Angell TC95 Reviwe and Pics
- Thread starter Kal-El 34
- Start date
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
Set-up: before I get into it here are my specs
TC95
320g
18x20 string pattern
63RA
27.25" length
4 and 1/2 grip size
320mm balance
Cosmetics: Just after taking the frame out of the box, the Angell TC95 looks and feels like a quality, expensive frame. The paint looks great, and racket just feels solid in hand. Hard to put into words, but some frames just feel right when you pick them up.
The gunmetal paint is awesome. Reminds me of the original Donnay X-Series line, which was my favorite looking line of rackets ever. The grommets around the outside stretch all the way down to the throat, adding a nice splash of color. I opted for the blue grommets and grip, and they look really nice. My college colors were blue and white so I am biased to them haha. The lettering looks nice and does not look like it will chip off easily like the Donnay Foil lettering. The only gripe I have, and it is a small gripe, is how big the Angell "A" is on the throat. I feel if it were a bit smaller, the frame would look even tougher. Not a big deal though. Everyone who has seen/picked it up in the few days since I got it just raves over how awesome it looks. Initial feedback is very positive.
The 95sq. in. head seems a tad larger than a standard 95 sq. in. head. I've been using a 97 from Donnay for some time, and I would say either the Donnay is closer to a 95, or the Angell is closer to a 98. I liked the fact the head looked a bit bigger than I was expecting. Racket swings like a mid though. Cuts through the air effortlessly, and not sluggish at all. At 20mm width, it is slightly thinner than the dual pro/pro one offerings from Donnay, yet a tad thinner than their thin beamed offerings.
I also went with a .25 extension compared to standard 27". This is something I have never really tried before, and will take a bit of getting used to, but is something I feel I will enjoy moving forward. I also got a 4 and 1/2 grip size. It is a bit thicker than the 4 and 1/2 offered by Donnay, but I have always felt the Donnay grip to run a bit small.
Overall the quality and build of the racket is really top notch. Paul did a really good job putting his first Angell frame together. I would recommend a lot more people give these sticks a good look, especially those that are picky about their set ups.
TC95
320g
18x20 string pattern
63RA
27.25" length
4 and 1/2 grip size
320mm balance
Cosmetics: Just after taking the frame out of the box, the Angell TC95 looks and feels like a quality, expensive frame. The paint looks great, and racket just feels solid in hand. Hard to put into words, but some frames just feel right when you pick them up.
The gunmetal paint is awesome. Reminds me of the original Donnay X-Series line, which was my favorite looking line of rackets ever. The grommets around the outside stretch all the way down to the throat, adding a nice splash of color. I opted for the blue grommets and grip, and they look really nice. My college colors were blue and white so I am biased to them haha. The lettering looks nice and does not look like it will chip off easily like the Donnay Foil lettering. The only gripe I have, and it is a small gripe, is how big the Angell "A" is on the throat. I feel if it were a bit smaller, the frame would look even tougher. Not a big deal though. Everyone who has seen/picked it up in the few days since I got it just raves over how awesome it looks. Initial feedback is very positive.
The 95sq. in. head seems a tad larger than a standard 95 sq. in. head. I've been using a 97 from Donnay for some time, and I would say either the Donnay is closer to a 95, or the Angell is closer to a 98. I liked the fact the head looked a bit bigger than I was expecting. Racket swings like a mid though. Cuts through the air effortlessly, and not sluggish at all. At 20mm width, it is slightly thinner than the dual pro/pro one offerings from Donnay, yet a tad thinner than their thin beamed offerings.
I also went with a .25 extension compared to standard 27". This is something I have never really tried before, and will take a bit of getting used to, but is something I feel I will enjoy moving forward. I also got a 4 and 1/2 grip size. It is a bit thicker than the 4 and 1/2 offered by Donnay, but I have always felt the Donnay grip to run a bit small.
