Did Dunlop get rid of m-fil completely in the AG 4D?

[Nextman916]

Can anybody confirm this? Since 4D braiding is located in the 5 & 7 position, as well as the 3 & 9 position where the older m-fil used to be. Looking closely in person at a 4D 100 right now, only 4D material is exposed in those areas.

I am aware that the older aerogels still had m-fil at the 3 & 9, but in the new ones I was just wondering if they got rid of m-filament entirely, or if its layered under there somewhere?

 

[PatrickB]

Even if DUnlop changed from mfil to 4d, how much difference do you think the technologies really are? More to the point, do you honestly think that *any* racquet manufacturer's recent new technology is really that much different than their old technology instead of just a sales pitch?

The *only* example that comes to mind of a racquet tech that seems to actually be significantly different is Prince's O-Ports (former O3 white user, myself), and they've moved away from the O-Ports with "string hole grommets" in their more player-oriented racquets, too, IIRC.

 

[PimpMyGame]

Although I agree in the main with PatrickB, I'd suggest that if racket manufacturers list more than two generations of "technology", their products will look gimmicky and the message of the new technology (which of course is what is going to sell the sticks) will become lost.

 

[Nextman916]

PatrickB you are obviously entitled to your own opinion but I am a relatively firm believer that companies do actually change the makeup of their racquets with each generation. All you have to do is hear it from lineup's strong enthusiast followers. IE Head's liquidmetal>microgel>youtek or N-code>K-factor>BLX so on so forth. Your views on racquet tech are often completely countered. Many think Prince ports feel like a normal frame just with holes in it, like the whole flexpoint debate as well. But if you take a classic POG and even hit with a Diablo for a second, you will realize immediately that the presence of "something" vastly difference can be felt and SEEN, even if you don't care to admit its the Titanium/Tungsten/Carbon present. The difference is far more than 2+ mains and crosses.

I have always believed Dunlop to be honest in each generation that they revamp. If you've tried an old muscle weave to the new aerogel's (even excluding the m-fil/4D) its obvious there is a very different feel to the makeup of the stick. I personally hated the way m-fil racquets back when I demoed them and actually swayed me from playing with any dunlop. So I'd love to know if its gone in the 4D's.

 

[PatrickB]

I'm not saying that the racquets aren't *different*. They clearly are, with different material mixtures and molds such to differentiate one generation from the next. What I'm saying, though, is that the materials they're using aren't really *new*.

I'm saying that in most cases I think that the technical innovations in most modern racquets are generally marginal - basalt or graphite or 4-dimensional weaves or whatever are IMO primarily marketing names for well-known materials and techs that have been used in racquets in the past. They simply change the mixture and/or mold year to year to change racquet feel slightly and come up with a snazzy new marketing name to sell it as.

Note, though that I'm certainly talking post-POG times here. Obviously there were major changes in racquet tech a decade or more ago.

 

[Mig1NC]

Hah. Yeah, I would love to have a wood racquet with four directional wood grain. LOL!

 

[SteveI]

Can anybody confirm this? Since 4D braiding is located in the 5 & 7 position, as well as the 3 & 9 position where the older m-fil used to be. Looking closely in person at a 4D 100 right now, only 4D material is exposed in those areas.

I am aware that the older aerogels still had m-fil at the 3 & 9, but in the new ones I was just wondering if they got rid of m-filament entirely, or if its layered under there somewhere?

I have played both the AG 500T and the 4D 500 Tour.. and I really can't tell much difference to be honest. The specs are so close. I went with the AG 500 Tour because of price and the fact that they seemed so close in performace.

Regards,
Steve

 

[Wes_Loves_Dunlop]

4d is an upgrade of m-fil
m-fil is 3 braided filaments, 4d is 4 filaments.

 

[Al1978]

What in the world is a "braided filament," and how exactly does the quantity of such in a racquet affect its worth as an object with which to hit tennis balls?

 

[Nextman916]

4d is an upgrade of m-fil
m-fil is 3 braided filaments, 4d is 4 filaments.

Thanks, upon researching thats what I'm starting to gather as well.

Supposedly m-fil makeup was 3 braids of fiberglass and magnesium, and 4D in addition to adding an extra braid. Its now made of s-glass (basic same as fiberglass) and instead of magnesium uses aluminum coating(which is to be superior in strength). Either way how ever much this is true, the undoubtable change is that the braiding is placed now at 5 & 7 in addition to 3 & 9 on the former aerogel's.

 

[SteveI]

Thanks, upon researching thats what I'm starting to gather as well.

Supposedly m-fil makeup was 3 braids of fiberglass and magnesium, and 4D in addition to adding an extra braid. Its now made of s-glass (basic same as fiberglass) and instead of magnesium uses aluminum coating(which is to be superior in strength). Either way how ever much this is true, the undoubtable change is that the braiding is placed now at 5 & 7 in addition to 3 & 9 on the former aerogel's.

Thanks Nextman..

This would do what to the performace and feel of the frame? I am guessing at my level.. not a darn thing. I am sure one could show the changes using all sorts of engineering tools.. but I am betting the performace impact is close to nil. I like the PJ better on the 4D 500T .. if that counts. Not sure I can win more points and games with a better PJ...but one never knows.

Steve