Dunlop Aerogel 300 vs Dunlop Aerogel 4D 300

[acintya]

So, this is a very popular racquet. I have Aerogel 300 (the old one) and I wonder what is different? Which one you find better and is the 4d also available in 16x18 and 16x19?

The best part of aerogel 300 for me is the serve. I added no lead. Really fast racquet on the serve.
So, is the 4d better? The price really dropped so I might buy one but don`t know if 16x18 or 16x19.

How is the weight? it is the same?

please don`t speak about the tour versions- i am not interested
also intersted if there are some similar racquets which are even better? but the y must be light as this one

 

[LeeD]

I still have two 4DAero300's, 16x19's, with STBite16 at 47 lbs., 2 years ago, played dead stock except for leather grip, 4 5/8th size, just over 11 oz, 320 SW, that go thru a rotation of 10 rackets.
Aero300's seemed lighter in weight, possibly the same SW, and felt softer, but they were another 2 years older for me. 4D is crisper, and the slight change is better than the slight change (for me), to the Bio300's. That change is stiffer, but much lighter SW.
I see no reason to change, as a change to crisper strings might make the 4D versions feel the same.
You should demo the F3's. They are the big change, much more like Wilson's PS97, but softer, quicker, and more playable for all court tennis.

 

[acintya]

I still have two 4DAero300's, 16x19's, with STBite16 at 47 lbs., 2 years ago, played dead stock except for leather grip, 4 5/8th size, just over 11 oz, 320 SW, that go thru a rotation of 10 rackets.
Aero300's seemed lighter in weight, possibly the same SW, and felt softer, but they were another 2 years older for me. 4D is crisper, and the slight change is better than the slight change (for me), to the Bio300's. That change is stiffer, but much lighter SW.
I see no reason to change, as a change to crisper strings might make the 4D versions feel the same.
You should demo the F3's. They are the big change, much more like Wilson's PS97, but softer, quicker, and more playable for all court tennis.

thanks! yeah but the F3 is a lot heavier. Is there any f3 version that would be the same weight than aero 300?

 

[robbo1970]

So, this is a very popular racquet. I have Aerogel 300 (the old one) and I wonder what is different? Which one you find better and is the 4d also available in 16x18 and 16x19?

The best part of aerogel 300 for me is the serve. I added no lead. Really fast racquet on the serve.
So, is the 4d better? The price really dropped so I might buy one but don`t know if 16x18 or 16x19.

How is the weight? it is the same?

please don`t speak about the tour versions- i am not interested
also intersted if there are some similar racquets which are even better? but the y must be light as this one

I'm considering getting a 4d 300 myself (also not the Tour version )

I currently use the Bio300 but I believe the 4d300 has a slightly more solid feel. I also heard that AG4d 300 is very similar to the previous AG300 but just feels a bit more stable and solid. Otherwise specs seem very similar.

From what I read about the AG and AG4d 300s, they get good reviews.

 

[robbo1970]

thanks! yeah but the F3 is a lot heavier. Is there any f3 version that would be the same weight than aero 300?

That would be the M3.0. But it is very different to the AG versions. Much more modern and stiffer feeling so I hear.

 

[LeeD]

Here, we're confusing overall weight with swing weight.
Tours have more overall weight for sure, but in those years, 4D, Bio, F's, the SW is around the same. So, both Tours and non tours swing as easy as each other. SW varying from 317 to 322 is basically the SAME, as you can't tell that little difference AND it makes no difference, if you can swing on, you can swing the other.
Some players even say the heavier handle of the Tours, bio, 4D, F's, make counterbalancing a bigger factor, and can actually swing easier.

 

[robbo1970]

Here, we're confusing overall weight with swing weight.
Tours have more overall weight for sure, but in those years, 4D, Bio, F's, the SW is around the same. So, both Tours and non tours swing as easy as each other. SW varying from 317 to 322 is basically the SAME, as you can't tell that little difference AND it makes no difference, if you can swing on, you can swing the other.
Some players even say the heavier handle of the Tours, bio, 4D, F's, make counterbalancing a bigger factor, and can actually swing easier.

The OP did say they weren't interested in the Tour versions. The Tours do have a higher static weight and the 18/20 string pattern, so there is a bit of a difference. Although the swingweights are similar, I was trying to stay on topic and follow what the OP was asking.

