The Official Angell Users Club

K

Khoi Pham

New User
I have the TC97 18x20 and I feel like the flex/weight is not evenly distribute. It hits like a leaded up racquet. Not that it doesn't hit incredible shots because it does, I'm just slightly bugged by the uneven feel of it. I wonder if the TC95 18x20 is different? Might try to get that one as well while the euro is still down. P.S: the cosmetics on the TC97 is great. Inner hoop is glossy, but kind of easily scratched.
 
Ft.S

Ft.S

Semi-Pro
Ft.S said:
There is one area in which I prefer the TC95 or TC97, particularly in 18x20 configuration: The sound. The TC97 18x20 had this amazing Whacckk! regardless of racquet speed. The TC90 is so muted that it makes me overhit sometimes. Particularly with the hybrid setup I use, the sounds is too muted, like an electric car; whereas the TC97 was truly the American V8. And I also now know how important that audio feedback is, it is as if I lost one of my senses. I am sure I'll get used to it over time.
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Ft.S said:
The Klip/Lux combination has been my favorite with the previous frames, but with the TC90 the full bed Halo is in clear lead right now. I'll be trying couple of other setups before I settle on something, but I am enjoying the search for now.
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Just a quick update on the TC90s:

First, I solved the sound/audio feedback problem: no more dampeners, no rubbers, nothing. The POP! is now close to the TC97, not quite V8, but a nice flat 6 ;)

Second, the Klip Legend 16 and Lux 4G Soft combination is back on top for strings, I just slightly modified the stringing technique. Great feel and control, and OH BABY, OH BABY, the spins and slices are just lovely, and also I don't remember ever volleying any better than I am right now. The Halo is back to being 1st choice for practices, but match strings are now Klip/Lux. Who says 90 sq.in. is too small? I am going to have a great season with these racquets I think :D
 
A

alexdoro

New User
Hi Angell lovers, someone knows the weight difference between the angell leather grip and the synthetic and how the frame balance would be affected by it? My spec unstrung is tc97 16x19 315g/315mm (with a synthetic grip)
 
S

Subaruvich

Semi-Pro
Ft.S said:
Second, the Klip Legend 16 and Lux 4G Soft combination is back on top for strings, I just slightly modified the stringing technique.
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Can you tell more, what is the tension and what did you modify in stringing technique? Why is Halo for practice only?
 
rlau

rlau

Hall of Fame
alexdoro said:
Hi Angell lovers, someone knows the weight difference between the angell leather grip and the synthetic and how the frame balance would be affected by it? My spec unstrung is tc97 16x19 315g/315mm (with a synthetic grip)
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I think it's approx. 5 grams, so if that's correct the new specs would be 320 grams/310mm.
 
A

alexdoro

New User
Are you sure its approx 5g difference? I expected it was a little bit more. Just got a reply from Paul, yes it is 5g to 7g. Thank you.
 
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R

realplayer

Semi-Pro
alexdoro said:
Hi Angell lovers, someone knows the weight difference between the angell leather grip and the synthetic and how the frame balance would be affected by it? My spec unstrung is tc97 16x19 315g/315mm (with a synthetic grip)
Click to expand...

The trimmed pu grip of Angell varies in weight from 13-15 gram. The trimmed leather grip is around 22-24 grams. Around 9 grams is the diffference. 5 grams is incorrect.The balance will be affected with 0.6 mm. The difference between weight of the untrimmed grips is. Angel leather=29 grams. Angell synthetic=18 grams.
 
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J

joohan

Guest
alexdoro said:
Hi Angell lovers, someone knows the weight difference between the angell leather grip and the synthetic and how the frame balance would be affected by it? My spec unstrung is tc97 16x19 315g/315mm (with a synthetic grip)
Click to expand...

Just out of pure curiosity: is it that much of a difference? Meaning: will the frame go from ok to unplayable with 7g in the handle?
 
A

alexdoro

New User
realplayer said:
The trimmed pu grip of Angell varies in weight from 13-15 gram. The trimmed leather grip is around 22-24 grams. Around 9 grams is the diffference. 5 grams is incorrect.The balance will be affected with 0.6 mm. The difference between weight of the untrimmed grips is. Angel leather=29 grams. Angell synthetic=18 grams.
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Thanks very much for the detailed info!
 
