Dunlop IDapt

[Timbo's hopeless slice]

Ok, what am I missing here?

Positive reviews, simple concept (I mean, how is it different to switching pallets on a Volkl, for example?)

And yet, at least on the repository of all racquet wisdom that is TT, an idea that has been met with almost universal ridicule.

Y'all had a hit with one?

Me either, so I'm without an opinion. Seems that's not the case for a whole lot of other folk though..

 

[SpinToWin]

There have been a few reports of racquets falling apart.

The adjustments can only be made by an officially recognised shop and if there isn't one close to you, tough luck.

Most people don't like the idea of a racquet that can be taken apart rather easily.

Considering this all I am not surprised that iDapt hasn't been successful.

 

[Timbo's hopeless slice]

Hmnnn, ok.

I haven't even seen one

 

[Timbo's hopeless slice]

I just read all the feedback post Nd, apart from the epistle from the chap who admits he hasn't even tried one before giving us 1000 words of criticism, they are all overwhelmingly positive

 

[Anatoly]

There have been a few reports of racquets falling apart.

Nonsense.

It's the same type of bolt that they use to hold aeroplanes together. So unless you're used to aeroplanes falling apart mid flight, it's not going to fall apart.

The adjustments can only be made by an officially recognised shop and if there isn't one close to you, tough luck.

It's just a long hex tool. It's not unique to Dunlop.

 

[Early Retirement]

Nonsense.

It's the same type of bolt that they use to hold aeroplanes together. So unless you're used to aeroplanes falling apart mid flight, it's not going to fall apart.



It's just a long hex tool. It's not unique to Dunlop.

Yes this is what I understood as well.

Tighten it and it stays.

And of course they want you to have a Dunlop shop do it, same deal as your car.

 

[loosegroove]

Actually, the owner of the local tennis shop said he was initially getting some complaints of the handles becoming a little loosey goosey, but a small adjustment of tightening it more and it's been remedied. Were the original Dunlop tools a torque wrench? I inferred that may be the case, and all that was required was increasing the setting or something along those lines.

 

[themitchmann]

Ok, what am I missing here?

Positive reviews, simple concept (I mean, how is it different to switching pallets on a Volkl, for example?)

And yet, at least on the repository of all racquet wisdom that is TT, an idea that has been met with almost universal ridicule.

Y'all had a hit with one?

Me either, so I'm without an opinion. Seems that's not the case for a whole lot of other folk though..

The 100 and 100S weren't bad, but just too much vibration for me.

 

[LeeD]

I don't consider them because I own 3 DunlopAero500's, weighted to just over 11 oz and 325 SW's.
Exactly the same flex, 68, and easy swinging 100 squ's, why bother with another racket that plays the same?

 

[Shroud]

my 2 cents is that I have bought 5 dunlop frames in the past year. I like them.

But the iDapt is confusing. I really dont understand it. For example what is the whole shock sleeve. They say it doesnt changed the actual stiffness, so how can you get a firmer or softer feel? It just doesnt make sense. And not knowing what that all actually means well whats the point, especially when you have to send it back to change the feel? Now if I could get all 3 options and change them myself I may be more interested.

And spring loaded grommets?? Really? I dont get that.

Plus cosmetically they are really UGLY frames for the most part.

And its all 16x19.

It just doesnt allow enough customization or at least for the DIYer.

 

[Captain Karma]

Hey there yeah,

Was wondering about this one. Up till now i was of the impression that the racquet was made out of one single piece /mould of graphite. The idea that it can be taken apart does not appeal to me.I hope they go back to Biomimetic profiles ( i.e.. 200 , 400...etc). I just love them.

 

[Early Retirement]

Hey there yeah,

Was wondering about this one. Up till now i was of the impression that the racquet was made out of one single piece /mould of graphite. The idea that it can be taken apart does not appeal to me.I hope they go back to Biomimetic profiles ( i.e.. 200 , 400...etc). I just love them.

They still make the standard Biomimetic line, the iDapts were not replacements.

 

[JackB1]

Timbo...I wrote a lot about these in another thread. Just search for idapt and you should find it easily....

Tried and like the Force 98, but the racquet by itself doesn't do anything better than many other choices out there, so what would be my reason for using it? The color choices are pretty ugly. One color is obviously for females, so you basically have 2 choices per model...1 more than usual.

The stores I have asked have said most people look at these as gimmicky and don't really take these racquets seriously. Most consumers probably feel that if Wilson, Head and Babolat aren't making racquets like this, then it's probably not such a great idea.

