The Official Angell Users Club

saleem

Semi-Pro
I am well. Thanks. Good to know you are recovering well. Still not playing yet due to the pandemic. Hopefully will be in the next few weeks - maybe I will ping you again if I need new MRG/I setup.... :-D
message or email me anytime
 

aehjmeyer

Rookie
I placed an order for a new K7 Lime on Wednesday and it arrived earlier today (Friday) here in Kentucky. Just strung it up with their free hybrid string that came with it. Hopefully the rain will hold off tomorrow and I can give it a try. Just wanted to share hold incredibly fast the shipping was on the racquet.


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I received mine a few months ago but have only been able to serve thus far. Serves quite well like all Angell’s I’ve played with. Can’t wait to do some match play. It’s my first 18x20 so I’m sure launch angle will be an adjustment. I’ll just get a K7 Red if I can’t gel with the 18x20 because the feel is great.
 

serveitup911

Semi-Pro
I’m going to be a new Angell user. I’m coming most recently from the Babolat Pure Drive Roddick + (2012) version I believe. I have it strung with Solinco Tour Bite 1.25. It was a great racquet for me when I was in top shape and form. In my college tennis days, I played a Wilson nBlade 106 and switched to the Roddick for more power on serves for playing Pro League in Charleston, SC. I am a few years and 2 kids and a wife older with a fraction of the playing time I used to have. I’m hoping for a more arm friendly experience.

I ordered 2 identically specced TCs. A 100 and a 101. They are 27.5”, 320g, 305 balance with hybrid grips in shape B 4 1/4. Octane paint. I am only 5’8” and have relatively small hands. The 100 is 70RA and the 101 is of course 66. I wasn’t sure which I would like better, so I will try both, sell one, and buy a 2nd of the one that fits me better.

In my junior tennis days, my favorite racquet was a Head i.Prestige MP XL. Just a few years ago, I was playing the best tennis of my life with the Roddick plus. I think the 101 will be more like the Prestige and the 100 will be more like the Drive. I have also played some Dunlops in the past and always liked the feel, and I know Paul likely designed them.

It should be a fun comparison!

I also ordered my dad a 105 at 27.5” and 300g 310 balance. 74 RA Octane. Grip B in 4 1/4. He’s about a 3.5 level player. He’s coming from some kind of Aero Babolat in standard length, but has always liked extended better.

Here are my thoughts:
The 101 was my least favorite of the 3. It felt like the ball stayed on the strings forever and I could very much feel the flex in the head. There was little natural power in the frame, so I had to use the mass of the racquet to create pace. This did allow for easy modulation of depth, and I could be very consistent, although punishing the ball was a bit more tricky. The sweet spot seems to be lower in the head and I tend to hit most balls about 2/3 up the head, so some flutter was felt on the higher hits. I did not serve with this racquet, but with the location of the sweet spot and lower power level, I suspect only those with great motions will be able to get a lot of power out of it.

For fun, I hit some with the 105 designated for my dad. It’s a cannon. It has 1 speed - huge. I hit monster serves with it and absolutely ripped groundies with it, but everything was just inside the baseline. In a match situation, it may be hard to control the power if you have long developed strokes. You can feel the stiffness, but just as a powerful directed force as opposed to a harsh shock. This was a fun racquet to blast with and could make a great doubles racquet.

I liked the 100 the most as it blended the attributes of the other 2 frames. It had most of the control of the 101, but lots of the firepower of the 105. I could still hit big with it, but I could also modulate the pace. It was very good on serves like the 105, maybe just behind on absolute pace. I am excited to try more strings and find the perfect fit for me. The Hyper G has more pocketing than I’m used to, and I haven’t decided yet if that’s a plus or a minus for my game. Spin generation was very good, and I was surprised how much I could control flatter shots that really penetrated the court. I could not control those very well with my Roddick plus frames.

I have found my new racquet in the 100.
 

AhabTheBad

New User
Nice! Keep us posted! I used the Clash 98 for a while and had a lot of fun with it! But it wasnt really a predictable frame. I bought a k7 Red again to test it. Curious to see how it is. I sold my previous one because the grip was too big for me. What do you string it with?

