Tennisist
Professional
To me, the new design is much improved. It is far more serious, concise and classy.
Definitely better than the former cosmetics, and much better than the current Wilsons and Heads, let alone all the others.
The Official Angell Users Club
- Thread starter The_Racketeer
- Start date
Definitely better than the former cosmetics, and much better than the current Wilsons and Heads, let alone all the others.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
I agree. Having played with both string patterns of the TC95 and TC97, I think the order from highest to lowest launch angle is:
TC95 63RA 16x19 > TC97 16x19 > TC95 63RA 18x20 > TC97 18x20
The critical element for me when hitting with the TC97 16x19 is string choice. I've found that using a thicker gauge helps tame the launch angle, and in addition having a Hybrid set-up with a Multi/ Syn Gut/ Gut at a higher tension than the Mains, instead of a Poly set-up with Mains higher than the Crosses, aides in further reducing the launch angle while simultaneously increasing the comfort of the stringbed.
Whats a good hybrid setup for tc95 18x20 thats not lively at all but rather deader in your opinion?
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Please remember that all these recommendations are personal and that my definition of deader may differ from yours.
Generally speaking, most black and darker colours are deader than their lighter coloured counterparts (in my experience).
Having said all this, here are a few options: I usually string my 18x20s in the mid-40s (46M/43C for Poly) and maybe keep the tension the same if it's a Syn Gut or Multi (or even go up 2 lbs) - so 46M/46C or 46M/48C
Yonex Poly Tour Strike 1.20 (Black) in the Mains, and Ashaway MonoGut ZX Pro 17 in the Crosses. 46M/46C
MSV Co-Focus 1.18mm (Black) in the Mains, and Ashaway MonoGut ZX Pro 17 in the Crosses - 46M/46C
Tourna Black Zone 1.18mm (Black) in the Mains, Ashaway MonoGut ZX Pro 17 in the Crosses - 46M/46C
You can replace the Ashaway MonoGut ZX Pro with Prince Synthetic Gut Duraflex 17 (Black), or Babolat Origin 1.25mm (if you can find it), or Weiss Cannon Explosiv (only comes in 1.30mm so might be too thick - individual), or Gosen OG-Sheep Micro 17 (black), or Tecnifibre Multifeel 17 (natural colour), or Head Reflex MLT 17, Velocity MLT 17, Head FXP 17, or Head RIP Control 17.
You can also reverse some of these combinations putting the Syn Gut/ Multi/ Gut in the Mains and the Poly in the Crosses... in that case, you could add Gosen AK Control 17 to the list as it can produce a fair amount of spin, and up the tensions to 48 in the Mains (for all strings in this category).
Then there is a myriad of Poly/Poly hybrids... which I'm not sure you asked about... and I won't cover as there are so many.
With Angell, people have recommended not using shaped polys as they seem to cut the grommets (not sure if that's still the case or that was some yrs back). Since I don't have too many grommets, and the shipping costs to Australia are high, I tend to stick to that rule.
Hope that helps.
My first TC95 is on the way! It's currently somewhere between Tokyo and Sydney and my refresh button is getting worn out. I went with the 16x19 63RA 320/310(10HL) version (L4 B grip for those that care).
I'm currently using a Blade 98 16x19 (Countervail) weighted with some lead tape and leather grip up to about 347g and around 6pts HL, strung with Head Hawk Touch at 48lbs. Until recently, I really liked the (heavily) muted feeling. But after demoing a few other rackets for a while going back to the Blade I had that veil lifted and realised it was too dead and I don't like it as much anymore.
I ordered a whole bunch of string sets to try out, I'm in Australia so everyone's favorite RS Lyon and Tier One are not as easy to come by but the list to test out so far is:
I'm currently using a Blade 98 16x19 (Countervail) weighted with some lead tape and leather grip up to about 347g and around 6pts HL, strung with Head Hawk Touch at 48lbs. Until recently, I really liked the (heavily) muted feeling. But after demoing a few other rackets for a while going back to the Blade I had that veil lifted and realised it was too dead and I don't like it as much anymore.
I ordered a whole bunch of string sets to try out, I'm in Australia so everyone's favorite RS Lyon and Tier One are not as easy to come by but the list to test out so far is:
- Hyper G soft 1.25
- Yonex Poly Pro Tour 1.20 (Can't remember why I got the thinner gauge...)
