Rabbit Hits the Tour

[Rabbit]

.....the Dunlop AG300 4d Tour

First Impressions
I had posted elsewhere that my first hit with the 300T ended with mixed results. Well, I'm glad I didn't judge the frame too quickly because the second hit was totally different. What has attracted me to this frame is the weight. I've wanted to try a slightly lighter frame, than even the 100 and see if it'll give me some bonuses.

Particulars
I strung this frame with the Dunlop Explosive that came with it at 60 pounds. Explosive is a multi from Dunlop and performed pretty well. I had no complaints about the string at all. I left the stock (yuck) grip on it and just put a Tournagrip over it. I played this frame, like my 100s, without a dampener.

Cosmetics
This may well be the best looking Dunlop since the MW cosmetic. I really like the colors and schematic. The frame is first class all the way around. Well, except for the grip...

Overall
I has posted that there wasn't much weight difference between this frame and the AG100. I'd like to recant that now. This frame swings noticeably lighter than the AG100, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. It certainly doesn't feel as solid on every ball as the 100, but it feels solid nonetheless. The first thing that struck me about this frame was the maneuverability. It is very quick through the air. IMO, it is a very nice compromise between the regular 300 and a "players" racquet. It has enough weight to allow some plow, but not too much.

Groundstrokes
Groundstrokes were a very nice surprise. The string pattern is tight, tighter than I thought I'd like. But spin is really good off the stringbed. I play with a Continental on both sides and found that I could hit top with ease off both wings. One shot that was particularly good with this frame was my sliced backhand. It really "penetrated" the court. I found the ball stayed low and was a natural shot with this frame. My forehand likewise had a really nice amount of topspin on it and sliced forehands weren't too hard to hit either. Overall, I'd was very surprised with the frame off the ground and would rate it 9/10 off the ground.

Volleys
I didn't miss a lick at the net. This frame volleys almost as well as the 100. The added maneuverability makes you feel like you're always in position and never late. The frame had a very solid feel to it unlike the BB 11 Light which at around the same weight felt hollow to me. Touch volleys were a breeze and response from the frame was really top notch. Overall, I'd give this frame 8/10 at the net.

Serve
This is one area that the frame didn't shine. I guess the 100 has spoiled me in a big way. I found that I had to work on serves to get close to the same results with this frame. I couldn't produce the same weight of serve as with the 100 and kick serves weren't as kicky. Here, I'd give the 300T 6/10.

Service Returns
Another real surprise. I was hitting with one of my regulars. He doesn't have the greatest serve in the world, but it is good. With the 300T, I was able to hit out and hit some really good service returns. Again, I think the maneuverability of this frame comes into play. I was never late, and felt like the racquet face was square and solid on the returns. My initial score on returns is 7/10, but this could go up with some more experience.

Conclusions
One thing that surprised me was the amount of shanks I had. It really was funny, but starting off, if I tried to crank the ball, I'd get a mishit. After settling in with the frame though I didn't have a problem hitting the ball solid and in the middle of the stringbed. Another thing that is funny is the size of this stringbed compared to the 100. There is not enough difference to say grace over. Those thinking they need a 95 or 98 really should put their target frame over something like the 100. There is really no difference.

I will continue to hit with the 300T and post my experience. I have a league match Monday night and am leaning toward using the 300 in that match. Overall, I was very pleasantly surprised by the frame and think a leather grip and gut would enhance the playability even more. If thing progress with this frame, I will add both and post. Overall, this frame is an 8/10 right now.


Bonus
While we were hitting, the head pro at the club stopped me and gave me a frame to try. It was the Head Youtek Speed MP. The first thing I noticed was the grip shape which is decidedly more Dunlop/Wilson than before. I hit about ten balls off the ground with this frame. It is really, really nice. The frame felt solid and control and spin were fantastic. I don't believe I've hit with a Head frame that I liked any more than this one save the Vilas.

 

[bad_call]

Rabbit - thanks for taking the time with this review. not enough attributes to entice this player.

