haqq777
Legend
Hows the feedback of the V7 Blade? I never got a chance for an extensive demo. I am hearing a lot of chatter on it from everyone. Seems as if the 18x20 and 16x19 are two very diff animals as well?
The Official Angell Users Club
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topspn
Legend
I don’t know about the difference of the two string patterns as i just have the 16x19 which as you know has 8M. It is a tight 16x19 but a big friendly sweet spot. Played it with BBO and it is very comfortable, flexy, responsive and crisp. Precision is really nice with good power. I just added a leather grip and OG. Very nice playing frame and you can certainly hit out with purpose. It is a beauty on touch shots whether your digging up little 1/2 volleys or some reverse spin on volleys. I just picked it up today, got it restrung with tour bite 1.25 @48lbs. I wanted to just play ASL2 today so didn’t try it but I’ll play it in the morning with the new string. ASL2 is also pretty nice and its got some power and easy spin. Very much like the ASL3 with responsive feel and power except in a smaller head size. I liked the stability and versatility in shot making altering between loopy heavy spin and flat penetrating shots. Nice put-away power and very volley friendly with a big serve.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Will i gain much more stability if i move the weights in the handle of my tc95 up as much as possible? Currently 320g, 10hl with the hybrid grip. I have a tc97 310g 6hl and that is stable. If i were to match that weight and balance would i get anywhere near the stability of tc97? (Tried adding extra weight at 3&9 and 4.30&7.30 but the overall weight made it a bit too heavy.) Played with the new blade today and liked how solid it was. Really nice soft and stable feel at contact. Would like to try and replicate with my tc95 and thereby avoid getting the bladeThanks
If you feel the TC95 is unstable in the head, then the only way to improve that is by adding weight in the head. If you feel that the instability of the TC95 rests in the fact that you have trouble handling the pace of your opponents shots, then adding weight in the handle (or shifting it higher in the handle) may help. When you added weight at 3 & 9 o'clock, did you also add weight at 7" above butt cap (roughly at the top of the handle)? That would have helped keep the racquet swinging smoothly.
The only way you will really know what works for you, as it is very personal, is to try things yourself. So try adding a small amount at 3&9 and an equal amount at 7" above butt cap as at 3&9 (as this will negate the need to take all the grips off and try to shift the weights around etc). If that has worked for you... great, if not, then try shifting the weights and see how that goes. In the mean time, all the Blade frenzy will have died down and your urge to get one may also subside. Or not...
Thanks - I had not added anything at 7" but will do so now. By stability i mean that the racquet flutters and that is the case both when absorbing a quick ball and when trying create own pace on a slow ball.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Thanks for the explanation. My TC95 16x19 63RA (320g 315mm Balance) came to me with a black wrap at the 3&9 positions. I believe that the wraps are about 1.5g, so I didn't add any weight at the 3&9 as I found it to be stable. I did, however, put one (or possible two) overgrips on as it was 4 3/8 and I usually use 4 1/2. This would have added about 12g to the handle and made the racquet more HL.
Therefore, placing about 1g (possibly 1.5g) at 3 & 9 o'clock, and then putting the equivalent amount (3+9) at 7" above butt cap, should keep the same balance as before modifications but provide more stability both in the head and add some solidity against harder hitters.
Let me know if it works and how you like it.
topspn
Legend
Today a doubles matchup but friendly not a league so decided to play both ASL2 and Blade. I started with blade and it sure is a good serving stick with precision, power and a heavy ball. Control is really good and played beautifully threw out. Tour bite @48lbs firmed feel up compared to BBO so i could go lower. I moved on to the ASL2 after an hour and the immediate difference was the responsiveness and easy heavy spin. I just felt the tip was still a bit light and will add a bit more weight there. I don’t believe I’m at 330SW yet but not to far off, maybe another 5 or 6pts. Felt on serve as well were I lost the tip a bit and sometimes felt too fast for the timing i wanted. I can hit big heavy loopy top spin but when you flatten out, watch out
Today a doubles matchup but friendly not a league so decided to play both ASL2 and Blade. I started with blade and it sure is a good serving stick with precision, power and a heavy ball. Control is really good and played beautifully threw out. Tour bite @48lbs firmed feel up compared to BBO so i could go lower. I moved on to the ASL2 after an hour and the immediate difference was the responsiveness and easy heavy spin. I just felt the tip was still a bit light and will add a bit more weight there. I don’t believe I’m at 330SW yet but not to far off, maybe another 5 or 6pts. Felt on serve as well were I lost the tip a bit and sometimes felt too fast for the timing i wanted. I can hit big heavy loopy top spin but when you flatten out, watch out
Longtime reader, first time poster. Switched to V3 TC100 earlier this year after bout of TE from 2nd generation pure strike, but couldn't control it sufficiently after months of tinkering. Bought a V3 TC95 that I really like now that I've customized from stock 300g/318mm/289 SW to 333g/322mm/328 SW (per TWU tool).
