The Official Angell Users Club

matchpoint9

matchpoint9

Rookie
I'm new to Angell racquets. I have 2 TC95s 16x19, 330g/305mm (11.7oz/12pts HL), 70 RA. I added about 4 grams of lead on the sides to add some plow through. I really enjoy them over my RF97A particularly from maneuverability standpoint. I can't help but wonder how the 63RA plays. I know it's been discussed previously, but -- how different is it vs the 70RA in terms of feel? Does it make sense to have both racquets in the bag, i.e. use the 63RA for singles and the 70 for doubles? Since I added some weight to my TC95, I'm guessing the swingweight is higher and would probably be similar to 63RA TC95 with the same specs? Many thanks in advance.
 
K

Kozzy

Hall of Fame
stephenclown said:
Apparently the guy was somehow in cahoots with Head Finest Calfskin in the past for the pro scene. If this is what those grips are like I can see why it is the go to for all professional players, I can't wait to put it on my frames and play with it.
Click to expand...
Played a few sets tonight with the Oehms grips - just amazing. The absolute most perfect grip I've used - just as comfortable as with an overgrip, but even better feel in the hand.
 
E

ed70

Professional
stephenclown said:
So now I have found a setup that works with the 16x19 95 I don't think I will be able to go back to the 18x20 97, just super solid and soft on all strokes in comparison and the backhands are to die for...

Think I am going to sell the 97 and buy either a:

16m TC97
TC90 or
TC100

I think I want the TC100 the least of all as I love the precision of the 95 frames I have always gravitated towards, do you think it is missing that much compared to the 95? I hit the 95 with a heap of power so that isn't really a concern. I used the Pure aero and it was like using a mallet, no feel and no control so have kind of gone away from larger frames since.

I would love to try the 97 with a less dense pattern and gut but the TC90 may be the holy grail if it maintains the power of the 95 but worried about a smaller sweetspot and smaller head limiting long term enjoyment. Might be a good option for training consistency on though with the same specs as my 95 and then using the 95 for more competitive play after being heavily dialled in?

To be honest I haven't enjoyed tennis this much in more than a decade and that is after injuries and time off.
Click to expand...

I went through a period of time swapping and changing, at some point you have to stick with one and play for 3 months or so with it. Maybe the TC 95 isn’t the one for you and not as good a fit as you are saying, if you are still looking at other angell’s!
The 16x19 tc97 has a different feel to the 95, has lower launch angle and lower SW. I doubt if you actually do like the 95 so much that the 97 16x19 will blow you away.
 
letplaytennis

letplaytennis

Semi-Pro
matchpoint9 said:
I'm new to Angell racquets. I have 2 TC95s 16x19, 330g/305mm (11.7oz/12pts HL), 70 RA. I added about 4 grams of lead on the sides to add some plow through. I really enjoy them over my RF97A particularly from maneuverability standpoint. I can't help but wonder how the 63RA plays. I know it's been discussed previously, but -- how different is it vs the 70RA in terms of feel? Does it make sense to have both racquets in the bag, i.e. use the 63RA for singles and the 70 for doubles? Since I added some weight to my TC95, I'm guessing the swingweight is higher and would probably be similar to 63RA TC95 with the same specs? Many thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

I'm currently playing with a RF97A and would like to make the switch to an Angell 97 in the spring. Why did you decide to go with the 95?

Looking at Angell's website and racket selection, I'm confused as to the one that I want. I've been reading this thread for a few weeks now, starting with the most recent post and working backwards, and I still don't know. I've exchanged a few emails with Paul this week and I'll continue to do research.

How differently does the 95 play vs the 97?

I've always played with a PS90 up until this year when I switched to the RF97A. I really enjoy playing with the racket, but there's just something that still doesn't feel right. I guess I just need to bite the bullet, place an order, play with an Angell and if I don't like it sell it for a nominal loss.
 
J

joohan

Guest
letplaytennis said:
I'm currently playing with a RF97A and would like to make the switch to an Angell 97 in the spring. Why did you decide to go with the 95?

