AG100 lovers ... pls HELP!!

[anirut]

I've got it ... I've played it ... I'm TRYING to like it.

Now, as for the money already invested, I think AG100 users can help me to like the stick as in suggesting some string type and tension.

I have leather on it plus one overgrip, all on top of the racket's original grip. I like my rackets about 10+ pts HL. My string is at 60 lbs, Gamma synthertic wearguard 17. Don't use dampener.

Having played it for 2 hrs, I now understand what a hollow-feeling racket means. Serious. If a racket can't perform well with simple synthetic at mid tension, then something must be funny with the racket.

To sum up, could you guys help turn this AG100 into a true Dunlop racket. IMO, as I feel it, the AG100 IS NOT A Dunlop! I don't wanna go extreme moddin' on this one.

I'll wait for suggestions and will give it another try.

 

[lucu]

what is the weight of AG100?
saw a top ranked junior girl play with it last week...and she really can "whacked" the balls...

 

[BOZO]

I just asked my friends carry some from Thailand .... still waiting for ..... BooM ...

 

[basil J]

The redondo is so solid and flexible, it has spoiled you for all other racquets....

 

[anirut]

"Blank" racket is 315 grams.

Say, my string is about 13 grams.

Leather + overgrip around ... guessing ... 30 grams total.

This would make my AG100 around 315+13+30 = 348 grams. I'm comfortable playing this weight.

Yes, I agree, you can really whack the crap out of the balls with this one. But it's feeling kinda hollow ... doesn't have that Dunlop solid feel

 

[anirut]

The redondo is so solid and flexible, it has spoiled you for all other racquets....

err ... AGREED!

 

[Leoboomanu]

the hydramax is under the leather? please clarify...

 

[bagung]

"Blank" racket is 315 grams.

Say, my string is about 13 grams.

Leather + overgrip around ... guessing ... 30 grams total.

This would make my AG100 around 315+13+30 = 348 grams. I'm comfortable playing this weight.

Yes, I agree, you can really whack the crap out of the balls with this one. But it's feeling kinda hollow ... doesn't have that Dunlop solid feel

i found the m-fil200 and 300 is hollow..

 

[Leoboomanu]

The mfil200 is metallic with excellent plow-through, the ag300 is hollow and light... the dunlops i've tried...

 

[anirut]

the hydramax is under the leather? please clarify...

Yes. (10 chars)

 

[Leoboomanu]

Yes. (10 chars)

I find the hydramax to be too soft that it gives me a hollow feel...
The hollowness you feel might be the soft hydramax under the leather...
Try these--- leather+2overgrips only... these may get to the similar gripsize you're using now...
Some dampeners does improve feel... Babolat custom damps works for my mfil200 18x20... taking that metallic feel...

Peace

 

[ShiroRm]

I'd remove the original grip, add lead at 3 and 9 positions (I added it to 12 position too) and always use the vibration dampener (I've never liked the racquet without it).

Here is a pic showing the amount of lead I put on the racquet:

 

[vkartikv]

So how does it compare to the old rev pro 90? The weight of the AG 100 would be very fitting for an intermediate frame. The string pattern is open which is just not Dunlop-like!

 

[pow]

Yeah, the Redondo feels soooo solid. I don't know what makes it so...
I hit with the Aerogel 300 once and it had the hollow feel which I disliked, I think that's the first racquet I've hit with that felt like that.

 

[anirut]

So how does it compare to the old rev pro 90? The weight of the AG 100 would be very fitting for an intermediate frame. The string pattern is open which is just not Dunlop-like!

The AG100 is just NOT a Dunlop ... period!

I'm thinking about getting some money back ... will put it on sale very soon.

 

[anirut]

Yeah, the Redondo feels soooo solid. I don't know what makes it so...
I hit with the Aerogel 300 once and it had the hollow feel which I disliked, I think that's the first racquet I've hit with that felt like that.

The simple 100% graphite, I suppose.

I'm thinking about calling the AG (AeroGel) series something like HA instead.

HA stands for "Hot Air".

Actually I've been joking this hot air thing with my pals last night at the court.

 

[ShiroRm]

the hydramax is under the leather? please clarify...

Yes. (10 chars)

It doesn't seem you're really looking for help to experiment/customize the racquet.
The first time I hit with the ag100, I thought: this is a joke; it's not as solid as my Rdx500. But, after several weeks (and a bit of customization), my rdxs were on sale.

However, have you tried to put a squid between the hydramax grip and the leather grip? It could make the racquet a bit more solid... maybe

Joking... Sell the racquet as soon as possible!

 

[Bud]

The AG100 is just NOT a Dunlop ... period!

I'm thinking about getting some money back ... will put it on sale very soon.

