Angell TC95 Reviwe and Pics

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
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?

the swingweight of my angell is up there for sure. i love the foam filled feel of the donnays and it is not lacking in the angell line as they are foam filled as well. the tc 95 is a bit thicker than the thin beamed donnays, and a tad thinner than say the pro one series. feel is very similar though.
 

Roforot

Professional
Is the SW higher on the Angell vs. Donnay Pro1? I assume Angell tells you the exact SW once they build your custom frame? Or did you ask them to match a certain SW?

I didn't know Angell also has foam filled racquets; I had thought it was exclusive to Donnay. It makes sense though as far as having a similar feel?
 

suppawat

Semi-Pro
Finally my Angells TC95 (310g, 18x20 & 16x19, 63RA) and TC100 (300g, 310g) arrived, will go hit soon.

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suppawat

Semi-Pro
Simply beautiful racquets with excellent paint quality. The handle shape "C" feels really good in hands. Grommet holes are really small, I'm not sure if 16L string can go thru. Plan to put Solinco Revolution on blue frames and Solinco Outlast on red frames.

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suppawat

Semi-Pro
Suppawat how do you like the solinco bag

Yes I like it. It's very practical - light, roomy, shoulder friendly. The bag is light and holds its shape well. In the 2nd version, Solinco bag shape remains the same but they use more water-repellent material and redesign the zip layout. Padded shoulder straps and 2 thermoguard racquet compartments are first class. I used many Head bags before, but none of them are shoulder friendly. They kept falling off my shoulder.
 

Steve Huff

G.O.A.T.
Those of you in the states that have purchased Angell rackets. Did they come from Europe? Where are they made? And, just how much did, say 2 of them, set you back with shipping etc? They really do look interesting, but shelling out $500+ for 2 frames is out of the question for me at the present.
 

zapvor

G.O.A.T.
Those of you in the states that have purchased Angell rackets. Did they come from Europe? Where are they made? And, just how much did, say 2 of them, set you back with shipping etc? They really do look interesting, but shelling out $500+ for 2 frames is out of the question for me at the present.

yea that was keeping me from ordering vantage......
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
Yes I like it. It's very practical - light, roomy, shoulder friendly. The bag is light and holds its shape well. In the 2nd version, Solinco bag shape remains the same but they use more water-repellent material and redesign the zip layout. Padded shoulder straps and 2 thermoguard racquet compartments are first class. I used many Head bags before, but none of them are shoulder friendly. They kept falling off my shoulder.

head bags look cool but their straps are the worst. I've had the donnay 12 pack bag for awhile now and have been pleased with it, aside from the fact it is ugly as home-made soap. Hate the color scheme. I've always liked the red/black. I had the prestige limited monstercombi and loved the look of it, and the old wilson eco super 6 as well... i like the look of the solinco bag and their straps look as if they would be comfortable. Going to try and work something out with them in the coming weeks....

Have you tried their new line of rackets? Was bummed there was no 18x20 in the new line, as the cosmetics looked really nice. Maybe they will come out with one at a later date though.
 
Man those look great... the red grommeted ones are much better looking in those photos than on the official site. Of course curious about hearing more about the TC95 and how it plays in either stringing pattern.
 

jason586

Rookie
Finally my Angells TC95 (310g, 18x20 & 16x19, 63RA) and TC100 (300g, 310g) arrived, will go hit soon.

Noticed you picked up the 95" in 63 flex and the 100" in 70 flex.

I have the opposite with:
1) a pair of 95"/27"/320gr/305mm/70ra/16x19 with strung specs of 11.9oz/9HL/67ra.
2) a pair 100"/27"/310gr/315mm/63ra/16x19 with strung specs of 11.6oz/6HL/60ra.

