The Official Angell Users Club

emhtennis

Professional
What’s the normal wait to get custom racquets shipped? Said 7-10 days on my order but I saw someone reveiving it after 5 days.
He always ships rackets Fedex 2-day express. But depending on your order: number of rackets, how busy the shop is as a whole, etc determines how quickly they can build your specific racket(s).

In the US, I think my waits were around 5-7 days.

edit: If you are getting non-custom frames like the K7 Red, Green, Cyan I would imagine that these would ship within 1 or 2 days unless you requested specific customization to them.
 

ockelito

New User
On another note. A bit off topic but still not since Angell has so much customization.

Say I have a racquet of 310 sw. What would be the difference of extending it 1/2 inches (adding 20points) and adding weight corresponding to 20 sw points be? Mainly asking of feel and maneuverability.
 

longtimelurker

Professional
On another note. A bit off topic but still not since Angell has so much customization.

Say I have a racquet of 310 sw. What would be the difference of extending it 1/2 inches (adding 20points) and adding weight corresponding to 20 sw points be? Mainly asking of feel and maneuverability.

If that is 310sw unstrung then strung will be 340-343sw, and if you want to add on top of that 20sw points with the 0.5 extension you will have manoeuvrability issues if you aren't use to that type of SW (365sw roughly)
if 310sw in strung for anyframe, then that will become about 333sw, still hefty if you are not use to it. It will feel great on serves and two handed backhand, sweetspot will shift a bit higher... true test will be for lengthy time on court and your ability to handle the longer frame at the net, reaction times, etc... I think I read on these forums %40 on atp tour use XL frames ? give it a go
 

Carreau

Semi-Pro
I believe I'm using Sergetti method occasionally since 2019. Sometimes I like it, sometimes - not. I'm not in the greatest shape at the time being and I think it might be helpful, however, I need a few more tension sheets with different reference tension.

P.S., interesting thing in the video - method presumes distortion of the frame. However, some of the stringing machines clamp the frame from inside (Stringway, for example) preventing length distortion. However, width distortion can be still present. Quite a lot variables that are not considered.
 
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ed70

Professional
Ok thank you. Adding 0.25” should add 10 in sw. And then strings another 25-30. I think I could handle 335 but no more. I think I’ll go for a try.

Does anyone know if the maneuverability of an extended vs non extended feels the same if the sw is the same on both.

edit: what I want to compare with is my gravity pro in the low 330s strung.
Think you will be fine, always found my Angells to swing faster than their actual 325SW, maybe down to the thin beam / aerodynamics who know’s?
 

Happi

Hall of Fame
thanks for this - was looking at this awhile ago, but never tried it.
have you tried it yet and what are your thoughts? thanks.

I have been using the Sergetti method for a few years, and it defiantly works, however there are a few small issues:

- you need an electronic stringer to be able to do the precision work required.
- you need to do 2 piece stringing
- stringing time is longer

Like @Carreau I am using it on/off, sometimes I like a more defines sweet spot to know better where I am hitting. When I test strings I use conventional method to better feel the difference in off center hits. When I settle for a string and tension, I will order a tension sheet 2 kg below my normal tension, as in my experience the Sergetti stringing is a little tighter compared to conventional stringing at same ref tension. What I also do is I order 2 sheets as an example 20kg and 24kg and then I can calculate tensions in between myself by interpolating - I have checked that out with buying a sheet of 22kg and it works perfectly.

I think there are many variable, like @Carreau also mentioned, but this might be the best method out there.

Cheers, H
 

esm

Legend
I have been using the Sergetti method for a few years, and it defiantly works, however there are a few small issues:

- you need an electronic stringer to be able to do the precision work required.
- you need to do 2 piece stringing
- stringing time is longer

Like @Carreau I am using it on/off, sometimes I like a more defines sweet spot to know better where I am hitting. When I test strings I use conventional method to better feel the difference in off center hits. When I settle for a string and tension, I will order a tension sheet 2 kg below my normal tension, as in my experience the Sergetti stringing is a little tighter compared to conventional stringing at same ref tension. What I also do is I order 2 sheets as an example 20kg and 24kg and then I can calculate tensions in between myself by interpolating - I have checked that out with buying a sheet of 22kg and it works perfectly.

