The Official Angell Users Club

jhusein

Rookie
I prefer synthetic grips, but if I add the 4g of lead at 3 and 9 and the overgrip that should get me to 340-345g unstrung, plus the string should get me close to 360g. But will that take the balance from 9pts HL to 7pts HL?

FYI: Based on ChicagoJack thread, Angell Leather untrimmed = 31g, trimmed/installed=24g, Angell Synthetic Untrimmed=19.5g.
 

supineAnimation

Hall of Fame
FYI: Based on ChicagoJack thread, Angell Leather untrimmed = 31g, trimmed/installed=24g, Angell Synthetic Untrimmed=19.5g.
Thanks. It's more about the feel of the synthetic grip I like better than the leather, so as I'd likely need to add weight in the hoop to bring the balance down from 7 to 9pts HL if I go with one of the 330g options, I think I'd go with the synthetic.
 

supineAnimation

Hall of Fame
Sorry; another quick question, ladies: how long did it take for you to get your custom Angells once you submitted the racket builder form/placed the final order with Paul? If it doesn't take long, I may wait a bit so its arrival will coincide with at least potentially better weather. Thanks.
 

teekaywhy

Professional
Sorry; another quick question, ladies: how long did it take for you to get your custom Angells once you submitted the racket builder form/placed the final order with Paul? If it doesn't take long, I may wait a bit so its arrival will coincide with at least potentially better weather. Thanks.
It's varied from a week to several weeks. I think the demand has caused a bit of a lead time, but it's always best to check with Paul and see where he is with production/order status.
 

supineAnimation

Hall of Fame
It's varied from a week to several weeks. I think the demand has caused a bit of a lead time, but it's always best to check with Paul and see where he is with production/order status.
Thanks. I'm in no real rush during the winter, so unless there's a chance of the price going up, I'm fine with a wait.
 

The_Racketeer

Professional
Sorry; another quick question, ladies: how long did it take for you to get your custom Angells once you submitted the racket builder form/placed the final order with Paul? If it doesn't take long, I may wait a bit so its arrival will coincide with at least potentially better weather. Thanks.
I ordered mine back in Sept and it took about 7 days from hitting Accept to in my hands. I live in US east coast.
 

PeteUK

New User
I hit with my pure strike earlier this week as it had been gathering dust in my bag, I thought maybe I hadn't given it enough time to see if it was right for me. I had played once since mid December prior to last week so thought I could be a bit more objective.

It's a good racquet, looks nice, good power, OK feel and an enjoyable hit. I picked up my TC95 the day after to give a decent comparison and it really is night and day different, definitely made up my mind to get another.

I have a 310g 63ra 16 x 19, I'm trying to work out the benefit of maybe upping to 320g for the next one and getting mine weighted up to match. There is a picture somewhere that shows where the weights are in the Angell racquets but I can't remember which thread. I may have a conversation with Paul and see if I could drop my current Tc95 in to be adjusted while collecting another one.
 

supineAnimation

Hall of Fame
I'm finally gonna try to sell this Sampras racquet someone gave me about 5 years ago. Apparently he gave it to his stringer near the end of his career but never picked it up because he decided to stop playing. Just trying to ask around on the site for how to authenticate it and then figure out how much to ask for it, but hopefully I can get enough for it to cover the cost of at least one TC97. But I'm dying to place the order, and so is my lower right arm.
 

topspn

Legend
Wow, that quick. Then I'm gonna need some decent weather soon, please. I just hate having to pay for court time. Shouldn't that be unconstitutional?

I don’t know where you live, however in a place like Chicago it is impossible to play tennis without a club membership and courts fees. I could easily purchase a second very nice car for what i pay. No other way if you have to play year around and i have to.
 

supineAnimation

Hall of Fame
I don’t know where you live, however in a place like Chicago it is impossible to play tennis without a club membership and courts fees. I could easily purchase a second very nice car for what i pay. No other way if you have to play year around and i have to.
I'm in Philly, so the weather is a little better, but I admit I'm enormously cheap and so are most of the guys I know that play at a comparable level. But when I'm testing out a demo or a new frame, I really want a stretch of weather that allows me to hit a lot with other guys and against a wall, so that's why I was thinking of waiting a month or two to order the TC97. But I kinda feel like a little kid with his eye on a shiny new toy, so not sure I can wait. I am going to try to see if I can sell this Sampras frame for a goodly sum first because, if I can cover the cost of a new TC97 or two, I won't feel guilty dropping the cash for a custom frame or two.
 

