Full bed…NRG2…17G…
The Official Angell Users Club
- Thread starter The_Racketeer
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Everyone says crisp, I'm surprised a thin multi works. My K7 Reds should come next week. Still deciding what string to get. Will probably start with Diadem Flash which is my standard string.
Depends on your game, clearly, but I value the K7 Red’s extraordinary feel. And precision. So, rather than contradict that by ‘deadening’ with a poly, I feel the multi complements it and, with the thinner gauge, extends it. Closest to natural gut by far.
Also, frankly, as 75 fades in the distance, the multi’s arm (and hand) friendliness can’t be overstated…
flanker2000fr
Hall of Fame
I played yesterday with the TC95 16x19, after a year of playing with the 18x20 (TC95, then TC97 for the past 2 months).
I was surprised how much easier it played. More power, more margin over the net and spin, a lot more pop. Not as pinpoint on the sliced backhand and the serve as the 18x20's, but boy does the ball come out of the string fast. Might have to get back to it for a few weeks, see if I gel with it again.
I was surprised how much easier it played. More power, more margin over the net and spin, a lot more pop. Not as pinpoint on the sliced backhand and the serve as the 18x20's, but boy does the ball come out of the string fast. Might have to get back to it for a few weeks, see if I gel with it again.
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Gee
Hall of Fame
My experiences too.
Happi
Hall of Fame
I have been going back and forth between TC95 16x19 and 18x20 in traning sessions trying to deside between the two. My experience match yours, and I now play the 16x19 as my main racquet. Serve is much better for me with the 16x19.
Played 3 sets of windy Texas tennis this morning. At least it was blowing along the length if the court and not across. Strong enough on one side to turn your second serves into first serves, but then you had to really concentrate on not blasting the ball into the back fence.
In the more difficult conditions the 100 really stole the show today. Played set 1 with the 97 and won 6-2 but nothing felt that great. Net play was borderline hot garbage the entire session.
The second set I played with the 95. Better play, but the 95 demands that you attack all the time. It is not a defensive frame. I served better today with the 95, and also felt that I could create more spin - but because of the conditions this often created more attackable balls for my opponent. I won a tight 6-4 set.
The 100 just bashed thru the wind without a care in the world. Had to be a more careful when playing on the with-the-wind side, but I focused on really juicing the spin and that helped. It's hard to make sense of it, but so far the 100 is giving me better net play. Odd that the most powerful frame let's me play with softer hands. Maybe the bigger head let's me hit cleaner?
All 3 need to be restrung before next weekend. Have some new string inbound from Grapplesnake, specifically some M8 and their sampler pack. But, may need to take a detour with some more multi because the elbow isn't worse, but it's not better.
In the more difficult conditions the 100 really stole the show today. Played set 1 with the 97 and won 6-2 but nothing felt that great. Net play was borderline hot garbage the entire session.
The second set I played with the 95. Better play, but the 95 demands that you attack all the time. It is not a defensive frame. I served better today with the 95, and also felt that I could create more spin - but because of the conditions this often created more attackable balls for my opponent. I won a tight 6-4 set.
The 100 just bashed thru the wind without a care in the world. Had to be a more careful when playing on the with-the-wind side, but I focused on really juicing the spin and that helped. It's hard to make sense of it, but so far the 100 is giving me better net play. Odd that the most powerful frame let's me play with softer hands. Maybe the bigger head let's me hit cleaner?
All 3 need to be restrung before next weekend. Have some new string inbound from Grapplesnake, specifically some M8 and their sampler pack. But, may need to take a detour with some more multi because the elbow isn't worse, but it's not better.
flanker2000fr
Hall of Fame
It's not a bad idea to practice some with the 18x20, to force oneself to have good movement and proper form, but then use the 16x19 for match play.
I had mixed results with the TC100, i actually turned away in disgust a few times in matches thinking i'd hit long only for the ball to dip in. Definately had a naturally higher launch angle & for me i just couldn't rally & build points like with my TC97, so tended to shorten points.
