Aerogel 300 Appreciation Society

[kml]

AG300 16x18

Hi Folks,

Hear all the good things about the AG 300 16x18 and would like to get my hand on one, so if anyone has one to spare -- please let me know so I can join the club

Thanks,

 

[Deleted member 25923]

I'm hoping that you stick with the 300Ts

But the AG100 is also a great racquet. I'd buy a pair of them if I could find them at a nice price.

My plan is to use that as a measurement. If I like the 300T, and I like the Ag100, but neither fits, i'm gonna get the 300 16x18

 

[dadozen]

My plan is to use that as a measurement. If I like the 300T, and I like the Ag100, but neither fits, i'm gonna get the 300 16x18

Well, if you're staying with Dunlop racquets, then we're all good

 

[Deleted member 25923]

Well, if you're staying with Dunlop racquets, then we're all good

If the QC is good, then yeah I'm spoiled with a yonex and fischer (hand me downs).

I have a head as well (too heavy and demanding) and a Wilson (too light ).

I'm in the process of selling the wilson.

The fischer is great, except on the mishit high in the hoop that vibrates the handle, and the Yonex would be great if it had a tad bit more pop (also, I for some reason whiff more with it than any other racquet!)

 

[dadozen]

Well, Dunlop has an awesome QC. Maybe not as good as Yonex and Fischer, but it certainly isn't as bad as Wilson and Babolat

I know that because I once had two PS 6.1, and although they were quite similar, they had their differences( small, but they were there ). And by February of this year I bought two Babolat PStorms. They were so different that I had to buy a third one and sell one of the two I had so I could actually have two similar racquets.

Both of my 300Ts are very, very similar, and I know a lot of people who have bought Dunlop racquets from different sources( Europe, US and South America ) and all of them are all similar.

I'm guessing that it won't be a problem for you

 

[ir0-ed]

have 4 m-fil 200 and they're about as closely identical in weight and balance to each other. my pair of 4d200 16x19 on the other hand, i can swear they're about as identical as i want them to be.

 

[Deleted member 25923]

Well, Dunlop has an awesome QC. Maybe not as good as Yonex and Fischer, but it certainly isn't as bad as Wilson and Babolat

I know that because I once had two PS 6.1, and although they were quite similar, they had their differences( small, but they were there ). And by February of this year I bought two Babolat PStorms. They were so different that I had to buy a third one and sell one of the two I had so I could actually have two similar racquets.

Both of my 300Ts are very, very similar, and I know a lot of people who have bought Dunlop racquets from different sources( Europe, US and South America ) and all of them are all similar.

I'm guessing that it won't be a problem for you

Great! I totally forgot it was you with the PStorms! I actually have the Pure storm tours on my demo list. We'll have to see how they hit come this monday/tuesday.

 

[dadozen]

Great! I totally forgot it was you with the PStorms! I actually have the Pure storm tours on my demo list. We'll have to see how they hit come this monday/tuesday.

I guess that the PSTs are totally different racquets from the regular PStorms. They must be pretty similar to PControl racquets, which were very good racquets. I still have one of them, my father tried to use them but was too much for him( and for me too ). Very stable, solid and a nice plow through felling. Guess you're well served

But I'd stick with Dunlops, you know

 

[Deleted member 25923]

Well, Dunlop has an awesome QC. Maybe not as good as Yonex and Fischer, but it certainly isn't as bad as Wilson and Babolat

I know that because I once had two PS 6.1, and although they were quite similar, they had their differences( small, but they were there ). And by February of this year I bought two Babolat PStorms. They were so different that I had to buy a third one and sell one of the two I had so I could actually have two similar racquets.

Both of my 300Ts are very, very similar, and I know a lot of people who have bought Dunlop racquets from different sources( Europe, US and South America ) and all of them are all similar.

I'm guessing that it won't be a problem for you

I guess that the PSTs are totally different racquets from the regular PStorms. They must be pretty similar to PControl racquets, which were very good racquets. I still have one of them, my father tried to use them but was too much for him( and for me too ). Very stable, solid and a nice plow through felling. Guess you're well served

But I'd stick with Dunlops, you know

I'm demoing both come Monday! Can't wait!

