IceBunDemon
Rookie
That's unfortunate. Must have been some connect to crack it. Bill your doubles partner
.Yea, the previous one seems mostly gone now.
Tennis Warehouse: Dunlop SX Playtest
- Thread starter TW Staff
- Start date
.Yea, the previous one seems mostly gone now.
time_fly
Hall of Fame
That's unfortunate. Must have been some connect to crack it. Bill your doubles partner
It didn't break all the way through, but there's a band of paint missing at 3/9 and the surface layer of graphite below is definitely cracked. It's still playable but the perfectionist / gearhead in me can't deal with a cracked racquet, even a mildly cracked one.
time_fly
Hall of Fame
I had a nice practice session with a teammate today, just working baseline groundies. Although I didn't serve or hit too many volleys, I got a lot of reps with both my 1st gen SX 300 -- the uncracked one, lol -- and the 2nd gen SX 300 Tour. Hitting back-to-back with them, it was immediately obvious that the Tour swings easier and has a higher launch angle. I should mention that my SX 300 has a couple grams of lead on each side of the frame at 3 and 9. If the original SX 300 is a spin monster, I don't know what the Tour is. Maybe a spin god? It's next-level stuff and gave my semi-western topspin forehand even more loop and hop. I did have to spend effort tweaking my swing to stop unintentionally looping the ball so much, but one plus was that picking up low balls from my hitting partner, who has a big time knife-slice, using topspin was easier. The buggy-whip forehand also had more lift and action. On the flip side my SX 300 clearly had more plow-through and the power felt more effortless as long as I wasn't under time pressure. Overall I felt the power levels were similar, but with the SX 300 Tour it was more based on swing speed versus the plow-through of the older frame.
I found the comfort edge to go to the 1st gen frame, although I can't swear that it's due to inherent differences in the frame. The strings on my SX 300 are a little looser than the Tour and the sweet spot felt bigger with the 100" head, and it's also natural to shank a little more with an unfamiliar frame.
Hopefully I have a couple of weeks now without a competitive match so I can spend more time practicing and comparing.
I found the comfort edge to go to the 1st gen frame, although I can't swear that it's due to inherent differences in the frame. The strings on my SX 300 are a little looser than the Tour and the sweet spot felt bigger with the 100" head, and it's also natural to shank a little more with an unfamiliar frame.
Hopefully I have a couple of weeks now without a competitive match so I can spend more time practicing and comparing.
time_fly
Hall of Fame
I've added a second SX 300 Tour to my stable, meaning that I'm going to start playing matches with them. But I'm not dumping the 1st gen yet; I want to see how it goes. Interestingly both new frames came in at 309g, but one was about 9pt HL and the other was about 7 HL. That makes it a little bit of a pain to match them without adding a lot more weight.
Quick tip for these frames in matches: instead of focusing on the butt cap when spinning them for serve, which doesn't work well with the Dunlop logo, focus on "Dunlop" up or "SX 300" up on the throat. Maybe I'm slow but it took me a long time to figure that out.
Quick tip for these frames in matches: instead of focusing on the butt cap when spinning them for serve, which doesn't work well with the Dunlop logo, focus on "Dunlop" up or "SX 300" up on the throat. Maybe I'm slow but it took me a long time to figure that out.
ericykchan
Rookie
Anyone played with the new SX600 (105sq head)? The SX300 and the Tour get good reviews so thinking if the SX600 is any good. The two coaches in Tennis Spin were not a fan at all, maybe because it's just so out of their specs.
IceBunDemon
Rookie
Tennis spin and the coach he has there aren't good sources for reviews. At all. Can I further emphasize that?
I have not tried the SX 600. It's a 1/4 inch longer than the 300, had a 16/18 pattern, larger head size, and a slightly thicker beam at 3 and 9. That all points to a really crazy high launch with a ton of energy return and spin access, amounts that leave the standard sx 300 in the dust in these departments. Based on the 300 and 300 tour I'd say there's a good chance it's a good quality frame for someone looking for what it offers on paper. Maybe a good place to start is with what you're using right now and then compare specs to get an idea of what you'll be gaining and losing and whether it's a trade off that looks to be worth the money or demo time for you personally. Objectively bad frames at this point are quite rare, so it's more about what kind of balance of attributes you are looking for.
Last edited:
ericykchan
Rookie
Thanks a lot for the reply. I like oversize racquets and am currently using the latest version of VCore Pro 104 (yes, that one only available in Japan), also in my bag are Wilson SW102, Dunlop CX200 OS, and old Yamaha 110 sq in racket. I was using Prince Phantom 107G for over 1 year.