Ft.S

Ft.S

Semi-Pro
Subaruvich said:
Can you tell more, what is the tension and what did you modify in stringing technique? Why is Halo for practice only?
Click to expand...
I use 57# for the NG in the mains and 54# for Lux in the crosses. This time around, I kept those tensions for the middle eight main strings and middle 12 crosses, then raised the tension 5# on the others. String bed stiffness after stringing was much closer to reference tension, within 1#.

I really like Halo 1 strings, feel is very good and tension maintenance is just superb (lost only 14-16# over 12 weeks of play, measuring a customer's string bed). However, it does lack the power that the hybrid combination is giving me, that is why I prefer the hybrid setup for matches. Alternatively sometimes I use NG in the mains and Halo for crosses, same tension (56#), that solves the power deficiency issue, but control goes down just slightly. Additionally, after about 3-4 hrs of play with Halo, it becomes sticky and I get less string movement; to solve that I use WD40 Silicon on the strings before each outting.

So, to save on string $$$, full-bed Halo for practices and social matches, and NG/Lux hybrid for competitive matches :)
 
A

alexdoro

New User
Power Player said:
I'd suggest leather from angell. It's going to be true to size. The synthetic actually feels bigger than the real grip size. Additionally he wraps it perfectly and the price is fantastic for the slight upgrade. You also will still receive your racquet on spec so you don't have to think about balance.

Honestly, going with leather grip was a huge difference. It made the frame feel absolutely perfect. I use an OG over it. It is probably the best feeling handle I have owned.
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Power Player, what OG do you use over the leather?
 
J

joohan

Guest
Took TC97 18x20 for a light serve practice today. My two TC95s are both 63RA, 18x20 and 320g unstrung but one is 315mm and the other 305mm unstrung. TC97 is 320g/310mm unstrung with synthetic grip.

Initial observations:

TC97 feels a lot faster through the air (faster than 305mm TC95). I mistimed some first serves and a couple of groundstrokes because it's lighter/faster than what I've been using lately (Tour G 330, Dunlop Bio300Tour leaded to approx 360g). Serves improved within an hour, groundstrokes will have to wait till proper match play.

After first few bounces and groundstrokes I though this frame is in dire need of lead but surprisingly, the harder I started to hit the ball the more stable it felt. At the end of the session I was finding the sweetspot easily and my confidence grew but a proper match can't be simulated by hitting around.

If I had an expectation/wish when ordering TC97 18x20, I hoped it would feel/play something like Dunlop Bio300Tour. I can honestly say I'm not disappointed. I can easily identify the Dunlop 300 line heritage right from the first hit. TC97 feels a bit crisper due to brand new graphite plus my Bio300T has a lot of lead around the hoop but other than that, they play like the have the same genetics. Very pleased with this fact and the reason why I'm feeling very familiar and confident with TC97 after just one hour on the court.

Compared to TC95, TC97 does not possess the menacing power and spin. It has a bigger sweetspot that produces exactly what you put into the stroke. I'd like to underline the word exactly because TC95 is somewhat similar but has that extra hidden potential that's begging to come out in form of a booming groundstroke. TC97 feels more refined in that matter...it's like TC95 is a racquet ideal for someone like Del Potro who needs tons of control but also some heat when he decides to unleash and finish the point at will. TC97 is not a shotmakers rifle like TC95 or Tour G 330, it's a frame ideal for, say, Andy Murray, who wants/needs/knows to dose power and spin in nanowatts and single units of RPMs. If TC95 has the potential to be a weapon of mass destruction, TC97 18x20 is a weapon of mass construction in capable hands. I mistimed a bunch of my first serves but seconds were simply awesome. I could hit lines at various speeds, kicks, slices at will.

The best part of the session were slices - absolute 10/10. I obviously need to try the frame in all sorts of practices and matches, I will definitely replace the synthetic grip with leather and probably experiment with lead but just because of those slices and second serves I'm certain I'll keep the TC97 18x20 and most probably order another one in most probably the same specs when I'll start playing tennis on a regular basis this summer.

P.S.: I'm also testing my new Zoom Cage 2s in case anyone's interested.
 
tribesmen

tribesmen

Professional
joohan said:
Took TC97 18x20 for a light serve practice today. My two TC95s are both 63RA, 18x20 and 320g unstrung but one is 315mm and the other 305mm unstrung. TC97 is 320g/310mm unstrung with synthetic grip.

