***Dunlop Aerogel 1hundred (AG100) club***

[Keifers]

I'm planning to start by installing a 25mm X 1.5mm (wider, thicker) tw leather grip, along with some lead tape under the grip.

Then I'll add weight in small increments at 3:00 and 9:00 until I get the stability I need to handle heavy incoming balls. Right now, my stick is 330 grams and 7 pts HL -- it gets pushed around unless I find the sweetspot perfectly, and even then, the racquet feels too different from my other sticks.

 

[iksmols]

Thanks iksmols. It's good to know someone can benefit from my ramblings.

The racquet can definitely feel boardy even with gut. At 55lbs of VS 16 it had that board feel, but as soon as I went to 50-53lbs all was good.

I was amazed how different this racquet plays @ lower tension and it doesn`t hurt the control that much since the power level is so low to begin with.I might even consider stringing it @ 48 lb (poly)next time.

 

[emmanuel]

I am using 58 pounds of tension.
I would like to know if I use 55 or 50 pounds I will lose a lot of control.
The recommended range tension is 55-65 for AG100, but It seems AG100 works well with 55 or less pounds of tension.
(Excuse me my poor english)
Thanks a lot,
E.

 

[Rabbit]

Disappointing first hit with my new AG100:

I bought it based on a good experience with the TW demo, and thinking new string would really help it out. I got it strung with Klip Legend at 54 pounds. I was surprised to find that the racket felt kinda boardy and I was having a much more difficult time finding the sweetspot than with the demo. Also the stability was more of an issue. If I really cut at it without being super set up, I could feel the frame twisting and shots would get away from me. It also didn't seem to feel as light as the demo did.

Is Klip Gut an overly heavy string? I def. didn't have too much power. I'm thinking perhaps I need to go to a lower tension with a more comfortable string (is this possible, I thought full gut would be real comfortable)? And maybe add some lead at 3 and 9 to make things more stable. My problem is I got this stick to contend with my PT280. I could tell with the demo it was noticeably more manueverable than the PT. If I make it heavier and it begins to come close to the PT280 in weight, what's the point? Why not just stick with the PT (which when I came back to last night, felt like coming home). The one thing I was pleased with was serves. Bombs. I really wasn't serving well (more my fault for being out of practice), but I could tell the potential vs. the PT.

One thing to consider is that the demos are usually well broken in to almost worn out with reference to the strings. The one I got luckily broke which enabled me to restring and ensure that my tension was right.

You may want to back your tension down a bit 2 - 3 pounds.

 

[Deleted member 19728]

^^^

Do you remember how much weight was added when you replaced the original grip with the tw leather? And how much was the balance changed when you added the lead?

I'm thinking the lead changed the balance to less head light, which would tend to up the power you get from the frame...

Well the grips adds something like 8 or so grams. I put it on a mock balance beam and it was 8 pts head light with a balance point of 12 1/2 inches. Out of the box stock with a leater grip and over grip with no damp or lead the thing is way too head light. I did not rebalance after adding lead, I was just experimenting with feel. No matter what I do to the thing it is just stupid powerful and I have to take nadal like topspin cuts to keep the ball in the court. I am so used to hitting lower powered sticks that this thing is a real trip.

I just got back from hitting with it again, I hit with it for the 1st half and my partner was commenting on how hard I was hitting. Then the second half I picked up my psl and proceeded to win every game after that. If I could find a way to tame the thing down I thought it might be a great stick. My current plan is to slap on the thinner grips which will drop the weight a bit and string one up with luxilon 5 star, which will be 1) stiff as all Heck 2) thicker gauge string 3) make it a little more head heavy due to the thicker string. I will give that a shot and then go back to the drawing board with lead. If that does not work I am going to say heck with it and dump them.

 

[Fedace]

do you think AG 100 is more or less powerful than the Head Microgel Prestige Pro ?

 

[YH8733]

I've been having the same problem as Donbot. I find the AG100 to be seriously powerful the more I play with it. I actually find it more powerful that my AG200 16x19. I've been using this stick for over 2 years now. I did have 6 grams at 3 and 6 grams at 9 o'clock, with that setup, it felt good with 56-58 lbs tensions. However, it was too taxing on my wrist. I am now using 3 grams at 3 and 3 grams at 9 o'clock. Doing this is forcing me to go up in tension to 60-61 lbs. I am using Lux ace 18g. Natural gut feels great the first 20 hours or so, but becomes too powerful after that.

