Donnay Pro One 97 users club

N

neil1b

Rookie
I want to get this started for the users of this magical stick.

Please list your stick specs, string combos, tension, customization, and comments.


Ill start us off:

I have five 16x19 (97's):

Stick 1 - strung with SOLINCO tour bite 16 at 56#.
Specs are 311 grams, 66 flex, 320 mm balance

Stick 2 - strung with Pro Supex Blue Gear 17 at 56#
Specs are 309 grams, 67 flex, 319 mm balance

Stick 3 - strung with Luxilon Savage Lime 16 at 55 #
Specs are 307 grams, 67 flex, 316 mm balance

Stick 4 - strung with Prince gut(mains) 60# and Weiss cannon Scorpion 16l 55#
Specs are 310 grams, 68 flex, 316 mm balance

Stick 5 - strung with Babolat tonic gut(mains) 55# and Weiss Cannon Scorpion
16L at 55#
Specs are 309 grams, 67 flex, 317 mm balance

I am experimenting with different string combos. The combo of stick 4 is silky smooth and great feel, but is a tad too much power for my game.

The pro supex of stick 2 is great with this stick. Tons of spin, not too much pop, and great control.

I just strung the 1st stick today with the SOLINCO tour bite, so I'll give you more on this combo in a few days.

So far I love the feeling of the hybrid with the gut and poly, just need more time to get used to it. Probably will try Wilson champions choice next.

I have demo'd a ton of racquets and kept going back to my aeropro drive gt.........I loved the head prestige mp, but this once is special.........abou the same control and feel, but a bit more pop and comfort. I am done demoing.....this is this stick.

I have just purchases a brand new x-dual pro that is being shipped as we speak. This is the same stick as the pro one just in the 18x20 pattern. I am curious to do the comparison. I could wait till summer for the "pro one version" to be re-released so grabbed this one cheap.


Please let me know your combo's and comments
 
Last edited:
R

RollTrackTake

Professional
I'm in. I've got 4 Pro 1's. 2 new, 2 bought off the boards. None of my Pro 1's have the sticker with specs and barcode for some reason.

1. Strung with the Donnay Hybrid of X-Poly 17 & Syncore @ 52/55

2. Full bed of Babolat NVY @56

3. Full bed of Donnay X-Poly 17 at 55

4. Unstrung as of yet

I like the hybrid set-up the best. Just the right amount of power and control. I'm going to string the 4th Pro 1 with a hybrid of some sort. Not sure what yet. I'm also looking to string one with a full bed of B5E. Have that in a Pro Open and love it. I'll be interested in hearing what other setups are working well for people.
 
S

skeeter

Professional
neil1b said:
I have just purchases a brand new x-dual pro that is being shipped as we speak. This is the same stick as the pro one just in the 18x20 pattern. I am curious to do the comparison. I could wait till summer for the "pro one version" to be re-released so grabbed this one cheap.
Click to expand...

I've got a demo of both the Pro One and the Dual Pro coming, so will be interested in your comparison; I'll share the same.

What's everyone's thoughts on the control versus power in the Pro One so far? Is it pretty string sensitive? Any arm/shoulder issues?
 
rlau

rlau

Hall of Fame
I should be getting mine today or on Monday.

Barcode specs: 309 (weight) - 316 (balance) - 66 (flex).

I look forward to trying it next week. Interested to see how it stacks up to the TGK238.5 I'm currently playing with.

I'll probably string it up with WC B5E.
 
Yaz

Yaz

Rookie
Took a chance and got a pretty good deal on a used Pro One on the auction site and must say I'm pretty close to making the switch. I'm currently using a Head YT Prestige MP and the OP nailed it...the Pro One has slightly less control and feel but noticeably more power and it's VERY easy on the arm. I've let 2 others hit with it and they both really liked it as well. My opponents have also commented on the increased pace and "heaviness" of my ball when I've switched back and forth while hitting.

So far I've only strung it with Kirschbaum Pro Line II 17 at 55 lbs (same set up as the YTPMP) and that feels pretty good, but I have some VS Touch lying around so may experiment with that in the mains with the PLII in the crosses.

I've tried various combinations of the weights but honestly it feels best to me in stock form. It felt sluggish with the weights at 3/9 and even with just one at 12. I've never liked really headlight racquets so the butt cap weights didn't do much for me either.