Thanks Jouke,
I strung it with the K7 hybrid strings that came with the racket, the shaped red strings in the mains and other in the crosses at 50 pounds.
Love this racket, it flows through shots, with a rubber band dampener no jarring on off centre hits (and there were a few as I’m getting used to the frame).
Definitely feels better than the Clash 98 (my opinion) as the beam on the Clash is so thick for power but it just makes the racket feel unstable (again, my opinion) as it’s too solid in the hoop and bends too much at the throat. Just feels uneven or lopsided through contact, very hard to explain.
The K7 Red flexes evenly through the throat and head so feels uniform and so smooth when flowing through strokes. Buttery is a good word to describe it.
Will add two grams of lead to 3 and 9 and have a longer session on Monday so will bore you all with how that went.
 

flanker2000fr

Hall of Fame
Here are my thoughts:
The 101 was my least favorite of the 3. It felt like the ball stayed on the strings forever and I could very much feel the flex in the head. There was little natural power in the frame, so I had to use the mass of the racquet to create pace. This did allow for easy modulation of depth, and I could be very consistent, although punishing the ball was a bit more tricky. The sweet spot seems to be lower in the head and I tend to hit most balls about 2/3 up the head, so some flutter was felt on the higher hits. I did not serve with this racquet, but with the location of the sweet spot and lower power level, I suspect only those with great motions will be able to get a lot of power out of it.

For fun, I hit some with the 105 designated for my dad. It’s a cannon. It has 1 speed - huge. I hit monster serves with it and absolutely ripped groundies with it, but everything was just inside the baseline. In a match situation, it may be hard to control the power if you have long developed strokes. You can feel the stiffness, but just as a powerful directed force as opposed to a harsh shock. This was a fun racquet to blast with and could make a great doubles racquet.

I liked the 100 the most as it blended the attributes of the other 2 frames. It had most of the control of the 101, but lots of the firepower of the 105. I could still hit big with it, but I could also modulate the pace. It was very good on serves like the 105, maybe just behind on absolute pace. I am excited to try more strings and find the perfect fit for me. The Hyper G has more pocketing than I’m used to, and I haven’t decided yet if that’s a plus or a minus for my game. Spin generation was very good, and I was surprised how much I could control flatter shots that really penetrated the court. I could not control those very well with my Roddick plus frames.

I have found my new racquet in the 100.

Very good review, thanks!

As for strings, if you like Hyper G but you want just a bit more control and consistency (balls tend to fly a bit with open string patterns with this string), I would highly recommend you give Confidential a try. They have similar characteristics, but Confidential is a bit better when you try to flatten your shots. That's what I have put in my TC100 63RA, and I am very pleased with it after 4 hits.
 

BPlain

Semi-Pro
Newer K7 Red owner here. So far, I’ve strung with the Halo Hybrid pack Angell sent with it (Halo Touch & Halo Four) and Volkl Cyclone Tour 18 gauge. Strung them both at 50 lbs. Loved the Halo Hybrid setup expect for my topspin forehand. It was landing either way short or I couldn’t bring it down in the court. Broke that set up about 6 to 8 hours in. I ended up cutting out the Cyclone Tour 18. It was way too soft and powerful for the racket.

I just got some Volkl V-Squared 16 (1.30) and dropped it off to be strung today. Going to compare that with the Halo Hybrid setup this weekend and will report back. I’m hoping because the K7 is so plush and arm friendly that I can move up to mid stiffness poly like V-Squared without elbow and/or wrist discomfort. I’ll report back the results.

Played twice this weekend with Volkl V-Squared 1.30 strung at 52lbs. Monster spin and I could confidently take full cuts off both wings. The spin was really great on both slice and kick serves as well. Thought I found a string winner for my K7 Red until I broke them only 3 hours in!

I’m putting in another set of V-Squared and dropping the tension down to 50lbs but I’m not sure that’s going to extend string life that much. It’s a squared string which is great for spin as advertised but it notches really quickly. The strings moved on me a lot but it didn’t impact my control or feel at all so I didn’t mind. It also felt fine on my elbow and wrist despite playing back to back days. We’ll see how the second set plays and I’ll report back.

I finished up playing today with my Halo Hybrid at 50 lbs set up in my second K7 Red and it felt pretty good. Noticeably less spin production but found it easier to find my forehand more consistently than I did on my first go round with these strings.
 

djNEiGht

Legend
Played twice this weekend with Volkl V-Squared 1.30 strung at 52lbs. Monster spin and I could confidently take full cuts off both wings. The spin was really great on both slice and kick serves as well. Thought I found a string winner for my K7 Red until I broke them only 3 hours in!