Maybe the thicker beam & larger head size helped on a windy day, i definately shortened my swing with the TC100 which would help in the wind too.
I think part of it is that (as much as I want it to be otherwise) I probably hit clean 75% of the time, and the other 25% I am usually hitting very high in the stringbed.
So, in the 100, the thicker beam and more forgiving/powerful stringbed make the high mishits more forgiving, whereas in the 97 or 95 the are punished with bad vibration and a weak ball.
This was part of the temptation for going extended. I can imagine myself hitting cleaner than 75% because the old area of mishits on a 27in frame is now the outer edge of the sweetspot in a 27.5in frame.
flanker2000fr
Hall of Fame
I think I'll be doing the same. Need to restring some of my TC95 16x19's, as the strings in them have been there for a year, and then get serious about hitting with them more regularly.
Having said that, I've just put a pre order for a couple of matched Yonex Vcore 95 that are just coming out, so that might be what I'll be hitting the most when I get them. I'm kinda hoping that its 16x20 pattern in a 95 sq.in. size lands it somewhere between the TC95 16x19 and 18x20.
Trying to decide between TC95 and TC97 (16x19).
I have recently been demoing racquets and in order of preference I have liked:
Dunlop Cx 200 tour (great feel but a bit underpowered and tough to defend with)
Yonex Vcore 97
Wilson pro staff RF v13 (315g)
I am a 4.0 player so leaning toward the bigger frame but wanted to see if anyone who quite liked the Dunlop had a preference between the two?
I have recently been demoing racquets and in order of preference I have liked:
Dunlop Cx 200 tour (great feel but a bit underpowered and tough to defend with)
Yonex Vcore 97
Wilson pro staff RF v13 (315g)
I am a 4.0 player so leaning toward the bigger frame but wanted to see if anyone who quite liked the Dunlop had a preference between the two?
You would probably like the 97 more if you already prefer the box beams of thr Dunlop and Yonex. The Angell TC97 definitely does not lack in the power department. Defense is not completely free, and It's not a pure drive, but it's also not a give-you-nothing old school prestige. I think you'll like it a lot.
Perfect, thanks. I hadn’t appreciated that the Dunlop and Yonex had the same beam design as the 97.
Happi
Hall of Fame
I wish Paul would make a 18x20 TC100 that would be such a great racquet. I think there would be a good marked for that model.
Gee
Hall of Fame
I would love to buy some of those ones without hesitation if he did.
Currently I'm playing with the Prince Phantom 100x 18x20 that is one of the very few 100sq frames with a 18x20 string pattern.
Great feel and touch with high precision control and a surprising big sweetspot. It reminds of a more forgiven Head Prestige 98 with a little easier access to power and spin.
I only wished it was foam filled.
Dansan
Semi-Pro
If you play competitively TC95 16x19 is the more punishing frame for opponents. It never goes outdated with the game. I have played the dunlop aerogel 3004d which puts out what you put in....solid racquet, it does everything well. Nothing stands out though, so in the end - the TC95 is the more exciting option. It punches way above the "95". With the TC95 you need to be on the "gas" w/high RHS to access it's crazy spin and depth. Likes to attack and finish points. I've never won more points on serve than this frame. It's a bit like bowser in mario...high top speed, hits w/a lot of weight...but at times a bit uncontrollable unless you know how to tame and extract it's magic.
TC95 always gives my opponents trouble: monster serves, deep groundies w/high bounce. I tame it with 1.30mm strings at least in the mains and good tension
pico
Hall of Fame
Its here!
pico
Hall of Fame
Was hoping for the white grommets / bumper.
Its here!
Put some new Diadem string in my Angell 95 and 97 16x19s yesterday. Solstice Power 16L (1.25) in the 95 and their newer Pro X 16L (1.25) in the 97. Both strung at 45lbs using ATW.
