From Yonex Dr 98 to Angell 16x19 (tc 95/97) ?

[galapagos]

I wonder if there is anyone who loved their yonex dr98 but ended up with angell racquet and have no regrets?

I am currently playing wit tc95 18x20. I like it a lot. Its very stable, comfortable. No major complaints here. My previous top racquets were blade 18x20 from 2015 and dr 98. I loved blade for its performance but hated for its balance. Angell is also more comfortable but also more demanding. (raw). dr 98 lacked some plow and stability but recently played with my friends dr and it felt slightly different than the one I had previously. Well it was still missing stability imo but plow was enough good for me and the spin was much more easier to generate than with angell (hello tight 18x20 patterns).
I would call this racquet more fun to play than tc 18x20. So here I am debating if I should add dr 98 to my bag or maybe angell with 16x19 pattern to kinda meet this "dr 98" world but in a better quality (exact specs I want and repeatable if needed another one in a future, also same lenght-dr is a slightly longer racquet)

What I like in dr 98 is:
-pretty neutral launch angle
-easy,intuitive spin. "Brush up" rule is really working here. It really grabs the ball.
-still racquet imo is more control oriented rather than power oriented.

I ended up picking tc95 hoping to replace and even slightly replicate blade.
Have someone picked angell to replace/replicate their dr 98?

 

[Paulo Braz]

I wonder if there is anyone who loved their yonex dr98 but ended up with angell racquet and have no regrets?

I am currently playing wit tc95 18x20. I like it a lot. Its very stable, comfortable. No major complaints here. My previous top racquets were blade 18x20 from 2015 and dr 98. I loved blade for its performance but hated for its balance. Angell is also more comfortable but also more demanding. (raw). dr 98 lacked some plow and stability but recently played with my friends dr and it felt slightly different than the one I had previously. Well it was still missing stability imo but plow was enough good for me and the spin was much more easier to generate than with angell (hello tight 18x20 patterns).
I would call this racquet more fun to play than tc 18x20. So here I am debating if I should add dr 98 to my bag or maybe angell with 16x19 pattern to kinda meet this "dr 98" world but in a better quality (exact specs I want and repeatable if needed another one in a future, also same lenght-dr is a slightly longer racquet)

What I like in dr 98 is:
-pretty neutral launch angle
-easy,intuitive spin. "Brush up" rule is really working here. It really grabs the ball.
-still racquet imo is more control oriented rather than power oriented.

I ended up picking tc95 hoping to replace and even slightly replicate blade.
Have someone picked angell to replace/replicate their dr 98?

I played for a while with dr 98, but for me it lacked stability, power and a little control. I sold it I went through two more rackets before buying the Angell tc95 custom 16x19. Comparing the dr98 and the tc95 16x19, the tc95 has much more power, stability and control. The angle is very similar, but I feel that the tc95 allows a greater launch angle. Serves are more potent with tc95, slices are better with tc95. I only see advantage of the tc95 16x19 in relation to dr. The tc95 helped a lot to improve my game.

 

[galapagos]

I played for a while with dr 98, but for me it lacked stability, power and a little control. I sold it I went through two more rackets before buying the Angell tc95 custom 16x19. Comparing the dr98 and the tc95 16x19, the tc95 has much more power, stability and control. The angle is very similar, but I feel that the tc95 allows a greater launch angle. Serves are more potent with tc95, slices are better with tc95. I only see advantage of the tc95 16x19 in relation to dr. The tc95 helped a lot to improve my game.

what specs you have on your tc95? I've had 3 different specs tc95 18x20 and they do play they part in power and stability department.

 

[Paulo Braz]

what specs you have on your tc95? I've had 3 different specs tc95 18x20 and they do play they part in power and stability department.

16x19, 310g, 9hl and 63ra

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[galapagos]

16x19, 310g, 9hl and 63ra

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do you know the swing weight?

 

[Paulo Braz]

I do not know, but apparently it's between 330 and 335. What are your tc95 and swingweight settings?

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[topspn]

You’d love the TC95 63RA 16x19.