 

[ls206]

as above - thanks for sharing your thoughts on the frame
also...get your hands on a new youtek and post another review

 

[harryz]

Nice review Rabbit

Thanks for doing such a thorough review. I've been trying the 300T again after initial demos left me disappointed. Well, string makes a huge difference in the frame, for sure. I popped a cross string though, and restrung the demo with Gosen Polylon in the mains and OG Sheep 16 on the crosses, replaced the lousy stock grip with leather, and added lead at 12 o'clock (4g) and at the butt cap (4G), which makes the frame feel about 9-10 pts HL.

My experience yesterday, prior to popping the string after 2 hours or so, echoes yours, but the frame serves great like all newer Dunlops. The 200 4D plays softer and sweeter for me, and I wanted to like the AG 100, Lord knows, but it felt too light and insubstantial. I'll have to try yet again. But for me, the 200 and 300 are both right up there with the MG mid as my current favorites, with a far better grip shape for me.

Harry

 

[shell]

Rabbit, when I read your thread title I thought you had left us to try your luck on the Tour.

Thanks for the review. It seems this one takes a little time to warm up to from what most are saying. I'll be curious about your future hitting experience. But it sounds like it plays pretty equal to it's specs.

 

[samster]

I doubt anything Dunlop can come up with is better than the AG100 on the serve, Mr. Rabbit!

 

[fortunecookiesjc]

The Ag100 makes it almost effortless to serve. I dont feel like I have to try too hard, a smooth clean flow form makes it easy to place the ball anywhere with pace

 

[120mphBodyServe]

How the hell do u hit a topspin forehand with a continental grip?

 

[jms007]

I agree with the last part. There's really no difference in control with a 100 sq. inch compared to a 98 or even a 95. But the psychological effect is quite big, you don't worry as much about hitting the sweetspot with a 100 sq. inch.

 

[imalil2gangsta4u]

thanks for the review.

 

[Rabbit]

to all, no problem. The 300T has had my eye since it came out. It is a really good hit and a nice frame, but as mentioned, string really makes/breaks it.

as above - thanks for sharing your thoughts on the frame
also...get your hands on a new youtek and post another review

I'll do it. I think they're getting all 3.

How the hell do u hit a topspin forehand with a continental grip?

It involves a more level swing and some wrist pronation

 

[In)SpiRe]

I actually had a different experience than you on serve. My serves were pretty amazing and consistent with the Tour, I'm actually a little disappointed that I sold it away. Flatties could use a little work, but my kick and slice serves were never better. Volleys could also use a little more solid feel, although there was nothing wrong with it on volleys, and groundstrokes were pretty dang good... so for the most part, I agree with your assessment! But now I have the 300 16x19 which I'm sure I'll enjoy b/c of the more open string pattern.

Thanks for the review anyways. Nice to read.

 

[Ross K]

1. Rabbit, just wondered if you've tested the AG 300 16x18 - and if so, how do you rate it?

2. As you're well-known for being a long-time C10 Pro user, I wonder how any of these Dunlops compare... I mean, I haven't hit with these newer Dunlop rods but I do find it hard to imagine they can be in the same league as the illustrious Volkl C10 (especially in areas such as feel, balance and heft, maneuverability, access to topspin, etc)...

R.

 

[Rabbit]

I actually had a different experience than you on serve. My serves were pretty amazing and consistent with the Tour, I'm actually a little disappointed that I sold it away. Flatties could use a little work, but my kick and slice serves were never better. Volleys could also use a little more solid feel, although there was nothing wrong with it on volleys, and groundstrokes were pretty dang good... so for the most part, I agree with your assessment! But now I have the 300 16x19 which I'm sure I'll enjoy b/c of the more open string pattern.

Thanks for the review anyways. Nice to read.

NP...I am going to play some more with it. I did kinda figure that maybe it was just an off day on the serve and I'm certainly not rushing to judgement...or a change in racquets. If you're interested, I can probably make you a sweet deal on a 300T in a 3 after I get through.

1. Rabbit, just wondered if you've tested the AG 300 16x18 - and if so, how do you rate it?

I have not. The 16X19 was just too light for me. There's not one doubt that I couldn't play with any of the 300s, it would just take some time to get used to the lighter weight. I do enjoy the flex of the whole Dunlop line. So far, I've hit with the 200, 300, 300T, 500, and 100 and I can say that I enjoy the Dunlop feel quite a lot.

