Or stiffness.
My TC95 Review
- Thread starter The_Racketeer
- Start date
djNEiGht
Legend
@The_Racketeer - I noticed in your sig that you have the PCG 100. When my game is on i really enjoy my POG Mid. I have a couple POG OS that I think I will grow old(er) with. I want something with the precision/control of the Mid with the forgiveness and power of the OS. I currently play testing the Pure Aero Tour. I really like the spin, power, forgiveness it has but I think the 72 RA is getting to me. I was at one time suggested the PCG100. Pondering still or might look into the TC95/100. Thoughts?
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
Well the RF 97 is closer to a 95 and very similar in sizeto the TC95 which still looks like it is smaller than the RF97 so I suspect the RF is like 96 and the TC95 is like 95.5... minisculedifferences... if the now hinted at TC97 is a 97.5 inch head (none of these are standardized) I still think it would be different than the TC95. Perhaps a rounder less oblong head? with 2 string options like 16x20 and 16x18 might be really cool. I still want the TC95 I dont need more headsize. Played one of my best sets of tennis today... served up a bagel smothered in 3 unforced errors for the set... so good that my hitting partner didnt even mind because I was playing so well... The firemen next to the court cheered (they are tennis players too) and one of the neighbors across the street applauded a backhand winner. The whole time I kept thinking... I wish I got more free points on first serve. I hit 4 aces, with another racquet it might be 8. The TC95's power at 63RA will still be more than Im using now... 97 inches are not necessary for me.
unclenimrod
Rookie
The sweet spot on the tc95 is large as others have said, but I could see how a slightly bigger head would appeal to some.
If you're looking for free points on serve and can place it up the T, you'll bomb ace after ace with this one man. I hit a few tonight I wish I had recorded. I am still playing with the racquet at stock weight (349g strung) and expecting to need to add some lead as I hit with my better partners, and time and again the racquet holds up under pressure like a champ. The ball flies on my sometimes on high backhands vs w the ps85, but I'm slowly reigning that in with a slight grip adjustment and making sure I'm attacking the ball on my front foot to really drive the racquet up the back of the ball.
The thing I'm really having trouble getting dialed in on is my bh slice. The ps85/90 are so devastating on the slice...not sure what I need to adjust yet.
Have you ordered yet backhand compliment?
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
I plan to soon... and yeah that all sounds good... the guy I gave a bagel to is really good... Andover, former teaching pro etc. I was pretty unstoppable but there were some service games that should not have gone to deuce... I have to willfully work a serve with this stick... we know eachother's games inside out. I can put a ball anywhere on serve and that's why Ive kept with this stick... its more accurate than a prestige MP for instance.... that's what Im excited about with the TC95. Not giving up the precision/spin on serves and just having more on tap. Against very good opponents who know your game it helps to crack a few imposing serves and Ive been missing that. That said I was super happy today... the tennis crazy firemen whose firehouse is next to the court were cheering when they went by in the big red truck. I was having one of those great days and everyone could tell... problem is this Pacific kinda demands that. It really does have less zip on serves and putaway power on groundies than a ps85.
All accounts Ive heard about the TC95 16x19 say it is a serving stick and has a bit of the PS85's solid "boss the ball" charm when you connect. Thing is with that larger sweetspot the TC95 helps you connect more. Nothing fancy... just super solid and capable of everything. Rare in sticks these days.
unclenimrod
Rookie
I hear ya. You'll likely be making adjustments if you order the 320g unstrung weight. It is a tad less bossy on ground strokes than my ps85. Small difference but I know exactly the feeling you mean. Then again, with the extra throat weight on the 63ra, it might be just the adjustment to make it more ps85 like anyway.
unclenimrod
Rookie
On
one thing I've figured out today is the sweet spot is definitely lower on the string bed. A touch of lead at 10/2 or 12 will lock that in. Had a few on the run forehands piddle over the net this morning before I added the lead btw sets.
The_Racketeer
Professional
I still love my PCG100s. Unfortunately I can't compare them to the mid or OS versions, but I've read other players saying the 100 sits nicely between them.