The grip size is 3/8 but it felt bigger than that, likely due to the difference in shape from the Head grip (which was 1/2). I changed the stock grip to a Babolat Skin Feel (with Supergrap overgrip) and now it feels about right. With strings and overgrip it's weighing in at about 11.6 oz and 4pts HL. Spec-wise it was exactly what I was looking for; something a tad lighter than the Head but with a slightly higher SW and less HL and so far it's been right on the mark.
 
R

RollTrackTake

Professional
skeeter said:
What's everyone's thoughts on the control versus power in the Pro One so far? Is it pretty string sensitive? Any arm/shoulder issues?
Click to expand...

IMO the racquet offers substantial control in relation to power. In contrast with other frames I've played it did not have the control of an Aero Storm Tour Cortex or Microgel Rad MP but the difference isn't that big. The power I personally would put in a category just below the APDGT, PD, EXO3 Black. String choice does make a difference to me. The normal assumptions hold true. Multi or gut = more pop. Full poly = lowered power. For me a hybrid has worked best so far but I'm getting adjusted to a full bed of multi. I've been playing singles with it since December and now that the honeymoon is over I've noticed it's not as forgiving as the 100 sq in. frames. I still love the weight and plow. The deep penetrating balls I can hit with relative ease are my favorite playing attribute of the racquet. I have used it in stock form.
 
N

neil1b

Rookie
X-dual pro arrived

Just got a visit from mr FedEx and he dropped off this bad boy. I'm going to throw some SOLINCO barbed wire 16g @ 52 in it in a bit and I'll post some pics.

c8b4039c.jpg
 
ramos77

ramos77

Semi-Pro
My brother is picking up one from NYC.

Can you guys please recommend a string to prevent tennis elbow?

I take it a gut/multi combo would be nice? what about tension?
 
Kal-El 34

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
i have 5 dual pros...

the donnay poly playes really well at low 50's tensions.

i have been playtesting solinco strings this past month and have not been impressed
 
N

neil1b

Rookie
Played two sets today with the pro one strung with solinco tour bite 16 at 56#........for me pure bliss.....controllable pop, spin moster, and just enough touch. Played softer than I expected.



Hit with the x-dual pro and wasn't that impressed. Strung it at 53 with SOLINCO barbed wire. Much lower powered racquet with a not so forgiving sweet spot. Great control, good pop if you hit the sweet spot.

I'll switch the strings in a week and try something else in it, but I prefer the pro one as of now.
 
aimr75

aimr75

Hall of Fame
I initially tried the pro one weighted up as it felt quite light to me, but gave it a whirl stock the other day. To my surprise it was a monster. Huge hitting on both wings and big on serve, very nice to slice with. Strung with TB @ 48. I liked it better than the weighted version. Still need more time hitting with it though
 
rlau

rlau

Hall of Fame
Hi Aimr75,

How does the Pro One compare to the Vantage 95s you played with? The Vantages were a bit heavier of course.

Best regards,

rlau
 
C

corners

Legend
neil1b said:
I want to get this started for the users of this magical stick.

Please list your stick specs, string combos, tension, customization, and comments.


Ill start us off:

I have five 16x19 (97's):

Stick 1 - strung with SOLINCO tour bite 16 at 56#.
Specs are 311 grams, 66 flex, 320 mm balance

Stick 2 - strung with Pro Supex Blue Gear 17 at 56#
Specs are 309 grams, 67 flex, 319 mm balance

Stick 3 - strung with Luxilon Savage Lime 16 at 55 #
Specs are 307 grams, 67 flex, 316 mm balance

Stick 4 - strung with Prince gut(mains) 60# and Weiss cannon Scorpion 16l 55#
Specs are 310 grams, 68 flex, 316 mm balance

Stick 5 - strung with Babolat tonic gut(mains) 55# and Weiss Cannon Scorpion
16L at 55#
Specs are 309 grams, 67 flex, 317 mm balance

I am experimenting with different string combos. The combo of stick 4 is silky smooth and great feel, but is a tad too much power for my game.

The pro supex of stick 2 is great with this stick. Tons of spin, not too much pop, and great control.

I just strung the 1st stick today with the SOLINCO tour bite, so I'll give you more on this combo in a few days.

