Gee
Hall of Fame
Yes,... very cool and stylish!
The Official Angell Users Club
- Thread starter The_Racketeer
- Start date
What hybrid do you try and why didn't you like it? I'm thinking about trying a gut/poly in my 97; anyone else tried that yet?
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
66lbs with poly... sheesh. I string in the 43-45 zone. thats like 38-40 after things drop.
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
I was looking for just a bit more power with my TC97 so I threw in BB Ace 18 mains and PSGD crosses (Geoff had some so....) @ 68/66. Just felt mushy and disconnected. Also seemed to produce a lower launch angle.
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
Yes, I know it's atypical and don't necessarily recommend it for others. It's a feel thing AND I've tried lower tensions many times and found they don't perform as well for me. At one point two years ago I had a stint at 48!! HOWEVER we sound like similar players so perhaps YOU should try it. [emoji106]
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
lol... true i do like a boardy dead stringbed but mostly my arm likes the lower amount of shock and ive gotten used to that and the huge sweetspot and spin. Also less restringing!
Mostly just concerned but to each their own
I tried gut/poly and ended up cutting it out after a few days.
Too much pop. Not enough spin.
TC 97 has plenty of zing to not need any help. At least in my setup that's the case (350g/11 pts HL).
In fact, I've had to string up my poly a little higher (54lbs) than normal (51lbs).
I'm on an extended personal play test with the Hyper G (17g).
It's just a touch softer than TBS right off the stringer, and seems to hold tension a little longer, but other than that, I can't tell them apart. Great spin and pop.
I did up the tension to the 53lbs range which is higher than I normally use. I can see myself doing what you did, though, and gradually upping the tension. I may just up the mains and leave the crosses at 52.
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
yeah my tc95 doesnt need any more zing... ive adapted but ill only be using super duper dead strings... RSlyon and kirchbaum max power are my first 2 to try.
808
Professional
Just some quick pointers:
feel – Depends how you define "feel". The frames flex differently, 95 more in the throat, 97 more in the head, but both very predictable. Both offer excellent feel for touch shots and volleys, your just have to get used to their response. The 97 feels a tad more crisper, livelier.
power – Obviously can be fine-tuned with strings and tension, but the 97 offers a bit more.
control – 95 over 97, though both frames provide very good control.
spin – 97 over 95, but both can generate plenty of spin.
volley – I don't think one frame necessarily volleys better than the other, but if I had to choose one I'd say the 95. Both are quite solid and stable.
YTPP, PS95 or 6.1 95 – No real experience with these, sorry.
Taveren
Professional
It would be super nice if the new batch of 63RA TC95's get the black paint treatment. That would seal the deal for me as I'm sitting on the fence at the moment (95 vs 97). Waiting patiently until the next batch arrives...
The grey gun metal paint job of the TC95 actually looks really nice in real life.
J
joohan
Guest
I was initially leaning towards black PJ but this stealth TC95 look took me by surprise and I like it very much.
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
lol... true i do like a boardy dead stringbed but mostly my arm likes the lower amount of shock and ive gotten used to that and the huge sweetspot and spin. Also less restringing!
Mostly just concerned but to each their own
Ace18 is unique and doesn't feel boardy at all, even at 70 pounds in my PA. [emoji41] it's actually comfortable and lively. I tried 66# today (down from 68) and it was perfect! Better depth and even more snap on serves! [emoji106] You really should try it!!
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
I really love them both but maybe the gray just slightly more..............
The_Racketeer
Professional
I'm excited to see the new black paint job in person. I'm probably going to be getting a TC97 soon. Though I'm going to give the Prince 100P a demo. Wonder how those 2 stack up. Anyone?
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
yeah the grey has this understated british quality.. reminds me of some of the Aston Martins. Glad i have one already, it frees me to concentrate on the setup/strings and whether my next one will be an 18x20 or another 16x19. I can switch between the two pretty easily.
Last edited:
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
Haven't tried the TC97 but the 100P is a wonderful racquet. Control like a 18x20 with the playability of a 16x19. Brilliant all court racquet. I added some weight to mine and that made it even better.
Let me know what you think of it.