Looking at Angell's website and racket selection, I'm confused as to the one that I want. I've been reading this thread for a few weeks now, starting with the most recent post and working backwards, and I still don't know. I've exchanged a few emails with Paul this week and I'll continue to do research.

How differently does the 95 play vs the 97?

I've always played with a PS90 up until this year when I switched to the RF97A. I really enjoy playing with the racket, but there's just something that still doesn't feel right. I guess I just need to bite the bullet, place an order, play with an Angell and if I don't like it sell it for a nominal loss.
Click to expand...

For me, TC97 (18x20) feels closer to PS90 than TC95 63RA (18x20). Feels, not plays. Play-wise TC95 63RA(18x20) is a bit closer but only a bit and that’s not that close at all. Maybe the 70RA version in 16x19 would be the closest bet(based on how TC90 feels and plays) but I don’t have personal experience to support this theory.
 
clutch21

clutch21

Rookie
I'm stringing a new TC100 with Champion's Choice for a friend with gut in the mains. Anyone have any recommendations on tension in this set up? When full bed poly he usually strings in the mid 40s.
 
elbuzzard_lives

elbuzzard_lives

Rookie
Trying a hybrid in my TC97 18x20...actually re-trying. I got it used here on the boards earlier this year. First few sessions were Amazing in comparison to my TC95! It had a hybrid of Prince premier control mains and Tourna Big hitter silver in the crosses. I cut those out and started experimenting with the usual suspects=full bed Silver string, Lyon,cylone, hawk....I was missing the control/feel that I had on my first tests with the racket upon arrival.
So now I have gone back to a similar hybrid 50/48lbs and am enjoying it. I had never used poly as a cross for multi. Also, I went back to .16 gauge. No dampener. I may bump up the tension next time.
I used the other half of the strings to put on my TC95 18x20 63RA in reverse configuration(poly mains). The results were shocking! very stable.

letplaytennis said:
How differently does the 95 play vs the 97?
Click to expand...
Like on a scale of 1 to 10?

This has been discussed here in great detail if you look back. I will just say they are very different in feel. 97 is crisp and predictable. Great feedback and sound. I feel there is greater potential for put away winners with the 95. Its more muted. My topspin shots jump up more with the 95 according to my hitting partner. I'm still more wild on my groundies with the 95. The 95 has another gear on the serve but you must hit it cleanly to unlock the goods. I can hit spots in the service box better with 97. They both are wonderful at net! I prefer the 97 on volleys in general but I hit my best forehand volley of my life with the 95.
@letplaytennis keep searching this thread. There is a wealth of knowledge from real Angell users who so graciously share their experiences with us. Also, get in touch with Paul. He can help find a model that seems right for you. Can you believe you can actually communicate with the the guy who's name is on the racket?
 
Faris

Faris

Professional
clutch21 said:
I'm stringing a new TC100 with Champion's Choice for a friend with gut in the mains. Anyone have any recommendations on tension in this set up? When full bed poly he usually strings in the mid 40s.
Click to expand...
I feel tht TC100 plays superb full poly with low powered poly...gut mains made it way too lively for me...harder to control..I would def string gut mains in high fifties for me and poly at around 48-50lbs mark...but that is jist me not sure how your friend plays etc so cant say for certain..
 
letplaytennis

letplaytennis

Semi-Pro
elbuzzard_lives said:
Trying a hybrid in my TC97 18x20...actually re-trying. I got it used here on the boards earlier this year. First few sessions were Amazing in comparison to my TC95! It had a hybrid of Prince premier control mains and Tourna Big hitter silver in the crosses. I cut those out and started experimenting with the usual suspects=full bed Silver string, Lyon,cylone, hawk....I was missing the control/feel that I had on my first tests with the racket upon arrival.
So now I have gone back to a similar hybrid 50/48lbs and am enjoying it. I had never used poly as a cross for multi. Also, I went back to .16 gauge. No dampener. I may bump up the tension next time.
I used the other half of the strings to put on my TC95 18x20 63RA in reverse configuration(poly mains). The results were shocking! very stable.