I think there are many variable, like @Carreau also mentioned, but this might be the best method out there.

Cheers, H
thank you Sir - very informative.
i have an eCP and understand the requirement of 2 piece and the longer time required.
good point about the lower tension and ordering two sheets to work out the differentials/in between tensions.
 

Soundbyte

Hall of Fame
Exactly :) Remember, it's 27.5" length

The 27".5" Angells are great. I have 2 TC97s in that length. But I've since moved on to Yonex frames, so I'm looking for new homes for them.

But I agree, the Angells, even with the higher weights/SWs seem to swing easier than other brands with similar specs
 

Rysty

Rookie
I ordered a TC97 and a K7 red. Excited!

Do I really need to follow this stringing instructions? I usually want to tie off the strings as far as possible from the middle to not lock strings closer to the middle, which would decrease the sweet spot by making the stringbed less stretchy on some parts of it.

Edit: https://www.angelltennis.com/wp-content/uploads/ASL-SI-TC97-16x19.pdf

With Angells you have to follow the stringing instructions, because the grommet holes are small, except those meant for tie-offs.

You can of course use an ATW pattern, but you can't change the tie-off locations.
 
cant wait for my v4 TC95... I think I will try solnico Confidential as it seems very similar to RS lyon. I also have Kirshbaum max power, Head Lynx Tour and Yonic poly tour pro (graphite) around. Hate having to change strings RS Lyon was perfect but Confidential seems like a shaped version of it.
 

Happi

Hall of Fame
With Angells you have to follow the stringing instructions, because the grommet holes are small, except those meant for tie-offs.

You can of course use an ATW pattern, but you can't change the tie-off locations.
Correct, and there will be frustrations with the blocked holes until you find a method. In this thread there is tips and trickd.
My best tio is to get this tool, and your problems are over.
 
So V4 is effectively the same construction as V3 (and presumably same feel, performance etc)? If so, great news indeed!
yeah that's the thing with Angell frames... TC 95 hasnt changed in any supstantial way since the old vantage days... the PJ's just keep getting better. For those of us with grooved strokes this is great. Now that I have to find strings other than RS Lyon the last thing Id want is to have to change frames too.

For stringing the awl is indeed necessary but its no big deal.
 

Happi

Hall of Fame
yeah that's the thing with Angell frames... TC 95 hasnt changed in any supstantial way since the old vantage days... the PJ's just keep getting better. For those of us with grooved strokes this is great. Now that I have to find strings other than RS Lyon the last thing Id want is to have to change frames too.

For stringing the awl is indeed necessary but its no big deal.

The awl is just a very helpful tool for the last cross hole before tie off.

i currently enjoy Alu power 18 /1.15 in TC95 18x20 strung low - seems to last longer than Alu 16L / 1.25 strung medium in TC95 16x19.
 

esm

Legend
I ordered a TC97 and a K7 red. Excited!

Do I really need to follow this stringing instructions? I usually want to tie off the strings as far as possible from the middle to not lock strings closer to the middle, which would decrease the sweet spot by making the stringbed less stretchy on some parts of it.

Edit: https://www.angelltennis.com/wp-content/uploads/ASL-SI-TC97-16x19.pdf
How much of the reduction in sweetspot does it make as per the above?
Suppsoe if you must do it, then you will need to pre enlarge the grommet holes before start stringing.
 

ockelito

New User
How much of the reduction in sweetspot does it make as per the above?
Suppsoe if you must do it, then you will need to pre enlarge the grommet holes before start stringing.
I don’t know to be honest. It’s just what I learned from a semi professional stringer. He sometimes even ties off the crosses on the crosses, to not jam the mains. Like you would do with natural gut.
cant wait for my v4 TC95... I think I will try solnico Confidential as it seems very similar to RS lyon. I also have Kirshbaum max power, Head Lynx Tour and Yonic poly tour pro (graphite) around. Hate having to change strings RS Lyon was perfect but Confidential seems like a shaped version of it.
I thought confidential and lynx tour were very similar. I couldn’t make up my mind and chose confidential for the more visual appealing blackish color over the champagne color.
 

