The Official Angell Users Club

I have seven of them :). They are 3g in weight. They have never fell out of any racket ever!
I still have mine but Boris' arm got torn off on one side... He nearly never got popped out of the frame but when that serve return cut his arm off he lost hold of the stringbed :( ...poor Boris I hope he had no voodoo pain from it.

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The_Racketeer

Professional
For those who have experience with them, which Angell is more similar in feel to the Prince Graphite 100, TC95 or TC97?

I have the TC95 and the Graphite 100 and I was going back and forth with them on the court comparing the feel. While I play better with the TC95, I miss the satisfying thump and feel of that Prince. People who have used both say the 2 Angells flex differently, so which is more similar to the Prince?
 
For those who have experience with them, which Angell is more similar in feel to the Prince Graphite 100, TC95 or TC97?

I have the TC95 and the Graphite 100 and I was going back and forth with them on the court comparing the feel. While I play better with the TC95, I miss the satisfying thump and feel of that Prince. People who have used both say the 2 Angells flex differently, so which is more similar to the Prince?
The TC97 has to be more similar to the PG100 in response. I like how the TC95 is more muted though... a refinement on many dunlop frames like the Old Max Impact 95 MP but way more maneuverble, a little more solid and lower power + way more spin.
 
My initial response to the frame was very favorable: fabulous fit and finish, wonderful feel, and absolutely punishes the ball but in very controllable manner. The spin is on par with my PA. And the serve.....oh, the serve!!!! [emoji106][emoji462][emoji298]️ Heritage Reference??! A bigger, more powerful AG 100. More to come, including video!!!
 

The_Racketeer

Professional
The TC97 has to be more similar to the PG100 in response. I like how the TC95 is more muted though... a refinement on many dunlop frames like the Old Max Impact 95 MP but way more maneuverble, a little more solid and lower power + way more spin.

I had a feeling. I got my TC95 before the TC97 was released. But when I was going back n' forth with my sticks I kept thinking about the difference in beam shape and how the TC97 has the same box beam as my beloved Prince.
 
I had a feeling. I got my TC95 before the TC97 was released. But when I was going back n' forth with my sticks I kept thinking about the difference in beam shape and how the TC97 has the same box beam as my beloved Prince.
but i think a non box beam helps them engineer a more uniform flex without having to build up the head with so much material that SW gets prohibitively high.
 

ragingbull1980

Semi-Pro
I thought I would share this just in case some of you were thinking of doing the same. My grip is "B" size L3 with the synthetic Angell grip. I was planning on just wearing it out before adding the overgrip hoping it would smooth out and lose some of its thick cushion so I could feel the bevels with an overgrip. Instead, it is actually tearing at the end. So I decided to buy the Babolat Skin Feel grip. I weighed it side by side with a new Angell synthetic grip that I have and both are 19g. Now it feels perfect!
 

supineAnimation

Hall of Fame
but i think a non box beam helps them engineer a more uniform flex without having to build up the head with so much material that SW gets prohibitively high.
I'd love to try a TC95 63RA to compare to the 97. I hit with the TC97 some more tonight and I think I need to add another 2 or 3g at 3 and 9, but I hit really well with it for the last 30 minutes of a 75-minute outing. It definitely needs higher cross tension because it has so much power, but it's so comfortable that I'm not worried about a stiffer stringbed.

Normally, even with my YTPPs, I'd feel some TE-like fatigue after hitting, especially on a cool night against a guy like my partner tonight who's 10 years younger, built like a brick house and is a left-handed topspin machine. I feel nothing in my arm, which was goal one in finding a new frame this time.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I thought I would share this just in case some of you were thinking of doing the same. My grip is "B" size L3 with the synthetic Angell grip. I was planning on just wearing it out before adding the overgrip hoping it would smooth out and lose some of its thick cushion so I could feel the bevels with an overgrip. Instead, it is actually tearing at the end. So I decided to buy the Babolat Skin Feel grip. I weighed it side by side with a new Angell synthetic grip that I have and both are 19g. Now it feels perfect!