I’m putting in another set of V-Squared and dropping the tension down to 50lbs but I’m not sure that’s going to extend string life that much. It’s a squared string which is great for spin as advertised but it notches really quickly. The strings moved on me a lot but it didn’t impact my control or feel at all so I didn’t mind. It also felt fine on my elbow and wrist despite playing back to back days. We’ll see how the second set plays and I’ll report back.

I finished up playing today with my Halo Hybrid at 50 lbs set up in my second K7 Red and it felt pretty good. Noticeably less spin production but found it easier to find my forehand more consistently than I did on my first go round with these strings.

Try it with a round poly in the cross. I really liked Ghostwire. Notching didn't start as soon as soon as a full bed and great spin all the same.
 
Here are my thoughts:
The 101 was my least favorite of the 3. It felt like the ball stayed on the strings forever and I could very much feel the flex in the head. There was little natural power in the frame, so I had to use the mass of the racquet to create pace. This did allow for easy modulation of depth, and I could be very consistent, although punishing the ball was a bit more tricky. The sweet spot seems to be lower in the head and I tend to hit most balls about 2/3 up the head, so some flutter was felt on the higher hits. I did not serve with this racquet, but with the location of the sweet spot and lower power level, I suspect only those with great motions will be able to get a lot of power out of it.

For fun, I hit some with the 105 designated for my dad. It’s a cannon. It has 1 speed - huge. I hit monster serves with it and absolutely ripped groundies with it, but everything was just inside the baseline. In a match situation, it may be hard to control the power if you have long developed strokes. You can feel the stiffness, but just as a powerful directed force as opposed to a harsh shock. This was a fun racquet to blast with and could make a great doubles racquet.

I liked the 100 the most as it blended the attributes of the other 2 frames. It had most of the control of the 101, but lots of the firepower of the 105. I could still hit big with it, but I could also modulate the pace. It was very good on serves like the 105, maybe just behind on absolute pace. I am excited to try more strings and find the perfect fit for me. The Hyper G has more pocketing than I’m used to, and I haven’t decided yet if that’s a plus or a minus for my game. Spin generation was very good, and I was surprised how much I could control flatter shots that really penetrated the court. I could not control those very well with my Roddick plus frames.

I have found my new racquet in the 100.

With your review you make me want to get the TC100 now. I had a dilemma between TC100 and TC101 before I took a chance and went for the TC101. I am enjoying the TC101 however your review has made me think i need to try the TC100 at 27.5" too. Keep me updated on your views when you play more with them both.
 

BPlain

Semi-Pro
Try it with a round poly in the cross. I really liked Ghostwire. Notching didn't start as soon as soon as a full bed and great spin all the same.

Thank you for the suggestion. What Ghostwire gauge in the mains? Same tension for both or different?
 

serveitup911

Semi-Pro
With your review you make me want to get the TC100 now. I had a dilemma between TC100 and TC101 before I took a chance and went for the TC101. I am enjoying the TC101 however your review has made me think i need to try the TC100 at 27.5" too. Keep me updated on your views when you play more with them both.

What are your specs?
 

djNEiGht

Legend
Thank you for the suggestion. What Ghostwire gauge in the mains? Same tension for both or different?
i used 17 vSquare mains and 17 Ghost in the cross at the same tension in an 18x20. maybe start with same tension or if you normally string at different tension...go for it
 

big bang

Hall of Fame
How about the custom line compared to vantage?. I still have my Old vantage’s, but cant support the company. I was a vantage rep back I the day, but since Paul was the one who signed me and was always very helpful and nice to me, I didn’t want too work with vantage after they kicked Paul out. Had an serious injury and been away from tennis 9 years. Just started playing 2 weeks ago and would love to add a few custom frames if they play close to the old vantage. I think Paul told me that the angell customs was supposed to be the same frame as he designed for vantage, just new pj. But it’s many years ago now.
 

