808
Professional
Indeed it is. On returns too!
The Official Angell Users Club
- Thread starter The_Racketeer
- Start date
supineAnimation
Hall of Fame
Same here. I've now completely acclimated to it and got the lead tape configuration sorted, and I concur that I have better control with this racquet than with any other I've ever used.Well, it took me quite a while to really connect with the TC97, longer than usual, but now that I'm used to it and understand the way it responds and flexes I feel like I can do anything with it. And I serve better with the TC97 than with the TC95, so it's a done deal. Now I just need a few more (hurry up, Paul).
I've always said the old Prestige Tour 600s (I dunno about codes or anything... the old maroon ones from the early aughts) were my favorite sticks of all-time, but this is certainly in the running. Soon as I get some lesson money under me when season starts up, I'll order a couple more.
J
joohan
Guest
I was about to pull the trigger on a TC90, even discussed it several times with Mr.Angell but an opportunity to buy a slightly used TC95 presented itself so I backed out at the last moment. I was stuck between TC95, 97 and all the options available and was not sure about my preferred specs anymore so I played it safe.
That being said, I am still planning to add a TC90 later in the year. I am starting to be tired of scoping auction and for sale/trade sites for Vacuum Pros in decent condition and reasonable price(which appears to be one contradictory expectation...) and TC90 has the potential to fully satisfy my mid-size needs. Plus I'm waiting for a new 9-racket bag design, too. Not to mention I might go for another TC95 if it lives up to the fame that precedes it.
That being said, I am still planning to add a TC90 later in the year. I am starting to be tired of scoping auction and for sale/trade sites for Vacuum Pros in decent condition and reasonable price(which appears to be one contradictory expectation...) and TC90 has the potential to fully satisfy my mid-size needs. Plus I'm waiting for a new 9-racket bag design, too. Not to mention I might go for another TC95 if it lives up to the fame that precedes it.
Good call. That way you could have a TC90/95 or 97 in all available weight and balance configurations! Surely the playtesters dream!
J
joohan
Guest
Since it's highly unlikely I will purchase a frame from any other company than Fischer/Pacific or Angell, I thought I would treat myself a bit and repay all the priceless info I've absorbed from the TT forum by doing a playtest of my own.
J
joohan
Guest
Double post.
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Can you remind me what configuration works for you? Love my 97 and I realize lead setups vary from person to person, but curious what is working for you.
supineAnimation
Hall of Fame
5 grams at 3 and 9 and 4 on the underside of the buttcap. Not too far from what I added to my previous sticks. The swingweight is a bit higher with the TC97, but I've acclimated to it.
I'm gonna try upping the tension 5% next time though. It's super comfortable so I'm not worried about the extra stiffness, and with the size of the sweetspot and the power I think I need a firmer stringbed.
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
The lead placement will vary from frame to frame (even with Angell's excellent QC) depending on the starting specs. BUT I found lead at 3/9 really helped to improve the torsional stability of the frame.
BHBH
Taveren
Professional
The lead placement will vary from frame to frame (even with Angell's excellent QC) depending on the starting specs. BUT I found lead at 3/9 really helped to improve the torsional stability of the frame.
Lead at 3 & 9 for me as well for both my TC95 and TC97 with some bluetack jammed inside the buttcap.
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
I've got a slight amount of lead at 3 and 9 as well a super tiny amount at 12. most of the weight is actually underneath the handle including the Boris Becker leather grip that I added. overall I'd say my setup is very whippy and produces a tremendous amount of spin.The lead placement will vary from frame to frame (even with Angell's excellent QC) depending on the starting specs. BUT I found lead at 3/9 really helped to improve the torsional stability of the frame.
the X feel Pro 95 is actually a pretty spinny racket and the TC 95 is actually producing more spin and I don't have terribly spinny poly strings on it at the moment. I can only imagine what's going to happen when I give it some proper spinny poly strings.
dnlcarvalho
Rookie
What is the length and weight of the strips that you put on each half-side of 3, 9 and 12?
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
You are going to laugh it is so tiny. 1 half inch of lead at 3 and 9 (i put it on the outer part of the rim near the cap grommets not the inside of the frame. I get more effect that way and its the 1/4 kind on both sides of the grommet so a full inch total on each side of 1/4 inch wide lead. at 12 its a tiny square maybe 1/8 of an inch worth on the inside of the frame at 12. Lots of lead under the handle mostly near the butt. I may add more but right now it isnt a problem, My strings are in the upper 30's and I have trouble not finding the sweet spot.
dnlcarvalho
Rookie
That's incredible sensibility you have !
