Donnay X-series review

Ok so ive hit with the yellow, orange, Dark red and black

YELLOW 99: Tourna Big hitter blue 17 @ 63lbs

I strung the yellow 99 today with the sample tourna blue from TW at 63 16x19 pattern(I knew it was going to be a softer string so I accounted for that, as a reference I string my PT57's at 61lbs)

I was surprised by the yellow, it reminded me of when I used to play with the original radical OS (which keep in mind, is what agassi played with through out his career after signing with head) Ofcourse it could have just been the color
Though I usually play with a smaller head, heavier racket, I thought "wow I can acutally play with this!"
I guess this would be more for the type of player that has a more whipy stroke, as I was using more wrist with it, but I adjusted quickly. actually it kind of scared me, I thought "maybe I should go to a lighter stiffer racket.... nahhhhh"
It felt solid, with great control. Id have to put this racket in the range of the POG OS, Pro one OS, OG Rad trysis 270 OS, it definately has a more old school feel, almost like a K90, if they made it in a 99 but a little lighter. If you have solid strokes I think youll love it.
but at the same time the feel was unique too, plenty of power but it didnt feel harsh, didnt need a dampner. Felt really connected to the ball.

ORANGE 99: Suppex Ace 17 at 65 mains, with Gamma Poly xtra 16 @63 crosses
This was again similar to the Yellow, but with a little more weight, but definately a stiffer frame and had some real power. Could really smack some forahand winners with this, Great spin, but with the power, why bother?
This is kinda like a Pure drive power wise, but with control, and with out the harsh feel. I think people playing with rackets like the Pure drive, aeropro, Head extreme or any comparble larger midplus (100-102) will appreciate this one since it will have what they like in those but be a REAL players racket.... maybe roddick should try this one ;-)
too easy to hit winners with this one. also it allowed to still keep the ball in even if I was a little late.



DARK RED 94: Lux BB ace 18, and Silver string 17 X's about 62lbs

this was definately more my style, as I had been playing with the TGK237.2 lately

Great control, and feel, felt much like the TGK, but I felt like I had more control weighed in at about 12.1(same weight I leaded my tgks to) strung with out any additional weight.
great plow through, better for my longer stroke, transition was seamless.
Again a Real players racket, solid, and will certainly be one of the top contenders in the players racket's

then finally the Black 99, it was strung with a Multi at probably mid (55) or so.
Didnt get as much time in with this one as this had the leather grip, and the multis, which are not my preference. That being said. It was the heaviest of the bunch and the softest, had the most "old school" feel, if you have longer "classic" strokes you'll love this one. serves were easy with this one, and they put pace on the ball with out much effort. really easy on the arm too.
Note, this one had a 16x20 pattern vs the 16x19 of the other 99's.
I can see alot of wilson users picking this one up.


Im glad to see rackets headed in this direction. these are like the anti-babolats! power, control, and you'll still have an arm!

I'd kinda put them this way... its like if the head prestige and wilson 90's were merged together and the entire line was based of that formula.

Almost everyone I let try them loved them, from a variety of players using a range of rackets, some liked one racket better than others, but what was a little weird was some of them like a different one than they thought they would.
I think they've got a winner here, these are pretty much as close to pro stock as you can get off the shelf. after playing with these I dont have any doubts they will sell them, no problem.
I was a little unsure at first, I mean I was thinking, how are they just going to come out with a new line, highest price, thinnest beam, and think you're going to have a shot its going to have to be mighty impressive, well I cant find any faults, and it plays as good if not better than the Head PT's,TGKs and Dunlop prostock. Color me impressed.

Its kind of like that susan boyle lady (with MUCH better looks!)
Before: "I dont know....."
After: "and where can i get one?!?!"
Actually I think someone else compared it to the Iphone, and frankly I think that fit perfectly, You want it, and you will buy it if you can(bonus: no AT&T!)


Ill be testing the red 99,red 94, and blue 94 next week, I hope to also get a black 94, which I'm anxious to try along with the blue 94.

Thanks Figjam for your reviews. Can you tell me what you thought about how each of the frames swung for you? I assume with the thin beam, each of the frames swung through the air really fast.

What if... and I know this is a big if... I'm actually content with my current frame?

I'd love to have one, but too poor for it. Guess I've got to be contend with my old Copper Ace ...

That's just for now, of course.

Thanks Figjam for the mini reviews. Looking forward to more.

Did you try experimenting with the customization kit?

Same results............

BobFL said:

However, this "review" does have something in common with Babolats - they both sound hollow.

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We just completed testing on the entire Donnay line and we got the same results as Figjam. These are the most solid frames on the market today, no other standard production racquets even come close. While I am still concerned about the pricing policy in this economy, Donnay has a real winner here with the XeneCore line; outstanding performers.