The 1.25 Solstice Power in the 95 felt much much better right off the stringer than the thicker 16/1.30. The 1.30 felt very stiff, softened up a little after about 2 hours, played well for 4 hours, then stiffened back up again. The 16L felt far more comfortable right away and still had good power and the double-the-court opening capability because of the spin it can produce. Really enhanced everything the 95 is capable of doing.
The 1.25 Pro X I put in the 97 because I wanted to tame the 97s raw power just a touch. It is a "normal" hexagonal string that doesn't have super sharp edges. From the stringer's fingers (mine) it was much more comfortable to string than Solstice Power. So, I didn't quite know what to expect hitting the Pro X, but I was very happy right away. It feels very similar to Head Lynx Tour - which to me is awesome. It is only missing that tiny extra "special" feeling that Lynx Tour has for it's first few hours, but right away it is a crisp (but not harsh) firm (but doesn't bother the arm) control-oriented string. The more I hit with it, the more confidence I had, which made me take bigger cuts and it kept producing bigger balls that were still staying tight inside the court. I was also able to hit some sick half volley sharp angle put-aways that I hadn't found yet in any of the 16x19s. I have some 1.30/16g that I will put in the Angell 100 soon. I am a little hesitant about the thicker gauge being overly stiff like the Solstice Power, but the 100 also has even wider string spacing than the 95 so we'll see. Worst case the 100 would just chew thru the 1.25 faster. Pro X is definitely a string that has made it to the eventual "playoff round" for final string of choice.
The 1.25 Solstice Power in the 95 felt much much better right off the stringer than the thicker 16/1.30. The 1.30 felt very stiff, softened up a little after about 2 hours, played well for 4 hours, then stiffened back up again. The 16L felt far more comfortable right away and still had good power and the double-the-court opening capability because of the spin it can produce. Really enhanced everything the 95 is capable of doing.
The 1.25 Pro X I put in the 97 because I wanted to tame the 97s raw power just a touch. It is a "normal" hexagonal string that doesn't have super sharp edges. From the stringer's fingers (mine) it was much more comfortable to string than Solstice Power. So, I didn't quite know what to expect hitting the Pro X, but I was very happy right away. It feels very similar to Head Lynx Tour - which to me is awesome. It is only missing that tiny extra "special" feeling that Lynx Tour has for it's first few hours, but right away it is a crisp (but not harsh) firm (but doesn't bother the arm) control-oriented string. The more I hit with it, the more confidence I had, which made me take bigger cuts and it kept producing bigger balls that were still staying tight inside the court. I was also able to hit some sick half volley sharp angle put-aways that I hadn't found yet in any of the 16x19s. I have some 1.30/16g that I will put in the Angell 100 soon. I am a little hesitant about the thicker gauge being overly stiff like the Solstice Power, but the 100 also has even wider string spacing than the 95 so we'll see. Worst case the 100 would just chew thru the 1.25 faster. Pro X is definitely a string that has made it to the eventual "playoff round" for final string of choice.
Just a quick word on the Cyan XL…hit with it for the first time today…coming from the K7 Red (standard length)…which has terrific feel, great touch and precision…and, of course, extreme arm/shoulder/hand friendliness…
Having never played an extended frame and just coming back from a 5 month injury/illness hiatus, my expectations were really minimal…
Man, was I wrong!…
It’s an exceptional racquet!
I’d been curious about it and when Paul listed it as part of the year end sale, I took the plunge…
More forgiving than the Red, though perhaps not quite as pinpoint precise, it definitely packs more pop. Maneuverability is excellent…quick at the baseline, deft at the net…but serving is where it really shines…
And all this without losing any bit of its arm friendliness…
It’s a sure winner all round…
Having never played an extended frame and just coming back from a 5 month injury/illness hiatus, my expectations were really minimal…
Man, was I wrong!…
It’s an exceptional racquet!
