Tennis Warehouse: Dunlop SX Playtest

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Serious Pure Aero 2019 vibes yellow black paintjob and spin monster, but it feels a lot different. Pure Aero feels quite unstable, this feels perfectly stable. This is quite firm at contact and doesn't ever launch balls high/long like the Pure Aero does. And Pure Aero VS 2020 is just completely different.

 

[Matthew Lee]

Arrived at my college house today and found the racket in its package. It looks awesome and I can't wait to get back on court to try it out! Will get it strung tomorrow and start the review as soon as possible.

 

[Matthew Lee]

Arrived at my college house today and found the racket in its package. It looks awesome and I can't wait to get back on court to try it out! Will get it strung tomorrow and start the review as soon as possible.

also please excuse the pictures, i took one horizontally and the other vertically :/

 

[badmice2]

Got a chance to take a few swings with it during a match warmup. Initial impression reminds me of a Prostaff, firm, control orientated. Takes a big swing to generate some pace on the ball. The stick is pretty well balanced given it is on the heavier side in current pre-mod "pro/tour stick" spec. Sweet spot felt smaller than the last generation SX300 (i was fortunate to be on that playtest, but non-tour version) and perhaps other rackets out in the market.

 

[Notorious_Junkballer]

Any takes on the Tour yet?

 

[fed1]

Received my SX 300 today. I will string it up tomorrow and start the testing process right away.

 

[SteveI]

Got a chance to take a few swings with it during a match warmup. Initial impression reminds me of a Prostaff, firm, control orientated. Takes a big swing to generate some pace on the ball. The stick is pretty well balanced given it is on the heavier side in current pre-mod "pro/tour stick" spec. Sweet spot felt smaller than the last generation SX300 (i was fortunate to be on that playtest, but non-tour version) and perhaps other rackets out in the market.

You are testing the Tour Version correct? Any other insights? What is your string set-up? Tension? You tested the last SX 300 non-tour...ideas about a starting tension?

Thanks! Enjoy the frame.

 

[Dan007]

Has anyone on the east coast received their racket yet? Anxiously waiting

 

[time_fly]

Has anyone on the east coast received their racket yet? Anxiously waiting

I'm a New Englander, and while I'm not on this playtest, I'm on the Yonex EZONE 100 and a couple of previous ones. The racquets ship by ground from California, so sadly we typically get close to a week lopped off our actual test time.

 

[Dan007]

I'm a New Englander, and while I'm not on this playtest, I'm on the Yonex EZONE 100 and a couple of previous ones. The racquets ship by ground from California, so sadly we typically get close to a week lopped off our actual test time.

Ahh I see. This is my first time being selected on a playtest so I wasn't sure. Thanks for the info!

 

[Molk]

I just received SX300 7 hours ago. I strung it with Explosive Tour and then went to play doubles...
First Impressions-Wow! Very easy on the arm! I did not need a Vibration dampener and I strung it with the Explosive Tour, which is a poly. It was also very stable!... I let the other players hit with it and they were also impressed!
I will be reviewing after more play time and post.

 

[Matthew Lee]

Also gave the SX 300 Tour a try for the first time today, and it's surprisingly comfortable and has a pleasantly dampened feel. There was pretty good spin, and it was unexpectedly solid for its static 11.4 strung weight. The racket didn't twist too much at all during strokes and volleys, and the slice was more plush and nicer than I previously expected.

I was planning on having an intense tennis session with a couple of friends, but it seems that a lot of them have their schedules already backed up with schoolwork. Not giving up, however. These university courts are too good to not play on.

 

[SteveI]

I'm a New Englander, and while I'm not on this playtest, I'm on the Yonex EZONE 100 and a couple of previous ones. The racquets ship by ground from California, so sadly we typically get close to a week lopped off our actual test time.

That is correct.. sadly

 

[SteveI]

I just received SX300 7 hours ago. I strung it with Explosive Tour and then went to play doubles...
First Impressions-Wow! Very easy on the arm! I did not need a Vibration dampener and I strung it with the Explosive Tour, which is a poly. It was also very stable!... I let the other players hit with it and they were also impressed!
I will be reviewing after more play time and post.

Tension on the Explosive Tour? Thanks.. always looking for a starting point. BTW.. do we have to use the Dunlop string in the test?

