***Dunlop Aerogel 1hundred (AG100) club***
- Thread starter geesechops
- Start date
I just found the spec in the 100 4D and the 100 Biomimetic very close to my ideal stick...I hit with the Volkl PB10 Mid, but this racquet is too flexible and gets on the heavy side after a couple of hours hitting with it...If you have hit with the Volkl and these Dunlop racquets, I would be very interested in what you have to say. Thanks
bad_call
Legend
have hit/used other volkls and play tested the pb10 mid. have been using the 4D100 for a while and haven't found anything better for competitive play...still trying other sticks tho which appeases my curiosity.
be interested in your opinion on the Bio 100 if you demo. (haven't tried that one yet)
6-2/6-4/6-0
Semi-Pro
I find the Dunlop 100s to have much better feel than Volkl rackets, they give a much more clear sensation of the ball on the strings than I was able to get from the bundle of Volkls that I play tested. I like a heavy racket, so a weighted DNX10 Mid was the closest to what I was looking for that I could find, but even with gut strings, leather grip, and lead on the head it wasn't in the same ballpark to me as the feel of the 100 and the Bio200. I was able to go for shots more with the Dunlop and feel more confident, I was taking just a bit off with the Volkls because the sensation of the ball just wasn't there and I lost a bit of confidence.
In fairness, I've been playing Dunlops (most of the time, a few Heads years ago, and the PS85 for a short while) for the majority of the time that I have played tennis since I was in high school (quite a while ago...), so maybe I am just tuned in to that particular 'feel.'
In fairness, I've been playing Dunlops (most of the time, a few Heads years ago, and the PS85 for a short while) for the majority of the time that I have played tennis since I was in high school (quite a while ago...), so maybe I am just tuned in to that particular 'feel.'
bad_call
Legend
appears to be boxed beams with slightly rounded edges.
Thanks again bad call!
I also find interesting that TW only reviewed the Wilson K90 and BLX 90 Tour. However, they didn't reviewed their Dunlop counterparts, the 4D 100 and the Biomimetic 100.
It's a pitty, since these racquets are the only ones that come with a box beam and 90 sq. inches in the market today.
Does anyone have something to say about this?
I also find interesting that TW only reviewed the Wilson K90 and BLX 90 Tour. However, they didn't reviewed their Dunlop counterparts, the 4D 100 and the Biomimetic 100.
It's a pitty, since these racquets are the only ones that come with a box beam and 90 sq. inches in the market today.
Does anyone have something to say about this?
SteveI
Legend
Well... they sell many more Wilsons than they do Dunlops. The Dunlop 100 series are great frames for about 1/2 price of the Wilsons...better made, better PJs and much better QC IMO. Not to mention easlier on the arm.
Mister drool
Rookie
Greetings to you all fine people here at TT
I am new to the forum, but I think I can share some thoughts in this looong long thread of the aerogel 100 club.
I have never played with the original aerogel 100, but have played extensively with both 4d100 and bio100 euro version.
Sooo first thing first, I do not carry those dunlop frames any longer, and my current racquet of choice I still one of the first ones I got, the k tour 90. I know it is a bit pretentious to play this stick, but at age 29 and a being a lousy player and all, I do not play to win tournaments, I play for fun, and boy, this racquet sure gives me the time of my life when playing.
But on to the dunlops. Please don’t get me wrong, the Dunlop are fine frames indeed. The 4d100 takes edge in manoeuvrability and feel, but the bio is a solid all court performer but it is true when it is said that it is stiffer – crisper. If you hit the sweet spot perfectly, you don’t even notice, but the frame is incredibly unforgiving that any shot outside the sweetspot is arch.
The sweetspot of the ktou90 in comparison feels like a football field!
Both precision scalpels, to me the true personality of the two. I mean, you can place the ball in a grain of sand (forget on top of a dime) the frames are THAT precise!
Running forehands and backhands are a breeze to hit, because of the lightness.
