Angell TC95 vs RF97 - Review

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Bogdan_TT

Hall of Fame
Ok, I think it's time for a review from my part. I'll try to make it as a comparison with my RF97.

The specs

Angell TC95 - 330g (unstrung), 351g (strung with overgrip - no added weight), 315mm balance unstrung, 27.5" length, 70RA, 16x19 - Wilson Natural Gut 23kg/Alu Power Rough 21kg
RF97 - in my signature, basically 371g (strung with overgrip - weight added in the handle and at 12:00 under grommet) - Wilson Natural Gut 24kg/4g 22.5 kg

My play style

Don't know the rating. Self rating around 4.5. Flat strong serves, pretty strong sliced/kicked seconds. Decent 2h backhand (a la Murray) and deep forehands, with moderate spin and good technique. Still grooming on the technique. Semi-western grip. No anti-vibrator on strings. Baseline attacking play with the occasional net charge.

General racquet feel

Both racquets feel solid, but the TC95 has a bit more feel on it. I am just more trusty hitting the ball harder.
There are no random surprises, with the ball jumping very predictable from TC95's stringbed, as per the RF97 every once in a while I do have a small surprise with the angle.
Spin wise the TC95 is much better than the RF. My guess is that the head moves faster through the air, as it has a thinner profile. Also, the extended length may add to the spin generation.
The construction of the TC95 just screams quality materials.
There was a small vibration in the Angell, but that completely vanished after I put the gut in.

Serves

Sticks are equal for the flat bombs. However, the second serve is much more dangerous with the TC95. The spin/kick difference is visible and I feel more comfortable serving hard the second serve with the TC95. The RF's second serve has a tendency to sale out. The ball just drops hard into the box with the Angell.
I am able to generate the same power/speed with both racquets. Also, the TC95 just feels a bit more precise with the placement.

Groundstrokes

It is easier to hit hard shots with the Angell, mainly due to the added spin. Forehand wise. However, for flat forehands the RF is spectacular in comparison. For spin shots where the stroke ends above the shoulder, the TC95 is much more reliable.
There is a difference in dealing with the backhand: the RF needs more dedication in hitting the ball. I have to throw myself on the ball in order to obtain what I need. But I've noticed that with the Angell, all I have to do is hit with normal power and the backhand will sail and drop next to the line.
This makes me feel more comfortable using the TC95 as I make less unforced errors.

Volleys

Here the RF wins, having a bit more controllable power. It's easier to keep the ball in the court.
The TC95 tends to sail out of bounds for under the net volleys. However, for a high volley, the racquets are on par, with precise and deep shots.

Smashes

I fell more precise with the TC95. Also the feel of the racquet is just solid. I was able to hit less errors with the TC than with the RF.
Also, the TC is more comfortable for the hand. There is a certain hand strain with the RF when hitting off centre smashes. Didn't experience that wit the TC.

Slices

Both racquets are beasts here. I love to slice with both of them. The RF seems to have the edge for long, deep, low slices, while the TC95 is better with "curved" slices.

Defence

This must go to the TC95. For some reason I was able to send back easier the balls that are cornering me while using the TC rather than the RF.

Conclusion

I love both racquets. They are very very solid. But the Angell TC95 feels more solid. Must be from the materials and the foam within the frame.

Clearly the hype goes on the RF, but the TC95 is not far behind. It's just a solid stick which does things at least as good as the RF, at this weight and balance.

The put away power is the same. The spin is more on the TC95 side. Great for serves and forehands.

I love playing with the RF. It feels good in my hand. It feels good when hitting the ball clean. But heck, I feel the same with the Angell, and I've been winning my last 5 games in a row with it. It may be placebo or not, but I win more with the TC.

Of course, this is still honeymoon. Things may change in the future on the way I feel or play.

I hope it helps, and please feel free to add to this, or contradict my review, if your experience differs. :)
 
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Great review Bogdan. Going to add some weight to my Vantage 18x20 95 and see if I can get it to play a bit more solidly. Too light in its current guise.
 
Thanks! :) Well, 18x20 is a different animal. For me, at least, it requires a different kind of stroke as the launch angle differs. I do prefer the 16xSometing racquets.
This is why it was easier to compare my version of the Angell with the RF. They're both 16x19, and on the heavy side.
 
Thank You Sir!

The difference in volleys could easilly be the length of the TC95... exactly what I wanted to know. Im feeling better about ordering a tC 95 for a birthday I have coming up... probably standard length and 63RA with 16x19. Is your TC95 the grey or the newer black pj?
 
Backhanded Compliment said:
Thank You Sir!

