Dunlop racquets experiences

[AlexKangaroo]

Hello all,

I was wondering what's up with Dunlop racquets these days. I don't seem to find that much discussion of their lines in various forums and clubs. Is it due to the curse of not being the top 3 racquet brands (plus Yonex I guess)? Some reviewers praise their racquets in reviews and such, but immediately drop them when doing for example comparisons and talk about what alternatives you have to different racquets. Is this only due to the brand not being hyped, or are they actually just a bit worse racquets compared to the other brands alternatives? I ordered a demo of the CX 400 Tour to compare it to the Blade 100.

What are your experiences on the current line up CX, SX, FX ?

 

[McLovin]

I ordered an FX500 Tour a while back to play around with. I extended it using the XTP Butt Cap, and put a little lead to balance it out. I was surprised by how nicely it played. Don’t think I’ve ever hit backhands that well since I used the first VCORE Tour 97. Great feel, decent spin, solid at the net. My first impression was “this is what the PD98 should feel like”.

Sadly, it is lacking in power (for me…an aging 4.5 w/ a lame shoulder), but if I were in my 30s or 40s, I’d be all over this frame. I might grab the normal FX500 (but the lighter version) to play around with. The problem with the XTP Butt Cap is you have to get a grip size smaller, then build up the rest of the grip to get rid of the ridge, then add lead to balance it out…so you need 25-30g of wiggle room on the base frame.

Also, a guy I hit with regularly has a pair of CX200 Tours (18x20), and he’s trying to decide between them & the Prestige. He likes the Dunlops, but feels there’s more spin w/ the Prestige. He’s trying the CX200 with a different string (Restring Zero) to see if that helps.

 

[Konik_1982]

I tried the FX 500 and also the FX 500 Tour and just have to say that these are quality made sticks with great power and spin. As the colour suggests, this is Dunlop´s response to Babolat´s Pure Drive line - so power it is. And if someone offered me to choose the Pure Drive or FX 500, I would take the FX 500 all the way.
The only problem is, that Dunlop just doesn´t have the visibility to penetrate the market more and get some bigger share from the top brands like Wilson, Head, Babolat and Yonex.

Shortly said:
- CX line is for control aka Strike line from Babolat
- SX line is for spin aka Aero
- FX line is for power aka Drive

Definitely legit quality frames as an alternative for sure.

 

[Trip]

From a product standpoint:
- Molds are well designed.
- Layups are decent, but still a victim of too much muting like everyone else (even the latest CX).
- String patterns are where they falter the most. PowerGrid needs to go. I've explained why at length in other posts. They began addressing it with the 2024 CX, so they're starting to see the light.

From a brand standpoint, they're just not a big player. Is what it is. Takes nothing away from the product, though.

 

[michael valek]

Cx 200 tours are the best frame I’ve used for a very long time. Comfortable and excellent control. 310 g 16/19 version

 

[michael valek]

Too add in the last few months Ive also tried new gravity 98, some prestige things, some prostock Dunlops, ezone 98, diadem something, and gone back to the cx200 tour every time.

 

[Grafil Injection]

Yep, CX 200 Tour is up there with any of the best 95sqi from the last 30 years, especially with a touch of lead in the hoop. Great manoeuvrability and feel, but also surprising stability and pop for a 95sqi. Just as good baselining as S&V.

 

[hadoken]

My son played with both SX and FX and both are very good...in fact when they do the $99 blowouts when changing over models, they are a great deal as the SX is right now. We also tried a CX400 Tour but didn't like that but I know it's a popular players line.

As a budget alternative to the Big 3, Dunlop is my goto brand when clearing out the frame lineup. I assume FX will also go to $99 sometime mid next year

 

[heavyD]

My brother has an SX 300. I've used it and it's not a bad racquet but I see no point in using it when the Extreme and Aero lines exist and do everything a little better. I demoed the CX 200 and I actually really liked the feel of it but it was lacking power. I think they are great value compared to the big four brands but if money isn't an issue maybe a bit harder sell unless you really click with one of their frames.

