Backhanded Compliment
Legend
nice succinct description of the product line... but i do think Angell has its own thing
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The Official Angell Users Club
- Thread starter The_Racketeer
- Start date
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Dropping this here from another thread:
For anyone who has tried both the 97 and 95 (16m): does the 97 have a similarly high launch angle as the 95 or is one frame more "direct," i.e. "less spinny" than the other? Also, when the 97 is described as a "true box beam" -- to me "true box beam feel" equates to a K90/BLX90/PS90/PS85 sort of feel. Is that how the 97 feels or is it much more close to another frame (Prestige/Radical/something else)?
For anyone who has tried both the 97 and 95 (16m): does the 97 have a similarly high launch angle as the 95 or is one frame more "direct," i.e. "less spinny" than the other? Also, when the 97 is described as a "true box beam" -- to me "true box beam feel" equates to a K90/BLX90/PS90/PS85 sort of feel. Is that how the 97 feels or is it much more close to another frame (Prestige/Radical/something else)?
808
Professional
I think this refers to a short-lived older version of the end caps (used to be available in several colours, like the grommets) and isn't available anymore. The coloured logo on these was glued on and tended to come off after a while – I once received a batch of rackets were one was already quite loose and another one had come off during shipping. The new (current) end caps are much better in this regard.
I've had a couple of TC 95's (16x19, 63RA) for more than 2 years as my only racquets. I've played some multis, a lot of full bed Ashaway Monogut Zx, an outing with full bed Halo, and half a dozen restring's of Kevlar/ZX, the latter being my favourite. I think it really suits this frame.
A bit more detail here http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/inde...-kevlar-zx-hybrid.550375/page-4#post-10530829
Hello All, Need some advice on Angell racquet for high level Junior player.
Some background:My son has been playing with Blade customized Blagde 2015 18*20 model ( 340 grms,SW:340,B:32.9).He has started using this racquet for last few months and he has used Wilson 6.1.95 and Head Instinct racquets in the past.Blade has been fine but it doesn't give as much spin as other racquets.His forehand is his strength and hits really flat and big ball on that wing.Two handed backhand which is his weakness.We are thinking little more spin would help him and wondering if we can try the Angell TC95 as it seems closer to his old Wilson 6.1.95 (16*18) racquet.
Wondeing if I should get TC97 as he is more used to bigger head size or go with TC95.Also read somewhere that TC100 is mroe a tweener and may not suit his big hitting style.He plays juniors and probably at 5 or 5.5 level in US.
We are looking to have something around 340 SW and weight below 350 grms.
Thank you
Some background:My son has been playing with Blade customized Blagde 2015 18*20 model ( 340 grms,SW:340,B:32.9).He has started using this racquet for last few months and he has used Wilson 6.1.95 and Head Instinct racquets in the past.Blade has been fine but it doesn't give as much spin as other racquets.His forehand is his strength and hits really flat and big ball on that wing.Two handed backhand which is his weakness.We are thinking little more spin would help him and wondering if we can try the Angell TC95 as it seems closer to his old Wilson 6.1.95 (16*18) racquet.
Wondeing if I should get TC97 as he is more used to bigger head size or go with TC95.Also read somewhere that TC100 is mroe a tweener and may not suit his big hitting style.He plays juniors and probably at 5 or 5.5 level in US.
We are looking to have something around 340 SW and weight below 350 grms.
Thank you
topspn
G.O.A.T.
TC100 on its way to Geoff. Sorry about delay
SideSpinSliceIsNice
Rookie
Well guys, a few pages back we were discussing the key differences between the TC95 63 RA and the TC97. I thought I'd write a little review and comparison on here for those who are stuck between the two. Before we begin, I'd like to say that the differences in the feel of these racquets influences the most how and why they play differently. This makes things very interesting.
Feel:
Winner: TC97
Angell racquets have (in my opinion) the best feel and response I have ever felt in a frame. The comfort you get out of these sticks helps immensely on touch shots and groundies, and I have seen a significant improvement in both my forehand and backhand while playing with them. It is somewhat muted and plush and delivers a very rich and satisfying message to the brain. The TC97 has a richer feel than the 95, which feels crisper. I like both, but give a slight edge to the 97 as the sensation right after the ball makes contact with the string bed is incredible. However, other people may be more attracted to the 95, it just depends on whether you prefer that plush or crisp feel.
