The Official Angell Users Club

[Jouke]

I’ve been using the blade Pro for a couple years in a 16x19 pattern. Really loving the frame but I’d like a little bit more spin and forgiveness out of a racket. Also it’s very arm friendly, my Serve and forehand are my two strengths. I used the TC 97 in 16x19 pattern For a couple weeks some years ago but thought it was super launchy and broke strings very quickly for me. Same experience with the V1 Red. Would anyone recommend the react 99 or TC 100 if I’m looking for more forgiveness and spin given my thoughts on the TC97 was too launchy?

My fave frames of all time have been a leaded up Duel G, DR98 plus, PT280, blade pro and I’m a 5.0

Thx!

To be honest; I dont think you will find what you are looking for in the 16x19 pattern Angell rackets (you have made that experience for yourself). And I dont think the 18x19 of the TC99 and React 99 will give you ‘more spin’ than the Blade Pro. The launch angle will be significantly lower on the 18x19 angells. Maybe the K seven 98 (16x20 pattern) could be something for you; but I havent tried that yet.

I think in your case I would stick to the blade pro.

 

[Paulo Braz]

To be honest; I dont think you will find what you are looking for in the 16x19 pattern Angell rackets (you have made that experience for yourself). And I dont think the 18x19 of the TC99 and React 99 will give you ‘more spin’ than the Blade Pro. The launch angle will be significantly lower on the 18x19 angells. Maybe the K seven 98 (16x20 pattern) could be something for you; but I havent tried that yet.

I think in your case I would stick to the blade pro.

I used to have the h22 16x19 and I thought it generated a lot of spin. The new k7 98 generates much less spin than the h22 16x19, but it has a much larger sweetspot. If you're looking for forgiveness and spin, the tc 100 is the choice.

 

[GoDawgs2011]

I’ve read through this entire thread and was wondering has anyone else hit with both the React MPP 99 and the TC99? Any additional feedback you can provide in terms of differences between the two?

Also, are the custom stringing instructions between the 2 racquets the same? Didn’t see stringing instructions for the TC99…

Finally is the beam a true 21mm on both? I ask because my spin serves seem esp sensitive to beam width.

Thank you in advance!

 

[Supermac]

I can't speak to the 99, but the TC100 is your experience with the 97 in steroids.

I still believe that if I had held into mine and kept trying more and more strings it could be the ultimate frame. But everything I tried I couldn't control. Too powerful and wild. Felt like a wild mustang I couldn't tame.

Knowing what I know now, the first string I would try in it would be Grapplesnake M8.

But tangent aside, I'd recommend the TC99 for what you're looking for.

I agree about TC100. Me too, I've struggled with many strings configuration without never finding a consistent setup.

 

[Carreau]

I found out that TC100 does not work well with shaped strings. If you want to swing freely - almost round / round poly gives the consistency. My latest go to strings are M8 and M8/Alpha (Grapplesnake, M8 was mentioned earlier). M8 does not provide a lot of power, handles incoming pace very well, lowers launch angle slightly.

 

[emhtennis]

I agree about TC100. Me too, I've struggled with many strings configuration without never finding a consistent setup.

If you still have yours, I would recommend Isospeed Greyfire. That string is the least powerful poly I've ever tried (but not in the TC100). If you're still hitting the back fence with it I'm not sure what else to do!

Another good contender would be Kirscbaum Orange 1.29. Thick, round, low powered string that still feels good.

These two are the first I would try if I get another 100 in my hands.

Edit: and Grapplesnake M8 1.30

 

[topspn]

If you still have yours, I would recommend Isospeed Greyfire. That string is the least powerful poly I've ever tried (but not in the TC100). If you're still hitting the back fence with it I'm not sure what else to do!

Another good contender would be Kirscbaum Orange 1.29. Thick, round, low powered string that still feels good.

These two are the first I would try if I get another 100 in my hands.

Edit: and Grapplesnake M8 1.30

My plan was try fluxx in the TC100. It has excellent control and keeps launch in check. I will have to also try M8 but not sure I have 1.30 gauge. I agree with @emhtennis that TC100 is an awesome frame if it can be tamed

 

[Supermac]

If you still have yours, I would recommend Isospeed Greyfire. That string is the least powerful poly I've ever tried (but not in the TC100). If you're still hitting the back fence with it I'm not sure what else to do!

Another good contender would be Kirscbaum Orange 1.29. Thick, round, low powered string that still feels good.

These two are the first I would try if I get another 100 in my hands.