- Luxilon Adrenaline 1.25
- Diadem Solstice Power 1.25
- Tier One Black Knight 1.28
- Kirschbaum Pro Line Evolution 1.25
- I have some other stuff lying around (lxn Element, head Sonic Pro) but not overly excited about trying them
BPlain
Semi-Pro
Nice. I just put the first two on your list - Hyper G soft 1.25 and Yonex Poly Pro Tour 1.20 – in my K7 Reds and will be testing them out this weekend. I've also gone back and forth with hybrid setups with limited success and much more frequent string breaking.
I live in the US. When you buy a racket you pay 25 pounds so ~$50, but it is for 2-day Fedex shipping with whatever customs get rolled into that.
When you buy small stuff, grommets and grips etc, shipping is about 9 pounds and not 2-day.
Pricing to Mexico is probably pretty similar. So, if you get a racket, I highly recommend you buy 2 or 3 sets of replacement grommets so you don't need to pay for shipping more than you have to.
tpro2000
Rookie
Hi Guys - been a while since I posted. Trying to find the biggest difference between the TC100 V2 and V3. I'm thinking of getting 2 new TC100.
Currently have the V2, 310g/315mm balance with a C grip. I modified the handle to build it up slightly.
Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!
Currently have the V2, 310g/315mm balance with a C grip. I modified the handle to build it up slightly.
Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!
topspn
Legend
Just the PJ and tolerance on SW is better
tpro2000
Rookie
Thanks. So really not that much lol. Thanks for the quick response!
tennis347
Hall of Fame
What happened with the Cyan XL? You didn't like it? I was going to consider possibly one of Angell XL but was concerned about maneuverability and the SW being too high. I really like the the K7 Red but it didn't have enough put away power for me.
topspn
Legend
I didn't mind the SW which measured 333.5 strung on mine. However I'm not an extended length guy based on the couple of tries i've made. Just doesn't work for my 1hbh, inside out shots are awkward and takes a bit out of my volleying from anywhere. I really liked the feel and connection the frame provided though.
tennis347
Hall of Fame
I also have a one handed backhand and thought that the 330 plus SW would be too much for me these days. Probably in the high 320's is my sweetspot so the XL will probably be out of my wheelhouse. Angell makes some really good frames. I like an RA in the low 60's strung so even the standard Cyan might be too crisp for my taste. Thanks for your feedback!
BPlain
Semi-Pro
Wanted to report back on my string play test in case it's helpful to anyone else. I played for about 2 hours this morning and got to try these two strings out both strung at 50lbs in my K7 Reds. Here the string specs via TW string comparison tool:
Hyper G Soft 1.25:
Stiffness: 172 lb/in
Tension loss (%): 29
Energy Return (%): 88
Spin Potential: 5.2
Yonex Poly Pro Tour 1.20:
Stiffness: 189 lb/in
Tension loss (%): 33
Energy Return (%): 87
Spin Potential: 5.2
Given their specs, you won't be surprised to hear I found these strings to play very similar. I'm now leaning towards the Hyper G Soft 1.25 as the slightly thicker gauge seemed to help a bit more in reducing the K7 Red launch angle and that's the primary issue I've been running into with my topspin forehand. My tennis elbow is always a factor in my racket/string choice so I liked having easy access to power and spin yet feeling like I had enough control in a softer but still muted string. Having played with a lot of shaped polys in the past with much higher spin potential ratings, there didn't seem to be too much of a drop off in spin generated which was nice to see.
I also got my new K7 Lime early and had it strung with Angell Halo Lime Hex 1.15 at 50lbs. I liked the additional weight, stability, and head lightness of the K7 Lime. I think there's enough power in the frame and makes a great option if your game is based on consistency. While I liked it, I found it wasn't best suited for my heavy spin game. I definitely kept more balls in the court, but they seemed to lack the heaviness of shot – both in power and spin – that I can more easily generate with K7 Red. I was also missing the extra power and kick/slice on the serve that are more easily accessible in the K7 Red.
Ultimately, I'm going to stick with the K7 Red for now and play around with adding a little weight in the handle to make it a little more head light. We'll see how that goes and if I find the stability and plow through lacking, I might add some additional weight at either 3 and 9 or 2 and 10.
My K7 Lime (stock) came in at about 339/340 grams (11.9 or 12 ounces) strung with an overgrip and damper.
My K7 Red (stock) came in at about 328/329 games (11.55 or 11.6 ounces) strung with an overgrip and damper.
