The Official Angell Users Club

ed70

Professional
Good review that, I’ve not played the 101 but With over 4 years playing with the TC97 & having experience with the TC100 I’d agree on many points, especially the higher launch angle & use of spin to control the TC100.
 

BPlain

Semi-Pro
Played twice this weekend with Volkl V-Squared 1.30 strung at 52lbs. Monster spin and I could confidently take full cuts off both wings. The spin was really great on both slice and kick serves as well. Thought I found a string winner for my K7 Red until I broke them only 3 hours in!

I’m putting in another set of V-Squared and dropping the tension down to 50lbs but I’m not sure that’s going to extend string life that much. It’s a squared string which is great for spin as advertised but it notches really quickly. The strings moved on me a lot but it didn’t impact my control or feel at all so I didn’t mind. It also felt fine on my elbow and wrist despite playing back to back days. We’ll see how the second set plays and I’ll report back.

I finished up playing today with my Halo Hybrid at 50 lbs set up in my second K7 Red and it felt pretty good. Noticeably less spin production but found it easier to find my forehand more consistently than I did on my first go round with these strings.

Well round two with the 1.30 Volkl V-Squared lasted me all of 45 minutes so that's out as a viable option for me. I'm going to stick with the Halo Hybrid set up in my K7 for awhile as I play around with some lead tape configurations in hopes that it helps me find my topspin forehand again more consistently. I already tried adding some weight at 3 and 9 but it didn't feel quite right. As I hit my topspin forehand pretty high up on the string bed, I've now added a little weight at 12 and counterbalanced it in the handle. Looking forward to trying it out this weekend. I love hitting almost every other shot using my K7 with Halo Hybrid strings, just have to find a forehand solution!
 

Pneumated1

Hall of Fame
Anyone actually transition from the TC95 to the TC97 successfully? I bought a V3 TC97 18x20 a few years ago but dismissed it after one two-hour hitting session, probably prematurely. I recently switched from the TC95 to the Wilson Ultra Tour, but I keep seeing comparisons between the UT and TC97 18x20. If they're in fact that similar, I'd like to look into the Angell a bit more and have an opportunity to pick up two TC97 18x20s at a steal. Any advice from the Angell faithful?
 
I posted in the Wanted forum for a K7 Lime, and received a message from georgeliam770 telling me to email romanfolly@gmail.com. After exchanging a few emails and getting quite close to purchasing through paypal, I wanted to "vet" the transaction before completing. Trouble is, I can't find georgeliam770, or the conversation, on TT! Is this a scam? Is there any other legitimate reason I can't find a trace of that user account or conversation on TT? Thanks for your help.
I was also hit up by RomanFolly and told to email georgeliam770@gmail.com. I suggest that TW ban this account, seems super shady to me as well.
 

Caol-ila

Rookie
I've come full circle with Angell too. Started with the 100, then went to the 97 for a while then to 95 and now back to the 100. The 100 provides what I need for my game at this point although I do have a radical tour OS on its way as I want to give an OS a decent try having borrowed a mate's POG OS. We'll see but I won't be parting ways with the 100 just yet. Nice drop of whisky Caol-ila.

Well, something unexpected occurred last week. I played a tournament match using my K7red, with an awful lot of double faults. I don not know why. Then I played with a friend using my TC97, producing several aces and no double faults. Unbelievable and unexplicable. I am going on with the TC97, which looks like a sligthly stiffer, more powerful and less comfortable K7red. Not much less. Mine is even more maneuvrable because I put some weight on the K7red.
At present I am not willing to go back to the K7 or move to the TC100.
 

flanker2000fr

Hall of Fame
Finally had a chance to serve as I played two hours doubles today.

I think my experience of the TC100 mirrors what a number of people are saying:
- it is a great serving stick. Lots of power, easy to slice and kick. No issue hitting my spots
- one needs to put a lot of shape on their groundstrokes to control the ball. If not, the ball ends to fly long given the power and the high launch angle. This is not necessarily ideal for doubles, as one needs to keep returns / passing shots low to make life difficult for the volleyers

Still, overall, a very positive experience.
 

Tennisist

Semi-Pro
Anyone actually transition from the TC95 to the TC97 successfully? I bought a V3 TC97 18x20 a few years ago but dismissed it after one two-hour hitting session, probably prematurely. I recently switched from the TC95 to the Wilson Ultra Tour, but I keep seeing comparisons between the UT and TC97 18x20. If they're in fact that similar, I'd like to look into the Angell a bit more and have an opportunity to pick up two TC97 18x20s at a steal. Any advice from the Angell faithful?
TC95 and TC97 are practically the same racquet. I play with them interchangeably. If you overlay one over the other, you will see that they are identical. The only difference is the square profile of the shoulder beams on TC97. What this produces in practice is a stiffer frame. With TC97 you are getting more power, but are losing some comfort. I myself, prefer TC97: I welcome the extra power. In heavy hitting, and particularly, on serve, it is very noticeable. The level of comfort is manageable -- it stays above ProStaff 97 / Blade / Prestige Pro.

Wilson Ultra Tour 97 is nothing like TC95 or TC97. I am not sure how this rumor even came to be. UT is a very anemic / low power / low spin racquet -- pretty much the opposite of TC97 -- powerful, solid, frame that hits very penetrating ball and serves bombs.
 