I'm seriously considering getting the AG4d 300 (non Tour) myself. I've just seen a brand new one at a great price.

 

[LeeD]

I think both you guys are not reading the whole story.
More strings and more handle weight doesn't change the playing characteristics nearly as much as you'd believe. You can drop tension on rackets with more strings, to get the power back, and high launch angle.
Since SW are nearly the same, you really can't feel one easier to swing than the other. You know more strings last longer than less strings, so you looking for more spin can just drop tension to rackets with more strings.
Possibly in most cases, education is needed prior to asking or giving advice. Yes, I give advice.

 

[robbo1970]

I think both you guys are not reading the whole story.
More strings and more handle weight doesn't change the playing characteristics nearly as much as you'd believe. You can drop tension on rackets with more strings, to get the power back, and high launch angle.
Since SW are nearly the same, you really can't feel one easier to swing than the other. You know more strings last longer than less strings, so you looking for more spin can just drop tension to rackets with more strings.
Possibly in most cases, education is needed prior to asking or giving advice. Yes, I give advice.

I think you're not reading the OP's post. He specifically said he is not interested in the Tour versions and asked what the difference is between the AG 300 and the AG4D 300.

If he has said he is not interested in Tour versions then out of respect for the OP, it's polite to follow those wishes.

 

[Rozroz]

i also recommend anyone just having one 4D 300 in his bag. great all around stick, that may need a bit of lead.

 

[robbo1970]

I don't wish to hijack this thread, but as a fan of the 300's, I do think it's perhaps worth talking about these racquets as they are such good, allround sticks, both in stock form and when customised.

I have been using my Bio 300 for doubles lately and it's pretty faultless.

I know the Bio is a bit stiffer and has a slightly lower swingweight than the AG4D, but is there a general consensus of opinion over which model is superior, and why?

 

[LeeD]

Robbo, obviously, OP doesn't know much about rackets, and also doesn't know that the actual # of strings makes less difference than he/she thinks, and also doesn't know a lot about racket and doesn't use a lot of different rackets.
He's asking on a public forum. He needs to understand a few basics.
Don't believe me? He's also asking about if there are OTHER rackets similar!
Why is it so hard to add some lead to your Bio300? It obviously is too light for solid 4.0 level play, anyone knows that, it's SW is a paltry 305 or so, just like the TOUR version.
Yet you promote adding some lead to your other 300's? Does your thinking make any sense?

 

[SteveI]

I have played both Dunlop AG 300 (16 x 19) and the 4D version (16 x 19). The only real difference in the two frames is the feel. The AG (non 4D) has more of a raw feel and you feel every shot. The 4D version has a softer feel and for me a much better feel. The ball seemed to stay on the strings a bit longer. The specs and frame mold seem the same. SW and static weight were very very close. The bottom line.. only a feel difference IMHO. BTW... very liked the 4D over the Non 4D.

 

[robbo1970]

Robbo, obviously, OP doesn't know much about rackets, and also doesn't know that the actual # of strings makes less difference than he/she thinks, and also doesn't know a lot about racket and doesn't use a lot of different rackets.
He's asking on a public forum. He needs to understand a few basics.
Don't believe me? He's also asking about if there are OTHER rackets similar!
Why is it so hard to add some lead to your Bio300? It obviously is too light for solid 4.0 level play, anyone knows that, it's SW is a paltry 305 or so, just like the TOUR version.
Yet you promote adding some lead to your other 300's? Does your thinking make any sense?

Not at all. I never said I added lead nor did I promote it. I simply stated that the racquet plays well in stock form as well as when customised. This statement is based upon other threads I have read where others have customised theirs with lead, but I do not.

The OP clearly states he is not interested in the Tour versions. That is perfectly clear. He also clearly asks about other racquets that are the same light weight, which the Tour versions are clearly not. Yes the SW may be similar, but the static weights are not.

The OP has asked simple questions and I am just trying to be helpful based upon what he has said.

 

[robbo1970]

I have played both Dunlop AG 300 (16 x 19) and the 4D version (16 x 19). The only real difference in the two frames is the feel. The AG (non 4D) has more of a raw feel and you feel every shot. The 4D version has a softer feel and for me a much better feel. The ball seemed to stay on the strings a bit longer. The specs and frame mold seem the same. SW and static weight were very very close. The bottom line.. only a feel difference IMHO. BTW... very liked the 4D over the Non 4D.

