***Dunlop 4D 200 Tour*** Club!!

I thought I would rescusitate this club and ask the members..... How's it going a year later????

The Bio200Tour is available here in Europe and I still remember my brief hit with the 4D200T... a memorable hit at that...

Still want to find out if the specs TW has for the swingweight hold true.. (specs are not up yet for the Bio200T) ... 350's???

I always said... if there would one reason to switch from my PresMids.. it would be string choice... I'am kind of limited with my frames, in terms of choices, 90sq.in.-18x20.

This frame (or similiar) would 'open-up' the possibilities for gauges and types.
 
If the Bio 200 Tour ends up being a few point more head light than the 4D, I'll be interested. I quit the 4D model due to the dip I had in serve speed. Plus it was impossible for me to hit reflex volleys well with that frame. Still one of the best frame I have hit with as far as ground strokes go...
 
Dropped tension to 44/40 using a Tornado-Hyperion hybrid in my 4D 200 Tours - never hit the ball better! Also put some extra weight inside the handle (Blue Tack adhesive putty) to get the balance up to 10-11 points headlight. Swings easy and allows me to take full cuts at the ball and, boy, is that a satisfying feeling with this stick! First serves are BIG, second serves lots of action, for the last couple of matches only hit one or two double faults per match and lots of first serve winners. With the more headlight balance and low tension vollying is a joy, lots of control, placement and backspin (used to play pure S&V back when I lived in Oz and played on grass all summer...). This stick is for keeps, can't imagine the biomimetic to be significantly better.
 
kaiser said:
Dropped tension to 44/40 using a Tornado-Hyperion hybrid in my 4D 200 Tours - never hit the ball better! Also put some extra weight inside the handle (Blue Tack adhesive putty) to get the balance up to 10-11 points headlight. Swings easy and allows me to take full cuts at the ball and, boy, is that a satisfying feeling with this stick! First serves are BIG, second serves lots of action, for the last couple of matches only hit one or two double faults per match and lots of first serve winners. With the more headlight balance and low tension vollying is a joy, lots of control, placement and backspin (used to play pure S&V back when I lived in Oz and played on grass all summer...). This stick is for keeps, can't imagine the biomimetic to be significantly better.
Click to expand...



kaiser - how much weight did you add in the handle to make it a little more HL.....if i can make this racquet may be 8- 9HL this will be a dream stick for me......not being very strong I love the plow of the racquet but struggle hitting/killing low balls where heavy topspin needs a quick racquet head speed.
 
^^^ Don't remember precisely, but was in the order of 8-10 g. Brought the total weight of the racket up to ~ 369 g / 13 oz. Swings and volleys more effortless. Have even been thinking of adding a little more weight inside the handle...
 
My racket of choice for some time now is the Aerogel 200 (18x20) and what I did today left me feeling as though I have commited adultery.

Was browsing a sports store today, the one in the UK which owns the Dunlop brand. What did I come across? Row upon row of 4Ds on sale. After excitedly looking through them all I found a 4D 200 Tour with case and brand new for £40. Sadly that was the only one there, all the others were 4D 200 16x19 for the same price.

I thought about it for about 5 milliseconds then made the purchase. It will be justified as my main singles stick, and I will restring with one of the 5 packs of Beast XP I was sent to sample, hopefully before I play next on Sunday. In the meantime I will scout this thread and do some searches for setup choices.

But in the meantime - if any of you guys have played extensively with the AG200 18x20 (non-4D) what are the comparisons like with the 4D Tour? My AG200s have leather grips, overgrips, dampeners and their weight is around 360g so the additional weight won't hurt me. I'm thinking that I will add a leather grip to my Tour because I love the feel, again can I ask if anyone has done this?