J

joohan

Guest
Wilson Ultra Tour 97 is nothing like TC95 or TC97. I am not sure how this rumor even came to be. UT is a very anemic / low power / low spin racquet -- pretty much the opposite of TC97 -- powerful, solid, frame that hits very penetrating ball and serves bombs.

I found UT and TC97 quite similar, for instance. Granted, played the very first versions of 18x20 TC97 and first iteration of UT so things may have changed since then. Also played V1 18x20 63RA TC95 and there’s no world in my multiverse where TC97 is more powerful and less comfortable...so our tastes may differ significantly.
 

Poseidon

New User
Hello there,
I got my hands on a used TC97 16*19 racket to try. It's the 320 gram, 63 stiffness version.
All this time I 've been using a DR98, and never thought to change the racket until now.
I love the way the TC97 feels, it's a solid racket with great feedback. The DR98 in comparison feels hollow, like a tin can. I can't hit a ball with the DR98 now, without missing the TC97.
However the big problem is my ball.
Every opponent of mine has testified that the DR98 produces a more penetrating ball, with more pace and weight, more difficult to return. The TC97 has this strange high launch angle that kinda reminds me of a pure aero, which my opponents find easier to return.
All in all if it wasn't for the feel, I would go back to the DR98 without a second thought, but now it's like I can't even play with it.

So, should I tinker with the TC97 16*19, should I buy a 18*20 version?
I am open to any suggestions really.
I was debating between a Head Gravity Tour, or Prince Textreme Tour 100p before I played with the TC97. Now all I care about is that solid sensation after hitting the ball.
Side note, I played with the Yonex 97HD and found it too demanding for my game.
Thanks a lot for any answers.
Also the demoing scene kinda sucks in Greece, none of the above frames is available for testing.

TLDR: Angel TC97 feels better, but Yonex DR98 plays better. What to do?

Στάλθηκε από το IN2013 μου χρησιμοποιώντας Tapatalk
 

topspn

Legend
Hello there,
I got my hands on a used TC97 16*19 racket to try. It's the 320 gram, 63 stiffness version.
All this time I 've been using a DR98, and never thought to change the racket until now.
I love the way the TC97 feels, it's a solid racket with great feedback. The DR98 in comparison feels hollow, like a tin can. I can't hit a ball with the DR98 now, without missing the TC97.
However the big problem is my ball.
Every opponent of mine has testified that the DR98 produces a more penetrating ball, with more pace and weight, more difficult to return. The TC97 has this strange high launch angle that kinda reminds me of a pure aero, which my opponents find easier to return.
All in all if it wasn't for the feel, I would go back to the DR98 without a second thought, but now it's like I can't even play with it.

So, should I tinker with the TC97 16*19, should I buy a 18*20 version?
I am open to any suggestions really.
I was debating between a Head Gravity Tour, or Prince Textreme Tour 100p before I played with the TC97. Now all I care about is that solid sensation after hitting the ball.
Side note, I played with the Yonex 97HD and found it too demanding for my game.
Thanks a lot for any answers.
Also the demoing scene kinda sucks in Greece, none of the above frames is available for testing.

TLDR: Angel TC97 feels better, but Yonex DR98 plays better. What to do?

Στάλθηκε από το IN2013 μου χρησιμοποιώντας Tapatalk
The DR 98 while a 16x19 however has a denser string pattern in the middle. It has 8 mains in the throat of the racquet compared to the six on the TC97. So how do you make the TC97 feel a bit denser and less launch angle. Choose a larger gauge string for one and if you want to lower the launch angle a bit try having the crosses a lb or two higher then your mains
 

Jouke

Professional
Anyone actually transition from the TC95 to the TC97 successfully? I bought a V3 TC97 18x20 a few years ago but dismissed it after one two-hour hitting session, probably prematurely. I recently switched from the TC95 to the Wilson Ultra Tour, but I keep seeing comparisons between the UT and TC97 18x20. If they're in fact that similar, I'd like to look into the Angell a bit more and have an opportunity to pick up two TC97 18x20s at a steal. Any advice from the Angell faithful?

I found the ultra tour to play a lot easier! Even weighted up to the same specs. The good thing about the UT is that you can customize the swingweight (which in my opinion is one of the most important specs).The TC97 is at the top of most peoples spec range already, with a strung swing weight around 330.
 
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Poseidon

New User
The DR 98 while a 16x19 however has a denser string pattern in the middle. It has 8 mains in the throat of the racquet compared to the six on the TC97. So how do you make the TC97 feel a bit denser and less launch angle. Choose a larger gauge string for one and if you want to lower the launch angle a bit try having the crosses a lb or two higher then your mains
I knew about the difference in the pattern, that's why I thought maybe a 18*20 would be more suitable for a heavier ball.
String is already 16g poly, didn't know about the crosses higher than mains. I will definitely try it.
Any other suggestions?

Στάλθηκε από το IN2013 μου χρησιμοποιώντας Tapatalk
 

ed70

Professional
Hello there,
I got my hands on a used TC97 16*19 racket to try. It's the 320 gram, 63 stiffness version.
All this time I 've been using a DR98, and never thought to change the racket until now.
I love the way the TC97 feels, it's a solid racket with great feedback. The DR98 in comparison feels hollow, like a tin can. I can't hit a ball with the DR98 now, without missing the TC97.
However the big problem is my ball.
Every opponent of mine has testified that the DR98 produces a more penetrating ball, with more pace and weight, more difficult to return. The TC97 has this strange high launch angle that kinda reminds me of a pure aero, which my opponents find easier to return.
All in all if it wasn't for the feel, I would go back to the DR98 without a second thought, but now it's like I can't even play with it.