 

[Paulo Braz]

You’d love the TC95 63RA 16x19.

I also think. He would love it.

 

[galapagos]

I do not know, but apparently it's between 330 and 335. What are your tc95 and swingweight settings?

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strung it is about 327-329 . What concerns me about 16x19 angell is power lvl and launch angle. Dr has pretty tight string pattern yet it grabs the ball really well. I've heard angell 16x19 is very opened. My other tc95 was 335 sw strung with 320 grams unstrung and it wasnt maneuverable enough for me. (hard to produce those "Nadal shots" on the run). I think 298 is my max. I dont how how swing weight limit would change if I ordered the lighter racquet but I found out that I am more sensitive to swing weight and balance than weight.

 

[topspn]

strung it is about 327-329 . What concerns me about 16x19 angell is power lvl and launch angle. Dr has pretty tight string pattern yet it grabs the ball really well. I've heard angell 16x19 is very opened. My other tc95 was 335 sw strung with 320 grams unstrung and it wasnt maneuverable enough for me. (hard to produce those "Nadal shots" on the run). I think 298 is my max. I dont how how swing weight limit would change if I ordered the lighter racquet but I found out that I am more sensitive to swing weight and balance than weight.

Specs for TC95 63RA 16x19 unstrung of 310g, 9HL, SW 300-303 are absolutely perfect and very maneuverable.

 

[Paulo Braz]

strung it is about 327-329 . What concerns me about 16x19 angell is power lvl and launch angle. Dr has pretty tight string pattern yet it grabs the ball really well. I've heard angell 16x19 is very opened. My other tc95 was 335 sw strung with 320 grams unstrung and it wasnt maneuverable enough for me. (hard to produce those "Nadal shots" on the run). I think 298 is my max. I dont how how swing weight limit would change if I ordered the lighter racquet but I found out that I am more sensitive to swing weight and balance than weight.

The tc95 has a wide open string pattern and a wide angle.

 

[Deleted member 742196]

I tote around both a DR98 and a TC95. The difference in my case being, my Angell has a 16/19 pattern.

The DR98 is a fairly decent frame, no doubt about it. It’s a bit like a cushy Cadillac cruising down the motorway. If I’m lightly hitting and it’s cooperative it’s a nice stick to have in my bag.

The Angell however my weapon of choice. Of course it’s on the heavier end of the spectrum (320g) but also more headlight (10pt) so I can really go for my shots with confidence.

My guess is you probably may want to switch over to a 16/19 pattern for the Angell to get more spin production.


Agree with above posters - if you like the DR98 you will LOVE the 95 16/19.

Post Script
Given you’re already used to a 98 perhaps the TC97 might also be a viable option? The forums seem split down the middle on which frame is more loved.

 

[galapagos]

I tote around both a DR98 and a TC95. The difference in my case being, my Angell has a 16/19 pattern.

The DR98 is a fairly decent frame, no doubt about it. It’s a bit like a cushy Cadillac cruising down the motorway. If I’m lightly hitting and it’s cooperative it’s a nice stick to have in my bag.

The Angell however my weapon of choice. Of course it’s on the heavier end of the spectrum (320g) but also more headlight (10pt) so I can really go for my shots with confidence.

My guess is you probably may want to switch over to a 16/19 pattern for the Angell to get more spin production.


Agree with above posters - if you like the DR98 you will LOVE the 95 16/19.

Post Script
Given you’re already used to a 98 perhaps the TC97 might also be a viable option? The forums seem split down the middle on which frame is more loved.

ye i am still considering tc 97 in 18x20 pattern but i think having 16x19 would be more refreshing. I was also thinking about going more HL. about 305 mm unstrung. while 18x20 can be used to play flat I think 16x19 really needs that upwards wrist motion so HL feel is a good thing. At least thats how I use dr 98-it really responds amazingly with brush up philosophy I have no problems with my tc95 18x20 so maybe I should stick to the size. here is the biggest dilemma:

I hate high launch angle. smaller head size should give me more control, less power but lower stiffness=more dwell time= potential higher launch angle? tc97 is made to be more lively yet many guys here say that it is more tempered haha. more stiffness, more neutral trajectory perhaps? string spacing in tc95 and 97 is the same isn't it? If the grommets are same then spacing is same right?

