Donnay racquets - X-dual or X-series

[Double_Bagel]

Hi guys/girls,

Been reading up about all the x-series racquets previously offered by Donnay. The black, blue and reds have caught my eye (in particular the red 99, and torn between the black/blue 94's or 99's). Seems like all the racquets have some things I like, yet missing in other favorable attributes that one of the other Donnay sticks happens to have. I have also found a rep who has some new old stock to sell cheap.

But then I start reading up about X-dual series, in particular the platinum model, and it sounds like the whole shebang. From the anecdotal evidence out there I've read on these forums is that x-dual models are a big step above the x-series.

If the platinum is the money model from the x-dual series, then the blue 99 must be it from the x-series, correct?

Right now I am torn between about 5 x-series racquets... or just buying one platinum 99. Seems a lot of used platinum 94's are popping up though... are they inferior to the platinum 99's?

 

[tball]

The X series (first generation) are much better.

Duals are stiff and dead feeling in comparison, in line with other modern racquets, but nothing special.

 

[Double_Bagel]

So the x-series have plenty more feel? That's definitely good to know.

Which of the x-series have you played with and can vouch for?

 

[tball]

I have played with X-Blue, X-Black, X-Red -- all 99.
Also X-Gold, X-Platinum, X-Silver and X-Silver Lite -- all 99 as well.

I kept X-Blue, X-Red and X-Gold.

 

[Double_Bagel]

Wow, you tried out quite a few! What made you select those 3 racquets over the others? And in particular, how come you selected the x-red and the x-blue together?

There is a x-red 99 at a local shop near me, and in reviews the x-blue looks great too - I am just hoping they are both accomplished racquets, and different enough to warrant a double purchase

What were the standout features of the x-red and the x-blue that had you choose them over the others?

From what I read, the x-red 99 is more of a punchier baseliner's racquet, capable of big power and spin. Whereas the x-blue is much more of a control, all-court weapon. Both sound appealing and very good at what they do. Would the x-blue still be fine in an aggressive baseliner's hands?

 

[tball]

Black was too heavy for me -- I was noticeably laboring trying to play with it.
There is very little difference between the Red and the Blue. The red is simply lighter.

They all are not particularly precise (or control oriented), but they are powerful and have a sweet feel. Gold is very fast though the air and very easy to swing (mine came at 8 pt HL, whereas the TW specs say 6). Blue is the heaviest (== slowest), and hits the heaviest ball.

I would say Blue is most suitable for baseline bashing, as it is relatively slow and heavy. Red/Gold are for the all-court game. Gold is great for doubles with its 8 pt HL balance and 333g weight.

 

[Double_Bagel]

Great feedback. Thanks!

Any idea on the total weight and the SW totals for your red and blue?

How much heavier/unwieldy is the blue on court compared to the red?

Also are these sticks string sensitive? Which brands/gauges/tensions have worked for you?

 

[tball]

Sorry, I do not know the swingweights. The best I can describe is

Head YT Prestige Pro <= Blue < Red < Gold

How unwieldy it is depends on your conditioning.

They play the same with all strings I've tried so far. Same for tensions, with usual variations: looser = more comfort and power, tighter = more control.

I've been using MSV Co-Focus / TF Black Code @ 39-46 with various crosses, and WC Dual Reallity at 44/50.