Like on a scale of 1 to 10?

This has been discussed here in great detail if you look back. I will just say they are very different in feel. 97 is crisp and predictable. Great feedback and sound. I feel there is greater potential for put away winners with the 95. Its more muted. My topspin shots jump up more with the 95 according to my hitting partner. I'm still more wild on my groundies with the 95. The 95 has another gear on the serve but you must hit it cleanly to unlock the goods. I can hit spots in the service box better with 97. They both are wonderful at net! I prefer the 97 on volleys in general but I hit my best forehand volley of my life with the 95.
@letplaytennis keep searching this thread. There is a wealth of knowledge from real Angell users who so graciously share their experiences with us. Also, get in touch with Paul. He can help find a model that seems right for you. Can you believe you can actually communicate with the the guy who's name is on the racket?
Click to expand...

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question even though it was already discussed. There's so many pages to go through that makes it difficult. It would be wonderful to compile a relatively brief post (or sticky) related to some questions that are found within this entire thread.

I've already began talking with Paul via email. I hope to settle on a configuration that would suit me.
 
J

joohan

Guest
zalive said:
I get you. But for the sake of discussion here's what I fully meant.

Well but the way I formulated it is tricky. Your best tennis. It's not necessary the tennis that win you most points, games and sets, as sometimes ugly tennis can give you that, but it's not necessary your best tennis - one can play tennis which is best to him, but also win by bringing his opponents game down by playing ugly tennis, so it's not that your better tennis won the game, it's opponent's worse tennis that brought you the victory. But I here consider playing beautiful strokes, full, fast, spinny, attacking, deep etc. And as much as I do indeed understand satisfaction factor from hitting the ball with certain racquet, I also doubt there are much players who wouldn't love it to play their best tennis. So it's not even about the score, it's about raising personal game.

I understand you currently don't enjoy TC100, but let's say hypothetically you achieve to adjust to this racquet so much that you start to play natural, spontaneous shots with it in a way you currently play with some other racquets, only those shots are yet heavier and dangerous...if this is the potential, to reach actually enjoying hitting with it, would that be worth an adjustment period?

However, one year time is pretty long, I'm curious to hear if you will feel the same in half a year...
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One more thing that is probably the most important factor regarding my current sentiments towards TC100:

I think lower swing speeds and overall checked-back tennis (holding back 50% percent on almost every shot) I’ve been playing in the past month or so is not doing TC100 any favors. I recall it with TC95 as well, that “D” shaped beam simply feels best in all-out hitting. I’m quite sure I didn’t have any of these recent sentiments back home when I was hitting a ball like it’s supposed to be hit.

So, as good as a good cathartic moment might feel, I’ll try to remain scientifically skeptic in order to not miss and improperly assess any of my findings:)

In plain words - all I can be sure of is that I don’t like the feel of TC100 in lower speeds and lower level tennis.
 
Backhanded Compliment

Backhanded Compliment

Legend
letplaytennis said:
I'm currently playing with a RF97A and would like to make the switch to an Angell 97 in the spring. Why did you decide to go with the 95?

Looking at Angell's website and racket selection, I'm confused as to the one that I want. I've been reading this thread for a few weeks now, starting with the most recent post and working backwards, and I still don't know. I've exchanged a few emails with Paul this week and I'll continue to do research.

How differently does the 95 play vs the 97?

I've always played with a PS90 up until this year when I switched to the RF97A. I really enjoy playing with the racket, but there's just something that still doesn't feel right. I guess I just need to bite the bullet, place an order, play with an Angell and if I don't like it sell it for a nominal loss.
Click to expand...
The Tc95 does have a more classic prostaff vibe to it (also its own thing too, kicks like a mule)... It was hitting with a PS85 that lead me to seeking a new frame that had that level of pinpoint authority on backhands and forehands... serves too. Thing is the PS85 was always a tad stiff feeling for me... my TC95's are the flexy version and still are far forgiving than a ps85. Where the tc95 is different than the Ps85 ois its a better returners stick and has way more spin potential... especially with lower tension poly. It is a beast stick. TC97 like the RF97 has a bit more in common with the prestige MP's.