I should also note that the 5.0 I play with who uses the 300 has now asked to have some weight added to his frames. I bumped one of his up to 325 grams. I added lead tape on the grip collar and at the 3 and 9. We'll see where he wants to go from there.

2. As you're well-known for being a long-time C10 Pro user, I wonder how any of these Dunlops compare... I mean, I haven't hit with these newer Dunlop rods but I do find it hard to imagine they can be in the same league as the illustrious Volkl C10 (especially in areas such as feel, balance and heft, maneuverability, access to topspin, etc)...

R.

Actually, I moved to the 100 because it was a little easier to use than the C10. It has a lighter static weight and swing weight. I decided last year at sectionals that I might could use something a little less taxing. The other determinant was the set up. I had really decided the best set up for me as all-poly and my arm suffered from some fatigue. One of my goals was to get to a frame that played well with a multi or natural gut. The 100 more than fits the bill in the area. And, finally, the 100 is just a ton of fun to play with. I played 9.0 mixed sectionals with the 100 and found it to be more than up to the competition.

To answer your question directly, the

100 < C10
stability/plow
service returns

100=C10
control
groundstrokes

100>C10
maneuverability
comfort (100 w/gut and C10 w/poly)
serves

100>>C10
volleys

 

[Ross K]

Rabbit,

Thanks for ^...

Annoyingly the 100, which is the one which most appeals to me actually, seems to be very hard to get hold of where I am, unlike all the other Dunlops...

R.

 

[ls206]

^^ you're in the UK Ross right?
Give me an email - I got mine from a German retailer.

 

[mctennis]

Rabbit, thanks for the review. Always a pleasure seeing your posts amd thoughts.

 

[dadozen]

Rabbit, thanks for taking your time to try this racquet and write this demo. I have finally tested mine this weekend and I have listed the same points you did, especially the slice on the backhand. I felt it was great, almost effortlessly, and very deep and penetrating.

To me, the serves were very good with this racquet, unlike you, but I guess that the AG 100 has really spoiled you. I used a Babolat PStorm, which didn't spoil me at all

Cheers,

-dadozen

 

[harryz]

Modded 300T v 4D 200

I modded the 300T demo, which I restrung with Gosen Polylon 17 on the mains and OG Micro 16 on the crosses at 55lbs. Had popped a cross the night before. Added 4G of lead above the butt cap, 4G at 12 o'clock and a leather grip. This changed the balance a bit (more HL) and about 20-25g overall. The frame is GREAT with this mod, even better for me than the 4D 200.

Now this makes me curious about other Dunlops. I am going to mod a 100 the same way and also try the stock AG 200 again, as well as the mFil 16x19 and AG 300 16x19. There is something very special about the Dunlop frames. Slice is easy-- especially hard, knifed slices-- touch and feel are great, and pop is there as well. Spin is effortless to generate for dense patterns, too, and the grip shape almost rivals Wilson to me.

Rabbit-- do you modify your 100s? What is your set up? I'm finding that I like around 12oz and a swing weight that is in the neighborhood of 350ish.

Thanks-

Harry

 

[shell]

Ross and Rabbit,
Just to clarify, Ross was asking about the AG 300 16x18, and I believe Rabbit's response was regarding the AG 300 16x19 - which his friend has now requested some weight on. Those two racquets are different in weight and balance.

Rabbit- the 300 16x18 is only very slightly lighter than your 100. I use my 16x18 and my 100s interchangably.

 

[bad_call]

Ross and Rabbit,
Just to clarify, Ross was asking about the AG 300 16x18, and I believe Rabbit's response was regarding the AG 300 16x19 - which his friend has now requested some weight on. Those two racquets are different in weight and balance.

Rabbit- the 300 16x18 is only very slightly lighter than your 100. I use my 16x18 and my 100s interchangably.

so which one of those 2 do u hit with mostly? and why if i may ask.

 

[shell]

so which one of those 2 do u hit with mostly? and why if i may ask.

