Dunlop Aerogel 300 arrived...
- Thread starter Redflea
- Start date
Redflea,
One aspect of the MFil-300 that I didn't like was a somewhat hollow feel. It looked solid but, to me, it didn't feel quite solid enough - probably due to the areas they had to remove weight. I played well with the racquet and could use it but you have to split hairs when choosing a racquet and that was the 'hair' that turned me away from the MFil-300 (I want to like a racquet stock and worry about adding weight later, if at all).
I guess what I'm asking is (when you've had a chance to test it), does the Aerogel 300 produce a similar feel to the MFil-300 or does it have a 'more substantial' feel, even though the weight remains quite similar?
One aspect of the MFil-300 that I didn't like was a somewhat hollow feel. It looked solid but, to me, it didn't feel quite solid enough - probably due to the areas they had to remove weight. I played well with the racquet and could use it but you have to split hairs when choosing a racquet and that was the 'hair' that turned me away from the MFil-300 (I want to like a racquet stock and worry about adding weight later, if at all).
I guess what I'm asking is (when you've had a chance to test it), does the Aerogel 300 produce a similar feel to the MFil-300 or does it have a 'more substantial' feel, even though the weight remains quite similar?
Total agree with AndrewD.
I'm a Dunlop supporter and used both 300G & 200G for several years. When I'm get older, 300G becomes my most favourite racquet. However, it has been discontinued and I'm looking for substitution to replace it. Finally, I get M-fil 200 2006 but it does not offer what 300G did although I tried to customerize it being close to 300G (such as static weight, swing weight, balance point and string tension etc.) In terms of feel, 2006 is much inferior than 300G which makes me frustrated deeply. Just hope Aerogel series could remedy the M-fil deficiencies.
I'm a Dunlop supporter and used both 300G & 200G for several years. When I'm get older, 300G becomes my most favourite racquet. However, it has been discontinued and I'm looking for substitution to replace it. Finally, I get M-fil 200 2006 but it does not offer what 300G did although I tried to customerize it being close to 300G (such as static weight, swing weight, balance point and string tension etc.) In terms of feel, 2006 is much inferior than 300G which makes me frustrated deeply. Just hope Aerogel series could remedy the M-fil deficiencies.
Redflea
Hall of Fame
Andrew...I'd like to help, but that may be a hard one for me, as I haven't felt the "hollow" issue you mention. For me the solid feel of the M-Fil is one of the things I really like about it...always funny about how our subjective perceptions about racquets can vary so much. My buddy doesn't like the M-Fil at all, and we usually like the same racquets. 
Anyway, I think I noted above that after my initial hit it seemed like the Aerogel may have actually improved on the solid feel of the M-Fil, and I'll post more on that after I have time for a more in-depth comparison. Might have something to do w/the aerogel in the hoop (or maybe it was just the paintjob...heh, heh) I think the change, if it's there, is more likely to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Obviously, it's hard to judge from my one hit with Dunlop multi in one and gut in the other, with different tensions.
To be as objective as possible I was trying to think of a way to have a truly blind test, w/out resorting to something silly like repainting both racquets. I was talking about this w/my wife this evening and she very "helpfully" suggested I play w/my eyes closed. My son then said something like "That wouldn't be anything new." So nice to have the support of my family...
Anyway, I think I noted above that after my initial hit it seemed like the Aerogel may have actually improved on the solid feel of the M-Fil, and I'll post more on that after I have time for a more in-depth comparison. Might have something to do w/the aerogel in the hoop (or maybe it was just the paintjob...heh, heh) I think the change, if it's there, is more likely to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Obviously, it's hard to judge from my one hit with Dunlop multi in one and gut in the other, with different tensions.
To be as objective as possible I was trying to think of a way to have a truly blind test, w/out resorting to something silly like repainting both racquets. I was talking about this w/my wife this evening and she very "helpfully" suggested I play w/my eyes closed. My son then said something like "That wouldn't be anything new." So nice to have the support of my family...
Redflea
Hall of Fame
Maybe the 300g and M-Fil/Aerogel factions may never meet. I almost got a 300g two years or so ago, but decided in the end that it was too harsh on off-center hits...had a really bad feel that actually hurt my arm/elbow.