Groundstrokes:
Winner: TC95
From the baseline, the TC95 and 97 both play beautifully. The 97 plays a lot like an 18x20 pattern, giving a very impressive level of control. It definitely appeals more to a flat hitter who plays a craftier, touch oriented game, as drop shots and slices from the baseline are easy, low to the net, and really catch your opponent off guard. The one knock I have against this racquet is how ridiculously small the sweet spot is. Even after adding lead in a variety of places, I just can't get it any larger to reduce the number of shanks I hit. It's a small problem, as it has really helped me hit the center of the string bed more often, which is a big plus as it irons out all the minuscule imperfections in my stroke and makes it a lot more efficient.
If the 97 appeals to you, watch out, the TC95 at the baseline is the TC97 and more. Topspin shots explode off the court, power for winners well behind the baseline is always there when you need it, and the ability to hit the sexiest, sharpest, angles that you thought were only hittable in your dreams. I have played my best baseline tennis with this racquet. There's nothing that matches the confidence I get with it when I'm engaged in a crucial rally fighting for a break point. I can unload vicious pace and power on my opponent, forcing a short ball and an easy put-away. This power, spin and control combo beats the Pure Aero hands down. Don't forget that you're getting one of the most comfortable racquets that has ever been in produced. If you're coming from a Pure Aero or another racquet similar to it, but want something more comfortable and controlled, the TC95 is the best choice you can make. The difference in head size takes a little getting used to, but it definitely is worth it as you're getting a more forgiving response.
Serves:
Winner: TC95
It's been posted by others more times than I can count that the 95 is the #1 serving racquet that they've hit with. I'm going to echo these thoughts, this is the definition of perfect on all types of serves. Flat, slice, kick, American twist (my favorite), they somehow alway seem to go exactly where I want them to. The racquets flexes perfectly during pronation thus increasing the power on my serve. I don't how, it just does. As long as you're getting into the trophy position and pronating, you'll see a huge increase in serve power and consistency.
The TC97 is a great serving stick, and feels amazing on flat serves. Spin for slice and kick is perfect, but the 95 takes it up a notch. I can still hit powerful and consistent serves with the 97, it's just dwarfed by the 95's sheer menace.
Volleys:
Winner: Draw
Volleys on the TC97 are so rich, so smooth, and just so awesome. Touch and the easy ability to block back pace is unreal. The TC95 blocks back pace with a tad bit more pop, but the jarring feeling in my wrist right after making contact with the ball is definitely something to be hesitant about. If you have wrist problems and like to volley, I sadly wouldn't recommend this stick, as I can see the jarring sensation aggravating the tendons pretty quickly. I'm young and it really isn't hurting me, but I can see it affecting other people with more seasoned wrists. Without this jarring sensation, the 95 would beat the 97 at volleys too, because volleys blocked back by it have addictive power. However, I'm calling a draw since the 97 feels much better at contact.
Summary:
TC97: A touch and feel racquet for someone who plays a game revolving around volleys, drop shots and slices. Easy to use and overall the definition of a fun racquet. Great for a crafty serve and volleyer who also likes to sneak up to the net with a penetrating slice or angled groundstroke.
TC95: A powerful but still control oriented racquet that gives one great access to angles. Topspin and flat shots are easy to hit. Access to power for defense is just a simple flick away, offering some unreal on-the-run winners. This is biggest serving racquet I've ever hit with. Great for an all-court player like me who mixes things up often.
The string I used for this review was Luxilon Savage. It's comfortable, offers great spin, and lasts forever on the TC97, although it breaks a lot faster on the 95 due to its more open string pattern.
I hope this post helps some people with deciding which Angell is right for them. Thanks @Racketdesign for creating these. I hope to be playing with them for many years.
Feel:
Winner: TC97
Angell racquets have (in my opinion) the best feel and response I have ever felt in a frame. The comfort you get out of these sticks helps immensely on touch shots and groundies, and I have seen a significant improvement in both my forehand and backhand while playing with them. It is somewhat muted and plush and delivers a very rich and satisfying message to the brain. The TC97 has a richer feel than the 95, which feels crisper. I like both, but give a slight edge to the 97 as the sensation right after the ball makes contact with the string bed is incredible. However, other people may be more attracted to the 95, it just depends on whether you prefer that plush or crisp feel.