God for solid volleys, and likewise the bio100 is better in his field. Well the bio100 is better at all fields regarding groundstroke and volley play. The bio100 just plows trough the ball better, it doesn’t take that much effort out of you. Serve is equal to both, but touch shots are better with the 4d. I believe it is related to the better comfortable feel of the older frame
Oh but it is not all fun and games my dear readers. The bad part about them is that power is no free ride. Strong guys may take no issue with this, but I am a tree line wimp, and get tired of having to force my arm to produce something even remotely close to a heavy groundstroke (to me means hitting heavy ball with a 5 year old and still get overpowered)…. I never had this problem with the k90, where I could just hit trough the ball and be relaxed all trough the swing motion. End up getting shoulder pain, because although the racquets are stable and the 4d being a great feeling racquet, the racquet just does not have enough mass behind it to absorb effectively the unwanted vibrations that you get by hitting that hard and miss the sweetspot by less than a millimiter… it was just killing my already lousy game and my shoulder…
argh...
I am new to the forum, but I think I can share some thoughts in this looong long thread of the aerogel 100 club.
I have never played with the original aerogel 100, but have played extensively with both 4d100 and bio100 euro version.
Sooo first thing first, I do not carry those dunlop frames any longer, and my current racquet of choice I still one of the first ones I got, the k tour 90. I know it is a bit pretentious to play this stick, but at age 29 and a being a lousy player and all, I do not play to win tournaments, I play for fun, and boy, this racquet sure gives me the time of my life when playing.
But on to the dunlops. Please don’t get me wrong, the Dunlop are fine frames indeed. The 4d100 takes edge in manoeuvrability and feel, but the bio is a solid all court performer but it is true when it is said that it is stiffer – crisper. If you hit the sweet spot perfectly, you don’t even notice, but the frame is incredibly unforgiving that any shot outside the sweetspot is arch.
The sweetspot of the ktou90 in comparison feels like a football field!
Both precision scalpels, to me the true personality of the two. I mean, you can place the ball in a grain of sand (forget on top of a dime) the frames are THAT precise!
Running forehands and backhands are a breeze to hit, because of the lightness.
God for solid volleys, and likewise the bio100 is better in his field. Well the bio100 is better at all fields regarding groundstroke and volley play. The bio100 just plows trough the ball better, it doesn’t take that much effort out of you. Serve is equal to both, but touch shots are better with the 4d. I believe it is related to the better comfortable feel of the older frame
Oh but it is not all fun and games my dear readers. The bad part about them is that power is no free ride. Strong guys may take no issue with this, but I am a tree line wimp, and get tired of having to force my arm to produce something even remotely close to a heavy groundstroke (to me means hitting heavy ball with a 5 year old and still get overpowered)…. I never had this problem with the k90, where I could just hit trough the ball and be relaxed all trough the swing motion. End up getting shoulder pain, because although the racquets are stable and the 4d being a great feeling racquet, the racquet just does not have enough mass behind it to absorb effectively the unwanted vibrations that you get by hitting that hard and miss the sweetspot by less than a millimiter… it was just killing my already lousy game and my shoulder…
argh...
Mister drool
Rookie
On to setups.
With strings I tried signum pro PP pure mains / tecnifibre synth gut crosses ate 23/24 kg (50/52 lbs) on the 4d 100. Ok setup, nothing special about it. Good control, but it attribute this to the frame itself and not the string. It was durable alright, one of the most long term lasting setups I have tried.
Full bed of Mantis CS. Same old same old with this string. Yeeiiii for the first hour of play and then aaawwwhhhh for the rest of the ride…. This thing is a genius string as it is made to give you the heavenly experience of something really gut like (I have no idea how gut plays) and then it just dies on you. But it did gave some power to frame and it was most welcome.
Msv focus hex mains / mantis CS crosses:
I though this was going to get the best of both 4d and the bio, but it simply just felt sluggish. Can not be the string, I know they are good, but the only thing I felt was the excellent control and I also know that it comes primarily from the frame. No noticeable spin gain, and for some reason, placement on serve was a bit affected especially in the 4d.
Lead!!!
Tried almost every combination known to man kind. 3+3g at 3 and 9,
4+4g also at 3 and 9; 4g at 12; 2 + 2g at 11 and 1; was eating 3 at lunch and 4 at dinner…. Nothing was working.
And then..
6g at the top of the grip.
I once read an enormous post here at TT discussing this magical place to use lead, in another thread I just got the info from esgee 48 and ross k that it was a post either from john cauthen or travelajm, who once brought light into the subject (great post that one, really enjoyable stuff!)