So, should I tinker with the TC97 16*19, should I buy a 18*20 version?
I am open to any suggestions really.
I was debating between a Head Gravity Tour, or Prince Textreme Tour 100p before I played with the TC97. Now all I care about is that solid sensation after hitting the ball.
Side note, I played with the Yonex 97HD and found it too demanding for my game.
Thanks a lot for any answers.
Also the demoing scene kinda sucks in Greece, none of the above frames is available for testing.

TLDR: Angel TC97 feels better, but Yonex DR98 plays better. What to do?

Στάλθηκε από το IN2013 μου χρησιμοποιώντας Tapatalk
Played the DR98 & actually moved to TC97 straight after. TC97 hits bigger in every department for me, swings faster with much slimmer beam. I suppose it depends on your style of play, I keep RHS high.
 

BPlain

Semi-Pro
Hello there,
I got my hands on a used TC97 16*19 racket to try. It's the 320 gram, 63 stiffness version.
All this time I 've been using a DR98, and never thought to change the racket until now.
I love the way the TC97 feels, it's a solid racket with great feedback. The DR98 in comparison feels hollow, like a tin can. I can't hit a ball with the DR98 now, without missing the TC97.
However the big problem is my ball.
Every opponent of mine has testified that the DR98 produces a more penetrating ball, with more pace and weight, more difficult to return. The TC97 has this strange high launch angle that kinda reminds me of a pure aero, which my opponents find easier to return.
All in all if it wasn't for the feel, I would go back to the DR98 without a second thought, but now it's like I can't even play with it.

So, should I tinker with the TC97 16*19, should I buy a 18*20 version?
I am open to any suggestions really.
I was debating between a Head Gravity Tour, or Prince Textreme Tour 100p before I played with the TC97. Now all I care about is that solid sensation after hitting the ball.
Side note, I played with the Yonex 97HD and found it too demanding for my game.
Thanks a lot for any answers.
Also the demoing scene kinda sucks in Greece, none of the above frames is available for testing.

TLDR: Angel TC97 feels better, but Yonex DR98 plays better. What to do?

Στάλθηκε από το IN2013 μου χρησιμοποιώντας Tapatalk

Same experience here. Switched from DR98 to a K7 Red and once I experienced that Angell feel, I was hooked. I also tried the Yonex 97HD.

I’ve now tried upping my tension, string gauge, and adding weight. While I found an added weight I liked, it also reminded me I’m now on the wrong side of 40 and that’s why I was trying to find a lighter frame to begin with so I’m going back to stock weight. I’m going to continue to play around with different strings and see if I can find one that helps me keep my topspin forehand more consistently in the court.

But I hear you on the feel. I honestly can’t play with my DR98 anymore knowing how my K7 Red feels now.
 

tennis347

Hall of Fame
Same experience here. Switched from DR98 to a K7 Red and once I experienced that Angell feel, I was hooked. I also tried the Yonex 97HD.

I’ve now tried upping my tension, string gauge, and adding weight. While I found an added weight I liked, it also reminded me I’m now on the wrong side of 40 and that’s why I was trying to find a lighter frame to begin with so I’m going back to stock weight. I’m going to continue to play around with different strings and see if I can find one that helps me keep my topspin forehand more consistently in the court.

But I hear you on the feel. I honestly can’t play with my DR98 anymore knowing how my K7 Red feels now.
It's difficult to modify a frame to get the optimal weight without sacrificing something. I also have a pair of K7 Red frames and experimented with adding weight. In stock form this frame doesn't have enough plow for my game. I now have 2 grams total at 10 and 2 and 1.5 grams on the butt of the handle. It's still a bit low powered for match play but I keep them in my bag. My main racquet now is the Prince Phantom 100p. It brings a bit more pop and control to the table. The 100P is quite forgiving and arm friendly. It would comparable to the TC 100 310 gram version which I have not played with.
 

serveitup911

Semi-Pro
Today I did about 90 minutes of ball machine training and some serving with my 100 and 101 with identical specs. 27.5”. 320g, 305mm. B grip size 2 hybrid pro with 2 overgrips. Strung with Solinco Tour Bite 1.25mm @48M/50C.

The feel of the 101 moved in front of the 100 today when paired with the crisp feel of Tour Bite.

I started off with the 101 for the first load of balls and felt like I could not miss. I was hitting very heavy balls that penetrated the court and my flatter shots were mostly finding their mark. I had great success going down the line and finding my range. I could sense the dwell time and feel the ball take off from the strings, but did not have the trampolining that the 18g Hyper G produced sometimes in my last hitting session.

For the second load of balls, I used the 100. I immediately noticed a higher launch angle and a faster exit of the ball from the strings. The response reminded me of my Pure Drive Roddick +. I was able to hit big, but my range was a little tougher to dial in and there was some tendency for a few trampolines (i.e. controlled my racquet face angle and swing path similarly to a shot I just made, but the ball left on an unexpectedly higher trajectory and landed a little long). Where I saw an advantage in the 100 was with the free power when I was lazy with my footwork as I grew fatigued. I could see this coming in handy in a match situation on the run or deep into the match.

The 100 required me to use more spin for control. I was able to still control my range with the 101 even on flatter shots, which happens to be a big strength of mine. I grew up first learning the game mostly on fast low bouncing indoor hard courts and first learned to hit shots through the court. I added spin to my arsenal later on especially in the early 2000s when poly strings took off. On shots out of the strike zone (high) the 100 had an easier time of getting pop on the ball.