I briefly had a custom TC95 16 x 19 27.5 inch racket but it broke shortly after I got it (entirely my fault) been using a Burn 95 CV (SW = ~355) ever since. Looking to get myself either a new K7 lime XL or a 28 inch TC97 18x20 for something to better help my forehand and serve. Does anyone have experience with the TC97 18 x 20 in 27.7 or 28inch?
Switched from 16x19 tc95 330g copper v3 to tc95 18x20 octane 330g and the octane feels super sluggish in comparison, anyone else had similar experience? Also anyone 4.5-5.0 level and above ever played with heavier racquets and then switched to slightly lighter ones w any success ? Thinking of reducing weight from 330g unstrung to 320g as the sluggishness of octane version is giving me some issues w serves.
Return_Ace
Hall of Fame
Did you ask for them to be matched?
Octane by default has a slightly higher SW (5pts i think?), and then the extra string mass for an 18x20 probably adds a few more points as well.
I have an octane, I was told 3pts higher as more paint used. I didn’t feel and difference at all in the SW from my matched V2’s.
Maybe it’s more string in your 18x20, also different strings can vary in weight quite considerably.
Only other factor is the balance, I presume they are same balance?
BPlain
Semi-Pro
I'm working on this myself right now. It took me a LONG time to adjust from years of playing with the ProStaff line at around 12 oz and 12 points headlight to playing with a Yonex DR98. And once I did get close, my elbow started flaring up again which is how I ultimately I found my way to Angell. I think I'm getting closer with my K7 Red now, just have to get the balance right and find enough stability to overall weight happy medium.
Wish Paul would offer 98sq 315g custom option
QuarterWestern
New User
I did ask Paul to make my TC 95 with a 315g static weight and it arrived at 314g. So you may want to get in touch with him on that as well.
BPlain
Semi-Pro
In my latest attempt to dial in my K7 Red, I added 4 grams to the handle bring the total weight up to 334/335 grams (11.7 to 11.8 ounces) strung with an overgrip and damper. I have it strung with a full bed of Hyper G Soft 1.25 at 50lbs.
I played with this setup this morning and loved it. Forehand is no longer flying on me and it was so much easier to hit my spots from the forehand side with heavy topspin. It felt really comfortable and natural moving the ball around the court from the forehand side.
I also found it easier to knife my slice backhand and find the proper depth. I didn't hit a ton of serves but was finding it easy to hit my spots with sufficient power. Also still had good weight on my kick and slice serves. Volleys were noticeably better as well as I could really point and shoot. If I had one area to nitpick, I had to put a little more into my two handed backhand than I did with the stock set up but that's an easy adjustment to make in exchange for all the positives.
Perhaps mostly importantly, no elbow pain whatsoever and the racket felt plenty stable against my friend who hits with heavy spin. Fingers crossed here but might have found the winning combination after a long trial and error period over the past year.
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jalapeno74
Rookie
I have a K7 Red here and find it awfully hard to string. The grommets for the tie-off and starting ties are nowhere near where the usually are at other frames.
It is so annoying that I don't want to string it again (tried three times and failed two times)
Does anyone have a how-to-stringing pdf for this racket?
It is so annoying that I don't want to string it again (tried three times and failed two times)
Does anyone have a how-to-stringing pdf for this racket?
@jalapeno74,
I can help you with the issues that you're having. It's not that hard to string (and, btw, the tie-off locations aren't particularly unusual either).
I have tips to make this way less stressful for you.
Send me a PM & I'll help you out.
Kind of lucky I even saw this here (my time is usually over in the stringing forum).
Return_Ace
Hall of Fame
Paul doing a 10% off this week on his new K7 bundles; buying the backpack one is effectively the same as buying two rackets and getting a backpack and some strings thrown in for free.
Wish he'd do something like this for the Custom series, although i get that those are more work for him (or maybe not now there's XL and/or LT versions?)
Wish he'd do something like this for the Custom series, although i get that those are more work for him (or maybe not now there's XL and/or LT versions?)
there is also a string bundle deal going on atm..... (on page two of the string page last time i checked)
Backhanded Compliment
Legend
yeah that's the same problem I have with xl frames though I do like the way the pound huge serves. Ultimately its the shots put at my feet not the ones i am reaching for that an xl has the most effect on and for me it isnt worth it. I did the serve bot thing in college back when courts were fast. These days I need a nimble frame for defense. Offense is definitely never an issue, especially with the angell TC95.
