Received my TC100 on Friday. 300g, 70ra, 325 6HL. Strange thing – it came with black grommets instead of green ones that I have ordered.
First impression. It is the ugliest racket I ever owned.
Don’t get me wrong, I know it is a risky thing to state something similar in Angell fanclub, but still – it is very narrow/oval (I’m used to more rounded top side of the racket), and these grey inserts, small text “CUSTOMTC100” at the top – it makes it visually even more narrow as it is. I noticed that earlier design was a bit different (without grey inserts) – and it looked more rounded (at least from the photos).
Anyway, I strung it same evening at 24/23 with MSV CoFocus 1.18 (by the way, last double blocked cross is a bit problematic). Weight and balance was quite okay for me, so I decided to give it a try today in local club mix double tournament.
I struggled for the first 4-5 games – string settle in I think. After that is was a pleasure and we won 1st place in the tournament.
I’ll compare it to my trusted Babolat Pure Drive (300g, no customization).
Forehand. TC100 is more controllable. More spin (pattern is a bit more open than PD). Ripping balls with big spin was enjoyable. I’m not sure about flattening – I’ll try this tomorrow during my training.
OHBH. No issues, I was able to rip heavy topspin and flat heavy balls as well. Slice was stable and consistent.
Serve. I need to work more for the first serve. But is easier to perform a second kick serve.
Volleys. I was struggling a bit with these, but I believe I need more time.
In general TC100 is very VERY forgiving, big sweet zone – same as PD. In other hand, it is more controllable.
The feel. Hmm. It is definitely better than my PD. But not as good and DR98, DR100 or Wilson CV (Burn or Blade). Anyway, it was good enough and it remained me old Radicals or Instincts a bit.
TC100 feels a bit heavier in my hands than PD. But it is not sluggish at all. It was very very quick through the air (for example, DR100 and Burn were sluggish for me).
L3 handle size was okay for me – my hands are relatively small.
I assume that more open string pattern shall “eat” my strings more. But we will see. I was getting approx. 8-10 hours in PD with 1.18-1.20 strings. I’ll let you know what I’m getting with TC100.
In general, I’m happy with this new stick. I will let you know my other findings later on.
Few fotos, somehow I cannot add them directly:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/pxp5el659v6r7n9/IMG_4383.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/38iq0sn2721qz13/IMG_4391.JPG?dl=0