esm

Legend
I don’t know to be honest. It’s just what I learned from a semi professional stringer. He sometimes even ties off the crosses on the crosses, to not jam the mains. Like you would do with natural gut.
Ah, is that so he can cut out the crosses and reuse the nat gut mains?
 

ockelito

New User
Ah, is that so he can cut out the crosses and reuse the nat gut mains?
This would be if you put the gut on the crosses. The reason is to tie off the super soft gut on a super soft string. Otherwise I guess you might risk breaking the gut if the stiff main string would be shewing on the gut’s knot. In rare occasions.

Edit: it was the other way around, but same reasoning:
 
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ChrisG

Professional
You definitely need a lot of patience at first with block holes in Angell frames. It can get to a point of testing your will to still play with them :mad::-D.
I might suggest a very easy tip that helped me significantly : make sure the edge of the string you're trying to get through the block hole is really sharp/pointy. It's a basic advice but ultimately that's the one that nobody speaks about : after weaving all the crosses the edge can be blunt, so cut it again properly before passing through the last grommet
 

Carreau

Semi-Pro
I found that is pretty easy with my preferred stiffer strings - TourBite, HyperG, SPPP. No issues with the blocked holes.

However, if I'm using soft strings - I'm putting small cuts of the string in the last two holes of crosses in advance (before tie off of mains) and when it comes to these last two holes - pushing these small cuts with your cross string works quite well for me.
 

buttercluck

New User
Can anyone recommend any poly strings for the TC97 18x20. I typically string in less than 50 lbs mains and cross.

Seems that these are some of the fan favorites that I'd like to try:

- Tier One Black Knight
- RS Lyon
- Hyper G
- MSV Focus Hex
- MSV Co-Focus
- Kirschbaum Max Power

Currently using Co-focus and think it's excellent for control but just not getting much pop off my shots and launch angle is way too low for my liking in an already dense string pattern.

I think Hyper G plays very well in this frame but I play in 18 gauge and strings break after about 8 hours.

Does anyone have any experience in a control and spin orientated poly strings that provide decent launch angle in the 18x20 frame? I find the 16x19 pattern just a bit too open to have good control with otherwise I'd switch to that!
 

ockelito

New User
Can anyone recommend any poly strings for the TC97 18x20. I typically string in less than 50 lbs mains and cross.

Seems that these are some of the fan favorites that I'd like to try:

- Tier One Black Knight
- RS Lyon
- Hyper G
- MSV Focus Hex
- MSV Co-Focus
- Kirschbaum Max Power

Currently using Co-focus and think it's excellent for control but just not getting much pop off my shots and launch angle is way too low for my liking in an already dense string pattern.

I think Hyper G plays very well in this frame but I play in 18 gauge and strings break after about 8 hours.

Does anyone have any experience in a control and spin orientated poly strings that provide decent launch angle in the 18x20 frame? I find the 16x19 pattern just a bit too open to have good control with otherwise I'd switch to that!

I have only tried the strings. But based on what you are looking for I definitely wouldn’t go for RS Lyon. Hyper g sounds like a good option, great bite and good launch angle. Or Solinco confidential. Similar to hyper g but lower power and looks better with blackish color.
 

Tennisist

Professional
Can anyone recommend any poly strings for the TC97 18x20. I typically string in less than 50 lbs mains and cross.

Does anyone have any experience in a control and spin orientated poly strings that provide decent launch angle in the 18x20 frame? I find the 16x19 pattern just a bit too open to have good control with otherwise I'd switch to that!

I've had good luck with Mayami Tour Hex 1.23 + any slippery cross @ 47/45 in 18x20. It has very good spin ( for 18x20 ). Control is top tier. It's launch angle is different from other strings. The cross I used recently was WC Mosquito Bite 1.16, and am happy with this setup.
 

Dansan

Semi-Pro
Finally ordered my V4: TC95 63 RA, 310g, 315mm, tan leather grip. Waffled on making it 27.25 but went with 27. Can't wait
 
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Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
Can anyone recommend any poly strings for the TC97 18x20. I typically string in less than 50 lbs mains and cross.