Thanks in advance
 
^^^ I didn't put on a leather grip but did add 8-10 grams of blue tack adhesive putty inside the handle to bring the balance up to 10-11 point HL. Feels much more manoevarable and swings easy. Also dropped the tension to 44/40# in full poly (Tornado/Hyperion hybrid). To me this gave improvements all round: added touch, spin and control on all shots with the resulting ability to swing out freely on groundstrokes and serves, and I can tell you, that is a very satisfying experience with this stick...!
 
kaiser said:
^^^ I didn't put on a leather grip but did add 8-10 grams of blue tack adhesive putty inside the handle to bring the balance up to 10-11 point HL. Feels much more manoevarable and swings easy. Also dropped the tension to 44/40# in full poly (Tornado/Hyperion hybrid). To me this gave improvements all round: added touch, spin and control on all shots with the resulting ability to swing out freely on groundstrokes and serves, and I can tell you, that is a very satisfying experience with this stick...!
Click to expand...

Thanks for responding. I will definitely add the leather plus overgrip, the same as my AG200 which by the way is 8pts HL stock vs 5pts HL for the 4D 200 Tour. The relative difference will therefore be the same as moving from one stock racket to another.

With regard to tension drop, I have gone as low as 36 before with some great results but slid back to mid 50s when my game went a bit erratic. Given that I'm used to a tighter string pattern I think I'm going to try full poly at mid 50s and go from there. My main focus is control although I loved the feel of low tensions.
 
It's been so long since my hit with the 200T....

To anyone who uses this frame...

One Q...

Does it feel lacking in weight below the throat?

I'm wondering how they achieved a 352 sw with a static weight of 12.3oz.

It seems as if they just reversed the weight from the handle to the hoop.
 
Maybe they polarized it more,...not necessaily from handle to hoop, but to the two distal ends.?..just a possibility,..it is a pretty high SW given the specs..:neutral:
 
That SW reading of 352 at TW seems exaggerated, it certainly doesn't swing that heavy. Also, my two 4D200Ts came in at 7-8 pts HL strung. I don't know what happend with the TW specs, but others have commented on this forum that their 4D200Ts swing lighter and are more head light than the TW specs indicate.
 
kaiser said:
That SW reading of 352 at TW seems exaggerated, it certainly doesn't swing that heavy. Also, my two 4D200Ts came in at 7-8 pts HL strung. I don't know what happend with the TW specs, but others have commented on this forum that their 4D200Ts swing lighter and are more head light than the TW specs indicate.
Click to expand...

I have just read the Dunlop spec card attached to the strings when I purchased, says strung balance is 320mm which converts to 7pts HL so is different to TW specs and very similar to my AG200 18x20.
 
ok, so I tried the 200Tour on Sunday morning. For me, it's not a love at first sight frame but then I changed frame, string pattern and a new string setup in one go. Therefore no alarm bells yet, I just need to get into the groove of this racket.

I can safely say that the only area of improvement was volleying. This appears to be a very stable frame, volleys felt really good. Everything else suffered, so I need to spend some time with it.

So, stability-wise this frame seems superior to my AG200s. I think the balance is very similar, so maybe weight distribution around the frame has changed?

My first thought after playing that maybe putting a leather grip on is a bit of a mistake - I should be making the extra heft work for me by keeping syn grip and not making it more head light. Also, at 347g strung plus overgrip and dampener maybe I don't need an additional 12g or so that the leather grip provides. Therefore I'm replacing the syn grip and giving it another spin during the week.
 
Removed leather grip and replaced the Dunlop synthetic for a singles match today. Felt much better, more of a weapon. Won 6-1 6-2, dropped serve twice because I'm still dialling in to the racket, but apart from that it went very well indeed.
 
I judt picked up a couple of the 16x19 versions, seem quite nice but the mfil string in them was really harsh maybe past it's best!:shock: Just replacing them now anyone got any tips re string they'd like to share?
 
PimpMyGame said:
ok, so I tried the 200Tour on Sunday morning. For me, it's not a love at first sight frame but then I changed frame, string pattern and a new string setup in one go. Therefore no alarm bells yet, I just need to get into the groove of this racket.

I can safely say that the only area of improvement was volleying. This appears to be a very stable frame, volleys felt really good. Everything else suffered, so I need to spend some time with it.

So, stability-wise this frame seems superior to my AG200s. I think the balance is very similar, so maybe weight distribution around the frame has changed?

My first thought after playing that maybe putting a leather grip on is a bit of a mistake - I should be making the extra heft work for me by keeping syn grip and not making it more head light. Also, at 347g strung plus overgrip and dampener maybe I don't need an additional 12g or so that the leather grip provides. Therefore I'm replacing the syn grip and giving it another spin during the week.
Click to expand...

