The_Racketeer
Professional
Can't see your pic! 
Angell TC95 vs RF97 - Review
- Thread starter Bogdan_TT
- Start date
The_Racketeer
Professional
He doesn't advertise it due to how hard it is to string.
Can't see your pic!
I didn't know Paul had an option for invisible racquet.
Fixed
JohnBPittsburgh
Hall of Fame
They look awesome!!! Are you going to string them all up with the exact same setup? Or are you going to do some experimenting 
Experimenting, of courseThey look awesome!!! Are you going to string them all up with the exact same setup? Or are you going to do some experimenting
Tomorrow I'll have it like this:
Wilson Sensation mains + MSV Hex crosses
Black 23/21 kg
Blue 21/19
Red 21/19
Green 19/17
Anton
Legend
Experimenting, of course
Tomorrow I'll have it like this:
Wilson Sensation mains + MSV Hex crosses
Black 23/21 kg
Blue 21/19
Red 21/19
Green 19/17
Nice frames, but that stringjob will probably pop in 1-2 hours max - no?
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realplayer
Semi-Pro
Still love the tc95 but right now I found a racket which I like just as much and it is one of 40 euro(wilson six-two)
I really dislike the tc100 though.
I really dislike the tc100 though.
If you don't mind, please elaborate on why you don't like the 100 as I'm vacillating between the two.
realplayer
Semi-Pro
The tc100 has a lot of space between the strings which doesn't suit my relatively flat strokes, my precision really suffered. Besides that I feel that the 100 headsize is rather cumbersome which is quite weird because my six-two 100 has a much thicker beam and I always customize them to the same weight and swingweight.
The tc95 is really a great racket with a lot of feel and a big sweetspot which will compensate the slightly smaller headsize.
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Thanks. I just acquired a 100 and while there's a lot that I like about it (incredible plow, monster serves, stable, solid), it feels, well, somewhat clunky at times and a fair amount heavier than I had anticipated (especially SW after final layup and build; something that Racketeer discussed earlier and why he went with the 95). Your note that it was "cumbersome" struck home with me; and also weird as I've played with other 100's before and didn't feel that. I've never played with a 95 before (always 98 or 100) so I'm somewhat intrigued by your observations about the 95 as it seems like a big jump/reduction from a 100. I also have relatively flat strokes, can supply my own power (I'm a strong 4.0 level), more or less an all-courter. But with the 100 so far (only played twice with it at this point), I find a lot of my ground strokes going uncharacteristically long; don't feel as in control as I'd like. Could be strings and me still getting used to the racquet, but am interested in all that I'm reading on these boards about the 95. How is it at net? Plow/power on tap?
J
joohan
Guest
Experimenting, of course
Tomorrow I'll have it like this:
Wilson Sensation mains + MSV Hex crosses
Black 23/21 kg
Blue 21/19
Red 21/19
Green 19/17
"Be sure to post a review" is redundant request I guess...
The_Racketeer
Professional
I'm really happy I went with the 95 instead of the 100. The Angell site describes it as an all around stick, and it is. Great from the baseline but also quick at net and rock steady. Plow will be dependent on what weight you choose, but in my experience it's got more than other racquets in the same weight class. As far as the jump from 100 to 95, don't be frightened. I laid my PCG100 on top of my TC95 and the size difference is minimal. Same length just slightly narrower. But the sweetspot is very generous, so you've probably got more prime hitting surface area than many 100s. I feel like the foam filling in the hoop acts like running lead around the hoop, pulling the sweetspot out more.
Thanks, Racket; great insights. I believe you went with the 70RA, with the understanding from Paul that it would ultimately be around 63 or 64 once it's built and strung up. Did he ever give you any insights as to how much a difference in SW you would have if you went with the 63RA? Negligible? Substantial? I have somewhat of tender elbow (not bad, but don't want it to get worse) and while I know the 70 is allegedly really a 64 or so when all is said and done, it does give me pause.
The_Racketeer
Professional
The number 70 kinda stands out like an arm-killing Babolat beacon. But don't worry, it's quite soft. Keep in mind that Angell racquets are foam filled, which further reduces vibration. Sort of like how Volkl has their handle tech to do the same. The RA isn't the only thing that affects elbows.
I initially was considering the 63RA version but Paul did explain that the swingweight difference is more than negligible. If you tell him your potential specs he can give you a narrow range that your swingweight will fall into. The best way to get detailed answers is from the designer himself.