 

[Soundbyte]

Dunlops are good frames. He FX500 line paint is a not super durable, but it's a good frame. Fx500 is better than the Pure Drive, but id take the Pure Drive+ over the Dunlops.

Cx200 is a great frame, but requires modification with lead. Cx200 Tour is a great,ready to play stock 95" control frames.

They're also always priced more competitively than everything else in their space.

 

[AutoXer]

I have a couple FX500 Tours and love them. Great racquets.

 

[Dunlop300g]

I've been playing with my older Dunlop 300g frames since around 2005; but last year picked up the CX 200 (not the 2024 model) and really like that. So recently, this past month( I demo'd the CX 200 (98) (2024), CX 400 tour (100) and the SX 300 tour (this is the 2022 one and Dunlop are going to release a new one for 2025). Really like all three frames in the demo, but I was really leaning towards the spin frame (SX 300) and the CX 400. Since the price on the SX 300 tour is so good right now because they're trying to liquidate that one before the new one comes out. I would have gone with either the CX 400 tour or SX 300 Tour but the price on the SX300 was simply too good to pass up. The other thing I really like about the SX 300 tour is that I don't feel like I have to do any customization to it, and it really cuts through the air; I really love this frame; it does give me extra spin and it is super fun to play with. It is an incredible value and I'm glad it comes in 98. I love the weight and feel of this frame and have it strung up with some Poly Tour Drive Soft in Yellow which looks really nice. Oh I hit with the FX 500 a couple of years ago and like it but didn't want to commit to it since I have been into control frames all my life; it's certainly a good frame and worth considering if you want a little extra power. I remember that frame was really fun to serve with. TW right now has a CX 400 used that is a very good deal at around a buck and half and grade A. I think it will be interesting to see what differences there are in the upcoming SX 300 line. Feel free to pm me.

 

[AmericanTwist]

IF you want to know what the Dunlop DNA feels like, pick up a max 200G muscle weave 59ra, hotmelt 60ra, M-fil 200 61ra, or relatively recent Revo CX 2.0 Tour 18x20 61ra (the frame that Kevin Anderson used). The 2019-2024 CX 200 Tours (64, 63, 62, 65ra) are a continuation of the same feel.

I made a 95" Dunlop player's thread awhile back. I will get back to adding more content soon.

Currently, I play with 3 sticks: 2021 CX 200 Tour 18x20, Blade V8/N-blade 98, and the Wilson Ultra Tour/Pro 18x20. All are fantastic player frames. The Blade feels huge to me as does the UT/UP, but the CX 200 Tour feels pretty normal to me. I still want to extend all these sticks, but the process has been slow.

You'll appreciate the extra length handles on Dunlop frames for 2 hands as well as the feel/control.

 

[AlexKangaroo]

Intrigued by the Pure Drive and FX500 comparisons. Really enjoy the PD I have at home with Head Hawk strings at 23-24kg (don't remember). There is always the feeling of if the Babolat will break my arm. Any arm feeling difference with the power FX500?

 

[julianokay]

The last FX500 Tour is one of the better racquets I have tried in the last few years. Easy to use, generous sweet spot, not harsh on the arm, great power, great spin. My only issue with it is that I felt the stringbed behaved a little erratically. Wonder if anybody else has had this problem? Without that, this would be my main.

 

[VanDerVaart23]

Dunlop SX 300 Tour is a great stick. I was expecting lack of control, but it surprised me.
They also feel so comfortable, even though I disliked the balance a bit, it's fun to play with.
Backhands (two handed , flat) are so solid

 

[AndrewUtz]

2021 CX 200 tour and MW 200g are both awesome.

 

[Crocodile]

I have been testing all the CX and FX range and all I can say is that feel wise the CX has a very addictive and exquisite feel, it’s a special frame and the quality of the feel reminds me of those special Fischer and Pacific frames. They are delightful. The Artengo Control Tour has that something as well and so does the Tecnifibre TF 40 and Prince Phantom 93P.
Most of the mainstream manufacturer build many vanilla or generic feeling frames but the Dunlop CX is one of the best out there: The FX strung at the right tension is enjoyable as well. Haven’t hit with the SX as a new version is coming shortly.
The older Dunlops such as the Biomimetic 200 were great frames as well.