 

[Molk]

Tension on the Explosive Tour? Thanks.. always looking for a starting point. BTW.. do we have to use the Dunlop string in the test?

52 Lbs. was the tension on Dunlop 's Explosive Tour. Interesting to note that for my personal preference poly can be "hard on the elbow and arm." This poly is listed as a comfort and control polyester. It did feel stiff as I was stringing it but, it felt great! So, is it the poly or the racquet? "What and Who is the sauce?"... TW also sent a set of Dunlop Iconic All, a multi... I think to give the racquet a proper review both strings should be tried.

 

[fed1]

Has anyone on the east coast received their racket yet? Anxiously waiting

I am in Massachusetts and got my racquet yesterday.

 

[badmice2]

You are testing the Tour Version correct? Any other insights? What is your string set-up? Tension? You tested the last SX 300 non-tour...ideas about a starting tension?

Thanks! Enjoy the frame.

@Notorious_Junkballer, @Stevel

I'm on the Tour play test. I got in light hitting couple of days ago. Currently strung with RPM 18 @ 52lbs. My measured spec (with a Yonex dampener) came in at 330g strung weight, 325g swing weight, and 6 pts. headlight. As I mentioned in my earlier post, definitely a very control orientated racket. Players will have to bring their own pace in order to get depth on the ball. Racket feels firm as it's spec, closer to the range of Pure Strike. It is also muted in a similar sense. String pattern is nice and open; it wasn't difficult to generate top spin, though sweet spot is relative smaller, reminds me a bit of the Muscle Weave in that regards (minus the string pattern). I got some nice touches hitting backhand slices. I like the balance given it's weight (or maybe I've been play with heavier head racket lately), getting the stick through the air was a breeze. Very stable at the net, felt very scalpel-zic.

Will be interesting to play a some points or sets with it....stay tuned.

 

[SteveI]

Attention Talk Tennis Members:

It is a great time to be a playtester here at Tennis Warehouse as we have another playtest for you guys! We have a limited number of SX 300 and 300 Tours. Both are available in a grip size 3. This playtest is open to USA Talk Tennis members only.

VERY IMPORTANT: Playtesters will be required to get their test racquet strung. Each racquet will be shipped with a set of Explosive Tour 16 and a set of Iconic ALL 16 strings.

Application period is closed. Selected playtesters will be notified via email by Tuesday, January 4, 2022.

We have a very limited quantity of racquets to playtest. We select playtesters based on a number of factors, including message board participation and performance on past playtests.

Your review is due by [check back here if selected]

Posting a full review by the deadline is necessary to remain in good standing for future playtests. Reviews lacking sufficient effort will resort in disqualification from the playtest program.

Include the following in your review:

String and tension used for test:
Tennis experience/background:
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
Current racquet/string setups:
How many hours did you play with the racquet?

Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
-Groundstrokes:
-Serves:
-Volleys:
-Serve returns:

Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Power/Control-
Top Spin/Slice-
Comfort-
Feel-
Maneuverability-
Stability-

General reaction/comments on overall performance:

TW Staff

We will delete “request sent” emails, but encourage a lively “pre-game” discussion on the racquets.

Hi TW Staff:

Are we required to use the Dunlop strings provided?

Regards..

 

[TW Staff]

SteveI,

Nope! The email has all the information but you can use the Dunlop string provided or use your own string and tension of choice.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

 

[badmice2]

Hi TW Staff:

Are we required to use the Dunlop strings provided?

Regards..

No...per email sent...

"
VERY IMPORTANT: You are responsible for getting the racquet strung. With the playtest racquet, you will get a set of Explosive Tour 16 and Iconic All 16. You can use it or use your own string and tension of choice. Additionally, please hit with the racquet in stock form. You can do customizations but your review should include both comments in stock and customized form.

"

 

[SteveI]

No...per email sent...

"
VERY IMPORTANT: You are responsible for getting the racquet strung. With the playtest racquet, you will get a set of Explosive Tour 16 and Iconic All 16. You can use it or use your own string and tension of choice. Additionally, please hit with the racquet in stock form. You can do customizations but your review should include both comments in stock and customized form.

"

Thanks... helps to read the entire email...