supineAnimation

Hall of Fame
So I've gotten a fair amount of interest in this Sampras racquet in these first two days, and I have and bids high enough to cover at least two TC97s (my goal is to get to $720 to cover the three I'd want if I end up liking the first, but I'll take what I can get). I'm hoping his stringer, Nate Ferguson, will return my e-mail to authenticate it. If that happens I think I should be safe to afford all three. But I may end up throwing caution to the wind and ordering the TC97 this week. We have some big house-related bills and expenses in these first three months of the year, so I made up my mind that I would only buy them if I could offset the cost, but I feel pretty good about selling this Sampras frame and I break promises to myself all the time.
 

martyr444

Rookie
So I've gotten a fair amount of interest in this Sampras racquet in these first two days, and I have and bids high enough to cover at least two TC97s (my goal is to get to $720 to cover the three I'd want if I end up liking the first, but I'll take what I can get). I'm hoping his stringer, Nate Ferguson, will return my e-mail to authenticate it. If that happens I think I should be safe to afford all three. But I may end up throwing caution to the wind and ordering the TC97 this week. We have some big house-related bills and expenses in these first three months of the year, so I made up my mind that I would only buy them if I could offset the cost, but I feel pretty good about selling this Sampras frame and I break promises to myself all the time.

If you decide to go with the TC97 let me know because I ordered a couple for a club member who backed out due to financial issues after I ordered them My email is martyr4atgmaildotcom.
 
Snagged a pristine TC 95 63RA 16x19 at close to my hypothetical ideal specs (I customize every stick.. even if had I ordered it from Paul... I always flare the handle end). This way I get to truly try this out, fuss about it before I order 1 or 2 more (provided it works out). Exhaustive test drive to come.
 

supineAnimation

Hall of Fame
If you decide to go with the TC97 let me know because I ordered a couple for a club member who backed out due to financial issues after I ordered them My email is martyr4atgmaildotcom.
Thanks. I sent you an e-mail. Do you know the specs and detail of them offhand?
 

martyr444

Rookie
Thanks. I sent you an e-mail. Do you know the specs and detail of them offhand?


Just replied to your email.

unstrung specs

TC97 Grommets
Colour: Black
Custom TC97
String Pattern: 16 x 19 (£0)
Stiffness: 66 RA (£0)
Length: 27 (£0)
Bumper Grommets: Black (£0)
Weight / Balance: 310g(11oz) / 315mm(9ptsHL) (£0)
Grip Size: L3 - 4 3/8 (£0)
Handle Shape: B ( Standard) (£0)
Grip Type: Black (£0)

2 extra black grommet sets
 

supineAnimation

Hall of Fame
Just replied to your email.

unstrung specs

TC97 Grommets
Colour: Black
Custom TC97
String Pattern: 16 x 19 (£0)
Stiffness: 66 RA (£0)
Length: 27 (£0)
Bumper Grommets: Black (£0)
Weight / Balance: 310g(11oz) / 315mm(9ptsHL) (£0)
Grip Size: L3 - 4 3/8 (£0)
Handle Shape: B ( Standard) (£0)
Grip Type: Black (£0)

2 extra black grommet sets
Thanks for this, Marty. Unfortunately the specs and the grip shape are different than what I'm looking to order.
 

smirker

Hall of Fame
Just replied to your email.

unstrung specs

TC97 Grommets
Colour: Black
Custom TC97
String Pattern: 16 x 19 (£0)
Stiffness: 66 RA (£0)
Length: 27 (£0)
Bumper Grommets: Black (£0)
Weight / Balance: 310g(11oz) / 315mm(9ptsHL) (£0)
Grip Size: L3 - 4 3/8 (£0)
Handle Shape: B ( Standard) (£0)
Grip Type: Black (£0)

2 extra black grommet sets

Exact spec I am looking at but unfortunately I am in Cambridge UK, not Cambridge Mass.
 

supineAnimation

Hall of Fame
I'm this close to pulling the trigger. Just hoping to get this Sampras stick authenticated and sold by the end of the week. But Paul says they're running low of TC97 stock, so if I don't hurry I'll be looking at a long wait before he can fill the order.
 