I am looking for a little bit more power and spin. Both SW102 and 107G are good in term of power. SW102 just too heavy to swing. 107G is lacking stability for me. VCore Pro 104 is maneuverable due to lower weight but still feels solid and stable. Just my shots are slower and less heavy. Maybe I should play around with string tension before trying the SX600. Since I use Volkl V-Square string, any multi or soft poly in the cross will get cut through really quickly so hybrid probably not an option.
IceBunDemon
Rookie
In many ways I'm not the person to be giving advice on oversized rackets because as far as I can recall I've only tried two (an oversized pure drive briefly back when I started playing years ago and then the SW Autograph racket).
Just giving some of my two cents on this, I suspect on paper the Dunlop SX 600 is going provide about as much power and spin as once could expect to handle on court in real match situations. The standard 100 inch version is somewhat of a bomb itself, but it's very much tamed by its extremely high launch angle and spin access, which can possibly counter some of that power. But with the 600, the extra length, the increased head size, the even more open string pattern, and what I assume is still the same frame design it's going to swing mighty fast and it will be super explosive. I have little doubt it will produce more of the kind of shot you want, from the brief bits you're saying, than the vcore pro 104. And the power and spin level of the 600 I imagine would leapfrog that of the SW racket as well (if I remember, the SW racket has a moderately high swing weight, which might be what makes it feel heavy to you, whereas when I checked the 600 it has a very low swing weight and static weight).
Can you demo the SX 600? There's also the Dunlop FX 700, extended length as well, 107 inch head, 23/27/23 mm beam, but even lighter than the SX 600 but looks to have a higher swing weight.
Re strings and tension, remember that tension really only affects the launch angle. So while lowering the tension may feel like your increasing power, largely because the same shot at a lower tension will travel further and higher, you're not actually upping the ball speed. And with strings, yep, in an oversized head and so much space between the strings really only super durable strings are good bets unless you don't mind stringing after each session.
Last edited:
ericykchan
Rookie
In this case it might be a bit too much power but still tempted to try. I had the FX700 and after the honeymoon period, I couldn't play well with it at all. Hardly any spin and too much vibration (or people call it feel). Then moved to CX200 OS, it is good but still not gel with it. Thanks again for the reply!
IceBunDemon
Rookie
On paper, just looking at how they lineup (FX 700 and SX 600), the SX 600 will have slightly less energy return but a higher launch angle and easier spin access. It should also be a little more stable as its heavier than the 700, which may lead to a more penetrating shot. It's still light though, and it has a low swing weight too, but if you like where that falls then you should get a good response relative to those specs.
The standard 100 inch SX 300 is one of the top two spin machines I've ever personally tested, re ease of spin access, so I imagine that the 600 would carry that forward into the oversized market. If spin is what you want, and more power than the vcore pro 104, it's a good one to try on paper. If you try it but end up disliking it, maybe note where it falls short for you and where it ticks boxes to help you navigate to your next racket.
IceBunDemon
Rookie
Your vcore pro 104 specs:
| Face size | 104 square inches |
|---|---|
| length | 27 inches |
| weight | 290g |
| Balance point | 325mm |
| Frame thickness | 22.0-22.0-22.0mm |
| String pattern | 16 × 19 |
Didn't see it's RA. Or swing weight.
The SX 600 specs:
| Head Size: 105 in / 677.42 cm | |
| Length: 27.25in / 69.22cm | |
| Strung Weight:10.1oz / 286g | |
| Balance: 13.5in / 34.29cm / 1 pts HL | |
| Swingweight: 309 | |
| Stiffness: 60 | |
| Beam Width: 23mm / 26.5mm / 23mm | |
String Pattern:
|
Not a complete list of specs unfortunately, but the SX has a much thicker beam, a more open string pattern, an even larger head size and a heavier balance.
The vcore pro 104 is 20g heavier and I assume it also has a heavier swing weight as well. If the SX has such a low RA (60 for SX 600, compared to 68 for standard sx 300) I'm wondering if they've done something similar with the vcore.
Some (not all) of the power/energy return advantage of the SX 600 will be canceled out by its lower weight. I suspect the vcore will hit a more penetrating ball (plow through) and will be more stable at contact. If you added some weight that would change. As it stands the SX 600 should swing faster and hit a far loopier ball with easier access to spin.
It's all going to be a compromise. It is for everyone. And this becomes more obvious the more rackets we try as we can't have all the qualities we want in one package. So I'd say if you can you should try the SX 600 and then kind of look at all the rackets you have/you have tried and work out the qualities you're willing to compromise others for. And there's always customisation as well.
Last edited:
ericykchan
Rookie
Very true... does seem to be vastly different from what I used to play. Okay, move on to another one to sooth the racquetholic..