 

[Rabbit]

I'm on the fence right now, but should this be more long term, yeah I'll sell them probably for $100/each.

Rabbit, it's hard to argue with your opponents. Ironically, that's a big reason why I started favoring the 100 to my beloved 16x18.

If you don't mind my asking, what improvements were most noticeable once you began using the 300T?

Do yourself a favor, though. Keep one of those 100s. Just for old time's sake. And if you happen to be a 1/4 grip, send the rest to me.

From what I've been told, my consistency is better; I still don't see it but that's what they told me. I also apparently am getting better ball movement. I said somewhere else, it's easier for me to get the head of this racquet through the ball and the harder you swing, the better the result. If anything, I think this racquet is lower in power than the 100, by a good margin.


All my 100s are 3/8.

 

[cj6666]

Hi,

I've only noticed yesterday that Dunlop grip is shaped more square compared to Prince or Babloat. It feel one size larger. Now I am thinking to take the overgrip off and play with the original grip. Or, take the original grip off and apply the overgrip on the handle to make it even smaller. (I am using Tourna) Might be too hard on the hand? Can the original grip be replaced? What are good replacement that you guys recommend? Any other remedies?

Thanks.

 

[cj6666]

CJ, your set up sounds pretty arm friendly to me. The only thing better would be gut (my preference), but you may or may not like that, or want to put out the money for it.

Thanks, Shell. Yes my AG300 is quite comfortable. But I will be stringing it at a bit higher tension next time as I think the control is a bit off. Perhaps at 57lb?

I did string my wife's AG300 with Babloat VS. The feel is definitely different. Similar to NXT 17, but quite different to either Poly or Hybrid setup. As of now, I can't decide which setup I like the best. Luckily I don't hit hard so I can go anyway without hurting my wallet ;-)

Yesterday I set my machine to shoot balls at fastest feed rate (about 2-3 balls per second), three different directions, low ball speed and attack me at the net. AG300's manuverbility really shine at this drill. May not be totally realistic at match but does shapen up my focus and attention span.

Cheers,

 

[The Dampener]

From what I've been told, my consistency is better; I still don't see it but that's what they told me. I also apparently am getting better ball movement. I said somewhere else, it's easier for me to get the head of this racquet through the ball and the harder you swing, the better the result. If anything, I think this racquet is lower in power than the 100, by a good margin.

That's fascinating Rabbit. You go to a frame of considerably larger dimension (albeit a tighter pattern) and get lower power, but better results.

That's goes to show you that there are multiple variables at work in every frame, and that focussing on only one of them can be misleading. And your results seem to also prove that technique trumps any racquet specs.

Way to be such a fine case history.

 

[dadozen]

I'm on the fence right now, but should this be more long term, yeah I'll sell them probably for $100/each.

dang that's tempting:twisted:

From what I've been told, my consistency is better; I still don't see it but that's what they told me. I also apparently am getting better ball movement. I said somewhere else, it's easier for me to get the head of this racquet through the ball and the harder you swing, the better the result. If anything, I think this racquet is lower in power than the 100, by a good margin.


All my 100s are 3/8.

Totally agree. The harder, the faster and the stronger you swing the racquet, the better the results you get grom the 300T. This racquet has really fitted into my game and i'm very pleased about it. Hope I can get more of them so they last veeeeery long

 

[dadozen]

Hi,

I've only noticed yesterday that Dunlop grip is shaped more square compared to Prince or Babloat. It feel one size larger. Now I am thinking to take the overgrip off and play with the original grip. Or, take the original grip off and apply the overgrip on the handle to make it even smaller. (I am using Tourna) Might be too hard on the hand? Can the original grip be replaced? What are good replacement that you guys recommend? Any other remedies?

Thanks.

I've also felt it. The grip seems to be slightly bigger than my old PStorm's.

IMO, only one OG over the handle of the raquet will feel hard, strange and uncomfortable. But there are some people that play this way. It's personal choice. You can try 2 or even 3 OGs over the handle and see if it fits your style.

I use Prince Duratac/Duratred replacement grips, but they have been discontinued. Prince Durapro+ has replaced it, but it's a little thicker than Duratac. I don't have sweaty hands, so it might not be good for you if that's not your case.

