Dunlop Black Max Graphite Oversize

[chollyred]

Was poking around at a thrift shop with my wife Saturday and stumbled across an old Dunlop Black Max Oversize Graphite tennis racket. Instead of being the old box-beam version, this is a more aerodynamic frame. Instead of having "Black Max" down part of the yoke, it has "Graphite" down one side and "Oversize" down the other. The "Black Max" label is just above the handle. Looks to be about 110 sq in. 23 mm beam. 16X19 string bed.

I don't remember ever seeing an oversize Black Max. Was this a later beginner/intermediate version? Just trying to figure out what I found.

I haven't had a chance to take any pics yet.

 

[chollyred]

Nobody familiar with this racquet?

 

[retrowagen]

In the 1980's and 1990's, Dunlop made everything from pro-level gear that could only be bought in tennis shops, to some of the cheapest graphite composite frames on the market, distributed in discount chain stores in the USA. They were also very liberal on their use or reuse of model names. I am familiar with all of their better frames from the last thirty years, but alas, I have never heard of the Black Max Oversize and am apt to think it might have been the latter class of frame mentioned above.

 

[chollyred]

Well, I finally got a chance to hit with this racquet last night. It might be worth the $3 I paid for it. Very small sweet spot for an oversize. Looks like this one will either be relegated to the grandkids or re-donated back to the thrift store.

 

[schu47]

Hey Bud, here's another Black Max. This one is called the Black Max Stretch, also an oversize, at least for that time. It would probably be considered a midplus now.

It bears more than a passing resemblance to the Head Graphite Director; it probably was Dunlop's attempt to compete in that market.

The Director still is well-regarded; I don't think many people remember the Stretch at all.

 

[jimbo333]

Wow, they are similar, I've never heard of the Dunlop Black Max stretch!

It's also quite similar to Pro Kennex Graphite Dominator, I think it was called?

 

[KFwinds]

In the 1980's and 1990's, Dunlop made everything from pro-level gear that could only be bought in tennis shops, to some of the cheapest graphite composite frames on the market, distributed in discount chain stores in the USA. They were also very liberal on their use or reuse of model names. I am familiar with all of their better frames from the last thirty years, but alas, I have never heard of the Black Max Oversize and am apt to think it might have been the latter class of frame mentioned above.

No kidding; I noticed they got plenty of mileage out of using McEnroe's name (and still do).

 

[Virginia]

No kidding; I noticed they got plenty of mileage out of using McEnroe's name (and still do).

I once counted them up and there are more than 80 frames bearing the McEnroe name!

 

[vsbabolat]

Hey Bud, here's another Black Max. This one is called the Black Max Stretch, also an oversize, at least for that time. It would probably be considered a midplus now.

It bears more than a passing resemblance to the Head Graphite Director; it probably was Dunlop's attempt to compete in that market.

The Director still is well-regarded; I don't think many people remember the Stretch at all.

I remember the Black Max Stretch very well. It competed directly with the Director. Also I remember the Black Max Pro that had boron and the Black Max Plus.

 

[jimbo333]

I once counted them up and there are more than 80 frames bearing the McEnroe name!

I think I've got about 50 of them

And some of them are good racquets!

 

[jimbo333]

I remember the Black Max Stretch very well. It competed directly with the Director. Also I remember the Black Max Pro that had boron and the Black Max Plus.

And was it the Pro Kennex Graphite Dominator that was also similar?

 

[jimbo333]

Oh well, I was obviously completely wrong

I thought the Pro Kennex Graphite Dominator was also similar, but it obviously wasn't!

 

[Virginia]

jimbo, the Composite Dominator is similar in shape, except that it's a little bit wider - was that the one you were thinking of?

 

[jimbo333]

jimbo, the Composite Dominator is similar in shape, except that it's a little bit wider - was that the one you were thinking of?

Yep, thanks, thought I remembered correctly

 

[Virginia]

You actually said Graphite Dominator - mine's the Composite, though I suppose it's more than likely they have the same mold.

 

[jimbo333]

You actually said Graphite Dominator - mine's the Composite, though for all I know, they might have the same mold!

Yes, I am sort of assuming they'll be the same mold. And I thought I had a Graphite Dominator somewhere, but I can't find it, although it may be in the garage, as I've had to put some of my racquets in there, as my spare room is now overflowing:shock:

 

[chollyred]

Have been struggling with my Radical Tour lately, so picked the Black Max Oversize back up. I've been killing the ball with it, so finally took some rough measurements. It's really close to the same specs as the Radical Tour, but a little stiffer (and of course oversize).

25mm beam. 12 oz strung (cheap scale). Approximately 4 points head light. 16 X 19 pattern. Found a stringing guide that shows 55-62 pounds tension (pretty narrow).

Suddenly (I'm guessing because of the oversize) I can't miss the sweet spot. I do have to be careful with the extra power, but that's been a good thing for me lately.

Are there any other old-school frames that have similar specs? I'd love to know what to look out for when I'm out beating the bushes.

Here's a couple of pics of the Black Max OS.

 

[Rob1]

This was my second graphite racquet in early 80's then.
It was nice, but they break very quickly