What's so great about the TC95 is you can play 1st strike tennis or play a more patient game... the level of spin just lets you hit 75% power and still get lots of "forced" unforced errors because it is just such a heavy ball. One of the greatest serving sticks Ive ever used.

stephenclown said:
So now I have found a setup that works with the 16x19 95 I don't think I will be able to go back to the 18x20 97, just super solid and soft on all strokes in comparison and the backhands are to die for...

Think I am going to sell the 97 and buy either a:

16m TC97
TC90 or
TC100

I think I want the TC100 the least of all as I love the precision of the 95 frames I have always gravitated towards, do you think it is missing that much compared to the 95? I hit the 95 with a heap of power so that isn't really a concern. I used the Pure aero and it was like using a mallet, no feel and no control so have kind of gone away from larger frames since.

I would love to try the 97 with a less dense pattern and gut but the TC90 may be the holy grail if it maintains the power of the 95 but worried about a smaller sweetspot and smaller head limiting long term enjoyment. Might be a good option for training consistency on though with the same specs as my 95 and then using the 95 for more competitive play after being heavily dialled in?

To be honest I haven't enjoyed tennis this much in more than a decade and that is after injuries and time off.
Click to expand...

Im with you... I like the TC100 a lot but my game really depends one one thing... enjoying hitting the ball and some of the amazing shots I have in my arsenal. Ive got that running edberg backhand, the wawrinka inside out backhand and those fun Sampras style dtl hammer forehands (2 of those players were ps85 players, my biggest drawback as a player is my brain, I tend to overthink so just swinging properly is the antidote... I dont want to think while playing). Im not some impatient player and I play a a pretty high level against former WTA hitting partners. I just like the relaxed feeling I now have of knowing that anything that isnt deep and or sits up is a ball that will be punished. I hit winners by being relaxed not by trying to hit winners. TC95 has helped me flow better as a player and I just concentrate on playing each point well... playing tennis Im proud of. My main hitting partner uses the TC100 and loves it but I play shotmaker tennis, he's a tricky lefty with a huge second serve (better than most player's 1st's) and an amazing slice backhand (keeping it low so I cant deploy my topspin BH).
 
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zalive

zalive

Hall of Fame
joohan said:
One more thing that is probably the most important factor regarding my current sentiments towards TC100:

I think lower swing speeds and overall checked-back tennis (holding back 50% percent on almost every shot) I’ve been playing in the past month or so is not doing TC100 any favors. I recall it with TC95 as well, that “D” shaped beam simply feels best in all-out hitting. I’m quite sure I didn’t have any of these recent sentiments back home when I was hitting a ball like it’s supposed to be hit.

So, as good as a good cathartic moment might feel, I’ll try to remain scientifically skeptic in order to not miss and improperly assess any of my findings:)

In plain words - all I can be sure of is that I don’t like the feel of TC100 in lower speeds and lower level tennis.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure if this plays some role to you too, but I've read here, someone wrote TC100 and/or TC95 63 RA feel flexier the faster you swing them. It's firm feel is resreved for slower swing hits, this is where this racquet, frankly, feels bit stiffish. Not PD stiff but still stiff. Say, it feels like 66 RA. But once you swing them faster and hit the ball harder flex kicks in more and everything feels much better. This is kind of specific to TC100 63 RA, IME, I didn't yet play with any other racquet which is quite similar to this.
 
J

joohan

Guest
zalive said:
I'm not sure if this plays some role to you too, but I've read here, someone wrote TC100 and/or TC95 63 RA feel flexier the faster you swing them. It's firm feel is resreved for slower swing hits, this is where this racquet, frankly, feels bit stiffish. Not PD stiff but still stiff. Say, it feels like 66 RA. But once you swing them faster and hit the ball harder flex kicks in more and everything feels much better. This is kind of specific to TC100 63 RA, IME, I didn't yet play with any other racquet which is quite similar to this.
Click to expand...