 

[SteveI]

SteveI,

Nope! The email has all the information but you can use the Dunlop string provided or use your own string and tension of choice.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

Thanks Brittany. Have a great day>

 

[Tennisist]

... but you can use the Dunlop string provided or use your own string and tension of choice.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

That's actually a pretty big deal. I did not quite get this point during the last playtest, and strung the racquet with the Dunlop Explosive Spin provided. Turns out, it is neither explosive, nor spinny. No offense, Dunlop, but it was very mediocre, bordering on poor. It really did not do the racquet any favors. Later, it finally broke, and I restrung with some of the better strings. Immediately, all characteristics of the racquet went way up...

 

[A_Instead]

Nice to see those finding out for themselves how good current Dunlop rackets feel..
You should try the CX line..

 

[badmice2]

Nice to see those finding out for themselves how good current Dunlop rackets feel..
You should try the CX line..

Used to be a Dunlop fan boy dating back to the Muscle Weave all the way up til Aerogel. Then the Dunlop line lost its way a bit and switched off. It’s nice to see they’re making playable frames again. The last SX was a surprisingly good racket.

 

[SteveI]

Used to be a Dunlop fan boy dating back to the Muscle Weave all the way up til Aerogel. Then the Dunlop line lost its way a bit and switched off. It’s nice to see they’re making playable frames again. The last SX was a surprisingly good racket.

I loved the Dunlop line from the MW to the Aerogel 4D line. Not much since then. This is 1st new Dunlop I have play tested. I strung the SX300 in about 20 mins and got an hour on the frame so far. Very solid and a nice feel. It might be a bit firm for me. I went soft with my set-up. Full bed of syn gut at 54. Forten Sweet 17G in white.

Can't wait to read all the fine reviews. My frame came out 11.42 oz with Wilson Comfort over-grip and vibration dampener. 6 points HL but still seems to play a bit head heavy. Very stable from my 1st impressions. The beam also seems thinner than the specs. The Babolat Aero Pro Drive seems much more bulky and clunky than this offering.

 

[TennisHound]

Nice to see those finding out for themselves how good current Dunlop rackets feel..
You should try the CX line..

Yep, it’s hard to let go of my FX500 and my SX300 Tour. It’s tough to choose between the two. The FX500 works great with mods and the SX Tour works great for more control and no mods.

 

[TennisHound]

@Notorious_Junkballer, @Stevel

I'm on the Tour play test. I got in light hitting couple of days ago. Currently strung with RPM 18 @ 52lbs. My measured spec (with a Yonex dampener) came in at 330g strung weight, 325g swing weight, and 6 pts. headlight. As I mentioned in my earlier post, definitely a very control orientated racket. Players will have to bring their own pace in order to get depth on the ball. Racket feels firm as it's spec, closer to the range of Pure Strike. It is also muted in a similar sense. String pattern is nice and open; it wasn't difficult to generate top spin, though sweet spot is relative smaller, reminds me a bit of the Muscle Weave in that regards (minus the string pattern). I got some nice touches hitting backhand slices. I like the balance given it's weight (or maybe I've been play with heavier head racket lately), getting the stick through the air was a breeze. Very stable at the net, felt very scalpel-zic.

Will be interesting to play a some points or sets with it....stay tuned.

I wonder if this is what the ‘21 PAVS should have been (namely the wider frame)? Or the CV 3.0F Tour (which needed a more HL balance)?

 

[TennisHound]

I’m kind of sad to see the old SX300 Tour go, since I’ve been winning some tough matches with it. I like the 100”, but of course I’m curious to try the 98”.

 

[time_fly]

I’m kind of sad to see the old SX300 Tour go, since I’ve been winning some tough matches with it. I like the 100”, but of course I’m curious to try the 98”.

Customizing the regular SX up to Tour specs shouldn’t be that bad. I have a slight preference for my modified 1st-gen SX 300s over the Tour that I own anyway because I was able to get the balance and subjective swingweight where I wanted it.

 

[Gemini]

I made it on to this new SX playtest as well though I have a bit an "unusual" situation. I received the test racquet and was expecting to test the Dunlop SX300 Tour (98 sq. in.). The paper insert says Dunlop SX 300 Tour but the racquet received is actually a Dunlop SX 300 (100 sq. in.) I opted to use the Dunlop Explosive Tour 16 (co-poly) since I'm currently playing poly strings in my go-to racquets. Attached are some pics including the strung weight and swing weight of the frame I received.