Excellent feedback, just what the OP was after I believe. And has also prompted me to try and get a 4D version too. Cheers.

 

[ace18]

I have played both Dunlop AG 300 (16 x 19) and the 4D version (16 x 19). The only real difference in the two frames is the feel. The AG (non 4D) has more of a raw feel and you feel every shot. The 4D version has a softer feel and for me a much better feel. The ball seemed to stay on the strings a bit longer. The specs and frame mold seem the same. SW and static weight were very very close. The bottom line.. only a feel difference IMHO. BTW... very liked the 4D over the Non 4D.

Agreed, well said. I liked the AG300 better and agree with the raw feel. I wanted to like the 4d300 twice, but never worked for me..

 

[BretH]

Loved my 4d300 but it seems at the price you can get these for why not try both? You'll still be $$$$$ ahead of those who absolutely think they need the latest and greatest.

 

[robbo1970]

So, this is a very popular racquet. I have Aerogel 300 (the old one) and I wonder what is different? Which one you find better and is the 4d also available in 16x18 and 16x19?

The best part of aerogel 300 for me is the serve. I added no lead. Really fast racquet on the serve.
So, is the 4d better? The price really dropped so I might buy one but don`t know if 16x18 or 16x19.

How is the weight? it is the same?

please don`t speak about the tour versions- i am not interested
also intersted if there are some similar racquets which are even better? but the y must be light as this one

Have a look at the following alternatives:

Babolat Pure Control (does have a 16/20 pattern though)
Volkl Organox 10 295
Pacific BX2 XForce 98 (does have a 16/20 pattern though)

There's a couple of Yonex racquets that have similar specs, but not sure how you feel about the head shape.

 

[SteveI]

Excellent feedback, just what the OP was after I believe. And has also prompted me to try and get a 4D version too. Cheers.

I had one and sold it a while back...dumb move on my part. They are hard to come by now..

 

[corneliuscobb]

The Aerogel / 4D 300s were the last of the great all around Dunlop racquets. With a bit of lead in the hoop, throat and handle, they are superb.

 

[acintya]

thanks guys. LeeD probably I know more about racquets than you ever have i was just a little inactive and need to freshen up, and you know, sometimes i dont have the power and time to analyze racquets every day a few hours all the month long. if you think my question is a noob question than I really can`t help you. what is really noobish is comparing the normal with the tour version
thank you guys for the feedback, you really were helpful. the best is i get a 4d version because they are cheap now - but you must know where you search for it because some prices are really salty - over 120€

 

[SteveI]

thanks guys. LeeD probably I know more about racquets than you ever have i was just a little inactive and need to freshen up, and you know, sometimes i dont have the power and time to analyze racquets every day a few hours all the month long. if you think my question is a noob question than I really can`t help you. what is really noobish is comparing the normal with the tour version
thank you guys for the feedback, you really were helpful. the best is i get a 4d version because they are cheap now - but you must know where you search for it because some prices are really salty - over 120€

Used to be able to pick them up for $50.00 used on Talk Tennis but they seem to be in high demand since the latest versions that Dunlop produced have not been real big sellers. You can try the BAY.. but sometimes you get some real junk on there. If TW has any in their used section you can be sure they are in decent condition and come with a 30 day money back.

 

[hoodjem]

The Aerogel / 4D 300s were the last of the great all around Dunlop racquets. With a bit of lead in the hoop, throat and handle, they are superb.

Gotta agree. Not much comparison to the Bio versions.

I have two AG4D300s, plus two AG300 Euro versions (16X18).

Right now the AG4D is my racquet of choice. Once my game is really clicking (timing, reflexes, preparation), I switch to the Euro versions for extra power and spin.

But right now the AG4D 300 is really doing everything right, (and is lighter and easier to swing).