I just picked up another TC-100 off someone as well :) I field stripped it, and customized it to my specs in less than 30 minutes!! It was like field stripping a rifle in the army. I just have to restring it, and it's ready for combat!!
Yeah it allows me to sort out my choice of grip A or B and the overall question if I can play with the frame before I trouble Paul and my bank account with a special order. Im one of those people who just has to demo something. before I drop 240+ USD. I bet some of my hitting partners will end up ordering some once they try mine...
 

n8dawg6

Legend
got my TC97 strung up. this thing is FINE. 310 g unstrung, 320 mm balance, leather grip. strung with VStar at 50, added tourna grip @ pete sampras dampener. really good looking and feeling modern player's racquet. string bed is just a little more open than I expected, but that will be good for me.
 

BHBeguile

Semi-Pro
Just replied to your email.

unstrung specs

TC97 Grommets
Colour: Black
Custom TC97
String Pattern: 16 x 19 (£0)
Stiffness: 66 RA (£0)
Length: 27 (£0)
Bumper Grommets: Black (£0)
Weight / Balance: 310g(11oz) / 315mm(9ptsHL) (£0)
Grip Size: L3 - 4 3/8 (£0)
Handle Shape: B ( Standard) (£0)
Grip Type: Black (£0)

2 extra black grommet sets

Wish I'd seen this earlier, these are the exact specs I pulled the trigger on a few hours ago to go with the one I have already...
 

JohnBPittsburgh

Hall of Fame
Lol, that is the reaction of everyone that I let see my Angells!! Other than on TT, no one that has seen it, has known what it is. We need to start an Angell Awareness campaign :) that way I won't have to explain it every time. They are sickeningly awesome frames though. When I was customizing the 100 today, it made me realize how much fun I had with my other one. I can't wait to take them out to the court!

Edit: I forgot to add, this one is 70RA! So, I will hopefully get a chance to string them up with the exact same string and hit with them both. I am not going to sell any of them, but I do want to see how different they play (truthfully, I just want to see if the many hours of staring at, and constantly changing the specs on the Angell website, were well spent) :eek:
 
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Lol, that is the reaction of everyone that I let see my Angells!! Other than on TT, no one that has seen it, has known what it is. We need to start an Angell Awareness campaign :) that way I won't have to explain it every time. They are sickeningly awesome frames though. When I was customizing the 100 today, it made me realize how much fun I had with my other one. I can't wait to take them out to the court!
OMG, the "have you seen an Angell?" jokes.. My favorite pro shop already thinks Im a freak, they look at my thin Pacific X feelpro95 frame and its specs and are like... what ARE you? (I bought a PDR and several prestiges from them earlier... and they thought presiges were somewhat unpopular)/ But Ive already discussed Angell with them and they are intrigued... the difference between most small frame producers and Angell is that Paul has immense cred, experience and pedigree. Honestly with the artisanal revolution in food Im surprised it hasnt hit the tennis frame business? ...but perhaps I already answered that question... you need cred.

From what I can tell the internet allows tennis players unprecidented access to information... I used a Max 200g for 7 years in the 80's and 90's when I should have used a PS85 but liked returning witha a 200g more. Now you can research why you like certain aspects and find alternatives. Angell is providing a valuable riposte to what else is available... no idea what Id try if the TC95 doesnt work out.
 
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AMGF

Hall of Fame
If anyone is interested in a TC97, I'm thinking of going TC95. Not that I don't like my TC97, it is great, but I wanted to test a 27.5in frame and though it is very good for some aspect of my game (2hbh/serve) I have a feeling I'm always a bit off timing wise. So I'd trade for a TC95 63RA so I could have a feel for that one as well.

I could cut the frame, but I don't want to butcher it.
 
Got my TC95.. nearly mint but used... just the slightest of abrasions on the bumper.

