ANGELL - Which TC? What string pattern?

Which racquet?

  • Angell TC 95 16x19

    Votes: 15 27.8%
  • Angell TC 95 18x20

    Votes: 8 14.8%
  • Angell TC 97 18x20

    Votes: 10 18.5%
  • Angell TC 97 16x19

    Votes: 15 27.8%
  • Ultra tour

    Votes: 2 3.7%
  • Prince Phantom 100 XR

    Votes: 3 5.6%
  • Prince Phantom 100 XR-J

    Votes: 1 1.9%

  • Total voters
    54

Ace214

Rookie
Hey guys, so this is what I'm looking for in a racquet:

- Plush, buttery feel
- Stable (while being under 12 oz would be ideal!)
- Tons of control
- Free power (this is just an added bonus, and does't have as much priority as the previously mentioned - if I'm not asking for too much)

Based on that, after considering many racquets, I've narrowed down my choice to the Angell racquets. However, I still have a couple of questions, that I'd love your guys' (particularly Angell users, current and ex) opinion on:

1) I'm currently deciding between the TC 95 and TC 97 - I'm leaning towards the 97 since that is the headsize I'm used to. What are the pros and cons of each based on what I'm looking for in a racquet?
2) Based on my wants, would the 16x19 or 18x20 work better? Disclaimer, I'm more user to the 16x19, but I'm more than happy to make the switch if it'll fit my requirements better.

Or, curveball ahead, should I wait for the Ultra Tour if you think that's a better fit?... or maybe the Radical Touch**, which people have started to murmur about.

Thanks a ton for your time! :)

** Although, my hopes of Head making a racquet along the lines of its Microel or Youtek IG series are long gone

PS: I quite liked the Prince TT100P, so that's also on the back of my mind - not the Phantom 100 since its string pattern is something I don't think I'll be comfortable with. The Textreme + Twaron Beast series looks real nice though - sigh, to be in Japan.
 

Tordne

Semi-Pro
I'm about the declare the Prince Phantom my new racket of choice. It's on the lower powered end of things, like the TT100P I expect (not hit that specifically), but I can tell you there is nothing that is as plush and has as much feel out there right now (in my opinion of course).

To give you a point of reference for my statement. I've used Head Pro Stock, Angell TC97 18x20 and TC100 63RA, Head Graphene XT Prestige (both MP and Pro), Head Graphene XT Radical Pro, Yonex DR98 and SV98, Babolat Pure Strike (P17). So a bunch of rackets upon which to make comparisons.
 

Ace214

Rookie
I'm about the declare the Prince Phantom my new racket of choice. It's on the lower powered end of things, like the TT100P I expect (not hit that specifically), but I can tell you there is nothing that is as plush and has as much feel out there right now (in my opinion of course).

To give you a point of reference for my statement. I've used Head Pro Stock, Angell TC97 18x20 and TC100 63RA, Head Graphene XT Prestige (both MP and Pro), Head Graphene XT Radical Pro, Yonex DR98 and SV98, Babolat Pure Strike (P17). So a bunch of rackets upon which to make comparisons.

Quite hesitant on that because of the string pattern and the fact that I've never used a racquet with ports before!
 

Tordne

Semi-Pro
Quite hesitant on that because of the string pattern and the fact that I've never used a racquet with ports before!

I switched from Prince when they introduced the ports originally. I thought they would be hard on strings and was just generally a bit of a hater (for not real justified reason). They've obviously developed that for years now and I have to say I love the Phantom so much. It is also about the kindest racket on strings that I've encountered in a long time.
 

Tordne

Semi-Pro
Ah, that's fair. Have you had the chance to test out the Pro 100 XR without the ports by any chance?

No I haven't sorry. I also avoided the ports because I thought stringing would be annoying. That's not a big deal either (done about 10 ported rackets now). Having now experienced that amount of string movement (spin) and comfort from the ported Phantom I'm a convert. I sort of almost feel like I've been doing myself an injustice all these years actively avoiding it.
 

