Secrets of the Dunlop Max 200G

[Bud]

Funny to note... on the opposite side of the throat, it states For Optimum Performance John McEnroe Recommends a String Tension of 55 lbs.

The two stripes on this racquet are both green. Chevrons appear green and gold.

It appears to have its original Fairway leather and the numbers 207 are embossed on the plastic collar above the grip.

Here is a my rare Max 200G with the original cosmetics that celebrates John McEnroe winning the 1984 Wimbledon and U.S. Open in the same year with the Max 200G.

I got this racquet new back in late 1984 or early 1985.

Hey VSB... on the opposite side... how does your read concerning the tension?

I can't quite make out the last part (it's scratched)... does it state For Optimum Performance John McEnroe Recommends a String Tension of 55 lbs. ?

 

[vsbabolat]

Hey VSB... on the opposite side... how does your read concerning the tension?

I can't quite make out the last part (it's scratched)... does it state For Optimum Performance John McEnroe Recommends a String Tension of 55 lbs. ?

yes it does.

 

[Bud]

yes it does.

Thanks!

 

[dataseviltwin]

interesting...

yes it does.

Didn't Johnny Mac string 'em to something sick like 35?

Lendl started doing that... (yeah, I know... YOU CAN NOT BE SERIOUS!!!) and as I recall Johnny Mac did it shortly thereafter - said it felt better (perhaps on his tennis elbow...).

 

[jimbo333]

Here is a my rare Max 200G with the original cosmetics that celebrates John McEnroe winning the 1984 Wimbledon and U.S. Open in the same year with the Max 200G.

I got this racquet new back in late 1984 or early 1985.

Hi, do you know if this was an import only frame i.e only available in the US?

I've never seen one of these in the UK, that's why I've had trouble getting one. I didn't realise that it was rare in the US. Is it really that difficult to find over there?

 

[jimbo333]

Right then here we go I don't claim to be an expert, so this will need correcting, but this is all I know, and some of it is probably wrong!!!

I think there are 6 main different versions, but it depends what you call "main", as there are lots of little differences. The main different versions of the MAX200G are:-

1. 1982 - Black Racquet, Green/Gold Chevrons - 2 green stripes (3 different molds, first had tapered beam narrowest at head with round string holes. Second had constant beam with round string holes and third had constant beam with squarish holes (this mold continues until 92 basically unchanged). And I think the 2 round string hole versions were only made in 1982.
2. 1986 - Black Racquet, Green/Gold Chevrons - green/gold stripes - Block letters, and "Graphite Injection" These have John McEnroes signature on side of frame and there is a different version celebrating his win in 1984 Wimbledon/US Open written on side of frame, possibly a US only import frame? (I want one of these so if anyone has one please contact me through my profile)
3. 1988 - Black Racquet, Green/Gold Chevrons - green/gold stripes - Curly letters, and "Grafil Injection" also another version of this was - Green Racquet, Red/White chevrons - red/white stripes, and I've heard other colours were done at this time also? (If anyone has any other colours, please sell me one as I collect them, eerrr obviously I suppose!!!)
4. 1989 - Golden Grand Slam - Numbered Edition
5. 1990 - Gloss Black Racquet, Gold/Turquoise Chevrons
6. 1991 - PRO - Purple Racquet with green writing in completly different style to other MAX200G's

Years could be very slightly wrong (especially versions 5 and 6).

There were definitely different PRO versions of 2,3 and 5 as well (and probably 1 as well, if anyone has a PRO version with 2 green stripes I'd like one). Version 2 had PRO written on it. Version 3 had PRO written on Black Racquet and PROII on Green Racquet. 5 had PRO written on it. 6 had PROIII written on it (again looking for one of these, please email through my profile). Again there are probably others.

If I start talking about the grips it's going to get a bit confusing, but the order is Black, Black with little Gold "Dunlop" written around it, then Brown leather "Fairway" and then Black Leather again, then Green leather, and then soft disintegrating grips which have all basically yes disintegrated if not wrapped!! Again I could well be wrong

As for the covers/bags, there's lots of different ones

Feel free to tell me I'm wrong (am sure the knowledgable Vsbabolat will for starters), as I quite possibly am; but look I am trying!!!

Here is some info. that TennisMan might find useful re. Max200G

 

[Bud]

Did you receive those two ceramic Dunlops, Jimbo?

 

[jimbo333]

Did you receive those two ceramic Dunlops, Jimbo?

Yeah they arrived yesterday thanks

Fantastic looking racquets as well, I should have asked you to string one of them for me, so I could give it a hit straight away

Next time, please remind me if I want it strung or not please!!!