On volleys, the 101 took the lead with its feel and lower launch angle. I had an easier time hitting nice skidding offensive volleys with the 101. The 100 was better on overheads for absolute power although the ball was easier to place with the 101.

On flat serves, the 100 did very well with lots of power. If I missed, it was long. The 101 had a touch less power and if I missed, it was in the tape. (I do feel many misses were a result of switching back and forth - the launch angle difference is pronounced). On second serves, I have never had a great right bouncing kick (twist) serve. The 101 made it like cake - I’m talking big high right hops. Spin serves overall with the 101 were great. The extra dwell time allowed me to load up on the spin. With the 100, spin was still adequate but not up to the level of the 101. With the 100, my serving style would be using mostly pace and penetration. With the 101, my serving style would be using more spins and variety with the occasional heater.

At the end of today’s session I still don’t have a clear favorite. As we know, there are always trade offs with racquets and deciding which negatives to accept and which positives can help our game more is the key. I still feel like I need to find a matchup with a similar ability player and play some sets before I know for sure.

I am going to video my next session and maybe you all can look and see which racquet looks better for me.

Here is the hitting session with both, as promised.
 

Pneumated1

Hall of Fame
TC95 and TC97 are practically the same racquet. I play with them interchangeably. If you overlay one over the other, you will see that they are identical. The only difference is the square profile of the shoulder beams on TC97. What this produces in practice is a stiffer frame. With TC97 you are getting more power, but are losing some comfort. I myself, prefer TC97: I welcome the extra power. In heavy hitting, and particularly, on serve, it is very noticeable. The level of comfort is manageable -- it stays above ProStaff 97 / Blade / Prestige Pro.

Wilson Ultra Tour 97 is nothing like TC95 or TC97. I am not sure how this rumor even came to be. UT is a very anemic / low power / low spin racquet -- pretty much the opposite of TC97 -- powerful, solid, frame that hits very penetrating ball and serves bombs.

I hit the TC95 for three years and the TC97 (both 18x20) only for a few hours, but I found them distinctly different in feel and response. I was offered a deal for a pair of Octane TC97 18x20s that you wouldn't believe, so my post was more a result of wishful speculation. But I know that the TC97 isn't for me. The Angell TC95 18x20 would be the only Angell I could hit, but I find the UT better overall (properly customized).

Imo, the UT plays closer to the TC95. I agree that the TC95 plays bigger at 300-310g than a similarly spec'd UT, but with a little weight here and there, it rivals the TC95 for power and nudges it for feel and precision.

Also, I'm sensitive to how a frame flexes. The UT, at least to me, seems to flex in the throat with a slightly stiffer hoop, but I could be wrong. I don't like frames with a stiff throat that flex in the hoop. The UT and TC95 must flex similarly or I wouldn't like the UT. I loved the TC95 18x20 but find that I play better with the UT.
 
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Pneumated1

Hall of Fame
I found the ultra tour to play a lot easier! Even weighted up to the same specs. The good thing about the UT is that you can customize the swingweight (which in my opinion is one of the most important specs).The TC97 is at the top of most peoples spec range already, with a strung swing weight around 330.

I'm definitely sticking with the UT. Thanks.
 

Tennisist

Semi-Pro
Hello there,
I got my hands on a used TC97 16*19 racket to try. It's the 320 gram, 63 stiffness version.
All this time I 've been using a DR98, and never thought to change the racket until now.
I love the way the TC97 feels, it's a solid racket with great feedback. The DR98 in comparison feels hollow, like a tin can. I can't hit a ball with the DR98 now, without missing the TC97.
However the big problem is my ball.
Every opponent of mine has testified that the DR98 produces a more penetrating ball, with more pace and weight, more difficult to return. The TC97 has this strange high launch angle that kinda reminds me of a pure aero, which my opponents find easier to return.
All in all if it wasn't for the feel, I would go back to the DR98 without a second thought, but now it's like I can't even play with it.

So, should I tinker with the TC97 16*19, should I buy a 18*20 version?
I am open to any suggestions really.
I was debating between a Head Gravity Tour, or Prince Textreme Tour 100p before I played with the TC97. Now all I care about is that solid sensation after hitting the ball.
Side note, I played with the Yonex 97HD and found it too demanding for my game.
Thanks a lot for any answers.
Also the demoing scene kinda sucks in Greece, none of the above frames is available for testing.

TLDR: Angel TC97 feels better, but Yonex DR98 plays better. What to do?

Στάλθηκε από το IN2013 μου χρησιμοποιώντας Tapatalk

Are you a flat hitter? Yonex DR 98 certainly catapults the ball from the center like no other racquet. It has more power than TC97. TC97 18x20 will have even less power. So, if you hit flat, I would not go this way. Try instead silicone or rubber bands in the Yonex' handle. Then, cloth tape / hockey tape / head protection tape on the top of Dr98. All this will substantially mute down the racquet. Then, of course, a worm-style gamma dampener. After this, it will start feeling substantially more quiet than Angell. The "tin" feeling you are referring to, will be a distant memory.

TC97 16x19 produces a heavier ball than Yonex if you use spin, and if you can manage its enormous swingweight.
 
