Which Angell Frame Should I Get?

[time410s]

I'm open to any of them from the 95 to the 101. Maybe leaning towards the 97 or 100. Seem to have a modern feel without being too "pure drive" like. Am I right in describing it that way?

I like a racket with great access to spin and pretty good feel. I have an ezone 98+ that I mostly like minus it's lack of feel and easily overhitting the ball. Also have a Vcore pro 97 (310) that I currently might consider my favorite.

I've really liked the gravity pro in the past but one day decided it was maybe a little too flexy. That was around the time I switched to extended length though so the variables got very complicated switching everything and working with a racket spec that is so rarely offered.

So I have turned my attention to Angell as they offer XL frames with other customizations. Just want to make the right decision as I hear the 97 and 100 have a unique flex style in their own category and the rest are in their own as well. So two flex styles, essentially.

From what I gather, maybe the 97 or 100 sounds better to me but it's hard to know why people say what they say about them and I haven't seen their tennis so I don't know what they play like/how good they are, etc.

 

[esm]

97 and 100, in the TC model flexes differently. Then there are the K models.
there is a huge Angell thread with loads of info and questions answered.
alternatively, Paul is easily reachable, so maybe have a quick convo with him and see what he says. I think it’d be a good/intercession content for your YT video

 

[Dansan]

I'm partial to the TC95...looks a lot like Lake Nona campus. I lived in Laureate Park, if you're close by you could demo mine sometime

On 2nd thought, doesn't look like Lake Nona from the other view. Anyway, yeah the TC95 hits a monster ball...for a 95 it has a much larger sweet spot than you'd think. Rewards a player that swings big. Even the 63 RA hits a heavy ball

 

[topspn]

You are playing frames that are much more controlled centers then any 16x19 angells. They will spray more and higher launch angles then what you play with. TC95 and TC100 have the same lineage with power, heavy balls, big serving and a quite open string bed not conducive to driving flattish balls so you have to keep with the pronounced spin constantly. These two have a very uniform flex. TC97 and 101 have a different more box beam design with flex built into the throat a bit more. Personally not my cup of tea as they translate to more trampoline effect which I don’t enjoy, however others do and think they’re nice. You still get the too wide open pattern

 

[Username_]

I'm open to any of them from the 95 to the 101. Maybe leaning towards the 97 or 100. Seem to have a modern feel without being too "pure drive" like. Am I right in describing it that way?

You guys can watch a vid of me hitting here if it helps. I like a racket with great access to spin and pretty good feel. I have an ezone 98+ that I mostly like minus it's lack of feel and easily overhitting the ball. Also have a Vcore pro 97 (310) that I currently might consider my favorite.

I've really liked the gravity pro in the past but one day decided it was maybe a little too flexy. That was around the time I switched to extended length though so the variables got very complicated switching everything and working with a racket spec that is so rarely offered.

So I have turned my attention to Angell as they offer XL frames with other customizations. Just want to make the right decision as I hear the 97 and 100 have a unique flex style in their own category and the rest are in their own as well. So two flex styles, essentially.

From what I gather, maybe the 97 or 100 sounds better to me but it's hard to know why people say what they say about them and I haven't seen their tennis so I don't know what they play like/how good they are, etc.

Here's that vid, hope it helps.

If you like a racquet with great access to spin, the TC97 models are off the list for you. Both the 16x19 and 18x20. They hit extremely flat. I'd go so far as to say the TC97 16x19 is one of the flattest hitting 16x19 ever. No-go for you.

TC95 would give you better ease of access to spin, much easier. Although the amount you get is closer to a babolat pure aero. I had to put lead tape on the sides to dial the spin down with my swing...so it's not easily controllable at least for me

Haven't hit with the TC100s and XLs, but you're swinging with an ezone 98+, and a vcore 97 anyway, so I wouldn't change to a larger head size anyway unless you just don't like the smaller heads.

 

[One Handed Dynasty]

A word of caution: the d-beam on Angells is very different than the racquets you listed as your favorites above. Even the two with a box beam throat still have a d-beam head. You could like it more, just be aware that they feel nothing like a box or flat beam racquet.

 

[ChrisG]

If you're going the Angell way, TC 95 is the answer : 63 RA, 16x19.
My only concern is your skill level (no offense) as you really need to speed up your strokes to tame the power. the loopy motion is not going to work.
TC100 is too powerfull, didn't tried TC97, might be a good option but you may miss the Angell experience imho: a beasty racquet with comfort and feel

 

[time410s]

97 and 100, in the TC model flexes differently. Then there are the K models.
there is a huge Angell thread with loads of info and questions answered.
alternatively, Paul is easily reachable, so maybe have a quick convo with him and see what he says. I think it’d be a good/intercession content for your YT video

I am intrigued by those other frames but only the TC is offered in longer lengths, right?