I was just about to buy a matched TC95 when ASL2 came out, so I'm eager to hear your final assessment of the ASL2 after more match play. Initial reviews of the ASL2 seem favorable. My biggest concern is that the frame is too lively like the TC100, which I just could not tame.
Also, I'm assuming/hoping by "watch out" you mean it has good put away power and not that you're getting balls stuck in the back fence...
Thanks for your (and the collective board's) insights into Angell rackets. My elbow thanks you all.
topspn
Legend
Lol..welcome to the boards as a contributor and rest easy, i meant i could really flatten out when i wanted to and got serious heat. Yes, the ASL is responsive but launch angle is more tame than TC100. I still have to play a while with it before i can decide what I’ll do. I have to say the ASL2 has some serious competition from the Dahcor and new Blade in my bag
Ha that’s what I thought you meant, but had to clarify.
At this point, I’m really only playing 1-2x/week (usually once) so maybe I’ll just get an ASL2 and do my own play test before getting matched rackets. Not having to agonize over all the customization options with an ASL2 significantly appeals to my OCD tendencies...
At this point, I’m really only playing 1-2x/week (usually once) so maybe I’ll just get an ASL2 and do my own play test before getting matched rackets. Not having to agonize over all the customization options with an ASL2 significantly appeals to my OCD tendencies...
Can you give some review on your TC95 V3? I assume it’s 16x19?
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edelp
Semi-Pro
Hi,
had some time, around total 15-20 hours with the TC100 V3 RA63, all on hard courts. For info, I played some matches end July and played around 8 hours with a coach during my vacation intensively (also some points,). Guess now I have a good impression. Also as info, could not resist back then and ordered also a TC97 18x20 to compare it to the 57a and h22.
My TC100 V3 weighs only 290gr and has a BP of 32,5 cm. The TC97 300gr and 32,5 cm (as my 57a and approx. h22) and with 304 unstrung SW (57a and h22 are around 308).
TC100: I can say I am very happy. It is in general an extremely versatile, very comfortable (key for me and my elbow), superb all around frame. My first impressions have been confirmed on stability. Surprisingly stable for such a low weight! Very good feeling, comfortable for now. As compared to my current frame (Microgel radical MP but 16x19), more power, more spin, less control. Serves very good.
In general very recommendable frame for a wide group of players I dare to think. I struggled sometimes, especially in the beginning, with nearly too much power, have to use more spin, to avoid balls flying long. But I was playing with lower powered frames in the last years, so a question to get used to it and to use this “extra benefit”. Have to change to a lower powered string and / or string a little higher. Tried also some different strings (and gauges) and could not yet see that it is string sensitive but time will show.
The TC97 closed patterns is also as superb, classic feeling players frame. I can easily say it is something between the 57a and the h22. To be frank (always a question of taste etc) no real need to hunt these prostocks (no excuses, I have them) if the tc97 18x20 exists as retail! very good control, a little more power than the 57a but maybe below the h22. Feeling wise, very plush, flexes a little different as compared to the 57a, but not exactly as the h22. Excellent frame, playing a little during my coaching sessions and points with the coach I noticed that even though I like it really a lot, I would have to play with the more forgiving, more powerful tc100 against a much better player. My fitness and my level do not allow (currently) to use it regularly as go-to frame.
No problem as the TC100 gives what I was looking for after trying some tweeners that I never really liked (The textreme Warrior 100 was quite ok) but the stiffer feeling of PA, PD, Burn,… and the thick beam never made me feel comfortable and enjoying it. The TC100 is a more thin-beamed frame, nice touch, comfortable racquet, a mix of players frame and full tweeners. Excellent for me. Just to mention that even though low weighted (and customized balance point by Angell) it shows a very “decent” SW. Most 290gr frames tend to be at 285 SW points or 290, mine are 297/298. I will try to stick to it for some time and ordered more. Dealing with Paul is always a pleasure.