I call the 16x18s my main racquet, but I use the 100 very often. They are similar, but each has it's attributes. The 100 is a beauty to serve with, and also I feel a little more control. The 16x18 has a little less controlled feeling, but maybe a tad more power. At some point, I am going to have to decide.

 

[Kirko]

wow Rabbit a continental grip for both "wings" ! >>>

my brother in law was the only guy I knew who did the same as you and he a terrific player was a Pro-Skier form the Billy Kidd & Spider Sabich raced with them and his talent for that "spilled over into tennis and like you he could top the ball like he was a western grip. alo when I growing up and being taught tennis as a child I was told that a guy who played A LOT eventually hit everything with one grip eventually this was the wood era reason being your wrist became like iron because of all the playing. Rabbit as always a neat review you just took me back in time when you mentioned you're a "continental-grip guy. I use an extreme continental for serving thats it.

 

[fantom]

Great review, Rabbit. I've been playing with the 4D300T for about 2 months now, and I'm really enjoying it.

I agree w. everything you said...except for the serve. I'm hitting bombs with this thing.

The Dunlop grip isn't that good. TW leather is a great addition.

 

[Rabbit]

Ross and Rabbit,
Just to clarify, Ross was asking about the AG 300 16x18, and I believe Rabbit's response was regarding the AG 300 16x19 - which his friend has now requested some weight on. Those two racquets are different in weight and balance.

Rabbit- the 300 16x18 is only very slightly lighter than your 100. I use my 16x18 and my 100s interchangably.

My bad. I have not tried the 16X18, but it sounds like a winner. As much as I liked the Cat 8 V-Engine, the 300 16X18 sounds like it'd have trouble hitting a flat ball.

my brother in law was the only guy I knew who did the same as you and he a terrific player was a Pro-Skier form the Billy Kidd & Spider Sabich raced with them and his talent for that "spilled over into tennis and like you he could top the ball like he was a western grip. alo when I growing up and being taught tennis as a child I was told that a guy who played A LOT eventually hit everything with one grip eventually this was the wood era reason being your wrist became like iron because of all the playing. Rabbit as always a neat review you just took me back in time when you mentioned you're a "continental-grip guy. I use an extreme continental for serving thats it.

Yeah, I have tried to move my grip around, and truthfully, on high balls, I do move the heel of my hand, but pretty much the index knuckle is on the top bevel. When you have as simple a mind as me, it's better to have one grip for everything.

Great review, Rabbit. I've been playing with the 4D300T for about 2 months now, and I'm really enjoying it.

I agree w. everything you said...except for the serve. I'm hitting bombs with this thing.

The Dunlop grip isn't that good. TW leather is a great addition.

Yeah, I think (hope) I mentioned initially that I could have just been having an off day serving. I'll definetly give it a whirl again, but....I think I'm sticking with the 100's. I was going to play the 300T the other night in league, but we played a couple of guys I wanted to beat so I just couldn't bring myself to get it out. I think it's more a confidence thing with me, but ok... Anyway, I am hitting the ball as well as I can with the 100 so I'll probably be sticking with it.

And yeah, the Dunlop synthetic grip sucks.

There will probably be a 300 3/8 at a really good price here soon...

 

[Seacoast Stringer]

Great review and feedback, Rabbit. I hope to test drive that frame at some point this summer just for fun.

 

[Rabbit]

Great review and feedback, Rabbit. I hope to test drive that frame at some point this summer just for fun.

Thanks, it's a nice hit and not what I expected. If I weren't so enamored with the 100, it'd definetly be a candidate.

 

[samster]

My bad. I have not tried the 16X18, but it sounds like a winner. As much as I liked the Cat 8 V-Engine, the 300 16X18 sounds like it'd have trouble hitting a flat ball.



Yeah, I have tried to move my grip around, and truthfully, on high balls, I do move the heel of my hand, but pretty much the index knuckle is on the top bevel. When you have as simple a mind as me, it's better to have one grip for everything.



Yeah, I think (hope) I mentioned initially that I could have just been having an off day serving. I'll definetly give it a whirl again, but....I think I'm sticking with the 100's. I was going to play the 300T the other night in league, but we played a couple of guys I wanted to beat so I just couldn't bring myself to get it out. I think it's more a confidence thing with me, but ok... Anyway, I am hitting the ball as well as I can with the 100 so I'll probably be sticking with it.