I also needed some time to dial in to this racket, on my first outing with it my shots flew all over the place... Found I had to turn my grip a little more to the Western side to keep my groundstrokes in. It does tend to grow on you as you keep playing with it! I made mine a little more headlight by putting Blu-Tack adhesive putty inside the handle. Very easy to fine-tune because while trying out you can simply stick it on the butt cap and add/remove little plucks!
 
I have a Dunlop 200 tour.
I want to try it with NXT 17. Can anyone recommend at what tension?
What about using RPM blast? Any suggestions on what tension?

Thanks.
 
just hit with this racquet today. What a great control and feel racquet. Has the perfect balance of power and control. I tried a set with a one handed backhand and lost 4/6 although I normally use two handed. I was hitting winners with the one hander effortlessly.
 
Bought one 4D 200 Tour recently, very solid racket, much better than the old M-Fil 200 especially at volleys.

Not sure about what the strung balance is for the racket. The print on the racket says 320mm, the information on the attached card is 330mm, without specifying whether strung or unstrung.

Anyone has the answer?

Have been trying some customization on my 4D 200 Tour but so far haven't get the balance 100% right. Currently, it is leaded to 363g with the balance at about 326mm. Tried 320mm, it was definitely too head light, but haven't tested the 330mm setting.

The specification given by TW is 327mm (5pts HL), which is about right.

Checked the new Bio 200 Tour, it clearly says that the strung balance is 320mm.
 
Add me to the club. This is easily one of the best serving frames I have ever experienced. I just got it yesterday and went right into a practice match today. I lost 6-3, 6-3, to a solid 4.0 on clay. I threw alot of untimely double faults because I got seduced by the amount of power I was generating on my serves with little effort. I was not taking anything off my 2nd serves, which I would never do in a real match.
I have PSGD 17g at 60# and while on serve it felt great, off the ground the frame played a little too boardy and I will probably go down to around 56# with a gut/poly hybrid. The frame is comfortable and comes around easy enough. IMO, it is very similar to the k6.1 95 18 x 20, but less powerful.
Any string set up tension suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
 
Count me in. I am enjoying this frame a lot. I switched out the grip for a leather grip, which brings mine to 12.6 oz. and 1 inch head light, which is just perfect for me. I just strung mine up with Pacific Classic Gut 17 gauge mains and MSV Co-focus 1.23 crosses at 59/56 lbs on a constant pull machine. Tons of power and spin, monster serves, rock solid stability and great touch and feel. What's not to love?
 
I am trying the volkl gut/poly hybrid set today at 56 poly mains/56/gut crosses. I have a match this afternoon and I am hoping that the power off the ground goes up just a bit. With the current string set up, I feel like I have great control, but really can't hurt my opponent off the ground because the power level is low. With the 6.1 95 18 x 20 i always have that 2nd gear where if I see an opening I can really lean into a groundie with good control. the frames feel very similar so I know it will just be a matter of finding the right string/tension.
 
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I have klip gut 56 main/typhoon 52 previously and liked the setup a lot, good power & pocketing ability. Elbow issues tried klip gut 56 main/ gosen sheep 16 @ 58 and gives very comfortable hitting and feel. Seriously go for this setup onwards as offering a lower costs.
 
I played a good match yesterday, ended up losing 10-8 in a 3rd set tie break. The string set up was a tad springy and I over hit a couple of times at key points of the match. I think I need to get out and just hit so I can get dialed in. I have this frame for three days and have already played & lost two matches with it. The trajectory is a little higher than the standard 200 so, although the added depth is welcome, I just need to simply hit a few hundred ground strokes and get dialed in. I was not too impressed with the Volkl hybrid. the poly moved around quite a bit, it was rather springy and I feel I could have gone a bit higher in tension. Having said that, the comfort is great and it seems to be a comfortable frame to use. Once I find my range, it feels like a good attacking frame that so far, feels pretty well rounded, and much more powerful than the standard 4d 200. I actually played a practice set after the match with my 200 and blanked him 6-0. Difference in spin and power were very noticeable, but ironically, I couldn't miss a serve, where with the tour, I was certainly throwing heat, but also quite a few just long, so again, just a matter of getting dialed in. I must add that the swing weight does not seem to be an issue and the tour, so far is extremely comfortable and easy to maneuver at the net.
 