I've only played an hour with the racquet so far but I'll post my full review as update to this post in the upcoming days after my Thursday drills, Saturday matches and Sunday drills.

 

[A_Instead]

Hmm... interesting quality control.. cardboard insert vs the racket received...wonder who got the Tour with the std cardboard insert...

 

[time_fly]

I made it on to this new SX playtest as well though I have a bit an "unusual" situation. I received the test racquet and was expecting to test the Dunlop SX300 Tour (98 sq. in.). The paper insert says Dunlop SX 300 Tour but the racquet received is actually a Dunlop SX 300 (100 sq. in.) I opted to use the Dunlop Explosive Tour 16 (co-poly) since I'm currently playing poly strings in my go-to racquets.

With a 313g strung weight, this is probably a 290-295g frame and it has a 306 strung swing weight? That's pretty far off the regular SX 300 spec, let alone the Tour. Honestly, Dunlop should apologize and replace this frame. Very concerning.

 

[SteveI]

I made it on to this new SX playtest as well though I have a bit an "unusual" situation. I received the test racquet and was expecting to test the Dunlop SX300 Tour (98 sq. in.). The paper insert says Dunlop SX 300 Tour but the racquet received is actually a Dunlop SX 300 (100 sq. in.) I opted to use the Dunlop Explosive Tour 16 (co-poly) since I'm currently playing poly strings in my go-to racquets. Attached are some pics including the strung weight and swing weight of the frame I received.

I've only played an hour with the racquet so far but I'll post my full review as update to this post in the upcoming days after my Thursday drills, Saturday matches and Sunday drills.

Frame is way under spec from the TW review. TW specs 11.2 /322 SW - Interesting QC.. and the wrong frame? Using a full bed of 16G poly and static and SW should be higher. ..One would think

 

[A_Instead]

Maybe you got a pro stock??

 

[fed1]

Hmm... interesting quality control.. cardboard insert vs the racket received...wonder who got the Tour with the std cardboard insert...

That would be me.

 

[Gemini]

With a 313g strung weight, this is probably a 290-295g frame and it has a 306 strung swing weight? That's pretty far off the regular SX 300 spec, let alone the Tour. Honestly, Dunlop should apologize and replace this frame. Very concerning.

@time_fly --You're good. The unstrung was 294.5g.

Of course, 5 grams is easy enough to add. Added to the right spot, I may be able to get close to the published spec.

 

[SteveI]

Maybe you got a pro stock??

My SX300 (non Tour) came in at 11.42 - 6 points HL. That is with a full bed of Forten Sweet 17G, Wilson Comfort over grip and vibration dampener. That is about what I would have expected. Funny it is almost the same as my regular frame. Modified Volkl. 11.6 oz 6-7 points HL. 16 x 19. Frame is very easy to swing. The frame does not seem like 322 SW to me. I do not have the ability to measure my SX300 sample for SW. The feeling from the 2 hours I have on it is more like 310-315. It is pretty stable in any event. Very easy to swing... whippy to be sure. Enjoy the play testing everyone.

 

[Gemini]

My SX300 (non Tour) came in at 11.42 - 6 points HL. That is with a full bed of Forten Sweet 17G, Wilson Comfort over grip and vibration dampener. That is about what I would have expected. Funny it is almost the same as my regular frame. Modified Volkl. 11.6 oz 6-7 points HL. 16 x 19. Frame is very easy to swing. The frame does not seem like 322 SW to me. I do not have the ability to measure my SX300 sample for SW. The feeling from the 2 hours I have on it is more like 310-315. It is pretty stable in any event. Very easy to swing... whippy to be sure. Enjoy the play testing everyone.

Overgrips generally add around 0.2 oz and shift balance 2pt HL. Without the overgrip, it seems like you're nearly spot on with published specs.

 

[TW Staff]

@Gemini,

Apologies, I accidentally switched the placards (blonde moment!) on a 300 and 300 Tour (Dunlop did not have anything to do with the slip up). So sorry! Please playtest the 300 and I promise to make it up to you and @fed1.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

 

[A_Instead]

I am sure it's all good... sometimes a surprise works out to be a good thing actually...

