lonux
Hall of Fame
Ah, thank you for your help.
Aerogel 300 Appreciation Society
- Thread starter Staiger
- Start date
Ah, thank you for your help.
DavidGarcia
Hall of Fame
I personally wouldn't.
I agree with Shell's comment, it is more of a light weight player's racket.
Do you currently play with this stick?
DavidGarcia
Hall of Fame
Hey Shell,
how you doing these days?
What are you playing with these days?
I am still playing with my AG 300 16x18 after some short spells with the M-Fil 200 16x19.
Hope you doing well.
Regards.
shell
Professional
Hey DavidGarcia! Yes, I am back with the 300 16x18 after a 6 month spell with a Wilson. Got frustrated and came back home to Dunlop. I've not played a ton this summer due to an ankle sprain and broken bone in my foot from a mistep in a doubles match, but I am back on the courts pretty consistently now.
It's great to see this thread still going strong - I think it speaks well of the broad appeal of these Dunlops!
DavidGarcia
Hall of Fame
Shell,
great to see that you are back on the courts and doing well.
Hope this thread keeps going for ever!
shell
Professional
I just ordered the last 3 sets of grommets off of TW site for my 300 16x18s. So a total of six sets for three racquets. The problem is that one already needs a new set put in, the bumper is worn through and scraped through paint down to the racquet. This is probably after around 6 months of use. I must have used this racquet more than the others, because it is much worse.
Does anyone else go through bumpers on their Dunlops faster than other brands?
I will have to use head tape I guess, but I hate that stuff.
Does anyone else go through bumpers on their Dunlops faster than other brands?
I will have to use head tape I guess, but I hate that stuff.
shell
Professional
Hey CJ!
Yes, I think the Dunlops are not the very most arm friendly racquets out there, as they do play slightly crispy, but they are soft too. Glad to hear that some form corrections are allowing you to hit the Dunlops again.
Yes, this is indeed the thread that will never die. The Mfil 300 thread had over 4000 posts, this one is approaching that. The Dunlop 300 series is a fine line of racquets, approachable yet also able to bode high level players well. Enough said
I know have 3 300 16*18's..... LOVE THEM! I used the ag100 for a year + but moved on due to wanting to make life a bit easier for myself! This to me was exactly what I wanted, I just add a leather grip, and 6 g's to the handle and it is perfect. Was a bit worried when I couldnt find any back ups for a while but managed to get a couple off the boards here.
Between the 100's and 300's I tried the nblade and tf 320 (pre evo) and liked both, but never had the feeling I'd use them longterm really.
Sold all other rackets and well chuffed to be back with Dunlop!
Between the 100's and 300's I tried the nblade and tf 320 (pre evo) and liked both, but never had the feeling I'd use them longterm really.
Sold all other rackets and well chuffed to be back with Dunlop!
shell
Professional
Great to hear Samperer! Alot of us have played the 100 also, and there are quite a few who moved to the 100 from the 300. The 16x18 is fairly similar to the 100 I have always thought. I have both, but most often play the 300 16x18s.
tacotanium
Professional
all my dunlop makes a ping noise at contact when im playing without a dampener. does your dunlop makes this ping noise too?
shell
Professional
Yea, pretty much. But not really any more than other racquets though. I always use a dampener because of this. If it comes out during play, I always immediately notice.
Mine does the same thing (I strung with multi string). I always use the dampner.
If you use the included square Dunlop damper, you must place it against the frame (all the way down); otherwise, it won't even mute the ping sound. Very strange. Only with this particular dampner I have the problem.
Don't know if you guys tried it, but the Babolat Racquet Vibration System dampner is the most effective dampner I used. It really does take out some racquet vibration. (Some complaint it took too much feel out of it:twisted
tacotanium
Professional
yea thats true the stock dunlop dampener hardly absorb anything. i've tried the rubber band, and that just seems like it dampens everything. but i now use the smiley face and it just sounds perfect. dampens just enough.
shell
Professional
Mine does the same thing (I strung with multi string). I always use the dampner.
If you use the included square Dunlop damper, you must place it against the frame (all the way down); otherwise, it won't even mute the ping sound. Very strange. Only with this particular dampner I have the problem.