Initial observations:

TC97 feels a lot faster through the air (faster than 305mm TC95). I mistimed some first serves and a couple of groundstrokes because it's lighter/faster than what I've been using lately (Tour G 330, Dunlop Bio300Tour leaded to approx 360g). Serves improved within an hour, groundstrokes will have to wait till proper match play.

After first few bounces and groundstrokes I though this frame is in dire need of lead but surprisingly, the harder I started to hit the ball the more stable it felt. At the end of the session I was finding the sweetspot easily and my confidence grew but a proper match can't be simulated by hitting around.

If I had an expectation/wish when ordering TC97 18x20, I hoped it would feel/play something like Dunlop Bio300Tour. I can honestly say I'm not disappointed. I can easily identify the Dunlop 300 line heritage right from the first hit. TC97 feels a bit crisper due to brand new graphite plus my Bio300T has a lot of lead around the hoop but other than that, they play like the have the same genetics. Very pleased with this fact and the reason why I'm feeling very familiar and confident with TC97 after just one hour on the court.

Compared to TC95, TC97 does not possess the menacing power and spin. It has a bigger sweetspot that produces exactly what you put into the stroke. I'd like to underline the word exactly because TC95 is somewhat similar but has that extra hidden potential that's begging to come out in form of a booming groundstroke. TC97 feels more refined in that matter...it's like TC95 is a racquet ideal for someone like Del Potro who needs tons of control but also some heat when he decides to unleash and finish the point at will. TC97 is not a shotmakers rifle like TC95 or Tour G 330, it's a frame ideal for, say, Andy Murray, who wants/needs/knows to dose power and spin in nanowatts and single units of RPMs. If TC95 has the potential to be a weapon of mass destruction, TC97 18x20 is a weapon of mass construction in capable hands. I mistimed a bunch of my first serves but seconds were simply awesome. I could hit lines at various speeds, kicks, slices at will.

The best part of the session were slices - absolute 10/10. I obviously need to try the frame in all sorts of practices and matches, I will definitely replace the synthetic grip with leather and probably experiment with lead but just because of those slices and second serves I'm certain I'll keep the TC97 18x20 and most probably order another one in most probably the same specs when I'll start playing tennis on a regular basis this summer.

P.S.: I'm also testing my new Zoom Cage 2s in case anyone's interested.
Click to expand...
If you are not extreme modern player with western forhand grip I encourage you try 330gr/12 HL. Supreme plow through.
 
J

joohan

Guest
tribesmen said:
If you are not extreme modern player with western forhand grip I encourage you try 330gr/12 HL. Supreme plow through.
Click to expand...

I'll keep that in mind. 330/305 unstrung used to be my go-to specs for quite a long time.
 
W

willroc7

Rookie
willroc7 said:
I use a 11.9oz 301 SW unstrung (roughly 330 strung) six-one with a western grip and a modern game. I'm a 4.5 with a 5.0+ level forehand (as assessed by my peers, rest of game is lacking). It can be done with a heavy racket, you don't have to play chip and charge only.

I just ordered a custom TC95 with similar specs, I'll let you guys know how I like it.
Click to expand...

I got the racket yesterday, strung it with my normal setup of a full bed of signum pro poly plasma 17 @ 48lbs. I gotta say, I was really, really impressed. I've been playing with the wilson six-one 95 for over a decade and I think I will finally make a switch. It has great plow-through, like the six-one, and feels very plush on contact. For whatever reason, it also feels like I can pull the racket through contact faster (even though the specs are identical on paper), allowing me to generate more severe crosscourt angles, a shot I had been struggling to create recently. It seems to have a bit more pop, which tends to be the last thing I want/need from a racket, but shots that I swore I had hit deep were dropping down on the line. Incredible power but also confidence that the ball will not go long, a rare combination. The additional power was definitely welcome on the serve. My 70-80% swings on first serves were resulting in what felt like 100+ bombs in the corners. Accessory shots like drop shots, lobs, and reverse-finish forehands will take a little dialing in, but I am pretty confident they will come with a couple more outings.