As a comparison, I made the switch to my TC95 because during match-play I found the PCG100 less maneuverable than I needed at net and serve return. The TC95 (300gm stock) is way more maneuverable and has more pop too. Now, im putting away some of the most beautiful volleys and returning fast serves better than ever.
That's interesting because I feel like the sweetspot wanders nicely toward the top of the hoop. Often my service miss-hits land high on the stringbed and the TC95 has helped to correct that for me.
unclenimrod
Rookie
What were your specs? I can't remember if mine is more head light or not.
djNEiGht
Legend
Thank you
Do you have the stock grip on still? I like playing w a leather grip so I would add it hopefully making it more HL/more maneuverable.
The_Racketeer
Professional
My PCG100 is stock and with OG and dampener comes in at 336gm.
I haven't weighed my TC95 with OG and dampener yet but the specs I chose were 310gm, 315mm. Which is only 5gm lighter than the PCG but it feels way more maneuverable and just as stable.
Yes. I like the feel of the Prince ResiPro and I don't want any added heft. I like the balance stock and wouldn't want to change that.
unclenimrod
Rookie
[QUOTE="The_Racketeer, post: 9737146, member: 732970I haven't weighed my TC95 with OG and dampener yet but the specs I chose were 310gm, 315mm. Which is only 5gm lighter than the PCG but it feels way more maneuverable and just as stable.[/QUOTE]
Mine is quite a bit more headlight. And I'm definitely not saying the upper hoop is totally dead like a pro staff 95 or something. Just needed a little extra oomph when stretched. It is critical because I am slow lol.
Mine is quite a bit more headlight. And I'm definitely not saying the upper hoop is totally dead like a pro staff 95 or something. Just needed a little extra oomph when stretched. It is critical because I am slow lol.
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
" Mine is quite a bit more headlight. And I'm definitely not saying the upper hoop is totally dead like a pro staff 95 or something. Just needed a little extra oomph when stretched. It is critical because I am slow lol.[/QUOTE]"
ahhhh I have all sorts of feelings about that dead upper hoop of the PS95 and the TC95 doesnt sound like it has that problem. Im pretty fast now... footwork training did serious wonders so Im not too worried but I purposefully hit a little higher on the stringbed sometimes to bleed off pace or get spinnier grip on the ball (I put 5 stringsavers on the 5th cross from the top). On my backhand I often hit higher on the stringbed than on forehands.... (Zep sensor info) but I dont toss exceedingly high so lower sweetspot there is good. All good info.
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unclenimrod
Rookie
ahhhh I have all sorts of feelings about that dead upper hoop of the PS95 and the TC95 doesnt sound like it has that problem. Im pretty fast now... footwork training did serious wonders so Im not too worried but I purposefully hit a little higher on the stringbed sometimes to bleed off pace or get spinnier grip on the ball (I put 5 stringsavers on the 5th cross from the top). On my backhand I often hit higher on the stringbed than on forehands.... (Zep sensor info) but I dont toss exceedingly high so lower sweetspot there is good. All good info.[/QUOTE]
Gotcha. Again...dead was the wrong term. Sweet spot is large. Just lower than my ps90. I have a low toss as well. I just took a huge tumble and destroyed my lower back so I am out of commission for the rest of the month or more. Worst timing ever haha
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
sorry to hear that... that sucks
unclenimrod
Rookie
I will rise again!!! Ow...ow...I will rise later.
I played with the TxT95, and ended up hating it. It's inconsistent. Every 3rd shot is jumpier that the previous ones.
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Well, I tried it with different strings, at different tensions and with different setups (weight, balance etc). I just didn't like it. And I wanted to like it.
Others may like it, I don't. Of course I talk only about my experience, so you must take it with a grain of salt. People are different.
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SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
There's a pair for sale in England if you look in the Europe/UK for sale section.
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
Very different frames... TT95 is generally lower powered and with a much smaller sweetspot. The TC95 in 16x19 is by all accounts a great serving frame. Of course the TC95 has more options and is foam filled. The TXTis more box beamed and is thicker beamed as well. Basically very different frames. I currently use the now discontinued Pacific X Feel 95 which is like a moredemanding version of your TT95 I didnt want to go to something so similar to what I already have and the TC95 is chexcking off all the right boxes for me. ... Im picky.