Hi
please can you give us an update on your thoughts on these two rackets (old sx300 versus new sx300 tour).
I am trying to decide between them.
Background is I’ve been demoing th prev sx300 and really like it but it could do with more weight, isn’t totally stable and I have a one handed backhand so generally prefer a smaller head size. Also maybe touch could be better.
i currently play with a very old prince rebel 95 18x20 which is very different, much lower powered and much heavier but I would like to switch to a newer slightly more friendly racket
thanks
IceBunDemon
Rookie
Maybe try adding weight first to your 2020 SX 300. See how that works out for you and if you can land on a spec that provides a compromise suitable for you. Stability is something that can nearly always be fixed quite easily with a decent racket, and it's only really an issue if you have a specific spec or range you like and you need it to be where you want it to be at that spec. But obviously you can't change its head size. So if that's a problem you're not going to get over then there's no way around that. The 2022 version in such a case might be a great option if you like the 2020 SX 300 but decide the head size is a problem. I would imagine touch/how connected you are to the ball would be better with the 2022 tour but as I said I haven't tested the tour yet.
ChanterRacquet
Professional
Well, I picked up a Lite for a song off eCove/Gulf/Fjord. The 63/64 RA was more appealing than the 67/68 of the LS and regular 300. Got lucky with an overspec at 288g strung, 34.7cm balance giving 310 swingweight (instead of TW’s 299).
I strung with Volkl vstar which as far as I can tell is a smooth round cyclone tour. Super comfy for a poly, and bright orange in this beautiful yellow racquet looks pretty rad. Will go cyclone tour next.
I prefer 316 swingweight so I added 4x2” lead tape at 10 & 2 and an OG and am now at 297g, and 316 swingweight. Just a tad lighter static weight than my CX200 OS despite same swingweight. Can definitely feel some flex which is nice; extra maneuverability let me pull off some cool shots though missed a little mass/plow on a couple shots.
BUT even with a weighted up Lite, this is a nice frame. Easily handled pace once I adjusted my timing for the slightly lower static weight. I am seriously eyeing up the 600. As good as the Lite seems to be for what it is, I’m super curious! LS tempting too though for increased mass.
Dunlop’s frames seem to be just awesome. So far, I’ve demoed the 200, 200 tour, 200 OS, 200 LS, 500, and now the 300 Lite and they all do well within their spec. I might question why the 200 LS exists (well…TW doesn’t list them anymore) but it did what it could.
I strung with Volkl vstar which as far as I can tell is a smooth round cyclone tour. Super comfy for a poly, and bright orange in this beautiful yellow racquet looks pretty rad. Will go cyclone tour next.
I prefer 316 swingweight so I added 4x2” lead tape at 10 & 2 and an OG and am now at 297g, and 316 swingweight. Just a tad lighter static weight than my CX200 OS despite same swingweight. Can definitely feel some flex which is nice; extra maneuverability let me pull off some cool shots though missed a little mass/plow on a couple shots.
BUT even with a weighted up Lite, this is a nice frame. Easily handled pace once I adjusted my timing for the slightly lower static weight. I am seriously eyeing up the 600. As good as the Lite seems to be for what it is, I’m super curious! LS tempting too though for increased mass.
Dunlop’s frames seem to be just awesome. So far, I’ve demoed the 200, 200 tour, 200 OS, 200 LS, 500, and now the 300 Lite and they all do well within their spec. I might question why the 200 LS exists (well…TW doesn’t list them anymore) but it did what it could.
umm, sorry for being OOT.
What is your review for Yonex VCP 104? Is it arm friendly and has low power?
ericykchan
Rookie
no problem. It's arm friendly. It has okay power, which I rank it around the same as the ProStaff Six.One 100.
I quite like the VCP 104 as it is a bit more balanced (not as head heavy) as the VCP 100. My friend has the VCP100 and I played with it briefly. The VCP 100 and 104, as you can tell from pictures, have more open string pattern than the 97s', the crosses are more spread out. It is actually much more spin-friendly. Having said that, for flat shot the power is good but for spin shots, ball did land a bit short and slower. Shot accuracy is good. I came from the Prince Phantom 107G which is great for spin and have a very high launch angle. I feel the VCP104 is a much toned down 107G with better stability. I also have the Dunlop CX200 OS and Serena Williams 102. Dunlop CX200 OS is similar with I have one small issue with it, the handle is short so not good for my two-handled backhand. SW102 has more power and same level of spin (i suppose due to a whole inch longer so higher head speed) but just too much of racquet to swing. I also played briefly with latest Blade 104 which for that short period of time (1 hour), it did not seem to be better than VCP104, still a very good frame just if I have a VCP104, I don't feel I need the Blade 104.