Edit: and Grapplesnake M8 1.30

Thanks for your suggestion! Actually, It was not about hitting the back fence, but finding a durable, consistent, durable setup before the string would become unpredictable... Still have them, but currently I found my nirvana with ProKennex Black Ace Pro (heavy customized).

 

[MatthewH.]

To be honest; I dont think you will find what you are looking for in the 16x19 pattern Angell rackets (you have made that experience for yourself). And I dont think the 18x19 of the TC99 and React 99 will give you ‘more spin’ than the Blade Pro. The launch angle will be significantly lower on the 18x19 angells. Maybe the K seven 98 (16x20 pattern) could be something for you; but I havent tried that yet.

I think in your case I would stick to the blade pro.

thx for the response, I think I need more forgiveness compared to the blade pro. sweet spot is a bit smaller but the feel is great and when I am moving my feet properly I can play so well lol. for another potential racket the spin level can be on par with the blade pro but just a bit more "easy power" and forgiveness would be great. I really liked the Prince ATS 98 but it felt clubby and unwieldy, sweetspot was nice tho

 

[tele]

thx for the response, I think I need more forgiveness compared to the blade pro. sweet spot is a bit smaller but the feel is great and when I am moving my feet properly I can play so well lol. for another potential racket the spin level can be on par with the blade pro but just a bit more "easy power" and forgiveness would be great. I really liked the Prince ATS 98 but it felt clubby and unwieldy, sweetspot was nice tho

did you try weight in the handle on your ats 98? Hard to do much about the drag of the 23 mm beam, but I think it swings more naturally with a more headlight balance.

 

[Gwyn]

I’ve read through this entire thread and was wondering has anyone else hit with both the React MPP 99 and the TC99?

Haven't hit with both but they're essentially the same racquet though the TC is foam-filled. Both have custom options if you want to go that route i.e., a React custom instead of a TC custom. The TC has more weight/balance options though.

It probably just comes down to which paint job you prefer.

 

[Carreau]

I'm pretty sure that layup if different as well.

 

[gfwp]

A couple of hours more with TC 101.

Amazing stick. Confirmed similarity to Pro Staff X. Huge amount of power and good control.

aaaaaaand at the end it seems that the foam filling works. Some vibration are there but up to now my TE (I have a bad autoimmune disease) doesn't show up. I need some additional hours for a full endorsement, but we are not that far.

 

[MatthewH.]

did you try weight in the handle on your ats 98? Hard to do much about the drag of the 23 mm beam, but I think it swings more naturally with a more headlight balance.

I didn’t try that as I just had a demo from TW and couldn’t make mods. I could serve lights out with the prince, but I had trouble controlling the groundstrokes. I thought it was just the very long mains the were making it launchy, but who knows it could’ve been the old string job that was on the demo. I was thinking to pick up a prince ATS 98 and string it with my strings/tail weight it, and maybe a TC 100. If neither of those worked out, I would just stick to the blade pro as I am pretty happy with it. I just would like a more forgiving stick and I dream of those serves I was hitting with the prince sometimes

 

[flanker2000fr]

I’ve been using the blade Pro for a couple years in a 16x19 pattern. Really loving the frame but I’d like a little bit more spin and forgiveness out of a racket. Also it’s very arm friendly, my Serve and forehand are my two strengths. I used the TC 97 in 16x19 pattern For a couple weeks some years ago but thought it was super launchy and broke strings very quickly for me. Same experience with the V1 Red. Would anyone recommend the react 99 or TC 100 if I’m looking for more forgiveness and spin given my thoughts on the TC97 was too launchy?

My fave frames of all time have been a leaded up Duel G, DR98 plus, PT280, blade pro and I’m a 5.0

Thx!

Coming late to respond, but here it is:
- if you found the TC97 too launchy and broke strings too fast, do not buy the TC100 as those characteristics will be way worse with that frame
- the TC99 is what you should be looking for: more forgiving than a TC97, but with a much more manageable launch angle thanks to the 18x19 pattern. Strings will last much longer than in the TC100 16x19 as well. I used to break a 1.30mm shaped poly (Confidential or Hyper G) in less than 5 hours, and a 4G Soft barely lasted 6 hours. I am around 8-10 hours with Lynx Tour 1.30 (black) in the TC99, and it goes dead before I break it, at which stage I have it cut.

 

[flanker2000fr]

I found out that TC100 does not work well with shaped strings. If you want to swing freely - almost round / round poly gives the consistency. My latest go to strings are M8 and M8/Alpha (Grapplesnake, M8 was mentioned earlier). M8 does not provide a lot of power, handles incoming pace very well, lowers launch angle slightly.