 

[pico]

CX200+ from 2019!!!! Love it!

 

[mad dog1]

CX200 Tours are thin box beam player’s frames. Low powered.

FX500 is a very good frame. Big sweet spot. Very forgiving. Comfortable for a tweener. Not as powerful as the pure drive.

Never tried the SX.

 

[jimdontcare]

CX 200: great feeling control stick for people who swing fast and also like spin. Better if you’re comfortable customizing. Personally preferred 2021 version.

CX 400 Tour: if you wished the Speed MP was better feeling and more predictable. New version made good stick great.

SX 300 Tour: awesome weight distribution, great to swing, punishing string pattern if you don’t hit topspin every shot

FX 500: solid power frame, good if you like dwell time and trampoline effect

FX 500 Tour: i thought I would love a Dunlop take on a power 98 but I hated every minute I demoed this. Can’t even pinpoint why. Feel is off and I couldn’t figure out how to make it work.

 

[TheBoom]

In my experience, Dunlop makes rackets most in need of customization. They feel great, play great, but need more weight in the hoop for stability/power depending on the frame. I think the CX 200 is close to a great racket, but not quite there. Didn’t spend much time with the others but wasn’t impressed with them right off the bat. Too unstable in stock.

The problem is, a lot of players who aren’t on these forums just don’t care enough to want to put in the effort, and if it doesn’t feel good right off the bat (and I’d argue Dunlop frames don’t in current form), they just move on to other frames.

This is more of a problem for those who even consider Dunlop in the first place. Many never get to that stage. I like Dunlop a lot, had a player package with them back when I was a teen and loved the biomimetic 200 and 300 series.

 

[Rubiks]

I've been playing with my older Dunlop 300g frames since around 2005; but last year picked up the CX 200 (not the 2024 model) and really like that. So recently, this past month( I demo'd the CX 200 (98) (2024), CX 400 tour (100) and the SX 300 tour (this is the 2022 one and Dunlop are going to release a new one for 2025). Really like all three frames in the demo, but I was really leaning towards the spin frame (SX 300) and the CX 400. Since the price on the SX 300 tour is so good right now because they're trying to liquidate that one before the new one comes out. I would have gone with either the CX 400 tour or SX 300 Tour but the price on the SX300 was simply too good to pass up. The other thing I really like about the SX 300 tour is that I don't feel like I have to do any customization to it, and it really cuts through the air; I really love this frame; it does give me extra spin and it is super fun to play with. It is an incredible value and I'm glad it comes in 98. I love the weight and feel of this frame and have it strung up with some Poly Tour Drive Soft in Yellow which looks really nice. Oh I hit with the FX 500 a couple of years ago and like it but didn't want to commit to it since I have been into control frames all my life; it's certainly a good frame and worth considering if you want a little extra power. I remember that frame was really fun to serve with. TW right now has a CX 400 used that is a very good deal at around a buck and half and grade A. I think it will be interesting to see what differences there are in the upcoming SX 300 line. Feel free to pm me.

I also play with the HM300g, extended and weighted up. Do you notice much difference between the two and any chance you compare the string pattern please.

 

[Dunlop300g]

I also play with the HM300g, extended and weighted up. Do you notice much difference between the two and any chance you compare the string pattern please.

@Rubiks


Ok I've been playing with the 300g's and still am playing with them ( I have 3 of them weighted to match more or less). Differences between these older frames and let's say the newer last gen CX 200 which I have (this is the one with the slightly denser string pattern in the middle crosses) ... I'd say the layup of the frame offers a much more muted feel. I also weighted up this frame at 12 and 9 and 3; achieved more stability and plow thru; just like on the 300g's. I would say this CX 200 is somewhat more comfortable to play with as is the SX 300. The CX 200 head shape is completely different.