J
joohan
Guest
I am very glad I tried a different weight/balance combo before ordering directly from Angelltennis. 320g/315mm unstrung appears to be close to ideal specs for my game and I don't feel the need to go heavier/more head light at the moment. All the plow-through I could wish for is there and around 335-340g strung I am well below my 365-370g limit, meaning I can maneuver the racquet rather effortlessly. It is most prominent on my OHBH and on serve.
I will definitely put in many more hours before placing my order (I am waiting for that new 9-racket bag colourway) and I will think really hard about what racquets to order. Another TC95 in the same specs as the one I have is a no-brainer at the moment but the clash will be between TC90 and TC97. I am really curious about how the 90 plays but the design and all the positive reviews of the 97 attract me like a magnet.
Edit: Watching Djokovic in Miami right now - I'm pretty sure he would really enjoy the TC95.
I will definitely put in many more hours before placing my order (I am waiting for that new 9-racket bag colourway) and I will think really hard about what racquets to order. Another TC95 in the same specs as the one I have is a no-brainer at the moment but the clash will be between TC90 and TC97. I am really curious about how the 90 plays but the design and all the positive reviews of the 97 attract me like a magnet.
Edit: Watching Djokovic in Miami right now - I'm pretty sure he would really enjoy the TC95.
Last edited by a moderator:
JuliusWinto
Rookie
http://a67.tinypic.com/vuh49.jpg
http://a66.tinypic.com/sv41tx.jpg
http://a66.tinypic.com/avj1ir.jpg
http://a66.tinypic.com/2i7sh2b.jpg
I stumbled upon a racquet that reminded me of the gray Angell paint job, the Yamaha Secret 04. They look similar, but are very different. Angell RA 57, Yamaha RA 81! Also, the Yamaha in my possession weighs 13.79 oz with an overgrip and dampener!
http://a66.tinypic.com/sv41tx.jpg
http://a66.tinypic.com/avj1ir.jpg
http://a66.tinypic.com/2i7sh2b.jpg
I stumbled upon a racquet that reminded me of the gray Angell paint job, the Yamaha Secret 04. They look similar, but are very different. Angell RA 57, Yamaha RA 81! Also, the Yamaha in my possession weighs 13.79 oz with an overgrip and dampener!
robok9
Semi-Pro
Just a little update on my time with the TC95. Still loving it. Finally dialed in second serves, found the sweetspot a little better on groundies, and figured out my ideal lead and string setup (about 5g in the handle and 3g at 10/2 and 58lbs). I had the first day of the district tournament for high school at #2. Had a bye in the first round, won the quarters 6-0 6-0 (and I should have lol), and won my semi match 6-2 6-2 against a player that could have beaten me on a really good day. It probably wasn't the best idea to switch racquets like 4 days before this, but it's working out fantastically. Now for the finals, I play the 1 seed and he's crazy good for a #2, so wish me luck. Btw, I also ordered a Head leather grip to try it out.
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
I played my best match ever with a brand new Wimbledon Graphite Eclipse 88 Id never ever used before... taking out UW Green Bays #2 sinlges player with god mode serving. Actually broke his stick by shanking a return off my serve. Sadly I never played too well with that stick again... sometimes switching sticks against a known opponent makes things very interesting.
That said digging my TC95 and won the one set I played today 6-2 report will be published here in my TC95 log: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/angell-tc95-16x19-flexy-shakedown.553138/
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
Lol, I remember those... they play a lil differently than theTC95... but you know what is a lil similar to an Angell TC95, the dunlop max impact plus: http://www.thevintager.de/epages/63766379.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/63766379/Products/ts.dunlop.022[3] only the Angell has modern spin potential
Last edited:
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
I suspect what he plays is similar to a TC95 in many ways! [emoji41]
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
well its more flexible than anything Head currently offers us mortals for sure. Im still learning to use it but the tc95 does go from defense to offense really well. 3.5 years of unrelenting offense taught me a lot though.
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
It is rumored Murray uses a frame with a 58'ish flex.... [emoji56]
Power Player
Bionic Poster
IMO, there are a lot of advantages to low flex. The high flex gives super easy depth, but Angell accounted for that with the string pattern which does close to the same. Besides my frame feeling incredible on contact and being real easy on the arm, it holds the ball longer which I think really helps with serve spin and serve returns. I don't really see much downside, but I have always preferred soft frames, so I'm biased. The only issue is when they are too soft, they become noodles and you can't put the ball away. Not an issue with the TC95.