Overall I am very pleased with the racket. Paul responded swiftly to all questions I had via facebook and even called me on the phone to finalize the order specs. Stand-up guy and great product. Assuming my next few sessions are keeping with the first, I will be ordering more. A+ would recommend. For the record it's a TC95 63RA 16x19 338g 303bal 301SW (unstrung) stick.
 
Backhanded Compliment

Backhanded Compliment

Legend
willroc7 said:
I got the racket yesterday, strung it with my normal setup of a full bed of signum pro poly plasma 17 @ 48lbs. I gotta say, I was really, really impressed. I've been playing with the wilson six-one 95 for over a decade and I think I will finally make a switch. It has great plow-through, like the six-one, and feels very plush on contact. For whatever reason, it also feels like I can pull the racket through contact faster (even though the specs are identical on paper), allowing me to generate more severe crosscourt angles, a shot I had been struggling to create recently. It seems to have a bit more pop, which tends to be the last thing I want/need from a racket, but shots that I swore I had hit deep were dropping down on the line. Incredible power but also confidence that the ball will not go long, a rare combination. The additional power was definitely welcome on the serve. My 70-80% swings on first serves were resulting in what felt like 100+ bombs in the corners. Accessory shots like drop shots, lobs, and reverse-finish forehands will take a little dialing in, but I am pretty confident they will come with a couple more outings.

Overall I am very pleased with the racket. Paul responded swiftly to all questions I had via facebook and even called me on the phone to finalize the order specs. Stand-up guy and great product. Assuming my next few sessions are keeping with the first, I will be ordering more. A+ would recommend. For the record it's a TC95 63RA 16x19 338g 303bal 301SW (unstrung) stick.
Click to expand...
yes, it takes a little bit tame the power on touch shots but the sub 60 flex comes in handy there... that stick is a beast but has nice touch too... dynamic
 
alexmcnab

alexmcnab

Rookie
Thinking of removing 10g from the handle of one of my TC95s 330g - I'm thinking I'll need some double sided tape - can anyone recommend something suitable (in the UK) or would any double sided tape do? I've changed the pallets before so know how to do that.

Also, to keep it hl I'm thinking I should remove weight from nearest the head? thanks
 
Tordne

Tordne

Semi-Pro
Played again with the TC97 18x20 today. Played amazing with it. I did notice that my grommet is split in two places. One is on a main string that comes straight through (no side pressure). String is Hyper-G 17g but I've used that in tons of other rackets without any problems. Is this a common problem? I'm thinking about buying up to another 6 rackets but this sort of premature wear would probably put me off a bit.
 
tennistomcat

tennistomcat

Semi-Pro
Tordne said:
Played again with the TC97 18x20 today. Played amazing with it. I did notice that my grommet is split in two places. One is on a main string that comes straight through (no side pressure). String is Hyper-G 17g but I've used that in tons of other rackets without any problems. Is this a common problem? I'm thinking about buying up to another 6 rackets but this sort of premature wear would probably put me off a bit.
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That is the exact same thing happened to me with the exact same string & gauge. When I was stringing it felt tight going through the grommets.
These grommets are slightly soft compared to most and you should probably pick up a spare pack when you buy your other rackets or string from Angell or maybe use a thinner gauge.

I switched to rounded polys & it doesn't feel as tight when stringing.
 
Tordne

Tordne

Semi-Pro
A thicker gauge would probably be less likely to cut. But this is the first string job so don't want to be changing grommets every time. Might contact Paul about it. I also had a staple missing from my buttcap so it moved around in the hand.
 
tennistomcat

tennistomcat

Semi-Pro
Tordne said:
A thicker gauge would probably be less likely to cut. But this is the first string job so don't want to be changing grommets every time. Might contact Paul about it. I also had a staple missing from my buttcap so it moved around in the hand.
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Happened on my 1st string job too. These Angell grommets seem to have slightly smaller diameter than your usual grommets.

I'm not sure what you mean by thicker gauge unless that was a typo. I was recommending a thinner gauge.
 
Tordne

Tordne

Semi-Pro
Nah thicker gauge was intentional. Going from a 17 to 16. Then there would be more string surface area to ack in the grommet. I think that would be less inclined to cut. Going from 27 to 18 gauge I think would be worse.
 