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Poseidon

New User
Both rackets are at 342 swingweight and 343 grams strung with the same balance. I am by no means a monster or a good player, but that's what I'm used to.
I would say I hit with a lot of spin. And I find it difficult to flatten the ball. I think it's the DR's lower launch angle that allows me to put more pace on the ball and feel flatter that my opponents find hard to return. The TC97 makes me control myself cause it's the one that catapults the ball if I put more pace, so I cannot give it my 100%. Maybe it's the way I'm used to expect the racket to behave and if I keep hitting with it I will learn to control it.

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AhabTheBad

New User
Finally got on the court with my K7 Red (stupid rain getting in the way of my tennis).

Have put 2 grams of tungsten at 3&9. Put a shrink sleeve on the handle to make it a grip 5 for my man hands.

After 1 hour of play with stock racket at grip 4 and 4 hours of play (2x2 hour sessions) with weighted hoop and grip 5, I’m really enjoying the racket. Strings are K7 Red hybrid (halo 4 in mains) at 50 pounds.

Forehand requires clean technique and follow through, weight helps with the plough through. I’m still adjusting a bit but a sweetly struck shot really dips and if you get the length right it really kicks into your opponent.

At the net the racket is better than I thought (although I didn’t test that much in stock form so it may be the added weight helping out).

The real standout is the backhand. I have absolutely no idea why this is the case but it flowed through the shot in stock form, with the weight added my backhands (when hit well) absolutely fly with heavy spin. I have a single hander, maybe it’s the uniform flex through the whole racket, enhanced by the hoop weight giving more plough but my shots were nothing like this with the Wilson Clash. I actually ran around a few forehand shots so I could fire off a backhand!

I’m still tuning in the serve but it was consistent from the start, not worrying about double faults but getting my accuracy for positioning sorted. Not huge power but good spin, my serve is always the last thing to click with a new racket.

Overall, this is a decent stick, Ill need more time to gel with it but absolutely no discomfort, even with off centre hits, this racket is so comfortable.

Looks like I’ll play with this for a while to really get to know it before considering a custom Angell frame.

Just for my knowledge, does anybody know which custom racket from Angell most closely matches the feel of the K7 Red?
 

emhtennis

Professional
Finally got on the court with my K7 Red (stupid rain getting in the way of my tennis).

Have put 2 grams of tungsten at 3&9. Put a shrink sleeve on the handle to make it a grip 5 for my man hands.

After 1 hour of play with stock racket at grip 4 and 4 hours of play (2x2 hour sessions) with weighted hoop and grip 5, I’m really enjoying the racket. Strings are K7 Red hybrid (halo 4 in mains) at 50 pounds.

Forehand requires clean technique and follow through, weight helps with the plough through. I’m still adjusting a bit but a sweetly struck shot really dips and if you get the length right it really kicks into your opponent.

At the net the racket is better than I thought (although I didn’t test that much in stock form so it may be the added weight helping out).

The real standout is the backhand. I have absolutely no idea why this is the case but it flowed through the shot in stock form, with the weight added my backhands (when hit well) absolutely fly with heavy spin. I have a single hander, maybe it’s the uniform flex through the whole racket, enhanced by the hoop weight giving more plough but my shots were nothing like this with the Wilson Clash. I actually ran around a few forehand shots so I could fire off a backhand!

I’m still tuning in the serve but it was consistent from the start, not worrying about double faults but getting my accuracy for positioning sorted. Not huge power but good spin, my serve is always the last thing to click with a new racket.

Overall, this is a decent stick, Ill need more time to gel with it but absolutely no discomfort, even with off centre hits, this racket is so comfortable.

Looks like I’ll play with this for a while to really get to know it before considering a custom Angell frame.

Just for my knowledge, does anybody know which custom racket from Angell most closely matches the feel of the K7 Red?
A TC100 63RA with additional matched specs for weight, etc is probably the closest racket from the custom line.

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk
 

razuzin

New User
I just noticed they no longer have the original TC95 in the custom section on the Angell website, only V3.
Is that right, they discontinued the TC95 classic?

I tried V3 as a replacement for my TC95 16x19 original, and it feels less comfortable, lower swingweight, snaller sweetspot.

Is the only way to get the original TC95 to buy a used one?
 

landcookie

Semi-Pro
Both rackets are at 342 swingweight and 343 grams strung with the same balance. I am by no means a monster or a good player, but that's what I'm used to.
I would say I hit with a lot of spin. And I find it difficult to flatten the ball. I think it's the DR's lower launch angle that allows me to put more pace on the ball and feel flatter that my opponents find hard to return. The TC97 makes me control myself cause it's the one that catapults the ball if I put more pace, so I cannot give it my 100%. Maybe it's the way I'm used to expect the racket to behave and if I keep hitting with it I will learn to control it.

Στάλθηκε από το IN2013 μου χρησιμοποιώντας Tapatalk
What strings do you play with? Maybe switch to something with more pop? I went from DR98-> TC 100 and never looked back. However, the D beam construction of the TC100 is supposedly more powerful than the TC97 box beam.

I know what you mean by your balls becoming 'fluffy'. I've had some hitting partners switch racquets/strings and it happened to them, too.
 