But then…
The racquets came alive! Everything was rocking as solid hitting as ever, and even maybe on par with the tour90! Mind you, power was still a little on the low side, but was soooo smooth to hit with both frames now. Serves where amazing, and with tons of pace, volleys where just solid, put the racquet there, she will do the rest, and even better, touch shots where not affected in any way! I was crying thinking I hit tennis nirvana, but a mere two weeks later, and after six 2 hour practice my shoulder starts to thing otherwise. Pain kicked in and did not want to believe it was from the racquets. I wanted to love these dunlops so much. Whyy cruel world whyyy?
Switched to the ktour90 again, the frame was at my bedroom glaring at me with murdering eyes, for she had been traded for two dunlops, but I made peace with it, and everything fell in place once again. Shoulder pain gone within 2 days, back being my old self playing and girls look at my muscles again (really not true).
Why did the pain had to happen?, the Dunlop frames where hitting so well with that tiny piece of lead…
With strings I tried signum pro PP pure mains / tecnifibre synth gut crosses ate 23/24 kg (50/52 lbs) on the 4d 100. Ok setup, nothing special about it. Good control, but it attribute this to the frame itself and not the string. It was durable alright, one of the most long term lasting setups I have tried.
Full bed of Mantis CS. Same old same old with this string. Yeeiiii for the first hour of play and then aaawwwhhhh for the rest of the ride…. This thing is a genius string as it is made to give you the heavenly experience of something really gut like (I have no idea how gut plays) and then it just dies on you. But it did gave some power to frame and it was most welcome.
Msv focus hex mains / mantis CS crosses:
I though this was going to get the best of both 4d and the bio, but it simply just felt sluggish. Can not be the string, I know they are good, but the only thing I felt was the excellent control and I also know that it comes primarily from the frame. No noticeable spin gain, and for some reason, placement on serve was a bit affected especially in the 4d.
Lead!!!
Tried almost every combination known to man kind. 3+3g at 3 and 9,
4+4g also at 3 and 9; 4g at 12; 2 + 2g at 11 and 1; was eating 3 at lunch and 4 at dinner…. Nothing was working.
And then..
6g at the top of the grip.
I once read an enormous post here at TT discussing this magical place to use lead, in another thread I just got the info from esgee 48 and ross k that it was a post either from john cauthen or travelajm, who once brought light into the subject (great post that one, really enjoyable stuff!)
But then…
The racquets came alive! Everything was rocking as solid hitting as ever, and even maybe on par with the tour90! Mind you, power was still a little on the low side, but was soooo smooth to hit with both frames now. Serves where amazing, and with tons of pace, volleys where just solid, put the racquet there, she will do the rest, and even better, touch shots where not affected in any way! I was crying thinking I hit tennis nirvana, but a mere two weeks later, and after six 2 hour practice my shoulder starts to thing otherwise. Pain kicked in and did not want to believe it was from the racquets. I wanted to love these dunlops so much. Whyy cruel world whyyy?
Switched to the ktour90 again, the frame was at my bedroom glaring at me with murdering eyes, for she had been traded for two dunlops, but I made peace with it, and everything fell in place once again. Shoulder pain gone within 2 days, back being my old self playing and girls look at my muscles again (really not true).
Why did the pain had to happen?, the Dunlop frames where hitting so well with that tiny piece of lead…
bad_call
Legend
think we have a reincarnate here...any guesses as to who it might be?
Mister drool
Rookie
hahaha nope, no reincarnation here...
i'm just a big fan of this forum from a long time ago. Just never had the chance to realy make a subscription.
rest assured, i am new to the family
and Ross K already made a "made man"
of some sorts....:twisted:
i'm just a big fan of this forum from a long time ago. Just never had the chance to realy make a subscription.
rest assured, i am new to the family
and Ross K already made a "made man"
of some sorts....:twisted:
bad_call
Legend
not following this...
Mister drool
Rookie
Sorry it’s my bad english…
For more information on this subject please go to “Diary of a Racketaholic” page 237 post nr 4732. you will understand the joke.
But really, the dunlops being so lightweight, I just made the experiment out of curiosity, but it actually worker quite well. For me that is. Worked better than lead at 3 and 9 or 4g at 12 o’clock.
For more information on this subject please go to “Diary of a Racketaholic” page 237 post nr 4732. you will understand the joke.
But really, the dunlops being so lightweight, I just made the experiment out of curiosity, but it actually worker quite well. For me that is. Worked better than lead at 3 and 9 or 4g at 12 o’clock.