I feel it the same way, too. First time I experienced it was when I tried to demonstrate a Del Potro forehand with 63RA TC95. It felt like that Fischer “magnetic speed” magnets gimmick should have - I felt the frame go apart at 3/9 only to snap back when releasing the ball off the stringbed. Just wow.

I guess this is it - the lower speeds, higher SW of the 63RA Tc100 harder to manage at slower speeds(requiring stronger wrist unless you adjust and hit real flat) plus really, I mean really soft balls. All this contributed to the overall unpleasant sensation.

Plus RS Lyon in the TC100 I have with me might be nearing the end of its life...not helping, I guess.
 
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topspn

topspn

Legend
I checked my mail today and guess what I found? @haqqani1777 sent me some strings to try. What a cool guy!

image1_zpsf73rwu74.jpeg
 
S

stephenclown

Professional
ed70 said:
I went through a period of time swapping and changing, at some point you have to stick with one and play for 3 months or so with it. Maybe the TC 95 isn’t the one for you and not as good a fit as you are saying, if you are still looking at other angell’s!
The 16x19 tc97 has a different feel to the 95, has lower launch angle and lower SW. I doubt if you actually do like the 95 so much that the 97 16x19 will blow you away.
Click to expand...

Yeah I agree it is a bit different and choosing and swapping seems like fun at the moment, just feels natural with the 95 now. I will be picking up the TC90 as a fun stick to play around with and use it alongside my 95 and have them matched. I think the 97 will be much into the future if I need a bit more control and lower launch angle but at the moment this seems to be perfect!

*Edit - also got the serve dialled in with the 95 and it is phenomenal, the power and precision on the second serve is amazing. I think I need this lower flex at the moment and giving it more chances was definitely worth it. Just so different to every other frame I have used so took a bit to get used to its flex and feel.
 
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Classic-TXP-IG MID

Classic-TXP-IG MID

Hall of Fame
topspn said:
I checked my mail today and guess what I found? @haqqani1777 sent me some strings to try. What a cool guy!

image1_zpsf73rwu74.jpeg
Click to expand...

I agree... very cool of @haqqani1777 to do that... thumbs up...

Let us know what your thoughts are on the strings @topspn ... I have the same strings, but due to a series of progressing right arm issues, I haven't been able to test them or any of my "new" racquets... Very Frustrated!!! ... and trying to not develop the same problems as @haqqani1777 on his sabbatical... ie purchasing lots of new gear...
 
Carreau

Carreau

Semi-Pro
Strung my TC100 70RA with MSV Focus Ultra. A little bit stiff and boardy in this frame, no magic of Co-Focus. Seems softer strings suites this frame way better. I need try YPTP and RS Lyon.
 
Carreau

Carreau

Semi-Pro
My experience was that I need put 90% of energy every time playing with UC. I simply cannot play relaxed easy mix doubles with it.
 
topspn

topspn

Legend
Kozzy said:
Yes - I got them on the big auction site also. B-WARE means factory seconds, which is what I happened to order, but didn't find any flaws. Played a few more sets with them today and am still smitten. Like any leather, I needed to wipe them down as I started to sweat more, but I'm OK with that. No slippage in the hand.
Click to expand...
So did you replace the Angell leather with them? Any effects on weight/balance?
 
BounceHitBounceHit

BounceHitBounceHit

Legend
Kozzy said:
Yes - I got them on the big auction site also. B-WARE means factory seconds, which is what I happened to order, but didn't find any flaws. Played a few more sets with them today and am still smitten. Like any leather, I needed to wipe them down as I started to sweat more, but I'm OK with that. No slippage in the hand.
Click to expand...

Thanks!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
haqq777

haqq777

Legend
saleem said:
it is 2 grams heavier than Angell leather, I have both Oehms, Angell along with fairway and TW private label.
Click to expand...
I haven't had a chance to put on mine yet as I am avoiding leather for a month more. Does indeed seem very high quality as I mentioned earlier.
 