I’d been curious about it and when Paul listed it as part of the year end sale, I took the plunge…
More forgiving than the Red, though perhaps not quite as pinpoint precise, it definitely packs more pop. Maneuverability is excellent…quick at the baseline, deft at the net…but serving is where it really shines…
And all this without losing any bit of its arm friendliness…
It’s a sure winner all round…
flanker2000fr
Hall of Fame
michael valek
Hall of Fame
hi is anyone using the asi2 injection molded frame? looking for some feedback and reviews without going through 500 pages. thanks
@topspn did, but I guess the ‘Fugly’ story is more entertaining than the asi2 review itself : )
michael valek
Hall of Fame
fugly? do you know which page that review is on?
I hit with @topspn 's ASI2. It is a very unique frame because the swingweight is so low. Thr easiest comparison is probably to the Head Extreme MP or Babolat Aero.
If you are a 3.5-4.0 level player that doesn't play against big pace and heavy spin you may love it. If you are a 4.5+ player you would probably have to do significant modifications to feel comfortable playing it.
Thr concept is great, and the racket felt great too, but there is almost no weight in the head, so it is super whippy and has trouble returning balls hit with pace.
topspn
Legend
Ah yes fugly, needed to be resurrected just so i can try it. Yeah, long story folks. The design is certainly unique and the frame does have a good feel and string pattern does provide some good precision and control. The weight is very much concentrated in the throat. Polarized setup lovers need not apply. The SW is super low so at 262 unstrung on the one i had. The trouble is you needed tons of weight to bring the SW up but you had lots of weight in the throat and head and all felt loggy baseball bat. This just didn't work for me. Low SW i wasn't happy with and if i added enough just to get it to the 320s just felt weird with the throat and head weight. If i still had the frame i could have maybe tried it strung low in the mid 40s stock and see what that was like.
michael valek
Hall of Fame
Thanks. I always string low anyway around 21kg.
positive review of the TC95 there. Just wondering if you have ever hit with the TC97? I mean side by side other than the throat they are pretty identical. Having hit with both extensively I can confirm other than higher launch on the TC95, crisper feel & less stability, for me there was no noticeable extra power between the 2.
Always found it strange how there was an 18x20 option on the 95 & 97 & not a more control pattern for the 100. Liked the 100 but ball “sailed” on me too often.
I have a Red Head Youtek Prestige Mid plus in 18x20 pattern 320g unstrung, if you gave it an angel paint job you'd probably not notice it wasn't a TC97 18x20.
I'd use these all day long if i could go back to my my 20's & 30's again, when i was a good athlete. Great control, touch & stability.
I have a Head Liquidmetal Prestige Mid that is as tight as the Angell 18x20, but its headsize is also 5in smaller... haha.
Grigore Petre
Rookie
I sold my Angells because my shoulder started to hurt ... I never had problems with octane ... i believe it something with glossy painting.
After what I begin to play with Pure Aero my pain dissapeared ( using the same string).
After what I begin to play with Pure Aero my pain dissapeared ( using the same string).
What were the specs of your Angells?
ollinger
G.O.A.T.
This should be a case report in The Lancet --- Glossy Paint and Shoulder Pain
Caol-ila
Rookie
Tighter than K7 Lime?
Don't they share the same grommets? Anyway: yes it is tight, but don't let it bother, just don't string it too high -that is what makes dense patterns feel boardy.
Edit: been there, done that mistake with my TC 95s.
Steve Williams
Rookie
I have an ASL2 frame from Angell. How does it compare to a TC97 16x19 with the same specs in case you have played with both)?
Tennisist
Professional
TC97 is significantly calmer / more muted on impact. Feels softer.
ASL2 feels firmer. It lets a lot more reverberations through. It has a much lower SW. Mine is 320. And you can feel this: It is much more mobile, and easier to whip than TC97. Also, less tiring on long matches. For doubles, I definitely prefer it over TC97. For producing heavy spin, it is also better.