Got a chance to hit with the TC95 (16x19 64 RA) for a bit back to back with my TC97.
First, let me say that the TC95 is definitely a ball crusher. More so than the TC97.
Bottom line: I prefer the TC97 for two reasons. Flex and launch angle.
Head size wise, I think these two racquets are VERY similar I can't see a physical difference in hitting area. The TC95 does seem a little more oval perhaps.
Flex size, the TC95 is definitely stiffer in the hoop. The TC97 is a little softer in the upper hoop. I don't care for the TC95 flex but it works for others.
Spin was similar for both but it's tough to compare as the TC95 launches balls lower than the TC97. I think it has to do with the flex of the hoop. The TC97 seems to sling the ball back a little more than the TC95. That said, the TC95 hits a very heavy ball in that it launches lower but with similar spin. Hence, balls bounce through the court more than the TC97. I was finding the net more than usual than with the TC97 so there's a bit of a tradeoff. Easy depth though if you can adjust to the launch angle.
Didn't volley much with the TC95 but I would think the firmer hoop would make for solid punch volleys. Not sure how it would perform on drop volleys or touch short angles.
Didn't serve with the TC95 either but I can see it being great in that aspect. First serves may take a little adjustment due to the angle the ball comes off the stringbed, but nothing major.
First, let me say that the TC95 is definitely a ball crusher. More so than the TC97.
Bottom line: I prefer the TC97 for two reasons. Flex and launch angle.
Head size wise, I think these two racquets are VERY similar I can't see a physical difference in hitting area. The TC95 does seem a little more oval perhaps.
Flex size, the TC95 is definitely stiffer in the hoop. The TC97 is a little softer in the upper hoop. I don't care for the TC95 flex but it works for others.
Spin was similar for both but it's tough to compare as the TC95 launches balls lower than the TC97. I think it has to do with the flex of the hoop. The TC97 seems to sling the ball back a little more than the TC95. That said, the TC95 hits a very heavy ball in that it launches lower but with similar spin. Hence, balls bounce through the court more than the TC97. I was finding the net more than usual than with the TC97 so there's a bit of a tradeoff. Easy depth though if you can adjust to the launch angle.
Didn't volley much with the TC95 but I would think the firmer hoop would make for solid punch volleys. Not sure how it would perform on drop volleys or touch short angles.
Didn't serve with the TC95 either but I can see it being great in that aspect. First serves may take a little adjustment due to the angle the ball comes off the stringbed, but nothing major.
supineAnimation
Hall of Fame
Yeah, flex is a tricky thing. For me there's a very small window between too flexible and too stiff, and beam width and static weight are variables as well.
I found the Redondo I hit with once, one of the Prince Tour frames a couple of years ago, which I think had a strung flex of ~58, and some others felt like the ball would win too much of the battle at contact. Same with the PS95 and PS95S, but I think that had more to do with the beam width.
But this TC97 is right in my wheelhouse. It sounds like I might've found the TC95 a bit too soft in the throat.
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
its so tough to say (everyone senses flex differently) but i really dislike pronounced throat flex. The tc95 may flex more in the throat than the tc97 but it doesnt feel that way... it feels like there isnt any one area that flexes in a pronounced way... its a very consistent flex. Compared to the prince rebel exo i hit with yesterday the tc95 feels so much more composed in its flex... maybe a tad stiffer but also with no pronounced flex sensation in one area. I cant use a flexy throat frame... id spray topspin snd flat backhands. But no problem with the flexy tc95.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
The 95 launches high for me - like a Head Speed MP. If the 97 is even higher, thats wild. I may be set with the 95 honestly. Will just get another in the new PJ.
can't go wrong with either one IMHO. Both are outstanding.
I just prefer the TC97 slightly more.
For OHBHs though, the TC95 is awesome. On full strokes, you can barely feel the racquet slow down at impact.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah its sick and I use a 2 hander. You definitely can't go wrong, I am sure. My plan is to have two Angell 95s and then my 2 extremes as backups in the bag.