I own a pair of TC 95 63 RA 16x19 320g 10 pts HL (7 pts HL strung) 295 SW unstrung, leather grip. Although before the TC95 I was used to playing with a 360g Wilson PS90 and a 350g Volkl PB10 Mid, I feel a little more maneuverability would help. So right now I'm opening the pallet and am planning on removing 10g of lead from the hairpin that are closer to the head. I guess that the reduced weight along with less weight towards the head will suit. If I feel it is too light, I'll add lead to the hoop. Probably 5g total at 3 and 9 (2.5g 3 and 2.5g on 9)
and 2.5g at 12.
Thoughts?
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
That sounds good and yeah Im an accomplished musician so some of my sensitivity is just me "tuning" things slightly. This 357g stick is still somewhat lite spec for me and I will likely add more.
I tend to make only small incremental changes depending on conditions... I didnt feel the TC95 really needed any weight on the hoop I just added some because, well... I like to tinker.
Is that the strung tension, or the tension after loss of tension?
J
joohan
Guest
Few thoughts after my first session with the TC95:
I can responsibly say that it is one of the best feeling tennis racquets I have ever played with. From my collection, only Fischer Vacuum Pro Mid is on par or maybe very slightly better than the TC95. Amazing craftsmanship.18x20 63RA TC95 has astonishing spin potential, even with older what would seem like 16 gauge poly mains/15 multi crosses. Full thin poly or gut/poly combo will be massive. If 18x20 63RA produces such spin, 16x19 must really be a spin machine...I can't wrap my head around how can a racquet be so precise yet so easy to play with + have such a power potential. Power is there and is very linear, very easy to dose. Plus it is a serve monster.
A couple of days ago I wrote that the TC95 has a mountain to climb if it is to be on par with my Donnay P1 Original and Fischer VT98Pro. I can safely say its performance exceeded my wildest expectations and it is a better tennis racquet than those two mentioned. I'd like to express my admiration to Mr.Angell and his genius. All the imagination, all the hard work shows in his product...it is there to be seen, felt and experienced. Excellent job.
I can responsibly say that it is one of the best feeling tennis racquets I have ever played with. From my collection, only Fischer Vacuum Pro Mid is on par or maybe very slightly better than the TC95. Amazing craftsmanship.18x20 63RA TC95 has astonishing spin potential, even with older what would seem like 16 gauge poly mains/15 multi crosses. Full thin poly or gut/poly combo will be massive. If 18x20 63RA produces such spin, 16x19 must really be a spin machine...I can't wrap my head around how can a racquet be so precise yet so easy to play with + have such a power potential. Power is there and is very linear, very easy to dose. Plus it is a serve monster.
A couple of days ago I wrote that the TC95 has a mountain to climb if it is to be on par with my Donnay P1 Original and Fischer VT98Pro. I can safely say its performance exceeded my wildest expectations and it is a better tennis racquet than those two mentioned. I'd like to express my admiration to Mr.Angell and his genius. All the imagination, all the hard work shows in his product...it is there to be seen, felt and experienced. Excellent job.
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The_Racketeer
Professional
One more covert
Many think we are exagerating, understandably, but there is real thruth and commonality between all these disparate players are feeling with the TC line.
I worry sometimes that many of us (myself included) sound a bit too much like Angell fanboys. But when so many people have tried them only to discover just how great they feel and perform, I realize we're not blind fanboys, just users of a truly great line of racquets.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah, I really don't think people are fanboys here. It's a racquet and is not a lifetime investment. If you don't like it you are not going to blindly rave about it. You will sell it and move on.
One reason I think the 16x19 Tc95 provides such power and control is the mains are close together for control but then the pattern then starts to open up a lot. I think that is what makes it play so unique.
One reason I think the 16x19 Tc95 provides such power and control is the mains are close together for control but then the pattern then starts to open up a lot. I think that is what makes it play so unique.
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
after... and i agree the TC95 has a unique solution to the power control and comfort paradox in its design. It isnt magical but it really does offer a lot in all categories.
