The Official Angell Users Club

[Birdwatcher]

Just FYI if anyone is looking for racquet recommendations from Paul, I received this message on facebook which is super helpful and explains why I haven't heard anything back from him in 4 days:

"It can take time to collate info for questions such as yours. As we don’t own or test competitors rackets we need to collect feedback from coaches and players that have used the frames you are looking for comparisons to."

Not that your recommendations on this thread haven't been really useful though!

 

[topspn]

Has anyone actually tried the ASi yet? Quite curious about its performance with those weird specs

I bought one then my stringers dog destroyed the frame chewing it to bits. Didn’t even get to hit it. Yeah it’s a weird story

 

[topspn]

Just FYI if anyone is looking for racquet recommendations from Paul, I received this message on facebook which is super helpful and explains why I haven't heard anything back from him in 4 days:

"It can take time to collate info for questions such as yours. As we don’t own or test competitors rackets we need to collect feedback from coaches and players that have used the frames you are looking for comparisons to."

Not that your recommendations on this thread haven't been really useful though!

I wouldn’t be so hopeful with feedback compared to others racquet brands. They just don’t have the staff to really do all that. This is a tiny operation

 

[Carreau]

The TC97 is more box beam and for me, I don’t care for that feel of throat flex. But that is just me and others may love it. The D beam 95/100 is a no brained for me. The TC95 is a weapon for sure but does require a more semi western grip for spin margins, it is not flat drive frame unless you really have a high sitter. I am personally playing ZUS frames which have these attributes but also a more closed string bed. I really wanna try the new ASI Angell frame

Hi, Topspn, what ZUS model/specs you use/prefer? Considering to try it as well.

 

[topspn]

Hi, Topspn, what ZUS model/specs you use/prefer? Considering to try it as well.

I have the custom 100 in 305/320 spec in both 62 and 70RA. I have a Briffidi swing machine so can adjust as I like. Great frames!

 

[Grigore Petre]

Do you know if it will be another paintjob for V4 ?

 

[Return_Ace]

Do you know if it will be another paintjob for V4 ?

Angell?
It's already a new pj with v4....

 

[Rysty]

Maybe he meant an option, like Octane was for V3.

 

[Happi]

Maybe he meant an option, like Octane was for V3.

Anyway the V4 paint job is excellent. V3 Copper was so so, Octane was great.

 

[Return_Ace]

Maybe he meant an option, like Octane was for V3.

Ah, I hope they do... loved the Octane, not so keen on the Coppers (v3/v4).

Although if there was an Octane that had the gloss of the Coppers... that would be a dream come true.

 

[Happi]

Ah, I hope they do... loved the Octane, not so keen on the Coppers (v3/v4).

Although if there was an Octane that had the gloss of the Coppers... that would be a dream come true.

FYI V4 does not have the copper paint, it is a totally different paintjob.

 

[Happi]

I have the custom 100 in 305/320 spec in both 62 and 70RA. I have a Briffidi swing machine so can adjust as I like. Great frames!

Just made an order for the Briffidi, how is the machine working for you ? do you have any tips for lowering SW on Angel TC frames, I guess the lead placement in the handle wont matter too much. Thanks, H

 

[topspn]

Just made an order for the Briffidi, how is the machine working for you ? do you have any tips for lowering SW on Angel TC frames, I guess the lead placement in the handle wont matter too much. Thanks, H

It is fantastic! I love the Briffidi. Not much you can do to lower SW. Weight in the handle will have minimal effect. You can do something dramatic like clip the grommets and make them shorter

 

[Lphansen]

Just made an order for the Briffidi, how is the machine working for you ? do you have any tips for lowering SW on Angel TC frames, I guess the lead placement in the handle wont matter too much. Thanks, H

Its easy on tc Angel frames.
You just trim the side bumpers from the throat area and up to ca. 10 o’clock where the topbumper starts, using a sharp knife perpendicular to the frame. Depending of the frame it will remove 6-8 g of plastic, that you do not need anyway..
As I recall it lowers SW with 5 indexes.
Can be done both with or without strings installed..

My 2 cent

 

[Carreau]

I have the custom 100 in 305/320 spec in both 62 and 70RA. I have a Briffidi swing machine so can adjust as I like. Great frames!