I've had no such problems w/the M-Fil 300, and obviously like it very much. I've seen a few other posts from 300g users who didn't care for the Aero (not saying they all don't like it)...It may be that many/most in each "camp" is going to be unsatisfied w/the other's sticks... You say tomato, and I say tomahto...
Agreed. Redflea.
I understand it is subjective issue and no conclusion would come to the end.
BTW, I find Wilson nBlade is most likely to be the substitution of my 300G recently. At first, I do not have any expectation over it because it comes from Wilson camp. More time I spent with it, I like it more and very close the way 300G plays. It sounds ironic, but really goods news to me anyway.
I understand it is subjective issue and no conclusion would come to the end.
BTW, I find Wilson nBlade is most likely to be the substitution of my 300G recently. At first, I do not have any expectation over it because it comes from Wilson camp. More time I spent with it, I like it more and very close the way 300G plays. It sounds ironic, but really goods news to me anyway.
bertrevert
Legend
Wow Radical, I still use the 300g but to me I wouldn't bne looking for a substitute for that frame because it required so much customisation. Stock, I got a stack of work on the ball but no court penetration. Simply amazing amounts of spin but no weight behind the ball. As you can probably tell I had to add a lot of lead and consequently lost some of the character of the racquet with it becoming too flexy with a lot of lead.
I think the AG 300g sounds like a good move as it incorporates several technologies into a new bundle. Remember it is still M-Fil under the hood.
I think the AG 300g sounds like a good move as it incorporates several technologies into a new bundle. Remember it is still M-Fil under the hood.
Redflea,
Thanks very much and I'll keep an eye out for your review.
Yes, feel is a highly subjective thing, which is why I always drop in the disclaimer 'for me'. I guess, when it comes to the Dunlop range, I'm stuck a bit between racquets. The MFil-200 (95sq) had the solid feel I like, unfortunately, the 18x20 string pattern meant that I couldn't generate as much spin as I like, especially on serve (I'm trying to add more top to my groundstrokes as well). Again, I played well with it but lost too much on serve and spin. Same thing, roughly, with the HM200G. The Maxply McEnroe was fun but a bit too stiff and not really head light enough for my tastes (the swingweight was too high for me to modify the weight). The MFil-200 (2006), I tried briefly but it just didn't feel 'right' and I think it would have been better with a weight closer to the 95sq version and swingweight similar to the MFil-300 (all up, 12oz, 317 swingweight, 16x19 and 64 flex sounds quite appealing). The MFil-300 was almost there but not quite enough for me to not try other options.
Thanks very much and I'll keep an eye out for your review.
Yes, feel is a highly subjective thing, which is why I always drop in the disclaimer 'for me'. I guess, when it comes to the Dunlop range, I'm stuck a bit between racquets. The MFil-200 (95sq) had the solid feel I like, unfortunately, the 18x20 string pattern meant that I couldn't generate as much spin as I like, especially on serve (I'm trying to add more top to my groundstrokes as well). Again, I played well with it but lost too much on serve and spin. Same thing, roughly, with the HM200G. The Maxply McEnroe was fun but a bit too stiff and not really head light enough for my tastes (the swingweight was too high for me to modify the weight). The MFil-200 (2006), I tried briefly but it just didn't feel 'right' and I think it would have been better with a weight closer to the 95sq version and swingweight similar to the MFil-300 (all up, 12oz, 317 swingweight, 16x19 and 64 flex sounds quite appealing). The MFil-300 was almost there but not quite enough for me to not try other options.
Redflea
Hall of Fame
That's tough w/all the "close but not quite" you've experienced. I feel pretty lucky that I found the M-Fil 300 mostly by accident, and I think the Aerogel 300 is going to be a good extension of that model.
At lunch today I hit against the backboard at my club for about 35 minutes and then hit some serves. I'm really starting to convince myself that the Aerogel does have an even more solid feel than the M-Fil 300. I need hitting time w/my buddies w/each racquet back-to-back to confirm (so far only a short hit w/my wife and the backboard).
I don't want to allow a PJ to make me feel things that aren't there...I know how devious my mind is.
Several hours of doubles planned for tomorrow w/some friends, we'll see how it goes in competition!
Redflea
Hall of Fame
I wondered when someone else would show up with one...who'd you get yours through?