From everything I've read, I believe the new version Angells are the exact same as the Vantages. So if this helps anyone, here is my first hand experience with two different sizes and flexes:

I have only had the 100's for a week, and I think I am going to move to them permanently from the 95 which I originally had no plans of doing. I was just curious what the 100 was like as I picked them up for a very good price in the fs section of TT.
I like the comfort and dwell time of the flexier 100 and am also getting a slight increase in power even with more flex due to the increase head size and 3 points more weight toward the head. I even strung the 100 with full poly at 58 while the 95 is currently strung with poly mains and syn gut crosses at 58. The 100 also gives me a little more room for error, and it swings nearly as quick as the 95" having .3oz less weight. The only drawback of the 100 I have so far is a slightly less crisp volley.
I can't say for sure which is better on the serve yet as I am still getting used to the different specs of the 100, but the 95/70 is the best serving stick I've used to date. I think once I get the timing down a bit more, the 100 may be even better with the extra weight toward the head for power plus the larger head size for more access to spin. I have already notice an increase kick on topspin-slice 1st serves.
 
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topspinlob

Rookie
Finally my Angells TC95 (310g, 18x20 & 16x19, 63RA) and TC100 (300g, 310g) arrived, will go hit soon.

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I saw that you have youtube video showing your playtests... so how did you like the rackets?

I am thinking of getting a TC100 in the heaviest wt and least headlight balance to match my customized EXO3 Graphites 100 (12.3 oz 5pts HL)...
 

suppawat

Semi-Pro
I saw that you have youtube video showing your playtests... so how did you like the rackets?

I am thinking of getting a TC100 in the heaviest wt and least headlight balance to match my customized EXO3 Graphites 100 (12.3 oz 5pts HL)...

I haven't played TC100 a lot, but my player did. He tested 2 frames one is 300g, 330mm, 70RA, Blue and the other one is 310g, 315mm, 70RA, Red.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JS6Kp3mSKM

He likes to 310g better because of more head light balance. Even though the Blue is lighter, but the less head light doesn't really allow him to accelerate the head speed as good as the red one. I left the racquet with him for further playtesting and will share with you guys again.

For me, I really like the TC95 (16x19, 63RA, 310g). It has a huge sweet sot, and that makes it such a consistent hitting frame.
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
Suppawat did the TC100 give you what you were looking for in the 100 sq. in. dept? I like to 95 as well. Had to tweak it a bit so sent back in for some work. looking forward to getting it back
 

suppawat

Semi-Pro
Suppawat did the TC100 give you what you were looking for in the 100 sq. in. dept? I like to 95 as well. Had to tweak it a bit so sent back in for some work. looking forward to getting it back

I haven't tried the TC100 that much to provide feedback. Honestly I am not a big fan of 100 sq.in racquets as I am still comfortable with 95-97 sq.in frames.

The guy in video is currently playing Donnay X-White 99 and have great success with it. He doesn't want to switch to X-Dual or Pro One, but he is looking for something similar to X-White 99 with a little more power. He said the TC100 has similar solid feel to Donnay, but Donnay swings faster thru the air. That's all he said after shooting video. He is testing the TC100 and I should get more feedback from him this weekend.
 

Chas

Rookie
Suppawat did the TC100 give you what you were looking for in the 100 sq. in. dept? I like to 95 as well. Had to tweak it a bit so sent back in for some work. looking forward to getting it back


Kal-El 43 your initial review of the 95 seemed very positive. What kind of adjustment are you going for - weight/ balance, or something else ?
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
just making it a tad more headlight. the swingweight was a bit too heavy for me to use for long periods of time. a little shift in balance should do the trick

love the racket though... part of the fun of a custom stick from Angell is the customer service one receives with purchase. You want something tweaked... no problem
 

Jacklondon00

New User
In the UK the Angell rackets sell for £139, which is $225!

Can anyone compare the older VT221 95 sq model with the new Angell frames? Are the new Angell frames still made of "High Modulus Carbon Fibre". DO they feel different?

I actually didn't like the VT221 when I compared it to my PC600, so you can now find it on the big auction site.