Thank you, Topspn.
I remember you are quite a big fan of 8 strings in the throat.
How the ZUS differs from TC100? Except that it should have more control. Does it flex uniformly?
Do you prefer 62 or 70? I believe you have 16x19 versions?

 

[topspn]

Thank you, Topspn.
I remember you are quite a big fan of 8 strings in the throat.
How the ZUS differs from TC100? Except that it should have more control. Does it flex uniformly?
Do you prefer 62 or 70? I believe you have 16x19 versions?

Yes, 16x19 and indeed 8 strings in the throat. The ZUS has much tighter center of the string bed and has better depth and directional control. The ZUS is svelte and swings very nicely with its thin beam. It has power and great serving but the launch angle is more tempered. The shot is not as loopy and heavy top spin gets the ball jumping through the court. Great feel as well, the frame has some fiber glass and i think creates a bit of magic on touch. Very good connected feel. Great frame for an all court player and someone who like to dictate. I really like both 62 and 70 and change between them. Just more pocket with 62 and both have uniform flex.

 

[Carreau]

Yes, 16x19 and indeed 8 strings in the throat. The ZUS has much tighter center of the string bed and has better depth and directional control. The ZUS is svelte and swings very nicely with its thin beam. It has power and great serving but the launch angle is more tempered. The shot is not as loopy and heavy top spin gets the ball jumping through the court. Great feel as well, the frame has some fiber glass and i think creates a bit of magic on touch. Very good connected feel. Great frame for an all court player and someone who like to dictate. I really like both 62 and 70 and change between them. Just more pocket with 62 and both have uniform flex.

Excellent feedback - thank you!
How about the grip size - is the #3 true size? In case of Angell - I found #3 being too small.

 

[topspn]

Excellent feedback - thank you!
How about the grip size - is the #3 true size? In case of Angell - I found #3 being too small.

I agree, Angell is a bit small at least on the TC line but ZUS i feel is true to size

 

[Spoonerie]

Just got a Tc95 18x20 with weight 320g and balance 310mm/10ptsHL. It’s currently strung with Luxilon 4g 1.25. Tried hitting and it felt pretty stiff on my forehand with not much power - too stiff for me. Any string recommendations? Thanks!

 

[Carreau]

Just got a Tc95 18x20 with weight 320g and balance 310mm/10ptsHL. It’s currently strung with Luxilon 4g 1.25. Tried hitting and it felt pretty stiff on my forehand with not much power - too stiff for me. Any string recommendations? Thanks!

It is very personal. My go to strings for TC100 are: Cyclone, HyperG, UltraCable, Co-Focus and SPPP. Cyclone is permanent and I change other ones randomly.

 

[StanAO14]

Just got a Tc95 18x20 with weight 320g and balance 310mm/10ptsHL. It’s currently strung with Luxilon 4g 1.25. Tried hitting and it felt pretty stiff on my forehand with not much power - too stiff for me. Any string recommendations? Thanks!

Is it the 63 or the 70? The 70 18/20 gave me elbow pain despite 330 gram version and soft and thin string setup. If it is the 63 you should be fine with a hybrid multi/ poly or a softer and thinner poly.. both me and @Classic-TXP-IG MID are fan of the MSV Cofocus 1.18 gauge

edit: and of course low tensions (not higher than 40’s)

 

[Birdwatcher]

I play with TC100 16x19 pattern, so same DNA but little more open than the TC 95 - took me a while to adjust but can now knife a vicious slice that skids through the court and stays low. Like everything in this line I think the 95/100 rewards good mechanics and reveals flaws very quickly - if you have a floaty slice technique with contact point too far out in front the ball will definitely fly on you.

Purchased a TC97 18x20 and it just arrived. Excited to hit with it!