Poseidon

New User
I think I found the problem. It's the launch angle combined with the racket's power.
My DR98 has lower power levels and launch angle, so I was used to creating more pace on the ball with the flatter trajectory to be penetrating.
The TC97 is more powerful and has a higher launch angle. With the same stroke as the DR98 it catapults the ball. If I aim to keep it in play by lowering the arm speed, the ball sits up for my opponent to do what he wants.
I need to put more spin in my strokes for the ball to dip more, so I am waiting on 3 shaped strings to try. Hyper-G 17g, Silver 7 Tour 17g and VCT 16g. I used only YPTP 1.25 and Max Power 1.30, didn't like Wilson Revolve Twist on my DR98 so I gave up on shaped strings back then.
If that doesn't work I am too old to learn new tricks, so most likely I will try whichever I find available between the TC97 18*20, Prince Textreme Tour 100p or Head Gravity Tour and work from there.

Στάλθηκε από το IN2013 μου χρησιμοποιώντας Tapatalk
 

Rysty

Rookie
I just noticed they no longer have the original TC95 in the custom section on the Angell website, only V3.
Is that right, they discontinued the TC95 classic?

I tried V3 as a replacement for my TC95 16x19 original, and it feels less comfortable, lower swingweight, snaller sweetspot.

Is the only way to get the original TC95 to buy a used one?

Yes, I think the V2 TC 95s were discontinued and sold out. The last V2 95 I saw on the website was 18x20, and it was on sale.
 

BPlain

Semi-Pro
I think I found the problem. It's the launch angle combined with the racket's power.
My DR98 has lower power levels and launch angle, so I was used to creating more pace on the ball with the flatter trajectory to be penetrating.
The TC97 is more powerful and has a higher launch angle. With the same stroke as the DR98 it catapults the ball. If I aim to keep it in play by lowering the arm speed, the ball sits up for my opponent to do what he wants.
I need to put more spin in my strokes for the ball to dip more, so I am waiting on 3 shaped strings to try. Hyper-G 17g, Silver 7 Tour 17g and VCT 16g. I used only YPTP 1.25 and Max Power 1.30, didn't like Wilson Revolve Twist on my DR98 so I gave up on shaped strings back then.
If that doesn't work I am too old to learn new tricks, so most likely I will try whichever I find available between the TC97 18*20, Prince Textreme Tour 100p or Head Gravity Tour and work from there.

Στάλθηκε από το IN2013 μου χρησιμοποιώντας Tapatalk

I also switched from a DR98 to my K7 Red recently. I was encountering the same catapult issue – especially on my forehand – when compared to my DR98. After a lot of trial and error – different strings and adding different weight in different areas – I'm back to stock weight and found a string – full bed of Halo Spin 7 (1.25) at 50lbs – that seems to lower the launch angle and allow me to take full strokes with confidence again. I played with it for a few sets and a tiebreaker this morning and I finally felt like I had good directional control, significant power, and the ability to take full cuts. Even when I was missing, I knew I missing because I was out of position or over swung, not because the racket and strings didn't perform as I expected.

Today was day one with the Halo Spin 7 strings. I'm playing again tomorrow morning and will report back. My only concern right now is how my elbow will hold up as it's definitely stiffer than what I've been playing with. I'm hopeful that the low RA on the K7 Red will allow me to play a mid-stiff poly again though as that's definitely my string of choice if my elbow can handle it.

Regarding shaped strings, I also played with Volkl V-Squared (1.30) and that's a spin monster. I liked it but I broke it in about 2 hours the first time and 45 minutes the second time.
 

razuzin

New User
Yes, I think the V2 TC 95s were discontinued and sold out. The last V2 95 I saw on the website was 18x20, and it was on sale.
I meant the original TC95, prior to V2. In the past, they had it as an option for a custom racquet on their website. For a while, two options were available, custom V3 and custom original TC95, or other.
It's a bummer they discontinued TC95 original, imo it was a superior racquet to either V2 or V3.
 

landcookie

Semi-Pro
I think I found the problem. It's the launch angle combined with the racket's power.
My DR98 has lower power levels and launch angle, so I was used to creating more pace on the ball with the flatter trajectory to be penetrating.
The TC97 is more powerful and has a higher launch angle. With the same stroke as the DR98 it catapults the ball. If I aim to keep it in play by lowering the arm speed, the ball sits up for my opponent to do what he wants.
I need to put more spin in my strokes for the ball to dip more, so I am waiting on 3 shaped strings to try. Hyper-G 17g, Silver 7 Tour 17g and VCT 16g. I used only YPTP 1.25 and Max Power 1.30, didn't like Wilson Revolve Twist on my DR98 so I gave up on shaped strings back then.
If that doesn't work I am too old to learn new tricks, so most likely I will try whichever I find available between the TC97 18*20, Prince Textreme Tour 100p or Head Gravity Tour and work from there.

Στάλθηκε από το IN2013 μου χρησιμοποιώντας Tapatalk
What was your experience with Max Power 1.30? Just curious to know.
 

Poseidon

New User
I had 2 different experiences in the 2 rackets.
Overall it's kinda stiff and not comfortable, no power contrary to the name and plays quite dead. There's no action and no pop on the string. Spin is good, maybe better than YPTP due to the lack of power you have wider margins to swing big and have higher RHS.
I like it on the TC97, but hate it on the DR98.
I think as a string it needs a really soft and powerful racket to shine. On a PD you'll have arm problems, on a Prestige you'll suffer to find depth imo. Angell rackets seem ideal for the string on paper.
Also tension maintenance is amazing. YPTP is a mess after 3-4h and total garbage after the 8-9h mark and breaks at around 13-14h. With Max Power I have clocked around 15h, and was still kinda good. I just restrung it tho cause it was getting stiffer because of the notching.
 

