The Official Angell Users Club
- Thread starter The_Racketeer
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mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
Well, like anything, it takes practice to be able to switch sticks well.
the more you do it, the better you get at it.
haqq777
Legend
This! HahaWell, like anything, it takes practice to be able to switch sticks well.
the more you do it, the better you get at it.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
haqq777
Legend
Oh absolutely! 100 percent!
itsstephenyo
Semi-Pro
So THAT'S what I've been missing from my game!
lol - thanks for that. that'd be a no then...
lol - it can be weird and messy sometimes. generally i'd have different racquets of similar in size/weight and balance, unless i am trying a totally different racquet just for fun....
it can be "messy" sometimes, as it affects your game.. lol
Pneumated1
Hall of Fame
No doubt the Blade has a bigger sweet spot and is more stable, but my kid is skinny as a rail and hits a 1hbh, so the lighter weight and swing weight have worked for him. I even let him hit a 2015 Blade side by side with the Radical, and he chose the Radical over the Blade. Actually, I snagged his pair from a 5.0 friend who was hitting them stock (but admittedly not too seriously at the time). I could make the MG Radical MP work with an additional 15-20g and accept the discrepancies compared to the Blade, no doubt.
I guess my original point in my previous post was that I was surprised that between the available frames on the court, I was connecting better with my son's lightly modified Radical over my 320g Angell. Might have been a wake-up call. That said, if I were to demo frames in that class, I'd likely choose a Blade or TF40 305, haha. It's a shame they don't make the 2014 Pure Control anymore. Didn't you hit that one as well?
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
MG Rad MP is a very good racket. I had a few in my collection in the past. It’s similar to the Ultra Tour in the sense that it’s anemic in stock form but can be transformed into a very capable stick with some lead strategically placed. But unlike the Ultra Tour and Blade, the top of the hoop is softer so needed more lead at 12 to get to the same power level which affected the maneuverability.
Regarding the Pure Control, I used the modded Pure Storm GT for a long time. Great stick. Still have like 6 of them.
Pneumated1
Hall of Fame
What knocked the TF40 305 out of the running against your Angell TC100 and Blade? Forgiveness and lack of pop (by comparsion only)? And considering swing weight is pretty much a wash between the TC95 and new Blades, how would you compare stability, feel, and response between those two lines? I guess I'm trying to determine if I just want a lighter TC95 18x20 or want to take the demo plunge into the currently irresistible 305 gram pool of options--try to optimize my game with the least amount of racquet possible.
topspn
Legend
TF40 is a wonderful stick and does have power so it really comes down to forgiveness especially defensively. TC100 does give easier power but more importantly it’s more forgiving and I need that playing people 1/2 my age sometimes. A lot of them playing tweeners gives them an advantage there. Blade 16x19 is more forgiving then TC95 and feels plush, precise and has decent power and a good serving stick. Both TC95 and Blade need weight (1.5g each side) to play with stability i prefer. So the blade for me played pretty nice with leather grip, weight 2&10 and a bit more weight 7” top of the grip. I have not tried the 18x20 blade which i am told is stable with its higher SW. My TC100 are 310g/7HL unstrung spec. Once strung, I only added weight @2&10 and it is more forgiving than the blade as well. It is the more powerful frame of the three. I did go up in tension on the TC100s to 55lbs and it has moderated the launch angle and gave me the right balance of power/control.
I don't think the V3 version of the TC95 has a particular stability issue (i.e. compared to the V2). In general many feel that the TC95 does require some lead at 3/9, though, regardless of iteration.
And I personally love the ASL2. It's my current stick and I've played basically every Angell out there. I do the closest comparison is the TC95. I find it to be a slightly more tempered version. Launch angle is a little more controlled. I find it a bit more stable (though for me it still needed lead). And for me it still has that "playfulness" that I love about the TC95 and didn't find in the TC97 or the K7 lime. By that I mean, it's ability to bone-crush one shot and then caress a soft angle on the next one. The ASL2 is quite light though, and I play mine with some generous lead. All dressed up, mine come in at 12.1oz/3.3HL/342SW.
Pneumated1
Hall of Fame
Finding the balance in all of this is a challenge; I understand your point. Whether I'm playing people half my age or fellow middle-agers (even some seasoned seniors), I'm noticing I always have the most demanding racquet on the court. But 'fighting fire with fire' is a catch-22 for me. I stand a chance with my own frames but am lost with most tweeners. I get the impression you probably hit with more loop and spin than I do. Any Angell 16x19 is pretty much out for me, so I either keep hitting the TC95 18x20 or find a 305/310 gram frame that offers a very similar response and feel but with a little more forgiveness and power. And that's a short list.