Overall the quality and build of the racket is really top notch. Paul did a really good job putting his first Angell frame together. I would recommend a lot more people give these sticks a good look, especially those that are picky about their set ups.
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Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
Groundstrokes: Immediately fell in love with this racket from the baseline. Very smooth playing and effortless drive through the ball. I felt a very nice access to spin from both sides, and my depth seemed to increase as well. I feel I have to whip my shot a little more with my Donnay, where I can get the same power and spin with the Angell and not have to work quite so hard for it. The racquet plays incredibly solid. Not too far off from the Donnay, as they are both non hollow frames. The Angell seems a bit more feel oriented though.
Forehands: My forehand is my go to shot. Big western grip, heavy topspin - you know the drill. I felt immediately comfortable with the TC95 on the forehand. Incredibly solid feel making contact, even off center shots. The added weight I think helped my depth, and my shots felt a lot heavier with the TC95. Once I started just letting the racket do its thing and not forcing too much, it was smooth sailing here. Rock solid performance.
Backhands: My backhand is 2h, and a bit flatter shot than my forehand. I liked the depth I was able to generate, and felt I could snap a bit more topspin even than I normally get with my Donnay. Could be the added weight, and it also could be the extended length. I do still have top adjust to shots closer to my body with the extended frame. I felt very confident stepping in and ripping the backhand, and felt the depth and pace were good on defensive shots. My slice really impressed me from the backhand side as well. Great depth and bite, but also excellent touch when I wanted to angle on off. No gripes whatsoever here.
Overall from the baseline I have nothing but good things to say here. Obviously when trying a new frame, there are adjustments that need to be made. However, this frame is right on point from the baseline. Rock solid feel, no vibration or shock on impact, and smooth as silk hitting through the ball
Forehands: My forehand is my go to shot. Big western grip, heavy topspin - you know the drill. I felt immediately comfortable with the TC95 on the forehand. Incredibly solid feel making contact, even off center shots. The added weight I think helped my depth, and my shots felt a lot heavier with the TC95. Once I started just letting the racket do its thing and not forcing too much, it was smooth sailing here. Rock solid performance.
Backhands: My backhand is 2h, and a bit flatter shot than my forehand. I liked the depth I was able to generate, and felt I could snap a bit more topspin even than I normally get with my Donnay. Could be the added weight, and it also could be the extended length. I do still have top adjust to shots closer to my body with the extended frame. I felt very confident stepping in and ripping the backhand, and felt the depth and pace were good on defensive shots. My slice really impressed me from the backhand side as well. Great depth and bite, but also excellent touch when I wanted to angle on off. No gripes whatsoever here.
Overall from the baseline I have nothing but good things to say here. Obviously when trying a new frame, there are adjustments that need to be made. However, this frame is right on point from the baseline. Rock solid feel, no vibration or shock on impact, and smooth as silk hitting through the ball
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Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
Volleys: I think I was most impressed with the TC95 at the net. I don't think I have hit with a nicer volleying frame, and I have hit with a lot of rackets. Absolutely no shock anywhere. There is really nice drive and plow through when I wanted to drive the ball deep, and the racket felt buttery smooth when I wanted some extra touch. The added length was really nice when I wanted to stretch out more for shots away from me, but again I have to adjust to shots a little closer to the body. I don't think this will take much time though.
My overhead was killer. Definitely digging the extra length here. Could put the ball wherever I wanted to. Very easy access to power when I wanted to put the ball away. I could also angle the ball off with nasty slice with ease as well. Very smooth
In between groundies and volleys this frame is nice in transition. Approach shots I found to be very comfortable. Immediately confident stepping in and ripping the ball or adding touch when I wanted to. Again - zero complaints on volleys. Solid frame
My overhead was killer. Definitely digging the extra length here. Could put the ball wherever I wanted to. Very easy access to power when I wanted to put the ball away. I could also angle the ball off with nasty slice with ease as well. Very smooth
In between groundies and volleys this frame is nice in transition. Approach shots I found to be very comfortable. Immediately confident stepping in and ripping the ball or adding touch when I wanted to. Again - zero complaints on volleys. Solid frame
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
Serves: After a bit of adjustment, I was very pleased with the TC95 on serves. The xtra length really helps add some power... scary power haha. The frame just does the work for you, more than what I am used to for the donnay. I love my Donnay, but after hitting with the TC95, feel I am just working to hard. I got the same power, same spin, same control, less effort... all good things
Best surprise was on slice serves. Talk about nasty angles. People I was hitting with were getting mad at how far wide I was slicing then on the duece side.