haqq777

Legend
How about the custom line compared to vantage?. I still have my Old vantage’s, but cant support the company. I was a vantage rep back I the day, but since Paul was the one who signed me and was always very helpful and nice to me, I didn’t want too work with vantage after they kicked Paul out. Had an serious injury and been away from tennis 9 years. Just started playing 2 weeks ago and would love to add a few custom frames if they play close to the old vantage. I think Paul told me that the angell customs was supposed to be the same frame as he designed for vantage, just new pj. But it’s many years ago now.
Nice. Welcome back to tennis. Yes, Paul is correct. I played with VT 321. Purchased used here on TW forum. Was identical to TC100. Even grommets are interchangeable.
 

edelp

Semi-Pro
I did want to stop, but, even though I love my V3 TC100 RA63, I needed to try the TC95. Just ordered... After reading and reading through this thread I guess I know what I would get and had to expect and still I needed to order. Let me see whether I can "avoid" the TC97 open pattern (I like a lot the 18x20 but a little too much for me).
Looking forward to compare.

well finally I could test it. Same cyclone (orange) 1.30 as in the TC100. Wonderful racquet. Need more time but am doubting. Liked in more on FH and Serve, but struggle still on backhand. fair to say that I hit the first time since 6 months!!! so not conclusive. Even though 10gr heavier than the tc100 (but still very light), easier and faster to move and accelerate.
DNA is the same somehow but with more control, still plenty of power, wow and spin!
Will see in the next weeks...
 
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serveitup911

Semi-Pro
With your review you make me want to get the TC100 now. I had a dilemma between TC100 and TC101 before I took a chance and went for the TC101. I am enjoying the TC101 however your review has made me think i need to try the TC100 at 27.5" too. Keep me updated on your views when you play more with them both.
Well, I hit again today and unfortunately the Hyper G in the 100 broke within 20 minutes. It broke in less than 90 minutes total. So I hit mostly with the 101. I really liked the 101 today. I was getting better power today and I really like it on volleys. The mass can be used to direct the ball deep, but the flex can be used to take some pace off hard passing attempts. I served pretty well with it, but I still feel like the 100 serves bigger. I’m going to string them both (100 and 101) with my old standby Tour Bite 1.25. The Hyper G in the 101 is very deeply notched and moving around like crazy, so it’s just a couple minutes from breaking. I am definitely not a candidate for 18g string.
 

emhtennis

Professional
I would try the 1.30 hyper g in the 100, the launch angle would probably be more predictable too and it may last you at least 6+ hours. Like reading your reviews!

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk
 

serveitup911

Semi-Pro
I would try the 1.30 hyper g in the 100, the launch angle would probably be more predictable too and it may last you at least 6+ hours. Like reading your reviews!

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk

I may at some point try the thicker gauge hyper G. My goal of going with the 18 gauge was thinking it would break before it went dead, and it sure did!

I also decided on the 18 gauge just have a few grams less weight invested in the strings so I could have a more headlight balance for more racket head speed.

you are right about that 18 gauge being less predictable on launch angle. I didn’t feel like the control was quite what it should’ve been for how I was swinging. I think some of that unpredictability has to do with the softness of the hyper G versus the stiffness of the tour bite that I’m used to.
After today’s session, the jury is definitely still out as to whether the 100 or the 101 will be better for my game. The real test will be playing practice sets with a similar level player. So far I’ve just been hitting on the ball machine and with my dad, who is about a 3.0 level player.
 

BPlain

Semi-Pro
Has anyone tried Halo 7 Spin yet? I have a few sets on the way and will report back once I get a chance to try them out.
 

flanker2000fr

Hall of Fame
I may at some point try the thicker gauge hyper G. My goal of going with the 18 gauge was thinking it would break before it went dead, and it sure did!

I also decided on the 18 gauge just have a few grams less weight invested in the strings so I could have a more headlight balance for more racket head speed.

you are right about that 18 gauge being less predictable on launch angle. I didn’t feel like the control was quite what it should’ve been for how I was swinging. I think some of that unpredictability has to do with the softness of the hyper G versus the stiffness of the tour bite that I’m used to.
After today’s session, the jury is definitely still out as to whether the 100 or the 101 will be better for my game. The real test will be playing practice sets with a similar level player. So far I’ve just been hitting on the ball machine and with my dad, who is about a 3.0 level player.