So far I love the feeling of the hybrid with the gut and poly, just need more time to get used to it. Probably will try Wilson champions choice next.

I have demo'd a ton of racquets and kept going back to my aeropro drive gt.........I loved the head prestige mp, but this once is special.........abou the same control and feel, but a bit more pop and comfort. I am done demoing.....this is this stick.

I have just purchases a brand new x-dual pro that is being shipped as we speak. This is the same stick as the pro one just in the 18x20 pattern. I am curious to do the comparison. I could wait till summer for the "pro one version" to be re-released so grabbed this one cheap.


Please let me know your combo's and comments
Click to expand...

Are the weight, balance and flex specs you list strung or unstrung? And where did you find them - from the barcode or an RDC machine? Thanks.
 
N

neil1b

Rookie
They are all from the serial number inside the throat, donnay lists the unstrung specs with the first part of the serial number. It's a fairy new thing as my x-red 99 did not have it, my pro ones all have it,but the x-dual pro does not. I think it's a great thing donnay does, shows they are not hiding the tolerance specs.
 
aimr75

aimr75

Hall of Fame
rlau said:
Hi Aimr75,

How does the Pro One compare to the Vantage 95s you played with? The Vantages were a bit heavier of course.

Best regards,

rlau
Click to expand...

Yeah the Donnay in stock form swings easier and is more powerful. Both are very solid frames. It's hard to judge feel since strings play a big part in how a frame plays and I never used TB with the vantage. But from what I recall, the V had a crisp feel to it with full poly, crisper to me than the pro one.

I gave the V's to my brother, so can try it out again
 
ramos77

ramos77

Semi-Pro
My brother bought one for me today, and is bringing it back home with him.

I have had issues with my elbow, I'm thinking of using a full bed of Babolat VS natural gut.

What tension do you guys recommend? And do you think it might be too powerful? I don't care about the cost, can't play tennis if my elbow gets worse.

Thanks
 
N

neil1b

Rookie
rlau said:
sWhat do you think the last part is? Unstrung swingweight?

Very cool indeed!
Click to expand...


The last part is just the serial number of the racquet with those specs. I spoke to donnay and they will match additional sticks from this serial number. If they don't have the same spec racquet in stock, they will use lead to match them. But a lot of times they have them. I think it's great that donnay is up front with their manufacturing tolerances rather than hide them like the other brands. Nothing is worse than buying a second or third stick that is way off from your first.
 
N

neil1b

Rookie
ramos77 said:
My brother bought one for me today, and is bringing it back home with him.

I have had issues with my elbow, I'm thinking of using a full bed of Babolat VS natural gut.

What tension do you guys recommend? And do you think it might be too powerful? I don't care about the cost, can't play tennis if my elbow gets worse.

Thanks
Click to expand...

This racquet will definitely help your elbow. A multi or gut/poly hybrid will do wonders if you want a soft responsive racquet with a lot of touch. Full poly will tame thracquet a bit and give you pop when you lay into a ball. I like the full poly. Even with the poly, it is still a comfy stick
 
R

RollTrackTake

Professional
ramos77 said:
What tension do you guys recommend? And do you think it might be too powerful? I don't care about the cost, can't play tennis if my elbow gets worse.

Thanks
Click to expand...

I strung my pro 1 with a multi @ 56lbs and I had a lot of balls fly on me. Next time out I will string at 60lbs for a multi.
 
M

marlinspike

New User
I just put in my order. It's expected to arrive at TW early this upcoming week and I might have it as early as Friday (I need a 4 5/8). I went with Head RIP Control 16 at 55lbs. I guess I'll find out if that's too much pop. I know I really like the demo Donnay sent me strung with X-Copoly 17, but the string is a little stiffer than I like (I currently play with an old Slazenger Pro Braided strung with Babolat Xcel 16 at 58lbs). This was the only racquet of all the ones I demoed that gave me significant and immediate improvement.
 
S

skeeter

Professional
Anyone using the Dual Pro version of this (18x20)? Just received a demo from Donnay and have used it once so far. I normally hit fairly flat, driving balls, but like to use a little spin as well. Got good pop off my serves and controllable power on ground strokes. Need to play a bit more. Wonder how it compares to the Pro One version. Thanks.
 