I am still looking for a mid plus frame that plays and feels like a PC600 or PP Brown but just a little more forgiving. Donnay Pro One?
 

Anton

Legend
I am still looking for a mid plus frame that plays and feels like a PC600 or PP Brown but just a little more forgiving. Donnay Pro One?

Sorry to break this to you - no such thing...closest I could think of is Microgel Radical MP with a lot of carefully distributed weight on it. Donnay Pro One feels stiffer.
 
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Disneos

New User
So my current set up I'm considering is :
( I'm a junior recovering from arm and shoulder problems )

TC95 Red with Black Grip - 16x19, 63RA, 27', 320g (11.4oz), 315mm (9pts.HL), with a 4 3/8 grip but can't decide between B and C!

so what do you think is more comfortable B or C and do you think an 18x20 pattern would be to stiff for my arm?
 

db379

Hall of Fame
Kal el and Suppawat,

Any news on the Angel 95? Have you played more with it? Have you switched to it and why or why not?
 

Chas

Rookie
Kal el and Suppawat,

Any news on the Angel 95? Have you played more with it? Have you switched to it and why or why not?

I expect Kal el or Suppawat will reply to this , but I hope you don't mind me jumping in - it looks like you're looking for feedback from Angel users.

I received my TC95 at the beginning of December - Initial details are here http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=7049980&postcount=193

I've strung it with Signum Pro Micronite 16 at 53 lbs (Mikeler's top choice) http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=352048. Seemed a good time to try this string out, rather than my usual Yonex 850 at 53 lbs.

My previous and therefore comparison racquets are the Dunlop 4D 200 (18 x20) and Dunlop Bio 200 tour (16x18)


Due to the rather cold and damp weather at this time of year in Scotland I've only had half a dozen matches with it so far, but here's some initial thoughts ...




Despite being fairly closely matched to my Dunlop Bio 200 Tour it feels quite a bit easier to swing and more maneuverable.

The grip size on both is a 3, (B shape on the Angel), but the Angel seems a bit bigger so I've foregone the usual overwrap on it. I find the synthetic grip they fit just right in terms of grippiness/comfort - in fact I've asked Paul if I can buy some more.


The comfort/feel balance is excellent. Some Vantage users have described them as muted. Actually I find the Angel less so than my Dunlops. There's good feel for the ball, without any unwanted vibration etc.


In terms of power it has a larger sweetspot or a more even response than the Dunlops. With the current combination of string and racquet I get the same or more pace than the Dunlops but with an easier takeback, so I'm getting more winners out of it - always welcome :)

I use fairly strong topspin (semi western grip) on forehand and ohbh. The Angel works great off both wings and I'm getting the same or more spin when I need it . Slice backhands also work a treat with good bite and feel to send them on their way.

Mid court pickups and volleys are better than the Dunlops due to the easier takeback & more balanced feel and more even response off the various parts of the string bed .


Serves are better than the Dunlops - I get more bite on the ball for slice serves/kickers and similar pace for the flat serves.


All in all a real pleasure to use and the best racquet I've ever owned (which was a relief to me as it was a stretch financially). I still make some mishits and errors, but I'd say they are mine, not the racquets, and I'm working on honing those down for one enjoyable season of tennis . I suppose the final icing on the cake is my results have been consistently better with the Angel.


I'm sure others with have differing views, some less glowing, since there's no such thing as a magic one for all racquet, but I hope that feedback helps a bit.
 

db379

Hall of Fame
Hi Chas,

Thanks a lot for your feedback. It looks like you have found your stick!

Do you have experience with the previous version of the 200 Tour, the 4D 200 Tour? I have used this stick and find it quite to my liking. I haven't played the bio version. I like the fact that the response seems even across the stringbed on the Angell according to what you said. One think that I may not like with the Angell is the muted feel... I have played with some pro stocks and one Vantage before and they did feel muted. I tend to like some feedback to the hand, which is why I never use a dampener on my sticks. Could you comment more on this?
 