At the risk of repeating myself: if you're looking for more predictability than the Hyper G while avoiding the stiffness of Tour Bite, try Confidential. Best try it in at least 16L, as a thin gauge in a 100 sq.in. open pattern will break extremely quickly.
 

serveitup911

Semi-Pro
At the risk of repeating myself: if you're looking for more predictability than the Hyper G while avoiding the stiffness of Tour Bite, try Confidential. Best try it in at least 16L, as a thin gauge in a 100 sq.in. open pattern will break extremely quickly.

Definitely, I have some confidential to try also.
 

flanker2000fr

Hall of Fame
I have ordered 2 more TC100 63RA, which are under way. Paul has confirmed he has matched them with the first I got within 1g / 1mm balance.

Getting out of mandatory HK quarantine on Friday, have booked myself an hour with my coach. Very excited to hit again.
 

LHG1111

New User
I just purchased and received the TC97 18x20 and loving it! Now I'm looking for suggestions for strings to go with the new stick. I'm having some tennis elbow issues so may need a more arm friendly string than the Solinco Confidential and Tour Bite I had been using in my previous racquet - Head Liquidmetal Radical.

Anyone else using the TC97 and have suggestions for a string bed - combo or single set for someone having some arm issues?
 

emhtennis

Professional
I just purchased and received the TC97 18x20 and loving it! Now I'm looking for suggestions for strings to go with the new stick. I'm having some tennis elbow issues so may need a more arm friendly string than the Solinco Confidential and Tour Bite I had been using in my previous racquet - Head Liquidmetal Radical.

Anyone else using the TC97 and have suggestions for a string bed - combo or single set for someone having some arm issues?
I play a TC97 18x20 as well. The Tier 1 Firewire boost hybrid is very arm friendly and well give you a fun dynamic stringbed to hit with. Recommend the 18g combo on their website.

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk
 

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
I just purchased and received the TC97 18x20 and loving it! Now I'm looking for suggestions for strings to go with the new stick. I'm having some tennis elbow issues so may need a more arm friendly string than the Solinco Confidential and Tour Bite I had been using in my previous racquet - Head Liquidmetal Radical.

Anyone else using the TC97 and have suggestions for a string bed - combo or single set for someone having some arm issues?

My current string setup in the TC97 18x20 is MSV Co-Focus 1.18mm @ 46M/ 43C. Plays very well.

If you wanted an even softer setup, I'm using Babolat Origin in the Mains and MSV Focus Hex Plus 38 in the crosses in my TC97 16x19. It is working out very well and is very comfortable. Here I would use the thinner gauge of Babolat Origin in the Mains (for the 18x20), or a similar string like Isospeed Cream or Gosen AK Control 17 or the new Tecnifibre Triax).

Hope that helps
 

flanker2000fr

Hall of Fame
I just purchased and received the TC97 18x20 and loving it! Now I'm looking for suggestions for strings to go with the new stick. I'm having some tennis elbow issues so may need a more arm friendly string than the Solinco Confidential and Tour Bite I had been using in my previous racquet - Head Liquidmetal Radical.

Anyone else using the TC97 and have suggestions for a string bed - combo or single set for someone having some arm issues?

Volkl Cyclone would be quite soft for a poly. It's not the most long lasting poly in terms of tension maintenance, but it's fairly cheap so it's a good compromise.

One of my friend, who has a sensitive elbow, plays it in his DR98, and doesn't have any issues.
 
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ed70

Professional
I just purchased and received the TC97 18x20 and loving it! Now I'm looking for suggestions for strings to go with the new stick. I'm having some tennis elbow issues so may need a more arm friendly string than the Solinco Confidential and Tour Bite I had been using in my previous racquet - Head Liquidmetal Radical.

Anyone else using the TC97 and have suggestions for a string bed - combo or single set for someone having some arm issues?
Origin in crosses with a poly works great in TC97’s, using it at the moment with some black knight i’d got plays great, also have periodic arm problems caused by full bed poly & experimenting with different string too often rather than sticking with what works!
 
Well, I hit again today and unfortunately the Hyper G in the 100 broke within 20 minutes. It broke in less than 90 minutes total. So I hit mostly with the 101. I really liked the 101 today. I was getting better power today and I really like it on volleys. The mass can be used to direct the ball deep, but the flex can be used to take some pace off hard passing attempts. I served pretty well with it, but I still feel like the 100 serves bigger. I’m going to string them both (100 and 101) with my old standby Tour Bite 1.25. The Hyper G in the 101 is very deeply notched and moving around like crazy, so it’s just a couple minutes from breaking. I am definitely not a candidate for 18g string.