The frame gives you a little added confidence, as every shot hit feels like it's perfect. Even when a bit off enter, the frame felt solid and I didn't feel I lost too much power or spin. Can definitely get used to this
Best surprise was on slice serves. Talk about nasty angles. People I was hitting with were getting mad at how far wide I was slicing then on the duece side.
The frame gives you a little added confidence, as every shot hit feels like it's perfect. Even when a bit off enter, the frame felt solid and I didn't feel I lost too much power or spin. Can definitely get used to this
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
Overall I am really happy I gave this racket a shot. I am going to be hitting with it a lot more in the coming days, and may be considering a switch. I like my Donnays, and really had no intention of switching, but this TC95 may be just what I have been looking for!
if you haven't tried Angell yet... I highly recommend it.
Paul, the owner, is second to none. Very quick communication, and very open and honest. I think he has a very good product on hand, and I would not hesitate to do business with him or recommend the racket to anyone.
if you haven't tried Angell yet... I highly recommend it.
Paul, the owner, is second to none. Very quick communication, and very open and honest. I think he has a very good product on hand, and I would not hesitate to do business with him or recommend the racket to anyone.
ced
Professional
Thanks for your review ... my TC95 is due any day now ...
ced
Professional
Same here .... perfection would have been a TC100 w/ an 18x20 pattern ... but pleased to see you think the TC95 tends more toward a 98 .... that is indeed perfection.
brownbearfalling
Hall of Fame
Are Angell racquets Identical to vantage?
ced
Professional
They are from the same molds, build and construction strategy. Customization aspects tend to make each racquet unique.
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
Thanks for the review... I love my Prestiges but I am picky and have never been able to get 2 rackets that are identical so I end up having one racket I love and the others are just in case.
Curious how the TC 95 18x20 compares to the current IGPMP?
Curious how the TC 95 18x20 compares to the current IGPMP?
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ced
Professional
Mine arrived this morning ... will provide comments as soon as I can get the cast off my foot/ankle.
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
i don't know... i have a great thing with Donnay, but the Angell rackets do intrigue me. Beautiful playing frame
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
Similar, yet more solid and a softer, more controllable feel. I got the 63 RA, would be interested in trying the 70 as well just to see. If you are picky about your frame, you should check these out for sure... sounds like they may be just what the doctor ordered
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
That's interesting to hear. It's been heartbreaking when my one favorite stick cracks and I cant duplicate it. Im the sort of player that endlessly messes with a racket for 5 months and gets it dialed in only to be let down when that one stick either loses its mojo (to fatigue) or cracks outright 8 months later. I want to play with a racket setup for 5 years or so and being able to match sticks is uber-helpful.
How was the serve power and topspin potential of the TC95 compared to a prestige. How stable is the TC95 compared to the IGPMP. Return of serve is a huge part of my game.
Im interested in the thinner profile of the Angell too... I play a lot of doubles and my backhand is an extreme topspinner like Gugas so that clearance might be helpful for "knifing the ball". The Donnay Blue 99 was something I almost bought but the control of the prestige was too good to pass up. My current prestige is a beast...
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ced
Professional
Hi Stephen, the answer is too many ..... I still have my Qtours but do have an Angell TC100 and now a TC95 .... will sell a couple , but not all, of my Qtours and probably play (rotate) the Qtour and the TC95 (they are speced pretty close)
realplayer
Semi-Pro
I received my tc100 and played with it today and it felt great. I was a very difficult customer because i wanted the same specs as my other racket including swingweight but Paul made it exactly the same and informed me before he shipped them.