 

[joohan]

ye i am still considering tc 97 in 18x20 pattern but i think having 16x19 would be more refreshing. I was also thinking about going more HL. about 305 mm unstrung. while 18x20 can be used to play flat I think 16x19 really needs that upwards wrist motion so HL feel is a good thing. At least thats how I use dr 98-it really responds amazingly with brush up philosophy I have no problems with my tc95 18x20 so maybe I should stick to the size. here is the biggest dilemma:

I hate high launch angle. smaller head size should give me more control, less power but lower stiffness=more dwell time= potential higher launch angle? tc97 is made to be more lively yet many guys here say that it is more tempered haha. more stiffness, more neutral trajectory perhaps? string spacing in tc95 and 97 is the same isn't it? If the grommets are same then spacing is same right?

It’s been said before - different cross section of beams, different layups, different flex altogether. Different tempers/personalities.

 

[Deleted member 742196]

ye i am still considering tc 97 in 18x20 pattern but i think having 16x19 would be more refreshing. I was also thinking about going more HL. about 305 mm unstrung. while 18x20 can be used to play flat I think 16x19 really needs that upwards wrist motion so HL feel is a good thing. At least thats how I use dr 98-it really responds amazingly with brush up philosophy I have no problems with my tc95 18x20 so maybe I should stick to the size. here is the biggest dilemma:

I hate high launch angle. smaller head size should give me more control, less power but lower stiffness=more dwell time= potential higher launch angle? tc97 is made to be more lively yet many guys here say that it is more tempered haha. more stiffness, more neutral trajectory perhaps? string spacing in tc95 and 97 is the same isn't it? If the grommets are same then spacing is same right?

Launch angle is something that every player will automatically micro-adjust to over a period of time. What I really can't adjust to with the DR98 is volleys and serve, the phat beam somehow seems ungainly. It's nice and relaxed from the back of the court but I can't really be aggressive with it. That's just me though. For whatever reason the Angell inspires confidence when it comes to being aggressive.

Yep, I have a TC97 too, if you prefer box beams it might be something to keep in mind. I think both the TC95 and 97 are both excellent frames, its just I needed to chose only one to travel around with so it ended up being the TC95. It might easily have been the TC97.

I strongly believe if you're used to the DR98 it isn't a huge swing change to the Angell TC95 16/19. This comes from off personal experience. It might be worthwhile mentioning at this point that the third frame I always carry around with me is a 18/20 Pro Staff 95:

Caveat:
My Yonex grip has been swapped with leather and exclusively use the thing with a Sony Sensor for data analysis - my DR98 would be several grams heavier and many many more points HL, which might make the transition to Angell a bit more easier.

 

[galapagos]

Launch angle is something that every player will automatically micro-adjust to over a period of time. What I really can't adjust to with the DR98 is volleys and serve, the phat beam somehow seems ungainly. It's nice and relaxed from the back of the court but I can't really be aggressive with it. That's just me though. For whatever reason the Angell inspires confidence when it comes to being aggressive.

Yep, I have a TC97 too, if you prefer box beams it might be something to keep in mind. I think both the TC95 and 97 are both excellent frames, its just I needed to chose only one to travel around with so it ended up being the TC95. It might easily have been the TC97.

I strongly believe if you're used to the DR98 it isn't a huge swing change to the Angell TC95 16/19. This comes from off personal experience. It might be worthwhile mentioning at this point that the third frame I always carry around with me is a 18/20 Pro Staff 95:

Caveat:
My Yonex grip has been swapped with leather and exclusively use the thing with a Sony Sensor for data analysis - my DR98 would be several grams heavier and many many more points HL, which might make the transition to Angell a bit more easier.

You mentioned tc97. Is it 16x19 aswell?