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Popped the poly yesterday. Today I went with the becker gut poly hybrid at 60# gutm/58#/poly crosses. i will try it out tomorrow. I am trying to play everyday this week. The trajectory with the open string bed is a bit higher than with the 18 x 20 version, so I think with tighter tension I will be able to reel my shots in a bit and start playing more aggressively. I think this frame is begging for a full VS gut string job, but before I blow the cash, I want to tinker with some set ups. Need to do my shoulder exercises for this beast. It's static weight is no big deal, but it swings heavy. I am hoping that all I need is some time to get dialed in a bit.
 
basil J said:
Popped the poly yesterday. Today I went with the becker gut poly hybrid at 60# gutm/58#/poly crosses. i will try it out tomorrow. I am trying to play everyday this week. The trajectory with the open string bed is a bit higher than with the 18 x 20 version, so I think with tighter tension I will be able to reel my shots in a bit and start playing more aggressively. I think this frame is begging for a full VS gut string job, but before I blow the cash, I want to tinker with some set ups. Need to do my shoulder exercises for this beast. It's static weight is no big deal, but it swings heavy. I am hoping that all I need is some time to get dialed in a bit.
Click to expand...

Also had to adjust to the higher trajectory of the 4D200T coming off a 18x20 string bed. Solved it by shifting my grip a bit more western, thus closing the racket face a tad more. Bonus: more spin! Also, I have been going steadily down with my tension using full poly. Has provided me with massive additional spin potential, thus helping to control the power of this beast (see LOW, LOW tensions thread in Strings section)! Also very welcome additional kick on 2nd serves... I am now at 17-18 kg, but may go back up a bit because I am getting string movement after the first couple of hours of play.
 
Played for about 2 hours today, Hit for about 45 minutes and then played 2 sets. lost first 4-6, was up in the 2nd 4-1 when we ran out of time. With the gut.poly hybrid at 60/58# control was excellent, spin was ridiculous and comfort was good. I am still struggling with hitting serves going long, so I know I am not getting through the strike zone with enough snap and height. Will work on that. Even with a real relaxed service motion at 50-75% output, the frames mass can really bring in some easy heat. I was hitting great angles today and some good outright down the line winners off of both wings. I did not do to much S&V today because I couldn't get comfortable serving, otherwise, I really am starting to enjoy this frame.Volleys are solid, but you have to be ready or the frame can feel sluggish. I have a league match in the morning and then I am playing again in the afternoon. I will bring a basket and some targets and work on my serve some more tomorrow afternoon. If I am still loving it by the weekend, I will probably pick up a 2nd frame and move to this. I really like the BB legends, but it just feels flimsy compared to the 200 tour.
 
Played a solid 3 hour match today and beat a guy I have never taken a set off of. Served well and was very steady off the ground. Great spin and pretty good up at net as well. Had to bring my"A" game today and I was extremely happy with how "solid" this stick is. There is no twisting at all and it is a spin machine, for sure. After 3 hours my shoulder was a bit sore and tired, so I may take a day off, but if I feel okay, I will be right back out tomorrow. The more I use this frame, the more natural it feels in my hand.
 
basil J said:
Played a solid 3 hour match today and beat a guy I have never taken a set off of. Served well and was very steady off the ground. Great spin and pretty good up at net as well. Had to bring my"A" game today and I was extremely happy with how "solid" this stick is. There is no twisting at all and it is a spin machine, for sure. After 3 hours my shoulder was a bit sore and tired, so I may take a day off, but if I feel okay, I will be right back out tomorrow. The more I use this frame, the more natural it feels in my hand.
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Hi, Basil,

what is your setup?
did you make any customization to the frame?
 