16x19 Ra 63.. was originally 11.5 oz and 9pts hl but I added a becker leather grip and some lead here and there.. now weighs 12.5oz 8pts hl. Still very light for me. It stopped raining for 25 minutes so I hit some serves on the damp court. Great serving stick and noticeably more flex than my 61 RA Pacific... 57-58RA seems right but as expected no particular flex anywhere just uniform flexyness. I could carve the ball similarly to my 55RA Becker London tour (My best serving frame) but more spin on kickers and american twists. I whacked a few damp balls for groundstrokes, promising... very well tempered like a prestige pro but nicer feel at impact than any recent prestige. A little pop and lots of control.

Love the sound this baby makes (similar to PS85 but thankfully more flex) and incredibly nice build quality... grey sparkle finish like a high end Jag or Aston Martin.
iQ_640.jpg


Solid Quality that easily surpasses any other tennis racquet Ive ever held. I can see I this working out and ordering a few to custom specs from Paul.

Full review after monday when I can test in a match situation. Liking this ;)
 

The_Racketeer

Professional
pro shop was like "what in the hayull is this thing?" im probably the first one in the state who has ordered one.
My pro shop said they've strung 1 other Angell and seeing mine jogged her memory. The look on her face when discussing it was like she was recalling an amusing anecdote. Honetly, you'd think pro shop owners and players would be a bit more open minded to to brands outside of the Big 4. I should tell her about my experience with the racquet now that I've been playing with it.
 

teekaywhy

Professional
Got my TC95.. nearly mint but used... just the slightest of abrasions on the bumper.

16x19 Ra 63.. was originally 11.5 oz and 9pts hl but I added a becker leather grip and some lead here and there.. now weighs 12.5oz 8pts hl. Still very light for me. It stopped raining for 25 minutes so I hit some serves on the damp court. Great serving stick and noticeably more flex than my 61 RA Pacific... 57-58RA seems right but as expected no particular flex anywhere just uniform flexyness. I could carve the ball similarly to my 55RA Becker London tour (My best serving frame) but more spin on kickers and american twists. I whacked a few damp balls for groundstrokes, promising... very well tempered like a prestige pro but nicer feel at impact than any recent prestige. A little pop and lots of control.

Love the sound this baby makes (similar to PS85 but thankfully more flex) and incredibly nice build quality... grey sparkle finish like a high end Jag or Aston Martin.


Solid Quality that easily surpasses any other tennis racquet Ive ever held. I can see I this working out and ordering a few to custom specs from Paul.

Full review after monday when I can test in a match situation. Liking this ;)

Just be prepared to do a few different string jobs to find the right combo. The TC97 seems to be more sensitive to string than any other racquet I've owned. It may be due, in part, to the consistent flex, which in turn gives better feedback. Tension doesn't have nearly the same impact as string choice.
But I've settled on Solinco TBS 17g (shocker) at 53lbs after trying 4 different setups.
 
Just be prepared to do a few different string jobs to find the right combo. The TC97 seems to be more sensitive to string than any other racquet I've owned. It may be due, in part, to the consistent flex, which in turn gives better feedback. Tension doesn't have nearly the same impact as string choice.
But I've settled on Solinco TBS 17g (shocker) at 53lbs after trying 4 different setups.
Yeah I want to try Red Ghost, Hyper G, Poly Poly tour pro HS and RS Lyon... yet tour bite soft seems like an obvious. The Adrenaline on this thing at 45lbs seems fine but I can do better. Does anyone Hybrid? I use Yonex Poly tour pro black crossed with scorpion. I kinda like the crisp sink in pocketing one gets from syn gut... some polys like YTPP and scorpion have that... supposedly Red Ghost and the others I mentioned do too. Still impressed with the little Ive seen of the TC95 on court. precision & feel that sub 60 flex is what Ive been missing. Seems to have excellent spin potential even at RA63 (57-58RA strung).
 

