Artengo Tr960 Control Tour

What's the consensus on 18x20 vs 16x19 for those who have played them?

To me the 18x20 is an Ultra Tour cloan, and seems redundant [for me] as I have several brand new Ultra Tours.

The 16x19 is intriguing because I also have an 16x19 Ultra Pro and enjoy that. But I only have one.
So to buy a pair of these is still cheaper than one more Ultra Pro.

Thoughts and opinions are welcome.
 
Chairman3 said:
What's the consensus on 18x20 vs 16x19 for those who have played them?

To me the 18x20 is an Ultra Tour cloan, and seems redundant [for me] as I have several brand new Ultra Tours.

The 16x19 is intriguing because I also have an 16x19 Ultra Pro and enjoy that. But I only have one.
So to buy a pair of these is still cheaper than one more Ultra Pro.

Thoughts and opinions are welcome.
Click to expand...
The frame is very different from the Ultra Tour IMO. More muted, thicker beam, more spin…
 
dr325i said:
Definitely closer to LM Radical than any prestiges.Even the shape and beam width is closer to Radical.
Click to expand...

Awesome! You just saved me $120 or whatever they will cost in the USA. I have 2 like new LM Radical MPs I have yet to seriously try.
 
dr325i said:
Hit with the TR960CT for about an hour.
Will continue hitting more tomorrow

Setup:
3g of lead at 12, 5g of silicone in the handle
Strung with Head gut (50 lbs, 15%) / Hawk Rough (46 lbs, 5%)
Head Prime Tour OG
Strung weight 336g, SW: 334 kg*cm2

Initial feedback:
- Feel:
Great feel, exactly what is expected from the 62RA. good feedback, slightly more muted than what I am used to. Nothing is like the PT57A
***Update: Good feeling frame but nothing matches the feel of the Head frames, especially the classics (like the PT57A) or the latest ones (Auxetic Prestige Pro or MPL) - I like the racket feedback. The TR960 is a bit muted (like Boom Pro for example) but becomes communicative when hit in the sweet spot. I don't see people needing any dampener with the TR960.
- Power:
Lower power stick ,however, good amount of power especially if you like to create own power. On par with my PT57A 16x19 and slightly below the Prestige MP-L. (I'd say equivalent of 300 on the Head power scale).
- Control:
Great control. I could immediately tell it gave me more control than my 16x19's
***Update: control is just SUPERB. I don’t recall having such precise shots with any stick. The pinpoint accuracy allows less need to muscle it in.
- Spin
Surprisingly, it offers a decent amount of spin even for me, fairly flat hitter. I think I'd prefer the 18x20 vs 16x19 version
***Update: the launch angle is great too. I feel very comfortable going back and forth between the 960 and my 16x19s.
- Stability
Felt very stable in the hoop, however, I did not have any time at the net
**^Update: initially the grip felt great but after 3 sessions, it “settled” and became thinner and the grip feels slightly smaller than my usual frames (AM custom grip). A few times it slipped in my hand on the off-center shots.
- Net
So far, so good! Felt really good at the net. But will spend more time tomorrow with a better player.
***Update: continues to impress at the net.
- Serves
Still tuning them in. Different from my PT57A. When I hit it right, it is potent. I am still not sure if I like it for serving or not.
***Update: reeeeallllyyy nice and accurate when I tuned in. I think this is a great serving stick.
***Update 2: this has been the most accurate serving I have ever done due to amazing accuracy of the stick. The power is also there however, I felt like taking a little bit off, conserve the energy and hit the sports. The kick serve is also very nice.
- Returns
Amazing. So easily maneuverable, although, I was returning the weaker 4.0 serves today.
***Update: still very impressive. Today against a great server, 4.5, I felt confident and very consistent with the returns.
- Slices
This is my weakest shot, so not surprised that this one did not feel well... We will see…
***Update: improving, but not there yet, especially on the approach slices.

I will continue testing it, I like it a lot!
Click to expand...
Awesome, thanks for the review! If you could match the specs of Artengo and LM Radical MP around 335 SW, which would have more power? What does your gut tell you?
 
tomkowy said:
Awesome, thanks for the review! If you could match the specs of Artengo and LM Radical MP around 335 SW, which would have more power? What does your gut tell you?
Click to expand...
My spec is now 340g, 334SW. I’d say they have similar power. 960 has slightly higher launch angle which is good for me as my main stick is 16x19
 
Hi guys I would really need a suggestion about this new artengo… I’m so much in love with it that I cannot seem to find a valid alternative :)
I’m using the 16x19, I like the control and the fact that I can fully swing out and still generate a lot of topspin (and power) and maintaining control.. I always had trouble with higher powered sticks.
So what is the most similar racquet on the market to this Artengo?
I already tried Radical MP (something is off on the sweetspot, nice feel but less control) and Head Extreme Tour (lots of topspin, still strange sweetspot) and they don't even come close.
Where should I look to find a suitable replacement (basically a combination of easy of use, amazing control and topspin and low power)?
 
smokingkid said:
Hi guys I would really need a suggestion about this new artengo… I’m so much in love with it that I cannot seem to find a valid alternative :)
I’m using the 16x19, I like the control and the fact that I can fully swing out and still generate a lot of topspin (and power) and maintaining control.. I always had trouble with higher powered sticks.
So what is the most similar racquet on the market to this Artengo?
I already tried Radical MP (something is off on the sweetspot, nice feel but less control) and Head Extreme Tour (lots of topspin, still strange sweetspot) and they don't even come close.
Where should I look to find a suitable replacement (basically a combination of easy of use, amazing control and topspin and low power)?
Click to expand...