Seems that these are some of the fan favorites that I'd like to try:

- Tier One Black Knight
- RS Lyon
- Hyper G
- MSV Focus Hex
- MSV Co-Focus
- Kirschbaum Max Power

Currently using Co-focus and think it's excellent for control but just not getting much pop off my shots and launch angle is way too low for my liking in an already dense string pattern.

I think Hyper G plays very well in this frame but I play in 18 gauge and strings break after about 8 hours.

Does anyone have any experience in a control and spin orientated poly strings that provide decent launch angle in the 18x20 frame? I find the 16x19 pattern just a bit too open to have good control with otherwise I'd switch to that!

I have used MSV Co-Focus 1.18mm in a full-bed setup at 46M/43C and have not had any problems with launch angle or pop. I used the Yellow colour option (or gold colour). The reason I mentioned the colour is because I used the black version in another racquet, and found it to be more muted and lower powered than my experience of the yellow/gold (which I found to be fantastic in every way). Just a thought.

Other strings you could try, which might help you increase the launch angle and add pop (well this bit you can achieve by just lowering the tension - you will not lose control as it is a dense stringbed) are, Weiss Cannon Red Ghost (1.18mm); Volkl Cyclone 18L (1.18mm); Tier 1 Black Knight (1.18mm - which you have listed); and Volkl V-Square (18 or 19 gauge). The other strings on your list are all great. Look up the spin potential of strings on the TW University database, this may give you further ideas.

I tend to maintain a 3 lbs difference between my Mains and Crosses (eg. 46/43), which helps with increasing the launch angle.

Hope that helps.
 

Carreau

Semi-Pro
Can anyone recommend any poly strings for the TC97 18x20. I typically string in less than 50 lbs mains and cross.

Seems that these are some of the fan favorites that I'd like to try:

- Tier One Black Knight
- RS Lyon
- Hyper G
- MSV Focus Hex
- MSV Co-Focus
- Kirschbaum Max Power

Currently using Co-focus and think it's excellent for control but just not getting much pop off my shots and launch angle is way too low for my liking in an already dense string pattern.

I think Hyper G plays very well in this frame but I play in 18 gauge and strings break after about 8 hours.

Does anyone have any experience in a control and spin orientated poly strings that provide decent launch angle in the 18x20 frame? I find the 16x19 pattern just a bit too open to have good control with otherwise I'd switch to that!

+1 regarding Co-Focus in 1.18 gauge - it will give you more power. And will not loose its tension quick, control is there after few weeks of playing.

A few more options to consider:
-- WC Silverstring (I prefer 1.20, 1.25 gauges) - great control and feel.
-- SPPP (1.18 gauge is my preferred one) - a bit stiffer, control oriented, holds its tention well. Basically, same level of playability until it brakes. By the way, hybrid of SPPP mains and Co-Focus crosses is very nice as well and launch angle is higher.
-- WC UC - I like to string it low, good control, power, spin. This one is love it or hate it - I know that there are players that hates this string. However, it works for me. One more thing - this string is quite heavy and changes the usual balance slightly. Gauge is 1.23 but it feels like 1.27.
-- Volkl Cyclones are great strings. The one thing I do not like - seems that it changes its characteristics after few weeks of usage (stiffens).
-- Technifibre BlackCode would be considerable as well (1.25 gauge).

Again, agree with the previous post, regarding the launch angle - you may simply try a thinner versions of the same strings or you may string your crosses in lower tension. It should help, launch angle will be higher.
 

emhtennis

Professional
Can anyone recommend any poly strings for the TC97 18x20. I typically string in less than 50 lbs mains and cross.

Seems that these are some of the fan favorites that I'd like to try:

- Tier One Black Knight
- RS Lyon
- Hyper G
- MSV Focus Hex
- MSV Co-Focus
- Kirschbaum Max Power

Currently using Co-focus and think it's excellent for control but just not getting much pop off my shots and launch angle is way too low for my liking in an already dense string pattern.

I think Hyper G plays very well in this frame but I play in 18 gauge and strings break after about 8 hours.