Overall very happy Angell is getting traction here... I kinda wanted to drum up interest (so I could gather info) and started way back last Spring partially because all of the big manufacturers decided they would stop making frames that could interest me. So as a sort of "player's stick users rebellion" I wanted to up "the chatter"... apparently Im not alone! (A small but vocal minority with discretionary income comprised of serious tennis geeks). TW, you still get my business and Im not some Angell plant... I simply wanted more info. Right now the TC95 is the only flexy 9+ pts headlight RA under 60 12.0+ oz stick with a leather grip that I can get in a 95... foam core only makes it more tantalizing.
As for strings Im thinking Yonex Poly Tour HS 1.25 at 43lbs? Weiscannon scorpion 1.22 is something Ive used a lot of and might work too. Tourbite soft maybe... I need something that volleys well in the TC95.
I think it is laudable that Prince came out with the TT95 at the time they did... it was a consideration for a month but I think it is for a younger player than I (note my current frame is even more demanding). We need these options but if Im gonna switch frames again I want something I can use for the next 5-7 years not 1 or 2. With Angell you can get identical sticks... Like Pacific offers... only with more weight/balance options.
unclenimrod
Rookie
Well...consider that's it's customized to whomever purchased it. So they are more likely to like it that much more from the start.
But yes. It is all that and a bag of chips (or crisps as it were). Outstanding quality and sexy looking to boot.
The_Racketeer
Professional
@Backhanded Compliment. Can't remember if you put your order in yet but eyes up for the new 97
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
Yeah I was the first to mention a 97 was coming. Still Im only interested in the TC95... more flex and smaller headsize. Plus I kinda love grey and green. The box beam thing doesnt matter on the TC97 to me but for some people it does. I hope to order this week... birthday present.
gino
Legend
Yes. I started to browse these forums 1.5 years ago and there was simply 0 exposure for Angell on the threads here. I was intrigued by the idea of building a racquet with my own specs.
There were a couple of 2yo threads with not much info. I tried to revive one with no success.
In February I opened my first Angell thread that slowly kept alive until August. A bit of traction was hapening. This is the time I purchsed my first Angell from a friend of mine here, in Romania. I would have not purchsed if it would not have been for him.
In August I did the review of TC95 vs RF97, and thanks to you great guys that thread got 10000 unique visitors and a lot of info. Spawning a few other threads in the process. You guys are amazing!
There was a community of people gathering around the brand. Maybe that "comunity" existed before, as individuals, but now it was transforming into a real community. Ideas were exchanged, opinions, reviews, desires to purchase etc. It was the perfect example of an emerging ecosistem which is helping Angell as sales eventually. In this kind of business exposure is everything. You can have the best product in the world, but if its not known then it doesn't exist.
Not so long ago there were 6 active threads about Angell on the first page of the TT forum. And I thought this is extraordinary. Paul must be pleased. I'm sure that he hoped that this day will come, when his racquets will be a marketing social media hit. Almost like justice is done. And I was glad that I helped a tiny bit. Even the fact that I write this on a different successful thread is proof of the traction we are talking about.
There was no better time for Paul to launch the new TC97 than now. And I was excited about it. People at the tournaments I play at are now curious about my Angells. I also started to win more. So they are slowly changing from a "yeah yeah, I know a friend who purchsed an Angell once and didn't like it" attitude to a "can I hit with your racquet? Oh, it feels nice. This is interesting" attitude. It is amazing how biased and influentiable people really are.
I hope that Paul will hire a sales executive to help the brand establish a good relationship with its business partners and with the community, to grow the business. The channel, for example, must be groomed, helped and motivated. I ran quite a few corporate businesses at an international level for many years in my short life and I know no business partner that will do hard work by themselves. They need to be pushed, massaged, talked nicely to, supported from a sales perspective, understood from a profit perspective and from a market perspective.