Really like your reviews, keep me updated how your testing of both rackets go.
 

Lozannois

Rookie
Looking to try the K7 red.

Except all the positive things that have been said about this stick, anyone would like to highlight its weaknesses?

How do you find the power and control level and does anyone could tell me what is the unstrung swingweight please?

What do you think is the closest racket on the market compared to this K7 red?

Thanks for your help

Envoyé de mon ONEPLUS A5000 en utilisant Tapatalk
 

tennis347

Hall of Fame
Looking to try the K7 red.

Except all the positive things that have been said about this stick, anyone would like to highlight its weaknesses?

How do you find the power and control level and does anyone could tell me what is the unstrung swingweight please?

What do you think is the closest racket on the market compared to this K7 red?

Thanks for your help

Envoyé de mon ONEPLUS A5000 en utilisant Tapatalk
The power level is slightly below a Wilson Blade v7 98 16 x 19 and the control is as good as the Blade if not a little better. The weakness is the rather low power level making difficult to put away shots. The feel, comfort and spin are outstanding.
 

PigPen

Professional
Looking to try the K7 red.

Except all the positive things that have been said about this stick, anyone would like to highlight its weaknesses?

How do you find the power and control level and does anyone could tell me what is the unstrung swingweight please?

What do you think is the closest racket on the market compared to this K7 red?

Thanks for your help

Envoyé de mon ONEPLUS A5000 en utilisant Tapatalk
I own 3 K7 reds and have been playing with the frame for 2 years.

In stock form, the frame is too light and lacks power. I have a bit of lead on mine, which makes a huge difference in the power level and the ability to handle heavier balls. The feel is outstanding and would compare best to the prestiges of 20 years ago.

If you do not like a very soft frame, the flex could be a weakness.
 

PigPen

Professional
Have you guys ever emailed Angell? Do they take long normally to respond?
I have emailed Angell many times in the past and they have been extremely helpful and responsive. At the present, the response time may be a bit slower as the owner is recovering from a serious illness. However, they will always reply to each and every query.
 

SinneGOAT

Hall of Fame
I have emailed Angell many times in the past and they have been extremely helpful and responsive. At the present, the response time may be a bit slower as the owner is recovering from a serious illness. However, they will always reply to each and every query.
Thank you. I hope the owner is doing ok, thank you for the response.
 

esm

Legend
Had a tinkering session last night...

the TC97 taken the most time to tinker because I need to remove/adjust the weights in the handle. (My fault - I got the heaviest spec, in the pre-loved market... lol)

In the end I had to do it twice because the first weight removed (the heavier one) made it too much of a hassle to add lead tape to bring to my usual spec.

So opened up the handle/pallet again to replace the heavier one with the lighter one (and placed the heavier one in the middle slot instead). Then I was able to put the required amount of lead tape around the 3 and 9 areas to bring to my usual spec

if you are still reading.... here are some pix to compensate.... lol

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serveitup911

Semi-Pro
What is up with the string pattern and the stupid double blocked hole for the last cross?!?!? It’s a huge hassle with a poly, but at least doable. Today I was stringing my dad‘s 105 with a multifilament, and I was less than a minute from quitting and making it an 16 x 18 racquet. I have over 20 years of stringing experience and many tools at my disposal, but after 20 minutes of cutting the tip at an angle, having it kink, and re-cutting and re-kinking, I was about to give up. Getting the last cross through took longer than stringing the entire rest of the racquet!
 

alexmcnab

Rookie
What is up with the string pattern and the stupid double blocked hole for the last cross?!?!? It’s a huge hassle with a poly, but at least doable. Today I was stringing my dad‘s 105 with a multifilament, and I was less than a minute from quitting and making it an 16 x 18 racquet. I have over 20 years of stringing experience and many tools at my disposal, but after 20 minutes of cutting the tip at an angle, having it kink, and re-cutting and re-kinking, I was about to give up. Getting the last cross through took longer than stringing the entire rest of the racquet!
I use a stainless steel blunt needle, 15 Guage. Put that through the last grommet from the inside and it will keep the path open. If the string is too thick to fit inside the needle at least you can use as a guide and feed the string from the outside whilst pulling the needle out.
Search for "Stainless steel Luer Lock Blunt Tip Needles"
 

serveitup911

Semi-Pro
I use a stainless steel blunt needle, 15 Guage. Put that through the last grommet from the inside and it will keep the path open. If the string is too thick to fit inside the needle at least you can use as a guide and feed the string from the outside whilst pulling the needle out.
Search for "Stainless steel Luer Lock Blunt Tip Needles"