The difference in volleys could easilly be the length of the TC95... exactly what I wanted to know. Im feeling better about ordering a tC 95 for a birthday I have coming up... probably standard length and 63RA with 16x19. Is your TC95 the grey or the newer black pj?
Click to expand...

Aha! There's a new black? Damn! I want that. Any pictures of it?
It's the grey. And happy birthday :)
 
On the length, you may be right with the volley. I also had to adapt a bit my backhand. I was not able to give it the precise direction I wanted. But once tuned it I was in business :)
That 0.5" makes a hell of a difference...
 
Bogdan_TT said:
On the length, you may be right with the volley. I also had to adapt a bit my backhand. I was not able to give it the precise direction I wanted. But once tuned it I was in business :)
That 0.5" makes a hell of a difference...
Click to expand...
Yes it does, massive swingweight change. Some say the RF 97 is clubby... did the Angell seem that way or nimble... even with the length?

I want to support frame makers like Angell etc... who still make true MP and midsize frames that are solid and comfort oriented (its what the top pros use... why change?). It is wrong to ditch flexy player spec frames in search of profits! I suspect Paul Angell isnt getting rich of this. I knew the guy who made Chris frames in the 80's. They were a labor of love like most small ventures.
 
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Thanks Bogdan! I enjoyed reading your views on the TC95. Hope you continue to enjoy it. I can't wait for my racquet to arrive and i can take it out for a hit. I have a bunch of string at home and wondering where I should start. Probably YTEX square-x @53 lbs and adjust from there.
 
Backhanded Compliment said:
Yes it does, massive swingweight change. Some say the RF 97 is clubby... did the Angell seem that way or nimble... even with the length?

I want to support frame makers like Angell etc... who still make true MP and midsize frames that are solid and comfort oriented (its what the top pros use... why change?). It is wrong to ditch flexy player spec frames in search of profits! I suspect Paul Angell isnt getting rich of this. I knew the guy who made Chris frames in the 80's. They were a labor of love like most small ventures.
Click to expand...

Well, the RF is clubby. The reason why I added weight at 12:00 was Shahoftennis's suggestion to make it less clubby.
However, the TC95 is easier to swing and rotate. True, I have a grip 2 on the TC95 and a grip 3 on the RF.

+1 at supporting companies like Angell. If I feel the same about the racquet in 2 weeks from now, I'll order 3 more, to stock up.
 
topspn said:
Thanks Bogdan! I enjoyed reading your views on the TC95. Hope you continue to enjoy it. I can't wait for my racquet to arrive and i can take it out for a hit. I have a bunch of string at home and wondering where I should start. Probably YTEX square-x @53 lbs and adjust from there.
Click to expand...
The TC95 is very string sensitive. Just make sure you will not dismiss the frame from the start. Try using different strings at different tensions till you find a match for you.
 
Backhanded Compliment said:
I wonder if the TC95 16x19 is good with lower tension poly? I tend to like that type of stringjob these days.
Click to expand...

It is. I used it like this till today. Weiss Cannon Scorpion at 22/20 kg. I just put gut on it today and played a match, just to see how it is. I will not be able to put Champion's Choice too often, as Wilson/Luxilon are bloody overcharging it. So, normally, I'll use the WC Scrorp.
 
Bogdan_TT said:
The TC95 is very string sensitive. Just make sure you will not dismiss the frame from the start. Try using different strings at different tensions till you find a match for you.
Click to expand...

Yeah, no worries. That's like 24kg and i got the TC 100. I'm used to string sensitive racquets and i've used the string and black magic with good success and different tensions. Both are comfy as polys go
 
topspn said:
Yeah, no worries. That's like 24kg and i got the TC 100. I'm used to string sensitive racquets and i've used the string and black magic with good success and different tensions. Both are comfy as polys go
Click to expand...
Yeah! I was reading your thread. I'm looking forward for your TC100 review
 
I wish y'all would stop posting about these Angell racquets - especially the photos. My wife is going to kill me for wanting to buying more racquets. I'm finding it extremely hard not buy them - they are so awesome looking:(
 
Minion said:
I wish y'all would stop posting about these Angell racquets - especially the photos. My wife is going to kill me for wanting to buying more racquets. I'm finding it extremely hard not buy them - they are so awesome looking:(
Click to expand...
Yes! My wife is the same. After buying 3 PS85 then 3 RF97 now I play with the Angell. She's asking me when I'll buy 2 more. I didn't tell her that I plan to buy 3 :-D

And yes, I had no better feeling of holding a racquet by the throat with my left hand between the points, than with the TC95. Not even with the PS85, which I'm in love with. Holding the TC is like holding a ceramic object. Really cool feeling!
 