 

[TheRasha]

I have played many years with Ai98, almost same as DR98 and I switch to TC95 16x19 320gr/310mm balance RA63. I was affraid that I can't play good with smaller head and heavier racket... Man, how I was wrong... Never played better. I had problem few weeks with flat paralel shots, but now I can hit everything what I can imagine . 100% recomendation to switch
Also, after reading good things on Angells topic, I have bought also TC97 18x20 in same spec...played very little with it, good, very good, but TC95 shines in every aspcet. Comfort, control, power, spin, stability...
For me TC95 is absolutely GOAT

 

[Paulo Braz]

I have played many years with Ai98, almost same as DR98 and I switch to TC95 16x19 320gr/310mm balance RA63. I was affraid that I can't play good with smaller head and heavier racket... Man, how I was wrong... Never played better. I had problem few weeks with flat paralel shots, but now I can hit everything what I can imagine . 100% recomendation to switch
Also, after reading good things on Angells topic, I have bought also TC97 18x20 in same spec...played very little with it, good, very good, but TC95 shines in every aspcet. Comfort, control, power, spin, stability...
For me TC95 is absolutely GOAT

I agree with everything that has been said. The tc95 is phenomenal.

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[rock76251]

I wonder if there is anyone who loved their yonex dr98 but ended up with angell racquet and have no regrets?

I am currently playing wit tc95 18x20. I like it a lot. Its very stable, comfortable. No major complaints here. My previous top racquets were blade 18x20 from 2015 and dr 98. I loved blade for its performance but hated for its balance. Angell is also more comfortable but also more demanding. (raw). dr 98 lacked some plow and stability but recently played with my friends dr and it felt slightly different than the one I had previously. Well it was still missing stability imo but plow was enough good for me and the spin was much more easier to generate than with angell (hello tight 18x20 patterns).
I would call this racquet more fun to play than tc 18x20. So here I am debating if I should add dr 98 to my bag or maybe angell with 16x19 pattern to kinda meet this "dr 98" world but in a better quality (exact specs I want and repeatable if needed another one in a future, also same lenght-dr is a slightly longer racquet)

What I like in dr 98 is:
-pretty neutral launch angle
-easy,intuitive spin. "Brush up" rule is really working here. It really grabs the ball.
-still racquet imo is more control oriented rather than power oriented.

I ended up picking tc95 hoping to replace and even slightly replicate blade.
Have someone picked angell to replace/replicate their dr 98?

I have 3 TC95 customs 16x19 RA63 12ptshl. Once you find the string/tension combo you like the best, you're off to the races. No modern racquet even comes close.

 

[Deleted member 742196]

You mentioned tc97. Is it 16x19 aswell?

18/20 but exactly like The Rasha below for one reason or another I stayed with the TC95 16/19.

I think blending in more effortless topspin has been a bit of challenge for me, particularly with the BH - having a more open pattern is welcomed.

Depends on the racket though - with the PS95 I prefer 18/20, maybe as it’s a stiff/boardy frame.

 

[galapagos]

I have played many years with Ai98, almost same as DR98 and I switch to TC95 16x19 320gr/310mm balance RA63. I was affraid that I can't play good with smaller head and heavier racket... Man, how I was wrong... Never played better. I had problem few weeks with flat paralel shots, but now I can hit everything what I can imagine . 100% recomendation to switch
Also, after reading good things on Angells topic, I have bought also TC97 18x20 in same spec...played very little with it, good, very good, but TC95 shines in every aspcet. Comfort, control, power, spin, stability...
For me TC95 is absolutely GOAT

guys can you tell me what SW do you have on your 16x19 tc 95? Rasha do you still own ai 98? maybe you could shoot a photo of those two string patterns so we could compare the spacing?

 

[TheRasha]

Mine TC95 has 333 SW ready to play strings, overgrip, dumpener ...(that is with smiley dumpener), with "o" dumpener, like Babolat, SW is 331 (it is easier 1,5 gram). Both mine Ai98 have 323 SW

 

[TheRasha]

Here are some pics, TC95 on Ai, than Ai on TC95 and side by side

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[galapagos]

Here are some pics, TC95 on Ai, than Ai on TC95 and side by side

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thanks a lot! wow tc pattern is pretty wide. while ai looks more like a 18x20 pattern. More consistant across the whole head.