Tordne

Semi-Pro
FYI the XRJ Phantom is just going to be known as the Prince Phantom 100 on TW. I think that's just what they are called in the Japanese market. You'll also find that they'll get very few votes, simply because they are just not readily available (only a handful of people here will have or experienced them at the moment).
 

Ace214

Rookie
FYI the XRJ Phantom is just going to be known as the Prince Phantom 100 on TW. I think that's just what they are called in the Japanese market. You'll also find that they'll get very few votes, simply because they are just not readily available (only a handful of people here will have or experienced them at the moment).

Thanks for the head's up! Quite strange considering that when I first saw the racquets on the Japanese Prince website, I figured that the 'J' model would be exclusive to Japan. But the fact that it's being sold under a different name just goes to show how autonomous Prince Japan really is haha
 

Subaruvich

Semi-Pro
Hey guys, so this is what I'm looking for in a racquet:

- Plush, buttery feel
- Stable (while being under 12 oz would be ideal!)
- Tons of control
- Free power (this is just an added bonus, and does't have as much priority as the previously mentioned - if I'm not asking for too much)

Based on that, after considering many racquets, I've narrowed down my choice to the Angell racquets. However, I still have a couple of questions, that I'd love your guys' (particularly Angell users, current and ex) opinion on:

1) I'm currently deciding between the TC 95 and TC 97 - I'm leaning towards the 97 since that is the headsize I'm used to. What are the pros and cons of each based on what I'm looking for in a racquet?
2) Based on my wants, would the 16x19 or 18x20 work better? Disclaimer, I'm more user to the 16x19, but I'm more than happy to make the switch if it'll fit my requirements better.

Or, curveball ahead, should I wait for the Ultra Tour if you think that's a better fit?... or maybe the Radical Touch**, which people have started to murmur about.

Thanks a ton for your time! :)

** Although, my hopes of Head making a racquet along the lines of its Microel or Youtek IG series are long gone

PS: I quite liked the Prince TT100P, so that's also on the back of my mind - not the Phantom 100 since its string pattern is something I don't think I'll be comfortable with. The Textreme + Twaron Beast series looks real nice though - sigh, to be in Japan.

I'd say TC95 if you look for power and spin. And TC97 18x20 if you look for more control. Both have great feel and more power than new Ultra Tour or TT100P.
 

Ace214

Rookie
How's the stability on the PP100?

I'm about the declare the Prince Phantom my new racket of choice. It's on the lower powered end of things, like the TT100P I expect (not hit that specifically), but I can tell you there is nothing that is as plush and has as much feel out there right now (in my opinion of course).

To give you a point of reference for my statement. I've used Head Pro Stock, Angell TC97 18x20 and TC100 63RA, Head Graphene XT Prestige (both MP and Pro), Head Graphene XT Radical Pro, Yonex DR98 and SV98, Babolat Pure Strike (P17). So a bunch of rackets upon which to make comparisons.
 

Tordne

Semi-Pro
How's the stability on the PP100?

I think the Prince Phantom 100 is almost the perfect racket. The only thing I have struggled with is getting a big flat serve going. Slice and kick servers are awesome, and often more effective in match play than a bomb anyway. Stability of the racket on returns of server, groundstrokes and volleys are awesome. Because the racket is so soft and comfortable you get the impression that perhaps you're not hitting as bigger ball as you might like. But ask you're opponents, it's big and it's got tons of spin :)

I think the standard spec of the Phantom is really accessible to most players. You're looking at around a (strung) 324 gram static weight (without overgrip), 322 mm balance (7HL) and a swingweight around 320. I play with very big hitters and prefer a racket with a bit more mass. So I have modified mine to a spec of 350 grams, 311 mm balance (10HL) and swingweight of 340.
 