J
joohan
Guest
I am doing my best to maintain a skeptical, experimental approach but one should give full credit where it's due. Plus I never exaggerate.
richardc-s
Semi-Pro
Well after reading all of the reviews I have put an order in for a TC95, 63ra, 320g, 9pt head light, 16x19 string pattern it should arrive next week so I will of course let you know my thoughts!
I currently play with a reissue PS85 and although I love it I find it quite hard work. If I'm having a good day the rackets a beast but if its an off day I might as well be using a baseball bat! It also gives my elbow a bit of bother on occasion. I'm hoping the super flexible TC95 will be better for my elbow and be a little more powerful and easier to use than the PS85. We shall see!
it should arrive next week so I will of course let you know my thoughts!I currently play with a reissue PS85 and although I love it I find it quite hard work. If I'm having a good day the rackets a beast but if its an off day I might as well be using a baseball bat! It also gives my elbow a bit of bother on occasion. I'm hoping the super flexible TC95 will be better for my elbow and be a little more powerful and easier to use than the PS85. We shall see!
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Remember there are also many that have tried them and for whatever reason didn't care for them, but they usually don't come here and say anything because they know they will probably be shot down. So they just post their racquets on the classifieds and go back to their Wilson, Head or Prince. etc. No more or less than any other racquet brand. I think there is some amount of "fanboy" exaggeration here, but that happens with every thread for a certain racquet model users. I think Angell is a solid brand and a good quality product, but at the end of the day it's just a tennis racquet. It won't magically transform your game or be crazy different from other similar spec'd racquets. The main benefit from an Angell racquet is the customization aspect of it. If you don't require that, then you will be served just fine with whatever Prince, Head , Babolat or whatever suits you best.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
This made me chuckle...especially when you say stuff like "The TC95 smokes the Prince Textreme Tour 95 in every category" or whatever your exact quote was. Nah...no fanboy talk going on here
J
joohan
Guest
I don't see one reason why one would not post his bad experience with a certain racquet. On the contrary, it would be just as beneficial for other potential customers as all the praise these frames are justly harvesting. As you mentioned, it's still only a tennis racquet and in my experience, the worst kind of disappointment is an unfulfilled expectation. And not only regarding tennis racquets.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
I have seen posts about Angell/Vantage frames that weren't positive, but have seen them in other threads. Plus with all the over the top praise from a core group here of around 5-6 guys, people probably feel intimidated or don't want to look like they don't get it. Human nature at play.
J
joohan
Guest
This made me chuckle...especially when you say stuff like "The TC95 smokes the Prince Textreme Tour 95 in every category" or whatever your exact quote was. Nah...no fanboy talk going on here
Now this is the type of communication I would happily "shoot the contributor down" for. Completely unnecessary discussion flame.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
This made me chuckle...especially when you say stuff like "The TC95 smokes the Prince Textreme Tour 95 in every category" or whatever your exact quote was. Nah...no fanboy talk going on here
Jack it appears you just lurk this thread now to annoy people and look for arguments. You really took umbrage with my opinion on the two frames. Enough to where you went running to a Prince thread and brought it up there for some reason. I had to remind myself that you are what - 55 years old? It's just childish behavior.
Believe it or not, I am allowed to post my opinion. And I truly believe that the TC95 is a much better frame than the Prince. Just because I believe those things is not fanboy talk. If there is any fanboy talk at all it would be you getting this upset about my opinion on the two frames.
I took a hard look at the Prince because it appeared to be an option to replace my Tec 315. I have a lot of experience playing soft 95s and I while I liked the frame, the TC95 is far and away more up my alley. Just how it is for me. Sorry it upset you so much that you have to keep bringing it up.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
totally agree....myself included. People like reassurance that they made the right choice. People like to belong to a group of like minded people. People like to think they found something unique/special.
Nothing wrong with any of that and again, it's just human nature.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Sounds like he was talking about you bud. You are the one who got hot and bothered that I prefer this frame to the Prince. Nobody here really gets that upset if someone doesn't like an Angell frame. We ask why, suggest tweaks and then move on with it.
J
joohan
Guest
I don't need reassurances and I don't feel the need to belong to a group of like-minded people. I don't need to find something special, I need to find something just right for me. With the TC95, I have found what I was looking for and much more on top. Plain and simple.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
He's talking about himself. A lot of this stuff is just projecting and assuming everyone is the same way.