Don't know if you guys tried it, but the Babolat Racquet Vibration System dampner is the most effective dampner I used. It really does take out some racquet vibration. (Some complaint it took too much feel out of it:twisted
Ha, yes the Dunlop dampeners are the worst.
Is that Babolat dampener the one with the little ball in the middle?
Hi Shell,
It has the metal weight in the middle. See this link:
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Babolat_Racquet_Vibration_System_Dampener/descpageBAB-BRVSD.html
Adds about 5 grams to the racquet, the metal in the center probably acts as counter weight.
And a question for everyone here: Is any one here using inexpensive synthetic gut on AG300? I tried poly/syngut hybrid and find it somewhat stiff to play. I got a roll of Gosen Sheep Micro, should I tried it? Or should I stick to multifilment? My goal is comfort and playability.
I am finding poly/syngut hybrid only works for me on larger head size racquet. Like Volkl PB8 or Dunlop 500 Tour.
Cheers
It has the metal weight in the middle. See this link:
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Babolat_Racquet_Vibration_System_Dampener/descpageBAB-BRVSD.html
Adds about 5 grams to the racquet, the metal in the center probably acts as counter weight.
And a question for everyone here: Is any one here using inexpensive synthetic gut on AG300? I tried poly/syngut hybrid and find it somewhat stiff to play. I got a roll of Gosen Sheep Micro, should I tried it? Or should I stick to multifilment? My goal is comfort and playability.
I am finding poly/syngut hybrid only works for me on larger head size racquet. Like Volkl PB8 or Dunlop 500 Tour.
Cheers
shell
Professional
cj, my favorite set up for the 300 16x18 is gut mains and cheap synthetic gut crosses (currently using Pro Supex Spiral Flex). I've got one strung with a low powered multi main and the spiral flex cross, and I'm not really liking it. I really think these racquets respond to softer strings - my gut, or your multi - at least in the mains. Just my thoughts though. I don't use poly at all as I have never liked the feel of them. I also like a full multi setup, but prefer the gut.
Shell, I also don't like low power setup on AG300 frames. I am pondering whether to cut out the Rip Control at 55lb. I found I have to swing harder if I am using low power strings but the mis-hits are too uncomfortable to bear. Have you tried Gosen Sheep Micro? I also got a reel of Eagnas Spin that I can experiment.
Cheers
Cheers
shell
Professional
Yes, cj, I've tried it and found it a little stiff for me in a full setup. But it would make a great cross string. To qualify, I used 16g. I think I would like 17g better, and that might change my mind.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I posted in another thread, but this one seems to have a ton of knowledge in it to wade through.
I bought a 4D 300T. I play with a 4D200 but the weight of it had been aggravating my injured wrist. I needed something lighter, but am a Dunlop player and did not want to make a major switch. The 300T was the logical choice.
It came with a babolat leather grip. So currently the stick is pretty head light..I would say 9 points from comparing to my 200s.
The leather grip is awesome in feel and also works well with Tournagrip in the humid summers. It caused my racquet to weigh in at 342 grams and the measured SW is 307, not the 320 like TW says.
You can feel the difference in SW immediately, you just do not get the solid plow feeling...but you can still hit very heavy shots because of the high racquet head speed you can generate.
The racquet was strung in the low 40s and plays like a dream with low tension if you hit with a lot of spin. The feeling when hitting the sweetspot is vintage dunlop and so is the control.
I found myself only needing to swing at 80% power the majority of the time. So the racquet really trains you not to kill the ball and instead play consistent tennis. Just doing that raised up my level of play and I still was hitting just as hard and with heavier spin.
This racquet is a pro mold and is basically the Tfight 335 which I bought when I began playing tennis again after years off. The main difference I see is the balance and weight. The 335 was basically going to be tough to customize. It was weighing in at 12.4oz and that was with a synthetic grip. It also had a shorter handle.
With the 300t, I am going to add 4 grams of lead at 3 and 9 to make swing a hair heavier and improve the stability. Besides that, I think this is just simply what it is : a classic mold that has been used by pros for years. The only thing that changes is the pallets and the layups, but the feel and laser control remains.
I bought a 4D 300T. I play with a 4D200 but the weight of it had been aggravating my injured wrist. I needed something lighter, but am a Dunlop player and did not want to make a major switch. The 300T was the logical choice.