I might propose to have a conversation with him over video chat or something. Would be really interesting and definitely good content. I think I'd ask some really interesting questions that I bet he'd have good answers for.

 

[time410s]

I'm partial to the TC95...looks a lot like Lake Nona campus. I lived in Laureate Park, if you're close by you could demo mine sometime

On 2nd thought, doesn't look like Lake Nona from the other view. Anyway, yeah the TC95 hits a monster ball...for a 95 it has a much larger sweet spot than you'd think. Rewards a player that swings big. Even the 63 RA hits a heavy ball

Opposite side of the country!

Some say that 95 is floppy. I see so many mixed answers lol. Damn.

 

[time410s]

You are playing frames that are much more controlled centers then any 16x19 angells. They will spray more and higher launch angles then what you play with. TC95 and TC100 have the same lineage with power, heavy balls, big serving and a quite open string bed not conducive to driving flattish balls so you have to keep with the pronounced spin constantly. These two have a very uniform flex. TC97 and 101 have a different more box beam design with flex built into the throat a bit more. Personally not my cup of tea as they translate to more trampoline effect which I don’t enjoy, however others do and think they’re nice. You still get the too wide open pattern

Huh, how open? Like compared to a pure drive or something.

I feel like my ezone 98+ isn't that controlled, actually. It sort of belongs in a similar league to the pure drive but just slightly less stiff or something.

 

[time410s]

If you like a racquet with great access to spin, the TC97 models are off the list for you. Both the 16x19 and 18x20. They hit extremely flat. I'd go so far as to say the TC97 16x19 is one of the flattest hitting 16x19 ever. No-go for you.

TC95 would give you better ease of access to spin, much easier. Although the amount you get is closer to a babolat pure aero. I had to put lead tape on the sides to dial the spin down with my swing...so it's not easily controllable at least for me

Haven't hit with the TC100s and XLs, but you're swinging with an ezone 98+, and a vcore 97 anyway, so I wouldn't change to a larger head size anyway unless you just don't like the smaller heads.

I see. 95 might be fine. I am highly considering getting the vcore 95. I also hit with a pure drive and can play with it just fine. But it represents one end of the spectrum I don't want to go past but right there is fine.

I think my vcore 97 represents the other side of the spectrum for me on the flexy/controlled side of things. I don't want a racket that goes more or less outside of that spectrum.

 

[time410s]

If you're going the Angell way, TC 95 is the answer : 63 RA, 16x19.
My only concern is your skill level (no offense) as you really need to speed up your strokes to tame the power. the loopy motion is not going to work.
TC100 is too powerfull, didn't tried TC97, might be a good option but you may miss the Angell experience imho: a beasty racquet with comfort and feel

What do you mean speed up stroke to tame power but also that the loopy playstyle won't work? You don't tame power with spin and loopy swing paths?

 

[time410s]

A word of caution: the d-beam on Angells is very different than the racquets you listed as your favorites above. Even the two with a box beam throat still have a d-beam head. You could like it more, just be aware that they feel nothing like a box or flat beam racquet.

I also hit with a pure drive. How would that compare in feel?

 

[ChrisG]

What do you mean speed up stroke to tame power but also that the loopy playstyle won't work? You don't tame power with spin and loopy swing paths?

When referring to loopy, I was thinking of the technical mistake most rec player who hit 90% with the arm and forget the extra slap of wrist to get acceleration and control.
That’s why you hear a lot of people complain about open patterns.
With the Angel 16x19, you need to get a lot of action on your spin strokes, you really need to commit and hit hard, it rewards an agressive game.
On some frames, laziness=poor net clearance, on Angell 16x19 laziness=ball flying

 

[topspn]

Huh, how open? Like compared to a pure drive or something.

I feel like my ezone 98+ isn't that controlled, actually. It sort of belongs in a similar league to the pure drive but just slightly less stiff or something.

The ezone string pattern is more closed in the center so it is inherently more precise. You are playing a + frame which will have more power and play more sluggish. If you are a fraction late or hitting off your back foot ball is going to sale but then you chose a + and its perhaps not suited for you

 

[flanker2000fr]

When referring to loopy, I was thinking of the technical mistake most rec player who hit 90% with the arm and forget the extra slap of wrist to get acceleration and control.
That’s why you hear a lot of people complain about open patterns.
With the Angel 16x19, you need to get a lot of action on your spin strokes, you really need to commit and hit hard, it rewards an agressive game.
On some frames, laziness=poor net clearance, on Angell 16x19 laziness=ball flying

This is a very accurate description.