But why find an alternative to what you love? I might suggest also the Head Auxetic Prestige MP. Nice controlled aggression is there with a good stringbed trust from the 18x19 bed. But of course, sounds like you just need a second Artengo. Super frame.
 
My Little Brother is coming back from france with the TR960 Control Tour in both the 18/20 and 16/.19 patterns for me so ill post pics later as well as do a review on them in the future!! hopefully they play well
 
JGads said:
But why find an alternative to what you love? I might suggest also the Head Auxetic Prestige MP. Nice controlled aggression is there with a good stringbed trust from the 18x19 bed. But of course, sounds like you just need a second Artengo. Super frame.
Click to expand...
You are right, but it’s very difficult to retrieve another artengo stick here where I live… and I still have a coupon for a free racquet from a tennis store (that doesn’t have Artengo)..
The control tour is a fantastic racquet, I would just like to know if there is something comparable

i will try the prestige mp, but it’s very swingweight heavy… I don’t know if I have the technique to handle it
 
Last edited:
smokingkid said:
You are right, but it’s very difficult to retrieve another artengo stick here where I live… and I still have a coupon for a free racquet from a tennis store (that doesn’t have Artengo)..
The control tour is a fantastic racquet, I would just like to know if there is something comparable
Click to expand...

It’s a really unique stick, the 16x19. I’d like to try the 18x20.
 
Chairman3 said:
Does it have a high launch angle though?
I'm debating on ordering but can't decide which string pattern.
Click to expand...

It does. That’s why I’d like to try the 18m. I almost felt like the 16m was a Pure Aero Mini, the way the spin shot so easily off the frame. It was often a very good thing but on occasion would be too much, like when my slices would float on occasion or I overspun the ball. But for the most part it’s a brilliant racquet. It only became more and more fun, the more I played with it. And I might still be playing with it if not for some pro stocks and such in my bag which were like the Artengo 16m just a little stronger. But I really, really like the Artengo.
 
FutureF1 said:
Someone mentioned it here I thought
Click to expand...
I've emailed the Decathlon online store back a couple of months ago and they said there were no plans to get the Control Tours. Makes sense cause my little brother had a hard time even finding them in France and the Decathlon manager in the stores he went to said that they weren't selling well and they had no plans to stock more of them. He's coming back to the US tonight so I'll upload pics got 2 of the 16/19 and 2 of the 18/20. But yea I doubt that it'll be coming to the US any time soon
 
JGads said:
It does. That’s why I’d like to try the 18m. I almost felt like the 16m was a Pure Aero Mini, the way the spin shot so easily off the frame. It was often a very good thing but on occasion would be too much, like when my slices would float on occasion or I overspun the ball. But for the most part it’s a brilliant racquet. It only became more and more fun, the more I played with it. And I might still be playing with it if not for some pro stocks and such in my bag which were like the Artengo 16m just a little stronger. But I really, really like the Artengo.
Click to expand...
What kind of pro stock would you consider similar to the artengo? I’m still trying to find a comparable racquet from other major brands
 
smokingkid said:
What kind of pro stock would you consider similar to the artengo? I’m still trying to find a comparable racquet from other major brands
Click to expand...

It’s a quite open pattern in a thinner beam head which is fairly unique. I would say the Ultra Pro/H19 16x19 would be the closest since that’s actually the model for this frame, maybe some older Radicals, the TGT 293.1 from Head (but this is a tighter pattern). I can’t say any of these are truly “equivalents” though to how the Artengo feels/plays. Just share some traits. And people with more knowledge than me can probably chime in. If I were you I would just wait until a second became available, you might drive yourself crazy looking.
 