CopolyX

Hall of Fame
your hands so no clue...
you may have to go through a testing / demo period / or even buy sell....
all I can say, for me....
Tried a ton and currently my go to's are 3 tc97c's 18 x20 12.8 oz / pt HL..
New Ultra, well might be nice but it is not foam filled and would require lots of weight/customizing (for me). & at 249....well wilson can go pound sand...
Textremes, had most of them...nice frames...just the Angel's has that special classic feel with more.....
Once you try it, your either in our out...
 

DJ-

Hall of Fame
your hands so no clue...
you may have to go through a testing / demo period / or even buy sell....
all I can say, for me....
Tried a ton and currently my go to's are 3 tc97c's 18 x20 12.8 oz / pt HL..
New Ultra, well might be nice but it is not foam filled and would require lots of weight/customizing (for me). & at 249....well wilson can go pound sand...
Textremes, had most of them...nice frames...just the Angel's has that special classic feel with more.....
Once you try it, your either in our out...

The tc97 18m is addictive especially with nat gut/smooth poly.. or even full poly at low tensions
 

CopolyX

Hall of Fame
The tc97 18m is addictive especially with nat gut/smooth poly.. or even full poly at low tensions
Yep, this proof is the serves and the wins....nasty around the net also...
I have two with that a setup. n gut and copoly....
one, 17 gauge L. vorso @ 46 ..
fun stuff.,,
 

DJ-

Hall of Fame
Yep, this proof is the serves and the wins....nasty around the net also...
I have two with that a setup. n gut and copoly....
one, 17 gauge L. vorso @ 46 ..
fun stuff.,,

Very nice, I was actually surprised by the power and serves, more pop than my pt630/280. Getting one strung with head hawk touch 1.25 46/44 as we speak... I feel a tc100 18x20 would be menacing as well
 

bkfinch

Semi-Pro
Very nice, I was actually surprised by the power and serves, more pop than my pt630/280. Getting one strung with head hawk touch 1.25 46/44 as we speak... I feel a tc100 18x20 would be menacing as well

Nice to read. In what ways does it feel stiffer than the PT?
 

DJ-

Hall of Fame
Nice to read. In what ways does it feel stiffer than the PT?

Hard to describe something about the way it flexes, feels more substantial in the upper hoop. It also feels like when you play with a brand new frame vs old worn in frame. Very solid and they play heavier than their specs for sure. I have hit with others tc97 and tc100 and they all play heavier.
 

bkfinch

Semi-Pro
Hard to describe something about the way it flexes, feels more substantial in the upper hoop. It also feels like when you play with a brand new frame vs old worn in frame. Very solid and they play heavier than their specs for sure. I have hit with others tc97 and tc100 and they all play heavier.

Pretty cool. Just wish I could try one. Anyway I think the OP is on the right track/being helped by the right people.
 
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CopolyX

Hall of Fame
Hard to describe something about the way it flexes, feels more substantial in the upper hoop. It also feels like when you play with a brand new frame vs old worn in frame. Very solid and they play heavier than their specs for sure. I have hit with others tc97 and tc100 and they all play heavier.
True but for the HL reason (mine 9-10 pts HL) on my end, I don't feel it..very maneuverable .feels whippy...
Volleys & serves are the true litmus test for me on that (maneuverability). And the mass/swing weight is a big plus...
 
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Ace214

Rookie
Pretty cool. Just wish I could try one. Anyway I think the OP is on the right track/being helped by the right people.

I definitely am! The community here has been incredible thus far! I started with thinking I'd be getting an IG Rad MP, and here I am a few days later trying to decide between a PP100 and TC97 18x20. Much tough decision.
 

DJ-

Hall of Fame
True but for the HL reason (mine 9-10 pts HL) on my end, I don't feel it..very maneuverable .feels whippy...
Volleys & serves are the true litmus test for me on that (maneuverability). And the mass/swing weight is a big plus...