 

[JediMindTrick]

Disappointing first hit with my new AG100:

I bought it based on a good experience with the TW demo, and thinking new string would really help it out. I got it strung with Klip Legend at 54 pounds. I was surprised to find that the racket felt kinda boardy and I was having a much more difficult time finding the sweetspot than with the demo. Also the stability was more of an issue. If I really cut at it without being super set up, I could feel the frame twisting and shots would get away from me. It also didn't seem to feel as light as the demo did.

Is Klip Gut an overly heavy string? I def. didn't have too much power. I'm thinking perhaps I need to go to a lower tension with a more comfortable string (is this possible, I thought full gut would be real comfortable)? And maybe add some lead at 3 and 9 to make things more stable. My problem is I got this stick to contend with my PT280. I could tell with the demo it was noticeably more manueverable than the PT. If I make it heavier and it begins to come close to the PT280 in weight, what's the point? Why not just stick with the PT (which when I came back to last night, felt like coming home). The one thing I was pleased with was serves. Bombs. I really wasn't serving well (more my fault for being out of practice), but I could tell the potential vs. the PT.

AG100 is a midsize, open string pattern, low swingweight, you can't compare it with the PT280, they are too different. If you want something to contend with the PT280, then try the AG200.

 

[jck01]

I recently bought a used AG100 and it has Luxilon BB ALU Ice strung at 50lbs. I tried it without any mods and the racquet felt underpowered for me. I had to swing pretty fast just to get the ball over the net. Then I tried my PS6.0 (strung at 60lbs with Polystar Energy) and it felt more solid and more powerful. I made no mods to PS6.0 either.

Did anyone else have the problem that I have with my AG100? Am I using the right string? Or do I have to increase the string tension? In other words, do I have the right setup for the AG100 or do you think I need to work out a little bit more?

 

[fortunecookiesjc]

I found the power to be alright, didn't feel underpowered though

I'm still looking for a racquet that is perfect in all aspect for me without much change and Ag100 is 8.5/10 for me.

 

[ilian]

I just read through the whole thread... I plan on getting a demo next week and giving it a try. My all time favorite racquet is the MAX 200G so I am almost 100% sure that the AG 100 will not much up to that greatness, but I hope it will be good enough to convince me to get it over the Prince that I am using now...

 

[morten]

I recently bought a used AG100 and it has Luxilon BB ALU Ice strung at 50lbs. I tried it without any mods and the racquet felt underpowered for me. I had to swing pretty fast just to get the ball over the net. Then I tried my PS6.0 (strung at 60lbs with Polystar Energy) and it felt more solid and more powerful. I made no mods to PS6.0 either.

Did anyone else have the problem that I have with my AG100? Am I using the right string? Or do I have to increase the string tension? In other words, do I have the right setup for the AG100 or do you think I need to work out a little bit more?

At the moment i still favour the ps85, but try some lead to the ag100...i brought it up to 355g, feels ok.

 

[geesechops]

^^^^^ Have you tried the HEAD MG Prestige Mid? I think of it as my modern day PS85. The same solid hitting with loads of control, but much better returns against big servers.

The reason I ventured out in the first place from the PS85 is that playing against spinmasters off the ground and on the serve give me too many problems that I know has a little to do with the demanding nature of the racquet. I just need to find the right string for a 18X20 pattern and I'll be all set. The AG100 is still my best bet against spinmasters and pushers, but the MG Prestige is definitely what I grab when I play big flat hitters. So the AG100 is great against the 3.5-4.0 crew I play and the MG Prestige is when I play 4.5 and up. Different racquets for different needs.

 

[hoodjem]

Mine just came this morning. Pristine and sweet.

Strung with Lux BB Ace 1.12 in the mains and Lux Supersense 1.25 in the crosses at 54/57. Feels very tight, but we'll see.

Can't wait to hit with it.