Today's environment is changing. For example I would not have been here talking about Angell if it was not for my friend here, an Angell partner. Yet, because of this guy, 10000 people around the world read my and all of your opinions and thought and hopes
So this guy was part of the chain that led to a 10000 people exposure outside his market. This is interesting, and only a sales executive will understand how to deal with this. I hope Paul understands this.Anyway, I ranted too much today. I wanted to thank you all for your advices and thoughts. It was fun!! I consider my job here to be done
And I wish you to have a lot of fun with your tennis! Cheers ;-)
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Backhanded Compliment
Legend
Yes. I started to browse these forums 1.5 years ago and there was simply 0 exposure for Angell on the threads here. I was intrigued by the idea of building a racquet with my own specs.
There were a couple of 2yo threads with not much info. I tried to revive one with no success.
In February I opened my first Angell thread that slowly kept alive until August. A bit of traction was hapening. This is the time I purchsed my first Angell from a friend of mine here, in Romania. I would have not purchsed if it would not have been for him.
In August I did the review of TC95 vs RF97, and thanks to you great guys that thread got 10000 unique visitors and a lot of info. Spawning a few other threads in the process. You guys are amazing!
There was a community of people gathering around the brand. Maybe that "comunity" existed before, as individuals, but now it was transforming into a real community. Ideas were exchanged, opinions, reviews, desires to purchase etc. It was the perfect example of an emerging ecosistem which is helping Angell as sales eventually. In this kind of business exposure is everything. You can have the best product in the world, but if its not known then it doesn't exist.
Not so long ago there were 6 active threads about Angell on the first page of the TT forum. And I thought this is extraordinary. Paul must be pleased. I'm sure that he hoped that this day will come, when his racquets will be a marketing social media hit. Almost like justice is done. And I was glad that I helped a tiny bit. Even the fact that I write this on a different successful thread is proof of the traction we are talking about.
There was no better time for Paul to launch the new TC97 than now. And I was excited about it. People at the tournaments I play at are now curious about my Angells. I also started to win more. So they are slowly changing from a "yeah yeah, I know a friend who purchsed an Angell once and didn't like it" attitude to a "can I hit with your racquet? Oh, it feels nice. This is interesting" attitude. It is amazing how biased and influentiable people really are.
I hope that Paul will hire a sales executive to help the brand establish a good relationship with its business partners and with the community, to grow the business. The channel, for example, must be groomed, helped and motivated. I ran quite a few corporate businesses at an international level for many years in my short life and I know no business partner that will do hard work by themselves. They need to be pushed, massaged, talked nicely to, supported from a sales perspective, understood from a profit perspective and from a market perspective.
Today's environment is changing. For example I would not have been here talking about Angell if it was not for my friend here, an Angell partner. Yet, because of this guy, 10000 people around the world read my and all of your opinions and thought and hopes
Anyway, I ranted too much today. I wanted to thank you all for your advices and thoughts. It was fun!! I consider my job here to be done
I agree and I was one of those a few years ago... trying to dig up more info. Suddenly in January/Februry of this year most of the manufacturers went stiff and limited 95 inch frame options... even started calling them mids. I was so happy when you were able to give some more info. I understand the marketing but I also understand that marketing and bottom line economics were herding us non pros into frames that would require us to play differently and perhaps less safely. It made me cranky. Why on earth did Wilson and Head gut the pro staff 95 and Prestige 95's? by making the stiff or unavailable? Pacific jettisoned their 95 too (which I play with). We like options and thoseof us who have played long enough and well enough deserve sticks that cater to our tastes. Paul is a kind of poster child for giving tennis players some of the most important options they want and I think all of our chatter on the issue should be something tennis racquet companies should care about and yes companies that dont treat players like lemmings to herd anddrive off a thick stiff cliff will gain cred. Prince did the right thing with the TT95. I think Pacific was super smart to bring back the Pro No.1 and babolat keeps that old Donnay design alive with the Pure Control 95 but when head & wilson and dunlop all drank the stiff = spin coolaid they alienated some of us... and we like to buy tennis racquets.