Minion said:
I wish y'all would stop posting about these Angell racquets - especially the photos. My wife is going to kill me for wanting to buying more racquets. I'm finding it extremely hard not buy them - they are so awesome looking:(
Click to expand...

Don't resist, step into the darkside of the force!
 
What is the story behind Angell racquets, if I may ask? I've seen the name in passing, and some mentions of Vantage and Fischer - but I don't know what the significance of these frame are, other than they are custom made.
 
Anyone who has played and enjoyed Dunlop racquets from 10+ years ago (such as the 200G, 300G, Revelation, MW and their early successors such as aerogel), as well as the pre-graphene Head prestige line going back, should give serious consideration to Angell. It's one of the few routes still available to racquets that are built for quality, and which don't use cheaper/stiffer materials and sell them as upgrades. I know several people from the group i am in are seriously considering Angell.
 
Do you feel like the smaller head size makes the custom racquet less forgiving? I usually like a 97-98 head, I wonder is the Angell feels forgiving enough.
 
Minion said:
What is the story behind Angell racquets, if I may ask? I've seen the name in passing, and some mentions of Vantage and Fischer - but I don't know what the significance of these frame are, other than they are custom made.
Click to expand...

Paul Angell used to design rackets for Dunlop, his last series being Hotmelt I think. He has since set up on his own, firstly in partnership as Vantage and now on his own as Angell. If you like solid rackets with no gimmicks then there are none better.
 
ThirdEye said:
Do you feel like the smaller head size makes the custom racquet less forgiving? I usually like a 97-98 head, I wonder is the Angell feels forgiving enough.
Click to expand...
No way! The TC95 is more forgiving than the RF97 due to the thinner frame, thus the smaller bevel making it harder to shank the ball.
 
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Bogdan_TT said:
No way! The TC95 is more forgiving than the RF97 due to the thinner frame, thus the smaller bevel making it harder to shank the ball.
Click to expand...

That part I like very much.

I gotta ask, when you serve with the TC95, does it flex on the throat like a Radical by any chance?

Also do you find the TC95 to have more Control than the RF97A?
 
I didn't notice any flex while serving. The racquet is deadly precise, and the serves are strong.

As for control, yes, in the form of spin/lift, as the ball travels long and then drops into the court much easier than with the RF, where such spin is not coming so easy.

Btw, I play 100% on clay.
 
Just to clarify, and you will have to speak with Paul, the only new PJ is the 90 at this time. The pics I have posted, it seemed like the angle is making it look darker. I apologize for the mix up, I am just a tennis fanatic like the rest of you. Here is the TC-100 on top of a Vantage 95. This is the same TC-100 on the website not a special edition or anything.

IMG_4163_zpspr79x9pr.jpg
IMG_4165_zps0zhgj04z.jpg
 
JohnBPittsburgh said:
Just to clarify, and you will have to speak with Paul, the only new PJ is the 90 at this time. The pics I have posted, it seemed like the angle is making it look darker. I apologize for the mix up, I am just a tennis fanatic like the rest of you. Here is the TC-100 on top of a Vantage 95. This is the same TC-100 on the website not a special edition or anything.

IMG_4163_zpspr79x9pr.jpg
IMG_4165_zps0zhgj04z.jpg
Click to expand...
Nice images... I liked the green but I liked the brighter less transparent green grommets better. I too am curious about the Flex of the 63ra TC95. I seem to serve best with pretty flexable frames (the best being my Becker London tour mid) but my Pacific XFeel pro 95 is very good for a mid plus too. Im curious how the TC 95 compares against more flexible frames like the MW 200G etc... the RF 97 is just too stiff for me to ever consider. Oh and the black fairway grip... YEAH my max 200G had one of those!
 
I can't wait to put the blue on, and I plan on ordering the red grommets as well, I think they look awesome!! I want to make my racquets match, cause I am silly like that :P
 
I plan to order my racquets with different colors, to color code it. I already have the black and I'll get the blue, red and bright green ;-)
 
Nobody likes the orange?? I like the blue and orange the best.

Anyone combine the grommets for a multi-colored look? Does it work? Thinking black top and bottom, orange on the sides. Or a red, white, and blue patriotic look.
 
The_Racketeer said:
Nobody likes the orange?? I like the blue and orange the best.

Anyone combine the grommets for a multi-colored look? Does it work? Thinking black top and bottom, orange on the sides. Or a red, white, and blue patriotic look.
Click to expand...