 

[topspn]

Guess who has a new ASI? And this time I managed to get it strung without a bulldog eating it phew. Strung it up with big spin @49lbs and took it out for some serve practice. Felt pretty good on serve and went through all serve variations with good success. It had a bit more power than I was expecting at least on serve. Kick serves had some pretty nice hop but don’t think they were heavy

 

[djNEiGht]

Guess who has a new ASI? And this time I managed to get it strung without a bulldog eating it phew. Strung it up with big spin @49lbs and took it out for some serve practice. Felt pretty good on serve and went through all serve variations with good success. It had a bit more power than I was expecting at least on serve. Kick serves had some pretty nice hop but don’t think they were heavy

has the dog been interested in any of the other racquets? I wonder if there was a certain scent that attracted the dog to the ASI...eitherway...enjoy the hit

 

[topspn]

has the dog been interested in any of the other racquets? I wonder if there was a certain scent that attracted the dog to the ASI...eitherway...enjoy the hit

Haha no clue! It was my stringers dog but it’s my understanding it is not the first time he mauled a racquet. Anyway I moved and I am now using a different stringer. I’ll try the racquet in play tomorrow

 

[alexmcnab]

I added some weight under the buttcap of one of my tc95's (i know I could have removed the pallets and fitted it there but wanted to try it out first). The foam in the handle has gone very crumbly - has anyone replaced it with silicone foam, or something else? Which type/brand is best? Not too worried about adding weight. Thanks

 

[dimcher]

Just got a Tc95 18x20 with weight 320g and balance 310mm/10ptsHL. It’s currently strung with Luxilon 4g 1.25. Tried hitting and it felt pretty stiff on my forehand with not much power - too stiff for me. Any string recommendations? Thanks!

I use Yonex polytour pro 125 for 97 18x20 and 95 same pattern.

 

[dimcher]

Not with the current V95 but the previous one (2018 totally red one, which is basically the same as the 2021): it does what you are looking for, higher launch than the angell, slightly bigger sweetspot. The feel and plow of the angell is better I would say. I wouldn’t call the Yonex more powerful, only easier spin.

Custom 95 is more stable

 

[dimcher]

Hi everyone- totally new here! I'm looking to purchase a few identical Angell racquets, but I'm not sure which to buy (deciding between K7 Red, K7 Lime, TC 97 16x19 and TC 97 18x20). Can some of the veterans in the chat help me out? This is what I told Paul, but I haven't heard back from him, and I assume I'll get a more honest response here:

I'm a 38 year old 5.0 NTRP player (maybe around a 9.0 UTR) with a semi-western grip, and I'm wondering: could you recommend one of your racquets based on the following?

• I play with quite a bit of driving (not loopy) topspin, but I have no trouble getting net clearance. Most errors will go long rather than into the net.
• I also love to hit flat driving balls, and my backhand has far less topspin on it than my forehand
• I rely on a slice backhand which I hit 50% of the time on the backhand side
• My game is probably "aggressive baseliner"
• I love racquets that have a "live" feeling (I really enjoyed the feel of the Technifibre TF40 from 2019 and the new Head Speed Pro 2022)
• I like an RA rating around 63 or 64 strung
• I strongly prefer a head light racquet since I have no trouble generating pace, but I need the racquet to be "whippy" for my game to work. The TF40 305 I demoed this weekend, for example, was 3 points head light and I just could not make it work.

Any help would be much appreciated!

I have tried most of Angells. K7 red for fun and spin. Lime is a good choice for strong players (a bit heavy). I have reduced the weight replacing the grip).
95 18x20 300g is very good but time of 95 passed. 97 18x20 300g with leather grip is my choice. Plenty of power, control, and super balanced.
16x19 models didn't like much...

 

[Birdwatcher]

I have tried most of Angells. K7 red for fun and spin. Lime is a good choice for strong players (a bit heavy). I have reduced the weight replacing the grip).
95 18x20 300g is very good but time of 95 passed. 97 18x20 300g with leather grip is my choice. Plenty of power, control, and super balanced.
16x19 models didn't like much...

Glad to hear your favorite is the one I just purchased! Haven't had a chance to hit with it yet, but tomorrow I'll get to test out that bad boy. When it arrived, I realized the stringbed was even denser than I anticipated, so I'm a little apprehensive I might not be able to generate enough topspin...but we'll see!

 

[dimcher]

Glad to hear your favorite is the one I just purchased! Haven't had a chance to hit with it yet, but tomorrow I'll get to test out that bad boy. When it arrived, I realized the stringbed was even denser than I anticipated, so I'm a little apprehensive I might not be able to generate enough topspin...but we'll see!