What I see, it is just a “beauty contest stuff” that I struggled with in the beginning design-wise, is the length of the transition from handle to throat. Very long somehow. But not important actually for me. By the way, and after testing and trying easily 80 frames in the last 5 years (for fun also not for go-to) I have to say that in addition to the excellent comfort and the solid feeling and so forth, the paint quality in itself is extraordinary. No easy paint chips etc.
Can only recommend Angell, at least these two frames I tried and the nice contact points with Paul.
Best
had some time, around total 15-20 hours with the TC100 V3 RA63, all on hard courts. For info, I played some matches end July and played around 8 hours with a coach during my vacation intensively (also some points,). Guess now I have a good impression. Also as info, could not resist back then and ordered also a TC97 18x20 to compare it to the 57a and h22.
My TC100 V3 weighs only 290gr and has a BP of 32,5 cm. The TC97 300gr and 32,5 cm (as my 57a and approx. h22) and with 304 unstrung SW (57a and h22 are around 308).
TC100: I can say I am very happy. It is in general an extremely versatile, very comfortable (key for me and my elbow
), superb all around frame. My first impressions have been confirmed on stability. Surprisingly stable for such a low weight! Very good feeling, comfortable for now. As compared to my current frame (Microgel radical MP but 16x19), more power, more spin, less control. Serves very good.In general very recommendable frame for a wide group of players I dare to think. I struggled sometimes, especially in the beginning, with nearly too much power, have to use more spin, to avoid balls flying long. But I was playing with lower powered frames in the last years, so a question to get used to it and to use this “extra benefit”. Have to change to a lower powered string and / or string a little higher. Tried also some different strings (and gauges) and could not yet see that it is string sensitive but time will show.
The TC97 closed patterns is also as superb, classic feeling players frame. I can easily say it is something between the 57a and the h22. To be frank (always a question of taste etc) no real need to hunt these prostocks (no excuses, I have them) if the tc97 18x20 exists as retail! very good control, a little more power than the 57a but maybe below the h22. Feeling wise, very plush, flexes a little different as compared to the 57a, but not exactly as the h22. Excellent frame, playing a little during my coaching sessions and points with the coach I noticed that even though I like it really a lot, I would have to play with the more forgiving, more powerful tc100 against a much better player. My fitness and my level do not allow (currently) to use it regularly as go-to frame.
No problem as the TC100 gives what I was looking for after trying some tweeners that I never really liked (The textreme Warrior 100 was quite ok) but the stiffer feeling of PA, PD, Burn,… and the thick beam never made me feel comfortable and enjoying it. The TC100 is a more thin-beamed frame, nice touch, comfortable racquet, a mix of players frame and full tweeners. Excellent for me. Just to mention that even though low weighted (and customized balance point by Angell) it shows a very “decent” SW. Most 290gr frames tend to be at 285 SW points or 290, mine are 297/298. I will try to stick to it for some time and ordered more. Dealing with Paul is always a pleasure.
What I see, it is just a “beauty contest stuff” that I struggled with in the beginning design-wise, is the length of the transition from handle to throat. Very long somehow. But not important actually for me. By the way, and after testing and trying easily 80 frames in the last 5 years (for fun also not for go-to) I have to say that in addition to the excellent comfort and the solid feeling and so forth, the paint quality in itself is extraordinary. No easy paint chips etc.
Can only recommend Angell, at least these two frames I tried and the nice contact points with Paul.
Best
dnlcarvalho
Rookie
Hi, aehjmeyer.