Chas

Rookie
Hi Chas,

Thanks a lot for your feedback. It looks like you have found your stick!

Do you have experience with the previous version of the 200 Tour, the 4D 200 Tour? I have used this stick and find it quite to my liking. I haven't played the bio version. I like the fact that the response seems even across the stringbed on the Angell according to what you said. One think that I may not like with the Angell is the muted feel... I have played with some pro stocks and one Vantage before and they did feel muted. I tend to like some feedback to the hand, which is why I never use a dampener on my sticks. Could you comment more on this?


Yes, I have the 4D 200 Tour as well. A nice racquet - and the best looking Dunlop in my opinion .

It's difficult to beat the plow through you get on the 4D Tour, so I guess it depends on your style. With the 4D I found it best to abbreviate the racquet swing and use the swing weight to help punch the ball back. On a free flowing singles game that worked fine for the ground shots, and for block back returns of serve. Where I suffered was on reactive shots (especially in Doubles), and the mid court pick ups.

By contrast the Angell feels much easier to swing and I can get more head turn on the ball to generate spin. I also find the serve easier to vary between the various styles - flat, spin etc. The 4D required a more deliberate action , if that makes sense.

I think the sweetspot on the Angell is a bit bigger, or to put it another way it's a bit more forgiving.

I don't really notice that the Angell is more muted than the 4D Tour - but that could just be me !
 

Roforot

Professional
just making it a tad more headlight. the swingweight was a bit too heavy for me to use for long periods of time. a little shift in balance should do the trick

love the racket though... part of the fun of a custom stick from Angell is the customer service one receives with purchase. You want something tweaked... no problem

Just curious to see if you've received the racquet back. Would you share the difference you're aiming for in swing weight? I'm curious to see if this lower swing weight leads you back to Donnay?
 

TfReAk

Rookie
I haven't played TC100 a lot, but my player did. He tested 2 frames one is 300g, 330mm, 70RA, Blue and the other one is 310g, 315mm, 70RA, Red.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JS6Kp3mSKM

He likes to 310g better because of more head light balance. Even though the Blue is lighter, but the less head light doesn't really allow him to accelerate the head speed as good as the red one. I left the racquet with him for further playtesting and will share with you guys again.

For me, I really like the TC95 (16x19, 63RA, 310g). It has a huge sweet sot, and that makes it such a consistent hitting frame.

Suppawat what is the balance on the TC95 (16*19, 63RA, 310g)? Does it swing fast?
 

Goose

New User
Ok, so after a bit of a wait my frame arrived last week. I haven't had a chance to string it up yet.

Can anyone provide me with a set of stringing instructions for the 18x20. I had a bit of a look at it today and some of the grommets look like they could go either way. Would rather not get half way through a stringing job and realise I've screwed up.

Even if someone could provide detailed pics of their strung TC95 18x20 showing locations of mains and crosses that would be fantastic.

EDIT: I had a better look at the photos in the first post and they show what I was looking for pretty well. All I can't really spot is the knots. Was it a 1 piece job or two?
 
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Dave M

Hall of Fame
Hey Goose they were up on Angell sports facebook feed yesterday.If you haven't already found them!