Thats cool to know. So, no weight or balance change with the Skin feel?
 
I've now had the opportunity to hit/play with the TC 97 on two occasions, both against accomplished 5.0 players.

The fit and finish of this frame is absolutely gorgeous. I love the understated paint job and old-school feel.

The impression upon striking the ball is one of absolute solidity. When I read others comments concerning a "consistent flex along the length of the frame" I'll be honest and say I wasn't initially sure to what they were referring. But having played the TC 97 this has become clear to me. The flex is very consistent and predictable, no matter the swing speed or the shot being struck.

Off the ground, the frame hits a heavy, spinny ball that "bites and releases" in your opponent's court. Depth and directional control were easy to accomplish. I found the frame more precise, though less powerful, when compared to both my beloved AK 90s as well as the pure aero. Keeping in mind all of the frames were matched my exact specs, I can only assume this is a reflection of the lower stiffness rating of the TC 97.

At net the frame was nimble and precise. I felt comfortable right away volleying with the TC 97, and was quickly able to accomplish good control both on first and second volleys as well as touch shots. To me, this is an area in which the TC 97 excels. The consistent flex and dampened, foam-filled feel combine to produce a racket comfortable, very stable and highly predictable at net.

Transition shots, as one might expect given the theme of consistency, were accurately played with knifed slice approaches off my one hand backhand especially pleasing.

Another area in which the TC 97 shone was the serve and overhead. Accuracy was similar to my AK 90 and better than the Pure Aero. Spin was readily available. In fact, I had a little difficulty adjusting to the amount of spin I was able to impart on slice serves in particular using the TC 97. The frame was similarly powerful to my AK 90 (RA 66) but less powerful than the pure aero (RA 70).

Returning with the TC 97 proved a bit more of a challenge. Although I have historically fancied myself an excellent returner despite using the antiquated 90 in.² Wilson frame I so dearly loved, the truth is I may have become spoiled by the ease with which I am able to strike aggressive returns with the Babolat PA. It was on the one hand backhand return in particular that I noticed a lack of torsional stability with the TC 97 when compared to my reference frames. Allow me to be clear: I would not call the frame unstable. Rather in comparison to a remarkably stable PA it came up just a bit short.

Overall, I was very favorably impressed by the TC 97. However I fear the Darkside may have consumed me! :) For now I will be sticking with the PA, although I hope to lay hands soon on a TC 95 to allow further comparison. I have a feeling the RA 70 might be just what the doctor ordered!

And don't worry, I still plan to post a video of the Angell Analysis (TM) [emoji106][emoji41][emoji462]
 
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MatthewH.

Rookie
I read the TC97 is more boxy like Head racquets ... The flex in the TC95 is more like the Pro Tour 280. Given I am going for a racquet like my old Head Pro Tour 280 which model should I go for?
 

ragingbull1980

Semi-Pro
Thats cool to know. So, no weight or balance change with the Skin feel?

Nope. I just took off the old grip and weighed it, then made sure to cut the new grip to exact weight of the old one. It fits and feels great with an overgrip. Now, I don't have to use the gorilla towel anymore!

On a side note, this frame is so much fun to play with. I am up to 56/53 tension with YPTS and it feels great. Can't believe I can string this high (I used to do 48/44) and still be comfortable. Power Player did you ever figure out your swingweight? I was curious because I would like to know mine and you have very close specs as I do.
 

Ft.S

Semi-Pro
Overall, I was very favorably impressed by the TC 97. However I fear the Darkside may have consumed me! :) For now I will be sticking with the PA, although I hope to lay hands soon on a TC 95 to allow further comparison. I have a feeling the RA 70 might be just what the doctor ordered!