Babolat Perfect grip also plays well for me, tacky, thin and aderent.

Babolat Syntec Grip is also good, a little thicker, good for who has sweaty hands. Last pretty long too.

You can also try TW leather, which is known by being quite thin, with an OG over it. There are a lot of people who like the leather feeling and use this setup.

You have to try, you know. That's the only way to find out what's good for you.

Cheers,

 

[EikelBeiter]

Eikel has flown the coup of the safety and challenges of school and has been thrust out into the cold, hard reality of the job search. He has always been a bit Radical, but we should have patience with him as he makes his transition - we wish you the best of luck Eikel! Who knows, now that he has left the lofty ideology of university, maybe he will settle down with a Dunlop again. Trusty, solid and predictable. We shall see where our Eikel ends up after his temper has calmed (meaning after he demolished two of his Radicals in a fit over missing some random shot - did we ever get the full story?)

Well it's not much of a story. I missed 2 backhands i shouldn't have missed! And the rest is history as they say.

I'm not happy about it now, because i do love my radicals. Next week the first of 7 tournaments, wonder how many radicals I will have after them

 

[BobFL]

Does anyone want 2 x 300 4D in 4 1/4 maybe?

 

[dadozen]

Well it's not much of a story. I missed 2 backhands i shouldn't have missed! And the rest is history as they say.

I'm not happy about it now, because i do love my radicals. Next week the first of 7 tournaments, wonder how many radicals I will have after them

As long as you're not smashing the Dunlops, then we're all good:twisted:

Kidding man, hope they all stay alive

 

[dadozen]

Does anyone want 2 x 300 4D in 4 1/4 maybe?

If they were 300Ts and in 3/8, I'd definetly get them

 

[BobFL]

If they were 300Ts and in 3/8, I'd definetly get them

Damn! My total failure.

 

[dadozen]

Damn! My total failure.

Relax man. I'm sure there will be plenty of people interested on them

 

[Optimist]

Thanks for the quick outline dadozen. I've read some of the reviews here, and someone said that the 4D 300 Tour was nearly unplayable without lead, but was fantastic with lead. Did anyone else have similar experiences with the Tour? How about the non Tour?

Thanks!

 

[the Town Sherif]

Bobfl

I'll take them off your hands.

 

[shell]

Bobfl

I'll take them off your hands.

Ah ha!!! Another happy reunion.

So you are still liking the 4D 300 I see? Great to hear.

 

[BobFL]

Bobfl

I'll take them off your hands.

Are you serious?

If so, please contact me at zloba_2001 @ yahoo dot com

Thanks!

Bob

 

[dadozen]

Thanks for the quick outline dadozen. I've read some of the reviews here, and someone said that the 4D 300 Tour was nearly unplayable without lead, but was fantastic with lead. Did anyone else have similar experiences with the Tour? How about the non Tour?

Thanks!

Optimist, I've read more than a few posts where people didn't like much the 300T stock, but fell in love with it after adding just a bit of lead, mainly @ 12. Well, I love them stock. But I strung the crosses tighter, which makes the SS longer and narrower, allowing me to hit higher on the stringbed, without changing weight and SW, but giving almost the same effect.

I have to say though, this is not an easy racquet. You have to put some effort when playing with it to be rewarded. I mean, the faster, harder and stronger you swing the racquet, the better your shot will be, the higher the control you will get. summing up, if you have a long, fast swing, then it would be a great choice. Otherwise, the 300 might fit better, since it's a more forgiving racquet. And it's very very customizable too.

Relax man. I'm sure there will be plenty of people interested on them

Bobfl

I'll take them off your hands.

Told you man

 

[Rabbit]

That's fascinating Rabbit. You go to a frame of considerably larger dimension (albeit a tighter pattern) and get lower power, but better results.

Well, holding the 300T up against the 100, I don't know that I'd use "considerably larger dimension" to describe it. They are really close in size.

Since all this head size stuff has come up, I've been comparing all the racquets that come through here for me to string. It's funny, the "numbers" manufacturers use has little/nothing to do with the actual head size. For example, a buddy of mine plays with the Prince O3 Speedport Tour. And while TW lists them as 97's, his says 100 on it and it's roughly the same size as the 300T. The Wilson 6.1 is listed as a 95 and is virtually the same size as my 300T and only slightly larger than the 100. Net of this all is, there isn't enough difference to say grace over with relation to headsize.