 

[TheRasha]

Yes, you get some extra spin and power without loosing control

 

[DJ-]

Here are some pics, TC95 on Ai, than Ai on TC95 and side by side

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Love both racquets, beauties!

 

[DJ-]

thanks a lot! wow tc pattern is pretty wide. while ai looks more like a 18x20 pattern. More consistant across the whole head.

The ai/dr's have 8 mains in the throat which gives it a nice balance of spin and control, like 18x20's

 

[bahubali]

Hi galapagos,

I am in the same boat. I love DR 98 and am inclined to get a tc95 16x19 63RA to replicate DR 98. Wonder if pulled the trigger on tc95 16x19 ?

 

[Deleted member 742196]

My one confusion on the above is the TC95 has a fairly svelte 20mm beam. If you’re going for the lighter side of the spectrum I am not sure how well thin beams work with lighter racquets - anyone here use the 300g range of TC95’s?

 

[galapagos]

Hi galapagos,

I am in the same boat. I love DR 98 and am inclined to get a tc95 16x19 63RA to replicate DR 98. Wonder if pulled the trigger on tc95 16x19 ?

Nope, tbh majority of the customers rate tc95 to be more powerul with higher launch angle so thats a big no for me. I am usually 18x20 guy. Blade , tc 95 18x20. However there are some magic 16x19 racquets for me. Dr blue was one of them. Only thing that i would improve in dr is solidness and stability. Angell is a king here no doubt. Well but maybe some lead could improve it... most rate tc97 to be more control oriented with tempered nature (vs tc95) so i am leaning towards tc97 and New k7 angell.

 

[gatocdai]

I just move to tc95 but 18x20 from dr98. And I just sold my dr98. Tc95 is much stabler than dr 98. I got better server, bhoh and slice with tc. I wil try 16x19 when I can cause in my town (Hanoi, Vietnam) very litte people use them.

 

[Anton]

I have both and preffer DR98 over TC95 63 16/19 (And DR98 Light over regular DR98, due to more customization space)

Per weight I find DR98 more stable and even in stringbed response.

Reasons are pretty clear from physical properties - it has rounder/wider loop shape, thicker beam and more solid upper loop.

A lot of these comparisons are apples to oranges as far as weight goes.

 

[John Z.]

I'll second that. Very few frames feel as good in my hands as the DR98, its head shape and width has a lot to do with the way it swings, which ultimately is a matter of personal preference.

I have both and preffer DR98 over TC95 63 16/19 (And DR98 Light over regular DR98, due to more customization space)

Per weight I find DR98 more stable and even in stringbed response.

Reasons are pretty clear from physical properties - it has rounder/wider loop shape, thicker beam and more solid upper loop.

A lot of these comparisons are apples to oranges as far as weight goes.

 

[rh310]

I really like the DR98, and have been using it for about a year. I string it with a gut-poly hybrid, at 51x48.

Lately I've tried a few other frames (2015 Blade, SV 98, Angell TC95 310g 16x19 63RA) all with the same string setup. Everything is stock.

I hit with the TC95 last night for 90 mins of 4.0+ drills. The Angell feels a LOT softer than the DR98, which is a soft frame; it took me an hour to figure out how to hit a 1HBH with anything on it, and that's usually a pretty good shot for me.

(The SV 98 with gut-poly has so much power I'd need to change a lot to use that setup. Will try a full bed of poly in it.)

My K7 should arrive today. I'll get it strung with the hybrid setup, and try it out all next week.

 

[Taita87]

dr 98 is also at 110€ new from tennis wharehouse europe

 

[galapagos]

well I am a fan of Angell tc 95 18x20 and dr as well. they are totally different yet they both give me similar results regarding matches ;p one gives more control and stability, dr is more fun to play with, better serves and ofc spin potential but perhaps harder to receive heavy balls.. you can see the ball diving in. with tc 18x20 its more linear as you would expect from a 18x20 patterns. tc 16x19 is much more open so im not sure if its fair to compare it to dr. I am afraid Angell 16x19 is too powerful with a launch angle more similar to pure aero rather than dr. haven't played one so thats speculation ...

