Donnay Formula 100
- Thread starter Boricua
- Start date
ductrung3993
Hall of Fame
^ Go back here after you hit with it mate 
And oh boy I was researching about this F100 and that VOLLEY KING thing almost killed me :shock:
And oh boy I was researching about this F100 and that VOLLEY KING thing almost killed me :shock:
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Hey Jack,
did you try adding lead to it? and get it to the same specs as the P1?
or 6/7 different string combos?
let me know, if you did, i wont bother. cheers
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
No I just tried one setup....RPM mains and multi crosses.
It wasn't horrible...just preferred a few other racquets to it.
The Pro 1 just feels so much more solid. The F1 felt like
a Pure Drive knockoff. JMO.
The Formula 100 is definitely modeled after the Pure Drive in that it's a tweener with similar specs, but it has less power, is slightly more consistent, and has a muted feel. The biggest plus -- I've been using it for a month now and no elbow, shoulder or wrist problems. RPM M/X-1 C 54/56. That said, every now and then I'll hit a ball late and it will fly out. That's a problem generally with tweeners and not with lower powered rackets like the PB10 or Prestige.
Are you comparing Formula 100 to the 2012 model of Pure Drive or one of its predecessors?
Many TT posters find the 2012 PD vastly more comfortable than than its predecessors.
RollTrackTake
Professional
I'll agree then 2012 PD is a lot more comfortable than the GT version. That being said the Formula 100 is, IMO, more comfortable than the 2012 PD. The F100 can make poly playable for those (myself) with sensitive elbows. Now i've yet to try the extreme low tension poly jobs so that make make poly on any racquet very elbow friendly.
I had a Pure Drive 2012 and traded it for a Formula 100. I also have a pro stock Roddick GT+ that I hit with on occasion. The PD 2012 is more comfortable than the Roddick GT+, but the Formula 100 is the most comfortable. It is muted and you have to get used to the feel. I would also say the PD has slightly more power.
The PD 2012 is definitely a great racket, and I never tried it with my current string setup. The issue for me with that racket was that I would occasionally get flyers. Plus, after an hour of hitting I would feel it in my wrist and elbow.
That said, the paint job on the PD blows the Formula 100 away. My F100s are already losing paint on the sides.
RollTrackTake
Professional
donnay paint is bad. specs can also vary quite a bit. I should have bought matching spec'd racquets but could only buy 1 at a time over the last 9 months.
I have been reading this forum for some years every now and then, but not posting much. Now I thought I should.
I have been demoing and switching racquets for quite some time, originally starting due to shoulder and arm problems. I liked the Wilson K-Factor 95 16x18 a lot, but it was a bit heavy on longer clay matches. After that I have experienced Blades, PD, being way too stiff for my arm.
Recently I have demoed around 10 - 15 different setups, Head Radical YT Pro, IG MP, Prestige IG S and MP, four Princes, Prostaff 6.1 BLX's etc. All were either too stiff, powerful or difficult/not powerful enough. I have never considered buying a racuqet without demoing.
Today I received and played one hour with the Donnay Formula 100, which I bought from TW based on the discussions on this forum, and the TW reviews. So, essentially bought it based on social media feedback, a first ever for me. How was it?
One word, Great, at least so far. Today played inside, tomorrow I will have a go at clay. It felt solid, and first time I got the feel of stability (kind of "thud" feeling) in the racquet during my hits, which I remember from the K95. I had good power on my serves and groundstrokes, but at no time did the racquet feel overly powerful. Pretty good control as well. Return of serve was good, as was blocking back hard hit serves or groundies. Touch was there as well, evidenced by some nice drop shots on returns and a half-volley pick up at net.
Playing indoors with new balls, against a hard hitting player is probably a good test for arm problems as well. Nothing to report there, no irritation in the forearm, no ache or stiffness in the shoulder, feels as this is a comfortable and arm-friendly racquet while being very stable and firm in its playing response.
Whether this ill be my playing racquet for the coming times, I don't yet know. The main reason for that is that I will also get to test the Donnay Pro One
So far, this is the racquet, and tomorrow it will get tested on clay.
I have been demoing and switching racquets for quite some time, originally starting due to shoulder and arm problems. I liked the Wilson K-Factor 95 16x18 a lot, but it was a bit heavy on longer clay matches. After that I have experienced Blades, PD, being way too stiff for my arm.
Recently I have demoed around 10 - 15 different setups, Head Radical YT Pro, IG MP, Prestige IG S and MP, four Princes, Prostaff 6.1 BLX's etc. All were either too stiff, powerful or difficult/not powerful enough. I have never considered buying a racuqet without demoing.
Today I received and played one hour with the Donnay Formula 100, which I bought from TW based on the discussions on this forum, and the TW reviews. So, essentially bought it based on social media feedback, a first ever for me. How was it?