Groundstrokes:
Winner: TC95
From the baseline, the TC95 and 97 both play beautifully. The 97 plays a lot like an 18x20 pattern, giving a very impressive level of control. It definitely appeals more to a flat hitter who plays a craftier, touch oriented game, as drop shots and slices from the baseline are easy, low to the net, and really catch your opponent off guard. The one knock I have against this racquet is how ridiculously small the sweet spot is. Even after adding lead in a variety of places, I just can't get it any larger to reduce the number of shanks I hit. It's a small problem, as it has really helped me hit the center of the string bed more often, which is a big plus as it irons out all the minuscule imperfections in my stroke and makes it a lot more efficient.
If the 97 appeals to you, watch out, the TC95 at the baseline is the TC97 and more. Topspin shots explode off the court, power for winners well behind the baseline is always there when you need it, and the ability to hit the sexiest, sharpest, angles that you thought were only hittable in your dreams. I have played my best baseline tennis with this racquet. There's nothing that matches the confidence I get with it when I'm engaged in a crucial rally fighting for a break point. I can unload vicious pace and power on my opponent, forcing a short ball and an easy put-away. This power, spin and control combo beats the Pure Aero hands down. Don't forget that you're getting one of the most comfortable racquets that has ever been in produced. If you're coming from a Pure Aero or another racquet similar to it, but want something more comfortable and controlled, the TC95 is the best choice you can make. The difference in head size takes a little getting used to, but it definitely is worth it as you're getting a more forgiving response.
Serves:
Winner: TC95
It's been posted by others more times than I can count that the 95 is the #1 serving racquet that they've hit with. I'm going to echo these thoughts, this is the definition of perfect on all types of serves. Flat, slice, kick, American twist (my favorite), they somehow alway seem to go exactly where I want them to. The racquets flexes perfectly during pronation thus increasing the power on my serve. I don't how, it just does. As long as you're getting into the trophy position and pronating, you'll see a huge increase in serve power and consistency.
The TC97 is a great serving stick, and feels amazing on flat serves. Spin for slice and kick is perfect, but the 95 takes it up a notch. I can still hit powerful and consistent serves with the 97, it's just dwarfed by the 95's sheer menace.
Volleys:
Winner: Draw
Volleys on the TC97 are so rich, so smooth, and just so awesome. Touch and the easy ability to block back pace is unreal. The TC95 blocks back pace with a tad bit more pop, but the jarring feeling in my wrist right after making contact with the ball is definitely something to be hesitant about. If you have wrist problems and like to volley, I sadly wouldn't recommend this stick, as I can see the jarring sensation aggravating the tendons pretty quickly. I'm young and it really isn't hurting me, but I can see it affecting other people with more seasoned wrists. Without this jarring sensation, the 95 would beat the 97 at volleys too, because volleys blocked back by it have addictive power. However, I'm calling a draw since the 97 feels much better at contact.
Summary:
TC97: A touch and feel racquet for someone who plays a game revolving around volleys, drop shots and slices. Easy to use and overall the definition of a fun racquet. Great for a crafty serve and volleyer who also likes to sneak up to the net with a penetrating slice or angled groundstroke.
TC95: A powerful but still control oriented racquet that gives one great access to angles. Topspin and flat shots are easy to hit. Access to power for defense is just a simple flick away, offering some unreal on-the-run winners. This is biggest serving racquet I've ever hit with. Great for an all-court player like me who mixes things up often.
The string I used for this review was Luxilon Savage. It's comfortable, offers great spin, and lasts forever on the TC97, although it breaks a lot faster on the 95 due to its more open string pattern.
I hope this post helps some people with deciding which Angell is right for them. Thanks @Racketdesign for creating these. I hope to be playing with them for many years.
djNEiGht
Legend
@SideSpinSliceIsNice - nice read. Which TC95 string pattern do you have?
ervins.elksnis
New User
Thanks for sharing your experience. Now I want them both
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SideSpinSliceIsNice
Rookie
Do others share the same view? I've got one on order but thought it had a forgiving sweet spot, especially if not too tightly strung.
Personally I don't find it has a small sweetspot, not in comparison with the Radical mp I was playing before at any rate. String it around 50lbs with poly and there is a healthy sweetspot imo. I did shank a few the other night but changed to my Radical for a few games and did the same with that so not the racket at fault. I shank a lot more with a thick beamed frame like a PD. Awesome write -up above, I agree with all the comments above on the 97 bar the sweetspot one. Perhaps some other 97 users could comment?
saleem
Semi-Pro
I use 97 and 100 and I personally prefer 97 over the 100 and I do not find the sweet spot smaller, my previous rackets are AI98 and DR98 before switching to Angell and prior to Yonex I was using Babolt Pure Drive.