I think I've come to the conclusion that the newer technology (graphite layups) is somewhat superior in feel and power to the older frames. Not that they aren't still playable it's just a noticeable improvement. Since I'm getting older I'm looking for a little more comfort, a little more power but I don't want to sacrifice the control for power at this point; just looking for that balance. I think the newer frames, again, are a noticeable improvement so I'm really glad I kept an open mind about both the new lines. Today, for example, I watch Nick from Intuitive Tennis YTC and he tried out the FX line and really liked it.

I went out this morning and hit with the SX and CX with the ball machine; I'm pretty sure I'll be playing with these two a lot more in 2025 and putting the 300g's in to semi-retirement; I may use them for string testing if I have to compare two strings since the frames are pretty much matched. I'm just hitting some great slice serves now with the SX; here's another example of something that, for me, is improved with this frame by comparison. hth

String pattern for 300g you're familiar with that. Last gen CX 200 was slightly denser drill pattern in the central crosses. This is changed in the current gen CX 200 which should offer a bit more spin. SX 300 pattern is similar but slightly more open than the 300g. The SX simply cuts through the air so much faster and the weight and balance for me is perfect in stock form; this is the SX 300 tour (98). So who knows what improvement they will make with the new SX 300? I'm super happy with this one just the way it is.

 

[Rubiks]

@Rubiks


Ok I've been playing with the 300g's and still am playing with them ( I have 3 of them weighted to match more or less). Differences between these older frames and let's say the newer last gen CX 200 which I have (this is the one with the slightly denser string pattern in the middle crosses) ... I'd say the layup of the frame offers a much more muted feel. I also weighted up this frame at 12 and 9 and 3; achieved more stability and plow thru; just like on the 300g's. I would say this CX 200 is somewhat more comfortable to play with as is the SX 300. The CX 200 head shape is completely different.

I think I've come to the conclusion that the newer technology (graphite layups) is somewhat superior in feel and power to the older frames. Not that they aren't still playable it's just a noticeable improvement. Since I'm getting older I'm looking for a little more comfort, a little more power but I don't want to sacrifice the control for power at this point; just looking for that balance. I think the newer frames, again, are a noticeable improvement so I'm really glad I kept an open mind about both the new lines. Today, for example, I watch Nick from Intuitive Tennis YTC and he tried out the FX line and really liked it.

I went out this morning and hit with the SX and CX with the ball machine; I'm pretty sure I'll be playing with these two a lot more in 2025 and putting the 300g's in to semi-retirement; I may use them for string testing if I have to compare two strings since the frames are pretty much matched. I'm just hitting some great slice serves now with the SX; here's another example of something that, for me, is improved with this frame by comparison. hth

String pattern for 300g you're familiar with that. Last gen CX 200 was slightly denser drill pattern in the central crosses. This is changed in the current gen CX 200 which should offer a bit more spin. SX 300 pattern is similar but slightly more open than the 300g. The SX simply cuts through the air so much faster and the weight and balance for me is perfect in stock form; this is the SX 300 tour (98). So who knows what improvement they will make with the new SX 300? I'm super happy with this one just the way it is.

Thanks so much for the detailed reply. I expected them to be more powerful though interesting that you find improved feel. I've briefly hit with the cx200 and couldn't stand it (though admittedly it was stock). The thing I love about the hm300 is the string pattern which produces a very consistent response. Sounds like the sx300t is edging it, good luck!

 

[gp141]

Playing with a FX500 at the moment (poly tour pro strings). It's a fun racket, very good all round, very playable, and I enjoy the feeling of using it. Main thing for me is the price - it was on sale and cost less than half of what I paid for a Yonex Percept last year.

 

[ThisHockeyTalk]

I have a bunch of rackets, maybe 35, including pro stock k blades, pt57a, original aero pro drives, pro stock radical, etc. I’ve recently found myself playing great tennis with the cx 200 frames. It’s a tough one to get the strings right because the middle crosses are so tight you’d think there were 24 crosses. I’ve been playing animal guts 1.25 in the mains and alu power 1.10 in the crosses. Sounds absurd but it’s worked.