I second that, and I would extend it to all 16x19 patterns in the TC line, including 95 and 97. Best I found was Luxilon 4G Soft, which was good at taming the launch angle, and provided good durability and tension maintenance.

 

[guando]

A couple of hours more with TC 101.

Amazing stick. Confirmed similarity to Pro Staff X. Huge amount of power and good control.

aaaaaaand at the end it seems that the foam filling works. Some vibration are there but up to now my TE (I have a bad autoimmune disease) doesn't show up. I need some additional hours for a full endorsement, but we are not that far.

The TC101 is also one of my favourite Angells, I bought a cheap, shabby V4 off the big auction site, blacked it out and fitted blue grommets, it's now a rather unique looking frame lol, certainly lives up to it's 'custom' name. I really like the way it plays, it's strung with a hybrid of Halo Bite 7 and Head Lynx 1.30mm. This seems to give a nice moderate lauch angle.

 

[samneher]

Question for the experts! I’m currently moving from a Pure Aero 100 to a Vcore 100 for two reasons:
1) comfort: the pure aero always just feels a bit stiff on my shoulder on serves.
2) controllable spin and power: where the aero has a high launch angle every time, with the vcore I feel like I get more RPMs on the ball with a flatter trajectory (think Sinner compared to Nadal if I may allow myself the comparison) and this also allows me to swing faster and harder while feeling safer.

Will anything in the Angell line up do those things even better than the Vcore 100 while keeping the free power in your experience?

 

[gfwp]

Question for the experts! I’m currently moving from a Pure Aero 100 to a Vcore 100 for two reasons:
1) comfort: the pure aero always just feels a bit stiff on my shoulder on serves.
2) controllable spin and power: where the aero has a high launch angle every time, with the vcore I feel like I get more RPMs on the ball with a flatter trajectory (think Sinner compared to Nadal if I may allow myself the comparison) and this also allows me to swing faster and harder while feeling safer.

Will anything in the Angell line up do those things even better than the Vcore 100 while keeping the free power in your experience?

Is my TC 101 perhaps too much boxy for you? Perhaps not. It has a quite low launch angle. It swings surprisingly fast for a boxed beam. And it provides huge power with very good control.

Btw, you should NOT look too much to pro players. You have to understand your own needs.

 

[samneher]

My TC 101 is perhaps too much boxy for you? Perhaps not. It has a quite low launch angle. It swings surprisingly fast for a boxed beam. And it provides huge power with very good control.

Btw, you should NOT look too much to pro players. You have to understand your own needs.

Thank you! Not at all trying to be inspired by the pros, more describing the difference in ball trajectory with the different racquets for illustrative purposes! I have about 3000 less RPMs than Nadal and 1 picogram less steroids in my system than Sinner

But I would say ability to swing fast is a huge parameter and reason I’m jiving with the vcore more!

 

[gfwp]

Thank you! Not at all trying to be inspired by the pros, more describing the difference in ball trajectory with the different racquets for illustrative purposes! I have about 3000 less RPMs than Nadal and 1 picogram less steroids in my system than Sinner

But I would say ability to swing fast is a huge parameter and reason I’m jiving with the vcore more!

TC 101 has more free power than Percept, which is similar to VCore.

 

[topspn]

No excitement for the K series. The 16x20 and nothing. How sad

 

[ekucheraw]

No excitement for the K series. The 16x20 and nothing. How sad

I enjoyed my time with it, keeping it around if I ever want a more comfortable racquet on the day for teaching, it all just came at the cost of that more raw feel (obviously) and pop off the string bed. I think it is a good racquet, great even at being a competitively viable control & comfort-oriented racquet (as opposed to say a Clash), but it almost makes it into the same camp as the blade for me: plays fine but doesn’t really “inspire” much.

 

[emhtennis]

I enjoyed my time with it, keeping it around if I ever want a more comfortable racquet on the day for teaching, it all just came at the cost of that more raw feel (obviously) and pop off the string bed. I think it is a good racquet, great even at being a competitively viable control & comfort-oriented racquet (as opposed to say a Clash), but it almost makes it into the same camp as the blade for me: plays fine but doesn’t really “inspire” much.

I was a little disappointed in the new paintjob.

I am still always on the hunt for an original K7 Lime or Red in that classic metallic fleck paint. Love that type of paint...