Does anyone have any experience in a control and spin orientated poly strings that provide decent launch angle in the 18x20 frame? I find the 16x19 pattern just a bit too open to have good control with otherwise I'd switch to that!
I've been playing with Black Knight 18g for almost 18 months. Played with MSV Focus Hex before that. Black Knight (for me) does everything it advertises. I string at 49lbs for mains and crosses. For me, the most important thing of all was/is predictability. From a category perspective I think it does everything at "4" or "4.5" stars. Other string would give more power, more control, more spin, but for me (in this racket at least) BK is the winner.

I think I hit with quite a lot of spin, but I've never actually broken a string in my 18x20s. I'm also restringing around the 12hour mark though. I know it's time to restring when all my shots are traveling about 6-12inches farther than they should. Sounds anal retentive, but that's how consistent the string is, and how dialed in I am after using it for so long. When my deep/aggressive groundstrokes start to miss the baseline or the sideline by inches, time for fresh strings.

As an epilogue, the only string I'm tempted to try is Solinco Confidential. Had a buddy who played an 18x20 Wilson Ultra Pro with Confidential and loved it. Everything he described sounded very similar to Black Knight. The difference though is that you can get reels of BK for $95, but Confidential will set you back about $160.
 

Carreau

Semi-Pro
I've been playing with Black Knight 18g for almost 18 months. Played with MSV Focus Hex before that. Black Knight (for me) does everything it advertises. I string at 49lbs for mains and crosses. For me, the most important thing of all was/is predictability. From a category perspective I think it does everything at "4" or "4.5" stars. Other string would give more power, more control, more spin, but for me (in this racket at least) BK is the winner.

I think I hit with quite a lot of spin, but I've never actually broken a string in my 18x20s. I'm also restringing around the 12hour mark though. I know it's time to restring when all my shots are traveling about 6-12inches farther than they should. Sounds anal retentive, but that's how consistent the string is, and how dialed in I am after using it for so long. When my deep/aggressive groundstrokes start to miss the baseline or the sideline by inches, time for fresh strings.

As an epilogue, the only string I'm tempted to try is Solinco Confidential. Had a buddy who played an 18x20 Wilson Ultra Pro with Confidential and loved it. Everything he described sounded very similar to Black Knight. The difference though is that you can get reels of BK for $95, but Confidential will set you back about $160.

For consistency you may try Solinco TB rough. I found it being very consistent for my shots.
 

ockelito

New User
Got my gear today! 1 K7 Red and 1 TC97 16x19 27.25, 315 mm, 310 g.

Doing my amateur measurement I got:

- K7 red at 305 g and 320/319, so spot on. However, the size 4 grip felt enormous and was measured to 4 5/8! I replaced the grip (20 g) with a thin wilson leather grip (21 g) and got to wanted 4 1/2. Also added 3 g above the grip making it 309 g and 316 mm. Should be my in my wheelhouse.
- TC97 at 307 g and 318 mm. Should be able to make it closer to my spec by adding 3 g in the handle. Chose a hybrid grip and in case anyone is wondering it weighs 21 g for my size 4, which was measured exactly to 4 1/2.

Gonna try my K7 Red on Thursday, exciting! Starting with that one as I have an important match coming up on Sunday where I hope I dare to use it, and K7 Red should be a smaller step from my Head Gravity Pro.
 
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Greetings Angell fans! I come to you with an inquiry about Angell frames. I'm looking to get back into the game after a couple years hiatus and decided I wanted to get a real racquet.

I originaly intended this for Paul to see but I guess he's too busy right now and hasn't gotten to read his inbox. All good. Just thought it worth mentioning since this is going to be a copy paste:


I'm interested in building a custom frame to get back into the game after years off. However I would like to inquiry with you about the best possible frame to maximize my performance.

I'm currently 30 Years old and have played since around 12 years old. I have long, full complete strokes and have focused all of those years in doing things correctly with proper form and always try to improve them.

My best shots are definitely my serve and my slice backhand. My forehand has some top spin to it and I don't visit the net too often.