So Paul reaps the benefit because his agenda matches ours, choices... comfortable, quality choices. Even TW mentioned the sudden rarity of these design characteristics in todays frames when they reviewed the TT95. Paul is a legend and designed so many really comfy frames. Even my youngest brother still plays with a Dunlop Max Impact plus 95. I found some grommets for it and I told him... no need to change frames if you like it... super comfy frame. I salute any company that gives players a wide variety of options. Ive got a very modern game (Wawrinka like)... I retooled 6 years ago but I still like feel, control and comfort as top priorities.
J
joohan
Guest
Can anyone compare Angells 95 racquets vs Donnay Pro One International Supermidsize Original? Thx
Edit:
What frames has Paul designed? I think I've read something about Dunlop but it would be nice to know, which frames are his creation.
Edit:
What frames has Paul designed? I think I've read something about Dunlop but it would be nice to know, which frames are his creation.
I've had my order in since I join
See here: http://www.angelltennis.com/about-us/
But basically, 200g, HotMelt and MuscleWeave lines, at the minimum.
See here: http://www.angelltennis.com/about-us/
But basically, 200g, HotMelt and MuscleWeave lines, at the minimum.
The_Racketeer
Professional
I'd ask Paul about cutting the handle down.
topspn
G.O.A.T.
My TC9s are fitting into my game perfectly so far and seem to enhance everything just a bit more. There is very little doubt that my feel on drop shots has improved or any shot really that needs a little touch. My kick serve is getting more kick. Gave fits last night to opponents in a league doubles match with nice swirl added to the kick. Easy pickings for my doubles partner at net. Control on my OHBH is upped a bit. I seem to be able to measure my depth a bit better and heavy top spin. There is this perfect balance of maneuverability and touch that really gives you a great feel on almost any stroke. So far only played with YTEX strings the square-x and quadro pro. Both are terrific but quadro helps generate the heaviest top spin i have seen of a string to date. I just ordered some of the new RS Lyon string so will be my next experiment. I have been stringing @51lbs and i'll try slightly lower with a more control oriented copoly since the YTEX stings are fairly lively.
topspn
G.O.A.T.
Yes, I have 1 TC100 and 2 TC95s and all at the same weight 330g, standard 27", leather grip, 16x19, 70RA and very close in SW. The 100 has more spin potential, power and a tad bit less maneuverable on reaction shots. They both have the outstanding feel, comfort and a generous sweet spot. The 100 has really good precision for a 100 head size. The 95 precision is surgical good. Overall, I liked the 95 a bit more and why i have two of them. My serve has more precision with the 95 and i can whip the head with more relaxed ease. Ground strokes with a higher level of precision and still plenty of power on tap if you swing out. Both have outstanding comfort and stability. I think it really comes down to a persons game and if they are comfortable playing with a 95 head size or feel they need the slightly more forgiving 100.
gino
Legend
Thanks for the feedback, these frames seem like a great investment. I have played extensively with 95-98 sq inch head sizes. So I am thinking I will go with a TC95 or TC97. How is the ball pocketing with these frames? Does the 95 bite the ball well on slices/kick serves/slice serves? Would you compare a TC95 with a Wilson 6.1 @topspn ??
topspn
G.O.A.T.
I haven't played with the 6.1 but i did play the RF97A. TC95 may not have the raw power of the RF97A, however superior in quite literally any other aspect or equal. Pocketing is fantastic as these frames have some sublime feel to them and nowhere as stiff as a 70RA would suggest. They really are around 63/64 once handle/grip added and strung. I have no trouble at all with heavy topspin or kick serves. The TC95 actually enhanced those shots for me. Mainly due to the exceptional feel and maneuverability. You have very high control and when you want to pull the trigger and change up pace, it is on tap.
gino
Legend
I use a PS97 currently, so thanks for the comparison. I appreciate it. I am looking for an exceptional control frame with a more plush response than my current PS97 set-up. How do you feel about the string sensitivity of these sticks? What string setups have you used in your TC95 @topspn ? Thanks for the advice
topspn
G.O.A.T.