I am not a very good reviewer who can articulate characteristic of a racquet, so the best I can do is find comparison. hope this helps.
Thank you
Junioradae
New User
What happened to the prince 107G , still in your bag ?
How did you like the sx600
Junioradae
New User
Bump
ericykchan
Rookie
Sorry for the delay reply. Unfortunately I no longer use it. I moved on to Donnay Allwood 102 and it is a more stable and more predictable frame. Also, it does not eat string like the 107G. However, very recently I am playing the 2023 VCore 100, it's not an OS frame but it feels very good. But Donnay Allwood 102 still in my bag.
ericykchan
Rookie
Didn't really have a chance to try, inflation has gotten the best of me so decided to save some money.
Junioradae
New User
Was looking for one in grip 2. Thought you still had it
jimdontcare
Semi-Pro
I too used to own the older SX 300 tour and now have the 2022 SX 300. The swingweight in the previous tour was just too high for me. I felt fine paying with it indoors during the winter, but once the summer heat came I really noticed the weight tiring me out. I think mine was 340g+ and had a swingweight of 340+ without any customisation.
Its hard for me to compare the performance of the two rackets, as I mainly used the old version with Prince premium control at 60lbs, whereas I'm using the newer one with poly at relatively low tension.
tim-ay
Legend
Poly at low tension is great in the 19. It’s my summer frame. Being in Florida, it’s my 95 90% humidity power racket. But my 4 are all around 340 static, 332-336 SW. tru-pro Durafluxx or razor soft around 45-48 is just stellar and good control.
My other two main frame lineups are the Blade Pro and the PSVS so the SX is a shade easier to use. I just have to remember to play a little easier , can’t let the crazy take over like I can with the others.
beltsman
G.O.A.T.
Just had my first hit with my new SX 300 Tour. Just a ball machine and serves, so first impressions. My racquet for the last ~2 years has been the PAVS. I like the PAVS, but there are a few areas weak for me:
PAVS:
Strings:
M: Hyper-G Soft 16L / 52
C: Ghost Wire 19 / 50
PAVS:
- I prefer a little more spin. It's too flat.
- Serve is too flat for me.
- FH with the PAVS is spectacular in general, but the one weaker area is inside-in DTL FH from the ad court. I don't know why, but this shot doesn't work well with the PAVS. In general, for some reason, the PAVS is better at inside-out shots. Maybe it's a bit sluggish? This hurts my game a lot, because I rely on that inside-in DTL FH to end points.
- I wouldn't mind a little more comfort/touch.
- I like the narrow head shape and the grip shape.
- Paint scheme is meh. The pattern is tolerable, but I'm so over highlighter yellow, and so so over matte. Enough with the highlighter/neon yellows for "spin" lines. Let's get something else.
- I like the energy shafts down the side. I don't know what they do, but they feel nice.
- WAY MORE SPIN. I love it. I am a baseline point constructor who uses angles and spin to move my opponents around and generate openings. I rely on spin to get my opponent off the court. This is a big plus.
- FHs felt really nice. Better net clearance than the PAVS, but not a crazy high launch angle. FHs felt really really good. Especially inside-in, which is what I'm looking for.
- BHs were just alright. Didn't do many.
- Serve felt way better than PAVS. Easier spin, easier to swing, less clumsy.
- Definitely flexier than the PAVS.
- Bigger sweet spot for sure.
Strings:
M: Hyper-G Soft 16L / 52
C: Ghost Wire 19 / 50
ChanterRacquet
Professional
Well they’re all on sale so I picked up a couple SX600 because I’ve been hitting with a Boom Team for a minute and while I play pretty good, it could use a bit more power (I’ve already got lead spanning from 10 to 2).
SX600 has a lower RA and 105” vs the BTeam’s 102”, so there’s definitely more power in the 105”. Had trouble playing it stock so added lead spanning 10 to 2 and was able to bring the ball down in the court. Have no idea why adding lead made the power more controllable. Maybe it’s a placebo.
Overall, it plays great, contender for sure. Always struggling with aftereffects of tennis elbow but so far seems easy on the arm strung with fullbed multifeel, which is something I can’t say for my PAR290.
SX600 has a lower RA and 105” vs the BTeam’s 102”, so there’s definitely more power in the 105”. Had trouble playing it stock so added lead spanning 10 to 2 and was able to bring the ball down in the court. Have no idea why adding lead made the power more controllable. Maybe it’s a placebo.
Overall, it plays great, contender for sure. Always struggling with aftereffects of tennis elbow but so far seems easy on the arm strung with fullbed multifeel, which is something I can’t say for my PAR290.