Paulo Braz
Semi-Pro
Joining the club.
The TC90 looks exactly the same size as my Blade 93.
what are the specs of the tc90? could post a review of it when testing? if possible, could you compare it to another angell who has already played? Thank you very much.
Will do once allowed to play.
It is standard TC90 specs + 310g unstrung, 325 balance.
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Backhanded Compliment
Legend
yup... its different than the ps85 but has some of that same mojo or special qualities that enhance certain shots if you got em... when you line up the kinetic chain it destroys the ball. My favorite shot in tennis is the running stefan edberg style backhand. TC95 is such fun with that shot and it does the Sampras style hammered dtl running forehand excellently as well. It volleys quite differently from the ps 85 though but the real plus is that it has modern defensive capabilities and is a great returners/serving frame. It took a while to get used to net play but it came along. Its pretty string sensitive and now that I have to find a new main string (RS Lyon hard to find in the usa) Im back on the hunt? Does Paul make anything similar to Rs Lyon? First strings I will try are yonex poly tour pro 1.25 black and Kirschbaum maxpower 1.25 ... those were next on my list to try years ago when I was on my last string search and found RS Lyon.
Gee
Hall of Fame
Very nice described and I experience the same with the TC95 16x19.
Return_Ace
Hall of Fame
And Angell have branched out into Squash
Seems likes a bit of an odd decision considering as an indoor sport it's probably one of the last to come back after lockdown, but I assume this has been in the works for quite a while and with lockdown easing it's about the right time?
EDIT:
Or I've been trolled by an April Fools joke
Seems likes a bit of an odd decision considering as an indoor sport it's probably one of the last to come back after lockdown, but I assume this has been in the works for quite a while and with lockdown easing it's about the right time?
EDIT:
Or I've been trolled by an April Fools joke
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Surely you have. And quite a good one for that matter.EDIT:
Or I've been trolled by an April Fools joke
Return_Ace
Hall of Fame
I don't think it's beyond the realm of impossibility, all Paul has to do is create a new mold since he sources all the relevant material anyway.
And branching out into other racket sports would be a way to diversify his market and increase brand recognition.
Also not like he wouldn't potentially know people that would have requisite knowledge from his Dunlop days, since they have a presence in Squash as well...
Caol-ila
Rookie
The TC90 looks somewhat slimmer.
J
joohan
Guest
It's not about realms of possibility when business and money are involved. Paul is not Elon Musk (...yet. Fingers crossed, though). Not familiar enough with the sport, but I'd reckon squash segment is jam-packed with quality (asian) production and the differences between sticks are not as significant to warrant a "custom" frame.
...
Edit: looking at Angell website, I guess I'm totally wrong
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ZanderGoga
Semi-Pro
Something like that, or perhaps the K7 Lime, if the thing that kept you with the 6.0 all those years was the feel from all that aramid goodness.
topspn
Legend
You like predictable, consistent, round, low powered poly. Give ice code a try!
Blade 93... my brother, I've found someone else who plays with one.Joining the club.
The TC90 looks exactly the same size as my Blade 93.
Curious to see how you feel it compares.
And Angell have branched out into Squash
Seems likes a bit of an odd decision considering as an indoor sport it's probably one of the last to come back after lockdown, but I assume this has been in the works for quite a while and with lockdown easing it's about the right time?
EDIT:
Or I've been trolled by an April Fools joke
Long time ago during the Vantage years, Paul Angell also made squash rackets....
TimePlease
Semi-Pro
I wish Paul would make a TC97 with a 16x20 string pattern. If enough of us beseeched him, I wonder if...
I would give Head Lynx Tour (in the champagne color) a demo. It's not too expensive, and it feels amazing. It is a well controlled 6-sided poly. Only downside is that it won't give you any free power, but everything you hit will feel good.
hmm interesting idea
radicalpro
New User
Just to close out the loop on this, I did get an Angell TC95 and hit with it today. Loved it. I ended up going 320g/315mm, which is the same specs as my previous Pure Strike and with the idea that I could stick a leather grip on it and it would be very similar to my previous Vcore Pro 330. I did notice the SW is a bit higher so maybe I should have just listened to you and gone 320g/310mm
Really not a big deal though, still love it.I strung it with one of my favorite setups, Black Knight mains and Ghost Wire crosses. Very lively, maybe need to mute it a bit so that's something I might play around with.
Anyway, thanks for all the input you gave, and steering me away from the 330g!