One word, Great, at least so far. Today played inside, tomorrow I will have a go at clay. It felt solid, and first time I got the feel of stability (kind of "thud" feeling) in the racquet during my hits, which I remember from the K95. I had good power on my serves and groundstrokes, but at no time did the racquet feel overly powerful. Pretty good control as well. Return of serve was good, as was blocking back hard hit serves or groundies. Touch was there as well, evidenced by some nice drop shots on returns and a half-volley pick up at net.
Playing indoors with new balls, against a hard hitting player is probably a good test for arm problems as well. Nothing to report there, no irritation in the forearm, no ache or stiffness in the shoulder, feels as this is a comfortable and arm-friendly racquet while being very stable and firm in its playing response.
Whether this ill be my playing racquet for the coming times, I don't yet know. The main reason for that is that I will also get to test the Donnay Pro One
So far, this is the racquet, and tomorrow it will get tested on clay.
I just wanted to bump this thread, I have spent alot of time with this racquet lately. I have tested different set up, strings, balances and all. (I have no paint lettering left on the inside from 3 to 9 o'clock). That's how much I played around with it. All I can say for now is in the thick beam and 100" racquet department. This Formula is for sure first in its class.
I'll write up a full blown review when I have time. Sure it's not the most solid racquet out there, it never will be even with heaps of lead, but for its intended purposes, it gets the job done with no arm pain at the end.
Stay tuned! (I have to hit the courts now).
I'll write up a full blown review when I have time. Sure it's not the most solid racquet out there, it never will be even with heaps of lead, but for its intended purposes, it gets the job done with no arm pain at the end.
Stay tuned! (I have to hit the courts now).
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
I just wanted to bump this thread, I have spent alot of time with this racquet lately. I have tested different set up, strings, balances and all. (I have no paint lettering left on the inside from 3 to 9 o'clock). That's how much I played around with it. All I can say for now is in the thick beam and 100" racquet department. This Formula is for sure first in its class.
I'll write up a full blown review when I have time. Sure it's not the most solid racquet out there, it never will be even with heaps of lead, but for its intended purposes, it gets the job done with no arm pain at the end.
Stay tuned! (I have to hit the courts now).
I agree with everything you have said about this wonderful frame. It is plenty solid for me...moreso than the stock PD12. It has been playing well for me with poly/multi or poly/syngut at 47/50.
How's your new set up with these polys? How does it compare to your old full bed excel set up? Just curious
more spin? My current set up is 3g at 12 o,clock. The rest of the weight in in the handle up to 338g atm. Still feels extremely fast. I actually do win more with this stick than my P1's. Can't be bothered writing that review now, Donnay doesn't pay me so who gives, lol. All I can say is people looking for a stick in this class that has better feel and comfort, demo this. And Pro kennel users with broken ams, give this a try also.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
How's your new set up with these polys? How does it compare to your old full bed excel set up? Just curious
Can't be bothered writing that review now, Donnay doesn't pay me so who gives, lol. All I can say is people looking for a stick in this class that has better feel and comfort, demo this. And Pro kennel users with broken ams, give this a try also.
The full excel is good, but it made the stick feel a little too muted. I think Donnay's recommendation of a copoly/syngut is the way to go.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
does this racket serve as well as PD 2012 ?
RollTrackTake
Professional
I didn't think it served as well as the PD 2012. just one man's opinion. why? could have been the strings. F100 with full Co-Focus vs PD2012 w/ RPM blast. more so I thought it was because the F100 had a higher swing weight. I wasn't able to snap my wrist as forcefully as with the PD2012 when using the same swing speed & effort.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
thank you for such a informative opinion.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Pure drive serves better in stock form. It also serves better because it has slightly more power
is it cause the stiffness index ? PD is alot stiffer i think
Pure Drive is stiff and plays stiff. The only thing it does better than the formula is serves and bit more power. Everything else, the Donnay has it beat in every category. Don't get me started about comfort. You know the answer.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
I don't think lead is necessary, but a few grams at 12' might increase serve speed. To me, I found them almost equal in serve speed with both stock.
I agree. I owned aand played with a APDGT for a year, demo'd the Pro One for a week, they are about as similar as a T3000 and a 200G.
I had a feeling it wouldn't be too much longer b4 you get some of these!
Just remember to string it a few lbs lower than normal, it's designed that way.
Don't lead it up either Dgdavid, it's very very good stock and swings very fast.
gd!
Rookie
Just remember to string it a few lbs lower than normal, it's designed that way.
Don't lead it up either.
Fully AGREE. Same experience using X-Red 99 & X-P Dual both strung @ around 50/48.
Just left the + 5 butt cap, added to X-PD. XR99 w/o any customization weight.
tennisphotog
Semi-Pro
Looking at buying a formula 100, but intrigued by previous comments about it being a repackaged x-27. I cannot find any real info on that stick, when did Donnay sell it, and where, hardly a mention on google searches. Also worried about cosmetic chipping too easy, any feedback?