 

[McLovin]

I have a bunch of rackets, maybe 35

Here at TT, we call that “a good start”…

 

[KungfuTennis]

They're all pretty good, but I find that most of them need lead to feel as solid and stable as stock offerings from the big four brands.

 

[mtommer]

Hello all,

I was wondering what's up with Dunlop racquets these days. I don't seem to find that much discussion of their lines in various forums and clubs.

You don't find much discussion because there are no top pros winning with Dunlop. Case in point, Alcarez's racquet sat on shelves collecting dust, virtually no sales, deemed a terrible racquet until Alcarez' wins gave "permission" for it to be an in demand stick. If Sinner or Nole or "name x" switched to Dunlop, no pj, boom, it would instantaneously become a top selling racquet.

As for their sticks, the CX 200 Tour is basically a pro-stock racquet. Mod to one's liking. The 300 and 500 series are also as good as any other comparable racquet. I bought 15 frames when the first iteration of the 200T went on clearance along with a mess load of grommets. Haven't regretted that decision at all.

 

[BenC]

just leaving this here. before you judge me, they were very on clearance sale.

 

[AlexKangaroo]

You don't find much discussion because there are no top pros winning with Dunlop. Case in point, Alcarez's racquet sat on shelves collecting dust, virtually no sales, deemed a terrible racquet until Alcarez' wins gave "permission" for it to be an in demand stick. If Sinner or Nole or "name x" switched to Dunlop, no pj, boom, it would instantaneously become a top selling racque

I think I agree. Even some racquet reviewers don't seem to bring up racquets that don't see a lot of pro use. They lack a "wow" effect, because a player hasn't won a masters or a slam with it. I guess Tennis is such a mental game that, if a rec player think they can play like a slam winner with a racquet, then they automatically have more confidence in themselves .

 

[AlexKangaroo]

tried the FX 500 and also the FX 500 Tour and just have to say that these are quality made sticks with great power and spin. As the colour suggests, this is Dunlop´s response to Babolat´s Pure Drive line - so power it is. And if someone offered me to choose the Pure Drive or FX 500, I would take the FX 500 all the way.

I have a couple FX500 Tours and love them. Great racquets.

FX500 is a very good frame. Big sweet spot. Very forgiving. Comfortable for a tweener. Not as powerful as the pure drive.

During my current demo rounds I've though I would prefer control racquets, but it starts to feel like I would enjoy most a simple power racquet. Is there actually any difference between a regular Pure Drive and the FX 500? The specs are so similar to each other.

Also is the CX 400 Tour a more user friendly version of the CX 200 line? As in more free power (and maybe spin) than the control CX 200?

 

[Guttersnipe]

I own 1 CX200 tour 95” 16x19 (2019) that I bought for like $50 bucks a while back and I throughly enjoy the feel (sonic core is pretty much foam filled). The older string pattern I prefer, you get crazy spin but the tip of the racquet loses tension quickly for my liking, & the 18x20 (2021) felt too dense...still haven’t gotten round to trying the newest one

 

[mad dog1]

During my current demo rounds I've though I would prefer control racquets, but it starts to feel like I would enjoy most a simple power racquet. Is there actually any difference between a regular Pure Drive and the FX 500? The specs are so similar to each other.

Also is the CX 400 Tour a more user friendly version of the CX 200 line? As in more free power (and maybe spin) than the control CX 200?

I still use the 2012 PD with some lead. I tried the current PD and found the open pattern to be missing the same kind of control as my PD12. The FX500 offers more control than the current PD for me but still not as much as the PD12.

 

[MayorGorman]

Play with the CX200 with some added weight, honestly the CX lines have been great. Its just name recognition honestly that holds them back because its not "cool" to play with a Dunlop. To emphasize my point playtesters complained about the prior generation having a tighter stringbed in the center and more open at the top. Then the moment the Wilson RF racquets did the same thing, that stringbed was praised by all playtesters as a great way to get control on flat balls and more spin on loopy balls. Its maddening, good racquets are good racquets and Dunlop still makes quality sticks.