Are you also interested in TC97? It might play in between the TC95 and the ASL2.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Not sure how the ASL2 flexes, @topspn could chime in on this (he already may have mentioned it but sooo many threads, so much chatter...), but the TC97 and TC95 flex in different ways and areas of the racquet. TC97 flexes more in the head and is stiffer in the throat, while the TC95 flexes uniformly from the throat onwards (as has been mentioned here before). Therefore, they will feel very different when hitting the ball. So it depends which racquet the ASL2 flexes more like, as to which it is closer to or more comparable with.
topspn
Legend
Yes exactly, TC97 flexes differently than the rest and was designed that way. ASL2 does flex uniformly or you would have heard me complaining already
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Yes exactly, TC97 flexes differently than the rest and was designed that way. ASL2 does flex uniformly or you would have heard me complaining already
Thanks for confirming @topspnPaulo Braz
Semi-Pro
And how do you see the flexing of the K7 red? Similar to tc97 or tc95?Yes exactly, TC97 flexes differently than the rest and was designed that way. ASL2 does flex uniformly or you would have heard me complaining already
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topspn
Legend
K7 is just plain flexy more so then the rest but uniformly
I don't have an extensive history of racket testing to draw upon. I played a lot in high school and took many years (10+) off for med school, returning to the game last year. Everyone always asks, so I'll say that I'm a 4.5. Developed TE with 2nd gen pure strike as stated above, then moved to Angells with the help of this board. Both my TC95 and TC100 are V3/RA 63/16x19.
That in mind, I can only say that the V3 TC95 and TC100 are a dream to hit with from a comfort standpoint. Many words have been devoted to these rackets to date and I find nearly all to be true. Both serve huge, volley well, and are very responsive with good spin. Loved feel of TC100; I just couldn't control it, especially from my forehand side (which is my strongest). This could be due to many factors, including technique, only playing once a week, etc. End of the day though, I didn't have that problem with my pure strike, so I switched to TC95. TC95 is reduced in power just enough to allow me to take healthy cuts without missing long constantly. I find TC95 to be more maneuverable as well. Overall, I think anyone who has ever experienced TE should try a TC95 at some point in their career.
I was close to trying TC97 too, but liked the feel of the TC95 and TC100 so much that the well-documented difference in flex scared me off a bit. At some point, I can see trying a TC97 but probably not before an ASL2.
BBender716
Semi-Pro
I even play with a 70 RA TC95 and it's still ridiculously comfortable. It's up there in my top 3 racquets of all time, along with 6.1 95 and the new Blade.
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HeadClassic
Rookie
Hi all. I just ordered 3x TC100's 63RA and 27.5 extended. Can't wait for them to be delivered and serve some bombs! I've never played with Angell frames before, but after reading so many good things about them I'm sure I won't be disappointed. I need comfortable frames and apparently Angell is top of the line for comfort.
SteveXtreme1978
Rookie
That is exactly the spec I am looking at. May I ask what weight and HL option you are going for. Also please keep me updated on how they play. What racket do you currently play with? What is your style of play? Aggressive, Baseliner, Server and Volleyer, All court player or other. Do you hit shots with lots of spin or mainly flat? Thanks
tpro2000
Rookie
I'm close to pulling the trigger too. I have a V2 TC100 and I can't put it down. I've been absolutely loving it!
HeadClassic
Rookie
I went with the 11 oz. 9 pts head light version. So I will end up with about 11.8 strung (with overgrip and dampener) and about 6-7 pts head light. I would consider myself a baseliner who likes to serve big and I hit fairly flat. My main sticks have been Pro Tour 630's. Using them helped cure my tennis elbow, but lately I've been getting some pain in my bicep which I believe is from their heavier weight of about 12.6 to 12.8 oz. So going down on the weight may benefit me.
SteveXtreme1978
Rookie
cool thanks, let me know how you get on with them.
jmacdaununder2
Legend
Smaller head sizes often also have higher - i.e. further away from the hand - throats, which put the sweet spot further away from the hand and increase leverage, particularly on serve. While the consensus on these boards appears to be that the TC100 per se serves bombs, extending a smaller headed racquet might be even more efficacious with regard to service power.
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Nick777
Semi-Pro
If you dont have problem with higher sw and less Maneuverability try the tc95 16/19 63RA,it will give you better spin, more power especially on serve, better plow but less stability, less forgiving and less faster through the air. I played with dr98 and tried most of the Angells but went back to dr, great frames though, Ai98 and DR98 are still easy to find in Greece and at good price
Looking for some advice, if anyone can help...Planning to buy an Angell, and have narrowed it down to two possibles:
TC100 310g 70 RA 9HL
or
ASL2 310g 62 RA 9HL
Obviously the specs seem pretty similar, given that the 70RA drops when racket gets assembled...so my question is, will there be any meaningful difference between the two in how they play, and if so, what? Or can I just go for the better looking racket?
Thanks.