My favorite feeling raquets have been the K.Factor K6.1 16x19 for it's heftly and plowthrough feel and the Prostaff 97 for feeling somewhat more forgiving and maneuverable. Not as taxing to use.
I've also wielded Head Liquidmetal Prestige Oversized racquets (107") and liked them. I've tried 18x20 head speed raquets that felt like my slice was a straight laser beam that never rose from the court too.

Unfortunately I suffered a bout with tennis elbow and a wrist injury, with the PS97 and the K6.1 respectively years ago. Fortunately I've overcome them.

I mention all of this as to provide you with some idea of what I'm used to and have liked. I'm interested in either the TC97 or the TC100 racquets leaning more towards the TC16x19 as it's more in line to what I've used in the past. The TC97 18x20 looks very interesting as well as it is more control oriented and I tend to go wild at times. But given the more baseline and serve orientation of the TC100 I think It could work well for me as well.

In terms of weight and balance I'd think I'd like to retain some mass but be able to still whip the frame and generate serious head speed for serves and strokes. I generally like the feel of the ball sinking into the bed and leaving like a springboard and the frame remaining stable through the stroke.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts and making a decision to get back into the game and own my very first Angell racquet!

Now, a new question that just surfaced after reading this thread is: Are Angell frames really tough to string? I don't own a stringing machine and would be relying on the club's stringing and wouldn't want to risk getting stuff damaged or done the wrong way and not functioning propperly.



Thanks in advance!
 

StanAO14

Semi-Pro
I would choose the 95 or 97 TC 16/19. Head size is more or less the same as they share the same grommets. 95 16/19 feels bigger than a regular 95. I would not choose the 100 because you like to slice your backhand (and the 100 is not av. in 18/20). The 95 is a bit speedier and the feel (63RA) is a bit softer. Also the launch angle is a bit higher than the 97. 97 is a bit more stable (66RA) and feels a bit like the head prestiges. Very good frames, good plow,
Power and control. Both good feel and comfortable.

edit: 310 grams, 315 balance is heavy enough but not too heavy. Still stable because of the foam filling. Not difficult to string. Not more difficult than usual.
 

emhtennis

Professional
Greetings Angell fans! I come to you with an inquiry about Angell frames. I'm looking to get back into the game after a couple years hiatus and decided I wanted to get a real racquet.

I originaly intended this for Paul to see but I guess he's too busy right now and hasn't gotten to read his inbox. All good. Just thought it worth mentioning since this is going to be a copy paste:


I'm interested in building a custom frame to get back into the game after years off. However I would like to inquiry with you about the best possible frame to maximize my performance.

I'm currently 30 Years old and have played since around 12 years old. I have long, full complete strokes and have focused all of those years in doing things correctly with proper form and always try to improve them.

My best shots are definitely my serve and my slice backhand. My forehand has some top spin to it and I don't visit the net too often.

My favorite feeling raquets have been the K.Factor K6.1 16x19 for it's heftly and plowthrough feel and the Prostaff 97 for feeling somewhat more forgiving and maneuverable. Not as taxing to use.
I've also wielded Head Liquidmetal Prestige Oversized racquets (107") and liked them. I've tried 18x20 head speed raquets that felt like my slice was a straight laser beam that never rose from the court too.

Unfortunately I suffered a bout with tennis elbow and a wrist injury, with the PS97 and the K6.1 respectively years ago. Fortunately I've overcome them.

I mention all of this as to provide you with some idea of what I'm used to and have liked. I'm interested in either the TC97 or the TC100 racquets leaning more towards the TC16x19 as it's more in line to what I've used in the past. The TC97 18x20 looks very interesting as well as it is more control oriented and I tend to go wild at times. But given the more baseline and serve orientation of the TC100 I think It could work well for me as well.

In terms of weight and balance I'd think I'd like to retain some mass but be able to still whip the frame and generate serious head speed for serves and strokes. I generally like the feel of the ball sinking into the bed and leaving like a springboard and the frame remaining stable through the stroke.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts and making a decision to get back into the game and own my very first Angell racquet!

Now, a new question that just surfaced after reading this thread is: Are Angell frames really tough to string? I don't own a stringing machine and would be relying on the club's stringing and wouldn't want to risk getting stuff damaged or done the wrong way and not functioning propperly.