Also curious about the string setup are you using, and have you hit the M-Fil 300 and Aero 300 back to back, w/similar setups?
Fedace
Banned
Uh, actually i hit with Mfil about 1 year ago but i remember the feel. Aero300 was a demo so it had demo strings which had luxilon in the main and wilson sensation in the crosses. I plan on buying it and customizing it. I will add more weight to the handle by adding 1/2 inch extension piece which automatically adds about 0.8 oz and will add about 0.5 oz of lead tape to the 3 and 9 oclock position to the head to stabilize the head and counterbalance the racket which will give me one perfect racket. This will make a more stable racket than any Wilson n-codes i know including federer racket, and provide as much power and control as the Bablolat pure drive plus. Is this perfect or what ?
Fedace
Banned
i am fairly sure it was 16x19 and it did not feel too stiff but felt just right, kind of soft dampened feel. with my customization, it will be a ultimate weapon.
Redflea
Hall of Fame
Uh, actually i hit with Mfil about 1 year ago but i remember the feel. Aero300 was a demo so it had demo strings which had luxilon in the main and wilson sensation in the crosses. I plan on buying it and customizing it. I will add more weight to the handle by adding 1/2 inch extension piece which automatically adds about 0.8 oz and will add about 0.5 oz of lead tape to the 3 and 9 oclock position to the head to stabilize the head and counterbalance the racket which will give me one perfect racket. This will make a more stable racket than any Wilson n-codes i know including federer racket, and provide as much power and control as the Bablolat pure drive plus. Is this perfect or what ?
Thanks...that's a nice demo setup! Much better thant the M-Fil Tour in my racquet when it arrived.
Given your extension plans...you're not related to rafa's best friend, are you?
Redflea
Hall of Fame
The only version that appears to be available at this point is the 16x19.
It does not feel "stiff." Similar to the M-Fil, but slightly stiffer and maybe a slightly more dampened, but still w/good feel. A very comfortable hit...
Redflea,
I guess I'll find out when I have a hit with it. The near-misses are frustrating but I think you can tell that the MFil-300 is still in my mind as a genuine possibility. Currently I'm using the TT Warrior MP and it's a fine racquet but it is just a bit under-powered, for me, on serve and despite its reputation as an excellent volleying frame I've always found that more oval or elongated racquets are better at net (I think it could just be the way the sweetspot is distributed).
The dampened feel you mentioned could provide what I'm looking for and, hopefully, it's a feature of both the Aerogel 300 and 200.
Oh, and if you want a 'blind' test that might help keep your 'devious mind' LOL at bay, try hitting with your non-preferred hand.
I guess I'll find out when I have a hit with it. The near-misses are frustrating but I think you can tell that the MFil-300 is still in my mind as a genuine possibility. Currently I'm using the TT Warrior MP and it's a fine racquet but it is just a bit under-powered, for me, on serve and despite its reputation as an excellent volleying frame I've always found that more oval or elongated racquets are better at net (I think it could just be the way the sweetspot is distributed).
The dampened feel you mentioned could provide what I'm looking for and, hopefully, it's a feature of both the Aerogel 300 and 200.
Oh, and if you want a 'blind' test that might help keep your 'devious mind' LOL at bay, try hitting with your non-preferred hand.
Fedace
Banned
Thanks...that's a nice demo setup! Much better thant the M-Fil Tour in my racquet when it arrived.
Given your extension plans...you're not related to rafa's best friend, are you?
I use the extension for adding weight to the handle as much for extending the racket. I mainly like head light set up and i know many pros use 1/4-1/2 inch extension set up for same reason as i. I only learned about that from jay scheyid in new york whom cumstomize rackets for James blake, mcenroe, Nalbandian, Roddick and more. and are you talking about feliciano lopez when you say rafa's best friend ? I wish i was lopez. and i think i heard that RBF character was actually Dimitry Tursunov by several other members in the forum. If he was i hope he comes back.
Redflea
Hall of Fame
I've done that before, didn't think of it until I read your message. Played several games wrong-handed couple of weeks ago, it was pretty fun/funny.
Well I had a longer hit this AM with it...not as long as hoped, because I made the mistake of promising my wife that I would move a bunch of stuff in the garage requiring help from my neighbor, and he was only available in the morning. Man, the things I do to preserve marital bliss!