And thanks again, Superb as always

 

[Bud]

Yeah they arrived yesterday thanks

Fantastic looking racquets as well, I should have asked you to string one of them for me, so I could give it a hit straight away

Next time, please remind me if I want it strung or not please!!!

And thanks again, Superb as always

I will... and only charge $10 to string it... if I sell it :wink:

 

[lousylogic]

To share with you my 17 max 200gs, which I am still playing with a few of them (though considering switching to Head Prestige or Radical, the weight of max 200g is too much for the aging me):

1 x 1st Gen (green + green strips, strips go pass the chevrons and continue to handle)

2 x 2nd Gen (green + green strips stop at chevrons, 1 of them is McEnroe 84 edition)

4 x 3rd Gen (green + gold strips join above chevrons, 1 is in light green and 1 is called "max GL")

3 x 4th Gen (Pro, no strip, gross finish)

2 x Grand Slam Edition

4 x 5th Gen (purple & green)

1 x paint job removed, no idea whether 1st, 2nd or 3rd gen.

Saw a few other versions around, dun know when I can collect the whole series ^^. Funny is even the covers got diff versions, even for the same pattern for 5th gen, i have long covers and short covers.

 

[Bud]

To share with you my 17 max 200gs, which I am still playing with a few of them (though considering switching to Head Prestige or Radical, the weight of max 200g is too much for the aging me):

1 x 1st Gen (green + green strips, strip continue to handle)

2 x 2nd Gen (green + green strips stops at arrow, 1 of them is McEnroe 84 edition)

4 x 3rd Gen (green + gold strips join above arrow, 1 is in light green and 1 is called "max GL")

3 x 4th Gen (Pro, no strip, gross finish)

2 x Grand Slam Edition

4 x 5th Gen (purple & green)

1 x paint job removed, no idea whether 1st, 2nd or 3rd gen.

Saw a few other versions around, dun know when I can collect the whole series ^^. Funny is even the covers got diff versions, even for the same pattern for 5th gen, i have long covers and short covers.

^^^^^ Wowee! Nice collection there :shock:

 

[MarrratSafin]

To share with you my 17 max 200gs, which I am still playing with a few of them (though considering switching to Head Prestige or Radical, the weight of max 200g is too much for the aging me):

Oh my. This is just amazing to see! Wonderful collection.:shock:

 

[jimbo333]

To share with you my 17 max 200gs, which I am still playing with a few of them (though considering switching to Head Prestige or Radical, the weight of max 200g is too much for the aging me):

1 x 1st Gen (green + green strips, strips go pass the chevrons and continue to handle)

2 x 2nd Gen (green + green strips stop at chevrons, 1 of them is McEnroe 84 edition)

4 x 3rd Gen (green + gold strips join above chevrons, 1 is in light green and 1 is called "max GL")

3 x 4th Gen (Pro, no strip, gross finish)

2 x Grand Slam Edition

4 x 5th Gen (purple & green)

1 x paint job removed, no idea whether 1st, 2nd or 3rd gen.

Saw a few other versions around, dun know when I can collect the whole series ^^. Funny is even the covers got diff versions, even for the same pattern for 5th gen, i have long covers and short covers.

Hey, what a great collection

You've got a few versions that I'm after as well, but I might have some you would like!

If you want to trade any with me, please get in touch!

 

[ilian]

lousylogic,

That's a great collection!

 

[lousylogic]

Hey, what a great collection

You've got a few versions that I'm after as well, but I might have some you would like!

If you want to trade any with me, please get in touch!

Let's talk

 

[shadowrtype]

lousylogic thank you for sharing pictures of those gorgeous classics! My pulse is racing. Don't know if it is love or lust. I shall now go fondly caress the few beauties that I have.

 

[jimbo333]

Hey, what a great collection

You've got a few versions that I'm after as well, but I might have some you would like!

If you want to trade any with me, please get in touch!

Let's talk

Yeah, send me a message some time, you can email me through my profile

By the way you mentioned covers/cases. Have you ever seen a full length green one with red/white writing? I'd never seen one until recently, and just added it to my collection

 

[MarrratSafin]

Yeah, send me a message some time, you can email me through my profile

By the way you mentioned covers/cases. Have you ever seen a full length green one with red/white writing? I'd never seen one until recently, and just added it to my collection

I've only got a half length green with red/white writing.

 

[jimbo333]

I've only got a half length green with red/white writing.

Even these aren't that common to find!