It came with a babolat leather grip. So currently the stick is pretty head light..I would say 9 points from comparing to my 200s.
The leather grip is awesome in feel and also works well with Tournagrip in the humid summers. It caused my racquet to weigh in at 342 grams and the measured SW is 307, not the 320 like TW says.
You can feel the difference in SW immediately, you just do not get the solid plow feeling...but you can still hit very heavy shots because of the high racquet head speed you can generate.
The racquet was strung in the low 40s and plays like a dream with low tension if you hit with a lot of spin. The feeling when hitting the sweetspot is vintage dunlop and so is the control.
I found myself only needing to swing at 80% power the majority of the time. So the racquet really trains you not to kill the ball and instead play consistent tennis. Just doing that raised up my level of play and I still was hitting just as hard and with heavier spin.
This racquet is a pro mold and is basically the Tfight 335 which I bought when I began playing tennis again after years off. The main difference I see is the balance and weight. The 335 was basically going to be tough to customize. It was weighing in at 12.4oz and that was with a synthetic grip. It also had a shorter handle.
With the 300t, I am going to add 4 grams of lead at 3 and 9 to make swing a hair heavier and improve the stability. Besides that, I think this is just simply what it is : a classic mold that has been used by pros for years. The only thing that changes is the pallets and the layups, but the feel and laser control remains.
shell
Professional
Good to hear you are liking the Tour, Power Player. It has a solid following. I hit with one when they first came out, and it has a very nice feel to it, but I needed just a little more umph to help me out.
I remember having a heck of a time adjusting to the 7 pts HL balance of my 300 16x18 because I had not played with one balanced that HL in a long time. But now I love it, for all the reasons you stated. Plus, serving just seems a breeze with the more traditional balance (fairly HL).
I did the same as you, added just a little lead at 3 and 9, and good to go.
I remember having a heck of a time adjusting to the 7 pts HL balance of my 300 16x18 because I had not played with one balanced that HL in a long time. But now I love it, for all the reasons you stated. Plus, serving just seems a breeze with the more traditional balance (fairly HL).
I did the same as you, added just a little lead at 3 and 9, and good to go.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yes. One thing is that the 300 I bought had leather on it from the get go. So I have never hit it at it's natural balance point or static weight. It is definitley a lot easier to manuever then the 200 so far. Another thing I have not done is had to string this thing over 50#s. These are 2 radical changes for me coming from the 200. Interestingly enough, my consistency has improved because I have gone away from hitting flat as much and almost always using a low to high swing, even to finish off points and hit winners. I learned to hit with heavy topspin as a young player and it is my natural swing path so this is nice.
I do like some benefits of a flatter swing, but I am 5'8 and I believe flatter hitting is more consistent for taller players.
I decided that I will go real light with the lead and just add 3 grams total to 3 and 9. This will keep the racquet light and the balance should not tilt down that much. I would imagine the swing weight will stay lower which really helps keep my joints happy.
I really have stopped judging my strokes and play too much by my racquets. I think you just need a stick that is going to keep you healthy and provide a comfort level. The thin beam and flex of the dunlops does those things. Second you need the proper feel so it is not too whippy or too head heavy. Once you dial that in, just forget about it and play tennis. I didn;t even think about racquets for 8 months before I hurt my wrist, but I am glad I did. I now appreciate the flexability of the lighter racquet more. It allows me to add leather or a little lead, and if I don't like it I just pull it off and go stock.
Besides that, everything else boils down to me. Am I properly playing the game or being lazy? Having a bad day is not the fault of my racquet, it is my own.
I do like some benefits of a flatter swing, but I am 5'8 and I believe flatter hitting is more consistent for taller players.
I decided that I will go real light with the lead and just add 3 grams total to 3 and 9. This will keep the racquet light and the balance should not tilt down that much. I would imagine the swing weight will stay lower which really helps keep my joints happy.
I really have stopped judging my strokes and play too much by my racquets. I think you just need a stick that is going to keep you healthy and provide a comfort level. The thin beam and flex of the dunlops does those things. Second you need the proper feel so it is not too whippy or too head heavy. Once you dial that in, just forget about it and play tennis. I didn;t even think about racquets for 8 months before I hurt my wrist, but I am glad I did. I now appreciate the flexability of the lighter racquet more. It allows me to add leather or a little lead, and if I don't like it I just pull it off and go stock.