It's really cool to hear you like the frame so much. To be honest you had some pretty high standards for it compared to your other frames, so I was interested if it would pass the test. Not an easy one to pass, and it's awesome that it worked out for you.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
No, I "lurk" in this thread because I am interested in ALL RACQUETS and was (still am) considering ordering an Angell. I don't get any pleasure purposely annoying people or looking for arguments. I do get pleasure in discussing various racquets and how they feel, play and perform. What exactly was it that I said in a Prince thread that was "childish"? I thought your comments were completely slanted and didn't match mine or almost everyone else's thoughts on the TT95. Of course you are allowed your opinion, but I am also allowed to dispute what you say. Your opinion on the TC95 vs TT95 doesn't make me upset, but when you make statements like "The TC95 totally smokes the TT95 in every way", it just sounds well...childish. I have not read one negative thing said about the TT95 and it seems pretty universally praised, as is most of the Textreme line. For you to claim the TC95 to be that much superior seems a little hard to believe. I have not tried the TC95 so I can't give my personal opinion, but I haven't seen anyone else making such claims of such a large discrepancy between the two. Your comments now about the TC95 being "more up your alley" is a far more realistic and believable statement.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Then you are a very strong minded and well adjusted individual. I say that in all sincerity.
Glad the TC95 appears to be what you are looking for. Good luck with it down the road.
Please report back after you have used it for a couple weeks and if it sustained your original
comments or if things changed at all.
Question....I saw your ordered specs. Any idea what your final swing weight is?
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
When I say "people", I am including myself. I don't assume everyone is the same way. But I know how most people are.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
This post is pretty much why you are annoying - In case you were wondering.
Again, I am allowed to post my opinion. You haven't seen "anyone else" making such claims because it's a rather small % of people who have tried both and not everyone will see it the same way as me.
Can't compare the tc95 and the TT95 but can do it with the TC97. I moved from the tt95 to the tc97 so the comparison was back to back.
Tt95 is a great racquet. Solid all around but it reminded me of my tour g too much. Little firmer feeling but didn't outshine the tour g or the gpp for that matter.
The tc97 on the other hand, is superior in power, spin, forgiveness and feel. Not just marginally so either.
I'll have access to a playsight equipped court this spring so I hope to offer empirical data to support what my eyes and ears and arm tell me.
Tt95 is a great racquet. Solid all around but it reminded me of my tour g too much. Little firmer feeling but didn't outshine the tour g or the gpp for that matter.
The tc97 on the other hand, is superior in power, spin, forgiveness and feel. Not just marginally so either.
I'll have access to a playsight equipped court this spring so I hope to offer empirical data to support what my eyes and ears and arm tell me.
JediMindTrick
Hall of Fame
Joohan,
How soft does it feel compared to the Donnay P1 and the Fischers? The reason I'm asking is because some people said that it's not really that soft, more like low 60 instead of below 60. What is your opinion based on how it feels compared to other racquets?
Ft.S
Semi-Pro
Very true and I think we have been stating as such; "its not magic, just a racquet."
I don't customize my racquets, I am not after perfection; however, the bigger benefit to me of Angells is that racquets match one another, which negates the need for me to customize. I had such horrible time finding matching frames with Wilson (haven't had other brand experiences) that when I heard of Angell I jumped in to try, and I am glad I did. Given the price point, I am very happy to pay Angell Sports $240/rac for matched frames than $220 to Wilson for "a box of chocolate." I donated my last brand new RF97 to the proshop that has been helping me get back into tennis so much.
It is pretty amazing I think that I actually have to look at the buttcap color to be able tell to which one of my TC97s I am using
Gee
Hall of Fame
I played with Redondo 98 in stock condition, IG Prestige MP (customized 360 grams and 32cm balance SW 355 strung) earlier and TC95 (18x20 63RA 352 grams 31,5cm balance SW 335-340) is my current frame. So it is a bit comparing apples with oranges but I'll try to be as objective as possible. I only can say that I much prefer the TC95 over the others and I don't exaggerate. ;-)
Some of the comparisons and characteristics I experienced are the following:
- Control: TC95 = IGPMP = R98;
- Power: TC95 > R98 = IGPMP
- Maneuverability: TC95 > IGPMP > R98.
