So first try with the 63RA 16x19 TC95 last night. First thing out of the way, this is unlike any frame I have played before, it is also light for me at 310g unstrung and 300 sw without strings.
Wearing a wrist brace severely limited my forehand and serve as I usually use wrist to impart spin/speed through the stroke like normal. Have not found the groove yet, due to ongoing injury and imminent surgery, going to shape my forehand after federer/del potro more into the future which should be interesting. Previously more like nadal? Difficult to say, heavy topspin to control but lower pace, grew up on clay courts so it became a natural stroke without even knowing of Nadal as a kid. 1 hand backhand inconsistent, mainly used for slice and re-positioning. Due to this injury I have taken so many breaks and have really declined in recent years with fitness and form, still only 27 so there is time to fix that!
I strung with VS Team Gut mains alu rough cross - 50/47. Grip size B3 was perfect, bevels enabled easy switching of grips, the black leather grip is really high quality, not slick at all and my stringer was surprised with how it actually felt.
So onto the actual playing:
Power - just wow, with the gut mains this has insane generation off backhand and forehand. I may need to up this to 53/49 or so for the next stringing. I have a similar setup in my RF97 and this setup I feel can put more pace on the backhand side, but flat shots with RF97 still king for the moment. Will need to weight up the Angell when my wrist is feeling better. I feel like it could easily be better than the RF97 for flat hitting due to such a great base for easy customisation. With the talk about low RA frames sucking power I couldn't agree less with this frame, it was a breeze to generate pace from all areas of the court.
Comfort - Ample comfort, really a fantastic frame to play with for my injured wrist. First time in a long time where a frame hasn't caused supreme discomfort and a lot of pain the next day. Still, my wrist is weak and gripping the handle is not like normal and still was really holding back on the forehand. Felt connected to the ball and was consistent feeling.
Backhands - This is where the frame shone for me last night. Easily the best backhands I have ever hit and for the first time had a compliment on the beauty of the stroke and consistency. Only issue was that the brace kept my wrist locked in so tight that top spin wasn't as easily imparted onto the ball so hit the net tape a lot or just over and fast. Great depth and placement around the court.
Slice - another highlight, this put some serious bite onto the ball, dropped heavily and stayed low all throughout the stroke on forehand and backhand. Some frames have caused issues, especially the pure aero, with floating the slice but this was consistent.
Topspin - Cannot comment at the moment, could not use any wrist lag for fear of immense pain. Even without using lag there is still discomfort and didn't play even close to full level on forehand and serve as well. Still topspin was available.
Manoeuvrability - great here, no complaints, thin beam and stable. Returns are fantastic because of this, whether slice or topspin (limited) off both sides. Need to weight it up a bit, probably need around 345-350 swing weight and should still be fine to move it around.
Overall - just started playing with it but it is a unique experience, solid for this swingweight and so soft but crisp when needed. It is going to be my go to frame. I am so happy with the purchase that when my other racquets sell I am going to buy 1 or 2 more from Paul. TC97 18x20 and either a 90 or 100 and then a second of whichever I love the most. Picking something and sticking to it and understanding it inside and out is how to get better and this racquet makes me finally want to do this, can't see myself looking elsewhere. Prior to trying it I was going to buy a DR98 but I feel it would be a waste as this frame size and plow makes backhands incredibly enjoyable and a beautiful stroke.