landcookie

Semi-Pro
I had 2 different experiences in the 2 rackets.
Overall it's kinda stiff and not comfortable, no power contrary to the name and plays quite dead. There's no action and no pop on the string. Spin is good, maybe better than YPTP due to the lack of power you have wider margins to swing big and have higher RHS.
I like it on the TC97, but hate it on the DR98.
I think as a string it needs a really soft and powerful racket to shine. On a PD you'll have arm problems, on a Prestige you'll suffer to find depth imo. Angell rackets seem ideal for the string on paper.
Also tension maintenance is amazing. YPTP is a mess after 3-4h and total garbage after the 8-9h mark and breaks at around 13-14h. With Max Power I have clocked around 15h, and was still kinda good. I just restrung it tho cause it was getting stiffer because of the notching.
What tension did you string Max Power at, and what gauge? I'm looking for a string to tame my TC 100.
 

Poseidon

New User
I think it suits Angell frames because they are soft and already have enough pop.
As a string it's stiff and dead, so it can help tame the TC100 and has great tension maintenance for the first 15h if you don't notch and break it. After that it becomes really harsh on the arm.
Waiting on the silver 7 Tour from tourna to try. Could be a decent solution if it helps the ball dip in the baseline.
 

tsamo

Semi-Pro
Thinking of finally purchasing my first Angell racket after looking around for a long long time. :)

My question is this:
Which one?

There are so many options that it can be very confusing.
I'm currently playing with a DR98+ and a RF97.
I'm a big server with a somewhat flatter game and I hit some mean slices and dropshots. I also have a Ohbh if that matters at all.

Any ideas?
ps1. Has anyone tried the 28" version of any racket? I'm really curious about it...
ps2. I tried reading through the thread but it's so big that I get lost.:-D
 

landcookie

Semi-Pro
Thinking of finally purchasing my first Angell racket after looking around for a long long time. :)

My question is this:
Which one?

There are so many options that it can be very confusing.
I'm currently playing with a DR98+ and a RF97.
I'm a big server with a somewhat flatter game and I hit some mean slices and dropshots. I also have a Ohbh if that matters at all.

Any ideas?
ps1. Has anyone tried the 28" version of any racket? I'm really curious about it...
ps2. I tried reading through the thread but it's so big that I get lost.:-D
What are you looking for in your new racquet?

I came from the DR98+ too and ended up with the TC 100 27.5". More spin, more power, more comfort, more feel, more control.
 

tsamo

Semi-Pro
I came from the DR98+ too and ended up with the TC 100 27.5". More spin, more power, more comfort, more feel, more control.

How do you feel about the 100" head, because I generally seem to find them a bit unwieldy. Not that it affects my game, it's just that the feeling that I get is like the racket is lagging through the air.

What are you looking for in your new racquet?

Well... You caught me. It's not really that I have a problem with any of my current rackets, or I seek something more from them, as much that I've heard many good things about the Angell rackets and want to try one...

Edit: I guess the one thing I would like, is for it to play as close as possible to the Rf97 while being slightly less heavy?
Beacuse after playing for 2-2.5 hours, sometimes it starts being harder to play effectively.
 
Last edited:

emhtennis

Professional
Also posted this in the Tier 1 thread, but figured I would duplicate it here. Short version: I am the newest Black Knight (18g) convert and highly recommend you give it a shot in whatever gauge would compliment your frame/playing style.

After a 3 month string testing adventure I have officially committed to Black Knight 18g. I play an Angell V3 TC97 18x20. It is everything it is advertised to be, a fantastic all-around string. The #1 thing that made me commit was its rock solid consistency. There are no "weird shots" where everything felt fine but the ball launched too high or didn't have enough spin. Black Knight gives you the same result for the same swing every time which is awesome!

The other strings in my playtest included:

Ashaway Crossfire ZX hybrid - This was pre-stretched per recommendations strung at 60/40. Spin was awesome and once the stringbed softened up it also played really consistently, but I also gave myself a pretty bad case of wrist/forearm tendonitis. I will not wholly blame the Kevlar because I also played about 40+ hours of tennis in a two week period which is close to 3x what I normally play so I probably would have gotten tendonitis from anything.

Volkl Cyclone 17g (1.25) - Played this for a long time, finished off my reel. It is just too stiff for me at this point. Spin and control is outstanding and you get some free power once the string bed settles in. Maybe if I had been more patient I would have ordered a set of 18g Cyclone and Cyclone Tour (supposed to be softer) to put up against BK, but I am plenty happy with my choice at this point.

MSV Focus Hex 18g (1.15) - This is my most recent long term string commitment from last year. Really enjoyed this string. Best quality is it feels broken in right off the stringing machine. However, between BK at 1.18 and MSV at 1.15 I could notice the unpredictability from the MSV especially when played side by side. MSV tension loss also seems to happen quicker, so once it starts to drop it can launch balls much further than you want.

Tier 1 demo package - Tried out the full line. None of them were bad strings. But BK was the standout. I created two sets of FireWire Boost instead of putting in a full bed of firewire. The Boost hybrid was the most comfortable setup from the whole string odyssey. Spin was, of course, very fun to fool around with. But for me, I wanted more precision. Boost also felt a little underpowered, not a bad thing but something to consider. If you play a Pure Drive or an AeroPro it would probably be cheating to play with the 16g Boost hybrid :)

So, bottom line, I am really looking forward to the next year where I finally have a full racket setup that isn't going to change!
 
Thinking of finally purchasing my first Angell racket after looking around for a long long time. :)

My question is this:
Which one?