I am using the becker prepackaged hybrid gut/poly hybrid 16G gut M @ 60#/17G polycross @ 58#. No mods. Just over grip & head tape. My frame is 12.4 oz strung 7pt HL.
 
basil J said:
I am using the becker prepackaged hybrid gut/poly hybrid 16G gut M @ 60#/17G polycross @ 58#. No mods. Just over grip & head tape. My frame is 12.4 oz strung 7pt HL.
Click to expand...
That sounds interesting... especially as on spec it is 5pts balance. If you dod not use leather grip, and moreover you use head tape - how you could make it 7pts???
 
I don't quite understand the question. My frame unmodified with a wilson overgrip and head tape is 7pts HL. That's just what it measures at. I would like it better if it was around 10pts HL, but then again, the high swingweight and more even balance gives it the plow on the ground strokes.
 
basil J said:
I don't quite understand the question. My frame unmodified with a wilson overgrip and head tape is 7pts HL. That's just what it measures at. I would like it better if it was around 10pts HL, but then again, the high swingweight and more even balance gives it the plow on the ground strokes.
Click to expand...
I just wanted pointed out that adding just overgrip made 200Tour 2pt mor HL??
on spec its balance = 5pt.
and yes, head tape also makes it less HL.
 
basil J said:
I don't quite understand the question. My frame unmodified with a wilson overgrip and head tape is 7pts HL. That's just what it measures at. I would like it better if it was around 10pts HL, but then again, the high swingweight and more even balance gives it the plow on the ground strokes.
Click to expand...

what grip size of your racket?
 
5/8". Next time I get it strung I'll have the weight and balance checked with nothing on it. regardless, it is working out for me and If I keep playing well with it without shoulder pain I will move to it full time. I was trying to use the BB legend, which I also like very, very much, but it is very flexible in the shaft and my 1HBH is a lot better with the 200. the legend feels like a toy after using the tour. Did I mention solid???
 
basil J said:
5/8". Next time I get it strung I'll have the weight and balance checked with nothing on it. regardless, it is working out for me and If I keep playing well with it without shoulder pain I will move to it full time. I was trying to use the BB legend, which I also like very, very much, but it is very flexible in the shaft and my 1HBH is a lot better with the 200. the legend feels like a toy after using the tour. Did I mention solid???
Click to expand...
thanks for info!
Please keep in touch here regardng spec of the racket when you get it strund next time.
I am getting really intrerested to try it out...
 
Lavs said:
I just wanted pointed out that adding just overgrip made 200Tour 2pt mor HL??
on spec its balance = 5pt.
and yes, head tape also makes it less HL.
Click to expand...

There appears to be some variability in the stock balance of the 4D200 Tour, it may also have changed since TW measured its specs. Both my 4D200Ts came in around 7-8 pts HL (I picked out the rackets with the most HL balance). Also, TW lists a SW of 352, but several posters (incl. me) have noted that subjectively it doesn't swing that heavy. It's a great, very stable racket with ample power and spin potential that really grows on you. I needed a little time with it to adjust my timing and had to close the racket face a little more because of the open string pattern, but once you've done that, the reward is there!
 
I am finding that the heavy swing weight is actually quite addictive. Once You get used to it, I am finding that a very relaxed swing produces a pretty good shot that has decent velocity and spin. The trajectory is a bit higher than what I am used to, but that will become more of an asset than a liability once I am totally dialed in and trust my swing to create all the shots.
 
basil J said:
I am finding that the heavy swing weight is actually quite addictive. Once You get used to it, I am finding that a very relaxed swing produces a pretty good shot that has decent velocity and spin. The trajectory is a bit higher than what I am used to, but that will become more of an asset than a liability once I am totally dialed in and trust my swing to create all the shots.
Click to expand...

Basil, how could you compare it to MW200 in terms of:
1) comfort
2) stability
3) feel
4) playability for 1HBH

which one you find more plush?

obviousely 200T has more power and spin potential...
 