And yeah, the Dunlop synthetic grip sucks.

There will probably be a 300 3/8 at a really good price here soon...

Good job! Stick with the AG100s!!!

 

[samster]

I almost pulled the trigger on one of these 4D Dunlops but am happy I did not.

 

[bad_call]

My bad. I have not tried the 16X18, but it sounds like a winner. As much as I liked the Cat 8 V-Engine, the 300 16X18 sounds like it'd have trouble hitting a flat ball. ...

huh? 10 chars...

 

[harryz]

Loving the 300 tour demo

GREAT stick, especially with leather grip and some lead (polarized). Enjoying it so much that I'm demoing a bunch of Dunlops: AG 300, AG 100, mFil 200 16x19 and AG 200. Have tried the 100 and 200 before and liked the 200. I really, really want to like the 100 (came in the mail from TW yesterday) and am excited to try it again. Maybe the culprit was coming from a much heavier frame (K90) in the past and that prior AG 100 demos had lousy string...

Modded AG 300 16x19 is also excellent, with good pop, easy access to spin and wonderful feel. Like a much more user friendly n6.1 96 16x18, and the ball doesn't sail on me. I wasn't prepared for how good the modded 300 plays. Kind of like a softer, more user friendly PS 6.0 95. Actually, pretty similar to the PS Tour 95 (11.5 oz, 16x19) but with better feel.

Funny, I used Maxplys growing up and 200Gs later, along with MW 200s and HM 200s in the past. The new staple of frames is, I believe, Dunlops best effort to date and they're the most underrated frames on the market. I prefer them to current offerings from Head, Wilson, Prince and Babolat, for sure.

Now off to read that beast of the AG 1Hundred thread for tips....

Harry

 

[vkartikv]

GREAT stick, especially with leather grip and some lead (polarized). Enjoying it so much that I'm demoing a bunch of Dunlops: AG 300, AG 100, mFil 200 16x19 and AG 200. Have tried the 100 and 200 before and liked the 200. I really, really want to like the 100 (came in the mail from TW yesterday) and am excited to try it again. Maybe the culprit was coming from a much heavier frame (K90) in the past and that prior AG 100 demos had lousy string...

Modded AG 300 16x19 is also excellent, with good pop, easy access to spin and wonderful feel. Like a much more user friendly n6.1 96 16x18, and the ball doesn't sail on me. I wasn't prepared for how good the modded 300 plays. Kind of like a softer, more user friendly PS 6.0 95. Actually, pretty similar to the PS Tour 95 (11.5 oz, 16x19) but with better feel.

Funny, I used Maxplys growing up and 200Gs later, along with MW 200s and HM 200s in the past. The new staple of frames is, I believe, Dunlops best effort to date and they're the most underrated frames on the market. I prefer them to current offerings from Head, Wilson, Prince and Babolat, for sure.

Now off to read that beast of the AG 1Hundred thread for tips....

Harry

Try the AG 300 16x18. It's the ideal mix of the qualities of the 4D AG 300 tour and AG 200 standard.

 

[Rabbit]

huh? 10 chars...

<whisper mode> becuse it's so spin friendly </whisper mode>

Funny, I used Maxplys growing up and 200Gs later, along with MW 200s and HM 200s in the past. The new staple of frames is, I believe, Dunlops best effort to date and they're the most underrated frames on the market. I prefer them to current offerings from Head, Wilson, Prince and Babolat, for sure.

Now off to read that beast of the AG 1Hundred thread for tips....

Harry

I agree. I grew up on the Maxply and Slaz Challenge 1 and I too think this is a great lineup of frames.

 

[dadozen]

I grew up using Yonex( RQ 190 and RQ 380 ), went to a Wilson PS 6.1, then to a Dunlop Classic Pro Revelation, Yonex RD10, Babolat PControl, Babolat PStorm, and now my beloved Dunlop AG 4D 300 Tour.

Dunlop does make the best racquets, by far. Best quality control, even their light frames have wonderful stability, pop and solidness.

