Donnay X-P Dual

cayzi

Rookie
I got this message from Donnay support office:

The XP's deliver more power than the regular dualcores and are for players with medium strokes.

The dualcores are for players with full strokes.
 

levy1

Hall of Fame
I got this message from Donnay support office:

The XP's deliver more power than the regular dualcores and are for players with medium strokes.

The dualcores are for players with full strokes.

TW had rated the Xs at low power. I did not think of demoing them because I need a little more. After reading a few positive posts on the XP Dual I call Donnay and was told it had a little more power then the X frames. To me, more power means a shorter stroke. We could get more confused but the bottom line is to get one in my hand and see if it is for me.
 
captainobvious and others:

Can you advice me regarding grip size for Donnay?
I read that Donnay have even smaller grip sizes than Wilson and even smaller than Babolat, Volkl,...etc...
I usually used Volkl grip size 3 which is good for me.

Should I consider taking grip size 4 for Donnay?


captainobvious: Does the X-P dual feels lighter comparing to X8 since I notice that you have weight 292g ?

The X-P feels just a little bit lighter, but they feel balanced differently. The x8 feels alittle more head/hoop heavy than the XP Dual, but static weight feels pretty close for the two actually.
As for grip shape, the Donnay XP Dual has a more slightly rounded grip shape while the Volkl has a more distinct beveled feel (you really can feel the bevel edges on the x8). As for grip size, I have the x8 and the XP Dual in a size 4 grip (4 1/2) and the x8 feels like somewhere between a 4 3/8 and a 4 1/2 while the Donnay feels like a standard 4 1/2. (IE- the volkl grip is smaller in the same size 4 than the Donnay)The Volkl x8 also feels like it has a little wider of a butt cap at the bottom.
If you go with the X dual series, I think you wont be satisfied with the power. The XP Dual is your racquet.
What did you think of the x8 in terms of power? Id say the x8 has a little more power than the XP Dual, so take that into consideration. Im really on the fence about which one I want to stick with. A little more play time and I'll make up my mind ;)


Levy-
Enjoy the demo and be sure topost your thoughts on it in this thread! :) Also list what it comes strung with as that makes a difference. Mine is strung mid tension with syn gut and a poly.
 
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cayzi

Rookie
Im really on the fence about which one I want to stick with. A little more play time and I'll make up my mind ;)

I order my XP Dual just because of you today. :) So please give me your address that I can find you if I will not like it. :)
Did you buy a racket already or do you have test version. I notice from pictures that racket was new because the plastic was still on handle.

Anyway I still like so much SILVER LITE and SLIVER that is...that close before I will order them but on the other hand I believe you that frames are LOW powered and it will be to demanding for me at this level.

It is confusing when you read Donnay topics and find comments like: SILVER is powerful, RED is powerful, super control etc... At the end you have a feeling that those specific models from Donnay are for everyone. For beginner, for pro, full swing hitter, medium swing etc... :???:

Will see after I get my XP Dual. Will let you know guys.
 
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gd!

Rookie
Hi cayzi

where in EU are you from? I had a nice email exchange with a dealer from Monaco, another website I found was Donnay Poland. However, price is 199 Euro per stick, so nothing cheap ;)
From my email exchange I got some photos showing grip 3 has 111/112 mm circumference which is a regular 3. Nothing in between.

So I would stick with my usual grip size and not move up.

Where are you going to buy?

cheers
 

cayzi

Rookie
Where are you going to buy?

cheers

Dealer from Monaco. He is really nice guy. I hope that I get my racket :))

I will probably still buy SILVER so if you want we can trade if I will not like. Good price for you my friend. ;)

Do you have link from Poland store?
 

gd!

Rookie
Here you go
http://donnay.pl/

One of my European colleagues is working in Poland so it would be another option but yes, Yan seems to be a nice guy though :D

Playing with Gamma T-7 the X-Dual Silver would be the "control option" while XP-Dual should be the "power option" according to Donnay.
To be honest, from my large racquet experience I suspect the thin X-Dual beam will provide enough mass and power compared to Gamma T-7 which is much more control orientated than its specs may let assume...
I would give my try to XP-Dual, however unfortunately I will stick with grip 2 not move up to 3 as I am using .6 mm overgrip.
 

cayzi

Rookie
Here you go

To be honest, from my large racquet experience I suspect the thin X-Dual beam will provide enough mass and power compared to Gamma T-7 which is much more control orientated than its specs may let assume...