 

[LeeD]

Got my pair of 4DAero300 from TW here for $39.95 each, plus 11 bucks each for STBite16 strings.
Nobody really knows a lot about rackets, because there are so many different ones out nowadaze.
I worked at FTC Sports in San Francisco, strung racket's there, about 21,000 total, but that was back in the '70's. Including 6 for Raul Rameriz, 3 for Richard Stockton, 3 for Mike Cahill, and 1 for Brian Gottfried at the TransAmerica string booth.
I did NOT string the MaxPly's for Colin Dibley that won the fast serve contest at Golden Gateway back in town. But I watched as Primo Carnera, the head stringer, added two layers of 4 oz glass to the throat, and the lower head, sandwich and not box, and strung up the VS at 68 lbs used by Colin for only the serve competition.

 

[corneliuscobb]

I worked at FTC Sports in San Francisco, strung racket's there, about 21,000 total, but that was back in the '70's. Including 6 for Raul Rameriz, 3 for Richard Stockton, 3 for Mike Cahill, and 1 for Brian Gottfried at the TransAmerica string booth.
I did NOT string the MaxPly's for Colin Dibley that won the fast serve contest at Golden Gateway back in town. But I watched as Primo Carnera, the head stringer, added two layers of 4 oz glass to the throat, and the lower head, sandwich and not box, and strung up the VS at 68 lbs used by Colin for only the serve competition.

What on earth are you babbling on about??

 

[LeeD]

Braindead Conrnelius, read post 21.
I was answering to that, since I know nothing about tennis rackets and have no history with tennis.
Did you miss post 21?

 

[robbo1970]

Braindead Conrnelius, read post 21.
I was answering to that, since I know nothing about tennis rackets and have no history with tennis.
Did you miss post 21?

You strung 21,000 racquets? Wow.

I didn't get the top grade in maths at school, but I'm sure that equates to stringing more than 5 racquets every day for 10 years, without a single day off, including holidays and Christmas.

You must have had sore fingers.

 

[acintya]

Got my pair of 4DAero300 from TW here for $39.95 each, plus 11 bucks each for STBite16 strings.
Nobody really knows a lot about rackets, because there are so many different ones out nowadaze.
I worked at FTC Sports in San Francisco, strung racket's there, about 21,000 total, but that was back in the '70's. Including 6 for Raul Rameriz, 3 for Richard Stockton, 3 for Mike Cahill, and 1 for Brian Gottfried at the TransAmerica string booth.
I did NOT string the MaxPly's for Colin Dibley that won the fast serve contest at Golden Gateway back in town. But I watched as Primo Carnera, the head stringer, added two layers of 4 oz glass to the throat, and the lower head, sandwich and not box, and strung up the VS at 68 lbs used by Colin for only the serve competition.

then you are the king of racquets! man, i dont want to fight with you. you were a little harsh to me: the thread opener. I am not a pro - but that does not mean i don`t know nothing about racquets. If you "touched" so many racquets, which ones are you favorites? max weight: 310g strung i didnt say you dont know nothing about racquets lol you are beeing sensitive . peace man

okay guys im getting the 4d 300 - i think 60€ for a new racquet is a fair price.

 

[LeeD]

Sorry. I mistakenly typed 2,000, then corrected to 1,000, and must have missed deleting the 2.
Figure, 4 days a week, 12-14 nylon or multi rackets a day at work.
At home, maybe 3 a day for friends on both North Beach and City College BATL teams, for 2.5 years.
Gut rackets, I"m sweating, worried, and maybe 4 a day, but I was also the salesman on the floor. No showtime stringing gut, it takes concentration.

 

[robbo1970]

Sorry. I mistakenly typed 2,000, then corrected to 1,000, and must have missed deleting the 2.
Figure, 4 days a week, 12-14 nylon or multi rackets a day at work.
At home, maybe 3 a day for friends on both North Beach and City College BATL teams, for 2.5 years.
Gut rackets, I"m sweating, worried, and maybe 4 a day, but I was also the salesman on the floor. No showtime stringing gut, it takes concentration.

Lol, I was going to say. After stringing 21,000 racquets I'd be surprised if you had any fingers left and that you could ever set eyes on a tennis racquet ever again!

 

[hoodjem]

The AG4D300 is 10.9 oz. strung.

So it certainly, IMO, needs some lead to enhance stability and plow-through.

 

[LeeD]

10.9 oz, but SW is 320 with medium weight strings, so maybe a bit more with thicker strings. Add a leather grip, or an overgrip, you get the weight of a modern F2T, and close to the SW of new Prestiges, very close to HeadSpeedPro, IF you add thick strings, and some grip weight.