There are so many options that it can be very confusing.
I'm currently playing with a DR98+ and a RF97.
I'm a big server with a somewhat flatter game and I hit some mean slices and dropshots. I also have a Ohbh if that matters at all.

Any ideas?
ps1. Has anyone tried the 28" version of any racket? I'm really curious about it...
ps2. I tried reading through the thread but it's so big that I get lost.:-D

Hi, I recently switched from a DR98+ to a TC101 after months of research and deliberating. I don't have big serve but I do hit flatter and slice on my OHBH too.
I got the TC101 9hl 27.5 length. Due to injury I have played with it only about 10 times now, and so far it has improved every aspect of my game. I love the control it offers and is very forgiving on my arm. Slices are amazing, the one shot that is has completely improved for me. Forehand is solid with lots of control and it has upped my aces :). I love the racket so far. One thing is that although it is 101 headsize it does not give you that extra free power but if you can generate that yourself then its not an issue.
 

Madden

New User
Can anyone compare tc97 or tc101 power/control with pure strike 16x19 3rd or Dunlop cx200?
I have plans to switch to Angell frames, but just not sure which one to choose.
 

BPlain

Semi-Pro
I also switched from a DR98 to my K7 Red recently. I was encountering the same catapult issue – especially on my forehand – when compared to my DR98. After a lot of trial and error – different strings and adding different weight in different areas – I'm back to stock weight and found a string – full bed of Halo Spin 7 (1.25) at 50lbs – that seems to lower the launch angle and allow me to take full strokes with confidence again. I played with it for a few sets and a tiebreaker this morning and I finally felt like I had good directional control, significant power, and the ability to take full cuts. Even when I was missing, I knew I missing because I was out of position or over swung, not because the racket and strings didn't perform as I expected.

Today was day one with the Halo Spin 7 strings. I'm playing again tomorrow morning and will report back. My only concern right now is how my elbow will hold up as it's definitely stiffer than what I've been playing with. I'm hopeful that the low RA on the K7 Red will allow me to play a mid-stiff poly again though as that's definitely my string of choice if my elbow can handle it.

Regarding shaped strings, I also played with Volkl V-Squared (1.30) and that's a spin monster. I liked it but I broke it in about 2 hours the first time and 45 minutes the second time.

Played again this morning (day two) for 2 hours and definitely started feeling it in my elbow about 30 minutes in with the fully bed of Halo Spin 7 in my K7 Red. I switched to my backup K7 Red which I still have strung as a hybrid with Halo 4 in the mains and Halo Touch in the crosses. It definitely felt much better elbow-wise but my control suffered. I'm not surprised as the Halo Spin 7 is significantly stiffer than any full bed poly I've played with recently. I'm going to now try two different hybrid set ups – Halo Spin 7 in the mains in both and then one with Halo Four in the crosses, and one with Halo Touch in the crosses. Hopefully one of them should be the happy medium I'm looking for without any elbow pain. I think I'm getting closer to something I can stick with for awhile though.
 

tennis347

Hall of Fame
Played again this morning (day two) for 2 hours and definitely started feeling it in my elbow about 30 minutes in with the fully bed of Halo Spin 7 in my K7 Red. I switched to my backup K7 Red which I still have strung as a hybrid with Halo 4 in the mains and Halo Touch in the crosses. It definitely felt much better elbow-wise but my control suffered. I'm not surprised as the Halo Spin 7 is significantly stiffer than any full bed poly I've played with recently. I'm going to now try two different hybrid set ups – Halo Spin 7 in the mains in both and then one with Halo Four in the crosses, and one with Halo Touch in the crosses. Hopefully one of them should be the happy medium I'm looking for without any elbow pain. I think I'm getting closer to something I can stick with for awhile though.

If you have any type of elbow problem, I would recommend staying from a poly and going a synthetic string. You can string the synthetic string tighter and it will still be arm friendly. I have not used a poly string for a while and my elbow and shoulder feel good.
 

landcookie

Semi-Pro
How do you feel about the 100" head, because I generally seem to find them a bit unwieldy. Not that it affects my game, it's just that the feeling that I get is like the racket is lagging through the air.



Well... You caught me. It's not really that I have a problem with any of my current rackets, or I seek something more from them, as much that I've heard many good things about the Angell rackets and want to try one...

Edit: I guess the one thing I would like, is for it to play as close as possible to the Rf97 while being slightly less heavy?
Beacuse after playing for 2-2.5 hours, sometimes it starts being harder to play effectively.
If you;re just looking to muck around, the TC97 will be most comparable to the RF97 with its box beam design.

I didn't find the switch too jarring. The isometric Yonex head shape makes the 98 play like a 100+ anyway. Angells have an oval head shape so the TC100 is actually skinnier than the DR98.
 

tsamo

Semi-Pro
If you;re just looking to muck around, the TC97 will be most comparable to the RF97 with its box beam design.

I didn't find the switch too jarring. The isometric Yonex head shape makes the 98 play like a 100+ anyway. Angells have an oval head shape so the TC100 is actually skinnier than the DR98.

Thanks for your response!
Was playing with a Gravity Pro a while back. Solid racket but it was like I was lagging around a 105" racket. Currently demoing a Prince 100x 305.
Amazing racket especially with some lead but even with this one, when playing the feeling is more jarring through the air than my dr98+.
That's why I'm kind of hesitant to go for the tc100 or the tc101...
 
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