Bought it. Thanks for the idea! I see the inner diameter of a 15 gauge is 1.37 mm, so I guess up to 15L string should go through.
 

alexmcnab

Rookie
Bought it. Thanks for the idea! I see the inner diameter of a 15 gauge is 1.37 mm, so I guess up to 15L string should go through.
In thoery you would think so, but my 15 gauge is 1.36mm inner diameter but I can't fit gosen syn gut 1.29mm or head velocity 1.3mm through it so have to do the "follow it through method" for them. Scorpion 1.22mm does fit though. You may need a bit of chapstick the first time to lube it through. the grommet.

I may at some point enlarge the hole and put a larger fittex grommet and maybe try a 14 gauge 1.6mm or 13 gauge 1.9mm needle.
 

Pctopcool

Rookie
What is up with the string pattern and the stupid double blocked hole for the last cross?!?!? It’s a huge hassle with a poly, but at least doable. Today I was stringing my dad‘s 105 with a multifilament, and I was less than a minute from quitting and making it an 16 x 18 racquet. I have over 20 years of stringing experience and many tools at my disposal, but after 20 minutes of cutting the tip at an angle, having it kink, and re-cutting and re-kinking, I was about to give up. Getting the last cross through took longer than stringing the entire rest of the racquet!
You can also try PATHERFINDER STRINGER AWL from gamma. It works for my tc100.

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If you're feelin' lucky and somewhat depending on the grommet channel, you can also very carefully ease the stringing awl on an oblique angle underneath the loop of string on the outside of the frame that is blocking the hole and position it so that there is just enough room to thread the string through; be very careful not to scratch the frame or impale the string. it actually helps if there is a slight bend in the tip of the awl.
 

Lozannois

Rookie
I own 3 K7 reds and have been playing with the frame for 2 years.

In stock form, the frame is too light and lacks power. I have a bit of lead on mine, which makes a huge difference in the power level and the ability to handle heavier balls. The feel is outstanding and would compare best to the prestiges of 20 years ago.

If you do not like a very soft frame, the flex could be a weakness.
Thank you. What about ASL 3? Anyone who tried it and could compare to K7 red and/or s other racket on the market?

Thank you

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ed70

Professional
Looking to try the K7 red.

Except all the positive things that have been said about this stick, anyone would like to highlight its weaknesses?

How do you find the power and control level and does anyone could tell me what is the unstrung swingweight please?

What do you think is the closest racket on the market compared to this K7 red?

Thanks for your help

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If you play a good level the first thing you will notice is that the frame Lacks plow & stability against heavy shots. It Needs weight to rectify this. I still have one stock that I use for feeding & a bit of social tennis, incredible touch & scalpel like at the net.
 

serveitup911

Semi-Pro
Today I did about 90 minutes of ball machine training and some serving with my 100 and 101 with identical specs. 27.5”. 320g, 305mm. B grip size 2 hybrid pro with 2 overgrips. Strung with Solinco Tour Bite 1.25mm @48M/50C.

The feel of the 101 moved in front of the 100 today when paired with the crisp feel of Tour Bite.

I started off with the 101 for the first load of balls and felt like I could not miss. I was hitting very heavy balls that penetrated the court and my flatter shots were mostly finding their mark. I had great success going down the line and finding my range. I could sense the dwell time and feel the ball take off from the strings, but did not have the trampolining that the 18g Hyper G produced sometimes in my last hitting session.

For the second load of balls, I used the 100. I immediately noticed a higher launch angle and a faster exit of the ball from the strings. The response reminded me of my Pure Drive Roddick +. I was able to hit big, but my range was a little tougher to dial in and there was some tendency for a few trampolines (i.e. controlled my racquet face angle and swing path similarly to a shot I just made, but the ball left on an unexpectedly higher trajectory and landed a little long). Where I saw an advantage in the 100 was with the free power when I was lazy with my footwork as I grew fatigued. I could see this coming in handy in a match situation on the run or deep into the match.