D-money
Rookie
Got mine today and they look great. I didn't know the white grommet is translucent white, had I known that I would've gotten black but it still looks great. They are within a gram of eachother and the balance is the same so they should play very close to eachother. It's rainy here or I would be hitting now but I will play without them tomorrow weather permitting. They appear to be of very high quality the foam is through the entire racket which is great as I've loved every foam filled racket I've hit with. Very exciting.
Did he add lead?
sansaephanh
Professional
the 95 sounds so good. I think i need a more solid feeling stick then my leaded up RDiS200. To think I could build a players stick from scratch... Grr. I might order one... lol.
realplayer
Semi-Pro
No, he just took a racket with the same specs that I already had.
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
Hey everyone just wanted a quick post and let everyone know i wad ok here in NY. Crazy here and tons of damage but luckily no injuries or anything to me or anyone i know. My heart is with everyone here on the East Coast now. I am without power and internet except for my phone. I hate writing on my phone so this will be short. I will answer everyones questions and comments when power is restored here and i Get some time. Didn't want anyone to think i wad ignoring them though. Cheers.....Kal
zapvor
G.O.A.T.
good to hear! be safe man!
rlau
Hall of Fame
Just curious: what specs did you get and what frame did you match it to?
realplayer
Semi-Pro
I matched it with my vt221.
weight 305, sw:290, balance 31,5 with synthetic grip unstrung but i replace it with a leather grip and overgrip and I asked for a low swingweight to protect the bumperguard as I can easily bump it up with protection tape.
With leather grip, strings and protection tape i have a racket of 342 grams, 31,8 balance and a swingweight of 328.
D-money
Rookie
Ok. Well this is now a very very nice stick. 12.5oz 7 points headlight and I'm guessing 330ish swingweight approximately, really stable up at net ,CRUSHES the ball from the baseline. This is the most maneuverable 350+ gram racket I've ever used. It wasn't working at first but I have found a sweetspot that is better than I expected.
Comparison to Dunlops ?
I've been reading the Vantage and Angell threads with interest, and have really appreciated the first hand experience of these racquets shared by those on here.
I currently play with a Dunlop Bio 200 Tour, with a 4D 200 (non tour) as my backup. I really like the Bio - the open pattern , plough through, feel etc. However occasionaly the heft catches me out in terms being slow to the ball. The 4D 200 is a little easier to swing and hence quicker to set up in those fast moving points in doubles, but I struggle to get the work on the ball and punch through that I get with the Bio 200.
So it feels like something between the two may well be the next step forward for me.
I understand I can order an Angell with specs that are somewhere between the two, but obviously that doesn't tell me about the feel and playability.
I know Paul was Designer for Dunlop / Slazenger prior to the Biomimetic days. From those who've used the TC95 etc. would you say there's any similarity in feel/playability with the current Dunlop racquets ?
I've also been considering the upcoming F2.0 Tour as a possibility. There doesn't seem to be any user feedback yet from early access players, but the specs seem about right, if a bit on the light side.
However that begs the question whether the various added "technologies" such as different materials, etc. really add anything compared to the , presumably, carefully specified and laid up Carbon Fibre in these Angell racquets.
Any opinions from the users of Paul's racquets would be really appreciated ?
I've been reading the Vantage and Angell threads with interest, and have really appreciated the first hand experience of these racquets shared by those on here.
I currently play with a Dunlop Bio 200 Tour, with a 4D 200 (non tour) as my backup. I really like the Bio - the open pattern , plough through, feel etc. However occasionaly the heft catches me out in terms being slow to the ball. The 4D 200 is a little easier to swing and hence quicker to set up in those fast moving points in doubles, but I struggle to get the work on the ball and punch through that I get with the Bio 200.
So it feels like something between the two may well be the next step forward for me.