Once I decided to get one, I spent about 2 weeks discussing Angell frames on TT and communicating with Paul before I knew exactly what I wanted and placed my order. Tool him less time to build and ship the thing than it did me to make a decision.
The_Racketeer
Professional
They look amazing!Yey! My 4 x TC95 are finally here in all their beauty
Are they all exactly the same? I see 1 white handle, is that just an OG?
Can you give your impressions of the different color grommet options? I have blue and it looks great. I've heard some aren't as nice.
Did you get leather? How's it feel?
Yes, they're exactly the same. The white one is my original one, with an overgrip and was used to build the other 3 at the same specs. Now all of them have a white overgrip and are strung with MSV Hex mains and Weiss Cannon Silverstring cross.
I played today with the one having 21/19 kilos. Great plow and spin. I was in full control. The serve was a tad slower, but very precise, compared with Champions Choice. Overall, I can say that I missed them in the last month
I have black leather, I have a weakness for leather. The feel is as expected, firm and crisp. I like to feel the grip's edges/indents.
As for colors, they all look good. The green one is translucent, but looks okish.
AMGF
Hall of Fame
I am now considering trying one of these frame as well.
I wanted to try an extended frame for a while, so I think I'd go for a 27.5" frame. Anyone has any idea how that will affect the swing weight and other aspects of the frame (plow, serve, volley, etc)?
My ideal set up (I think) would be
TC95
27.5"
63ra
330g
not sure about balance, but I'd like somewhere in the 340s.
I wanted to try an extended frame for a while, so I think I'd go for a 27.5" frame. Anyone has any idea how that will affect the swing weight and other aspects of the frame (plow, serve, volley, etc)?
My ideal set up (I think) would be
TC95
27.5"
63ra
330g
not sure about balance, but I'd like somewhere in the 340s.
unclenimrod
Rookie
Had a long thread about whether that was how to come up with what works for you without a demo program. Glad to see someone thinks like I do. What did you use before you got your first angell?
The_Racketeer
Professional
I'm guessing high swingweight and huge plow. If you can get it around (i couldn't) the serves should be monster.
AMGF
Hall of Fame
That's what I think too. My current frames are Graphen Prestige Pros with lead and I have a swing weight of 342.
If I could get the Angell 27.5 in that ballpark, I wouldn't go much higher than that.
There are two things that are different for me to an extended lenght:
- slightly different contact angle, taking just a bit of time to adjust for the extra lenght
- faster head movement through the air, thus giving more spin
In theory the swingweight should be higher, but I don't think by much. You could use a calculator to see how much lenght increases swingweight.
Eh, too many (in order of earlier to latest): PS90BLX, PD Roddick, Graph Radical Pro, PS95, PS95s, Yonex Tour G310, Graph Prestige MP, Youtek IG Pretige MP, Prince Tour 100, Dunlop MW 200g, PS90 2014, RF97, PS85, RF97 again and Prince Textreme Tour 95 - and I still think I'm missing some. All of these heavily modified with various quantities of lead under bumper and in the grip, varying balances etc.
dnlcarvalho
Rookie
Could you write a short description of how your Angells compare to the PS90 2014? I also own one and it'd be my raquet of choice if it weren't for my sensitive arm. Maneuverability, stiffness (comfort), spin, power, etc..?
Funny, they're very much alike. I loved the PS90.
Take into account that my PS90 2014 is leaded and has 370g strung and with overgrip, while the TC is longer by .5":
Control - about the same
Spin - in favour of TC95
Power - About the same
Stiffness - About the same
Maneuverability - for some reason the TC is faster through the air
Serve - TC is more powerful. Same precision with both.
PS90 favours flatter shots while TC95 puts more spin on them.
It's easier to defend with the TC.
I got to admit that at some point I was very intrigued to order a TC90, extended length, from Paul. That would be interesting.
Disclamer:
Now, to make it clear, I know I sound very excited about Angell racquets now, but they are ok for me and me alone. I know people that hate my racquets when they play with them but also acknowledged that my game improved a lot since I use them. This is important to understand: my feel and opinions are my own and I really found the racquet that helps me, for the moment. In 1,2,3,4,5,6...24th month from now on I may play with something different and think that Angell is not fit anymore for my game. I mean, I played for a long time with the PS85 and people thought I'm crazy, and that was not so long ago
Great stick, loved it. But, despite anything, I got to say that they are the best racquets I played with in terms of raw quality (build and materials).Care to comment regarding the Textreme Tour 95 vs. your TC95? Seems like the Textreme has a lot of followers and received high marks from TW.
topspn
G.O.A.T.