I think I found a racquet to play with for a very long time

 

[bad_call]

<whisper mode> becuse it's so spin friendly </whisper mode> ...

gotcha. i was reading this wrong. makes sense now.

 

[Rabbit]

Update

OK, I had kinda put the 300Tour down in favor of the 100. Well, I got reinterested after getting my arse handed to me in 9.0 mixed by a 30-ish year old local teaching pro who played D-1 tennis and was recently bumped down (to the amazement of the local USTA office) to 4.5. On top of all else, he's also playing 5.0 and 5.5...and winning. But hey, I don't want to whine...

I played doubles yesterday with the 300t. I had hit with it earlier for an extended period and reversed on it. Well, playing with it made the water even muddier. I noticed that if I concentrated on racquet head speed, the frame really worked well. The faster I could get the racquet head through, the better the ball came off and the more impressive the result. This has even got me wondering if I should step down one more level to the plain Jane 300. But that's another hit.

Comfort-wise, the 300t is in the same league as the C10 and AG100. I found the stringbed to play firmer than the AG100 and certainly the C10, but I think that's probably due more to the 18X20 stringbed than anything else. The frame has a great flex which again translates to it being very arm friendly.

Control was superb with this frame. I was kinda surprised at some balls. Chip returns worked and were soft and low. I was also able to step back and knock hard returns. All strokes had great direction and volleys were crisp and well directed as well.

Touch is surprisingly good off the denser stringbed. I hit several volleys which brought a definite smile to my face. Once I figured out that a faster swing is a better swing, the feel of the racquet improved as well.

Serves continue to feel less impressive with the 300t than the 100, but the guys I was playing were having trouble returning, so I guess maybe it's more me. I was able to put the ball in the box where I wanted it and while I didn't think the pace was there, they did have good spin on them.

Spin off groundstrokes is nowhere near as easy to generate with the 300t as it is with the 100 or C10 IMO. I find my balls to be considerably flatter with less spin on them. But, and this is a big but, I think spending a little time with the frame would fix all that. Really & truly, right out of the box so to speak there was little to no adjustment needed and while I don't have the confidence with this frame that I do with the 100, once I get there, it would be just as solid as the 100.

Net play is just plain great with this frame. It reminds me somewhat of the Cat 8 V-Engine at net. It is quick and solid at net and you can both stick and butter your volleys.

300t vs. 100 or other players frame

Why would someone change from a more mainstream players frame to the 300t? My answer is that this frame allows you to play a little different tennis game. You can get the racquet tip around on the ball faster. When we were warming up, I found that hitting down the line forehands was a breeze as long as I accelerated through the stroke and the more acceleration I had the better the result. Question would be could I keep up all this swinging? The short answer is yes.

Should I change? Well, I plan to keep hitting with the 300t. I'm going to see if the spin comes back, and...I'm going to give the 300 another shot. These are really sweet frames and IMO made for folks who need just a little extra oomph in their games without having to go to a real tweener type frame. They are also fairly unusual in that they have a really nice flex, most of the stuff out there now is really stiff and jarring.

The 300t reminds me of a slightly lighter more head heavy Volkl C9 and that's not a bad thing to remind me of....

 

[Shangri La]

what string/gauge/tension is used on the 300tour? thanks for the review

 

[dadozen]

OK, I had kinda put the 300Tour down in favor of the 100. Well, I got reinterested after getting my arse handed to me in 9.0 mixed by a 30-ish year old local teaching pro who played D-1 tennis and was recently bumped down (to the amazement of the local USTA office) to 4.5. On top of all else, he's also playing 5.0 and 5.5...and winning. But hey, I don't want to whine...

I played doubles yesterday with the 300t. I had hit with it earlier for an extended period and reversed on it. Well, playing with it made the water even muddier. I noticed that if I concentrated on racquet head speed, the frame really worked well. The faster I could get the racquet head through, the better the ball came off and the more impressive the result. This has even got me wondering if I should step down one more level to the plain Jane 300. But that's another hit.