Thanks in advance!
I second Stan up above. Based on your description I think you'd probably like the TC95 16x19. If you think you might be sensitive to launch angle then go with the 18x20. The 95 16x19 will feel closer to your 6.1 - especially if you get the same grip shape (B). Weight/balance wise I would go with the new option of 305g 320mm (7pt) HL. This should be heavy enough when strung (probably around 325-330g) but still light enough to really rip over top of balls.

Serving with Angells, any of them, is the best part! The sound, feel, pace, and spin you can get off of the frame is amazing.
 
I second Stan up above. Based on your description I think you'd probably like the TC95 16x19. If you think you might be sensitive to launch angle then go with the 18x20. The 95 16x19 will feel closer to your 6.1 - especially if you get the same grip shape (B). Weight/balance wise I would go with the new option of 305g 320mm (7pt) HL. This should be heavy enough when strung (probably around 325-330g) but still light enough to really rip over top of balls.

Serving with Angells, any of them, is the best part! The sound, feel, pace, and spin you can get off of the frame is amazing.

Thank you both!

I also always play with overgrip (wilson pro) so that's another 5 gram aprox at the handle. I think 315 is a good option since that's what the PS97 weights. Whatcha think?
 

flanker2000fr

Hall of Fame
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Can anyone recommend any poly strings for the TC97 18x20. I typically string in less than 50 lbs mains and cross.

Seems that these are some of the fan favorites that I'd like to try:

- Tier One Black Knight
- RS Lyon
- Hyper G
- MSV Focus Hex
- MSV Co-Focus
- Kirschbaum Max Power

Currently using Co-focus and think it's excellent for control but just not getting much pop off my shots and launch angle is way too low for my liking in an already dense string pattern.

I think Hyper G plays very well in this frame but I play in 18 gauge and strings break after about 8 hours.

Does anyone have any experience in a control and spin orientated poly strings that provide decent launch angle in the 18x20 frame? I find the 16x19 pattern just a bit too open to have good control with otherwise I'd switch to that!

Solinco Confidential in a 17 or 18 gauge. Great spin and control, aggressively shaped poly which will help with the launch angle, but more predictable than Hyper G. I would also drop the tension in the crosses by 2lbs to help with the launch angle.
 

flanker2000fr

Hall of Fame
Greetings Angell fans! I come to you with an inquiry about Angell frames. I'm looking to get back into the game after a couple years hiatus and decided I wanted to get a real racquet.

I originaly intended this for Paul to see but I guess he's too busy right now and hasn't gotten to read his inbox. All good. Just thought it worth mentioning since this is going to be a copy paste:


I'm interested in building a custom frame to get back into the game after years off. However I would like to inquiry with you about the best possible frame to maximize my performance.

I'm currently 30 Years old and have played since around 12 years old. I have long, full complete strokes and have focused all of those years in doing things correctly with proper form and always try to improve them.

My best shots are definitely my serve and my slice backhand. My forehand has some top spin to it and I don't visit the net too often.

My favorite feeling raquets have been the K.Factor K6.1 16x19 for it's heftly and plowthrough feel and the Prostaff 97 for feeling somewhat more forgiving and maneuverable. Not as taxing to use.
I've also wielded Head Liquidmetal Prestige Oversized racquets (107") and liked them. I've tried 18x20 head speed raquets that felt like my slice was a straight laser beam that never rose from the court too.

Unfortunately I suffered a bout with tennis elbow and a wrist injury, with the PS97 and the K6.1 respectively years ago. Fortunately I've overcome them.

I mention all of this as to provide you with some idea of what I'm used to and have liked. I'm interested in either the TC97 or the TC100 racquets leaning more towards the TC16x19 as it's more in line to what I've used in the past. The TC97 18x20 looks very interesting as well as it is more control oriented and I tend to go wild at times. But given the more baseline and serve orientation of the TC100 I think It could work well for me as well.

In terms of weight and balance I'd think I'd like to retain some mass but be able to still whip the frame and generate serious head speed for serves and strokes. I generally like the feel of the ball sinking into the bed and leaving like a springboard and the frame remaining stable through the stroke.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts and making a decision to get back into the game and own my very first Angell racquet!