JohnBPittsburgh

Hall of Fame
The 70 RA is insanely comfortable and for my first hit, it was great! It felt just as comfortable as my 63RA!! Even strung with Black Shark. I have to pick a racquet and stick with it :( It is fun trying them all out, but I am burned out from it. The Angell 70RA is my last frame for a little while...I hope
 
The 70 RA is insanely comfortable and for my first hit, it was great! It felt just as comfortable as my 63RA!! Even strung with Black Shark. I have to pick a racquet and stick with it :( It is fun trying them all out, but I am burned out from it. The Angell 70RA is my last frame for a little while...I hope
A ra70 TC95?

Yeah Im kinda a serial monagamist when it comes to racquets... I like the process of dialing in one stick. It takes about 4-6 months, sometimes a year. If I played 5 times a week like when I was 18 it would take me 2-3 weeks! Point is I like to groove out. The satisfying thing I cant help but think about as I look at the wet pavement outside the house is the rewarding "Thuck" feel and sound. It is what the PS85 has that I wanted again... just with more flex and a bigger head. Dry and warmer tomorrow so Ill take it to the courts for testing/weighting.

JBP... some day you'll realize that the right racquet for you was right there i your overstuffed racquet bag all along... (cue rom com montage set to 50's do wop music).
 
How is the tc95 18 20 70flex compared to the wilson sixone 18 20 or some of the Dunlop 95s... ?
Very similar to Dunlop 95's 1st Biomimetic line and earlier... Paul designed a lot of the all time classic Dunlops and that design heritage is apparent in the TC95, especially the foam filled dunlops (200 tours but in lighter weights). My 63Ra TC95 seemed like if it were 70RA (64-65 strung) it would be comparable to an 18x20 Sixone... different but yeah the RA70 must be a serving monster because the 63RA is pretty court boss itself. The RA70 TC95 is going to make most players of the Sixone and Prostaff95 lines feel at home. It is different but in that ballpark. It is solid and well behaved like a prestige though but with that extra oomff that the wilsons have. Way better build quality, it isnt hype its just that quality.
 

JohnBPittsburgh

Hall of Fame
It is! But, I was playing with people much better than me, and I got tentative, and made some errors. Lol, wait until I get to play with the seniors in the park! :) I was actually just staring at my two TC-100's with their leather grippiness and quality paint! I think I am going to take apart my 95 and match it to my 100's. It was 10 grams lighter, and I always planned on bringing it up to the other one. Now that I have found my specs, I have been much more consistent.
 
guys, tried the TC97 for the first time tonight. nothin like ive ever hit with before, the feel is fantastic. even at 310 g unstrung, the plow is great.

the folks longing for the return of the classic prestige might want to give an angell a whirl.
Really like how the small business innovator zigged when everyone else zagged.. gratifying really. There used to be more smaller market share frame makers.. bard, rossignol, puma, kneissel... the best ones kinda did their own thing but tennis has become quite consolidated stylistically and therefore frame-wise.
 

scotus

G.O.A.T.
guys, tried the TC97 for the first time tonight. nothin like ive ever hit with before, the feel is fantastic. even at 310 g unstrung, the plow is great.

the folks longing for the return of the classic prestige might want to give an angell a whirl.

Does TC97 have very tight, constricted grommet holes like the other Angell models?
 

topspn

Legend
Nooooo, I was referring to my NEW TC-100, 70 RA!!! I do not have a 95 70RA!! I only have a Vantage 95, 63 RA. I should have specified, If you go up a few posts, you will see I got a 70 RA TC-100 :)

I have both :) Although in all honesty in match play i never pick up the TC100. Always a TC95 with the high precision and control. I still really like the TC100 and gave it to a friend to try out for a week since I got him interested in Angell sticks and might want to order his own.
 

JohnBPittsburgh

Hall of Fame
Lol, I never hit with my 95, I restrung it, hit with it for a day, and it has been hiding in its case :( 100 just feels like home to me at this point. (I have noticed the grommets are extremely small. I don't put anything other than 17 gauge in them, it's just easier to string it up that way. Plus, since I first used 17g, I have loved it. Only thing I use lower than 17 is Nat Gut)
 
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supineAnimation

Hall of Fame
i cant say for sure because i got the pro shop to string mine. it was strung with 16 g poly though and they said it was very easy to string.
That's a relief. I string my own, and fairly poorly at that, and I have very few pro skills when it comes to dealing with tough grommets. I also use 16-gauge almost exclusively.
 
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