 

[Prince Vegeta]

^^^^
I would like to see a response to this as well because I’m considering the Angell 95 16x19. Currently have the 18x20. I’m 5’7 and even though I can bomb my first serve, I still feel it might be wise to have a frame with an open pattern to at least play into my strength of putting opponents out of position with my spin serves , rather than trying to hit flat bombs by them.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I have played many years with Ai98, almost same as DR98 and I switch to TC95 16x19 320gr/310mm balance RA63. I was affraid that I can't play good with smaller head and heavier racket... Man, how I was wrong... Never played better. I had problem few weeks with flat paralel shots, but now I can hit everything what I can imagine . 100% recomendation to switch
Also, after reading good things on Angells topic, I have bought also TC97 18x20 in same spec...played very little with it, good, very good, but TC95 shines in every aspcet. Comfort, control, power, spin, stability...
For me TC95 is absolutely GOAT

Hey @TheRasha, hope you're well...

When you look at your post with the Ai98 and TC95 on top of each other and side by side, you get a clue as to why you didn't need to be concerned that the TC's "smaller" head size was going to be a problem... the Ai98 (and DR 98) are not really 98's... Not that there is such a big difference between those head sizes in the first place... In fact, the TC 95 looks a little longer than the Ai 98 and the Ai 98 is maybe a fraction (sliver) wider, judging from your photos...

I placed my DR98 over my VCore 95D... and they were practically identical...

You still terrorizing people with your mighty TC95 16x19...?

 

[Backhanded Compliment]

Hey @TheRasha, hope you're well...

When you look at your post with the Ai98 and TC95 on top of each other and side by side, you get a clue as to why you didn't need to be concerned that the TC's "smaller" head size was going to be a problem... the Ai98 (and DR 98) are not really 98's... Not that there is such a big difference between those head sizes in the first place... In fact, the TC 95 looks a little longer than the Ai 98 and the Ai 98 is maybe a fraction (sliver) wider, judging from your photos...

I placed my DR98 over my VCore 95D... and they were practically identical...

You still terrorizing people with your mighty TC95 16x19...?

TC95 is more like a 96 and yeah it is a terror... I hear a lot of utterances from the other side of the court... my 16x19 hits such a heavy ball and that mule kick spin... wow All the spin gives it a kind of precision with the power but it takes a bit to learn how to apply it.

 

[Prince Vegeta]

TC95 is more like a 96 and yeah it is a terror... I hear a lot of utterances from the other side of the court... my 16x19 hits such a heavy ball and that mule kick spin... wow All the spin gives it a kind of precision with the power but it takes a bit to learn how to apply it.

What unstrung setup do you have with tc 95 16x19? I saw your older post about the frame, the flexy shakedown, and like the specs you listed at the beginning of the post.

 

[Backhanded Compliment]

What unstrung setup do you have with tc 95 16x19? I saw your older post about the frame, the flexy shakedown, and like the specs you listed at the beginning of the post.

I dont ever weigh it unstrung or test it unstrung but currently its 360g 9pts hl and strung at 45lbs with RSlyon. I use TW's excellent tungsten tape with just a little bit of weight at 3 9 and very miniscule amounts at 12. I put my tungsten on the outer edge of the frame btw... where it will have more effect.

the post he's talking about is this: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...95-16x19-flexy-shakedown.553138/#post-9954079

 

[Prince Vegeta]

I dont ever weigh it unstrung or test it unstrung but currently its 360g 9pts hl and strung at 45lbs with RSlyon. I use TW's excellent tungsten tape with just a little bit of weight at 3 9 and very miniscule amounts at 12. I put my tungsten on the outer edge of the frame btw... where it will have more effect.

the post he's talking about is this: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...95-16x19-flexy-shakedown.553138/#post-9954079

Thanks!

 

[SteveXtreme1978]

I am considering getting a TC100 to compliment my DR98+ extended racket, I will also look to have the Angell extended so can switch between that and the DR98+. Anyway played with DR98+ before and an extended version of Angell. Any views?