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]