 

[ChrisG]

Question for the experts! I’m currently moving from a Pure Aero 100 to a Vcore 100 for two reasons:
1) comfort: the pure aero always just feels a bit stiff on my shoulder on serves.
2) controllable spin and power: where the aero has a high launch angle every time, with the vcore I feel like I get more RPMs on the ball with a flatter trajectory (think Sinner compared to Nadal if I may allow myself the comparison) and this also allows me to swing faster and harder while feeling safer.

Will anything in the Angell line up do those things even better than the Vcore 100 while keeping the free power in your experience?

Tc95 16x19 might be a good option in the angell line up. I like a shaped poly like tourna silver 7 tour or BK

 

[Gee]

Is it still recommended to string Angell frames with round polys as shaped ones tended to cut through the soft grommets (at least to my experiences)?
Or... are the grommets more robust nowadays?

 

[Carreau]

IMO grommets are the same. However, only one string cuts them in my case - square WC Ultra Cable. There were no issues with square Game Changer from Grapplesnake yet.

 

[ChrisG]

Grommets are Angell’s weak spot but I don’t really care imho. I don’t really see the difference in play, only cosmetic

 

[Carreau]

Philosophical question, if grommets would be less narrow and stiffer allowing more string movement - how it would change characteristics of the frame. I'm definitely do not need more string movement for my TC100s.

 

[c0ppo]

Well, I'm in EU(Croatia).
My custom TC99 just arrived at customs. A whopping 109EUR charge. Just payed up
I've thought there are no customs fees for EU countries?

 

[Gee]

Philosophical question, if grommets would be less narrow and stiffer allowing more string movement - how it would change characteristics of the frame. I'm definitely do not need more string movement for my TC100s.

I guess it'll increase the sweetspot a bit like the Prince O3 technology used to. However I am not a fan of the muted feel and whistle sound it causes.

 

[Carreau]

Well, I'm in EU(Croatia).
My custom TC99 just arrived at customs. A whopping 109EUR charge. Just payed up
I've thought there are no customs fees for EU countries?

UK is not in EU anymore.

 

[what_army]

Speaking of Angell grommets I have 3 TC95 V3 16x19 70ra L4B, all matched to the same spec (312gr / 31.6cm / 292 SW - they have some lead under the grommets which can be removed in case you want a lighter spec) and in fantastic shape with extra grommets which I’m willing to let go for very cheap. (PM)

 

[Gee]

Lately I had my TC99 strung with MSV CoFocus 1.18 at 21/20 kg tension. It has the right amount power and control to me though I missed that incredible feel and touch from the TF MultiFeel.

However it already felt dead yesterday.

So I have it strung with TF MultiFeel 1.25 again but at a higher tension (25/24kg) than previous time (24/23kg) that felt too powerful.

 

[longtimelurker]

No excitement for the K series. The 16x20 and nothing. How sad

Maybe if the paint was a little better and they offered XL k7 to compete with PK q+5 top banana.

 

[esm]

UK is not in EU anymore.

Thanks to Uncle Dave…

 

[Paulo Braz]

I enjoyed my time with it, keeping it around if I ever want a more comfortable racquet on the day for teaching, it all just came at the cost of that more raw feel (obviously) and pop off the string bed. I think it is a good racquet, great even at being a competitively viable control & comfort-oriented racquet (as opposed to say a Clash), but it almost makes it into the same camp as the blade for me: plays fine but doesn’t really “inspire” much.

I really liked the new K7. It worked well with the Mayami Tour Hex 53 lbs. With the Poly Tour Pro, the feel was very impaired. I recommend very stiff strings and higher tension on it.

 

[carlos37]

Me gustó mucho la nueva K7. Funcionó bien con la Mayami Tour Hex de 53 libras. Con la Poly Tour Pro, la sensación se vio muy afectada. Recomiendo cuerdas muy rígidas y de mayor tensión.

Cual probaste?la de 305g o 290g..?me interesa saber que potencia y comodidad tiene así como maniobrabilidad..gracias por anticipado

 

[c0ppo]

UK is not in EU anymore.

I know. But 2 years ago I had no customs fees, so I thought I will get lucky again

 

[Carreau]

I know. But 2 years ago I had no customs fees, so I thought I will get lucky again

In some cases they are able to prepay these fees. I assume that there were changes in regulations for your country and they were not able to prepay this time.
I hate this customs fee as well.

 

[Jouke]

No excitement for the K series. The 16x20 and nothing. How sad

I feel like the paint job instantly killed the excitement for a lot of people. I don’t know why they didnt choose something else.

