String advice for Dunlop Ag 300 4D Tour retail

[Antónis]

So, short story, I came across a very cheap brand new Ag 300 4D Tour on a dutch website, and bought it.

I had a previous bad experience with a pro stock version of this racket, with a flex rate of 58 or 59, and just couldn't deal with it on some shots, specially on my biggest one, my forehand, so I sold it

My current racket (PS 6.0 95) has a flex rate around 67 when new, but since they are very worn, they should be a bit flexier than that, probably close to the Ag's RA of 63

I was looking for a similar feeling racket on a more light and forgiving pack, not intending to change rackets, but just for off day's, when I need a bit more help from my gear

I usually strung my 6.0 95 with full bed of MSV Focus Hex 1.23 at 27 kgs, once tension drops a bit and stabilizes around 25, that's where I like them to be.

Currently one of my PS is strung with Signum-Pro Firestorm 1.25 to test it, since one of my coaches praised it so much, it feels a bit different compared to MSV's, a little less plastic-like feeling, and more pop with the same tension

I'm 43, play since 11, I hit most of the times almost flat and/or slice, classic long motioned strokes, with loose wrist and arm, one handed BH, I like to top-spin a bit more on my BH compared to my FH, rush the net a lot, love touch and angled shots and play lots of doubles

I like a string that holds tension (MSV is amazing on that), and gives me control and feeling instead of power - I hate strings like Tour Bite or RPM Blast

With the pro stock version I started with my usual set-up, and the racket felt very much like a slingshot, amazing on serves but erratic on flat shots, I had to shorten my FH swing to keep the ball in, and even than it sailed out too often.
I changed to the red stiffer version of Focus Hex, 28 kg tension, felt better but not good

I'm planing to start with my usual set-up, and go from there

Any advice from you? I'm not a string freak, if something feels ok I usually stay there for long time

thanks in advance

 

[gmorera]

I've been playing with this racquet for years and i've always used isospeed control 16 at 22 kg. That gave me a very good control, comfort and playability as i'm also playing very flat. Isospeed has a muted feel and IMHO low powered multi. I liked this combination very much. But, as always, feelings about a string is very personal.
It is a very good racquet. Good luck and enjoy it.

 

[un6a]

Thin gauge poly works well in this racquet. I had success with Pro Line II 1.20 and SP Tornado 1.17 at around 23/22 kg.

 

[Antónis]

Thanks for your input, I'll come back here soon, once I have my racket strung

 

[Antónis]

So, I had my first playtest on Friday, with the racket freshly strung with MSV Focus Hex 1.23 27 kgs, leather grip and overgrip Head - didn't measure static weight, maybe I'll do it today

The racket is way stiffer compared to my former pro stock AG 300, some of my shots were landing shorter than they usually do with my 6.0's, once the tension drops one or two kgs, it will be just fine

I'll definitely need some adjustment, it's a very different type of racket compared to the ones I'm used to, but I'll get there

First impressions: nice solid feeling and sound (feels somehow like a big Pretige Mid), great on serves, easy to get spin and slice, good level of control on big flat shots
Did not try it extensively on volleys and/or touch/tricky shots, hope I have the chance to do it today

Here's some pics from my former pro stock Ag 300 Tour, and my current Ag

There's some cosmetic differences between the two, the most visible is the throat bridge, that's usually where sponsored Dunlop players have their names printed, the pro stock has nothing written there, the retail has "3hundred tour" decal there

The pro stock carries a visible sticker with modified specs. I think there should be some lead under the bumper, since it's more balanced to the head, and probably the WT 317,5 indicates an unstrung weight of 317,5 grams.

All the other specs differ from the retail version

That's all for now, hope you enjoyed this pics