 

[jck01]

^^^^^ Have you tried the HEAD MG Prestige Mid? I think of it as my modern day PS85. The same solid hitting with loads of control, but much better returns against big servers. . .

I have a Head Prestige Tour Mid that seems a little bit demanding for me. I wonder if it's similar in feel as the MG Prestige Mid. It's still in the closet waiting for me to get stronger. PS85 has been pretty good to me so far and I've been pretty happy with it.

As suggested, I added a few grams of lead at 3 and 9 o'clock position to my new AG100. It felt much better than in stock form. I'll probably keep adding a bit more, hopefully, to make it even better.

 

[hoodjem]

Hit with my new AG100 twice today. Once, alone on a backboard and then practicing serves. Man this baby is great on serves. Everything lands in the box. And the pace is better than I have ever had. Plus, placement is excellent--painting those corners of the box.

The second time was with my usual hitting partner tonight. He was amazed at the speed and spin I was getting. Said I had never hit a ball with such pace before. I was amazed at how I could get everything back, even his high-kicking forehand.

I don't know whether to credit the strings or the racquet. Yes I do believe that 54/57 is a little too tight; (I might try 52/55 next time). But I could still generate plenty of pop. And the control was laser-like.

Next up adding a leather grip and some head tape. Then Lead.

 

[octman12]

I just got mine and I can't wait to hit with it

 

[hoodjem]

Hey Octman,
M: Tecnifibre X-One Biphase 16 X: Luxilon Big Banger TiMO 18 sounds like a cool hybrid. Bet it has really good feel.

How come no poly on the mains?

 

[hoodjem]

Has anyone compared an AG300 to the AG100?

Could one mod it up to make the weights comparable?

It would seems that with a 98 sq in. head (versus a 90) and the same 16 X 19 pattern that the AG300 would create even more spin.

That would be insane.

 

[hoodjem]

Four days ago, very happy with my new AG100, I decided to tweak it a bit. Make it suit my style of play just a bit better.

First I took off the Dunlop Hydromax synthetic grip and replaced it with a TW 1.3mm leather grip. Then I added a Wilson Pro overgrip on top of that.

Then I put about 13.5 inches of Babolat head protection tape from 10 to 2 o'clock.

Then I put exactly 6 grams of Gamma head tape in four 1/4" strips (6 inches each) on the inside of the head running from 9-10 o'clock, and 3-2 o'clock.

With all this it weighed in at 12 ounces exactly (340 grams).

Friday, when I hit with it on a back board it felt very solid, very stable. Practicing my serves it also felt good but Iit seemed that I was bnot getting quite as much snap or pop on my serves. Placement was excellent but a few landed just a little long.

When I got to rally with my usual hitting partner, it felt really solid. There seemed to be no twisting of the frame on off-center hits. But it did feel very slightly sluggish on the backhand side, kind of K90ish. The air seemed thicker as I swung through it.

So last night I took off one gram of the lead tape (one inch off each strip at 10 and 2 o'clock).

This morning in hitting it felt perfect, positively perfect. Again very solid, very stable, but the quickness was back particularly on my backhand side. Actually this morning (after months of practice, grip change, and research) my backhand became a weapon-- more of an offensive shot. My hitting partner looked wide-eyed at a few crosscourt backhands and exclaimed "That's your shot."

So, for me, five grams of lead tape is the ticket.

(Now I just have to find the perfect strings.)

 

[Hidious]

I feel stupid. In fact, i'm stupid.

I demoed a couple of frames et the end of last summer but i started playing awesome tennis with the Aerogel 200. So from all i read on these boards, i figured that i needed a racquet on the heavy side. I bought 3 Aerogels 200 and was happy until i tried the infamous Aerogel 100. I realized my 200s were too heavy for me and i felt like a new player with the 100s.

Now i'm stuck with 3 AG 200s that i can't really sell because of cosmetic condition. Why the hell did the 100s come out a year later?

 

[BreakPoint]

Why the hell did the 100s came out a year later?

It did. The AG100 actually came out in Europe at the beginning of 2007, the same time as the AG200. Dunlop just didn't bring it over to the U.S. until this summer.