JGads said:
It’s a quite open pattern in a thinner beam head which is fairly unique. I would say the Ultra Pro/H19 16x19 would be the closest since that’s actually the model for this frame, maybe some older Radicals, the TGT 293.1 from Head (but this is a tighter pattern). I can’t say any of these are truly “equivalents” though to how the Artengo feels/plays. Just share some traits. And people with more knowledge than me can probably chime in. If I were you I would just wait until a second became available, you might drive yourself crazy looking.
Click to expand...
Ultra Pro is 21mm beam, softer layup and more communicative frame. The TR960 is more muted but let’s you know when you hit the sweet spot. Also, the 16x19 pattern there is less open. I don’t think this racket was made after the Ultra Pro as it is (mold and layup) very different. The IG Prestige is even further apart from it.
I’d say it is closer to LM Radical MP but (the 18x20 version) with higher launch angle and larger sweet spot. Still, lacking the true Head feel (but other frames do too)
 
The store in France near me was all sold out with a sticker saying only available by special order
 
Gonna string these up and playtest them some time next week!!!
poZvzwHEj
 
Looking at the 960CT and 960PP, they have identical weight, balance and RA, but the SW of the CT is 5pts higher, which suggest slightly more polarised than the PP, so could have slightly lower TW. Anyone have findings regarding the 960CT's polarisation / twistweight?
 
No clue about twist weight, but my 16/19 CT SW is 282 if I remember correctly and my 18/20 CT is 290 SW. No very polarized imo. Not blade like or TF305 like. Probably because the stock balance of the artengo is more head light… hence why I think the artengo is the better platform stick
 
StanAO14 said:
No clue about twist weight, but my 16/19 CT SW is 282 if I remember correctly and my 18/20 CT is 290 SW. No very polarized imo. Not blade like or TF305 like. Probably because the stock balance of the artengo is more head light… hence why I think the artengo is the better platform stick
Click to expand...
Good point, and suggests PP could also be a good platform stick.
 
i emailed decathlon Canada for an update on receiving these racquets. The reply was sent back on may 26h of this year. I've omitted any names so that i don't get them in trouble but the email is from the retail supplier to decathlon. This email was forwarded to me by the store manager who emailed the supplier on my behalf. Good customer service on the managers part to look into it for me. I do like the stores :)

I hope it's true although a couple months should make it July. crossing fingers.

We will receive the first batch of the TR960 Control Tour (the one that Gael uses) in 2 months approximately. French link TR 960 Control Tour 18x20
We will also have a much easier version to sell next summer, the major differences are the string pattern and the weight (and how it is placed in the frame). French link TR 960 Control Tour 16x19
Let me know if you need anymore information, i gave you the France website link so you can compare them.
 
PP states 'Soft Feel Technology' and CT states 'Mass Polarisation Optimisation' on the hoops. Basically, Gael tried the PP and said 'ca fait trop soft pour moi, j'ai besoin d'un petit peu plus de lead at 12 o'clock sil vous plait.'
 
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Grafil Injection said:
Looking at the 960CT and 960PP, they have identical weight, balance and RA, but the SW of the CT is 5pts higher, which suggest slightly more polarised than the PP, so could have slightly lower TW. Anyone have findings regarding the 960CT's polarisation / twistweight?
Click to expand...
Twistweight on my 16x19 (with 5g @12) : 13,2
 
dr325i said:
Ultra Pro is 21mm beam, softer layup and more communicative frame. The TR960 is more muted but let’s you know when you hit the sweet spot. Also, the 16x19 pattern there is less open. I don’t think this racket was made after the Ultra Pro as it is (mold and layup) very different. The IG Prestige is even further apart from it.
I’d say it is closer to LM Radical MP but (the 18x20 version) with higher launch angle and larger sweet spot. Still, lacking the true Head feel (but other frames do too)
Click to expand...
I played with my mate's LM Radical MP today (leather grip + OG, strung weight 332g, Swingweight 327, balance 32.2 cm) and can confirm this! Very close frames: better control and touch with the LM R MP, more spin and forgiveness with the TR960 (18x20).
 
I finally managed to reach Decathlon Germany’s customerservice where I bought my TR960. 2 week after first trying to reach out to them! So far I cant say anything good about their customerservice. It was very difficult to reach them.. I am curious as to what they will say about my rattling TR960 (there seems to be a piece of graphite that got loose inside the frame). I will keep you guys posted.
 
BDAZ said:
Are you able to take the butt cap off, or trap door if it has one, and shake it out?
Click to expand...
The but cap can be taken off, but the rattle is in the upper hoop somewhere. I cant shake it out :(. Curious to see what decathlon says, also if they pay me the cost for stringing the frame.
 
Thanks for the detailed review dr325i.

I’ve tried the 16-19 one with great pleasure for a few hours but still unsure if it fits my game or not, I can’t try it anymore, it wasn’t mine. How does it compares to the extreme tour? Same weight, both are quite head light. The string pattern of the 16-19 seems more open, I don’t know about the 18-20.

(I’m still improving but I play mainly with very heavy topspin from both sides, quite curvy balls, the 2H backhand is my strong side. I think balls are quite slow until it touch the ground. I gravitate between an Extreme MP and Extreme tour. Extreme Tour -stock form- is my main stick so I can put a bit more without making too much mistakes. Extreme MP might be even better to add even more lift and depth? But I tend to make mistake under pressure in tournaments. Maybe the control tour might be a good compromise to add even more topspin without getting too much power?)

thanks!
 
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