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
That's correct, but that's unstrung specs
Right. But seems fairly normal right? Nothing goofy.
Should be a fairly basic, middle of the road tweener type that's workable for the average beginner/intermediate.
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ChicagoJack
Hall of Fame
Eh, close but not quite. The 325 is not swingweight, it's the balance point, which for your frame would be 325 millimeters, or more commonly expressed as 32.5 centimeters, which is also 5.5 points head light. 67 is indeed the stiffness, 301 is overall mass, and JackB1 is correct about the digits being for unstrung specs.
The flex is measured at the factory unstrung and with no grip. Once it is strung and gripped the flex will drop a few points. That's why, on the Pro One for example, you will see a few digits lower listed from the Tennis Warehouse specs versus sticker specs. Having explained that, I can now state that yes, there is something odd. 67ra is a somewhat low unstrung (sticker) flex for an F100. Tennis Warehouse strung flex digits, (which are an average of five racquets) are 69. So your unstrung 67 will likely drop to 65 or thereabouts once strung. Donnays that are under on flex, and under on mass/balance are somewhat rare, mostly when they are off QC they are higher balance, higher mass, and over on swingweight.
In my book at least, that under flex F100 you have is golden. 67 is about my cut-off point. Very stiff racquets are extremely overrated in terms of the additional power they produce, which is about 2-3 mph tops. Inherent racquet power is almost directly related to two factors and two factors alone: swingweight and racquet head speed. Thus, there isn't much "free" or easy power to be had, and it's more far more fruitful to chase string tension and string selection than running down the stiffness trail for "easy" power.
Jack
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jackcrawford
Professional
The XV1 is the only V1 MP I didn't enjoy hitting; I love my Classic, and the DNX, and Catapult were
excellent frames. Quantum and Powerbridge were OK.
I've gone back to my F100s, primarily because my wrist and shoulder have been getting very sore after playing with the IG Radical Pros that I switched to. Although the frame is soft, the sweetspot is small and I use Proline X to control the power, so that probably caused some issues. I've been fine playing, but the next day wrist and shoulder are very sore.
I've played with the F100s the last 3 times out (same strings, higher tension) and not a twinge the next day. They are not the best or most controllable frame, but they work as well as Pro Kennex frames for controlling arm/shoulder pain, so I will stay with them this season.
I've played with the F100s the last 3 times out (same strings, higher tension) and not a twinge the next day. They are not the best or most controllable frame, but they work as well as Pro Kennex frames for controlling arm/shoulder pain, so I will stay with them this season.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Trout, I know this is an old post, so I hope you're still watching this thread,
but anyways, I was curious what you liked about the F100 more than the XV1 MP?
Timbo's hopeless slice
Hall of Fame
I am using mine more and more..
I originally got them for coaching and doubles but I am finding they are now close to being my primary frame.
That bit of extra pop and ease of use is finding me choosing them over the platinums more and more often.
Don't get me wrong, the Plat 99s are excellent, but...
I originally got them for coaching and doubles but I am finding they are now close to being my primary frame.
That bit of extra pop and ease of use is finding me choosing them over the platinums more and more often.
Don't get me wrong, the Plat 99s are excellent, but...
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
I think the F100 could be the most underrated racquet on TW. Seriously.
Trout...what string setup are you using? How is the power level compared to the XV1 MP?
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
thanks. You're usually a poly/multi guy I believe.
I did briefly play with the F100 about 2 years ago and liked it but preferred whatever I had at that time. I think I thought it was a PD clone and thought it wouldn't have much touch/feel but I was probably wrong about that. Also, I only tried one string setup on it, so I never really gave ot a fair trial. I may revisit the F100 since you prefer it to the V1 and we seem to like the same racquets.
The xv1 was probably great as well, I just was in a holy grail hunt at the time. I took em all up to the store and consigned them. The f100 didn't sell, and I wasn't loving the pb7s that I had...so I swung by and reclaimed my f100. I may like it simply because I'm using exclusively now. (Equipment mental case). It was a gift from my wife and I'm a BMS fan, so maybe that helps. I will say that my arm feels good with it and I'm improving.(not switching any racquets lately)
Timbo's hopeless slice
Hall of Fame
So I used teh f100s last night in a pennant (league) match against huge serving 5.5+ opposition.
Racquets were awesome and are in no way to blame for my unfortunate failure to win more than 7 games in three sets
(and that was with winning my singles so imagine how the dubs went
)I think I will stick with them
CheekyMullet
New User
Question for Timbo's HC: Formula 100 vs Organix 7 310?
Timbo's hopeless slice
Hall of Fame
I find the F100 to be more manoeuvrable, especially on my 1HBH.
The X-310 has a little more power, I think, both are similarly solid, I personally think the Donnay has more 'feel' but that's very subjective.
Both are excellent racquets and I could play cheerfully with either.