I did get in a couple sets of doubles w/the Aerogel 300. I don't like doubles to assess a new racquet, as it just doesn't give me enough hits from all parts of the court, we're at the net quickly and spend most of our time there. My partner is the weaker of the two of us so he tends to get the majority of the balls, and that further exacerbates the problem.
Anyway, I'm going to stand by initial assessment...I am liking the Aerogel very much, and finding that it is a little "more" in several categories:
- Stiffer (but still very comfy)
- More dampened
- More solid feeling on hits overall
- More power
But it's an evolutionary change from the M-Fil, and anyone used to the M-Fil could pick up the Aerogel and not skip a beat.
I've not decided yet if the differences are enough that I'm going to get a second Aerogel and maybe sell one of my M-Fils. My results were about the same as usual, the changes are more about how the racquet feels in hand. I do like all the changes.
I'm hoping that my singles match set up for tomorrow will allow me to really give the racquet a full workout, more groundies and some all-court aggressive play.
Redflea
Hall of Fame
Ahhh...interesting on the mods.
No, I wasn't talking about Feliciano Lopez...
I was talking about RBF here. Hadn't heard anyone saying he was Tursonov, that's pretty funny...
Redflea,
At least the wear is on the side, where all good players scuff their racquets
I'd be interested to know, when you do manage to have a good hit with the Aerogel 300, if it plays or feels softer, despite being slightly stiffer than the MFil-300. Guess I'm talking about feel/touch and dwell-time (the dwell time the racquet itself offers, regardless of the string).
At least the wear is on the side, where all good players scuff their racquets
I'd be interested to know, when you do manage to have a good hit with the Aerogel 300, if it plays or feels softer, despite being slightly stiffer than the MFil-300. Guess I'm talking about feel/touch and dwell-time (the dwell time the racquet itself offers, regardless of the string).
Duzza
Legend
Well duh....have you seen the specs?
federer_nadal
Professional
no, can you post the specs of the 500 tour?
Redflea
Hall of Fame
Redflea,
At least the wear is on the side, where all good players scuff their racquets
I'd be interested to know, when you do manage to have a good hit with the Aerogel 300, if it plays or feels softer, despite being slightly stiffer than the MFil-300. Guess I'm talking about feel/touch and dwell-time (the dwell time the racquet itself offers, regardless of the string).
Yeah...better there than on the throat, right?
Since I've only had one string on the Aerogel (Klip gut) and likely won't restring it with anything else, I won't be able to compare dwell across strings.
I had some very nice volleys today with it today, felt like I had very good control and feel...not quite like my old RDX Mids (but then, what is!?!?) but very good. My favorite was on a slam one of our opponents hit at us...I was about 10 feet away and had a perfect reaction volley, picking the ball up about 1' off the ground. Got it back w/soft enough hands to drop it between the two guys for a winner. SUHWEET...the kind of moment you live for. (Or at least I do.)
Anyway, overall I don't see any penalty for the increased stiffness of the Aerogel 300...elbow/shoulder are not saying anything, and the on-court feel is very nice, very comfortable.
If plans work out I'll have the match tomorrow...I'm thinking about switching every serve (serve/return w/one, then serve return w/the other) for the match...figure that will give me the side-by-side I want...
fielders_80
Semi-Pro
Redflea, sorry to hear about the damage on your racquet. Good thing you dont have the aerogel stuff leaking out, that will be bad...
Redflea
Hall of Fame
I don't have aerogel leaking, but I'm leaking...tears. My buddy just called and said he had to cancel our match today...has to spend time with his family, of all things!! Sheesh...pretty screwed up priorities, if you ask me.
Things are just not falling my way...made a few calls, but no one appears to have any time given all the holiday stuff going on. <sigh>So I'm going to take my family over to hit in an hour or so, just to get out. Talk about frustrating...
rrhstennis
Rookie
My buddy just called and said he had to cancel our match today...has to spend time with his family, of all things!! Sheesh...pretty screwed up priorities, if you ask me.
So I'm going to take my family over to hit in an hour or so, just to get out. Talk about frustrating...