Now, a new question that just surfaced after reading this thread is: Are Angell frames really tough to string? I don't own a stringing machine and would be relying on the club's stringing and wouldn't want to risk getting stuff damaged or done the wrong way and not functioning propperly.

Thanks in advance!

This is another vote for the TC95. If you predominantly slice your BH and only moderate spin on your FH, the TC100 might not be the best for you as the launch angle is so extreme that shots will fly on you unless you put a lot of spin on the ball.

There's hardly any difference in the size of the hoop of the TC95 and TC97 (they share the same grommets) and the TC95 is generally thought to have a bit more power than the TC97. In the 16x19 version, the TC95 genuinely feels more like 97 or 98 sq.in. frames from other manufacturers as far as tolerance is concerned. Be aware that Angell frames generally swing heavier that racquets that have the same weight balance at other manufacturers owing to the fact that they are foam filled, so adjust the specs accordingly or just ask Paul to guide you. You can try to call him, he's pretty responsive on the phone and really does take the time to give you the right advice.

Given your game, you could also consider the TC95 in its 18x20 version. I have a similar game to yours (big serve, flat FH, sliced BH), and have successfully transitioned from the 16x19 to the 18x20 TC95. I have lost marginal power and tolerance with the denser string pattern (which I have compensated by going from a 16 to 17 gauge and also dropping the tension by 10%), but my ball placement has improved substantially, as did my sliced BH which has evolved from a neutral shot to a real weapon.
 
Thank you flanker!

I thinkI might have failed to describe my FH. In actuality its a pretty heavy top spin forehand. I went back to the courts tonight(I just got home) and the K6.1felt ok. My timing is all over the place and I was sending ball sto the moon the first few shots but after I settled down and relaxed my arm and wrists the sweetspot opened up and my ball was clearing the net 5-6 feet above the net and falling mid to back of the baseline.

I'm pretty convinced now from all 3 posts so far about the 95 though.
 

Carreau

Semi-Pro
Another note that might be helpful - TC100 is more stable than TC95 (in "stock form" without adding weights). However, TC95 is whippier.
I prefer TC95 for singles and TC100 for doubles.
 
Thank you flanker!

I thinkI might have failed to describe my FH. In actuality its a pretty heavy top spin forehand. I went back to the courts tonight(I just got home) and the K6.1felt ok. My timing is all over the place and I was sending ball sto the moon the first few shots but after I settled down and relaxed my arm and wrists the sweetspot opened up and my ball was clearing the net 5-6 feet above the net and falling mid to back of the baseline.

I'm pretty convinced now from all 3 posts so far about the 95 though.

I wouldn't necessarily rule out the 97, the 95 and 97 both play similarly. The 97 plays crisper than the 95 (63) but spin and trajectory are similar and easy to switch between the 2 rackets in 16x19 pattern. They both use the same grommets as stated. Yes they are a pain to string compared to other rackets due to blocked holes at the end but its not that difficult. Maybe try to find a used one to try before buying one brand new. If you are fine with tinkering, the weights in the handles are easily moved around to find the weight and balance that suits you.
 

ed70

Professional
Can anyone recommend any poly strings for the TC97 18x20. I typically string in less than 50 lbs mains and cross.

Seems that these are some of the fan favorites that I'd like to try:

- Tier One Black Knight
- RS Lyon
- Hyper G
- MSV Focus Hex
- MSV Co-Focus
- Kirschbaum Max Power

Currently using Co-focus and think it's excellent for control but just not getting much pop off my shots and launch angle is way too low for my liking in an already dense string pattern.

I think Hyper G plays very well in this frame but I play in 18 gauge and strings break after about 8 hours.

Does anyone have any experience in a control and spin orientated poly strings that provide decent launch angle in the 18x20 frame? I find the 16x19 pattern just a bit too open to have good control with otherwise I'd switch to that!
Black knight is great as full bed, currently using it as a cross in a hybrid too. TBH though I think your going to struggle to change the low launch on the 18X20 TC 97 just by string and a bit lower tension, even the 16x19 has a fairly low launch compared to other 16x19’s.
 
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