If I understand what you are trying to say is that you are not sure if Donnay X line and X-dual can provide real power without not to use perfect technique and FULL swing?

But reading all the comments on Donnay topics it looks like that it does. So ...
 

gd!

Rookie
Let me clarify. I am not looking for real power but I know a low RA is working much better for me than any stiff racquet.
Silver = 70, XP Dual = 59 ; what else to mention? ;)
Head size 99 > 100> 102 should not be the real deal.
 

cayzi

Rookie
Let me clarify. I am not looking for real power but I know for me a low RA works much better than stiff racquet.
Silver = 70, XP Dual = 59 ; what else to mention? ;)
Head size 99 > 100> 102 should not be the real deal.

Yes but you mention a comment that you doubt that real thin beam will provide power using medium stroke. In that way I understand your comment.

Stiffness is another category. But reading all comments Donnay absorb vibration good and also stiffness on Silver is not a big deal.

Many members on this forum reports that there is no visible difference between SILVER and GOLD for example which is also less stiff.

For reference stiffness on X-P Dual is not 59 as you mention but 64-65. SILVER is 70.
 

gd!

Rookie
My friend, believe whatever you want to believe ;)
Just double checked, XP-Dual 59 v X-Dual Silver 65

However, I have my own experience and can read between the lines but do surely not believe these guys who want to tell one tiny beam plus head light balance will provide both, lot of control while maintaining good amount of power.

From original X-Series Donnay is now moving up offering larger beams, even the Pro has 21 mm beam. For what reason do you think?
 

cayzi

Rookie
My friend, believe whatever you want to believe ;)
Just double checked, XP-Dual 59 v X-Dual Silver 65

I got few BAR codes from a racket frames and numbers are different there:

xp DUAL 64-65

Silver Lite: 67

SILVER: 70

Do not know about how powerful Donnay racket are with thin beam for someone who play tennis 1x per week and let say on average + level. But it looks like it does provide power since few people here telling that. Or maybe we have just pros in here. :)
 
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cayzi said:
I order my XP Dual just because of you today. :) So please give me your address that I can find you if I will not like it. :)

hahaha nice !

cayzi said:
Did you buy a racket already or do you have test version. I notice from pictures that racket was new because the plastic was still on handle.

Yep, it was new

cayzi said:
Anyway I still like so much SILVER LITE and SLIVER that is...that close before I will order them but on the other hand I believe you that frames are LOW powered and it will be to demanding for me at this level.

It is confusing when you read Donnay topics and find comments like: SILVER is powerful, RED is powerful, super control etc... At the end you have a feeling that those specific models from Donnay are for everyone. For beginner, for pro, full swing hitter, medium swing etc... :???:

Will see after I get my XP Dual. Will let you know guys.

I know what you mean. But alot of the people making those comments are higher level players with longer, faster swings.
Let me know what you think about this one.
 
captainobvious:

Any final news what will stay "in house" :)

Yup :)

After taking both the Volkl x8 and the XP Dual out for multiple sessions, I'm going to go with the XP Dual. Im able to keep more balls in with control and serve better with it. The Volkl was a bit more powerful, but at times I was hitting a little long with it anyway. I couldnt serve as well because of the different balance/weight feel, and the XP Dual is actually even more comfortable on the arm then the x8 is. Its just a terrific racquet. And I havent even begun tweaking the balance/weight yet with the adjustment kit butt caps and slides ;)

Did you get yours yet ?
 

cayzi

Rookie
Yup :)

After taking both the Volkl x8 and the XP Dual out for multiple sessions, I'm going to go with the XP Dual. Im able to keep more balls in with control and serve better with it. The Volkl was a bit more powerful, but at times I was hitting a little long with it anyway. I couldnt serve as well because of the different balance/weight feel, and the XP Dual is actually even more comfortable on the arm then the x8 is. Its just a terrific racquet. And I havent even begun tweaking the balance/weight yet with the adjustment kit butt caps and slides ;)

Did you get yours yet ?