Cheers, TennezSport

Who is "we" ?

BobFL said:

However, this "review" does have something in common with Babolats - they both sound hollow.

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oh you want the "groundies, volley's, serves..." etc do you??
sorry not really my style, I just pick up a racket and if it feels right it feels right, I know people who will pick up a racket and it they dont like it after hitting the ball twice, they will put it down. a racket is like a girl, just because the specs are right, and it does several things well, doesnt mean youre going to get along.

Main thing for me is control, and all of these have a highlevel. It really is like prostock, kinda like the pt57A vs pt57E, here you can get the same racket but with different flex and swingweight, and fine tune it from there.
Put it this way, its one of those rackets where you wont be able to blame your bad shot on it.

Mig1NC said:

Did you try experimenting with the customization kit?

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well I had the 10g butt weight in the yellow and 5g in the orange and dark red, 0g in the black, with the short weight slides in the sides of the black.

Can't tell you.......

0d1n said:

Who is "we" ?

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Otherwise we would have to, well you know the rest :twisted:

We are a test group that works for several major manufacturers and the USRSA in testing strings, racquets and accessories, before and after the product goes to market.

Cheers, TennezSport

jayserinos99 said:

Thanks Figjam for your reviews. Can you tell me what you thought about how each of the frames swung for you? I assume with the thin beam, each of the frames swung through the air really fast.

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They all swung relatively similarly, difference being the weight, the lighter ones, yellow and orange swing the fastest, but they all had that just right feel to them, one of the reasons I liked the old pro ones, felt like and extention of your arm. Almost felt like you were hitting the ball with your palm.
these feel solid with out being harsh, those of you that have silicone in your handle will know what I mean.

Personally I think, im going to like the Blue and black 94's the best since they will have the highest swing weight, and I like having a long stroke and build up that momentum with the racket. But they all have a scalpel like feel.

From what I heard they had a lot of input from ****.


Where else can you get a racket with your choice of specs? Im sure we've all been there, "I like this racket but, its missing this spec..."

Figjam said:

They all swung relatively similarly, difference being the weight, the lighter ones, yellow and orange swing the fastest, but they all had that just right feel to them, one of the reasons I liked the old pro ones, felt like and extention of your arm. Almost felt like you were hitting the ball with your palm.
these feel solid with out being harsh, those of you that have silicone in your handle will know what I mean.

Personally I think, im going to like the Blue and black 94's the best since they will have the highest swing weight, and I like having a long stroke and build up that momentum with the racket. But they all have a scalpel like feel.

From what I heard they had a lot of input from ****.


Where else can you get a racket with your choice of specs? Im sure we've all been there, "I like this racket but, its missing this spec..."

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Figjam & TennezSport, looks like I could take the included weights plus a leather grip and get the same stiffness, weight & balance with the X-Yellow as the X-Red but save ~$20. If I didn't want to get heavier than the X-Red, do you see any reason why one wouldn't just stick with the X-Yellow?

Mig1NC said:

Figjam & TennezSport, looks like I could take the included weights plus a leather grip and get the same stiffness, weight & balance with the X-Yellow as the X-Red but save ~$20. If I didn't want to get heavier than the X-Red, do you see any reason why one wouldn't just stick with the X-Yellow?

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yeah I can kinda of see that, I did think to my self how the rackets are kinda of close and could almost overlap in some respects. its kina of like a color spectrum, you like the color blue, but you could go with true blue, indigo, or teal, all nice colors, if you like blue. you know?

Figjam, thanks for the review. Just when I felt I've found a frame I'm happy with, you drop this on us racquet hoes. Thanks alot!!!

sorry for the lack of update, will report on the Blue 94, red 94 and red 99 today

Figjam, can you please give us some details about adding the included weights? How exactly is this done?

JediMindTrick said:

Figjam, can you please give us some details about adding the included weights? How exactly is this done?

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My friend said that they give included butt cap weights for opening the butt cap and putting it in so the handle's and the racquet weight increase..

You use a little key tool to pop out the butt cap and then you just press another one in, just takes a few seconds

what about the short weight slides, how do you customize with those. I would want to increase the swingweight, and the buttcaps wouldn’t work for that.

So are the 94's like 90s?

djnemo said:

what about the short weight slides, how do you customize with those. I would want to increase the swingweight, and the buttcaps wouldn’t work for that.

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you just slide them in

Which one plays closet to the KPS 88?