Take a look at my post a bit higher up in the thread. I talk about strings! I have a friend that plays with a PS97 and you will be very happy with the level of control and how plush it feels comparatively. I went for the heaviest weight with greatest HL because i knew from experimenting over the years this suits me. You just need to really know what specs truly work for your game and the TC95 will be a pleasure.
basically the good stuff. He told me he left just before the M-Fil series came out which he didn't design. Hot Melt was his last for Dunlop I think. All of the above also applies to Vantage. All that has changed is the name. The Vantage 95 was and is a very solid frame and they do pop up on **** from time to time.
Carlos Mansur
Rookie
I am really trying to love my TC95s but for some reason they are not working for me... I've been playing with strings and specs and yet to find something that works.... Maybe I'll sell them soon!
SpinDr.
Professional
Sorry to hear that, Carlos. Specs are:
TC95
325g/305mm
63 RA
Correct?
What's not working for you? What did you play with before?
J
joohan
Guest
almost my prefereed specs. String pattern?
djNEiGht
Legend
@Carlos Mansur - same question posted. What is it that you don't like and what did you play with before with success?
Capulin Zurdo
Hall of Fame
Very interesting review, Racketeer; I'm definitely intrigued by these racquets. By the reviews on here, it seems these racquets shan't be disappointing! Very tempted to see what a 90 would be like (also, ~200 USD for a custom frame doesn't sound too shabby).
JohnBPittsburgh
Hall of Fame
I just went to go hit with my 95, it looks awesome now that I have put in solid green grommets.
I have improved a lot the last few months, and today, I was able to hit some amazing shots with my it!! It is strung with Kirschbaum Black Shark ,17 gauge, at 50, and for the first time, I really like the 95! I will say, the sweetspot on my TC-100 is bigger, but I was killing groundstrokes and serves today with the 95. It plays like a totally different racquet. Maybe I just don't gel with Xcel 16. I did figure out my grommet situation If you have both sets of grommets, the 100 has a shorter bumperguard, and longer side pieces. I mixed them up, and made a huge mess (I assumed the longer bumperguard was for the 100, it's for the 95). Now everything is all good, and I am restringing my 100 today, with it's new black grommets, I just installed easily!! I now have two great sticks, and they will have new strings, new grommets, at the same time.
I have improved a lot the last few months, and today, I was able to hit some amazing shots with my it!! It is strung with Kirschbaum Black Shark ,17 gauge, at 50, and for the first time, I really like the 95! I will say, the sweetspot on my TC-100 is bigger, but I was killing groundstrokes and serves today with the 95. It plays like a totally different racquet. Maybe I just don't gel with Xcel 16. I did figure out my grommet situation
If you have both sets of grommets, the 100 has a shorter bumperguard, and longer side pieces. I mixed them up, and made a huge mess (I assumed the longer bumperguard was for the 100, it's for the 95). Now everything is all good, and I am restringing my 100 today, with it's new black grommets, I just installed easily!! I now have two great sticks, and they will have new strings, new grommets, at the same time.
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Carlos Mansur
Rookie
Thats the problem! I have no idea what I dislike... Everything seems good, the feel, the weight, the balance... But I lost confidence in my shots.
I used to play a PT57 when I was playing pro, but I was playing yonex ai prior angells. I liked them, but that filled feel was missing.
I was playing 350g fully loaded, 54 gut/50 poly
Frame A
I reduced the final weight to 335g, It was 350g after strings, overgrip and dampener. And let it a little less head light. Got better.
Frame B still 350g
I reduced strings tension a bit to 51/47... Also some improvement.
So, tomorrow I will try a mix of 335g with 51/47... Lets see!
I used to play a PT57 when I was playing pro, but I was playing yonex ai prior angells. I liked them, but that filled feel was missing.
I was playing 350g fully loaded, 54 gut/50 poly
Frame A
I reduced the final weight to 335g, It was 350g after strings, overgrip and dampener. And let it a little less head light. Got better.
Frame B still 350g
I reduced strings tension a bit to 51/47... Also some improvement.
So, tomorrow I will try a mix of 335g with 51/47... Lets see!
I had to cut one of mine down; I just used a mitre box and had no difficulty with that part. I did mine with the pallets off, as I had to fit new ones to it anyways.