I ordered mine with orange ;) If i end up ordering another, i'll try perhaps red or blue. Combo color a bit to much for me.
 
Racketeer, When I restring next, I am going with blue and black. Not sure what color where, I will set the grommets next to the frame and go for whatever looks the best. I will of course post pics!!! I wanted to do the red white and blue for the US OPEN, but I have to see if I even have the grommets for it (it might be a little too much for the eyes though....maybe it will distract my opponents!!)
 
The_Racketeer said:
Nobody likes the orange?? I like the blue and orange the best.

Anyone combine the grommets for a multi-colored look? Does it work? Thinking black top and bottom, orange on the sides. Or a red, white, and blue patriotic look.
Click to expand...
Bloody hell, forgot about orange... Is the orange a nice looking orange? If yes, it may replace the red
 
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JohnBPittsburgh said:
Racketeer, When I restring next, I am going with blue and black. Not sure what color where, I will set the grommets next to the frame and go for whatever looks the best. I will of course post pics!!! I wanted to do the red white and blue for the US OPEN, but I have to see if I even have the grommets for it (it might be a little too much for the eyes though....maybe it will distract my opponents!!)
Click to expand...

Also if you do it wrong it'll look more like the French flag than USA colors. Maybe you can get white strings and just do blue and red grommets.
 
I received my sticks last night from my stringer buddy, TC95 with full bed of Signum Tornado 1.18 at 55/52 and my RF97 strung with Ashaway Kevlar and Zyex at 60/45.

I overlapped both and the headsize looked very similar with the TC95 seemingly have a longer hoop shape than the RF97.

With the RF97 having kevlar mains which is indeed noticeably lighter than poly mains, the pickup weight between the two felt very similar.

Another observation I had was that the grip size of the TC95 is a bit smaller than the RF97. Both L3.

Can't weight to play this weekend, cheers!
 
Taveren said:
I received my sticks last night from my stringer buddy, TC95 with full bed of Signum Tornado 1.18 at 55/52 and my RF97 strung with Ashaway Kevlar and Zyex at 60/45.

I overlapped both and the headsize looked very similar with the TC95 seemingly have a longer hoop shape than the RF97.

With the RF97 having kevlar mains which is indeed noticeably lighter than poly mains, the pickup weight between the two felt very similar.

Another observation I had was that the grip size of the TC95 is a bit smaller than the RF97. Both L3.

Can't weight to play this weekend, cheers!
Click to expand...

Can't wait to see your review Taveren. That will give me a good indication regarding the TC95 if it's really worth it :)
 
How's the power and spin of the TC95? I've been eyeing up the TC100 but the 16x19 95 seems to still offer a quality baseline basher with better maneuverability.
 
The shots are from an angle, which is misleading. You should try to take the shot strait from above. Then you'll notice that the width is the same and the length is a bit more on the TC95.

Anyway, the size is "about the same" as comparison :)
 
The_Racketeer said:
Have you gotten a chance to hit with the new racquets? Any initial thoughts Taveren?
Click to expand...

My thoughts on the RF97 strung with Kevlar/Zyex at 60/45 can be found at the ESP thread here: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/inde...e-the-future-of-tennis-strings.468680/page-12
post # 563

Now for the TC95, The one I have has the following specs: 320g RA of 63 and 18x20 string pattern, strung with a full bed of Signum Pro Tornado 18ga at 55/52lbs. with a dampener and 2 layers of OG.

First things first is that it is no RF97 with my racquet specs, it does not compare with the power and plow through. perhaps at 330g version will be closer to the RF97. I am planning on adding some lead to the hoop and some blue tack on the butt cap to balance it.

My strokes are rather on the flat side but hitting groundstrokes with the TC95 felt like I was imparting more spin than usual, the sweet spot is rather generous and offers a very satisfying feeling on impact. This the most comfortable racquet I have hit so far, comparable to my GRad Pro with Nat Gut/Poly. (I am not sure if this is because of the Tornado Strings though)

No vibrations for me though, just that clean solid feel on impact that makes me want to swing faster and harder. I really like this stick a lot. It is very maneuverable (compared to RF97) and swings fast in the air. my only gripe is when I am trying to redirect pace, I need to grip it tighter than what I do with my RF97 or else the racquet will twist in my hand on heavy shots. might be due to off center hit but when it is spot on you could do pretty much everything with this stick.

I did not notice any flex on the throat but I can say that it is a really plush and comfortable racket with that solid feel. All in all the TC95 is an absolutely wonderful stick that IMO will be an awesome doubles stick, perhaps the heavier version will perform great as a baseline players stick.

Hope this helps, cheers!
 
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