And don't worry, I still plan to post a video of the Angell Analysis (TM) [emoji106][emoji41][emoji462]
Thank you for the interesting review. I would suggest you hang on to the TC97 a little while longer, few more games/matches. It took me a month to get used to it and my view of the racquet multiplied as I spent more time with it. It will probably take you shorter amount of time, but reserve final judgement until after you spend 6-10 hours on the court with it ;)
 
Thank you for the interesting review. I would suggest you hang on to the TC97 a little while longer, few more games/matches. It took me a month to get used to it and my view of the racquet multiplied as I spent more time with it. It will probably take you shorter amount of time, but reserve final judgement until after you spend 6-10 hours on the court with it ;)

Absolutely! I want to compare it side by side with the TC95 as well. [emoji106][emoji462][emoji41]
 

Gee

Hall of Fame
I read the TC97 is more boxy like Head racquets ... The flex in the TC95 is more like the Pro Tour 280. Given I am going for a racquet like my old Head Pro Tour 280 which model should I go for?
I guess TC95 18x20 RA with similar weight and balance would be most close to the PT280. You might ask Paul how to achieve your desired specs as well.
 
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Power Player

Bionic Poster
Yes. It came at ~327 and I added 2 grams at 12 under the bumper and 3 grams under the top of the grip. It was a hair lighter than I wanted, but Paul told me the specs, so it was a very easy tweak.
 
Yes. It came at ~327 and I added 2 grams at 12 under the bumper and 3 grams under the top of the grip. It was a hair lighter than I wanted, but Paul told me the specs, so it was a very easy tweak.

What was the full spec compliment for your custom Angell? I want to be sure I pick up a TC 95 that will be easily matched to my target specs. :) Thank you in advance!
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I went with the 320/320 setup. It's not an easy weight for Paul to nail with the raw frames, but he got mine at 316/320, SW of ~327 - which was fine. Just knowing those numbers made it real easy to tweak the racquet from there. It was so close to my Tex 315ltd at that point in terms of balance and SW that I played with it stock the first night and then added the lead next restring and it was perfect.

Its cool to know you have bought a frame that is either matched exactly to your spec, or you know exactly what it weighs and swings at, so there is no guesswork if you want to tweak it a little bit.

The only thing I would say is it really does pay off to string 5-8 pounds tighter than usual (unless you already string at high tension). That was the final move that took the frame to Wow status for me.
 
I went with the 320/320 setup. It's not an easy weight for Paul to nail with the raw frames, but he got mine at 316/320, SW of ~327 - which was fine. Just knowing those numbers made it real easy to tweak the racquet from there. It was so close to my Tex 315ltd at that point in terms of balance and SW that I played with it stock the first night and then added the lead next restring and it was perfect.

Its cool to know you have bought a frame that is either matched exactly to your spec, or you know exactly what it weighs and swings at, so there is no guesswork if you want to tweak it a little bit.

The only thing I would say is it really does pay off to string 5-8 pounds tighter than usual (unless you already string at high tension). That was the final move that took the frame to Wow status for me.

Thank you! I strung mine @ 67# with Lux BB Ace 18. [emoji298]️[emoji462][emoji298]️
 

Gee

Hall of Fame
I asked paul and he couldn't make a direct comparison between the two. I was thinking the tc95 would be closest but people are saying the frame resembles more of a Wilson pro staff than a head
Although I supposed you asked which Angell model is closest to the PT280 the feel of the TC95 seems to be more like a Wilson Pro Staff. Lately I had a friend hit with my TC95 who used the Wilson PS Classic 6.1 earlier. He also said it reminds him a little of the PS6.1.
 

MatthewH.

Rookie
Check out my post from the previous page #1335, I think...


Good info, sounds like the tc95 would be a closer match based on specs you listed and the ra. I still may go with the TC97 cause I'd like something similar to the pt 280 but with a bit more power. Although it sounds like the tc95 has inherently a bit more power than the pt 280.
 
Good info, sounds like the tc95 would be a closer match based on specs you listed and the ra. I still may go with the TC97 cause I'd like something similar to the pt 280 but with a bit more power. Although it sounds like the tc95 has inherently a bit more power than the pt 280.

it does have more power than the classic prestiges to be sure. its also a bit like a refined cross between the dunlop 200 and 300 series. in other words it is its own creature... check the tc95 out if you like ps95's, somewhat recent prestiges and 6.1's plus dunlop 200 and 300 series. It is different and more dampened/solid than any of those.
 