But I didn't even know the full length green with red/white writing version existed until recently, and I've been collecting 200G's for years

 

[tandayu]

To share with you my 17 max 200gs, which I am still playing with a few of them (though considering switching to Head Prestige or Radical, the weight of max 200g is too much for the aging me):

1 x 1st Gen (green + green strips, strips go pass the chevrons and continue to handle)

2 x 2nd Gen (green + green strips stop at chevrons, 1 of them is McEnroe 84 edition)

4 x 3rd Gen (green + gold strips join above chevrons, 1 is in light green and 1 is called "max GL")

3 x 4th Gen (Pro, no strip, gross finish)

2 x Grand Slam Edition

4 x 5th Gen (purple & green)

1 x paint job removed, no idea whether 1st, 2nd or 3rd gen.

Saw a few other versions around, dun know when I can collect the whole series ^^. Funny is even the covers got diff versions, even for the same pattern for 5th gen, i have long covers and short covers.

NICE, you are Johny Mac

If you can post more pictures individually showing details of each version, it will be a good for archives of this thread

Again nice collections

 

[jimbo333]

NICE, you are Johny Mac

If you can post more pictures individually showing details of each version, it will be a good for archives of this thread

Again nice collections

Yes, this is a good idea, Lousylogic please do this at some point, it shouldn't take long

The problem is with the 200G, is that there are so many versions, and everyone seems to name and number the different versions differently, if that makes sense!

 

[RFRF]

Here are sections cut from the Max 200G to show the internal pillars that you can only have with a Injection Molded Frame.

A real piece of art how Dunlop manufactured these racquets. Here is a layman's explanation of the Injection Molded Process works. First there is a casting of a low melting point alloy core. The alloy core is then put in the injection molding machine. A Compound of GRAPHITE and NYLON is Melted and then injected around the alloy core. Once the graphite and Nylon is cooled the Alloy core is heated up so it melts and then poured out of the frame. This leaves individual string holes that have pillars inside the frame. There are no holes drilled in these injection molded frames by Dunlop.

thats fantastic! thanks.

 

[lousylogic]

I don't have individual picture for each of them, just the below ones (i might have confused with which cover came with which racket, as there are some short covers not shown):

"2nd gen"

 

[lousylogic]

"3rd"

 

[lousylogic]

GS Edition

"4th"

 

[lousylogic]

"5th"

and i post one more including other racquets I got (but w/o my newly brough YY R-23 & Head YK Radical MP)

 

[jimbo333]

Gosh! That was quick, I am very impressed

 

[jimbo333]

And like I said we all seem to call the different versions different names. What you've callled the 2nd Gen, i would tend to call that the 1st Gen. I tend to call the 2nd Gen the version with McEnroe Signature, that you havn't shown the photo of above. But it doesn't really matter; great racquets and great photos

 

[jimbo333]

This cover is quite rare I think, with the gold tubing around outside of case. I've only seen the one I've got and one in somebody elses collection. And when I say rare, I'm sure there are thousands made, but they aren't as common as some others!

It actually goes with what I tend to call the 2nd Gen, the one with the McEnroe signature!

 

[jimbo333]

"4th"

This is another relatively rare cover, I also have one similar without the "Pro" words and a few other small differences, which is also quite difficult to track down!

 

[jimbo333]

"3rd"

The 200GL is the junior version and is 1" shorter than the normal 200G racket. If you want to trade this one with me, please get in touch via my profile

 

[lousylogic]

The 200GL is the junior version and is 1" shorter than the normal 200G racket. If you want to trade this one with me, please get in touch via my profile

Haha, I don't think I want to trade this one. However, as I have two GS editions, if there is something unique and in very good condition, I would seriously consider.

 

[BigMac]

However, as I have two GS editions, if there is something unique and in very good condition, I would seriously consider.

Are you only collecting Dunlop?

 

[Meaghan]

Can anyone give me any info on the racket with only one green arrow on it ??

 

[jimbo333]

Can anyone give me any info on the racket with only one green arrow on it ??

Where on the frame is the one green arrow? If you mean on the throat, the gold arrow/chevron often gets worn off as the gold paint does not last as long as the green!

 

[jimbo333]

Haha, I don't think I want to trade this one. However, as I have two GS editions, if there is something unique and in very good condition, I would seriously consider.

Hey, lousylogic, please send me a message through my profile, I definitely have some racquets you will be interested in

 

[jimbo333]

Thought I should try and post this photo of one of my 200G's here as well

 

[Meaghan]

Where on the frame is the one green arrow? If you mean on the throat, the gold arrow/chevron often gets worn off as the gold paint does not last as long as the green!

This one Jimbo.....your thoughts ??

 

[jimbo333]

^^^^^It's as I've described above, the gold paint around the throat has all faded or worn off!

 

[jimbo333]

Haha, I don't think I want to trade this one. However, as I have two GS editions, if there is something unique and in very good condition, I would seriously consider.

Hey, lousylogic, please send me a message through my profile, I definitely have some racquets you will be interested in!