For me, not even in the ball park. The TT95 which i played with for around 3 months is a good racquet for someone who is super comfortable with a low powered racquet to achieve consistency and a very whippy light racquet. You can't dictate with the racquet unless you add too much weight which messes up the balance for me. Good touch, comfortable and decent top spin. My TC 95 is 330 gm unstrung and 12 HL. Simply put does everything better and by a margin. Dictating handily while having excellent control with heavy top spin is no issue at all. To really make use of the TC 95 you have to be very aware of the personal specs of what you want for your game. This is essential to being successful with the TC 95
TT95 is a mistery for me. In factory specs is unpredictable, meaning that out of 3 same shots one goes haywire. This is mainly due to a shift in power. Low low high, out
I just can't be consistent with it.After leading it up, it's more consistent but has no feel... As much as I tried to like it, I ended up hating it. :-(
One of our posters contacted me on private and asked about Swing Weight.
He made me curious and I just measured it using an iPad app called "Swing Tool".
The following are for the strung racquet with a Wilson Pro overgrip:
Weight: 350g
Balance: 32.4cm
Hang point: 66cm
Balance period measured by iPad camera: 1.395s
Swing weight: 349 kg/cm2
That's interesting as it's right where I like my racquets to be. Funny
I hope this is decent info for those of you that like my spec.
Of course, for others - keep in mind that I have a different lenght and that SW will vary for you.
Disclamer: I used measurements made by me and an iPad app... I can't vouch about the accuracy of the final number. Unfortunately I don't have access to an RDC machine.
He made me curious and I just measured it using an iPad app called "Swing Tool".
The following are for the strung racquet with a Wilson Pro overgrip:
Weight: 350g
Balance: 32.4cm
Hang point: 66cm
Balance period measured by iPad camera: 1.395s
Swing weight: 349 kg/cm2
That's interesting as it's right where I like my racquets to be. Funny
I hope this is decent info for those of you that like my spec.
Of course, for others - keep in mind that I have a different lenght and that SW will vary for you.
Disclamer: I used measurements made by me and an iPad app... I can't vouch about the accuracy of the final number. Unfortunately I don't have access to an RDC machine.
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Backhanded Compliment
Legend
Man that sounds like where im at... Im using a super whippy frame but what I often need is a dictating stick.
TT95 is a mistery for me. In factory specs is unpredictable, meaning that out of 3 same shots one goes haywire. This is mainly due to a shift in power. Low low high, out
After leading it up, it's more consistent but has no feel... As much as I tried to like it, I ended up hating it. :-(
Yeah right now the TT95 just sounds like a more powerful and easier to use version of my Pacific X Feel 95... I kinda want something more than an incremental change.... I see the TC95 as being very Prostaff 85-ish in a 96 or 97-ish headsize. I like the mass and plow of a foam filled frame.
dnlcarvalho
Rookie
That's a great expectation!
Does anyone know how much does the Angell leather grip weigh? I use Volkl and Pacific leather and they weigh about 23g.
Interesting. I played with PS85 for quite a while. TC95 does have the stability of PS85. It's not as surgical. Has more power and spin. And it's as fast through the air.
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
Yeah no 95 is as surgical as a good 85... best Ive found in that department is the X feel pro 95 but it is very demanding. On serve it is actually more demanding than a PS85...
What brought me to considering an Angell TC95 was hitting with a PS85 for the first time in years last march... good to hear it has the plow/stability and maneuverability... the XFP95 has the maneuverability and plow but no power, it plays a lot like a mid but with less power on tap, more forgiving from backcourt for long rallies though.
I had a birthday recently so Ill probably start looking for a used one or just bite the bullet and order one from Paul. I know what I want and Ive always liked his design characteristics and these days very few are making sticks that I'd consider switching to.
My demo list:
Pacific X Tour Pro 97
Angell TC95 63 RA 16x19 12pts HL
maybe a Volkl 10
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J
joohan
Guest
Which Volkl would you like to try? Super G Mids?
0d1n
Hall of Fame
It is similar. Being leather it can vary by 1-2 grams, but 23-24 grams is what my grips weigh (handle size = #4...4 1/2 since that will matter).