As I feel it is a classic prestige stick

 

[teocem]

How are TC100 63RA and 70RA different, especially in ball feel department?

I find it interesting that nobody so far could or tried to compare TC 100 63RA versus 70RA.
Maybe Paul can do that himself?

 

[Lphansen]

I find it interesting that nobody so far could or tried to compare TC 100 63RA versus 70RA.
Maybe Paul can do that himself?

Power level almost the same, the difference is in the feel/ feedback.
I have played with the 70 ra version for years, and its NOT harsh on the arm just adequete..
In earlier versions the 63 ra had a higher SW, butnot so much in later versions..

Lphansen

 

[Birdwatcher]

Hit with the TC97 18x20 yesterday against someone much better than myself (easily a ntrp 6.0 or higher), and I was really happy with the racquet. It did most things very well: incredibly stable, enough power for the time being (might add some weight), maneuverable. Really loved the amount that it flexed for my taste, coming from a very stiff, more powerful racquet.

The 18x20 pattern made it a bit tougher to generate quite enough topspin when I was trying to deal with lower balls though. I had them string it at 49 lbs with their own strings: https://www.angelltennis.com/product/halo-hybrid-pack-custom-copper/

Any advice in the future how I can maintain these great qualities of the racquet yet add some additional topspin potential?

 

[mb3182]

Hit with the TC97 18x20 yesterday against someone much better than myself (easily a ntrp 6.0 or higher), and I was really happy with the racquet. It did most things very well: incredibly stable, enough power for the time being (might add some weight), maneuverable. Really loved the amount that it flexed for my taste, coming from a very stiff, more powerful racquet.

The 18x20 pattern made it a bit tougher to generate quite enough topspin when I was trying to deal with lower balls though. I had them string it at 49 lbs with their own strings: https://www.angelltennis.com/product/halo-hybrid-pack-custom-copper/

Any advice in the future how I can maintain these great qualities of the racquet yet add some additional topspin potential?

Works well with Confidential 1.2 with 1kg less in the crosses.

 

[Birdwatcher]

Works well with Confidential 1.2 with 1kg less in the crosses.

I'll have to try this! In general, does stringing the crosses with less tension than the mains increase spin potential somewhat significantly? Seems counterintuitive- like stringing the mains with less tension would increase spin, but what do I know?

 

[mb3182]

I'll have to try this! In general, does stringing the crosses with less tension than the mains increase spin potential somewhat significantly? Seems counterintuitive- like stringing the mains with less tension would increase spin, but what do I know?

It supposedly increased the launch angle and mains movement. Found it quite effective on my TC97 18x20.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Hit with the TC97 18x20 yesterday against someone much better than myself (easily a ntrp 6.0 or higher), and I was really happy with the racquet. It did most things very well: incredibly stable, enough power for the time being (might add some weight), maneuverable. Really loved the amount that it flexed for my taste, coming from a very stiff, more powerful racquet.

The 18x20 pattern made it a bit tougher to generate quite enough topspin when I was trying to deal with lower balls though. I had them string it at 49 lbs with their own strings: https://www.angelltennis.com/product/halo-hybrid-pack-custom-copper/

Any advice in the future how I can maintain these great qualities of the racquet yet add some additional topspin potential?

I tend to string my Crosses 3 lbs looser than the Mains... and also a looser tension will help with the spin and launch angle. I tend to string my TC97 18x20 with 1.18mm or thinner gauge strings as well, which helps further with spin and increased launch... and I tend to string it at 46M/43C. The other thing to keep in mind is to get down low, use your legs to drive up, and meet the ball in front.

Hope that helps.

 

[Birdwatcher]

I tend to string my Crosses 3 lbs looser than the Mains... and also a looser tension will help with the spin and launch angle. I tend to string my TC97 18x20 with 1.18mm or thinner gauge strings as well, which helps further with spin and increased launch... and I tend to string it at 46M/43C. The other thing to keep in mind is to get down low, use your legs to drive up, and meet the ball in front.

Hope that helps.

All great notes, I appreciate it! I'm going to try 46 and 43 next time which is quite a bit looser than what I had been using on my other racquets which had a 16x20 pattern, 22mm beam, 98" head.