Comfort-wise, the 300t is in the same league as the C10 and AG100. I found the stringbed to play firmer than the AG100 and certainly the C10, but I think that's probably due more to the 18X20 stringbed than anything else. The frame has a great flex which again translates to it being very arm friendly.

Control was superb with this frame. I was kinda surprised at some balls. Chip returns worked and were soft and low. I was also able to step back and knock hard returns. All strokes had great direction and volleys were crisp and well directed as well.

Touch is surprisingly good off the denser stringbed. I hit several volleys which brought a definite smile to my face. Once I figured out that a faster swing is a better swing, the feel of the racquet improved as well.

Serves continue to feel less impressive with the 300t than the 100, but the guys I was playing were having trouble returning, so I guess maybe it's more me. I was able to put the ball in the box where I wanted it and while I didn't think the pace was there, they did have good spin on them.

Spin off groundstrokes is nowhere near as easy to generate with the 300t as it is with the 100 or C10 IMO. I find my balls to be considerably flatter with less spin on them. But, and this is a big but, I think spending a little time with the frame would fix all that. Really & truly, right out of the box so to speak there was little to no adjustment needed and while I don't have the confidence with this frame that I do with the 100, once I get there, it would be just as solid as the 100.

Net play is just plain great with this frame. It reminds me somewhat of the Cat 8 V-Engine at net. It is quick and solid at net and you can both stick and butter your volleys.

300t vs. 100 or other players frame

Why would someone change from a more mainstream players frame to the 300t? My answer is that this frame allows you to play a little different tennis game. You can get the racquet tip around on the ball faster. When we were warming up, I found that hitting down the line forehands was a breeze as long as I accelerated through the stroke and the more acceleration I had the better the result. Question would be could I keep up all this swinging? The short answer is yes.

Should I change? Well, I plan to keep hitting with the 300t. I'm going to see if the spin comes back, and...I'm going to give the 300 another shot. These are really sweet frames and IMO made for folks who need just a little extra oomph in their games without having to go to a real tweener type frame. They are also fairly unusual in that they have a really nice flex, most of the stuff out there now is really stiff and jarring.

The 300t reminds me of a slightly lighter more head heavy Volkl C9 and that's not a bad thing to remind me of....

Glad to know that you're liking it better The 300T really is a racquet that you have to get used to, it's not love at first sight like some others racquets.

I've been enjoying mine more and more, adjusting my strokes to them, and as you say, the better you swing the racquet, the better your stroke becomes. It's not an easy racquet at all, if you don't swing it right the ball goes right into the net or over the fence. But, if you can manover it properly, gee, you have a weapon in your hands:twisted:

 

[Rabbit]

what string/gauge/tension is used on the 300tour? thanks for the review

The frame came with Dunlop Explosive Synthetic 16 and I strung it up at 60 pounds. It's a pretty good string and feels pretty good. I'll be sticking some gut in this if I continue to progress.

Glad to know that you're liking it better The 300T really is a racquet that you have to get used to, it's not love at first sight like some others racquets.

I've been enjoying mine more and more, adjusting my strokes to them, and as you say, the better you swing the racquet, the better your stroke becomes. It's not an easy racquet at all, if you don't swing it right the ball goes right into the net or over the fence. But, if you can manover it properly, gee, you have a weapon in your hands:twisted:

OK, first bolded statement I kind of agree/disagree with. I found the 300T to be a sweet swing, but you do have to swing big and fast with it.

The second bolded statement I definetly agree with. This isn't a tweener by any stretch. It requires a good bit of effort and technique on the user's part. I do find it to have more control than the AG100 and to be nearly as comfortable, but it feels lower powered in my opinion. All of the guys on court this weekend said I hit well with it, but I'm still no where near as comfortable with it as with the AG100.

I forgot to note, and this probably contributed to my improving outlook on the frame, I installed a leather grip on it. It definetly helps the feel and performance of the frame. And, it's a TW thin/wide one.

 

[dadozen]

OK, first bolded statement I kind of agree/disagree with. I found the 300T to be a sweet swing, but you do have to swing big and fast with it.

The second bolded statement I definetly agree with. This isn't a tweener by any stretch. It requires a good bit of effort and technique on the user's part. I do find it to have more control than the AG100 and to be nearly as comfortable, but it feels lower powered in my opinion. All of the guys on court this weekend said I hit well with it, but I'm still no where near as comfortable with it as with the AG100.