N

neil1b

Rookie
Check the first page, I have one. I like the pro one better but my game is heavy topspin.......I believe if you are a flat hitter the 18x20 will serve you better. Also, depending on the strings the racquet will play completely different.

My pro one with SOLINCO tour bite plays my different than my other pro one with pro supex blue gear at the sae tensions.

To each there own....... The donnay is a great stick none the less.


Ps- With the x dual pro use a poly with more pop like tour bite. A less powerful poly make the frame way underpowered even for us heavy hitters
 
S

skeeter

Professional
neil1b said:
Check the first page, I have one. I like the pro one better but my game is heavy topspin.......I believe if you are a flat hitter the 18x20 will serve you better. Also, depending on the strings the racquet will play completely different.

My pro one with SOLINCO tour bite plays my different than my other pro one with pro supex blue gear at the sae tensions.

To each there own....... The donnay is a great stick none the less.


Ps- With the x dual pro use a poly with more pop like tour bite. A less powerful poly make the frame way underpowered even for us heavy hitters
Click to expand...

Thanks. I'm a 4.0/4.5, 1hbh, all courter, and do hit flatter (though with some spin here and there) so maybe the 18x20 is more suited to me. I played well with it in my first outing; have another match tomorrow.

I noticed in one of your posts that you were going to try some different strings in the Dual Pro; have you done that yet? Not sure what the strings are in the demo I have, but suspect it's one of Donnay's brands since it came from them. I have used TB in gut/poly hybrids so if I end up purchasing a dual pro, might try that out as part of a gut/poly hybrid.
 
R

RollTrackTake

Professional
String set up update:

1. The Donnay X - Copoly 17 @ 55lbs is playing a lot better for me now that the string has settled in with 3 hours playing time. Decent power, good control. Doesn't have the bite of a shaped poly. Overall a nice comfortable ride.

2. Lux Savage/Gosen Sheep. 52/56. Very powerful and to my surprise generates a lot of spin with decent control. The power is a tad much. Comfy on the arm. Will continue to play it to see how it performs with more time on it. Next time will try tension at 54/60.
 
R

RollTrackTake

Professional
Any of you tried the buttcap and/or slide weights with the Pro 1??? What results or performance differences have you noticed in utilizing them? I'm thinking of toying with them a bit. Especially for doubles play. I'd like the Pro 1 to be a little more HL.
 
N

neil1b

Rookie
Faithful.....your back??? Glad to see you came back to the stick!!!

I use the tour bite in a full bed, not crooked with gut.

How's it going with the tourna string?
 
Faithfulfather

Faithfulfather

Rookie
I like it. I have elbow issues so I use it because it is a softer poly. After some more flexbar exercises I may try another run with the bhb7.
 
Last edited:
ramos77

ramos77

Semi-Pro
yay finally got one

fBhEp.jpg


going to string it with either Klip natural gut or Bab VS black

Might try 60 pounds. this racquet is gorgeous. mine weighs 311 grams by the way
 
ramos77

ramos77

Semi-Pro
can anyone tell me if the end of the bumper guards on their 97 sticks out? ie. it's not flush with the racquet?
 
aimr75

aimr75

Hall of Fame
ramos77 said:
yay finally got one

fBhEp.jpg


going to string it with either Klip natural gut or Bab VS black

Might try 60 pounds. this racquet is gorgeous. mine weighs 311 grams by the way
Click to expand...

ramos77 said:
can anyone tell me if the end of the bumper guards on their 97 sticks out? ie. it's not flush with the racquet?
Click to expand...

Nice, you should enjoy that frame. Mine dont stick out. I imagine once strung they should come in with the tension
 
ramos77

ramos77

Semi-Pro
aimr75 said:
Nice, you should enjoy that frame. Mine dont stick out. I imagine once strung they should come in with the tension
Click to expand...

thanks mate, makes sense! first time I've bought a racquet without strings...

can't wait to hit with it. what are your thoughts on NG string at 60 pounds?
 
aimr75

aimr75

Hall of Fame
Yeah full natural gut i would string in the 60's.. might be too powerful otherwise. The pro one isnt that low powered either
 
S

skeeter

Professional
Faithfulfather said:
That tour bite doesn't chew through that gut?
Click to expand...