Switching from Yonex to Angell took some time but when I got use to of TC97 there was no going back, I do find 97 easier to use than TC100 for my game may be I should of bought TC95 instead of 100 (no knock against 100 it is a very nice frame also)
Switching from Yonex to Angell took some time but when I got use to of TC97 there was no going back, I do find 97 easier to use than TC100 for my game may be I should of bought TC95 instead of 100 (no knock against 100 it is a very nice frame also)
ervins.elksnis
New User
Was it hard transition from DR98 to TC97? I am making the same switch, ordered my TC97 with the same specs as my DR98.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
topspn
G.O.A.T.
Nice right up on TC97 & TC95. Just a couple of minor points for me. I thought the sweet spot was plenty in the TC97. The other is the wrist comment with TC95 which I have zero problem sticking the racquet for a block even if someone is trying to tattoo me. Zero wrist ramifications and I am not young
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
It is a beast... it amplifies certain things like spin but in a controlled way that lets you be aggressive with it. I Highly recommend the TC95 RA 63 for anyone why plays a dynamic game based around weapons. Its not a stick for patiently absorbing and grinding past an opponent... its all about making opportunities and taking advantage of them and the serve. It amplifies that too.
topspn
G.O.A.T.
You still stringing RS Lyon?
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
very much so... i really like it, great combo
and the ups guy just dropped my bag off.. yay i have it back
saleem
Semi-Pro
It was not hard but you have to be patient, dr98 balance was strung 6 point head light and 324 swingweight TC97 was unstrung 7 points headlight when you add 16 grams of strings to it the balance was close to 3-4 points headlight, took me some time to fine tune it with lead and moving the weights inside the handle, it is 9 points headlight now and it is one of the nicest racquet I ever played with.
ervins.elksnis
New User
I asked Paul if he can make my TC97 with the same specs as my DR98. For some reason he said, that it will be hard to achieve the same ballance for only 310g weight, but he will try to make it as close as possible. Will see how it worked out when I get the frame.
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Ditto.
djNEiGht
Legend
this just makes it harder to pick which string bed...thought I was settled on the 18x20.
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
the 18x20 doesnt lack spin or power at all apparently so i still think if you like 18x20s it the the super solid choice. Apparently it is the 63ra layup that beasts it up.this just makes it harder to pick which string bed...thought I was settled on the 18x20.
saleem
Semi-Pro
yes it would be considering the way TC97 is, static weight is not a problem at all if you have the balance at 7-9 points strung, there should not be any problem swinging that frame.
My dr98 was modified to 350 grams and this stick at 352 grams (i opened the pellet and manipulated the weights inside the handle) is a beast comparing to dr98
djNEiGht
Legend
thanks for your input. I read on a post that the 95 plays more dunlop like and the 97 plays more prestige like. That draws me to the prestige but I have hit with an AG200 and I really liked the way it felt. Saving pennies and I look to get x2 TC95s.
Another question I have is weight and balance. I guess I could just add/move/remove the weight in the handle. I like the balance to be very headlight when strung. Weight wise I would probably go with the 2nd heaviest that is offered.
tallsandwich
Rookie
I was able to move the weight around in the handle of mine w/o damaging anything...well the pallets did have one staple in each side (apart from the ones going through the buttcap). They were going into the upper lead weight. Anyway one staple was a bit buried into the pallet. I was still able to easily just pull the pallet off over it. No damage. I moved the weights to where I needed and applied new double sided tape...stuck the pallets back on without those two staples. And was actually able to tap the 4 buttcap staples back into the same holes they came out of.
On my 97, I had problems getting new staples to penetrate the hairpin when affixing the pallets back on after moving some weights around. Was using 1/2" 12mm staples (same length as the Angell factory staples, but just a tad wider) and a good staple gun. Didn't want to keep punching holes in the pallets trying the get the staples to penetrate the hairpin so just re-used that white adhesive material that's adhered to the hairpin and a little double sided tape, re-wrapped the grip, and it seems fine. Played with it today and no issues.
Anyone else experiencing this problem?
saleem
Semi-Pro
I had the same problem with staples after moving the weight around I end up using a strong adhesive tape on the 3 location of the handle, one by the buttcap one in the middle and one toward the bottom and it is as solid as before.
Did you use tape for the buttcap as well?
saleem
Semi-Pro
yes, I got too impatient after struggling with the pallet staple
As did I. Angell must use a customized staple gun set-up when assembling their racquets.