 

[fed1]

@Gemini,

Apologies, I accidentally switched the placards (blonde moment!) on a 300 and 300 Tour (Dunlop did not have anything to do with the slip up). So sorry! Please playtest the 300 and I promise to make it up to you and @fed1.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

Not a problem at all Brittany. Happy to give the Tour a playtest.

 

[Dan007]

My SX300 (non Tour) came in at 11.42 - 6 points HL. That is with a full bed of Forten Sweet 17G, Wilson Comfort over grip and vibration dampener. That is about what I would have expected. Funny it is almost the same as my regular frame. Modified Volkl. 11.6 oz 6-7 points HL. 16 x 19. Frame is very easy to swing. The frame does not seem like 322 SW to me. I do not have the ability to measure my SX300 sample for SW. The feeling from the 2 hours I have on it is more like 310-315. It is pretty stable in any event. Very easy to swing... whippy to be sure. Enjoy the play testing everyone.

My SX300 came in at about 320g/11.28g and 7pt HL string with Full bed of Tourna Big Hitter 16g and overgrip. I measured it swing the swingtool app and got 315 on the sw. Static weight was a little under 300, no biggie but balance and swingweight seems quite far off from the advertised specs.

 

[SteveI]

My SX300 came in at about 320g/11.28g and 7pt HL string with Full bed of Tourna Big Hitter 16g and overgrip. I measured it swing the swingtool app and got 315 on the sw. Static weight was a little under 300, no biggie but balance and swingweight seems quite far off from the advertised specs.

I am pretty sensitive to SW over 320 and mine seems lower. Just from feel of course. TW measures a few of the frames and posts the average in its specs. Interesting to be sure. I just remember trying to get the Babolat Aero Pro Drive moving and it was not as easy as this one for sure. 315 SW seems about right..

 

[Gemini]

@Gemini,

Apologies, I accidentally switched the placards (blonde moment!) on a 300 and 300 Tour (Dunlop did not have anything to do with the slip up). So sorry! Please playtest the 300 and I promise to make it up to you and @fed1.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

No problem, Brittany. I appreciate the opportunity to playtest any of the new racquets.

 

[ChanterRacquet]

All these people saying sw is sub-320 has got me wanting to try one! Dunlop has 3 lines with the regular version coming in sw 315-320, CX 200, SX 300, FX 500. Nice! For the same sw you get to pick the racquet that fits your game/needs instead of going with whatever racquet fits your sw. Heavier? Go tour. Lighter? Go LS or Lite. But they’re fairly well comparable between models it would seem.

 

[fed1]

I have a fair amount of hitting with the Tour and so far I am impressed. I strung it up with the set of Explosive Tour that was provided at 52lbs. The racquet is pretty easy to get around, power level is decent. I loved it at the net, super stable on volleys and had nice touch. Just some of my early impressions.

 

[A_Instead]

Any comparisons to other rackets?
Ex.. similar to "x"..but better at...etc

 

[Dan007]

Any comparisons to other rackets?
Ex.. similar to "x"..but better at...etc

So far the racket that is most comparable is Graphene 360+ Extreme MP. Both rackets have very wide string patterns but surprisingly the launch angle isn't too crazy and controllable. I have trouble using rackets like Babolats due their launch angle and difficulty flattening out shots as I like to hit through the ball more. The feel is good but I still prefer the feel of Head rackets (I think the spiral fibers actually work lol). I've only gotten to hit groundstrokes with it so far for maybe 20-30 minutes so can't comment further.

 

[Molk]

+1 to that; Their grip shape’s up there with Prince for me. Really curious about the new SX300 Tour; I like that it’s a 98 now, but what’s interesting is it has the same beam thickness as the 100. Would love to see how that plays out. Also here’s to hoping their banana is a pretty one

100% agree! I loved the grip shape of the previous 300G. I am on the playtest for the SX300. Unfortunately, the grip or pallet shape has changed. It can be easily modified with Duct tape on grip bevels 2, 3, 4 and 6, 7, 8. Michelle and Troy had an excellent podcast on
Pallet Shapes & Sizes Explained
Tennis Warehouse (tennis-warehouse.com)
I agree with Michelle that it is a "geeky, silly thing" but, if you are "old school and still like to hit with an eastern grip it makes a big difference. Troy proves it with a caliber.
To quote Rick Macci "Grips determine rips."
The Grip by Legendary Coach Rick Macci - YouTube