Sounds like the TC100 is a great frame if you can tame it.
Pneumated1
Hall of Fame
The Ultra Tour gets my attention, and it can still be found. Are we talking 4-5 grams at 3/9 and total transformation?
I know the ASL2 is listed as a “power” racquet. Do you find control to be compromised because of it? I’ve narrowed it down to the TC95, ASL2, and K7 red. Have you played with the K7 red and can you compare the ASL2 to it? So it looks like you prefer the ASL2 over the TC95 and 97?
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
IME the Ultra Tour with a little bit of lead turns it into a more forgiving version of the IGYT Prestige MP. Lead is distributed at various places throughout the hoop depending on Wilson QC.
1.5-2g at 12
1-1.5g from 9-11ish
1-1.5g from 1ish-3
Leather grip + putty inside the trapdoor or lead inside the trapdoor. mine are ~11.7oz with 32cm balance pt. Sweet spot is more generous than the stock IGYT Prestige MP with slightly better feel. Retains Prestige control level, a little more power with slightly better maneuverability.
Pneumated1
Hall of Fame
I owned that Prestige briefly but found it a little anemic, but the comparison helps narrow things down. With that much modding, I'm really back at my Angell specs with probably less power.
If I do make a switch, I'm looking for a modern player's frame that borders on powerful but maintains linear precision ... something I would only counter mod with leather or putty.
The Blades and TF 305s seem the most likely candidates.
topspn
Legend
So yes, I do hit with top spin and when i go flat it is more when opportune ball and I wanna throw in a change in pace at my opponent. So I think if you wanna TC95 18x20 but in a 100 head size that may be a bit difficult. However TF40 is a really good candidate and new blade 18x20 although they’re 98s. Blade a bit more forgiving head size by the way. Or maybe look into speed pro or Volkl V8 pro.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
I had the TF40 305. Good stick but btwn the 2, i recommend the Blade 18/20. not as precise as the UT, but definitely more forgiving with a little bit more power.
Pneumated1
Hall of Fame
Definitely prefer a 98" head size. The Blades and TFs are worth a shot. And if they don't work out, I may just go lighter with my TC95s. Thanks!
Pneumated1
Hall of Fame
I agree with you. I may try a demo of all of them (even the UT). Thanks for the info. and advice. It helps a lot.
topspn
Legend
By the way, just so you know, the blade 16x19 is also very suitable for a flatter game at tension around 52. This is exactly one of my friends game and he was looking a long time until he got the blade and plays it with revolution @52lbs and works great for his game
vantage boy
Rookie
i would love to see a TC97 with a 62 unstrung flex instead of 66. the TC97 played to crisp to me.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
if you prefer the firmer, crisper feel that the TF40 offers, the 2015 Blade 18/20 would be up your alley. It performs pretty similar to the v7 18/20 Blade with more direct feedback similar to the TF40. Just need to be careful when it comes to Wilson QC cuz SW could vary significantly which could affect the way it plays quite a bit.
I think Wilson's QC has improved with the v7 blade, but yes, the 2015 Blade has one of the worst QC in the history of racquet production.
Pneumated1
Hall of Fame
I also have a friend who hits so flat that you can read the label on the ball when it's coming across the net. He was a long-time Pro Staff 95 user and now hits the 2015 Blade 16x19. Definitely a tight 16x19 in the Blades. If I demo, I'll likely hit both string patterns, but yes, you're dead on.
Pneumated1
Hall of Fame
Pneumated1
Hall of Fame
I actually prefer a more muted frame, but it's interesting you'd mention the 2015 Blade 18x20. I demoed both Blades when the 2015s came out, and the 18x20 demo blew me away ... enough to buy a pair. My demo was only 2 pts. hl and had a high swing weight (didn't measure it but could tell it was over specs). For some inexplicable reason, I requested a heavier static weight, more head light balance, and less swing weight when I ordered my frames. They were very different, and I couldn't replicate the magic of the demo frame through mods. I got frustrated and gave up on them, regrettably. One of the better demos I've hit.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
You get a 2015 blade 18/20 with a SW that has some room to customize and it’s a pretty special stick.