Besides that, everything else boils down to me. Am I properly playing the game or being lazy? Having a bad day is not the fault of my racquet, it is my own.
Last edited:
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Ok, quick update. 3 total grams at 3 and 9 plus full poly strung at 44#s is an unreal setup for this stick. It feels insanely plush. To make sure the stick was not too heavy, when I hit last night I made sure to hit the same shots I was hitting with no lead. Hit up the middle a lot and moved the ball to specific spots. This helps me know if my timing is on. It was fine.
The racquet feels soft and plush, but now it has a lot of extra power. My partner said the shots were exceptionally solid and tough to return. Many times he was saying that the balls were too bouncy and he should open another can. I did not have the heart to tell him it was the poly strung so low combined with the plow of the racquet.
It is definitley still lighter then my 200, but I need to see if it is going to be light enough for my wrist. Regardless, this is the magic setup...feels like a lighter version of the k90 with this setup.
The racquet feels soft and plush, but now it has a lot of extra power. My partner said the shots were exceptionally solid and tough to return. Many times he was saying that the balls were too bouncy and he should open another can. I did not have the heart to tell him it was the poly strung so low combined with the plow of the racquet.
It is definitley still lighter then my 200, but I need to see if it is going to be light enough for my wrist. Regardless, this is the magic setup...feels like a lighter version of the k90 with this setup.
Power Player, Thanks for sharing. I also experimented with low tension and go down to 25lb full poly (tried 40, 30, and 25). But I did not use lead at that time. The setup is surprisingly playable. (Make me realize in the old time people can probably hand stung their racquet and with great tolerance too). In the end, I did not stick with the low tension setup, but that's because I am still honing in on my volley/serve/ground stroke mechanics and do not want to deviate too much from regular setup and not because I find any thing wrong with it.
Also agree on your previous post on hitting flat. Flat ball requires less prep time and is a tremendous weapon in playing double. There are a couple of flat hitter among my playing circle and they don't even change grip and hit the ball lightening fast at a weird angle or to you. Very frustrated when playing with them
Cheers
Also agree on your previous post on hitting flat. Flat ball requires less prep time and is a tremendous weapon in playing double. There are a couple of flat hitter among my playing circle and they don't even change grip and hit the ball lightening fast at a weird angle or to you. Very frustrated when playing with them
Cheers
acintya
Legend
i am about to buy the dunlop aerogel 300 tour... but I play two handed on both sides. Im a aggresive control player and I attack mostly from the baseline. Would this racquet suit me?
I really like to serve with the old dunlop revelation tour pro II mid plus but I think for two handed play it has a little to less power and I get more spin with radical mid plus.
I have a verry spinny two handed forehan my backhand is more flat.Has someone tried to play with this racquet two handed on both sides?
I really like to serve with the old dunlop revelation tour pro II mid plus but I think for two handed play it has a little to less power and I get more spin with radical mid plus.
I have a verry spinny two handed forehan my backhand is more flat.Has someone tried to play with this racquet two handed on both sides?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I hit a 2 hander and the handle does not bother me at all.
I am a little interested in the 300 compared to the 300 tour. Are they the same in terms of power? I am really being anal at this point, but I need to search this thread and see who has played both for a comparison.
I am a little interested in the 300 compared to the 300 tour. Are they the same in terms of power? I am really being anal at this point, but I need to search this thread and see who has played both for a comparison.
acintya
Legend
u play two handed forehand or just backhand?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
2 handed backhand.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Anybody have an opinion on power level or differences between the 300 and 300t? I am searching the thread but looking for any experience folks have before I jusy grab one. The beam is 1mm thicker, but the frame is more flexible so it is a crap shoot.
rlau
Hall of Fame
Hi,
I got an Aerogel 300 16x18, replaced the Hydramax Tour grip with a Wilson Hybrid Pro semi-leather grip, slapped on an overgrip, strung it up with Volkl Cyclone 1.25mm (17 gauge) (copoly) mains (@ 24.5kg / 54 lbs) and Tecnifibre 1.30mm (16 gauge) (@ 25kg / 55 lbs) and hit the court.