TC100 310g 70 RA 9HL
or
ASL2 310g 62 RA 9HL
Obviously the specs seem pretty similar, given that the 70RA drops when racket gets assembled...so my question is, will there be any meaningful difference between the two in how they play, and if so, what? Or can I just go for the better looking racket?
Thanks.
there is TC100 63RA too
Yeah, the 63 is also a possibility, which would probably put the specs even closer to the ASL2 - so just a little unclear over the difference between the two lines. The Angell website tags the ASL line as 'made for power' - but it seems the TC100 is also by no means short on power. I'm probably inclined to go for the TC100 as I've always had 100sq. inch rackets in the past...
topspn
Legend
First, keep in mind you’re comparing a 97 to a 100 so there will be some inherent mobility/forgiveness compromise. TC100 is a terrific racquet with excellent power and good feel. The one thing that anyone has to be critical of is they’d like more control. The ASL2 is not what I think of as a control racquet. The smaller head size is a bit more precise but it was engineered for a bit more response and it does give you that. It is a different design beam but you can feel the heritage of the TC line. It is an explosive frame once you start hitting with intent to overpower and does a better job in versatility of shots of flat or loopy heavy spin. The TC100s response is more uniform with a bit higher launch angle. ASL2 feel is more responsive and it can go to a different gear
topspn
Legend
Like I said, ASL2 has a different gear when you elevate to aggressive hitting. It is also more forgiving and stable then a similar spec TC95. It is still to light for me stock and I had to add weight in the head and leather grip but that is my personal preference
Worth remembering the the tc line are all players / control frames. It’s not like they are wide beam high powered tweeners. Power is there if you have the correct technique and can generate racquet head speed. It’s not like you will pick up a tc100 and think it’s some kind of rocket launcher. It has some nice controllable power. Having used the ai and dr I settled with the tc97 and have used them 99.9% of my matches. Can’t comment on the asL’s for me they complicate the Angell range somewhat and you wonder if there’s something your missing out on! but I suspect you need new models to keep enough interest with the brand.
good call, and it will be a slippery slope from there on..... lol
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Paulo Braz
Semi-Pro
Someone who has played with Donnay pro one penta or hexa 97 16x19 can compare with the tc97 for comfort, feel, stability, vibration. What are the main differences between them?
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I asked the boss himself this very question recently, specifically with regard to whether ASL2 would be more forgiving. His response from today is below:
"All things being equal on both frames the ASL 2 will give a stiffer reaction on impact which result in an increase in free power compared to the V3 TC95.
Personally I wouldn’t say this is more forgiving and essentially the TC range is still our best performance range."
Speaking only for myself, I will definitely be trying an ASL2 next and then deciding on whether to order a 2nd TC95 16x19 V3 or 2nd ASL2 thereafter.
haqq777
Legend
Good racquets if you can get on spec since their quality control is terrible. Slightly more powerful, equally stable, similar comfort, but less control for me. I felt they were less maneuverable as well. I had two Dual Cores and two Pentas at one time. Dual Cores are more muted, Pentas as well but not as muted as Dual Cores. Each was off-spec considerably and needed customization to bring it to spec. If you are okay with that going forward, you will have no issues.
I personally will never recommend this company in a million years though. Some of the worst customer service I have ever seen, at least here in US. Spent over $600 dollars and they still owe me a free tennis bag and string reel. Company has changed ownership a few times and they have nothing to do with Donnay of the past. Very shady pricing practices and they will try to get anything they can out your wallet.
I would recommend if you want to get one, buy used and try it first. But to be honest, no comparison with Angells. Angells are superior in every aspect.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Good to know... sounds like very sound advice.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Thank you! Anyone hit with the ASL3 and could possibly compare it to a PD or PA?Scroll up a bit and you'll find some answers...
TC97 16x19 310g reminds me of my Head Youtek Prestige Mid Plus 18x20
320g
Similar feel, spin, plow and launch angle. TC has more power, prestige a little more control.
Can’t comment on ASL 3 but it’s gonna need weight. TC100 v3 I’ve used, nice frame easy to use there isn’t a frame that sticks out that’s similar - thinnish beam 100sq inch 16x19 63RA.
K7 red needs a lot of weight if you play a good level, low sw, comfort and touch is sublime, reminds me of no other frame I’ve used.
t-swede
Semi-Pro
do you still play with this racket and setup?