I've tried the Blue 94, Red 99, Orange 99, and Yellow 99. The blue wasn't for me basically due to the overall weight and balance. I actually found the red to be slightly more powerful than the orange, which I was surprised about, maybe due to the extra static weight. The yellow was somewhat powerful but I didn't feel that it hit as heavy a shot as the red or orange. I, along with some friends who also hit with them, have found them to have a very tiny sweetspot (and possibly slightly low). That probably wouldn't be a problem for someone who hits technically near-perfect strokes with consistent timing and form, but I prefer something a bit more forgiving. Of the four I've tried so far, I like the red 99 the best. I hope to try it with a full bed of multi to see what effect if any that has on off-center shots.

Figjam, you said that the Dark Red 94 felt similar to your TGK237.2, did it offer as much spin?

sorry about the late reply, I was supposed to hit with the Blue 94 and red 94 yesterday, but was just too tired, will try to give you guys more feedback tonight.
But to give a brief answer id say yes, but I think the Donnay had more control, I felt I didnt have as much control with the 237, as with my Pt57's so I was trying to put extra spin on the ball with the 237, but since i had more control with the Donnay I felt like I didnt have to put as much spin, and I fould flatten out my shots more (which I prefer)
I have to say I was slightly disappointed with the 273, as I wanted more top spin, but not at the cost of control.

Stiffness wise... I'm probably one of the few that liked 237.1 better than the pt57a. How does the Dark Red compare stiffness wise the your 237.2 and PT57a?

These are the most solid frames on the market today, no other standard production racquets even come close.

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In your opinion, that is...

racquets are all about feel and that is a personal opinion

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I would agree, even though you contradicted yourself...

Figjam said:

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I'm in love once again...

Figjam said:

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if only the dark red sported more of a black colour than gun metal, then that would look more sweet imo.

Jinx said:

if only the dark red sported more of a black colour than gun metal, then that would look more sweet imo.

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Well it is "black" chrome, it depends on the lighting.

Ok so further review of red 99 and blue 94
Played with the red 99 to start today I'd say its more for the aggressive baseliner with a 2hbh. Id compare it to the BLX pro tour (delpo racket) feels a bit stiffer good top spin, stable on volleys, good for the kick server.

The Blue 94, was more my style with the closed pattern I could bomb flat serves with ease, the racket I could compare to the pt57E, or even perhaps the K90, with a 95 head, I play a 1HBH and felt right at home with this one, sweet spot was a little small, but when you hit it everything is all right!
def one of the most control sticks in the line up
weighed in a 12.2 oz with side slides and 5gm butt.

ok im going to sleep

Nice looking sticks.

So the only negative thing i have heard said about this stick that actually concerns me is the "tiny" sweetspot that has been mentioned.

So my question is did u feel the sweet spot in the 94sqin frames were bigger w a 16x19sp compared to the 18x20?

HiroProtagonist said:

So the only negative thing i have heard said about this stick that actually concerns me is the "tiny" sweetspot that has been mentioned.

So my question is did u feel the sweet spot in the 94sqin frames were bigger w a 16x19sp compared to the 18x20?

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I tried 4 of the racquets (x-red 99, orange 99, blue 94, yellow 99): I agree on the tiny sweetspot. I felt it was equally small in all of them, but of those 4 liked the red the best relative to the others.

tennisace23 said:

I tried 4 of the racquets (x-red 99, orange 99, blue 94, yellow 99): I agree on the tiny sweetspot. I felt it was equally small in all of them, but of those 4 liked the red the best relative to the others.

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Did you try to add the slides to see how much the moved the sweetspot out and up?

Mig1NC said:

Did you try to add the slides to see how much the moved the sweetspot out and up?

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I did try this, I was hoping it would stretch the sweetspot but I honestly couldn't notice the difference. Of the one's I tried, I felt the red was the most forgiving, but only relative to the others.

Figjam,

Your reviews are really accurate on the Donnay frames. I have played with the Black 99 and the Red 99. It's really hard to compare these racquets to anything on the market. They are stable, yet forgiving. I found myself loving the red while playing doubles. I had it strung hybrid with Klip Optic Nerve and Gamma LiveWire at 56 lbs. I also had the handle weighted with the 10 gram cap. I found myself able to make defensive plays that I was unable to do with my Dunlop Aerogel 300. You know when your caught at the net and your opponent rips a huge passing shot and you stab at the ball to only have your racquet twist up in your hand unable to return the heat... not the case with the Donnay. I found myself able to return tricky shots like that with the red 99. The great thing is that I had NO arm pain after using this players stick. I have the Yellow 99 coming this week and I am excited to try it after your review.

tennisace23 said:

I tried 4 of the racquets (x-red 99, orange 99, blue 94, yellow 99): I agree on the tiny sweetspot. I felt it was equally small in all of them, but of those 4 liked the red the best relative to the others.

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How was the stability?