That must feel whippy if that's strung! mine is 6 points and feels just right especially doubles play, volleying....
 

kizzle

New User
Sorry to hijack slighty but speaking of getting to your specs, do any Angell lovers have thoughts on buying more of a platform type spec vs. building closer to spec from the factory? If I'm looking for TC97 approximate strung specs of a around 345g, 333sw and 8-9pts HL would I want to go with 300, 310, or 320?

Does excessive tinkering mess with the classic Angell feel?

Also what's up with the 66ra on the TC97's? Used to be choice of 63ra or 70ra but now 66ra and just on the TC97. Can't find much info on the strategy here or if people are happy with it.
 

Jouke

Professional
Also what's up with the 66ra on the TC97's? Used to be choice of 63ra or 70ra but now 66ra and just on the TC97. Can't find much info on the strategy here or if people are happy with it.

Please if you are interested in this frame take a little effort and read the whole Angell topic, its worth it!
The TC97 comes in just one Ra! And this has always been this way.
 

Jouke

Professional
Drifting further and further toward the Prince Phantom 100!
Don't do it, it won't be for you. Has no free power whatsoever! Has good control for such an open pattern, but not tons of control.

You want stable, tons of control, normal to good power with the right mechanics and a nice power on the serve: go TC97 18x20.
 

Ace214

Rookie
The free power would be an added bonus, I don't mind losing out on that front!

You said 'good control for such an open pattern' - How good is good? Could you give a comparison?

What do you think the PP100 has over the TC97 and vice verca?


Thanks for your input!

Don't do it, it won't be for you. Has no free power whatsoever! Has good control for such an open pattern, but not tons of control.

You want stable, tons of control, normal to good power with the right mechanics and a nice power on the serve: go TC97 18x20.
 

Jouke

Professional
I know you speak of added bonus, but it simply has no power in stock form. I strung it at 21/20 kgs.

Pros Phantom: most comfortable racket I have ever hit with.
Good control
Nice spinny racket, without crazy high launch angle, and still able to hit good flat shots.
Love it at the net!!


TC97 18x20: power is there with good mechanics
Serves very very well for me (it's my best serving stick)
Control is really great, it's my line painting racket :)
The standard shot is relatively flat, you have to focus on creating the spin yourself.

Ask yourself what kind of a player you are. I hit flat shots, like to go for winners and don't really like to wait for my opponent to make the mistakes. I like tontry to play Dominic Thiem style, allmor nothing.

If you have arm problems, need the most comfort you can possibly get, like to play spinny tennis and rely on spin to keep your balls in, or even if you like to go to the net a lot, go phantom.
 

kizzle

New User
Please if you are interested in this frame take a little effort and read the whole Angell topic, its worth it!
The TC97 comes in just one Ra! And this has always been this way.

Really? When I was looking a couple of years ago I seem to remember my only choices were 63 and 70.

And, I just pulled this from The Angelltennis website. Please note the RA.

String Pattern – 16×19
Weight -320g / 11.4oz
Balance – 310mm / 10 pts HL
Stiffness – 63RA
Length – 27” / 685.8mm
Grip shape – B
Grip type – High Tack PU Grey
The TC97 Tour specifications have been selected from our best selling custom options for this model.


And thanks I have taken a 'little effort' and looked through some of the 11k posts trying to learn a bit more about it. I can only read about 20 pages of a thread with no relevant info before needing a break.

Serves my right for slightly high-jacking the thread. Apologies.


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Ace214

Rookie
Really? When I was looking a couple of years ago I seem to remember my only choices were 63 and 70.

And, I just pulled this from The Angelltennis website. Please note the RA.

String Pattern – 16×19
Weight -320g / 11.4oz
Balance – 310mm / 10 pts HL
Stiffness – 63RA
Length – 27” / 685.8mm
Grip shape – B
Grip type – High Tack PU Grey
The TC97 Tour specifications have been selected from our best selling custom options for this model.


And thanks I have taken a 'little effort' and looked through some of the 11k posts trying to learn a bit more about it. I can only read about 20 pages of a thread with no relevant info before needing a break.