Just had a hit with the ASL2 tonight. Holly **** this racquet deserves so much hype. It’s so comfortable without the gimmick flex tech. I even strung it with rpm blast at 58 lbs. The racquet swings fast and is not sluggish like the Blade 98. I’ve been hitting with the Blade 18x20 and TF40 and going to the ASL2’s Open pattern didn’t compromise control. But I got more access to spin and better on defensive shots. In fact, I find the control better than the Blade because the stringbed is more predictable. Volleys were fantastic and it slices thru the air quick making those short angle volleys deadly. I did put some lead at 3&9 as I find it was still a bit too light and the sweetspot a bit small. This racquet can hit a heavy ball whether it’s flat or spin you can do it all. Serves were fantastic as well as I was able place it anywhere on the court. I’ve mentioned it already, but the feel is special. It’s just so comfortable and I have golfers elbow. There’s really nothing like it out there. This racquet doesn’t really have a glaring weakness. It’s incredible how Paul is able to make a powerful racquet without compromising control. As much as I enjoy the TF40, it’s still too firm for my sensitive elbow. It also doesn’t hit as heavy of a ball as the ASL2. I know I’m in the honeymoon stage, but I might just switch to this permanently because it’s so good for my arm. I’ve official joined the Angell hype train.
i remembered this one when it came out and was quite interested in it... but i was still in love with Angell at the time, so didnt pay too much attention. lol
Just checked the spec again and indeed it is a decent platform racquet.... tempting.... maybe it'd worth while to make it my Blade 98 spec-like wise.... the new Ultra range is supposed to arrive around March time, so maybe this will be a good pick up during the "clearance sale"...
J
joohan
Guest
Anyone to compare ASL2 with Yonex Tour G330? Or with 18x20 63RA TC95?
Thx.
Thx.
the 16x19 blade (v7) easily the pick of the new blades, may well carry one of these. the 2015 blades I spent a lot of time with & the 16x19 was easily the worst of the bunch! The 18x20’s I found strange didn’t like the balance & seemed a game to get them balanced right & needed stringing at very low tension for me. I actually enjoyed the 98S the most, was a fun underrated frame.
wow there’s 3different string patterns between them & I guess comparisons would be a bit like chalk & cheese even after leading up the ASL2.
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J
joohan
Guest
Yeah, I know. I guess the question is more about plow, authority, maneuverability, X factor perhaps...room for customization, how much lead does ASL2 need to be a shotmakers weapon and how does it play after that (do you lose a lot of RHS etc.). Long shot (particularly with Tour G330 comparison...).
With TC95 you get upper hand almost by default in most rallies since it hits such a big rally ball plus there still is that red zone when you go all out (same goes for serves) plus decent touch and feel. Tour G330 has all of that but it drains you (well...me) much quicker, I like its feel and touch a lot better than TC95 63RA. So I was wondering where the newest Angell engineering is going...
Case in point - I'm slower on return and reaction shots with Tour G330 compared to my leaded up Dunlop Bio300T. It's the either SW since static weights are pretty much the same, or - more probably - polarization. Dunlop is extremely polarized, Tour G has a lot of mass around the balance point. The difference is quite minimal but makes enough difference between a good return and hitting the top of the tape. Two matches in two days against the same guy who played pretty much the same: 6-1, 6-2 with the Dunlop (significantly more points won on return, much more assured on serve), 7-6, 6-4 with Tour G (serving bigger - bit more free points perhaps but also more double faults, aggressive returns not working that much).
...
So maybe the right question would be if I could re-create my Dunlop setup with ASL2...
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I just have one 3 inch strip of lead on each side at 9&3 and two overgrips and the racquet came in at around 12 oz. I haven't even messed with leather grip yet. It's super stable but still swings really fast. Headshape is more oval like volkl so it comes around quicker for me vs rounder headshape.
vantage boy
Rookie
TY P1-Hope your holidays were great.Same for me, vb. I just found it a little firm. Hope you're doing well
Dansan
Semi-Pro
I have been playing with an RF97A for about a year. Fairway leather grip, ng hybrid strings, OG, dampener. It's up there in weight.
I have my moments of absolute brilliance with this setup and have really improved my footwork over the last year using it. But it's still a handful and I find myself over hitting and losing control of my launch angle frequently. Volleys are amazing, and it hits a heavy, deep penetrating ball that when I actually play consistent with - it puts my opponents in tough defensive positions. By the 3rd set, sometimes I start really losing control.
Also played with a leather gripped, leaded 3/9 K7 lime that was great - but I still didn't get the penetrating shots I could generate with the RF. Was a little too flexy for my taste, but overall i had moments of brilliance with it as well with more laser precision.