The shock collars are super thin, cheap plastic and they rip and tear very easily. Who needs different handle lengths?
Most people like one or the other. Same with headsize.

But all these options are pretty useless if the racquet itself isn't one you want to use. The whole iDapt thing to me screams desperation with someone trying something radically different to save a sinking racquet company. It doesn't look like the idea is working, so what will they do next? I think Dunlop has been going downhill since they began the Biomimetic line.

 

[sureshs]

iDapt prices are still holding up on TW

 

[Topspin Shot]

I've never played with one either. It just doesn't seem like something I would want to try considering I could find those spec options elsewhere.

 

[spinovic]

my 2 cents is that I have bought 5 dunlop frames in the past year. I like them.

But the iDapt is confusing. I really dont understand it. For example what is the whole shock sleeve. They say it doesnt changed the actual stiffness, so how can you get a firmer or softer feel? It just doesnt make sense. And not knowing what that all actually means well whats the point, especially when you have to send it back to change the feel? Now if I could get all 3 options and change them myself I may be more interested.

And spring loaded grommets?? Really? I dont get that.

Plus cosmetically they are really UGLY frames for the most part.

And its all 16x19.

It just doesnt allow enough customization or at least for the DIYer.

Let me just first say that for whatever reason, Dunlop racquets have rarely piqued my interest, so take my thoughts with the knowledge that I have generally had little interest in any Dunlop.

I agree with much of your post. The 16x19 thing is fine with me. It is the pattern I prefer and I generally don't like anything denser. I, like you, am not a huge fan of the cosmetics.

Now, with all that said, let me get to the real point. When I first heard of this idea and these frames, I was highly intrigued. A frame that you could potentially easily take apart and tinker with, making it longer, softer/stiffer, and whatever else, seemed really cool to me. I assumed you'd get what you needed when purchased and then you could sorta customize your own frame. Then, I find out that you can't. A 'Dunlop Certifieed' dealer is the only one allowed to do it. So, in the end its a cool concept that fails to realize its potential, IMO. Where I'm from, it would be a severe aggravation to take it to a dealer to change, but in truth, I wouldn't really want to fool with that if I had one next door. So, for me, I love the idea, but until it is packaged in a way that allows me to change the racquet myself, its just another racquet. And worse, its a Dunlop, which doesn't catch my interest much.

I pictured something like the Donnay customization kit...something that came with the frame or could be purchased to allow the user to make the changes themselves. I thought Donnay's kit idea was a pretty good one, FWIW. Annything that makes some tinkering and customization easier, more accessible and easily undone is a winner for me. And, I think this is a good idea as well, but not of much use until I can do it myself.

I also like HEAD'S new concept of different grommets to allow you to change the string pattern in a racquet.

What we need is a combo of all of them...the iDapt that would enable you to change length and alter feel, the grommets that would allow you to change string patterns, and the kit that would make it really easy to add and remove weight, especially in the butt cap. Then you'd have virtually infinite possibilities.

 

[Jackson Heights]

IDapt 105 and lead tape

I'm thinking of trying the IDapt 105, but not for the interchangeable parts.
The reason is I want a bigger racket for more power, and this racquet is not as light as
some other larger racquets. I'm thinking of the 27 inch long 105 instead of the 27.5 inch,
because I'm worried the 27.5 inch would be too long, and maybe also hurt my elbow.
(I play with soft multi strings due to elbow problems).
The 27 inch long 105 racquet was reviewed by TW as lacking in stability and plow through.
Does anyone have experience with adding lead tape to the head of this racquet?
If so, did the lead tape help the 27 inch IDapt 105 a lot?

Of course, the other problem from posts on this thread
is it sounds like these racquets may fall apart.

 

[Jackson Heights]

Let me just first say that for whatever reason, Dunlop racquets have rarely piqued my interest, so take my thoughts with the knowledge that I have generally had little interest in any Dunlop.

I agree with much of your post. The 16x19 thing is fine with me. It is the pattern I prefer and I generally don't like anything denser. I, like you, am not a huge fan of the cosmetics.

Now, with all that said, let me get to the real point. When I first heard of this idea and these frames, I was highly intrigued. A frame that you could potentially easily take apart and tinker with, making it longer, softer/stiffer, and whatever else, seemed really cool to me. I assumed you'd get what you needed when purchased and then you could sorta customize your own frame. Then, I find out that you can't. A 'Dunlop Certifieed' dealer is the only one allowed to do it. So, in the end its a cool concept that fails to realize its potential, IMO. Where I'm from, it would be a severe aggravation to take it to a dealer to change, but in truth, I wouldn't really want to fool with that if I had one next door. So, for me, I love the idea, but until it is packaged in a way that allows me to change the racquet myself, its just another racquet. And worse, its a Dunlop, which doesn't catch my interest much.