 

[djNEiGht]

Hit with the TC97 18x20 yesterday against someone much better than myself (easily a ntrp 6.0 or higher), and I was really happy with the racquet. It did most things very well: incredibly stable, enough power for the time being (might add some weight), maneuverable. Really loved the amount that it flexed for my taste, coming from a very stiff, more powerful racquet.

The 18x20 pattern made it a bit tougher to generate quite enough topspin when I was trying to deal with lower balls though. I had them string it at 49 lbs with their own strings: https://www.angelltennis.com/product/halo-hybrid-pack-custom-copper/

Any advice in the future how I can maintain these great qualities of the racquet yet add some additional topspin potential?

What specs did you get for the TC97? weight/balance/swing weight

some great ideas above on how to add some spin. my 2 cents...go lower than you would for a tighter pattern racquet. For example, I string my 98si 16m racquets at 45 to 48 and with my 18m racquets I go 43 to 45. Been pretty happy with that formula. Enjoy!

 

[Birdwatcher]

What specs did you get for the TC97? weight/balance/swing weight

some great ideas above on how to add some spin. my 2 cents...go lower than you would for a tighter pattern racquet. For example, I string my 98si 16m racquets at 45 to 48 and with my 18m racquets I go 43 to 45. Been pretty happy with that formula. Enjoy!

Weight / Balance: 315g(11.1oz) / 310mm(10ptsHL) for my racquet. I rely on racquet head speed for my game as much as plow through, so I didn't want to go too heavy! Next time I'll definitely go lower tension

 

[djNEiGht]

Weight / Balance: 315g(11.1oz) / 310mm(10ptsHL) for my racquet. I rely on racquet head speed for my game as much as plow through, so I didn't want to go too heavy! Next time I'll definitely go lower tension

I think that is what mine is at too but the SW is pretty high. If you every get a chance to measure the swing weight let me know.

 

[Carreau]

I find it interesting that nobody so far could or tried to compare TC 100 63RA versus 70RA.
Maybe Paul can do that himself?

I have had both versions at the same time (same specs). 70 was more powerful - it was evident when I was blocking big serves, etc.
I prefer the feel and more control oriented character of 63 version.

 

[landcookie]

I find it interesting that nobody so far could or tried to compare TC 100 63RA versus 70RA.
Maybe Paul can do that himself?

There have been responses to this in here. I have both as well. Consensus generally is :

I have had both versions at the same time (same specs). 70 was more powerful - it was evident when I was blocking big serves, etc.
I prefer the feel and more control oriented character of 63 version.

I don't feel the power difference all that much, but moreso for volleys. I prefer the stiffness of the 70 for volleys but overall prefer the 63.

 

[Birdwatcher]

Do you guys know if Angell ever offers a discount on two or more TC racquets if purchased at once? I've contacted them, but since it's been super busy there, he hasn't had a chance to respond.

 

[Jocko]

Can anyone comment on the K7 Cyan XL? I currently play with a K7 Red (standard length) and really like it…especially the comfort & ‘feel’. But, with 75 now in the rearview…and mostly playing doubles…almost always against younger, bigger (than my 5’6”) players…I sometimes wish for a bit more forgiveness and power…with some adjustment period, of course…but not at the cost of any long term, significant loss of maneuverability or touch…
Any thoughts greatly appreciated…
Thanks.

 

[vantage boy]

Can anyone comment on the K7 Cyan XL? I currently play with a K7 Red (standard length) and really like it…especially the comfort & ‘feel’. But, with 75 now in the rearview…and mostly playing doubles…almost always against younger, bigger (than my 5’6”) players…I sometimes wish for a bit more forgiveness and power…with some adjustment period, of course…but not at the cost of any long term, significant loss of maneuverability or touch…
Any thoughts greatly appreciated…
Thanks.

The new Volkl V1 Evo is your new tool!!

 

[Happi]

The new Volkl V1 Evo is your new tool!!

This is an Angell thread

 

[Jocko]

This is an Angell thread

The new Volkl V1 Evo is your new tool!!

Tried Volkl frames over the years, including iterations of V1 and they are very good frames but not Angells…at least not for me…but thanks for the recommendation…

 

[Birdwatcher]

As I feel it is a classic prestige stick

What strings, gauge, and tension do you find works best for you?