Felt a bit tinny and unsubstantial compared to my Pure Storm Limited and Volkl C10 Pro. I will add a bit of lead at 3 and 9 next time to see if it improves the way the frame feels.
I noticed the strings moved quite a bit. I guess I should string higher next time. What do other people think?
I got an Aerogel 300 16x18, replaced the Hydramax Tour grip with a Wilson Hybrid Pro semi-leather grip, slapped on an overgrip, strung it up with Volkl Cyclone 1.25mm (17 gauge) (copoly) mains (@ 24.5kg / 54 lbs) and Tecnifibre 1.30mm (16 gauge) (@ 25kg / 55 lbs) and hit the court.
Felt a bit tinny and unsubstantial compared to my Pure Storm Limited and Volkl C10 Pro. I will add a bit of lead at 3 and 9 next time to see if it improves the way the frame feels.
I noticed the strings moved quite a bit. I guess I should string higher next time. What do other people think?
rlau
Hall of Fame
D
decades
Guest
yes. and if you can handle more weight you can put lead alongside the throat and not change the balance of the racquet. A real leather grip will also make it feel more substantial.
rlau
Hall of Fame
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I used Tourna big hitter blue at 44#s in the 300 Tour. You could probably string that in the low 50s and be fine with the 300.
I would also echo what Decades said. Lead at 3 and 9 with a leather grip to counterbalance will make the racquet play a lot better.
I would also echo what Decades said. Lead at 3 and 9 with a leather grip to counterbalance will make the racquet play a lot better.
Got a 300 Tour from Power Player and finally know why everyone saids this racquet is so low powered.
I play with close to a western grip and thb. Usually play a good mixture of deep topspin (forehand) and flat penetrating shots (backhand). First couple times I played, I really went for my shots. This is where the racquet shines. Ball stayed in no matter how hard I was swinging. Actually performed better if I hit as flat and hard as I can. Last night, I was sort of lethargic and tired, and wasn't swinging hard. Shots landed short. Really short. Like behind the service line.
So definitely a nice racquet if you have the fitness to keep on swinging and being aggressive. Just my two cents.
Anyone use multis in this frame? Does it up the power level to a good level? Any recommendations for strings?
I play with close to a western grip and thb. Usually play a good mixture of deep topspin (forehand) and flat penetrating shots (backhand). First couple times I played, I really went for my shots. This is where the racquet shines. Ball stayed in no matter how hard I was swinging. Actually performed better if I hit as flat and hard as I can. Last night, I was sort of lethargic and tired, and wasn't swinging hard. Shots landed short. Really short. Like behind the service line.
So definitely a nice racquet if you have the fitness to keep on swinging and being aggressive. Just my two cents.
Anyone use multis in this frame? Does it up the power level to a good level? Any recommendations for strings?
DavidGarcia
Hall of Fame
My AG 300 16x18 is with full bed of KIRSCHBAUM PRO LINE NO. II 16g at 55lbs/25kg. Strings dont move at all.....not a bit!
dadozen
Hall of Fame
Totally agree. You get more control from this racquet the harder you swing it.
When I used multi on the crosses with poly on the mains, power was pretty decent. Even at high tensions.
I just switched to the AG100s( then the 4D100s ) because I felt that a more demanding racquet would bemefit my game. Actually, my plan was to keep the 4D300Tours and the AG100s, but I had to sell the 300s.
dadozen
Hall of Fame
Got mine 2 days ago! This is an old Aerogel 300 in 4 3/8.
Have to say people are right when they say the grip is a tad big. It's equivalent to a 4 3/8 with an overgrip by Prince standards. So, be careful when ordering your size.
Hitting with it is great so far. Doesn't seem hard to hit or underpowered and I'm a 2.5. And it's definitely comfortable. I was wary when I heard this is a comfortable racquet, as some people have different standards of comfort. I'm sensitive to vibration and that's why I love my Prince O3. The AG300 feels almost as comfortable. With a dampener, I hardly feel vibrations and off center hits aren't punishing at all. To compare, I hit with a Rebel Team just for fun and found that too hard on the arms. Love the feel of the racquet!
So, all in all, I'm happy with the racquet. Looking to demo a 4D300 & 4D300 Tour in the future.
Have to say people are right when they say the grip is a tad big. It's equivalent to a 4 3/8 with an overgrip by Prince standards. So, be careful when ordering your size.