While I think head size is a factor, I think weight, balance and string pattern are bigger factors in racquet selection.

That's goes to show you that there are multiple variables at work in every frame, and that focussing on only one of them can be misleading. And your results seem to also prove that technique trumps any racquet specs.

Yep. When I went from the C9 to the C10 about 12 years ago, I decided between the C10 OS and C10 MP. I personally liked the OS better, but in play I played better with the MP.

Way to be such a fine case history.

Thanks......I think.....

 

[Links]

Well, Dunlop has an awesome QC. Maybe not as good as Yonex and Fischer, but it certainly isn't as bad as Wilson and Babolat

I know that because I once had two PS 6.1, and although they were quite similar, they had their differences( small, but they were there ). And by February of this year I bought two Babolat PStorms. They were so different that I had to buy a third one and sell one of the two I had so I could actually have two similar racquets.

Both of my 300Ts are very, very similar, and I know a lot of people who have bought Dunlop racquets from different sources( Europe, US and South America ) and all of them are all similar.

I'm guessing that it won't be a problem for you

dadozen and others, need some help. I've demoed about 12 racquets and it's coming down to the 4D 300T, the 4D 300, and AG200 18 x20. I like all of them for various reasons. I love the feel of the 300 and I can get some serious top spin with my forehand. I love all of them at the net and all of them serve well. I'm just not sure to think with the closed string pattern.

I've got these until Tuesday so I'm going to swing them as much as I can. Plus, I just took over as a high school coach so I may want the lighter ones for drills. Hell I may by a 300 and a 200 .

Thanks!!!

 

[Links]

dadozen and others, need some help. I've demoed about 12 racquets and it's coming down to the 4D 300T, the 4D 300, and AG200 18 x20. I like all of them for various reasons. I love the feel of the 300 and I can get some serious top spin with my forehand. I love all of them at the net and all of them serve well. I'm just not sure to think with the closed string pattern.

I've got these until Tuesday so I'm going to swing them as much as I can. Plus, I just took over as a high school coach so I may want the lighter ones for drills. Hell I may by a 300 and a 200 .

Thanks!!!

BTW, I've hit Wilson Ultra 2's most of my life and even demoed the new KPS 88 and loved it, I just don't know if I can handle it through 2 hour practices.

 

[shell]

Links, sounds like you have developed a certain feel for Dunlop frames. I'm not too familiar with the Ultra (I was a Head Graphite Edge girl myself back then), but Dunlop does has a certain stiffness/flex/feel ratio that is right up my alley.

The racquets you have chosen are all quite different, so it is going to be tough for anyone but yourself to figure the riddle out and make the final decision. The 300T and the 200 are very much control racquets that will require a bit of effort from you. The 300T falls a bit into that in between catagory that is sometimes missing - lighter players racquet. They both respond well to full strokes and give a control on the ball that the regular 300 won't. The regular 300 shines in that it is fairly light and very manuverable. It also can be customized through lead to tweak out some SW or balance requirements that would be different for each player. Spin is also very easy, especially vs. the other 18x20 patterns in the Dunlop line. For some, the regular 300 is a bit too powerful, for others, perfect. it is a tweener, but with some flex and feel. All are very nice racquets with attributes that can be a great match to just about any player.

I almost agree with you on the teaching vs. playing issue - you may very well chose different racquets for those, although I imagine the 300T could probably bridge that gap. It is not too heavy, and not stiff.

Well, I don't know that I have helped at all, but sounds like you have demoed. Now, the decision ... :twisted:

 

[sciwriter]

I want to thank all of the fanatics on this message board. I have been playing with the 300 M-fil, which I learned about from this board's predecessor, and it helped me improve my game. I recently bought a 300 4D and love it. It's great! I've just bought another 4D. Thanks everyone!

 

[shell]

I want to thank all of the fanatics on this message board. I have been playing with the 300 M-fil, which I learned about from this board's predecessor, and it helped me improve my game. I recently bought a 300 4D and love it. It's great! I've just bought another 4D. Thanks everyone!