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Gee

Hall of Fame
Good info, sounds like the tc95 would be a closer match based on specs you listed and the ra. I still may go with the TC97 cause I'd like something similar to the pt 280 but with a bit more power. Although it sounds like the tc95 has inherently a bit more power than the pt 280.

I would still recommend you the TC95 as it has more power than PT280 because of a higher swingweight. My TC95 have a 310 SW unstrung. Besides the 18x20 string pattern of the TC95 vs the 16x19 of the TC97 will give you more precision control that is on par with your PT280.
 
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it does have more power than the classic prestiges to be sure. its also a bit like a refined cross between the dunlop 200 and 300 series. in other words it is its own creature... check the tc95 out if you like ps95's, somewhat recent prestiges and 6.1's plus dunlop 200 and 300 series. It is different and more dampened/solid than any of those.

Yes! It's is very much between the Dunlop 200&300 and akin to the "modern" Prestige MP. I was thinking of the Classic Prestige feel when I said it doesn't play like a Head frame. [emoji108]
 

Stringers

Rookie
Figured I would jump in too. Haven't posted on TT in a minute. My frame-

TC 95
16x19
70RA
27.25"
320g (11.4 oz)
310mm (10 pts HL)
L3 Grip (4 3/8)
Handle Shape C

Normal String setup is Tier1 Firewire 16G 52/48. I absolutely love my frame! Have had it for about three years and will never buy another stick again, unless it's another Angell!
 
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Figured I would jump in too. Haven't posted on TT in a minute. My frame-

TC 95
16x19
70RA
27.25"
320g (11.4 oz)
310mm (10 pts HL)
L3 Grip (4 3/8)
Handle Shape C

Normal String setup is Tier1 Firewire 16G 52/48. I absolutely love my frame! Have had it for about three years and will never buy another stick again, unless it's another Angell!

What do you love about it?
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Thanks, but you really didn't speak much about actually hitting with the TC97. You spoke about the uniform flex and that's about it. Your hitting partner talked about your shots, but how about a real review, like what TW does? Talk about serves, groundies, volleys, etc. Strengths, weaknesses of the racquet. Similarities to other racquets. Likes, dislikes.

BTW, your tennis gameplay was pretty impressive. Nice serves and loved your backhand. I enjoyed watching the tennis footage, but was looking forward to more of a "racquet review" per se. :) Thanks for posting BTW and sorry to complain, but I wanted more! :)
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
He said some key stuff you may have missed - To paraphrase "if you are a fan of the heritage Dunlop frames, you may want to give this frame a look" "This compares favorably to the Dunlop 100".

He's also written about it as well. I like their reviews. To ask it to be like TW is pretty picky. You are aware that TW reviews are planned out, heavily edited and scripted right? It's a lot easier to remember to cover all the bases when you actually produce a video. These guys are putting up a video camera and speaking on the racquet in an improvised manner. There is no one else there directing and it's not going to be everything to everyone, but they are fun to watch.
 
Thanks, but you really didn't speak much about actually hitting with the TC97. You spoke about the uniform flex and that's about it. Your hitting partner talked about your shots, but how about a real review, like what TW does? Talk about serves, groundies, volleys, etc. Strengths, weaknesses of the racquet. Similarities to other racquets. Likes, dislikes.

BTW, your tennis gameplay was pretty impressive. Nice serves and loved your backhand. I enjoyed watching the tennis footage, but was looking forward to more of a "racquet review" per se. :) Thanks for posting BTW and sorry to complain, but I wanted more! :)

Thanks for the kind words. :) I posted a full review on Friday (#1367, I think) in this thread. But I agree, we could be more thorough when providing our comments. Tell me what you'd like to know, and I'll do my best to respond! :) Best, BHBH
 
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