Hitting with it is great so far. Doesn't seem hard to hit or underpowered and I'm a 2.5. And it's definitely comfortable. I was wary when I heard this is a comfortable racquet, as some people have different standards of comfort. I'm sensitive to vibration and that's why I love my Prince O3. The AG300 feels almost as comfortable. With a dampener, I hardly feel vibrations and off center hits aren't punishing at all. To compare, I hit with a Rebel Team just for fun and found that too hard on the arms. Love the feel of the racquet!
So, all in all, I'm happy with the racquet. Looking to demo a 4D300 & 4D300 Tour in the future.
New Dunlop Bio Line-Up... Thoughts?
What does everyone think to the new line? (Apart from the ridiculous name that is...!)
Has anybody hit with any pre-release demos as yet?
Must admit - i do like the cosmetic on the new 300...whether they play any different to my long served 300 Aerogel i'll wait and see!
What does everyone think to the new line? (Apart from the ridiculous name that is...!)
Has anybody hit with any pre-release demos as yet?
Must admit - i do like the cosmetic on the new 300...whether they play any different to my long served 300 Aerogel i'll wait and see!
DavidGarcia
Hall of Fame
Stringing instructions for a Dunlop Aerogel 300 16x18?
Could anyone help me find these out?
I am looking for the stringing instructions for the Dunlop AEG 300 16x18 for one and 2 pieces.
Cheers for your help.
Could anyone help me find these out?
I am looking for the stringing instructions for the Dunlop AEG 300 16x18 for one and 2 pieces.
Cheers for your help.
rlau
Hall of Fame
Hi David,
I strung it two-piece last week, and this is what I jotted down:
• First loop in Head
• Mains skip: 8T, 7H, 9H
• Tie off last (8th) mains string on 6th mains string in Head
• Start crosses in Head on 2nd row, make starting knot on 5th mains string
• Tie off last cross string on 6th mains string in Throat
Hope this helps.
I strung it two-piece last week, and this is what I jotted down:
• First loop in Head
• Mains skip: 8T, 7H, 9H
• Tie off last (8th) mains string on 6th mains string in Head
• Start crosses in Head on 2nd row, make starting knot on 5th mains string
• Tie off last cross string on 6th mains string in Throat
Hope this helps.
DavidGarcia
Hall of Fame
rlau,
thanks for your help!
2 more questions for you.
1- Have you ever strung it in one piece? Do you know the instructions by ant chance?
2- Do you do the knots over the first main then or like in this picture below?
DavidGarcia
Hall of Fame
By the way, any different whether you make the starting knot for the cross on the right of left in the Head?
rlau
Hall of Fame
No problem.
Nope and nope, sorry.
2- Do you do the knots over the first main then or like in this picture below?
Errrr.... Not like in the picture. In the Head I have knots at the 5th and 6th mains string on one side and one on the 6th mains string on the other side. The 4th knot is in the throat on the 6th mains string at the side where there are two knots in the Head.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps
DavidGarcia
Hall of Fame
Same here.
Then I saw this picture on a forum and started wondering if I had been doing it wrong for the past 2 years!
Still bothering me what the right instructions are to string in one piece.
Limpinhitter
G.O.A.T.
I'm not totally happy with the YouTek Speed MP I've been playing with. So, I just demo'd the AG 4D 300 Tour. I loved it! I don't usually like a 18x20 string pattern, not in a Wilson, anyway. But, in this racquet, it was great. I'm thinking about buying 2 and selling my Speed MP.
My question is, should I get these now. Or, should I wait until the new Biomemetic version comes out? My understanding is that the new 300 Tour is going to be 95si instead of the current 98. I'm not sure if I'm going to still like the 18x20 string pattern with a 95si head. Any opinions? Anyone tried the new 300 Tour?
Thanks!
My question is, should I get these now. Or, should I wait until the new Biomemetic version comes out? My understanding is that the new 300 Tour is going to be 95si instead of the current 98. I'm not sure if I'm going to still like the 18x20 string pattern with a 95si head. Any opinions? Anyone tried the new 300 Tour?
Thanks!
New 300 Tour will be spec wise same as current AG 4D model i.e. 97 Inch head size (current model is 97 despite there is 98 printed on the frame).