I'm looking for something that hits a heavy ball but has a bit more feel/ease of use and control than the RF97A I've been using. The K7 lime was a little underpowered for me, and the RF is just too much sometimes. RF I can't feel what's going on when I need delicate shots - it's like playing with a brick. I've tried the V7 blade and it just felt rubbery and gimmicky no offense to anyone. Also did not like the yonex HD, had a weird non forgiving stiffness about it.
Closely looking at the V3 TC97 or TC95. Probably the 63 RA 16x19 versions....although the TC97 18x20 is also in the mix. Can anyone else comment on my situation where I may want to start with my next angell frame? I'm just finding that I can't control the ball consistently with the RF anymore.
The RF97A is one of the most overrated racquets of all time and I'm saying this as someone who previously used as my main stick for a good year. The intial power and stability is addictive. It really serves and vollley well, but that's where it sorta ends. Control isn't great and it's one of the stiffest racquets I've ever played with. After awhile, I was only able to play with it once a week at most because my arm and shoulder couldn't handle it anymore. As I've gotten older and riddled with nagging injuries, comfort became my priority if I want longevity. The RF97A is just an awful feeling racquet. There are so many options out there nowadays that do focus on comfort and flex but doesn't compromise on power. There's no need to be swinging a racquet this heavy and uncomfortable at a recreational level.
Glad you enjoyed it! Sorry meant to reply to your question earlier but it looks like you’ve gotten to answer it for yourself. I actually think Paul’s “power racquet” description might not have done him any favors, as I think the majority of players who are even considering his sticks are relatively advanced and equate “power racquet” with “noob stick” (even though the TC 95 hits like a truck lol). I have tried the K7 Red which I did enjoy but I didn’t get the same oomph as I did with the ASL2 and I found the ASL2 slightly more nimble.
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if I was you I’d buy the 2015 pro staff 315g unstrung. It was a better frame than the RF version, better feel & without the heft but still pretty powerful (more similar than the K7 lime or any of the Angell line imo)
the_faceless_player
Professional
I agree that the description of the ASL2 as a "power" frame is a bit misleading. It does have a surprising amount of pop for a stick of that RA & beam width but it's not like it is difficult to tame like a PD or PA type frame. I was using a V7 Blade and just couldn't get on with the balance. Tried to mod it but couldn't get to where I wanted it without turning it into a tank. Mine were also on the high side of SW which also was challenging. I spoke to Paul several times about what my goals were. Ended up with 2 ASL2's. I find I can rip the ball, finesse shots and play with excellent touch. Are they as supremely stable as the Blade? No. Are they as powerful as a PD? No. But they fit my game extremely well and are very comfortable with the feel and touch I had been looking for. I've had no problem keeping up with my 5.0 hitting partners in singles and doubles with them.
J
joohan
Guest
This sounds(...reads) very encouraging to me.
the_faceless_player
Professional
FYI, only mod I made was I replaced the stock syn grip with the Angell Hybrid grip. It added just a few grams to the handle and gave me better bevel feel. I'm sure I could add some weight to the hoop to improve stability but I honestly just don't want to go down that rabbit hole yet. I played with the first gen Tec 315 LTD for several years. IMO the ASL2 is a better version of that frame: excellent feel and touch but with better power to keep from getting pushed around the court and doesn't require the amount of modding it took to make the 315 a weapon at my level. ASL2 has a much bigger backbone while still being very control/feel oriented
I can also vouch for the ASL2. Really an underappreciated frame, perhaps due to the "power racket" description on the website. I have made the ASL2 my main frame, transitioning from V3 TC95 16x19, largely because of its great versatility.
I agree that very few modifications are necessary. I demoed the VCore Pro HD and loved the feel/balance, so I recreated the specs with my ASL2. Unstrung ASL2 specs were 310g/315mm/288 SW. After modifications, I have it at 340g/319mm/~325 SW. Feels/swings great.
I agree that very few modifications are necessary. I demoed the VCore Pro HD and loved the feel/balance, so I recreated the specs with my ASL2. Unstrung ASL2 specs were 310g/315mm/288 SW. After modifications, I have it at 340g/319mm/~325 SW. Feels/swings great.
J
joohan
Guest
Wow. If I recall, 315 LTD Tec should be the same mold (or very close one) as Dunlop Biomimetic 300 Tour. Music to my ears...
J
joohan
Guest
That’s right in my sweetspot. Perfect.