Comfort equal,
Stability-200 Tour is rock solid. MW is less stable high on the hoop.
Feel-200G MW. None better!
Playability 1HBH=both excellent, more power and spin with the tour, better placement with the MW
The Tour is a bigger hitting stick and the control is very close to the 200GMW. If I had both in my hands right now, and had to choose to the play the match of my life, it would be close, but I would probably go with the tour. Bigger serving and bigger off the ground, at least for me anyways. I have a new 2004D that I have been toying with as well, and the Tour, IMO is better all the way around. The 4D is easier to bring around because of the lighter weight, other wise my nod goes to the tour. It has everything the 200GMW was missing, with all the benefits.
 
basil J said:
Comfort equal,
Stability-200 Tour is rock solid. MW is less stable high on the hoop.
Feel-200G MW. None better!
Playability 1HBH=both excellent, more power and spin with the tour, better placement with the MW
The Tour is a bigger hitting stick and the control is very close to the 200GMW. If I had both in my hands right now, and had to choose to the play the match of my life, it would be close, but I would probably go with the tour. Bigger serving and bigger off the ground, at least for me anyways. I have a new 2004D that I have been toying with as well, and the Tour, IMO is better all the way around. The 4D is easier to bring around because of the lighter weight, other wise my nod goes to the tour. It has everything the 200GMW was missing, with all the benefits.
Click to expand...

thanks for the great comparison and review!
if possible, keep us updated with your 200T experience!
 
basil J said:
What are you hoping the new version will have that the old one is missing?
Click to expand...
Looking at the pics, the new version is made with a different mold -- the bridge is no longer thinner than the rest of the hoop. I mainly want to see how the change has affected the Tour's performance.

In the regular Bio 200, which also uses the "new" mold, the hoop is more solid feeling compared with the 4D and AG versions. This is especially noticeable on volleys. The sweetspot is probably a tad smaller, though.

Interestingly, TW's stiffness numbers for the Tours have stayed about the same -- AG 60 vs. Bio 61 -- whereas they dropped fairly significantly for the 200s -- AG 62 vs. Bio 57.
 
Played twice in two days against 4.5's. Lost both matches 4-6, 6-7 in a 2nd set tie breakers. The serve is really starting to come together now. A nice relaxed motion with good racquet drop and focused extension and pronation is resulting in a tension free, heavy serve with decent pace. I played one of these guys two weeks ago with my legends and lost 6-1,6-1. He thought I was a little less consistent off the ground than usual, but I hit some big winners as well as some untypical errors.I think with Gut mains, I could even go tighter than 60#. Where I am really struggling with this frame is returning big/or high kick serves. The balls just fly long if I don't hit a clean return. Especially on my slice returns, so a little tighter tension may give me some confidence to swing with more authority without the fear of balls sailing long. I am also tempted to try poly on the mains again, but I am on the fence on that. This frame absorbs vibration incredibly well. The more I use it, the less fatigue I am getting in my shoulder. Most of my misses are balls hit long, so I still need some time to adjust to the open pattern, which is much more lively than the standard 200, by a long shot!
 
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Restrung yesterdayafter discovering the gut had popped! This time with the BB hybrid, poly on the mains at 58#/gut crosses at 60#. Power level was very good, but this morning, my shoulder is throbbing as is my wrist. I don't know what kind of poly is in this hybrid, but it is much harsher than the polys I am used to. I am hoping they just need to settle. I have a big round robin tomorrow and I am on the fence about cutting them out or giving them some time to settle.
 
Went back to my KI5's for a couple of weeks due to shoulder stiffness. After a match last night I hit with the tour again and am really on the fence about which way to go here. the Ki5 is dependable, yet really low powered and relatively demanding for a players frame. Not so hot at the net, but nice & steady off the ground. Serves are mediorcre. 16 x 20=good spin & predictable.
200 tour- good heavy groundstrokes-with the right string set up-poly on the mains is not jiving with my arm. May go back to gut/poly hybrid and go a tad higher on the mains for tension. spray many more shots with the tour, yet hit many more winners.
Good serving stick, but like with all other shots, need to be focused. overall very solid. wish it was 16 x 20, but can't have everything

At the net, this is one of the best volleying sticks I have ever used. good overheads as well.
I feel like a psycho-trying to figure out which stick to stay with.My arm says Ki5-my ego says tour. I enjoy both, but I feel like if i keep racquet hopping, my game will suffer.may go back to the dunlop on good days and the Ki5 on days my arm is stiff or sore.
I am torn...
 
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