Dunlop Bios: 500 Tour as Unstable as 400 Tour?

[TripleB]

I demoed the Dunlop Biomimetic 400 Tour last week and found that it was extremely unstable and dead everywhere above the middle of the racquet face. I will say that the balance was 10.5 points headlight after I added an overgrip and a rubberband.
Can anyone tell me if the Dunlop Biomimetic 500 Tour is as unstable and as dead feeling as the Bio 400 Tour?
Any comparisons between the Dunlop Biomimetic 500 Tour and the AG 4D 500 Tour would be greatly appreciated as well.
Thanks.
TripleB

 

[rlau]

Hi,

I can't compare it to the 400T, because I never played with that, but I'm currently playing the Bio 500T, and I wouldn't call it unstable. I switched the synthetic grip for a leather replacement grip, because I wanted a bit more static weight and a slightly more headlight balance (stock balance is 3 or 4 pts headlight), but other than that I'm playing it stock.

 

[LeeD]

I play with a standard Aero500, and it's totally stable when I hit well, even against players a full level above me.
When I play badly, especially distracted and impatient, I mishit even against 3.5 level players, so the racket isn't stable.
If you tend to hit hard flat balls, this will be magnified.
If you hit with lots of spin, the difference is not so noticeable.

 

[Hidious]

Dunlop 500s have a very thick beam, are you sure you want to go there TripleB?

 

[counterpuncher]

I used the AG 500 Tour version and that was stiff. The Bio version seems to be less so. Mine was also off spec and with an estimated swing weight of 330+, it was too unwieldly for me, but power, solidness and stability were all there.

As I mentioned previously the 400T needs lead tape at the 12 o'clock position. I know you don't like to use it, but I'd recommend demoing the 400T again and adding a single strip from 11 to 1. It is probably worth adding the 500T, Donnay Pro One, Formula and either the EZ Xi98 or the EZ 100 to that demo list.

The TF's although big on power and spin, have all felt hollow to me and not solid. I guess that is why they have started added silicone into the handles.

 

[neverstopplaying]

The 500t is stable and stiff without lead.

The 400t without lead is superb for 2.5 and 3.0. If your 4.0-5.0, dont consider it w/o lead. I place it at 3 - 9.

 

[LeeD]

I'll be there are literally hundreds of 4.5-5.0 players playing with rackets lighter than 11 oz.
Racket weight is not a constant at any level, except the top pro mens, which none of us are part of.

 

[neverstopplaying]

You're right, even though i stated the contrary above.

My reference was to the op claiming instability. This can be corrected with better technique: footwork; contact point etc. But if op finds in unstable, lead will help compensate. A stock 400t will seem more instable than a 500t at stock weight.

 

[roundiesee]

My coach uses the Bio 500 Tour, and I did hit with it a few times; it certainly is not unstable. I think the Dunlop 500s are a pretty decent line of rackets to consider. Good luck Triple,

 

[LeeD]

Also, what strings, what tension, what grip size?
Some Dunlops, like my 200's, are not powerful when hit above the center, but that's a trait you can get accustomed to.

 

[keithfival]

The 500T is nothing like the 400T. I had the same experience as you with the 400T. The 500T is very powerful and easy to use, not unstable at all and usable in stock form. I had a blast demoing it, hitting lasers off both sides. The AG 500T has a more solid feel than than the 500T, maybe less power (but plenty) and better touch, but it is also very very stiff. One shank off the tip and you will really feel it. Both 500T's play very well IMO.