 

[Hidious]

Yea, i know that. I remember some reviews about AG100 from people who got it from Europe (you, i think?) but it's not until this summer that the hype about it started. The 4 3/8 is backorder almost everywhere and i heard they're going to discontinue it? Damn, i need more!

 

[hoodjem]

Oh, I bet you can sell the AG200s here on the TW Classifieds. The AG200 has plenty of fans also.

Just rate them honestly, and price them appropriately.


I am wondering if anyone has compared an AG100 (16 X 19; 90 sq. in.) to a Euro AG200 (16 X 19; 95 sq. in.)?

 

[Hidious]

I am wondering if anyone has compared an AG100 (16 X 19; 90 sq. in.) to a Euro AG200 (16 X 19; 95 sq. in.)?

Yes, there is a thread titled "AG100 vs AG200 16x19" or something very similar to that somewhere.

 

[Miami Tiburon]

Why wont Dunlop keep making this model and selling it in the states.It does not make sence, but it does make this club more exclusive.The AG 1OO Rules !

 

[s7evin]

^As far as i know it was already selling in the old continent for 1 year+...
And they will relese new aerogels soon ice, smoke or something like that, 1 will be 90si, if i'm not wrong.

 

[Miami Tiburon]

^As far as i know it was already selling in the old continent for 1 year+...
And they will relese new aerogels soon ice, smoke or something like that, 1 will be 90si, if i'm not wrong.

I know I had seen them for sale in the UK for a long time I grabbed mine the first week they were available in the U.S
from one of the online stores.The 4 1/4 was the last one they had in stock.Iam happy to hear they will be selling more 100 models.I just bought a 200 Aerogel Euro version which also has a 16 x 19 string pattern .

 

[s7evin]

I know I had seen them for sale in the UK for a long time I grabbed mine the first week they were available in the U.S
from one of the online stores.The 4 1/4 was the last one they had in stock.Iam happy to hear they will be selling more 100 models.I just bought a 200 Aerogel Euro version which also has a 16 x 19 string pattern .

They wont have numbers in their names.
I think the 90si model will be AerogelSmoke.

 

[Miami Tiburon]

They wont have numbers in their names.
I think the 90si model will be AerogelSmoke.

Cool, I hope they come out soon.

 

[geesechops]

The smoke is a 100sq inch tweener.

 

[shintan17]

I just got my second one with the AG 6 pack bag for only 3500 baht in Thailand!! (little over $100). What a bargain!! I love the feel and control of this stick. And like everyone else has said in here, the serve is great!!

 

[octman12]

Hey Octman,
M: Tecnifibre X-One Biphase 16 X: Luxilon Big Banger TiMO 18 sounds like a cool hybrid. Bet it has really good feel.

How come no poly on the mains?

oh its because its something different i wanted to try, before this racquet i use to put poly in the mains but yeah i love the feel of this racquet its really good

 

[Return_Ace]

Looks like i'll never be able to try out this racket :|

The weather had been bad and then the worst blow of all was struck... i broke my ankle when i slipped on the stairs last week ...

Seems like all forms of tennis (bar watching) are out of action for me *sigh*

 

[Steve F.]

And they will relese new aerogels soon ice, smoke or something like that, 1 will be 90si, if i'm not wrong.

Hiya s7evin -
actually...
these named frames won't be replacing the 200, 300 series.
They're anew line of intermediate and beginner frames, check this blog post
t e n n i s e x p r e s s.uber.com/blogs/New_Dunlop_Aerogel_Additions.html

 

[Steve F.]

Has anyone compared an AG300 to the AG100?

Could one mod it up to make the weights comparable?

It would seems that with a 98 sq in. head (versus a 90) and the same 16 X 19 pattern that the AG300 would create even more spin.

That would be insane.

Hey hoodjem -
I've hit with demos of both, both strung at midtension with soft multi.
No real comparison here other than Dunlop handling and of course, grip.
AG100 has much more responsive flex; AG300 is much stiffer than the TW spec would indicate, especially in the upper hoop. IMO flex felt more like 59-61 for the AG100 v 65-68 for the AG300.

 

[Steve F.]

I feel stupid. In fact, i'm stupid.