 

[boosto23]

Play with the CX200 with some added weight, honestly the CX lines have been great. It’s just name recognition honestly that holds them back because it’s not "cool" to play with a Dunlop. To emphasize my point playtesters complained about the prior generation having a tighter stringbed in the center and more open at the top. Then the moment the Wilson RF racquets did the same thing, that stringbed was praised by all playtesters as a great way to get control on flat balls and more spin on loopy balls. It’s maddening, good racquets are good racquets and Dunlop still makes quality sticks.

I noticed this too. I definitely rolled my eyes. Happy 2021 CX 200 tour user here

 

[Dakota60]

What are the modern equivalents to the classic Muscleweaves? Nothing beats the flex, feel and control of the 200G 95s and 90s, imo.

 

[Tmano]

@Rubiks


Ok I've been playing with the 300g's and still am playing with them ( I have 3 of them weighted to match more or less). Differences between these older frames and let's say the newer last gen CX 200 which I have (this is the one with the slightly denser string pattern in the middle crosses) ... I'd say the layup of the frame offers a much more muted feel. I also weighted up this frame at 12 and 9 and 3; achieved more stability and plow thru; just like on the 300g's. I would say this CX 200 is somewhat more comfortable to play with as is the SX 300. The CX 200 head shape is completely different.

I think I've come to the conclusion that the newer technology (graphite layups) is somewhat superior in feel and power to the older frames. Not that they aren't still playable it's just a noticeable improvement. Since I'm getting older I'm looking for a little more comfort, a little more power but I don't want to sacrifice the control for power at this point; just looking for that balance. I think the newer frames, again, are a noticeable improvement so I'm really glad I kept an open mind about both the new lines. Today, for example, I watch Nick from Intuitive Tennis YTC and he tried out the FX line and really liked it.

I went out this morning and hit with the SX and CX with the ball machine; I'm pretty sure I'll be playing with these two a lot more in 2025 and putting the 300g's in to semi-retirement; I may use them for string testing if I have to compare two strings since the frames are pretty much matched. I'm just hitting some great slice serves now with the SX; here's another example of something that, for me, is improved with this frame by comparison. hth

String pattern for 300g you're familiar with that. Last gen CX 200 was slightly denser drill pattern in the central crosses. This is changed in the current gen CX 200 which should offer a bit more spin. SX 300 pattern is similar but slightly more open than the 300g. The SX simply cuts through the air so much faster and the weight and balance for me is perfect in stock form; this is the SX 300 tour (98). So who knows what improvement they will make with the new SX 300? I'm super happy with this one just the way it is.

How is the comfort? Thanks

 

[Rubiks]

What are the modern equivalents to the classic Muscleweaves? Nothing beats the flex, feel and control of the 200G 95s and 90s, imo.

Angell tc90 or tc97 18*20 probably. I hit with the hm200g for a period and felt the tc97 was better, just dialled up on to 11. I also have a mw200g.

Or less niche any head PT630 derivatives, PT2.0, prestige pro, Dunlop cx200 your, Wilson ultra pro...

 

[Dunlop300g]

How is the comfort? Thanks

I find the comfort on the Dunlop line to be quite good. I would venture to say that the comfort has definitely and noticeably improved from the Hotmelt 300g days to the current generation lines. Nothing wrong really with the 300g's but I did weight them significantly to give them more plow through and stability; I think this also helps to improve comfort. I'm playing right now with the CX 200 that I customized (added weight at top of the hoop) and the SX 300 tour which I feel for me doesn't need any added weight; it's very comfortable and has good enough plow through in stock form (the tour is the heaviest one).

 

[mtommer]

What are the modern equivalents to the classic Muscleweaves? Nothing beats the flex, feel and control of the 200G 95s and 90s, imo.

CX200Tour. I quite literally have used these two interchangably some days. I've found one or two very slight differences but for the most part they are the same racquet.

 

[GN-001]

CX200+ from 2019!!!! Love it!

I have 2!

just leaving this here. before you judge me, they were very on clearance sale.