Redflea, take a bow....as the expert in transitioning from MFil to 4d and providing so much info.

 

[shell]

Well it's not much of a story. I missed 2 backhands i shouldn't have missed! And the rest is history as they say.

I'm not happy about it now, because i do love my radicals. Next week the first of 7 tournaments, wonder how many radicals I will have after them

Those damn backhands. It never fails...you line a backhand up perfectly, then the RACQUET messes it up. Those two Radicals deserved their fate. I hope your remaining ones saw that and don't try the same antics. :shock:

Of course, your little forgotten Dunlop was watching from the bag just chuckling...it would not have treated you the same. Just sayin.

 

[Staiger]

I decided to switch back to the 16x19 after my 2 weeks break and last night I won both of my single matches (round-robin)in a tourney. 6-3 6-3 the first one ...and 7-5 6-1 the second one. looking forward to tonight where I should play my remaining match within the group (where I already qulified) and might try something different (baseline bashing) and taking the ball sooner. Also hitting flatter/bigger serves which I often avoid

I felt that the break way from my tennis done me abit of good , as I was able to gather myself and I was as fresh as daisy. I leaded my 16x19 on the throat (12g) same setup as I used before changing to 16x18 and I must say that it is working well.

I might even bring my AG100 with me tonight (I doubt it will make an appearence though)

 

[Staiger]

Those damn backhands. It never fails...you line a backhand up perfectly, then the RACQUET messes it up. Those two Radicals deserved their fate. I hope your remaining ones saw that and don't try the same antics. :shock:

Of course, your little forgotten Dunlop was watching from the bag just chuckling...it would not have treated you the same. Just sayin.

I thought Eikel has a steady DHB , why dont you hit with your 300 tour , I found that I was able to generate alot of needed topspin and power on my backhand side . It is a forgiving racket as well..

a solid contact with the 300 tour on the backhand side ....it is so sweet......and sound amazing

 

[Redflea]

I want to thank all of the fanatics on this message board. I have been playing with the 300 M-fil, which I learned about from this board's predecessor, and it helped me improve my game. I recently bought a 300 4D and love it. It's great! I've just bought another 4D. Thanks everyone!

Same transition I made, and I've been very happy overall with the results. Thought I'd never switch, but sold all 5 of my 6 of my M-Fils (have to keep one for old-time's sake) and am happily in the 4D camp now.

Redflea, take a bow....as the expert in transitioning from MFil to 4d and providing so much info.

Thanks, Shell-gal. I've emailed Dunlop regarding a small commission for each M-Fil'er who ends up 4D'ing.

 

[The Dampener]

It's funny, the "numbers" manufacturers use has little/nothing to do with the actual head size.

A I understand it---and I learned this here from others---manufacturers don't measure their head sizes in any standard way. Some measure from the outside of the frame. Some from the inside.

 

[The Dampener]

I might even bring my AG100 with me tonight (I doubt it will make an appearence though)

Is this a new stick for you, Staiger? I must warn you, using it can be addicting. Just ask Shell. Or Rabbit.

 

[DavidGarcia]

Hi Dunlop friends,

I got myself a 4D 300Tour few days ago, an addition to my 300 16x18.

Few observations ,comparing it to the 16x18 (both stock frames):

- Quality of the paintjob in the tour is not very good (not as good as in the areogel rackets). It seems very bad finish around the throat. Although I love the colors on the tour. I think the pj color is sick! Love it.
- It seems to me that the 16x18 beam is thinner than the 300 tour.
- The brigdes on the throat for both rackets are totally different.
- The 300 tour feels a lot heavier and swings heavier than the 16x18 although they both weigh around the same. I guess this has to do with the lower SW on the 16x18 and also being 7pts HL versus 5pts HL in the tour.
- Both frames feel solid, dont notice one being more solid than other.
- The tour has more control than the 16x18 but it is a LOT more demanding (you need to be fit to bring the best out of this frame). It is tough to get power from the tour (compared with the easy power access in the 16x18).
- Impressed with the spin potential in the tour. For a 18x20 is pretty good.

I've been hitting few times with the tour and I have not felt conformtable with the frame. I've now changed the strings which came with and added some lead at 12 to see if this changes my initial opinion on this stick.

So far it has not been love at the first sight with the tour.