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
I already have a Becker London Tour mid... similar as the Beckers are a subset of Volkl. It is the best serving racquet Ive ever used. It just doesnt work great for my topspin backhand, which is my goto weapon. Basically it needs to be a 95 and be a little less of a noodle... I think the Angell or Pacific will deliver that.
The only Volkl that excites memuch right now is this: http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Volkl_Super_G_10_325g/descpageRCVOLKL-VSG103.html
Thing is the pacific XTP97 and the Super G10 both are stifffer than I want... I serve way better with a flexy frame (no idea why but Im real curious, I grew up playing with wood and the Max 200G). That leaves the Angell... it doesnt have that noodle like feel even though it is flexy... the engineered constant flex rather than noodle like flex I keep hearing about seems promising. Wish I could hit with one.
Hi Bogdan_TT.Yey! My 4 x TC95 are finally here in all their beauty
They are so beautiful!
Are they 18x20 ?
I am now stuck in the middle between 16x19 and 18x20.
Could anyone tell the difference of 16x19/18x20 in TC95?
Taveren
Professional
I have a TC95 18x20 which I got second hand, I am loving it for doubles this days but if given the choice I think I will stick to 16x19 since my strokes are rather flat and will benefit with the more open pattern. plus my preferred singles stick is 16x19.
Thanks, Taveren.
My strokes are also flat. I'll think about that.
topspn
G.O.A.T.
For me, very odd descriptions by some posters on differences between TC100 and TC95. I have both racquets to almost exact specs 330G, 12HL, 27" , strung with same poly and maybe 2 points difference in SW. Both are beautiful racquets and there is almost no difference in how they swing. Maybe 95 is a tad quicker but by the smallest of margins and more perceived on volleys. TC95 also gives more precision but precision is very good with the 100. I can pretty much switch between them seamlessly.
Actually, for flat strokes 18x20 is better, as the dense pattern will give more predictable strokes. 16x19 is better when trying to obtain spin.
However, I can obtain spin just fine with 18x20. The difference for me is the launch angle. 16x18 launches the ball at a higher angle while 18x20 hits more strait to the net, while using the same stroke.
So I will never use 18x20 anymore, as I don't want to change my stroke.
It depends a lot on what you're used to.
For me, the biggest difference in racquets is the string pattern, so I don't change that anymore.
But it brings up an interesting point. If one has relatively flat strokes to begin with and wants to improve his ability to impart spin and a higher net clearance to maybe add more diversity of shots to his arsenal, perhaps a "flat hitter" should try out a 16x19 in order to more easily attain this goal. Also, some manufacturers design their 16x19 racquets to be a bit a more dense in the middle/sweetspot than traditional 16x19 racquets; Paul actually mentioned to me that the TC 100 is designed that way.
That's how I did it. I "evolved" my flat shot into a spinny one. 16x19 for the win ;-)
J
joohan
Guest
I guess its highly individual. I like a tighter spin that 18x20 produces more than that of 16x18 or 16x19. I play with a 16x20 so in reality, I'm right in the middle. + depends on spacing etc.
The_Racketeer
Professional
I have a TC95 16x19 and was initially concerned that the smaller head size vs the TC100 would create too dense a string pattern. I was wrong. The spin potential is fantastic with the TC95 16x19. I hit a full western forehand and this racquet imparts better spin than my PCG100 16x18. And I can hit punch volleys back deeper and with more precision than with my PCG100.
The Angell website describes the TC95 16x19 as a true all-rounder. And it is.
The Angell website describes the TC95 16x19 as a true all-rounder. And it is.
Actually the launch angle is being given by the number of mains... So 16x19 will pretty much launch at the same angle as a 16x21. The denser crosses should give more stability/predictability left/right.
But yes, it's a matter of idividual preferrence.
Anton
Legend
I don't agree with that - any decrease in string spacing reduces launch angle (with same string/tension) because main movement is more restricted by tighter weave.
J
joohan
Guest
It seems logical to me. My 16x19 on a 105 sq frame has a significantly bigger launch angle than a 16x18 on a 95(not mentioning the 85). I agree about the predictability of 18x20 though.
The_Racketeer
Professional
Strings and tension are also factors here. String loose with slick strings and you're going to get a lot more string movement. This can affect launch angle too, adding more spin a pop to a ball.