Now i'm stuck with 3 AG 200s that i can't really sell because of cosmetic condition. Why the hell did the 100s come out a year later?

I might be able to take these off your hands. Send me an email via my user name on the left.

 

[hoodjem]

Hey hoodjem -
I've hit with demos of both, both strung at midtension with soft multi.
No real comparison here other than Dunlop handling and of course, grip.
AG100 has much more responsive flex; AG300 is much stiffer than the TW spec would indicate, especially in the upper hoop. IMO flex felt more like 59-61 for the AG100 v 65-68 for the AG300.

Steve, Thanks--good to know.

 

[emmanuel]

Ok, I really love this stick.

I was using a PC600. Now I am playing with the AG100 and it is a awesome, terrific, great racquet!

So I've tried to get why the AG100 is so special.

Perhaps the aerogel technology (mmm, generally I don't buy the tech tale).

So I have made a more detailed inspection of my AG100 and PC600 and I found this. (Excuse me my poor english)

Besides It seems the concept of the Vantage racquets is very similar to the AG100 design.

That sounds with sense, because an ex-Dunlop engineer has worked on Vantage compay, as a friend of mine told me.

 

[jck01]

. . . So, for me, five grams of lead tape is the ticket. . .

I found 5 grams of lead did the trick for me as well. I don't think I can go heavier unless I start weightlifting.

 

[YH8733]

I too used to play with the PC600. The Ag100 is honestly a better overall racket. More spin, a bit less comfort and softness, but maybe even more accurate. Perfect fit for the heavy topspin 1hbh. Just have some confidence with your bh and it actually might be more consistent than your fh. I've hit more winners off this thing than any other racket.

 

[Steve F.]

Nice work emmanuel, esp. that measure on the throat. Explains a lot --

 

[ATIRagePro]

Add me in, I bought two AG100's a couple days ago and just started playing with them this morning! Love the feel and spin from the racket. Put a TW Leather on it and a rubberband and it sure does the thing for me. Was using an AG200 before but I just couldn't get the amount of spin i wanted for some reason but I seem to have found the key with this one. Also, I actually like lighter rackets, but that's just me. Overall, VERY happy with my purchase

 

[Miami Tiburon]

I feel so European now.My two main sticks will be the Aerogel 100 still numero uno in my bag,and the Euro version 200 which I will have in a couple of days.

 

[bossass]

No more 4 3/8 on the TW store. Just removed all together. *Sigh* Will I ever play with a racket I don't have to scrounge and fight for in For Sale/Trade or fleabay?

 

[emmanuel]

No more 4 3/8 on the TW store. Just removed all together. *Sigh* Will I ever play with a racket I don't have to scrounge and fight for in For Sale/Trade or fleabay?

What! :evil:

 

[drak]

No more 4 3/8 on the TW store. Just removed all together. *Sigh* Will I ever play with a racket I don't have to scrounge and fight for in For Sale/Trade or fleabay?

Same with another large internet retailer, they said they won't get more till late OCT. I wonder if there will be no more coming to U.S. and its discontinued? There are almost no 3/8's anywhere.

 

[rosewall4ever]

One question I have about the AG100. It looks like a very fun frame but it has also a low static weight and swingweight. How does that translate into matters of stability?
I suppose many users lead it up. Where do they apply the lead in general and what is the final SW, balance and static weight after leading up?

This was one question posted at the start but hasn't been replied...Wondering myself since i'm behind the gun and have yet to try.

 

[eproxy]

guys, i need some suggestions. I am due to receive my new ag100 in the next few days but I am unsure what tension or strings I should use. Should I go full poly or hybrid? Will the stick be just fine by itself of must I add lead tapes? I've been playing with POGs, dnx mid and ps85s which happens to be heavier. So should I lead it up to make it heavier?

 

[BreakPoint]

guys, i need some suggestions. I am due to receive my new ag100 in the next few days but I am unsure what tension or strings I should use. Should I go full poly or hybrid? Will the stick be just fine by itself of must I add lead tapes? I've been playing with POGs, dnx mid and ps85s which happens to be heavier. So should I lead it up to make it heavier?

I would start by replacing the stock grip with a leather grip and then add lead as needed later.