I forgot to note, and this probably contributed to my improving outlook on the frame, I installed a leather grip on it. It definetly helps the feel and performance of the frame. And, it's a TW thin/wide one.

I'm getting to know my 300Ts better and I'm loving how my game is improving with these racquets. It demands a good amount of effort from its user but it rewards this extra effort with great shots. I was geting tired of my PStorms, even with only 4 months passed, and I felt that my game wouldn't improve anymore. But, with the 300Ts, I must concentrate much harder on my swings and strokes, noticing what I'm doing right or wrong, and keep adjusting that according to my performance. All this process is making me taking more precise shots, more powerful and with more spin, getting the time right and really watching the ball.

But I'm really being rewarded for this effort. Just ask my hitting partner:twisted:

That might be why there are so many people that don't get to like this racquet so much. I agree that there are many easier racquets out there.

 

[fantom]

I forgot to note, and this probably contributed to my improving outlook on the frame, I installed a leather grip on it. It definetly helps the feel and performance of the frame. And, it's a TW thin/wide one.

I liked it a lot better w/ the TW leather as well. I never had a hard time w/ this frame once I got the right strings in it. I feel like it does everything well. My net play definitely improved w/ it because I can move it so quickly.

I still want to try out the new Head racquets, but I'm loving the 4d300T right now.

 

[dadozen]

I liked it a lot better w/ the TW leather as well. I never had a hard time w/ this frame once I got the right strings in it. I feel like it does everything well. My net play definitely improved w/ it because I can move it so quickly.

I still want to try out the new Head racquets, but I'm loving the 4d300T right now.

You guys make me want to try a leather grip as well. Too bad there aren't many around my area, I've just found the Head Leather grip, that comes along with the YouTek Speed Pro. Guess it's not that thin to install an OG over it, so I'll just pass it

 

[Rabbit]

^You can always order a leather grip from TW for $7.

I find they always improve the playability of most any frame. I love the Dunlops I've hit with, but simply cannot stand the stock grips.

BTW, pending a couple of more hits and restringing with gut, I think I'm going to pull the trigger on a couple of more 300T's.

 

[dadozen]

^You can always order a leather grip from TW for $7.

I find they always improve the playability of most any frame. I love the Dunlops I've hit with, but simply cannot stand the stock grips.

BTW, pending a couple of more hits and restringing with gut, I think I'm going to pull the trigger on a couple of more 300T's.

Problem is that shipping to Brazil costs $40-60. I won't spend that much only to buy leather grips

I couldn't stand the stock grips on my 300Ts either, I've replaced them as soon as I could.

But I'm not sure if I'd enjoy playing with leather grips. I just don't like firm feeling handles, I prefer cushiony ones. But I'm willing to try it at least once. i'm an open mind guy

 

[dadozen]

Nice to know that you'll get more 300Ts I'm also thinking of getting some more and have like 4 or 5 of them, so they last me long enough until I get tired of them( if that ever happens:twisted: ).

 

[VS_Power]

are you Ydahs Mils?

 

[fantom]

are you Ydahs Mils?

There's a screen name I haven't seen in a long time. 99% of the posters here will have no idea what you're talking about.

I suppose your question is for Rabbit, but I'm not him either.

 

[Shangri La]

I noted in another thread as well after a demo that you need good batspeed to take advantage of this racquet. It doesnt offer you much free power or spin due to its low power nature and dense string pattern. I believe a thin gauge natural gut at a lower tension will make it play better, along with a leather grip. BTW the new Head Youtech Radical MP caught my interest and wonder how it compares to the 300tour.

 

[dadozen]

There's a screen name I haven't seen in a long time. 99% of the posters here will have no idea what you're talking about.

I suppose your question is for Rabbit, but I'm not him either.

Maybe this:http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=145081 ?

 

[Rabbit]

There's a screen name I haven't seen in a long time. 99% of the posters here will have no idea what you're talking about.

I suppose your question is for Rabbit, but I'm not him either.

It ain't for me!