- The flexible and solid feel of the Redondo 98 is very reminiscent of the TC95. The IGPMP has a bit firmer/stiffer feel.
- I serve best with TC95 followed by the IGPMP and the Redondo 98 as the worst one
- Backhand: I never hit my backhand better than with the TC95. TC95 > IGPMP > R98
- Sweetspot: The TC95 and R98 feel very much alike but the TC95 has a bigger sweetspot. TC95 > R98 = IGPMP
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
The TC95 is definitely a sub 60 frame.
So glad you like the TC95 Joohan... you and I are both cautious but knowing your similar taste in Fischers and Dunlops I thought it had a high probability. My 16x19 really does produce immense spin... not certain if Ill get an 18x20 but I can see it... ill definitely get a new 16x19 tc95 first though. I gotta have two TC95s.
Im not going to gang up on anyone but this is a "users group" and one should get used to users liking what they have chosen to use.
Havent used the TT95 but I used the YT and IGPMP for 4 years.
Power TC95>IGPMP
Spin TC95>IGPMP
Soft flex TC95>IGPMP (its a whole lot stiffer than the RA63 ..I.e 57-58RA Tc95)
Presigigeishness IGPMP>TC95 a prestige kinda normalizes everything... a Prestige is ridiculously even tempered... TC95 is more like the prostaff and 6.1 line
Control TC95 = IGPMP but it is different... the IG hits flatter the TC95 hits spinnier
As for fanboy stuff I dont see it here. Im simply a discerning player and I professionally evaluate things. I think we are simply so pleased when an Angell works out because most of the rest of the industry has turned away from out tastes and business. Is the stick perfect? There is no such thing (it can be too muted and powerful for some) but the TC95 is giving me the combination Im looking for. Ive played a Guarneri (which is a huge honor) and the difference to a layman between your basic concert level violin and a Strad is not going to be evident but I can tell. For someone who has developed a nuanced feel for certain things it is heaven. THAT is what is being expressed here (and not on the same level) the joy in finding rare properties you appreciate. Angell has his own design quirks and it simply may not suit all players but it is important that companies like this cater to certain tastses so the industry doesnt become homogenized. Tennis racquets need replacing abd its nice to have a few of the same... Angell allows that... Guarneris... ummm they arent making any more. I hate that PT630 are becoming more like Guarneris. Tennis racquets are tools not heirlooms.
I do not give praise easily... but when it is earned I'm thorough about it. Angell makes modern sticks for those with refined classic racquet sensibilities and with the quality and characteristics sometimes only pros can be supplied. Does that sometimes have us saying Angells are far better than certain other frames... yes because that is what our tatstes dictate. others will find a different experience.
What it tells me is the monoculture of corporate marketing in racquet manufacturing has value-engineered a lot of tennis racquets. Paul, with his experiece, pedegree and tenacity has shown a different way... though it seems doubtful that many others will be able to replicate his model (the experience and pedegree are rare). This saddens me. I grew up playing tenis in the 70's and 80's when small crazy producers like Cris, Bard etc tried to do something different. Almost all failed.
We cheer Paul a bit more because we know what he is up against and he's one of the only producers catering to our rather epicurian tatses in foam filled flexy frames. Fanboy, no. A serious and sober conscientious objector to the racquet industry's drive for a cheaper, more disposable product (and turnover)... yes.
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JediMindTrick
Hall of Fame
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
All VERY consistent with my own observations.
I couldn't agree more as pertains to the kudos to Paul. From experience trying, and being disappointed by so many different frames I have come to appreciate just how difficult a task a racquet designer must face when formulating the 'magic ingredients' to produce a truly exceptional tennis frame. Paul has done it with these Angells! BHBH
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
As a life long audiophile and music lover, I totally 'get' tweaking things to optimize performance.
BHBH
Gee
Hall of Fame
I would say both frames feel like they have a flex of 57-58RA strung. The TC95 is easier to play with because of a bigger sweetspot and more power.
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
One more convert
Many think we are exagerating, understandably, but there is real thruth and commonality between all these disparate players are feeling with the TC line.
YES!! Couldn't agree more. There is a unique feel to the Angell 97, honestly something I've never before encountered apart from some older Fischer frames I owned (VT98's, I think) Best, BHBH