I've had mine for a while now so thought i would chime in, as a previous 70ra vantage owner from Paul a couple years ago I wasn't sure entirely what to expect going to 63 ra and a 95" headsize. My thoughts about the 95" are that it is every bit as solid as the mid, off centre shots are more forgiving (as you would imagine really and i do have some expertise in doing that.)
Groundstrokes are just smooth, when you get the weight and balance of a frame sorted you should just flow into a stroke and now i've got that sorted it does seem to happen (I say seem because I haven't had to watch myself play!!) and the biggest advantage as a side effect of this is reduced stress on the shoulder and wrist that i was suffering making me take 6 months off. I probably hit flatter on the forehand than the backhand what that means is I tend to find one can suffer as the other increases in pace or power but the more open patern on the tc 95 is a very good compromise and for me is a better fit than the 18 by 20/ (I have an old one of htose two so nothing against it!)
.I find if i goto (I'm not bashing the pure drive i played with them for the first 3 incarnations)as an example the pure drive i get lazy, start arming the ball strokes break down and after not very long it hurts, I don't have that happen with my ANgell frames.
Serves, my flat serve is not yet up to speed and consistancy i had previously but hopefully with time and when my shoulder gets used to the motion again it'll get there, the 16/19 pattern is open enough for even a moderate top spin technique to generate some decent spin, and my kick serve is already starting to jump about which is good because the "free" points are always welcome!
Volleys, this is where i can get a lot lazy with any frame, i play a lot of doubles and can get a bit stationary and be guilty of letting the ball come to me so i can play some fancy stop volley, I can still do that but if you get the frame out in front of you and contact it as you should watching the ball i can't imagine even those who aren't too confident having problems with their volleys.
I chose the grip shape close to wilson for mine.The Angell is the first frame you as a member of the public can buy that i've found comes close to the pro staff feeling I grew up with.For many years I bought (and then quickly sold) just about every make of frame avaliable from the smaller companies to the big boys.The truth appears to be that in their quest to make frames appeal to everyone the "lighter & stiffer is better" mantra has taken away layers of graphite from the mix (to increase profit too no doubt)and introduced all this wonderful new tech that in many cases appears to be just marketing.What brought me to Pauls frame first was another member on here who had heard me asking about an old dunlop i liked and i was told if you want old school classic feel without the gimmicks this is the guy to goto.Couldn't of been more true!
I'd say that if anyone is considering a midplus frame you've got to give them a try,I like many of you have used just about every brand out there retail and pro stock (In case it's relevent to you i've owned head pt's and tgk frames, yonex custom player stock and some of the wilson "H" series) but the solidity and connection to the ball I get with these is better than anything else avaliable on the market.To all those who say that frames don't feel as they did "x" amount of years ago, these are the ones to go to!
If anyone is wondering get a demo or pm me if you've got a question you want an answer to.
 
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Hey Goose they were up on Angell sports facebook feed yesterday.If you haven't already found them!

I've had mine for a while now so thought i would chime in, as a previous 70ra vantage owner from Paul a couple years ago I wasn't sure entirely what to expect going to 63 ra and a 95" headsize. My thoughts about the 95" are that it is every bit as solid as the mid, off centre shots are more forgiving (as you would imagine really and i do have some expertise in doing that)I chose the grip shape close to wilson for mine. I'd say that if anyone is considering a midplus frame you've got to give them a try,I like many of you have used just about every brand out there retail and pro stock but the solidity and connection to the ball I get with these is better than anything else avaliable on the market.To all those who say that frames don't feel as they did "x" amount of years ago, these are the ones to go to!


Hi is this brand a internet only one?, I asked at my local stringer last night and he said they are not available in pro shops, do you know any stores that carry/demo them? Thanks
 

Dave M

Hall of Fame
Hi is this brand a internet only one?, I asked at my local stringer last night and he said they are not available in pro shops, do you know any stores that carry/demo them? Thanks

They demo frames direct to you, I'm not aware of anyone who keeps them as they are ordered to your specs i imagine it'd be hard for a shop to carry one of every possible spec alteration.
Give Paul a shout and he'll send some to you
 

Swedish9

New User
Does anyone have any experience with an Angell/Vantage racquet that is 28in?
If you do not have any experience with those specific racquets, but have played with a 28in racquet, could you tell me how it felt?

I have been very interested in knowing how a Angell/Vantage racquet would feel in 28in, after hearing so many people rave about their racquets.
I have considered buying a racquet by them (it would be the TC100, 16 x 19, 63 RA, 28in, 11.7 ounces unstrung, 12 pts headlight unstrung, handle shape A or B, and with a Red Grommet and Red leather grip).