I understand I can order an Angell with specs that are somewhere between the two, but obviously that doesn't tell me about the feel and playability.
I know Paul was Designer for Dunlop / Slazenger prior to the Biomimetic days. From those who've used the TC95 etc. would you say there's any similarity in feel/playability with the current Dunlop racquets ?
I've also been considering the upcoming F2.0 Tour as a possibility. There doesn't seem to be any user feedback yet from early access players, but the specs seem about right, if a bit on the light side.
However that begs the question whether the various added "technologies" such as different materials, etc. really add anything compared to the , presumably, carefully specified and laid up Carbon Fibre in these Angell racquets.
Any opinions from the users of Paul's racquets would be really appreciated ?
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
yea i would say that the angell rackets play like a pro stock frame honestly. very solid at impact, nice plush response, and no vibration on impact. After playing with Donnay, which I feel similar to as they are filled rackets as well, I find most off the shelf rackets to feel unstable in my opinion. It's def. a different feel than some other rackets on the market, but if you like it when hit, you wont go back...
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
yea my donnays i usually just play stock. my angell is a bit heavier, and .25 inches longer. I do feel i am able to snap through the ball quicker with my donnays for more topspin, but i don't feel I have to work as hard with the angell. It took a bit of getting used to, but kind of nice to be able to back off the swing at times. I sacrifice a bit of spin, but the power and depth are still there
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
obviously if you spec it out like the IGMP, then the weight and balance can be the same / very similar. I find the angell to have that rock solid feel at impact, but play a bit softer and more stable than the prestige. I especially find the angell to play better on serves and at the net
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
good to be back everyone. hopefully I have answered the questions posted. if i missed something, or you have any questions feel free to post. I have spent a lot more time with the racket and have a really good understanding of the frame now. beautiful playing frame. Paul has a very nice product here
suppawat
Semi-Pro
I tried several pro stock racquets and all of them are either partially filled or fully filled with foam. They all have very dampened feel, more or less depends on stiffness and foam volume. But one thing I observed, the pro stock racquets are getting stiffer every day. Head TGK237.3 is much stiffer from PT10 pro stock, Hewitt's Yonex pro stock racquet is way stiffer, Head TGK238.4 is also stiffer than Haas's Dunlop frame. The other day, I played James Blake's Dunlop frame side by side with his Donnay racquet, and noticed a huge difference. The Dunlop frame was very flexible, but had slightly hollow feel. The Donnay frame was much stiffer but it felt much more comfortable and playable (very close to Pro One 18x20) in faster groundstroke rally. The structure inside is dual core filled with foam. May be he needs more power without losing comfort.
Even though I love Donnay so much, but I can't really find the 100 sq.in racquet with the right feel in any brand. I really hope the Angell will fill this gap.
Kal-El what is the swing weight of your Angell frame?
Do you miss the foam filled donnay frames as far as comfort of shock absorption?
Kal-El 34
Hall of Fame
I tried several pro stock racquets and all of them are either partially filled or fully filled with foam. They all have very dampened feel, more or less depends on stiffness and foam volume. But one thing I observed, the pro stock racquets are getting stiffer every day. Head TGK237.3 is much stiffer from PT10 pro stock, Hewitt's Yonex pro stock racquet is way stiffer, Head TGK238.4 is also stiffer than Haas's Dunlop frame. The other day, I played James Blake's Dunlop frame side by side with his Donnay racquet, and noticed a huge difference. The Dunlop frame was very flexible, but had slightly hollow feel. The Donnay frame was much stiffer but it felt much more comfortable and playable (very close to Pro One 18x20) in faster groundstroke rally. The structure inside is dual core filled with foam. May be he needs more power without losing comfort.
Even though I love Donnay so much, but I can't really find the 100 sq.in racquet with the right feel in any brand. I really hope the Angell will fill this gap.
man it seems as if we are on a similar quest in this sport. everything i read from you is right on par with what i feel more or less
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