^^^^
Interesting.....I took the time to read this whole thread because I'm very intrigued by the Dunlop's 100 Spec...And you are one of the few guys who have reported arm problems with these sticks here. Thank you for sharing that....Anyway, I've been playtesting the BLX90 for almost two weeks now and I'm loving it. I can relate to your experience with the K90 in the sense that you don't need to put much effort to get deep, heavy and penetrated groundstrokes. However, the toll for me comes at the two + hours hitting where I become tired of holding the 12.5 plus ounces. Also, because of the weight, serving is quite demanding for me after 90 minutes.
Anyway, today my demos should be here and the sky is blue in California .... I'll be playtesting these sticks:
4D 100
Bio 100
Bio 200
Bio 200 Tour
Interesting.....I took the time to read this whole thread because I'm very intrigued by the Dunlop's 100 Spec...And you are one of the few guys who have reported arm problems with these sticks here. Thank you for sharing that....Anyway, I've been playtesting the BLX90 for almost two weeks now and I'm loving it. I can relate to your experience with the K90 in the sense that you don't need to put much effort to get deep, heavy and penetrated groundstrokes. However, the toll for me comes at the two + hours hitting where I become tired of holding the 12.5 plus ounces. Also, because of the weight, serving is quite demanding for me after 90 minutes.
Anyway, today my demos should be here and the sky is blue
in California .... I'll be playtesting these sticks:4D 100
Bio 100
Bio 200
Bio 200 Tour
The Dampener
Professional
They're not even close. I demoed the 200 Lite, and it felt completely foreign to me.
bad_call
Legend
lol...thanks for the clarification.
have lead at 12 and 3&9. don't think i need any more since it's working and the rest is up to me.
SteveI
Legend
Hi Bad Call,
Do you have your current specs posted (with mods) posted in this thread? You are with the 4D version also.. correct?
bad_call
Legend
yes the latest mods are posted in this thread and yes currently using the 4D. will soon break out the AG for a restring and compare (got the 4D prior to the AG).
Mister drool
Rookie
Hi netguy.
Listen dont get me the wrong way. I truly believe the shoulder pain came from the off timing I got using the 100’s. I mean I am just so used to the k90 that the rhythm was thrown completely off for me. The bio100 is in fact a bit harsh but only on miss hits, witch I was doing a lot because of that bad timing. If you hit the sweet spot, it is very comfortable. But again, feel wise, I vote for the 4d version. It is just more buttery feeling even with a soft poly at mid tension range (for me at low 50’s).
As for the tiredness using the Wilsons, my trick is:
Like you after the 2 hour mark, I switch to the Redondo mid and BAM solid playing again, from a more user friendly and lighter frame with loads of control and even a bit more feel / connection to the shots due to its flexibility.
Listen dont get me the wrong way. I truly believe the shoulder pain came from the off timing I got using the 100’s. I mean I am just so used to the k90 that the rhythm was thrown completely off for me. The bio100 is in fact a bit harsh but only on miss hits, witch I was doing a lot because of that bad timing. If you hit the sweet spot, it is very comfortable. But again, feel wise, I vote for the 4d version. It is just more buttery feeling even with a soft poly at mid tension range (for me at low 50’s).
As for the tiredness using the Wilsons, my trick is:
Like you after the 2 hour mark, I switch to the Redondo mid and BAM solid playing again, from a more user friendly and lighter frame with loads of control and even a bit more feel / connection to the shots due to its flexibility.
The Dampener
Professional
Did you try the 200 Tour, HJ. I was pleasantly surprised by it.
I'm playtesting these sticks right now
4D 100, Bio 100, Bio 200 and 4D 200 tour.
I have to say that the 4D 100 is working for me better in this group. I love its control, maneuverability, low weight, feel, spin potential, low power, but what's making this stick a really sweet candy is its 90 sq inches head size. I'm getting addicted to "90"
The Bio 100 is stiffer than the 4D100. Also it feels heavier because of its higher swingweight. Not for me.
The only area where I have to adjust my timing better is on the serve, since I've been serving with the heavier BLX tour in the last three weeks. Well done Dunlop!
4D 100, Bio 100, Bio 200 and 4D 200 tour.
I have to say that the 4D 100 is working for me better in this group. I love its control, maneuverability, low weight, feel, spin potential, low power, but what's making this stick a really sweet candy is its 90 sq inches head size. I'm getting addicted to "90"
The Bio 100 is stiffer than the 4D100. Also it feels heavier because of its higher swingweight. Not for me.