Also i have heard that the grip sizes are a tad bigger then normal rackets. ( ie. An Angell 4 5/8 Shape A is bigger then a Head Youtek Ig Prestige 4 5/8)

Can anyone shed some light on these issues?
 

Kal-El 34

Hall of Fame
I had mine 27 1/4 inch built and my grip snapped where the grip was extended. I sent it in for repair and it came back standard length. Still trying to work with Paul on a solution here. He is a nice guy though and very good communicator. Hopefully we can get things all sorted out.
 

Torres

Banned
I had mine 27 1/4 inch built and my grip snapped where the grip was extended. I sent it in for repair and it came back standard length.

That's disappointing. Presumably they just glue something on rather than having a longer (molded?) pallet and handle in the first place?
 

s-keeper

New User
Extended length Vantage handles were most defiantly proper longer pallets - I have 27.5" and 28" ones and can vouch for that. I assume the Angell are the same!
 

topspn

Legend
Has anyone played with the TC95 330g with 63 RA? The 12 points headlight? Anyone compare to other heavier racquets like the RF97A or VCORE tour G330?
 
Has anyone played with the TC95 330g with 63 RA? The 12 points headlight? Anyone compare to other heavier racquets like the RF97A or VCORE tour G330?
Id be interestedto hear how the TC 95 63 RA compares against the Prince Textreme 95

There are so few frames for those of us who want a flexy control oriented MP these days.
 

topspn

Legend
Id be interestedto hear how the TC 95 63 RA compares against the Prince Textreme 95

There are so few frames for those of us who want a flexy control oriented MP these days.
So true and I do play with the extreme 95 and love the feel and comfort. The frame makes you work but feels so light. I have already added lead but think i can add much more. Curious how the heavy TC95 compares to heavier racquets in maneuverability and power. I love the G330 when you have time and setup a smooth swing but its to clumsy for fast adjustments..too much weight in the throat of the racquet
 
So true and I do play with the extreme 95 and love the feel and comfort. The frame makes you work but feels so light. I have already added lead but think i can add much more. Curious how the heavy TC95 compares to heavier racquets in maneuverability and power. I love the G330 when you have time and setup a smooth swing but its to clumsy for fast adjustments..too much weight in the throat of the racquet
Yeah, it seems like something i have to demo. I love my Pacific x feel pro 95 but it is more demanding than the Textreme 95 and the TC 95 (similar to the Babolat Pure Control but with more spin and an open pattern)... im not getting any younger and may switch this winter to either one.

What I LOVE about the pacific is it is incredibly maneuverable and solid plus it gives me the control of a dense pattern with the generosity of an open pattern. Great for returners. Thing is I hit with the vaunted PS85 for the first time a few months ago and now I want the greater put away power that foam filled braided beast has. Yeah more than my 95! MY 95 defends better but I love the attack of the ps85. Ive heard the TC 95 has a little of that Ps85 foam filled beastlyness. Maybe what I want is impossible but that's the fun of tennis. I do think Wawrinka's switch to Yonex away from the very even tempered prestiges helped him become more aggressive. Im interesed in doing something similar (I do play wawrinka-esque but my return game is very important to me) but they arent making many frames that fit the bill of ultra control yet flexible 95's. My backhand is a mashup of edberg and Don Budge (I gre up in the 80's)... my newer Semi Western forehand used soderling's as a template (switched 6 years ago when I took up the sport again). Ive got a lot of firepower so I like a frame that compliments by being extremely control driven.
 
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AnDaLe

Rookie
Id be interestedto hear how the TC 95 63 RA compares against the Prince Textreme 95

There are so few frames for those of us who want a flexy control oriented MP these days.

I'd also love to hear how this racket compares to the Prince Textreme 95, especially the swing speed. The Textreme has a swingweight of around 320 but definitely feels much quicker than other rackets I've hit with and I like that. Paul told me that the change in weight is usually done in the grip so the swingweight does not vary much with balance on the TC95/TC100.
 
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