Serves my right for slightly high-jacking the thread. Apologies.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hakuna Matata lads. Hakuna Matata.
 

Subaruvich

Semi-Pro
Really? When I was looking a couple of years ago I seem to remember my only choices were 63 and 70.

And, I just pulled this from The Angelltennis website. Please note the RA.

String Pattern – 16×19
Weight -320g / 11.4oz
Balance – 310mm / 10 pts HL
Stiffness – 63RA
Length – 27” / 685.8mm
Grip shape – B
Grip type – High Tack PU Grey
The TC97 Tour specifications have been selected from our best selling custom options for this model.


And thanks I have taken a 'little effort' and looked through some of the 11k posts trying to learn a bit more about it. I can only read about 20 pages of a thread with no relevant info before needing a break.

Serves my right for slightly high-jacking the thread. Apologies.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Stiffness on Angell website for 97" Tour is strung. While for custom 97" unstrung. They are both RA66 unstrung.
 

Mirdad

Semi-Pro
I think the Prince Phantom 100 is almost the perfect racket. The only thing I have struggled with is getting a big flat serve going. Slice and kick servers are awesome, and often more effective in match play than a bomb anyway. Stability of the racket on returns of server, groundstrokes and volleys are awesome. Because the racket is so soft and comfortable you get the impression that perhaps you're not hitting as bigger ball as you might like. But ask you're opponents, it's big and it's got tons of spin :)

I think the standard spec of the Phantom is really accessible to most players. You're looking at around a (strung) 324 gram static weight (without overgrip), 322 mm balance (7HL) and a swingweight around 320. I play with very big hitters and prefer a racket with a bit more mass. So I have modified mine to a spec of 350 grams, 311 mm balance (10HL) and swingweight of 340.
Tordne, it's my understanding from some of the posters that it is difficult to customize the Phantom. How did you place the lead tape on the hoop?
Thanks.......
 

Tordne

Semi-Pro
Tordne, it's my understanding from some of the posters that it is difficult to customize the Phantom. How did you place the lead tape on the hoop?
Thanks.......

I've not had any issues at all. The only thing you need to watch for is that any lead tape doesn't overlap any of the space on a port hole. I did that accidentally at the tip and noticed indentations from where the string had impacted the tape (yes the strings really move that much).

So what I've done to my Phantom? My stock SW (318) came in below the 326 average that TW have indicated. So I've added between 4-6 grams of lead at 12. What I do is do two layers of lead and break it up into 4 equal lengths to be added to the frame. The reason for the 4 length (rather than the more typical 2) is to avoid the towers on stringing machines pressing the lead and making it look a bit messy. This change has raised the SW up to between 335-340, obviosuly depending on the string type and gauge.

The next thing I do it counter weight in the handle to retain a HL balance, of between 31.1 and 31.8 (I've been experimenting in this regard). I do that by putting a cotton ball down each tube in the handle and then use Blu Tack in equal quantities in each of the tubes.

That's worked really well for me with this racket. I think the Phantom is one of those rackets that seems to take modification/weight really well. The highest spec I've hd it at was 350 grams static weight, balance of 31.1 (10HL) and SW of 342. It still felt very manageable and like you could go even higher if you wanted to.
 

Mirdad

Semi-Pro
I've not had any issues at all. The only thing you need to watch for is that any lead tape doesn't overlap any of the space on a port hole. I did that accidentally at the tip and noticed indentations from where the string had impacted the tape (yes the strings really move that much).

So what I've done to my Phantom? My stock SW (318) came in below the 326 average that TW have indicated. So I've added between 4-6 grams of lead at 12. What I do is do two layers of lead and break it up into 4 equal lengths to be added to the frame. The reason for the 4 length (rather than the more typical 2) is to avoid the towers on stringing machines pressing the lead and making it look a bit messy. This change has raised the SW up to between 335-340, obviosuly depending on the string type and gauge.