Captainobvious you have XP with 292g right?

Does it feel light for you?
 

levy1

Hall of Fame
Yup :)

After taking both the Volkl x8 and the XP Dual out for multiple sessions, I'm going to go with the XP Dual. Im able to keep more balls in with control and serve better with it. The Volkl was a bit more powerful, but at times I was hitting a little long with it anyway. I couldnt serve as well because of the different balance/weight feel, and the XP Dual is actually even more comfortable on the arm then the x8 is. Its just a terrific racquet. And I havent even begun tweaking the balance/weight yet with the adjustment kit butt caps and slides ;)

Did you get yours yet ?

Which Volkl is the X8?
 
Captainobvious you have XP with 292g right?

Does it feel light for you?

Mine is labeled as 295g. I dont have a scale to verify, sorry.
It feels a tad light...somewhere between the Instinct MP and the Volkl x8. I think the balance is similar to the Instinct MP with a touch more static weight.

Did you get outside to swing it yet bud ? :)
 

cayzi

Rookie
How about a review now that youve had some time with it

I am still looking for right string tension combination. This racket is not so arm friendly as many people says here. X8 is much more comfortable.

Still I really like Silver. It have a really nice control and power as well. I expected to be more low powered. But for sure Head IG 300 is more low powered racket. I can get more from Silver.

For now I do not like so much XP. It is really harsh on my arm or something I can not define.

Captain maybe I ask you this before but what string combination and tension are you using? Right now I am full multi and I do not like it so much.

thx
 
I am still looking for right string tension combination. This racket is not so arm friendly as many people says here. X8 is much more comfortable.

Still I really like Silver. It have a really nice control and power as well. I expected to be more low powered. But for sure Head IG 300 is more low powered racket. I can get more from Silver.

For now I do not like so much XP. It is really harsh on my arm or something I can not define.

Captain maybe I ask you this before but what string combination and tension are you using? Right now I am full multi and I do not like it so much.

thx

Thats VERY surprising. I think you just need the right string combo/tension in there. The XP Dual is definitely more plush than the x8 so it should be just fine on your arm. Mine is strung with syn gut crosses and poly mains, both at about racquet mid tension (55). Try that combo instead of your full multi. I dont even use the dampener and its very comfy.
 

cayzi

Rookie
I would give my try to XP-Dual, however unfortunately I will stick with grip 2 not move up to 3 as I am using .6 mm overgrip.

I would suggest you to move one size bigger grip on Donnay. Their grips are smaller than other rackets.

I have Volkl , Head , Tecnifibre in grip size 3 and I can feel the difference in size compare to Donnay frames.

I do not know how big are your hands but if you try this Wilson chart it will give us some idea regarding this:

http://www.wilsonsports.com/media/wilson/pdf/gripsize_9861.pdf


Regards
 

gd!

Rookie
grip size

No, dear...I won't choose larger grip as I got a photo showing Donnay grips are true to grip size.
As mentioned by suppawat in the other tread I share his opinion you should consider a firmer and slightly thicker base grip, Gamma Hi Tech would be my base grip of choice, and add some nice overgrip as well; Gamma Supreme is worth a try :)
 

cayzi

Rookie
No, dear...I won't choose larger grip as I got a photo showing Donnay grips are true to grip size.
As mentioned by suppawat in the other tread I share his opinion you should consider a firmer and slightly thicker base grip, Gamma Hi Tech would be my base grip of choice, and add some nice overgrip as well; Gamma Supreme is worth a try :)

Can you post that pictures showing that donnay is true in grip size?

Is there any thick difference between basic grips out there. I can not see this data looking tw store.

Regards
 
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Mig1NC

Professional
You can always measure it yourself. Just use a good fabric tape measure, or wrap a piece of paper around the grip to measure the circumfirence.

Let us know what your find.
 

gd!