K

Kozzy

Hall of Fame
topspn said:
So did you replace the Angell leather with them? Any effects on weight/balance?
Click to expand...
Yeah, I'm not sure about the weight/balance change yet, since I haven't weighed the racquets unstrung, but I think they are a bit heavier. Notably, my two Angell grips did not weight the same - they were about 2 grams apart. Anyway, it's been unnoticeable except for the increased comfort.
 
T

Taita87

Rookie
Which tc is more similar in feeling and control to old thin frames like pt57a? I used a k six Factor 90 of a friend with multi and i miss that old feeling of plush, absorbing vibration and controlled racquet of past times
 
S

stephenclown

Professional
Taita87 said:
Which tc is more similar in feeling and control to old thin frames like pt57a? I used a k six Factor 90 of a friend with multi and i miss that old feeling of plush, absorbing vibration and controlled racquet of past times
Click to expand...

TC97 18x20 mimics the head feel and is very similar to the old PT630/280 (which is the 57a2?). It is super solid and plush but a little higher RA than the head classic frames. Flexes in the hoop and hits a great ball.

The 16x19 pattern is a bit more open and bit more power, I havent played with it but it is meant to be incredibly arm friendly.
 
P

Paulo Braz

Semi-Pro
stephenclown said:
TC97 18x20 mimics the head feel and is very similar to the old PT630/280 (which is the 57a2?). It is super solid and plush but a little higher RA than the head classic frames. Flexes in the hoop and hits a great ball.

The 16x19 pattern is a bit more open and bit more power, I havent played with it but it is meant to be incredibly arm friendly.
Click to expand...

I never played with tc97, but I have the tc95 and the head pro tour 280. In terms of feel and comfort, the 95 is very similar to the head pro tour 280.
 
S

stephenclown

Professional
Paulo Braz said:
I never played with tc97, but I have the tc95 and the head pro tour 280. In terms of feel and comfort, the 95 is very similar to the head pro tour 280.
Click to expand...

The 95 flexes throughout the frame but the 97 has a stiffer throat so it flexes in the hoop. This head flex is pretty great for feel but not everyone likes it. It feels more crisp and solid and incredibly plush. I dont have the 18x20 95 so unsure how that would go in comparison.

Vsbabolat and another of other guys on here with 97s say it is the closest frame on the market to the PT280. I prefer the power and feel I get on the 95 16m as it is really soft in the 63RA
 
J

joohan

Guest
stephenclown said:
The 95 flexes throughout the frame but the 97 has a stiffer throat so it flexes in the hoop. This head flex is pretty great for feel but not everyone likes it. It feels more crisp and solid and incredibly plush. I dont have the 18x20 95 so unsure how that would go in comparison.

Vsbabolat and another of other guys on here with 97s say it is the closest frame on the market to the PT280. I prefer the power and feel I get on the 95 16m as it is really soft in the 63RA
Click to expand...

I’ve played with both 18x20s (TC95 and TC97) and it is as you say - firm uniform flex of TC95 vs crisper and more pronounced TC97. The latter reminds me of Head PC600 and iPrestige Mid(only Head frames I’ve properly tried) much, much more. In fact iPrestige Mid feels like midsize TC97 18x20.
 
topspn

topspn

Legend
Competition 16 was just too springy @50lbs on my TC100. A shame because the feel seems good but this frame is so tricky on string and appropriate tension. Silver string going in today @52 lbs. You need a really low powered or dead feeling string on TC100 to be @50lbs.
 
Carreau

Carreau

Semi-Pro
Experimenting with strings as well. Strung my TC100 63RA version with Cyclone 1.25 - 23/22 kg.
Feels cheap, but I'm getting good power and good spin. Sweet zone is smaller than I'm used to and less forgiving (I assume because of 1.25 gauge, I'm more 1.18-1.20 gauge person I thing). I can feel my wrist after 2 hours of doubles and I'm treating it with big glass of ice... + single malt. :D
 
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