The only area where I have to adjust my timing better is on the serve, since I've been serving with the heavier BLX tour in the last three weeks. Well done Dunlop!
hoodjem
G.O.A.T.
Nope, never did. Maybe I should.
The Dampener
Professional
It takes a little time adjusting to the added weight. But once you do, it really rewards.
tacotanium
Professional
why is the twist weight of the 4d100 much lower than the ag100 and the 4d100 feels more stable?
bad_call
Legend
could be the 4D torsional braiding is lighter in weight but resists twisting greater...
bad_call
Legend
here's an article on twistweight in RSI.
http://www.racquetsportsindustry.com/articles/2005/02/a_new_twist_on_the_twistweight.html
http://www.racquetsportsindustry.com/articles/2005/02/a_new_twist_on_the_twistweight.html
tacotanium
Professional
tw of the 4d100 is the lowest of all rackets? haha. it fells pretty stable to me to be too low.
hoodjem
G.O.A.T.
Yes, I am still a little off-put by the weight.
(I used to use Wilson PS 85 6.0 originals, but found the weight wore me out when I got back into tennis in the early 2000s after 15 years of parenting.)
The Dampener
Professional
I was, too. In time, though, I got used to it. If I still suffer in one area, it may be my reflexive quickness at the net in doubles.
But here's the benefit I discovered (which likely may not be a factor for you)...the 200 Tour is rewarding me for doing things the right way. If I get my self prepared on time and use steady strokes (not overswinging) I can achieve good results with less effort, because the mass of the frame does a lot of the work for me.
With the 100--and don't get me wrong, I still love this stick--I was able to get away with late preparation and a more improvisational style of play.
I may end up right back with the 100, but it's nice to feel the benefits of a heavier frame and good mechanics.
hoodjem
G.O.A.T.
This sounds a lot like my experience with the PS 85 (and the K90): if you did everything just right, it would reward you. If you did anything a tiny bit wrong, it was no good.
The thing I really like about the AG4D300 is the extra margin for error. If I'm having a great day, doing everything right--I play awesome. If I'm having an off, so-so day--I still play pretty good.
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The Dampener
Professional
These are the trade-offs we must constantly weigh. Discovering the various benefits each racquet offers is the easy part. Determining which one truly suits our game styles (rather than our egos) is the tricky part.
tacotanium
Professional
cyber flash 16/ogsm 17 45/48. because it last a very long time. 3 months now (1-3 times/week of play) and still plays good. it feels like it holds tension very well. it feels like it only lost 5 lbs. it's because of the 90sq frame. i've only tried this and polylon ice 17/ogsm 17 once, it felt like it lost 30lbs. it dropped fast too. spin is still good with the cf/ogsm, lost some popiness but thats okay.
i will try cyber flash 17/ogsm 17 in feb or mar perhaps.
i will try cyber flash 17/ogsm 17 in feb or mar perhaps.
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bad_call
Legend
not sure but getting 15 or so hours before string movement/control starts to annoy me whilst playing on clay. but then clay is harder on strings than hard court for this player.
here's my go to setup these days:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=5870114&postcount=2690
here's my go to setup these days:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=5870114&postcount=2690
tacotanium
Professional
the US version of the Bio100? is it too much dampening and soft? how is the stability of it?
and yea 60+ on a 90sq frame is way too stiff, unless the flex rating is around 40.
rapidfire77
New User
Biomimetic 100 discontinued?
Tennis warehouse europe has the Bio 100 on sale, i contacted them for my grip size but got a reply stating that the racket is being discontinued by the manufacturer. Is anyone else aware of this? is this true for the US version as well? what's next wave ? when do we expect it to be released?
Tennis warehouse europe has the Bio 100 on sale, i contacted them for my grip size but got a reply stating that the racket is being discontinued by the manufacturer. Is anyone else aware of this? is this true for the US version as well? what's next wave ? when do we expect it to be released?
The Dampener
Professional
Curious. I found the BM100 stiffer for sure, but not at all more stable. Just my view.
The Dampener
Professional
So true. Which is why we can count on our own experiences to turn out exactly like the ones we read. In the end, play-testing is the only way to go.
tacotanium
Professional
can you guys compare the 4D100 to the Bio200 18x20? same solid and dampened feeling, or is the Bio200 still hollowed like the 4D200?
i think i need a bigger frame. haha.
i think i need a bigger frame. haha.