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
low flex also lets me have these very cool low net clearance exchanges... particularly off my forehand.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah I just love the feel of holding the ball and being able to do more with it. It really shines in return of serve. I actually play a bigger game with the TC95 compared to the Extreme Pro. With the Extreme Pro I grind more and then wait for an opportunity to put the point away. Which works, but I wanted to do the same style with a little more pace and aggression - especially on serve returns. The Angell is easier for me to attack serves with. I like returning neutral with the Extreme. It is one of the frames you just flick it and the ball is at the opponents feet. That works, but when you can really attack a serve I feel like it can be a huge game changer.
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
Has anyone tried the 90??
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
Has anyone tried the 90??
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
Yeah... Im a big returner and the TC95 Ra 63 (58 strung Id say) is awesome... a close second to my X feel pro 95 for dwell time and way more spin. It holds and then redirects so well. Then there is that Thrrrrrroock sound. I feel like it doesnt deform in unpredictable ways... very important for returns. There is a reason the #1 and#2 mens players in the world use flexy frames and are huge returners. The fact that Head doesnt think it is a marketable trait is absurd and based on production cost margins. Thank you Paul Angell for making a brand based on physics, quality "measurable" materials and physical design attributes.
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
What I like about the 1hbh on the TC95 Ra63 16x19 is the way it holds the ball that split second longer... it lets me place it ever so slightly in a more annoying place. I dont crush every backhand and Ill often do what Guga did for rally shots... deep or angled with mule kicking spinto pull the other player out of position. It's not ultra fast but incredibly heavy... If Im given pace or something that is just presenting itself as an opportunity... then I crush, it does that too, flat or topspin.The TC97 crushes on my 1HBH!
I cant tell you how often the sheer weight of my shots with this stick seem to have a collateral effect. With the X Feel Pro 95 things I didnt expect to come back would... with the TC95 what I thought was a shot setting up a kill shot ends up being sprayed out or into a net. This heavy ball is wonderful. The stick... you kind of forget about... it feels good and you just strike the ball... Im not trying to burn, phene or treme the ball Im concentrating on the tennis and the fact that I forget about the stick and just play is the MAIN THING. So many sticks just seem to announce themselves on their best shots but this thing has a pro's attitude, very business-like even when it is kinda spectacular.
Last edited:
My tc95 18/20 heaviest most headlight which i did not like much is getting better. I have put 7grams of lead in the handle and a headguardtape(tried some other combinations too) it improved a lot! i shall see how it plays tomorrow too... And i have a Vantage 90 btw, did`nt like it(surprice ha ha) hits like club, and not as good as other 90s or smaller, but the Angell 90 might be different.. with some lead ha ha, my racketoholism...
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
Yes, thank you Paul!!
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
Absolutely! Past a certain level just "crushing" the ball simply isn't an effective strategy. You need to vary the pace, spin, depth, and placement of your shots to expose a weakness and set up your own strengths. The consistent flex and predictable response across a very wide range of swing types/speeds makes the TC97 the perfect tool for this approach!
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
BUT it DOES crush the ball.
BUT it DOES crush the ball.
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
It's actually pretty easy to remove or reconfigure the handle weights if you want to more dramatically change the playability.....
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
But I use the Tc95, I love the return and the hammer serve... depth control is easy now and I cant even hit properly with the pacific any more. But its that heavy ball that wins so many free points off of rally shots and the ball kick up above the shoulder of even tall players... It also flattens out like no other. two different sticks that appeal to slightly different tastes in feel. I like mine muted and thunderous, yet it is absolutely a control stick. It is wierd, there should be a trade off between control and power but there isnt with the TC95... but like the venerable max 200g there isnt.
agreed. I think more than one of my hitting partners will get a TC97. Angell is making some very refined weapons. It makes me think the industries drive for cheap materials has somehow lead to a lot of inferior frames that could have been better and more complete with just a few bucks more in care, and materials.^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
BUT it DOES crush the ball.
BounceHitBounceHit
Legend
I have a TC95 16x19 63RA en route and will report my findings..... [emoji106][emoji462][emoji41]