt very similar to your feedback when I was trying out the K7 and TC97. TC 97 had lot more plow through although that could be the extra 15gms weight in the TC 97

did you end up sticking with the 310 gms unstrung weight? I cam contemplating either getting lighter Tc97 or modify my current frames to make them easier to use.

I love playing attack with my current setup when I am moving well. But as I get sluggish, I start mishitting.

Absolutely! Yeah I played with 310g for as long as I played TC97 as my shoulder starts feeling it in longer grinding matches if I usually go any higher in static weight. I can play with even my 350+ grams heavier older racquets (Prestiges, older Dunlops etc) too, but I'm not going to be winning any matches or points anytime soon with them.

I had the exact issue as you right till the end, to be honest. With the TC97 my footwork had to be on point to generate power from everywhere. I'm predominantly a baseliner hustling all over and out of position a lot (lol). If I play aggressive and end points faster it was great but if I started engaging in rallies and playing a bit defensive - which just comes naturally to me - I would start losing the edge in a rally. I'm pretty sure a better route would have been to keep playing with it and try to make it work but I moved on to greener pastures, just like a typical racquet-o-holic.

rider4ever said:
What grip size do you use? If you have any extra tc97 18x20 and want to part with them, let me know

I play with 3/8 usually. Even smaller with APD since I feel their grips run a bit bigger. With TC 97, I felt their 3/8 ran a tad small for me so I went with 1/2. I do have multiple 3/8 Angell pallets though in case I thought I might wanted to switch back but never needed them. Yes, still have a couple of them from a matched batch I bought from Angell. I will let you know if I decide to let them go

itsstephenyo · May 12, 2020

General concensus seems to be that the TC97 is the most demanding racquet to use from the Angell line (well besides the TC90 but that gets almost no love here).

@rider4ever I'd try taking at least some grams off the TC97 and see how you like it. It changed the stick completely for me. Before I didn't have a lot of confidence in my stroke cuz I knew I had to be 100% perfect on footwork and rotation. I found it hard to find the sweet spot, and I was either dumping forehands into the net or missing long by a foot. Taking it down to 327g strung made a world of difference. It was maneuverable. Suddenly I was crushing every ball with pace and spin and didn't once find myself thinking "okay, split step, position, rotation, topspin, follow through, etc..." like I was doing with the heavier setup. I dunno if it was just a mental thing, but man, the stick is a dream now.

Also, removing the weight is pretty easy man. The only thing I did differently upon reassembly is stapling the pallets to the frame bc I didn't have any of that uber sticky double sided tape that it comes with.

Pneumated1 · May 12, 2020

itsstephenyo said:
... Also, removing the weight is pretty easy man. The only thing I did differently upon reassembly is stapling the pallets to the frame bc I didn't have any of that uber sticky double sided tape that it comes with.

What were the stock specs of your TC97? My TC95s are 320g/10pts. hl, and I'm curious where the weights were located and how much in each chamber? I could be wrong, but I feel like the majority of the weight is under my hand in my racquets, but I'd like to remove some in general (down to 310g) and move the weight around a little. The problem is I don't have replacement pallets, so did you reuse yours, or did you have new ones?

I've considered taking all the weights out and filling each chamber and slot with silicone instead. Cover with leather.

nohandedbackhand · May 12, 2020

Pneumated1 said:
What were the stock specs of your TC97? My TC95s are 320g/10pts. hl, and I'm curious where the weights were located and how much in each chamber? I could be wrong, but I feel like the majority of the weight is under my hand in my racquets, but I'd like to remove some in general (down to 310g) and move the weight around a little. The problem is I don't have replacement pallets, so did you reuse yours, or did you have new ones?

I've considered taking all the weights out and filling each chamber and slot with silicone instead. Cover with leather.

The double sided tape Angell uses (a type of carpet tape I think) is really hard to salvage and reuse after taking it off - just a word of warning. You could probably remove the tape only over the weight insert sections you're working on and leave it on the rest of the hairpin and be alright with them staying in place. I always put on a bit extra double sided tape whenever I'm doing work with pallets though, just to be safe. Good news though is the pallets come off super easy (the tape is strong enough to hold them in place but not so much that it makes it likely to break the pallets.

itsstephenyo · May 12, 2020

Pneumated1 said:
What were the stock specs of your TC97? My TC95s are 320g/10pts. hl, and I'm curious where the weights were located and how much in each chamber? I could be wrong, but I feel like the majority of the weight is under my hand in my racquets, but I'd like to remove some in general (down to 310g) and move the weight around a little. The problem is I don't have replacement pallets, so did you reuse yours, or did you have new ones?

I've considered taking all the weights out and filling each chamber and slot with silicone instead. Cover with leather.

Same exact stock specs as yours, 320g/310mm. The two sticks varied slightly in how much weight was in the frame and exactly where it was placed, but it was all as far down the buttcap as it could go.

I did reuse the pallets and also did like nohandedbackhand said and salvaged the tape where I could. I used an xacto knife to only cut off the tape around the weights so that I could remove them. I left 90% of the tape as is. Just to be safe though, I used a staple gun and one stape in the middle of the pallet to secure it to the frame. If you do staple, do take note not to staple too far up the pallet, as the hairpin has some more slots at the top of the handle for weights. You wouldn't staple the pallet to anything except air it you staple too high.

rlau · May 13, 2020

esm said:
all my Angell racquets are 16x19, so keen to try the TC97 18x20, since from what i have gathered, it plays close to a PT57A

Probably closer to a PT57E and PT2.0.

joohan · May 13, 2020

itsstephenyo said:
well besides the TC90 but that gets almost no love here

Might not be mentioned as much but it is loved plenty enough...

I didn’t find TC97 18x20 hard to use at all. If I wasn’t craving more spin and angles for clay grinding (or if I had a flatter game style overall), I would be a happy camper playing with it. 18x20 63RA TC95 was harder to use for me (version 1, that is).

esm · May 13, 2020

rlau said:
Probably closer to a PT57E and PT2.0.

cool - the PT2.0 should arrive from TWE today, so will see

FranzS · May 13, 2020

itsstephenyo said:
... (well besides the TC90 but that gets almost no love here).

It does! I love mine. I don't know about other Angell racquets since I only own a TC90, but - although you may like the way it plays or not, that's personal of course - it's the highest quality / best looking frame I've ever held in my hands (mine is a V2, guess the current V3 are on par). And that's not even subjective actually: the paintjob glossy finish is flawless, and the feel/comfort is amazing being a 70 RA stiffness. Cannot find anything close to it among the current models of the 'big brands'. Again, I guess that applies to all Angell racquets.

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