What kind of tape (I assume double-sided) did you end up using?
tallsandwich
Rookie
This is what it looks like beneath the pallets in case anyone wants to see...you can see on the left weight where a staple was driven into it.
This weight configuration is for 330g 310mm TC95(63RA)...the weight to the left is a 10g square and the weight to the right end is a 15g square with post.
This weight configuration is for 330g 310mm TC95(63RA)...the weight to the left is a 10g square and the weight to the right end is a 15g square with post.
saleem
Semi-Pro
I end up using 3m transpore plastic surgical tape, it is very thin, lightweight and extremely strong.
AMGF
Hall of Fame
In my experience, the TC97's sweet spot feels much larger than the TC95. I almost never miss the sweet spot on the TC97 while when I play the TC95, I always hit a couple balls off and it reminds me that the TC97 is easier to play and doesn't give much at all in all other categories.
But my TC97 are 27,5in and around 350-355sw and my TC95 is 27" and 340sw. So maybe the extra SW of the TC97 can explain that.
The TC95 serves really well indeed, but again, my TC97s are 27,5" and the extra SW is noticeable. Both are fantastic frames.
But my TC97 are 27,5in and around 350-355sw and my TC95 is 27" and 340sw. So maybe the extra SW of the TC97 can explain that.
The TC95 serves really well indeed, but again, my TC97s are 27,5" and the extra SW is noticeable. Both are fantastic frames.
oble
Hall of Fame
The 95 63RA definitely reminds me of the Dunlop Aerogel 200, but with the spin turned up to 11.
Man, that's a seriously strong staple gun. No wonder I had problems stapling the pallets back in; Angell's tool can power through metal!This is what it looks like beneath the pallets in case anyone wants to see...you can see on the left weight where a staple was driven into it.
This weight configuration is for 330g 310mm TC95(63RA)...the weight to the left is a 10g square and the weight to the right end is a 15g square with post.
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
pneumatic stapler with good psi... remember Paul is an engineer.
personally i had no problems... i used some double sided tape and pushed in the butt cap brad with my hammer thumb and used some channel locks to finish the compression
oble
Hall of Fame
To be fair, lead is a fairly soft metal
Hansen
Professional
in my opinion the tc95 63ra doesn´t feel like an ag 200. the angel feels firmer, more like a völkl powerpridge 10 mp.
Basically the same as mine. I had no real difficulty - just had to tap the staples in a bit. They didn't go all the way in but far enough to make finishing the job easy. I used double sided adhesive tape which looks just like the Angell version, and all is good. Nice feeling to be able to adjust this easily.I use a staple gun with 12mm nails.
Gee
Hall of Fame
Maybe you missed my question above but can you still reply please?
AMGF
Hall of Fame
I can share my experience.
I had a TEC315 that I bought to test along my TC97 and TC95. I sold it two weeks ago. It is indeed a very sweet frame. But it lacks a lot of SW. It is really tail weighted in stock form and by the time you add enough lead you end up with a frame that is not as maneuvrable, doesn't have as much spin and doesn't feel quite as good as the TC95.
It was quite evident that the TC95 was superior in just about every aspect you can think of so the TEC315 had to go. I don't mind keeping frames in my bag that bring something different/better. As an example, I always carry my PSC 6.1, because when I need a heavy frame to do damage at the net, it is hard to beat. The TEC315 didn't bring anything that the TC95 doesn't do better and more.
I feel if the members of the TEC315 thread were to demo a similar spec'ed TC95, that other thread would die a early death. I do think however that the TEC315 pj looks better.
tallsandwich
Rookie
Gee
Hall of Fame
Thanks for your answer, AMGF!
I also considered the PSC 6.1 18x20 as it has very similar specs like my TC95 (95 sq inch - 18x20 - 330 grams - 12pts HL and a foam filled frame). How does the PSC 6.1 feel? Is it a firmer crisper feel than TC95 RA63? Into the past I played with Tecnifibre TFight 335 16x20 that was solid as a rock. With that frame I was able to block volleys like a wall unregardless how hard they were hitting into my body. Do you experience the same with the PSC 6.1 and TC97 (as I suggest this has something to do with a higher RA stiffness)?
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SideSpinSliceIsNice
Rookie
I find it interesting how some people are saying that the sweetspot on the is TC97 rather large, and the TC95 is a lot smaller. I think that strings may be the culprit here, as I haven't heard of anyone trying out Luxilon Savage with either racquet. Maybe I'll try something different this week when I get my 97 strung. I'm thinking RS Lyon...