 

[DavidGarcia]

Has anyone here on this forum switched from the 16x18 to the 300 tour?

I think that most of us who play or have played with the 16x18 have not had great initial opinions on the 300 tour.

How is that?

 

[Ljubicic for number1]

Has anyone here on this forum switched from the 16x18 to the 300 tour?

I think that most of us who play or have played with the 16x18 have not had great initial opinions on the 300 tour.

How is that?

Hey David, hope you end up settling into the tour, I don't really think the paint job is poor quality, I think that dunlop have tried to make a feature of the braid in that area, a "4D" thing. As the gloss black up in the head is a good job.

What string did you replace the poly polar with?

John.

 

[DavidGarcia]

Hey David, hope you end up settling into the tour, I don't really think the paint job is poor quality, I think that dunlop have tried to make a feature of the braid in that area, a "4D" thing. As the gloss black up in the head is a good job.

What string did you replace the poly polar with?

John.

Hey John, the tour is certainly a great racket but not for me.

I think I did not explained myself well in regards with the paint job. Maybe it is the way it is but the finish around the throat just does not feel......dont know might be the 4D brand as you say.


I strung it with X-One at 58lbs. The control & touch is amazing on this stick.
The Poly Polar is a great string but it was strung too low for my taste (it was too soft).

I think I will keep the tour on my bag to have fun from times to times with it. Perhaps to play doubles.

 

[Federer's cat]

Lol, this racquet sucks.

 

[EikelBeiter]

Those damn backhands. It never fails...you line a backhand up perfectly, then the RACQUET messes it up. Those two Radicals deserved their fate. I hope your remaining ones saw that and don't try the same antics. :shock:

Of course, your little forgotten Dunlop was watching from the bag just chuckling...it would not have treated you the same. Just sayin.

Those other radicals saw it allright! They won't make the same mistake.

The dunlop however was not in the bag, there wasn't any room unfortunately

 

[The Dampener]

Lol, this racquet sucks.

This is what it looks like when a teenager is in desperate need of attention.

 

[Deleted member 25923]

Demos coming tomorrow (AG100 and 4D 300T are in there!). Can't hardly wait!

 

[Rabbit]

Demos coming tomorrow (AG100 and 4D 300T are in there!). Can't hardly wait!

Please post your take on both. I'd be interested to see what you think as well. I have more fun with the 100, but results are results and the 300 seems to be more of a weapon in my hand.

 

[fantom]

Please post your take on both. I'd be interested to see what you think as well. I have more fun with the 100, but results are results and the 300 seems to be more of a weapon in my hand.

I can sense the turmoil you're going through. From all of your recent posts, it sounds like you would much rather play w/ the 100 than the 300T. Just stick w/ the 100. The 300T is a great racquet (I've been playing w/ it for a few months now), but why play with something that you aren't having fun with? Maybe your opponents are trying reverse psychology on ya...heheh

 

[Deleted member 25923]

Please post your take on both. I'd be interested to see what you think as well. I have more fun with the 100, but results are results and the 300 seems to be more of a weapon in my hand.

I sure will. TBH, your comments have gotten me interested in the 100. What level are you? I'm around 3.5, i'd guess.

 

[Rabbit]

I can sense the turmoil you're going through. From all of your recent posts, it sounds like you would much rather play w/ the 100 than the 300T. Just stick w/ the 100. The 300T is a great racquet (I've been playing w/ it for a few months now), but why play with something that you aren't having fun with?

Well, the 300T does have its advantages. Last year around this time, I decided to move from the C10 because of its swingweight and the oppressive heat and competiton at secitonals. The 100 was about half way between the C10 and 300T in weight and swingweight.

The 300T though is a sweet swinging racquet and hits a nice ball.

Maybe your opponents are trying reverse psychology on ya...heheh

They aren't that smart, I run with a pretty dumb crowd.

I sure will. TBH, your comments have gotten me interested in the 100. What level are you? I'm around 3.5, i'd guess.

I'm an unfortunate computer verified 4.5. Given what's going on in the leagues, I should and may lay out 3 years and self rate 3.5 when I come back. We have several former D1 players and a ton of recently graduated D3 college players all self-rating 4.0 or 4.5.