The only areas where it is lagging behind *my* TC97 is the feel and heaviness of the shot. MyTC97 is 320/305.
I tried the light “Pro” TC97s long time ago, and was not impressed with them at all. Compared to those, ASL2 is better in all respects.
Steve Williams
Rookie
Thanks for your reply that's useful info on your impressions.
KarmaKorps
Rookie
Continuing to gel with the TC-101. Got the second one in recently and strung it with Luxilon 4g (too high at 57 lbs... will drop to 54 lbs next time).
Did some cross court rallying with my D1 buddy: TC101- First Hit (fixed link)
The main thing is that this frame never surprises me with hotspots or dead areas. It seems to have above avg attributes in all departments. I like it much better with 4G compared to Tourbite 17.
Did some cross court rallying with my D1 buddy: TC101- First Hit (fixed link)
The main thing is that this frame never surprises me with hotspots or dead areas. It seems to have above avg attributes in all departments. I like it much better with 4G compared to Tourbite 17.
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Your link didn't work. That's good to hear. So far my favorite string in my 100 has been Diadem Pro X, but it is still early in the journey. Will probably put MSV Focus Hex 16g in it next, followed by Grapplesnake M8, then Tier 1 Black Knight and Durafluxx. Interested to see what kind or ball profile I end up preferring whether it be from a shaped or round poly.
I also need to add some Luxilon to the trial like yourself. Will probably happen towards the summer for me. What specs did you end up ordering?
And looking at your signature, how does the Angell 101 compare to your extended Dunlop CX200+? I have been very tempted to order an extended Angell, but went with regular length for my last order.
KarmaKorps
Rookie
Thanks for letting me know about the link. I fixed it in my orig. post and also pasted here: TC101- First Hit (fixed link)
I remember using and enjoying MSV Focus Hex, and can't remember why I switched away from it...around ~2014. Recently, one of my regular hitting partners told me my ball had more movement using Lux 4G, and he's used to me playing 17 ga shaped polys (TB and Confidential). So far, I've noticed super solid performance with the 4G. At a heavier, 16L ga, the swing weight is slightly affected, but that's ok - the bed feels really stable and confidence inspiring with the predictability. New, however, 4G is powerful - I was very surprised how powerful it was until it settled/deaden a bit after about 45 mins. A must 'break in' period for me before playing a match. Worth it, though. It's not cheap ... might look for something similar but less $$.
As for my CX200+ frames, I just love them - they exposed many shortcomings with my game and rewarded me when I addressed things (late prep, hitting the ball too late, not brushing up and accelerating enough on serve). They require me to work a little harder, but all the while providing excellent control, provided I have good footwork.
I won all my matches last year in USTA using the CX200+. That said, their SW is over 340... and I found myself wanting just slightly more pop and maneuverability for DTL forehands, and slightly deeper defensive block-back shots. Near the end of some matches, I found myself guiding the ball a bit more with a defensive mindset.
So, I ordered the TC-101 (27.5", 305 grams, 6 pts HL). I had the Swing weight measured at a local shop and it came to 330, strung. 10 pts less than the CX200+, and it's VERY noticeable. With these specs, the TC101 is still relatively beefy and stable, but whippier than the Dunlop. I play a couple times a week with a 5.5 / ex-D1 player and have zero issues with stability. Dont know how it's possible at only 305 grams... but I suppose the foam and decently firm layup (66 RA) helps.
In comparing the two sticks (I've gone back and forth between them recently for drills, point-play, etc) it only confirms the benefits I'm getting with the TC-101. More pop, more consistency (huge), and more aggressive minded even at the end of (admittedly, just practice) matches. I'll probably order two more in this spec.
Note, I ordered a 27.5", 310g, 9pts HL, 70 RA TC-100 just to compare, and I vastly prefer the TC-101. The 100 has a higher launch angle, more unpredictability, and the feel isn't as nice - I prefer the TC101 box beam as opposed to the D-beam on the TC100.
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