Stability on the Black 99 was the most stable racquet I have ever hit with. Second most stable on my list (that I have played with) is the Wilson KBlade Tour with the 93 sq/in. headsize. I can't quite explain the forgiveness that this stable racquet has. I haven't found another stable, yet forgiving racquet quite like it. There really is a new era in tennis racquets coming with Donnay's new line.
The Red 99 is also very stable. it feels much the same, only that it plays lighter. I weighted the handle with the 10 gram butt cap and my double's dreams came true. I felt like I could respond to a ball quicker with the red, but if I had time for a full swing, I could pin my target.
I read earlier in the thread that some weren't a big fan of the sweet spot, and here I am claiming that this is a forgiving racquet. Well, I somewhat agree with the sweet-spot size seeming small, but the frame is so stable that off-centered shots are still directed with control. Unlike a tweener racquet where you lose control and send an off-centered ball to the fence, you still have control, just not the power you're used to with a power frame.
Donnay also claims that the strings used on their frames plays a huge role in the overall feel of the racquet. People could be complaining about sweet-spot size when maybe they should be complaining about string selection and tension.

HiroProtagonist said:

So the only negative thing i have heard said about this stick that actually concerns me is the "tiny" sweetspot that has been mentioned.

So my question is did u feel the sweet spot in the 94sqin frames were bigger w a 16x19sp compared to the 18x20?

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yes a tiny bit bigger, but I dont think they are Tiny, just not large. the are bigger on the orange and yellow for sure. You could say the Red has a medium size sweet spot. But id say its comparable to the Wilson K90/blx.

I think im going to keep both the Dk red and the blue 94, depending on the game/opponent.

Still waiting for the Black94
I have a Black99, but its strung at 40lbs with Hurricane 16, for someone else.

Yes i think the Drk Red is my girl, one year from this day I will purchase one lol. About to spend way to much money on racquets and strings as it is.

Thnx for all the great work Figjam.

Perfect Tension said:

Stability on the Black 99 was the most stable racquet I have ever hit with... I can't quite explain the forgiveness that this stable racquet has. I haven't found another stable, yet forgiving racquet quite like it. There really is a new era in tennis racquets coming with Donnay's new line.

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Hi there, your third post on Talk Tennis is quite an endorsement of Donnay's new line. Do you have any financial, commercial or personal relationship to Donnay or Sports Direct?

Figjam, thanks for the review. Guess these racquets are meant for a niche market ( that means ppl on this forum who like to match their specs to the pros. U didnt say which one you liked best tho.

Figjam said:

yes a tiny bit bigger, but I dont think they are Tiny, just not large. the are bigger on the orange and yellow for sure. You could say the Red has a medium size sweet spot. But id say its comparable to the Wilson K90/blx.

I think im going to keep both the Dk red and the blue 94, depending on the game/opponent.

Still waiting for the Black94
I have a Black99, but its strung at 40lbs with Hurricane 16, for someone else.

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40lbs? is that supposed to generate a lot of power without a fast swing?

well I havent thoroughly played with them all. The red 94 is also strung to low for me, and I will probably hit with it some more this week.
Just popped the string in the Dk red and just restrung it with Tour bite 17, will hit wed and throughly test the rest of them
Sofar personally I like the Dk red and Blue94. need to tune the Blue some more.

Donnay Connection?

corners said:

Hi there, your third post on Talk Tennis is quite an endorsement of Donnay's new line. Do you have any financial, commercial or personal relationship to Donnay or Sports Direct?

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No, I don't have any connection to Donnay. I'm not familiar with Sports Direct either. I coach a USTA Jr. tennis team and some of my players are demoing these racquets. I have gotten a chance to hit with them (along with a lot of the other current sticks out there) and I think they are great. I have been in contact with Donnay to seek sponsorship for some of my players (so they can afford to buy these racquets). Problem is that their rankings aren't high enough. Hopefully, something can get worked out.
One of my players mentioned this forum to me, so I thought I'd chime in on it. I realize I am a new user... but you have to start sometime right? I've gotten some feedback similar to yours, so without feeling too warmly welcomed, I don't know how long I'll find myself seeking advice on these forums.

Perfect Tension, I wouldn't sweat it.... the overall tone of the forum has changed over the past few years probably because of some mis-information on some pro's sticks, which makes some people a little leery about feedback. I would like to welcome you to the forum and look forward to any insights on the new line if you care to share.

These racquets look great but we need someone like break point, pt630 or chris edwards to give a review because the inception marketing "blow up the chat boards" tactic is just weird and a total turn off.

Fed Kennedy said:

These racquets look great but we need someone like break point, pt630 or chris edwards to give a review because the inception marketing "blow up the chat boards" tactic is just weird and a total turn off.

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Im the one that started the thread not donnay. and its the many users on here that have "blown it up". So I dont know where you get your skewed perception from.