FedLIKEnot

FedLIKEnot

Professional
I wish there was a demo program or at least one playtester comparing their racquets in detail to current frames....

That said an extended 95 with typical Pro Staff HL balance seems so enticing.
 
Gee

Gee

Hall of Fame
Tordne said:
Played again with the TC97 18x20 today. Played amazing with it. I did notice that my grommet is split in two places. One is on a main string that comes straight through (no side pressure). String is Hyper-G 17g but I've used that in tons of other rackets without any problems. Is this a common problem? I'm thinking about buying up to another 6 rackets but this sort of premature wear would probably put me off a bit.
Click to expand...
I also had this problem. Read my posts about that: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...gell-users-club.549091/page-137#post-10781574.
 
M

MMQB14

Rookie
Hi all

I have a TC97 18x20. I am looking for the stringing instructions for a two-piece string job. I only see the stringing instructions for the TC97 16x19 on the Angell website.

Has anybody strung a two-piece for the TC97 18x20 and could provide the instructions?

Thanks.
 
Tordne

Tordne

Semi-Pro
Find the stringing instructions for the TC95 18x20 and it's exactly the same. Went through this my first time as well :)
 
Tordne

Tordne

Semi-Pro
No problem. I was looking in a hurry. It wasn't till I'd already started that I noticed there were no visible marks on the frame for main skips and tie offs:)
 
marco forehand

marco forehand

Semi-Pro
I am sure it's somewhere in this thread but can anyone confirm which grip shape matches which major manufacturer (ie Head, Dunlop, Babolat or Wilson) ?
A->
B->
C->

I am not on Facebook (Paul's preferred platform) so i appreciate the input
 
J

joohan

Guest
ugly duck said:
@joohan : Do you have already logged enough time with your tc97 for a review?
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Only serve practices and shot drills so far. Not much time and the weather is not helping either. I will lead it up at some point, trying to log as much court time with the stock form as possible.
 
djNEiGht

djNEiGht

Legend
whacktheball said:
I've heard of the Angell frames and have also been going through the reviews here. Finally took the plunge and ordered 2 X TC95 63 RA 330 g / 310 mm frames. Can't wait to take them out for a spin (hopefully next week)..
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What string pattern did you get? What racquets are you currently playing with? Have fun and welcome to the club!!!
 
topspn

topspn

Legend
PrestigeMP said:
Thanks for that. Seems to be that the 70RA doesn't receive the same praise as the 63RA
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TC95 70RA is a special racquet a monster on serve and very versatile. If you get the SW up a bit to match the 63RA, it hits just as big. The 63 RA is a better stick on volleys so tiny pros and cons but a great stick
 
J

joohan

Guest
topspn said:
TC95 70RA is a special racquet a monster on serve and very versatile. If you get the SW up a bit to match the 63RA, it hits just as big. The 63 RA is a better stick on volleys so tiny pros and cons but a great stick
Click to expand...

How does Duel G330 compare to TC95? It's probably the only frame left I'd consider buying.
 
W

whacktheball

New User
djNEiGht said:
What string pattern did you get? What racquets are you currently playing with? Have fun and welcome to the club!!!
Click to expand...

Got the 16 X 19s in standard length. I've been playing with Babolat Pure Control 95+ for over a year and before that Dunlop bio 400 tour and few other stiffer racquets. I really enjoyed using the Babolats and it was a huge improvement over the Dunlop 400 in terms of control. While I was liking the extended length on my first serves, I never really got dialed in on my groundstrokes. NTRP 4.5 player here. fast strokes with eastern grip forehand and 2HBH.
 
topspn

topspn

Legend
joohan said:
How does Duel G330 compare to TC95? It's probably the only frame left I'd consider buying.
Click to expand...
I absolutely love the Duel G 330. More feedback then the TC95 and a better volley stick. Both serve huge and launch angle is higher for the TC95. I’d pick the Duel G330 by a hair, it’s a really special stick
 
J

joohan

Guest
Another practice with 18x20 TC97. Absolute control over the tip of the frame, I'd have to think very hard of another racquet providing similar sensation. If this feeling holds in a match-play I would be very reluctant to use any lead whatsoever, I'll only put on a leather grip for better feel and a touch more HL balance. Btw. "Halo 2" is a very nice poly.
 
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