The 100 required me to use more spin for control. I was able to still control my range with the 101 even on flatter shots, which happens to be a big strength of mine. I grew up first learning the game mostly on fast low bouncing indoor hard courts and first learned to hit shots through the court. I added spin to my arsenal later on especially in the early 2000s when poly strings took off. On shots out of the strike zone (high) the 100 had an easier time of getting pop on the ball.

On volleys, the 101 took the lead with its feel and lower launch angle. I had an easier time hitting nice skidding offensive volleys with the 101. The 100 was better on overheads for absolute power although the ball was easier to place with the 101.

On flat serves, the 100 did very well with lots of power. If I missed, it was long. The 101 had a touch less power and if I missed, it was in the tape. (I do feel many misses were a result of switching back and forth - the launch angle difference is pronounced). On second serves, I have never had a great right bouncing kick (twist) serve. The 101 made it like cake - I’m talking big high right hops. Spin serves overall with the 101 were great. The extra dwell time allowed me to load up on the spin. With the 100, spin was still adequate but not up to the level of the 101. With the 100, my serving style would be using mostly pace and penetration. With the 101, my serving style would be using more spins and variety with the occasional heater.

At the end of today’s session I still don’t have a clear favorite. As we know, there are always trade offs with racquets and deciding which negatives to accept and which positives can help our game more is the key. I still feel like I need to find a matchup with a similar ability player and play some sets before I know for sure.

I am going to video my next session and maybe you all can look and see which racquet looks better for me.
 
Today I did about 90 minutes of ball machine training and some serving with my 100 and 101 with identical specs. 27.5”. 320g, 305mm. B grip size 2 hybrid pro with 2 overgrips. Strung with Solinco Tour Bite 1.25mm @48M/50C.

The feel of the 101 moved in front of the 100 today when paired with the crisp feel of Tour Bite.

I started off with the 101 for the first load of balls and felt like I could not miss. I was hitting very heavy balls that penetrated the court and my flatter shots were mostly finding their mark. I had great success going down the line and finding my range. I could sense the dwell time and feel the ball take off from the strings, but did not have the trampolining that the 18g Hyper G produced sometimes in my last hitting session.

For the second load of balls, I used the 100. I immediately noticed a higher launch angle and a faster exit of the ball from the strings. The response reminded me of my Pure Drive Roddick +. I was able to hit big, but my range was a little tougher to dial in and there was some tendency for a few trampolines (i.e. controlled my racquet face angle and swing path similarly to a shot I just made, but the ball left on an unexpectedly higher trajectory and landed a little long). Where I saw an advantage in the 100 was with the free power when I was lazy with my footwork as I grew fatigued. I could see this coming in handy in a match situation on the run or deep into the match.

The 100 required me to use more spin for control. I was able to still control my range with the 101 even on flatter shots, which happens to be a big strength of mine. I grew up first learning the game mostly on fast low bouncing indoor hard courts and first learned to hit shots through the court. I added spin to my arsenal later on especially in the early 2000s when poly strings took off. On shots out of the strike zone (high) the 100 had an easier time of getting pop on the ball.

On volleys, the 101 took the lead with its feel and lower launch angle. I had an easier time hitting nice skidding offensive volleys with the 101. The 100 was better on overheads for absolute power although the ball was easier to place with the 101.

On flat serves, the 100 did very well with lots of power. If I missed, it was long. The 101 had a touch less power and if I missed, it was in the tape. (I do feel many misses were a result of switching back and forth - the launch angle difference is pronounced). On second serves, I have never had a great right bouncing kick (twist) serve. The 101 made it like cake - I’m talking big high right hops. Spin serves overall with the 101 were great. The extra dwell time allowed me to load up on the spin. With the 100, spin was still adequate but not up to the level of the 101. With the 100, my serving style would be using mostly pace and penetration. With the 101, my serving style would be using more spins and variety with the occasional heater.

At the end of today’s session I still don’t have a clear favorite. As we know, there are always trade offs with racquets and deciding which negatives to accept and which positives can help our game more is the key. I still feel like I need to find a matchup with a similar ability player and play some sets before I know for sure.

I am going to video my next session and maybe you all can look and see which racquet looks better for me.

Great review, waiting with interest for your next installment and the video. You analysis of the 101 is similar to how it is playing for me although I have no comparison with 100.
 
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