You need to tell these people to get their priorities straight my friend! Geez, talk about having a mixed up perspective on life... I don't know who these people think they are anyway. They know very well I'm eagerly awaiting more news of how the AG300 plays.
federer_nadal
Professional
Hey redflea, if it is possible would you be able to tell me how the AG300 compares to a babolat Pure storm? spin, power, comfort, etc?
Redflea
Hall of Fame
I did get a short doubles hit in w/my family. I can't really hit out with them, especially in doubles, but we had fun regardless. My wife had a couple of spectacular misses and a couple of equally spectacular winners (all unintended) that make playing with her so interesting and challenging.
Anyway, the session wasn't much in terms of a decent "demo outing" but it did continue to reinforce my preference for the Aerogel over the M-Fil. More solid feel overall, and in particular yesterday, I felt that the volleys w/the Aerogel were more penetrating.
Anyway, the session wasn't much in terms of a decent "demo outing" but it did continue to reinforce my preference for the Aerogel over the M-Fil. More solid feel overall, and in particular yesterday, I felt that the volleys w/the Aerogel were more penetrating.
Redflea,
Still look forward to your more extended review although I'll have to wait a while longer before I can try it myself.
Dunlop are assisting the tennis programme we offer over the school holiday break - providing balls, racquets and some signage (we hope they offer Pat Rafter as well, but not counting on it LOL)- so I asked about the Aerogel range and was told " we will be releasing a range of Dunlop Aerogel racquets in Australia mid 2007." No idea which frames we'll be getting but as I was told their biggest seller in the last 25 years has been the 300 series (300G/MFil-300), I'm assuming we will get the Aerogel 300.
Still look forward to your more extended review although I'll have to wait a while longer before I can try it myself.
Dunlop are assisting the tennis programme we offer over the school holiday break - providing balls, racquets and some signage (we hope they offer Pat Rafter as well, but not counting on it LOL)- so I asked about the Aerogel range and was told " we will be releasing a range of Dunlop Aerogel racquets in Australia mid 2007." No idea which frames we'll be getting but as I was told their biggest seller in the last 25 years has been the 300 series (300G/MFil-300), I'm assuming we will get the Aerogel 300.
Redflea
Hall of Fame
Wow...that's quite a wait, mid-2007.
Yeah, I look forward to my more extended review as well. I can't believe I've had this thing since last Wed or so, and I've hardly been able to get any hits with it. Just really bad timing, if it had arrived a week earlier it would have been perfect. Oh well...
Yeah, I look forward to my more extended review as well. I can't believe I've had this thing since last Wed or so, and I've hardly been able to get any hits with it. Just really bad timing, if it had arrived a week earlier it would have been perfect. Oh well...
Jackson Heights
Rookie
Tennis magazine (tennis.com) gear section assigns a power rating to each racket. They list the aerogel 500 tour as much more powerful than the aerogel 500. I wonder if that is a mistake.
Yes it is quite a wait, although I would imagine we'll get a chance to hit with them before then.
Anyway, I guess now I'll have quite some time (the next month) to test out the various Dunlop frames. The Maxply and MFil-200 (2005 or 2006) aren't available out here but they said they'd bring a couple of each so I could find something that suits (my arm can be a little bit fussy LOL).
Hopefully it will be a good replacement for the Warrior MP I'm currently using as Dunlop does puts a lot of money into a number of Australian community projects (local and national, tennis related and otherwise) and it really is a more ethically sound idea for Australians to buy their product. Dunlop Australia (also Slazenger) is independent of English and Japanese 'Dunlop' so, although the product is sourced from the one location, you aren't, in essence, contributing to an international company as you would with Wilson, Prince, Yonex, etc.
A small distinction but one worth noting (at least, for me).
Redflea
Hall of Fame
Sounds great...nice that they'll be there w/some racquets for you to enjoy. Not surprised the 300 sold so well...I've had several people ask to try it, and have only had positive (surprised!) responses.
So have you found a way to make a living from tennis? You mentioned running programs during the summer...
bluegrasser
Hall of Fame
Redflea, Q: - is the new Aerogel closer to the 300G or the 300 mfil - I know the 300 G was 4 points headlight, while the 300mfil was 3 points.