The next thing I do it counter weight in the handle to retain a HL balance, of between 31.1 and 31.8 (I've been experimenting in this regard). I do that by putting a cotton ball down each tube in the handle and then use Blu Tack in equal quantities in each of the tubes.

That's worked really well for me with this racket. I think the Phantom is one of those rackets that seems to take modification/weight really well. The highest spec I've hd it at was 350 grams static weight, balance of 31.1 (10HL) and SW of 342. It still felt very manageable and like you could go even higher if you wanted to.
Thanks Tordne for sharing how you customized your racquet. I recall that the Prince Ozone had a decent of SW326; I enjoyed the feel of that racquet very much. My opponents said I hit a very heavy topspin loaded ball with the Ozone. I am curious, how do you measure the SW of your racquet? Do you use a machine? I've experimented with using the method that the TW University advises but not too sure how accurate that really is versus using a machine. I suppose I could pay TW to make sure the racquet meets the published specs. Too bad we have to pay for this service as IMO we should get what we paid for in the first place. I have a gram scale and a balance board but no tool to calculate SW. I noticed SW machines run into hundreds of dollars so that is out of my budget for now; although I am seriously thinking of buying a stringing machine:)
 

Tordne

Semi-Pro
Thanks Tordne for sharing how you customized your racquet. I recall that the Prince Ozone had a decent of SW326; I enjoyed the feel of that racquet very much. My opponents said I hit a very heavy topspin loaded ball with the Ozone. I am curious, how do you measure the SW of your racquet? Do you use a machine? I've experimented with using the method that the TW University advises but not too sure how accurate that really is versus using a machine. I suppose I could pay TW to make sure the racquet meets the published specs. Too bad we have to pay for this service as IMO we should get what we paid for in the first place. I have a gram scale and a balance board but no tool to calculate SW. I noticed SW machines run into hundreds of dollars so that is out of my budget for now; although I am seriously thinking of buying a stringing machine:)

Initially I built a rig that could hang a racket and then the Swing Tool iOS app. But a few months ago I purchased an Alpha AccuSwing 2 machine to do SW more easily. I also string all my own (and customer) rackets :)

The specs are all averaged, and there can be a decent variance in manufacturing tolerance. I've used the marching service multiple times and I personally think it's a good option, especially if you can't, or don't want to, customise/match yourself.
 

redmini

Semi-Pro
Hakuna Matata lads. Hakuna Matata.


I may have missed it but Ace214 did you settle on a frame? Or are you tempted by the new Angell K7 (98in 305g 16x19 - popular elsewhere in this forum)! I am and can’t decide!

I’ve not tried the tc95 but have tried the tc97 16x19 and tc100 63ra (Vantage 321 in my case) and what people say about the flex is true - flexy hoop, firm shaft but overall plush feel for the 97 versus a more even flex but stiffer hoop for the tc100. I also found the tc97 to hit much flatter and when you hit it from right in the middle the ball went like a rocket. In my case I hit hard anyway so it was too often either a winner, in the net or out the back! On the other hand the tc100 has plenty of power, was as stable and gave more spin. Absolute power was less on the tc100 as there wasn’t the hot spot the tc97 had and it was more controllable with a wider, less powerful sweet spot.

The tc100 (Vantage) is mostly very comfy with most strings over most the stringbed. The only knock on the tc100 (Vantage) was that balls hit off centre in the lower part of the string bed can result in a lot of vibration and this aggravated the golfers elbow I suffered recently. This tends to occur If you get jammed. I don’t know whether this was because it’s an old frame but it was enough for me to look at other frames. (I’d be interested to know if others found the tc100 similar in that regard.)