Many would disagree with you on this. I have 4 AG100s and love them. I left my K90s for these. They are much easier on the arm. You'll have a line of people waiting to buy it :wink:

 

[JacKKyKung]

The AG100 is just NOT a Dunlop ... period!

I'm thinking about getting some money back ... will put it on sale very soon.

NNaaaa! Sorry to hear that. Mr.Sam (thaimisc board) told me that it gave him old school feel, so i think you've got a good stick. It didn't give solid feel as ur Redondo, right? Why don't you try to add more weight on both head & under original grip(to maintain ur balance). .:neutral:

แก้ไขแล้วเป็นไงก็ส่งข่าวคราวบ้างนะครับ สู้ๆคับพี่ :-o

 

[JacKKyKung]

I meant not too much weight extended from ur normal weight.

 

[Trinity]

All the recent dunlop rackets I have tried have felt hollow. Certainly compared to the MW ones.

 

[MaxShane]

i have the similar feeling with AG100,different from my friend's AG200 solid feeling,and the AG 100's sweetspot is so small compare to the redondo...... i just want some stiffer &forgiving than redondo, but not this hollow feel...

 

[Bud]

Redondo wanted

i have the similar feeling with AG100,different from my friend's AG200 solid feeling,and the AG 100's sweetspot is so small compare to the redondo...... i just want some stiffer &forgiving than redondo, but not this hollow feel...

I'll have to try a Redondo before I call you crazier than a fox :lol: Would anyone like to donate one for a playtest?

 

[Bud]

Weight er up!

BTW, my AG100's have 3g at 6/9 each, 3g at 10/2 each, a heat shrink sleeve (black) and a leather grip. It weighs in at 13.0 oz. so it's about 50g heavier than stock.

 

[anirut]

i have the similar feeling with AG100,different from my friend's AG200 solid feeling,and the AG 100's sweetspot is so small compare to the redondo...... i just want some stiffer &forgiving than redondo, but not this hollow feel...

Look out for the new Black Ace. It's got very similar specs to the AG100, weight, SW, stiffness, etc., except that the BA is 100% graphite and 18x20. ... I'm gettin' one soon. Seems like a lighter & stiffer version of the Redondo.

 

[anirut]

OK, this is what I found out ...

Yesterday I tested out the AG100 again -- against the house wall -- and this is what I found:

The added leather & overgrip screwed up the racket's designed swing pattern. Don't get me wrong. I do intend to say the racket swing pattern was "designed" to be in such a way.

It was much easier to hit with when I removed the leather, leaving only one overgrip. Didn't feel solid as a Dunlop should but, that aside, it has that kind of control a top range racket should.

However, the balance felt too HH for my taste. But if I make it HL to my liking the problem will arise. I think this is due to the racket's own light weight that would make it play "funny" if I make it 9+ pts HL.

IMO, the AG100 was probably designed to "swing" like a pendulum, using it's own head-weight.

The only solution I can think of now is to make the whole racket heavier which would mean "extreme mod", as I did to my Redondo with bumper trimming (removing head weight) and adding foam (re-distributing the weight). This is something I don't wanna do to the Hot Air, oops, the AG100, as it would lose it's resale value.

So, the AG100 is still in mint condition and it will have to go. The money will be invested in the new Black Ace.

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys.

BTW, just popped out of my head, may be I could make it as HL as I like but add just 0.5 gram to 12 o'clock. This may help. Will see.

 

[BreakPoint]

anirut,

It's interesting that you found the AG100 to feel "hollow" as mine do not feel hollow at all. In fact, it's one of the most solid feeling racquets I've hit with in quite some time. If it had felt hollow to me, I wouldn't like it at all as feel is very important to me and I only like racquets that feel solid. I guess that's why I've stuck with with ProStaff series foe a while and the Dunlop Max200G for 13 years. I've found the AG100 feels even more solid when strung with poly, but even with a regular syn gut I've found it to feel very solid on all shots. To me, a "hollow" feel is more like the feel of some of the modern Head racquets over the past 7-8 years.

All I've done to mine is added a leather grip (removed the stock grip) and two overgrips. No lead at all anywhere. With that set-up they're 12.5 oz. and feel about 10 pts. HL. It makes a "thud" when I hit the ball, rather than some tinny or hollow racquets that make a "ping" when I hit the ball.

BTW, do you use a vibration dampener?

 

[MaxShane]

dampener does make it better for me .i lead in 12&2&3 o'clock,but doesn't make a big difference. i think whether my AG100 have any quaility problem? pics below

 

[MaxShane]

 

[MaxShane]

guys ever seen this block of black plastic bridge the handle? is this normal? thanks

 

[AlpineCadet]

I've got it ... I've played it ... I'm TRYING to like it.