No mate. Much as I'd love to have a career based around tennis I think that dream ended when I had to switch from left-handed to right-handed. Now I'm just your average club hacker and about 4.5 (in your terms) at my best (happiest at 4.0 - its more social). Our tennis programme is completely non-profit. The current one is designed to give kids in our community/suburb (not a big one) something to keep them occupied over the Christmas break. The other ones I help out with (also non-profit) are for the intellectually disabled and for senior citizens in retirement homes. Just a couple of qualified coaches, a couple of trainee pros and a few blokes like myself (of similar standard) willing to offer their time for free. We take (gratefully) assistance where we can get it and this year it's coming from Dunlop.
Yes, while I've struggled to find the right balance with the 300, I do think it is the most widely applicable racquet - to any standard- available on the market (haven't used so cant comment on the V1 Classic which Ed rates best in that regard) and it's usually the first thing I suggest to people. Also, you can walk into a store out here and buy an MFil-300, 200 or 400 for about $150-$200. Buy a comparable Prince, Wilson, Babolat, Yonex, Head (excluding discontinued models), etc and you're looking at paying $250+. I just can't, in all good conscience, recommend those brands when I truly don't believe that the average player will get any significant benefit from spending the extra money. I mightn't necessarily believe in the MFil or Aerogel technology and I might believe that Fischer and Volkl are the best available in terms of build quality and quality control but I do believe the prices of Dunlop are far more reasonable for the ordinary person. Given the type of person involved in our tennis programmes, that is extremely important to me.
Sorry for the long post LOL
federer_nadal
Professional
Hey Andrew, night owl like me eh?
What racquet are you using now?
Are you doing the same coaching as Duzza? Do you guys play in the same comp?
What racquet are you using now?
Are you doing the same coaching as Duzza? Do you guys play in the same comp?
Redflea
Hall of Fame
The Aerogel is listed at 4pts head light, and my rough measure of it when I received it seemed to confirm that. I don't have a balance board, but I use the rolling pin method pioneered by Julia Child.
In terms of overall feel it is very much like the M-Fil...not the 300g.
Yeah, I'm running through a patch of insomnia. Got into the bad habit of studying right through the night and now I can't get back into the habit of having a regular night's sleep.
No idea what type of coaching Duzza is doing, but he is in Melbourne and I'm up North in Queensland so it's unlikely our paths will cross in comp (not counting the fact that I'm almost twice his age LOL).
Redflea
Hall of Fame
That's impressive...very good of you to give so much of your time to others. We donate a fair amount of $ each year to various groups, but don't give anywhere near the time you do. Makes me wonder what local tennis-related charities are going on locally, I never thought about looking into that. Hmmm...
Yeah, the pricing on the Dunlops has been terrific here as well. And I've pointed a lot of my friends at our local club at the previous year's models from Head, etc., as great bargains.
I play 4.0 doubles regularly w/a bunch of friends, and it is about as fun as anything gets. We're talking smack across courts at each other, stopping to cheer and jeer the action (depending on the point), and playing competitive but also very social & fun tennis. Whole different experience than matches I play w/some other friends who are a bit better and more serious about their games.
bluegrasser
Hall of Fame
The Aerogel is listed at 4pts head light, and my rough measure of it when I received it seemed to confirm that. I don't have a balance board, but I use the rolling pin method pioneered by Julia Child.
In terms of overall feel it is very much like the M-Fil...not the 300g.
I know that, but in terms of playability is the 300 Aerogel closer to the orange 300G or the 300 mfil. thanks
bluegrasser
Hall of Fame
addendum/ sorry RF, I read too fast (mfil)
I didn't know where to put this but....
On the tennis racquet finder on Tennis.com i found the specs for 3 of the Aerogels
Dunlop L H W S Ba SW PL (power level)
Aerogel 200 27 95 340 64 32.55 326 1982
Aerogel 300 27 98 324 63 33.75 324 2000
Aerogel 500T 27 100 315 73 33.5 324 2365
On the tennis racquet finder on Tennis.com i found the specs for 3 of the Aerogels
Dunlop L H W S Ba SW PL (power level)
Aerogel 200 27 95 340 64 32.55 326 1982
Aerogel 300 27 98 324 63 33.75 324 2000
Aerogel 500T 27 100 315 73 33.5 324 2365
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