I pictured something like the Donnay customization kit...something that came with the frame or could be purchased to allow the user to make the changes themselves. I thought Donnay's kit idea was a pretty good one, FWIW. Annything that makes some tinkering and customization easier, more accessible and easily undone is a winner for me. And, I think this is a good idea as well, but not of much use until I can do it myself.

I also like HEAD'S new concept of different grommets to allow you to change the string pattern in a racquet.

What we need is a combo of all of them...the iDapt that would enable you to change length and alter feel, the grommets that would allow you to change string patterns, and the kit that would make it really easy to add and remove weight, especially in the butt cap. Then you'd have virtually infinite possibilities.

I would think the best thing would be to demo a few different versions of this racquet and see which one you like the best.

 

[drakulie]

Shop I work at hasn't sold one in months. To add, most frames that have been sold (which are very few) have come back after falling apart. Needless to say, they were returned.

Also, using loctite, as recommended by Dunlop as a "quick fix" is a bit of a conundrum being that this will make the frame that is built "permanent", contrary to the idea that one could change the lay-up if they so desire.

The entire idea of this frame and it's launch have been nothing short of an embarrassment and failure for Dunlop.

one more thing, the shock sleeve or different collars that can be chosen to change the stiffness are fairly useless. That all feel the same, and give the same RA reading on a RDC.

 

[spinovic]

I would think the best thing would be to demo a few different versions of this racquet and see which one you like the best.

I'll pass. As I noted earlier, Dunlop simply doesn't interest me. The potential appeal of iDapt was being able to buy a frame and essentially turn it into numerous different versions, at my own convenience, with the iDapt technology.

 

[spinovic]

Shop I work at hasn't sold one in months. To add, most frames that have been sold (which are very few) have come back after falling apart. Needless to say, they were returned.

Also, using loctite, as recommended by Dunlop as a "quick fix" is a bit of a conundrum being that this will make the frame that is built "permanent", contrary to the idea that one could change the lay-up if they so desire.

The entire idea of this frame and it's launch have been nothing short of an embarrassment and failure for Dunlop.

one more thing, the shock sleeve or different collars that can be chosen to change the stiffness are fairly useless. That all feel the same, and give the same RA reading on a RDC.

That sounds terrible. Nobody wants to have to bring it to a shop to get it changed. The one thing that could have worked with this whole idea and they completely screwed it up and actually made the iDapt racquets less appealing, in my opinion.

 

[LapsedNoob]

If you use the right version of LocTite you should be able to undo it. It comes in different colors that go from either completely gluing it nearly forever to simply keeping it from loosening. Most of them are not permanent bonds.

 

[tennis4me]

Tried a friend's iDapt Force 100. It feels stiff like a Babolat Pure Drive, but it appears to have more feel. Initially used cheap synth gut string and the racquet just didn't have any feel at all.

Since it's only 3pts HL, it feels slightly heavy when just holding the racquet. It has decent spin for groundstrokes.

By the 3rd day, the screw that tighten the head portion with the grip got loose and the racquet wobbles. We didn't have the special long screw driver to re-tighten the screw.

Too much hassle to own such gimmicky racquet.

 

[vsbabolat]

Shop I work at hasn't sold one in months. To add, most frames that have been sold (which are very few) have come back after falling apart. Needless to say, they were returned.

Also, using loctite, as recommended by Dunlop as a "quick fix" is a bit of a conundrum being that this will make the frame that is built "permanent", contrary to the idea that one could change the lay-up if they so desire.

The entire idea of this frame and it's launch have been nothing short of an embarrassment and failure for Dunlop.

one more thing, the shock sleeve or different collars that can be chosen to change the stiffness are fairly useless. That all feel the same, and give the same RA reading on a RDC.

I'm really afraid that SDI has driven Dunlop into the ground just like they did with Donnay until the Xenecore guys have tried to resurrect the brand. Its what Paul had predicted when SDI bought Dunlop.

 

[JackB1]

Shop I work at hasn't sold one in months. To add, most frames that have been sold (which are very few) have come back after falling apart. Needless to say, they were returned.