That’s a dream collection for me, never worry about running out of the 2019 CX200s!

I started with 2x Dunlop biomimetic 300. Loved it, especially after adding abit of lead. Unfortunately they got stolen. Then in 2020 got 2x CX200+. They are still my go-to racquets for competition.

What I’d like to see Dunlop improve on is their QC, although I don’t think that’s what’s holding them back as not everyone buys 2+ racquets and checks QC. One of my biomimetic 300 had a cracked handle with shards, brand new so I had to return it and get another, this was in 2014. One of my CX200s came 5g under spec and now both my CX200s have squeaky buttcaps perhaps due to the staples coming loose.

I really like the feel of Dunlop racquets so hope they stick around. The latest Fx500 looks really cool

 

[Tmano]

I find the comfort on the Dunlop line to be quite good. I would venture to say that the comfort has definitely and noticeably improved from the Hotmelt 300g days to the current generation lines. Nothing wrong really with the 300g's but I did weight them significantly to give them more plow through and stability; I think this also helps to improve comfort. I'm playing right now with the CX 200 that I customized (added weight at top of the hoop) and the SX 300 tour which I feel for me doesn't need any added weight; it's very comfortable and has good enough plow through in stock form (the tour is the heaviest one).

Thank you!
Comfortable like someone that had TE could use?

 

[Dunlop300g]

Thank you!
Comfortable like someone that had TE could use?

Yes. I struggled with that too. I think string and string tension has so much to do with it. These frames don't seem to be overly stiff so they "pair well" with softer strings or with softer polys at lover tension (50 and less for example); lots of times I'm playing with poly in the 40 to 50 range. hth And these frames are also good with multi's if you want to add some extra pop.

 

[AlexKangaroo]

Finished the demo of the CX 400 Tour. I think the strings were starting to die (lot of string movement and not that great snap back). This particular model felt kind of weird jack-of-all type of racquet. It had nice power and pretty good control, but neither of them felt like I could rely on. Even when hitting for an extensive period I wasn't still sure how to handle the balance of the racquet. It feels like other racquets have a more refined profile and that makes them actually easier to play with.

 

[fritzhimself]

Even when hitting for an extensive period I wasn't still sure how to handle the balance of the racquet. It feels like other racquets have a more refined profile and that makes them actually easier to play with.

Whenever I read this or something similar, I think to myself: “Friend, how about you invest in some coaching hours to improve your technique?”

 

[AlexKangaroo]

I've noticed that you have to always be positive about whatever racquet otherwise you just lack the skills to play tennis . Basically we could just shut the entire Racquets forum down and tell people to improve and stop buying new racquets

 

[fritzhimself]

I've noticed that you have to always be positive about whatever racquet otherwise you just lack the skills to play tennis . Basically we could just shut the entire Racquets forum down and tell people to improve and stop buying new racquets

Well - that can be explained psychologically. You can never blame the racquet if you mess up a sleep.
There is no such thing as a “forgiving racquet”. You have to be able to forgive yourself if you don't hit the ball properly. It's not the frame's fault.

 

[Donmikan]

Well - that can be explained psychologically. You can never blame the racquet if you mess up a sleep.
There is no such thing as a “forgiving racquet”. You have to be able to forgive yourself if you don't hit the ball properly. It's not the frame's fault.

Well, if you always hit the ball properly and are never out of position, doesnt that mean you are playing a significantly weaker opponent? The thing is, if you are playing someone your level, then by definition you should be put in a compromising position regularly. No shame in wanting to produce a higher quality ball when off balance or on off center hits.

If someone hits the ball with proper footwork and technique, its still possible for the end result to be a dissatisfying shot. In such cases one should seek a new racket. We have to accept that suboptimal circumstances for hitting a ball happen often enough that it becomes justified to seek a racket that will help us bring the shot quality closer to the one in perfect conditions.

Yes, its true that every player needs to work on their footwork and technique in order to more often put themselves in perfect situation to hit the ball, but this can and should coexist with a desire for a more forgiving racket.