Oddly the Pro Staff 97 2016 and the Yonex Vcore Dual G 97 and 100 were easier on my GE despite being stiffer. DR98, PO7, DR100, Bab PA & PAT, Head GTSP not so much. Blade CVs were plush on groundstrokes but their HH balance not good for elbow or shoulder (and weirdly difficult to know how much depth you were going to get on each shot - maybe due to the CV ). Meanwhile to heal the GE am using my ‘spare’ -an ex-demo Blade 104 2015 leaded up which is fun and the most comfy of any of the above - even with cyclone tour poly strings in the cold (its 2-5 above freezing here now). Whilst it’s fun it needs some more spin and it lacks power on balls hit at the top of the string bed compared to the above (even leaded up) so am back considering Angell - but the K7. If only I could demo it!

(Or maybe I’ll just get the Yonex DG100 as i liked it best of those non-Angells above and they’re heavily discounted now. )

Decisions, decisions....



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J

joohan

Guest
I may have missed it but Ace214 did you settle on a frame? Or are you tempted by the new Angell K7 (98in 305g 16x19 - popular elsewhere in this forum)! I am and can’t decide!

I’ve not tried the tc95 but have tried the tc97 16x19 and tc100 63ra (Vantage 321 in my case) and what people say about the flex is true - flexy hoop, firm shaft but overall plush feel for the 97 versus a more even flex but stiffer hoop for the tc100. I also found the tc97 to hit much flatter and when you hit it from right in the middle the ball went like a rocket. In my case I hit hard anyway so it was too often either a winner, in the net or out the back! On the other hand the tc100 has plenty of power, was as stable and gave more spin. Absolute power was less on the tc100 as there wasn’t the hot spot the tc97 had and it was more controllable with a wider, less powerful sweet spot.

The tc100 (Vantage) is mostly very comfy with most strings over most the stringbed. The only knock on the tc100 (Vantage) was that balls hit off centre in the lower part of the string bed can result in a lot of vibration and this aggravated the golfers elbow I suffered recently. This tends to occur If you get jammed. I don’t know whether this was because it’s an old frame but it was enough for me to look at other frames. (I’d be interested to know if others found the tc100 similar in that regard.)

Oddly the Pro Staff 97 2016 and the Yonex Vcore Dual G 97 and 100 were easier on my GE despite being stiffer. DR98, PO7, DR100, Bab PA & PAT, Head GTSP not so much. Blade CVs were plush on groundstrokes but their HH balance not good for elbow or shoulder (and weirdly difficult to know how much depth you were going to get on each shot - maybe due to the CV ). Meanwhile to heal the GE am using my ‘spare’ -an ex-demo Blade 104 2015 leaded up which is fun and the most comfy of any of the above - even with cyclone tour poly strings in the cold (its 2-5 above freezing here now). Whilst it’s fun it needs some more spin and it lacks power on balls hit at the top of the string bed compared to the above (even leaded up) so am back considering Angell - but the K7. If only I could demo it!

(Or maybe I’ll just get the Yonex DG100 as i liked it best of those non-Angells above and they’re heavily discounted now. )

Decisions, decisions....



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TC100 has the same issue as your Vantage. That frame is most comfortable on full speed strokes, in slow speeds and off center it vibrates enough for me to clearly feel it.
 

redmini

Semi-Pro
TC100 has the same issue as your Vantage. That frame is most comfortable on full speed strokes, in slow speeds and off center it vibrates enough for me to clearly feel it.

Useful to know! Thanks. Have you tried the K7? I seem to recall that you did but I’ve read so many of these posts/threads recently it’s hard to remember who’s tried what! Most people seem to think it’s the most comfortable of the Angell frames but I wondered if it feels similar to the tc100 in that regard.


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J

joohan

Guest
Useful to know! Thanks. Have you tried the K7? I seem to recall that you did but I’ve read so many of these posts/threads recently it’s hard to remember who’s tried what! Most people seem to think it’s the most comfortable of the Angell frames but I wondered if it feels similar to the tc100 in that regard.


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Unfortunately, I’ve not tried the K7 and I’m not planning to in foreseeable future. Based on reaction in the Angell thread, it is more comfortable (if not the most comfortable Angell frame) but I highly doubt it’s as potent weapon as TC100 is.
 

redmini

Semi-Pro
Unfortunately, I’ve not tried the K7 and I’m not planning to in foreseeable future. Based on reaction in the Angell thread, it is more comfortable (if not the most comfortable Angell frame) but I highly doubt it’s as potent weapon as TC100 is.