 

[landcookie]

Have any Angell faithful dabbled with the likes of Pro Aero 98, Head Extreme Pro or the Speed MP and can offer comparisons?

 

[GoDawgs2011]

Well, I'm in EU(Croatia).
My custom TC99 just arrived at customs. A whopping 109EUR charge. Just payed up
I've thought there are no customs fees for EU countries?

What specs did you get and how do you like it?

 

[Tennisist]

Have any Angell faithful dabbled with the likes of Pro Aero 98, Head Extreme Pro or the Speed MP and can offer comparisons?

My preferred Angell is TC97 Tour (320/310) 16x19. I have the Head Extreme Pro and Speed MP, all pro stocks. Even with all the dampening from silicone, they fall behind TC97 in feel. In terms of power, Extreme Pro is an absolute winner here. TC97 is second. Speed MP is, surprisingly, not that powerful.
Spin: Speed MP is a clear winner. Mainly because it is fast, and easy to whip (for me). If I were stronger, I could potentially whip TC97 around or the Extreme Pro, but unfortunately, I am not there yet.

So, for a game that consists of a monster serve and +1 — the Extreme Pro is hard to surpass.
For a game that’s all about spins and angles, Speed MP is wonderful.
For an average match play, I use TC97. It has sufficiently strong serve. It hits well from the baseline. Predictable and spinny. ( but not Nadal kind — and it’s not my technique anyway). It does slices. It allows me to block heavy serves.
It has the best feel of the bunch.

I tried Pure Aero 100 about a year ago, but could not make it work. The forehands were unpredictable. I could not make the slices work. And the feel was horrible.

 

[landcookie]

My preferred Angell is TC97 Tour (320/310) 16x19. I have the Head Extreme Pro and Speed MP, all pro stocks. Even with all the dampening from silicone, they fall behind TC97 in feel. In terms of power, Extreme Pro is an absolute winner here. TC97 is second. Speed MP is, surprisingly, not that powerful.
Spin: Speed MP is a clear winner. Mainly because it is fast, and easy to whip (for me). If I were stronger, I could potentially whip TC97 around or the Extreme Pro, but unfortunately, I am not there yet.

So, for a game that consists of a monster serve and +1 — the Extreme Pro is hard to surpass.
For a game that’s all about spins and angles, Speed MP is wonderful.
For an average match play, I use TC97. It has sufficiently strong serve. It hits well from the baseline. Predictable and spinny. ( but not Nadal kind — and it’s not my technique anyway). It does slices. It allows me to block heavy serves.
It has the best feel of the bunch.

I tried Pure Aero 100 about a year ago, but could not make it work. The forehands were unpredictable. I could not make the slices work. And the feel was horrible.

Great feedback thanks! Surprise to hear speed MP has less power and more spin than extreme / tc 97!

I wonder how they compare to the tc 95/100 as I hear the tc97 is lower powered compared to its siblings.

 

[Gee]

Lately I had my TC99 strung with MSV CoFocus 1.18 at 21/20 kg tension. It has the right amount power and control to me though I missed that incredible feel and touch from the TF MultiFeel.

However it already felt dead yesterday.

So I have it strung with TF MultiFeel 1.25 again but at a higher tension (25/24kg) than previous time (24/23kg) that felt too powerful.

Last night I played a practice doubles with my TC99 strung with a fresh TF MultiFeel. Much better feel/touch as expected. It just amplifies the great feel and plow through of the TC99.

Hopefully it'll perform like this way for a reasonable period and it'll not be too powerful after a few hitting sessions.

 

[TBM]

I feel like the paint job instantly killed the excitement for a lot of people. I don’t know why they didnt choose something else.

I think it looks great. I'm might be in the minority though.

 

[TBM]

I bought an Angell React MPP 18x19. I had previously used the Head Speed Pro 2022 and loved the performance but it was just slightly too heavy for me.

I think the 18x19 react has a very similar feeling on impact and ticks the box of being lighter and more manoeuvrable.

Well worth a try if you like the speed pro.

 

[Paulo Braz]

Cual probaste?la de 305g o 290g..?me interesa saber que potencia y comodidad tiene así como maniobrabilidad..gracias por anticipado

I tested the 98 version, which weighs 310g. It is very comfortable and has medium power, and the ball comes off the strings relatively easily. I found it to be excellent to handle, and it doesn't even feel like it weighs 310g.

 

[gfwp]

TC 101 update

I have really an honeymoon on that stick. Powerful as hell and, at the same time, precise like a scalpel. It makes me feel younger playing with my son.

I just ordered a second one. 320g/31mm p10HL