Also, using loctite, as recommended by Dunlop as a "quick fix" is a bit of a conundrum being that this will make the frame that is built "permanent", contrary to the idea that one could change the lay-up if they so desire.

The entire idea of this frame and it's launch have been nothing short of an embarrassment and failure for Dunlop.

one more thing, the shock sleeve or different collars that can be chosen to change the stiffness are fairly useless. That all feel the same, and give the same RA reading on a RDC.

It's a shame but it was totally predictable IMO. Dunlop has gone downhill since they started the Biomimetic line IMO.

 

[LeeD]

I really liked the F and M 3 line, coming from 4DAero and Bio3's.
More modern stiffer, quicker feel, wider top of the head, and good weight and balance for me.

 

[JackB1]

I mean, could they make these graphics any more unappealing???
They look like toys.

 

[hoodjem]

I mean, could they make these graphics any more unappealing???
They look like toys.

No.

Or like artificially sweetened popsicles.

 

[LapsedNoob]

No.

Or like artificially sweetened popsicles.

Their lead graphics designer from 1990 woke up from a 25 year coma and due to labor laws they had to reinstate him in his former position.

Hence these.

 

[Racketdesign]

Their lead graphics designer from 1990 woke up from a 25 year coma and due to labor laws they had to reinstate him in his former position.

Hence these.

That made me chuckle.

 

[Alien]

People is so conservative and resists change. Great initiative by Dunlop. Obviously just the first generation, flawed but will surely be fixed this year or next. I like the idea a lot, like buying a customized racquet. Keep at it Dunlop.

 

[JackB1]

People is so conservative and resists change. Great initiative by Dunlop. Obviously just the first generation, flawed but will surely be fixed this year or next. I like the idea a lot, like buying a customized racquet. Keep at it Dunlop.

It's not about "change"...it's about a pretty good idea that was implemented pretty badly. There really isn't anything different or "custom" about the racquets, except that for each model, you get to pick one out of 3 horrid paint jobs. You can already get a racquet in any grip size and there are plenty with extended length. There are tons of other (better) 300 gram 98", 100" or "105" racquets, so why would you choose one of these? Just to pick one of these colors? I don't get it? If the racquet itself isn't worth using over another, all the "customizing" options mean nothing. And forget about the silly "shock color" part of it. It's just a cheap thin piece of plastic stuck between the handle and the throat that doesn't make any noticeable difference. The whole product comes off as cheap, gimmicky and screams desperation for a company trying to stay afloat in this business.

 

[SFrazeur]

iDapt is a great idea that was failed in its execution. It doesn't go far enough with customization options. Give us a system that allows us to select the length, string pattern, weight and swing weight in an easy at home way. Right now, everything that it offers can be done with having extended versions of one piece racquet models.

But I do agree, it would be more popular if done by Babolat, Wilson or even Prince.

 

[Alien]

Just wait to iDapt 2.0. It is like the first Iphone, or even for the Sony Smart Sensor. Great ideas, just wait for a better and improved version. Obviously I am not buying the IDapt but it doesnt mean it is a bad idea.

As for the customization, I dont recall any racquet where I could choose length and weight at same time. I dont care about colors of course, and the vibration dampener is interesting. Again, it is just the first version, lets wait for the improvements.

 

[JackB1]

Just wait to iDapt 2.0. It is like the first Iphone, or even for the Sony Smart Sensor. Great ideas, just wait for a better and improved version. Obviously I am not buying the IDapt but it doesnt mean it is a bad idea.

As for the customization, I dont recall any racquet where I could choose length and weight at same time. I dont care about colors of course, and the vibration dampener is interesting. Again, it is just the first version, lets wait for the improvements.

Yes but the first iPhone was a huge hit, not a huge flop. Some ideas are better scrapped and sent back to the drawing board.

Like I said...all the options in the world mean nothing if you don't want to use that racquet over any others on the market.

As far as choosing length and weight, you cannot choose weight with the iDapts, but they are just 300 gram racquets and you can add lead tape to them just like you can to any other racquet. As far as choosing length, most people are just fine with a standard 27" racquet, but there are plenty of extended length racquets from Wilson, Babolat or Prince that will outperform the iDapts. There's just no compelling reason to buy one. AND....they are more expensive too at $199.

The tennis buying audience and clearly rejected the initial iDapt offering. Dunlop now has to decide whether they will scrap the idea or forge ahead and make "improvements" with the next release. IMO, there hasn't been enough interest to forge ahead.

 

[LapsedNoob]

To be fair a large part of the original iPhone's success was due to previous apple products like the iPod and the overall coolness the Apple brand had developed at the time.