Now, as for the money already invested, I think AG100 users can help me to like the stick as in suggesting some string type and tension.

I have leather on it plus one overgrip, all on top of the racket's original grip. I like my rackets about 10+ pts HL. My string is at 60 lbs, Gamma synthertic wearguard 17. Don't use dampener.

Having played it for 2 hrs, I now understand what a hollow-feeling racket means. Serious. If a racket can't perform well with simple synthetic at mid tension, then something must be funny with the racket.

To sum up, could you guys help turn this AG100 into a true Dunlop racket. IMO, as I feel it, the AG100 IS NOT A Dunlop! I don't wanna go extreme moddin' on this one.

I'll wait for suggestions and will give it another try.

It starts off lighter than the US AG200, doesn't it? The hollow feeling is probably due to the lack of substance/weight in the frame itself. I would probably try adding a manageable weight only to 3 and 9 o'clock, and then go on from there, since racket customization is a personal preference.

BTW, The US AG200 is a very solid frame compared to the AG100, hands down.

 

[BreakPoint]

guys ever seen this block of black plastic bridge the handle? is this normal? thanks

Yes, it's normal. A lot of my handles have that band. Don't worry about it.

 

[ShiroRm]

guys ever seen this block of black plastic bridge the handle? is this normal? thanks

yes. all my ag100s have it too

 

[Samperer]

However, the balance felt too HH for my taste. But if I make it HL to my liking the problem will arise. I think this is due to the racket's own light weight that would make it play "funny" if I make it 9+ pts HL.

IMO, the AG100 was probably designed to "swing" like a pendulum, using it's own head-weight.

Hi Anirut, Im slightly confused!!! Why would you find it HH? Like BP said, with a leather and overgrip it will be about 10pts HL.

 

[MaxShane]

thanks BP& SR ,is it have a special effecion or only conection?

 

[anirut]

Finally ...

Just 30 minutes ago ...

It's a deal. The AG100 will leave my hands sometimes next week.

Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions.

 

[anirut]

Hi Anirut, Im slightly confused!!! Why would you find it HH? Like BP said, with a leather and overgrip it will be about 10pts HL.

By HH I mean to say it's about 6-7 pts HL ... ... That already HH to ME. If I make the AG100 10 pts HL, it starts to feel kinda weird to ME. IMO, the AG100 was probably not designed to "feel good" at 10 pts HL. Of course, not everyone will feel weird, as in the case of BP.

My Wilson ROK mid is about 7-8 pts HL and I feel very fine with it. IMO, there's probably some "optimum" HL range engineered for a racket of certain properties.

 

[anirut]

Update

!!! BIG RESULTS !!!

So, there's nothing that foam pallets can't do!!

I have decided not to let the racket go, just because I wanna "test".

Just finished fillin' her up with pellets. Removed the hydramax, put leather instead, added two layers of pulled-dead-tight, not-to-be-removed, non-overlapping used overgrips and one "normal" overgrip. This made a hell of a difference.

The AeroGel is now the AeroFOAM. Solid, solid, solid. Now, this is what a Dunlop should feel like!

Also, I may have to use 15g string on this one to make it more solid. The 60 lbs 17g nylon makes it feel too "poppy" and a tad too crispy.

Will 17g poly work well on it? And at what tension?

Any more suggestions on the string and tension? Please?

 

[Leoboomanu]

Anirut,
you mean, you almost got rid of your ag100 before you followed my advice... I was so sure the hydramax under the leather was causing the hollow feel...
Anyway, you should replace those 2 used overgrps under... Before bacteria starts to multiply and it will stink so bad...you will only need to replace the topmost after then...

Peace

 

[Leoboomanu]

Sorry for the double post... Using a mobile...
Btw, did you by your Ag100 in thailand?

thanks, Leo

 

[anirut]

Thanks, Leo, for the advice.

Yep, I got the AG100 in Thailand. I bought it used, though. But still, AG100's available new here.

I don't think the hydramax was causing the hollow feel as my fav Dunlop (Rev Tour 90) has synthetic under the leather. Whatever, the problem's solved.

 

[Leoboomanu]

Hahaha maybe it was the foam pellets...
You should call it SuperAG100 now...

will get back on you on the store address there... I will still check how much door-to-door costs for bangkok to philippines will...

Thanks too,
Leo

 

[anirut]

Hahaha maybe it was the foam pellets...
You should call it SuperAG100 now...

will get back on you on the store address there... I will still check how much door-to-door costs for bangkok to philippines will...

Thanks too,
Leo

Will test it on court tomorrow. Then only will know if it'll be worthy of Super AG100 status.

Hey, I'll be playing with Danai Udonchoke on Sunday 16, 2007! Gotta be fun! It'll be a war of Dunlops!