Rookie
to measure

It's really the easiest way to tightly wrap a tape measure around your grip and look for the total circumference.
Mine is 11.3 cm using Gamma grip 2 + Babolat Skin Feel + Klip Kobra overgrip.

While the Skin Feel is one of the thinnest base grips around (ca. 1.55 mm diameter) thicker grips will build up the grip size accordingly (C=2*Pi*r). Saying this, it is stupidly mathematics but still important you use an overgrip providing you that level of comfort and feel you are looking for. Nobody can tell you what is best, you just need to try and find out yourself (ooops...:D)

If you have access to a nice caliper gauge that would help, too.
 

Mig1NC

Professional
I usually tightly wrap a piece of paper around the grip, mark the start and stop, then measure between those marks.
I don't have a good caliper or a good tape measure :(
 

cayzi

Rookie
I usually tightly wrap a piece of paper around the grip, mark the start and stop, then measure between those marks.
I don't have a good caliper or a good tape measure :(



Outline in mm Outline in inches (USA) Grip size in Europe
100 – 102 mm 4 0
103 – 105 mm 4 1/8 1
106 – 108 mm 4 2/8 = 4 1/4 2
109 – 111 mm 4 3/8 3
112 – 114 mm 4 4/8 = 4 1/2 4
115 – 117 mm 4 5/8 5

I measured the TF 295, grip EU 3 and Silver grip EU 3 as you suggest and here are the results, no over grip used:

TF295 = 110mm
Silver = 110mm

When Volkl overgrip was put on here is the result on both quite the same: 114mm

I guess there is some kind of difference in feel holding this rackets (same overgrip used, default base grip on rackets).

I will try to exchange base grip on silver and see how it goes. Until know my game do not suffer from it. But using all that measurement techniques keep you wonder about grip decisions.

Thanks.
 
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Mig1NC

Professional
That's good info. Thanks for doing it, Cayzi.

I have noticed that certain grip shapes feel smaller or larger, even if the grip circumference is the same. It is just something about the human hand and how it wraps around the grip.
 

gd!

Rookie
That's true Mig, however generally rectangular grip sizes (e.g. offered by Head and Volkl) do let people feel the grip is slightly smaller vs. competitors.
Would you rate Donnay grip as being rectangular or not? I think the feel of grip being smaller is really more connected to its thin/soft synthetic grip compared to others.
 

Mig1NC

Professional
I would say it is not too rectangular. Certainly more so than my Dunlops and Princes, but not as much as Heads.
 
I have a silver string with this strings and racket is really powerful:

http://www.solincosports.com/strings/tourbite hybrid.php

Captain which grip do you use on XP Dual and which did you try on silver.

I have both and on SILVER grip is noticeable smaller. I am using on both grip size 3.

My grip size is a 4 (4 1/2") on the XP Dual. With an overgrip on it it's just about perfect. I would like to build up the butt cap a tad though as its fairly narrow at the end. I tried the #4 grip on the silver as well.
 
No, dear...I won't choose larger grip as I got a photo showing Donnay grips are true to grip size.
As mentioned by suppawat in the other tread I share his opinion you should consider a firmer and slightly thicker base grip, Gamma Hi Tech would be my base grip of choice, and add some nice overgrip as well; Gamma Supreme is worth a try :)

This is an excellent recommendation actually. The grip on the XP Dual is a little squishy and comfy, but after a few matches it will compact a bit. I also agree that a slightly thicker or firmer grip material would be nice. I will probably swap mine out after my overgrip is shot as I want to build up near the butt cap a bit anyway.
 

getsby

Semi-Pro
I would say it is not too rectangular. Certainly more so than my Dunlops and Princes, but not as much as Heads.

Prince grip on one of the rectangular grip that I know. Head is shaped like an ellipse (except for a speed series).
 

getsby

Semi-Pro
Now my current stick Wilson BLX Pro Open, with lead tape + damper + overgrip weighs 337gr. On specs, Donnay Silver closer to the Pro Open. But I have serious doubts on a thin beam. But I have serious doubts on a thin beam... How do these two sticks, Silver 99 and XP-Dual against hard hitters, which is more stable?
 
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