Hi Lousylogic, looks like you are living up to your name and still not getting in touch with me

Here is another of my racquets, a very rare Max200GL PRO, the shorter Junior version

 

[Bud]

Hi Lousylogic, looks like you are living up to your name and still not getting in touch with me

Here is another of my racquets, a very rare Max200GL PRO, the shorter Junior version

I believe you're confusing him with Lousycommunicator... another TT member :mrgreen:

 

[MarrratSafin]

Here is another of my racquets, a very rare Max200GL PRO, the shorter Junior version

Rare indeed, first time I've seen a L of this version! Thanks for posting.

 

[peli_kan]

The pictures here are deadly beautiful. Thanks all for posting.

 

[joe sch]

Back to the original focus of this thread, the real "secret" of the max 200g is not really a secret at all, but rather just playing this classic at the low end of the recommended stringing tension range. When strung at approx 50 lbs, this racket will have dynamic hitting properties that can not be matched by most any other racket ever produced and none of the modern rackets have this kind of flex and feel. This model actually played stiffer the faster your swing speed because of the properties of the grafil injection. The feel and touch provided for half vollies and a SV all court game are unsurpassed. The plow thru and stability of this frame on groundies and punch vollies is just magical. These are all qualities that can only be experiece by high level players able to play an allcourt attacking SV game and consistently hit the sweet spot on this 13+ oz 83" head. Playing natural gut is the ultimate matchup but even poly strings play great at low tensions on this classic. There are many other great playing classic rackets, like the kneissl white start lendl, that I also played last week and it also has great flex and feel. Sure wish more players would talk about the great playing qualities of these rackets and I would see more players playing the classic tennis game with these weapons, rather than just bashing winners from the baseline with the modern hyper stiff smasher rackets. If you are a player and a collector, I highly recommend taking many of your collected treasures to the court and experiencing the joys of classic tennis.

 

[joe sch]

This all came about because last night I went through my stash of 10 200G's to evaluate them, as far as condition, size of handle, weight etc. was concerned.

I discovered I had four Pro's (McEnroe version), 2 original black non Pro's and three later green versions. Plus the one I'd painted, which from memory, was also a Pro.

The black Pro's bear the inscription Graphite Injection, the green ones Graphil Injection and the ordinary 200G's Dunlop Graphite.

Seeing no mention of "injection" on the last pair, I got to wondering whether in fact these were inferior (non injection) models, but was reassured by the fact that the patent number (4297308 ) was all also inscribed on them, the same as the others.

I looked up the patent and got far more information than I thought possible.

Here's an extract from it:



Of course there's lots more, but I've just posted the above to whet your collective appetites!

Virginia, I appreciate your creation of this post and providing that patent info that makes the max 200g soo special. Regarding your conclusion:

"Of course there's lots more, but I've just posted the above to whet your collective appetites!"

My point is that these properties Can Not be experiences by collector appetites, but only rather by only player experiences. Its a shame soo many of these classics are being hoarded by collectos and not being played by players

 

[Virginia]

I agree, you need to play with them to appreciate them fully. I'd play with every single one, but my experimental phase has been put on hold, at least for the moment, because of recurring elbow problems. Because of that, I will always have to be somewhat cautious when playing with anything other than my trusty Prince Vortex. Perhaps in the New Year, if all goes well, I'll start playing with a few more of my classic frames.

By the way, I have played with the 200G and absolutely love it! Once my arm is stronger and my game has improved, I may very well go back to it, at least occasionally.

 

[jimbo333]

My point is that these properties Can Not be experiences by collector appetites, but only rather by only player experiences. Its a shame soo many of these classics are being hoarded by collectos and not being played by players

Yes, I agree, especially with the 200G, it should never be strung above 55, and has a unique feel. It is still my second favourite racquet to play with after the 300i

And please sell me your "like new" T5000, I promise to play with it

I've never been able to hit a T5000 with the balance/buttcap attachment still attached, and would really like to see how the racquet feels in its complete original state!

 

[jimbo333]

And another of my rare junior 200G, L version, this one from I think 1985, or could be 1986

 

[Virginia]

Hey Jimbo, you're posting pics now, like there's no tomorrow! LOL

 

[jimbo333]

Hey Jimbo, you're posting pics now, like there's no tomorrow! LOL

LOL

Yeah, I've found a shortcut to upload, but I've now got a problem getting photos from my camera to my computer!

I sometimes think my computer is just trying to wind me up:shock:

By the way did you see the photos of my Snauwaert John McEnroe MCE001 in the Mcenroe racquets thread in the Pro Racquet section?

I found out it is actually a paint job of the Snauwaert Mikael Penfors Autograph!