Thanks. On the TC100 do you (or others) know how the RA70 version feels compared to the RA63? My Vantage is RA63 and I know from Paul he uses a different layup for the different RAs and also the RA63 is higher swingweight. The type of vibration is what my golfers elbow wasn’t liking rather than absolute stiffness. Other than manoeuvrability how does the 70RA feel in contrast? It’s meant to be about 65RA strung up so in particular I’d be interested in comfort versus other frames of similar stiffness like PO7 or PS97 or blade or Yonex Dual G 97/100 (or new Ezone 98).


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J

joohan

Guest
Thanks. On the TC100 do you (or others) know how the RA70 version feels compared to the RA63? My Vantage is RA63 and I know from Paul he uses a different layup for the different RAs and also the RA63 is higher swingweight. The type of vibration is what my golfers elbow wasn’t liking rather than absolute stiffness. Other than manoeuvrability how does the 70RA feel in contrast? It’s meant to be about 65RA strung up so in particular I’d be interested in comfort versus other frames of similar stiffness like PO7 or PS97 or blade or Yonex Dual G 97/100 (or new Ezone 98).


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Since I’ve tried only TC90 out of all 70RA Angells, I’m not the person to answer this question. Your best bet would be posting this in the official Angell thread. Just bear in mind that not many people there share the feeling that 63RA Angells have any sort of vibrations.
 

redmini

Semi-Pro
Since I’ve tried only TC90 out of all 70RA Angells, I’m not the person to answer this question. Your best bet would be posting this in the official Angell thread. Just bear in mind that not many people there share the feeling that 63RA Angells have any sort of vibrations.

Thanks for the advice. Depending on replies to this one I may do that as I’ve been following that thread.

I’ve been trying to think how best to characterise the vibration I’m referring to and it’s not the sort you get from a stiff Babolat or indeed my Head Graphene XT Speed MPA that caused the problem in the first place. Those are stiff and sharp vibrations in nature. On the Vantage it’s more of a reverberation when the ball strikes at the lower third of the string bed (obviously it doesn’t happen deliberately in a match but can when you can’t get far enough out of the way to play a proper shot. DR98 is similar though both otherwise comfy with minimal vibrations if you hit it anywhere else. I’m not an engineer but its sort of a longer wavelength than normal racket vibrations. Until my injury I never noticed it and loved the frame.


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J

joohan

Guest
Thanks for the advice. Depending on replies to this one I may do that as I’ve been following that thread.

I’ve been trying to think how best to characterise the vibration I’m referring to and it’s not the sort you get from a stiff Babolat or indeed my Head Graphene XT Speed MPA that caused the problem in the first place. Those are stiff and sharp vibrations in nature. On the Vantage it’s more of a reverberation when the ball strikes at the lower third of the string bed (obviously it doesn’t happen deliberately in a match but can when you can’t get far enough out of the way to play a proper shot. DR98 is similar though both otherwise comfy with minimal vibrations if you hit it anywhere else. I’m not an engineer but its sort of a longer wavelength than normal racket vibrations. Until my injury I never noticed it and loved the frame.


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I know exactly what you mean. I feel it too. It’s really sneaky. I fully experienced it when playing social doubles at extremely low racquet head speeds and with soft balls. My wrist was really sore until I figured I really have to hit the ball. No such issues when playing at proper speeds. It’s not a brassy, tinny, almost audible vibration of hollow,stiff frames. It’s more of a wobbly sensation, longer wavelength is quite a good description. I own a DR98, too and find it much more comfortable on every shot than my three 63RA TC100s. Performance-wise there’s not much out there that can compete with TC100 overall if you like softer, thin beamed frames. It’s my main playing frame and it most probably won’t change anytime soon.
 
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