 

[hoodjem]

iDapt is a great idea that was failed in its execution. It doesn't go far enough with customization options. Give us a system that allows us to select the length, string pattern, weight and swing weight in an easy at home way. Right now, everything that it offers can be done with having extended versions of one piece racquet models.

I agree.

The choices are too limited especially, when it comes to weight and string pattern.

 

[JackB1]

To be fair a large part of the original iPhone's success was due to previous apple products like the iPod and the overall coolness the Apple brand had developed at the time.

That's right. To compare "Apple" to "Dunlop" is kinda silly.

Dunlop will always be Dunlop, which means it's always way down below Wilson, Head, Babolat and Prince.

 

[SFrazeur]

I agree.

The choices are too limited especially, when it comes to weight and string pattern.

Instead of having three different color choices per head model we should have gotten different string pattern choices. But all they have is open and more open in teh 100/S.

 

[JackB1]

I agree.

The choices are too limited especially, when it comes to weight and string pattern.

Agree and that is my main point. You can get anything in an iDapt model in another (better) model from the leading racquet companies. There is nothing different or distinct about them, except that that are connected by a bolt in the middle, instead of one solid piece.

 

[RollTrackTake]

I would like to see Dunlop reboot the Idapt line with some much needed improvements made. It would be great if they could co-opt some of the other racquet companies technology.
License Head's adaptive grommets to change string patterns.
Buy Donnay/Xenecore's weighting system with buttcap and slide weight additions.
Make them Smart Sensor compatible.
Design sleeker color schemes.
And for goodness sake let the consumer customize the racquet themselves. Having to go to a dealer is a deal-breaker. Come up with some sort of customer service/warranty support to help people correctly customize.
The idea of changing racquet specs is not that different than what's being done right now with fully customizable golf drivers. Using a wrench provided by the manufacturer I can change the face angle & dexterity of my driver. With slide weights I can change the balance. For flex I can change out the shaft and attach a stiff, regular or soft (senior). And I can make all these changes rather easily myself with just the wrench provided. The half hearted approach seems like it's been a flop so Dunlop needs to look at the feedback and figure out if they can make a stronger effort to make this work.

 

[SFrazeur]

I do not think an interchangeable grommet system for string pattern is a must. But hell, they do not have an integrated weighting system or at least it measured out to know what weighting tape locations achieve what swing weight and balance. Neither does there seem to be a way add weight to the handle other than under the grip since shaft is where you are supposed to be able to unscrew the head. Nor are ther different weight handles to screw on.

 

[SFrazeur]

I posted about this on my facebook group, Racquet Exchange; a guy claims there is more in the pipeline. But I think the damage is largely already done where people have made their minds up on the system.

 

[Overheadsmash]

I loved the Aerogel and Aerogel 4D line. Should have bought more of those because mine are beat up. The Aerogel and Aerogel 4D 500 Tours are really good sticks. Currently using the F3.0 tour for doubles and those are nice also.

Sadly, there is no way I would even consider buying or even demoing the iDapt. I just don't want a bolt together tennis racquet, especially after looking at the build quality of my Yonex Ai98, which is a beautiful stick. Playing singles with that bad boy.

 

[hoodjem]

I loved the Aerogel and Aerogel 4D line. Should have bought more of those because mine are beat up. The Aerogel and Aerogel 4D 500 Tours are really good sticks. Currently using the F3.0 tour for doubles and those are nice also.

Sadly, there is no way I would even consider buying or even demoing the iDapt. I just don't want a bolt together tennis racquet, especially after looking at the build quality of my Yonex Ai98, which is a beautiful stick. Playing singles with that bad boy.

AG and AG4D were the apex of Dunlop design, craft, and quality. Great schticks.

 

[wksoh]

Hi all, Im looking at a new Dunlop idapt force 100. Anyone continue to experience loose handle after hard hitting?

 

[tennis4me]

Hi all, Im looking at a new Dunlop idapt force 100. Anyone continue to experience loose handle after hard hitting?

Better find another racquet, IMO. I personally know a friend that hits pretty hard and the handle came loose fairly quickly. He pretty much gave up with the racquet since it was not easy to find a local shop to fix it. I actually got to try his iDapt while it was barely loose. It was unusable.

Had Dunlop sold the racquet with the tool included, maybe it might have a little more success. But, I think iDapt line had been a total failure, a flop. I hope the engineer and the person who approved it is no longer with Dunlop.