Didn't seem to be an issue. Was low 50's upper 40's tension, 16guage. But, that being said, I found that the TB didn't last that long and had to change it out. Another cross I liked with gut was WC silver string. Seemed to last longer.
 
X

Xonemains

Semi-Pro
What a beast of a racquet!!! BEAST man! Looks the goods as well.

Power, crazy spin, control is quite good, feel is ok too, and comfort. Not too light or heavy, perfect with abit of lead here and there. Well suited to spin hungry guys/girls

Stock frames are a tad light, so higher level players will need about 6/8 grams in the hoop.

This is my set up

2 x Pro ones, 340g, x-one mains, psg crosses, 54/56

Gonna be sticking with these for a long time.
 
ramos77

ramos77

Semi-Pro
aimr75 said:
Yeah full natural gut i would string in the 60's.. might be too powerful otherwise. The pro one isnt that low powered either
Click to expand...

Thanks, I ended up going with 55 pounds with Klip Legend Pro 16. Just to be on the safe side with my elbow. Got it strung at Serving Aces in Moonee Ponds. Did a great job and the service was excellent. New grips installed and racquets wrapped in plastic! I felt like a pro, and only $25

Lets see how it goes tomorrow, but it looks awesome with black strings and swings really nicely.
 
ramos77

ramos77

Semi-Pro
wow what a racquet! have to raise the tension a fair bit, was hitting balls long all afternoon, but serve and slice backhand felt amazing. very crisp hitting and volleying.

might go to 60-62 pounds on next restring with vs babolat. no arm issues which is most important for me.

have chucked in some string savers to up tension a bit. very happy with it, the weight is perfect for me.
 
Automatix

Automatix

Legend
Didn't have a chance to hit with it yet, hopefully I'll have a hit during a tournament in may, but the quality control really throws me off.
 
rlau

rlau

Hall of Fame
Automatix said:
Didn't have a chance to hit with it yet, hopefully I'll have a hit during a tournament in may, but the quality control really throws me off.
Click to expand...

Hi Auto, how many frames do you have and how different are they spec-wise?

I only have one, played with for about five hours now. Very nice frame. I do not have a customization kit, but replaced the synthetic stock grip with leather grip. Like the balance better now. It is strung with x-one biphase, full bed. Very comfy, but I hate the string movement. Spin and power are great, though.
 
Automatix

Automatix

Legend
rlau said:
Hi Auto, how many frames do you have and how different are they spec-wise?
Click to expand...
Not mine and not this particular model.
But he bought 2 and they differed greatly.

8g, 3 balance points and 5mm in length (we checked this on an unstrung frame). He just returned the frames.

Another friend who bought a Silver Lite model wanted to get a second one and he couldn't - another quality control failure.

What I like about Donnay is the Xenecore filling, though I wouldn't go as far as to state that it is any better than full foam filled frames.

Also the string spacing on many models is quite open and feels quite nice - spin wise. I'm not a fan of the Volkl PCP.

What I don't like is their crazy politics - frequent frame change, though I think that the direction they took with the newer frames is good. Although I regret they don't offer any more headlight extended frames.

I had great hopes for some of their frames but none of them really amazed me. They were from okay to bleeh so to speak. ;)

As I wrote, I'm hoping to test drive this model in May but I'm more fascinated by the yet to be released Yonex Vcore Tour 97.

To tell you the truth if it wasn't for such a great poster as suppawat I would really just stop reading anything about Donnay.
 
R

RollTrackTake

Professional
The last obstacle to me saying I do to the Pro 1 for the next decade is the Prince Warrior. I played with many Prince racquets growing up so there is a nostalgia factor there. Plus the warrior may be a little more forgiving when I'm not at my best. We'll see. Had a USTA dubs match tonight and crushed the opposition. The P1 performed beautifully. That was not the case 2 weeks ago when my partner and I got mauled. I could not wield it with confidence and authority cuz I was tired going into the match. That led me to think an 11oz racquet would serve me better because with work/kids/work at home I'm often tired when I get to go play. Tonight reaffirms why I chose it and why it will be hard for another racquet to beat it. Power & precision where on. I'll see where the warrior stacks up in comparison.
 
M

marlinspike

New User
What tension would you guys recommend for Head Rip Control 16g? I currently use Babolat Xcel 16g at 55lbs in my Slazenger Pro Braided (old Tim Henman one).
 
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