 

[TriggerHappy]

Just bought a tc-95 16x19 330/12pts hl to replace a blx 6.1 95. More comfortable and stable than the 6.1 95 likely due to the foam filling. Oddly enough 6.1 95 16x18 was more spin friendly in comparison. Might have to string lower on tc 95. Currently at 50lbs with solinoco tourbite diamond rough.

 

[flanker2000fr]

Others have described this really well.

The TC100 is literally a hand canon with an extreme launch angle, which requires to put really aggressive spin on the ball, otherwise it just flies out.

The TC95 16x19 is more controlled, though still powerful, and the launch angle is a bit less extreme. But you still need to step into the ball and really come over it to keep it within the lines. The 18x20 version is obviously much more controlled with a flatter trajectory. I do not find it to be substantially less powered than the 16x19, once you've made the necessary strings adjustments (thinner gauge, drop tension by 10%). It's just the net clearance that's lower.

Of all the other frames in the market today, the only one that could make me stray from my Angell TC95 (in either configuration) would be the Yonex Vcore 95. Their quality control, while not exactly as good as Angell, is still easily the best in mass produced brands. And the specs (310g, 310mm, RA < 65) are right in my wheelhouse (might have to add a bit of lead at 10 / 2 to bump up SW to high 320's - low 330's). I'd also really be interested in its 16x20 pattern.

 

[Username_]

I see. 95 might be fine. I am highly considering getting the vcore 95. I also hit with a pure drive and can play with it just fine. But it represents one end of the spectrum I don't want to go past but right there is fine.

I think my vcore 97 represents the other side of the spectrum for me on the flexy/controlled side of things. I don't want a racket that goes more or less outside of that spectrum.

It would be easier for you to transition to the vcore 95 if you decide to go down that route.

The pure drive like all your other racquets that you've mentioned, including the vcore 95 that you're considering also hit a flatter ball than the TC95 16x19.

The K7 might be an option. It's got more spin than a pure drive, but less than a TC95.

But in all honesty...you probably shouldn't go for any since it sounds like you're forcing yourself to when you've taken to how your current racquets play as well as already highly considering the vcore 95.
The transition in playing style from your racquets to any of the Angells is going to be noticeably different.

If it works don't fix it...unless you don't like how it does the job despite it working

 

[time410s]

The ezone string pattern is more closed in the center so it is inherently more precise. You are playing a + frame which will have more power and play more sluggish. If you are a fraction late or hitting off your back foot ball is going to sale but then you chose a + and its perhaps not suited for you

But i don't feel this way about my vcore 97 that I extended which is also heavier. I don't think that's true for me. It's not a plus frame issue but a common complaint about the ezone when there are any.

 

[time410s]

This is a very accurate description.

I getcha. I think I hit with a lot of spin. I'm often told that. I'm not sure what the video looks like to you but that's for you to decide.

 

[time410s]

Others have described this really well.

The TC100 is literally a hand canon with an extreme launch angle, which requires to put really aggressive spin on the ball, otherwise it just flies out.

The TC95 16x19 is more controlled, though still powerful, and the launch angle is a bit less extreme. But you still need to step into the ball and really come over it to keep it within the lines. The 18x20 version is obviously much more controlled with a flatter trajectory. I do not find it to be substantially less powered than the 16x19, once you've made the necessary strings adjustments (thinner gauge, drop tension by 10%). It's just the net clearance that's lower.

Of all the other frames in the market today, the only one that could make me stray from my Angell TC95 (in either configuration) would be the Yonex Vcore 95. Their quality control, while not exactly as good as Angell, is still easily the best in mass produced brands. And the specs (310g, 310mm, RA < 65) are right in my wheelhouse (might have to add a bit of lead at 10 / 2 to bump up SW to high 320's - low 330's). I'd also really be interested in its 16x20 pattern.

Interesting I'm surprised to hear the 95 is such a spin racket. The description sounds a bit like how I feel about my ezone 98.

 

[landcookie]

I've hit with the DR 98+, Pure Drive +, and Vcore tour F 310 (predecessor to VCore Pro), and now play with an extended length TC 100.

The TC 100 feels closest to the Vcore; has power levels closer to the PD+ and DR98+ but with more spin. So it's a comfortable, powerful, spin friendly racquet with quite good feedback.

I've tried the Gravity and did not like the feel at all.

Hope that helps.

 

[flanker2000fr]

Interesting I'm surprised to hear the 95 is such a spin racket. The description sounds a bit like how I feel about my ezone 98.

I used to play with the predecessor of the Ezone 98, the DR98, and the string pattern in the middle of the Yonex is tighter than on the TC95 16x19.

 

[time410s]

I've hit with the DR 98+, Pure Drive +, and Vcore tour F 310 (predecessor to VCore Pro), and now play with an extended length TC 100.

The TC 100 feels closest to the Vcore; has power levels closer to the PD+ and DR98+ but with more spin. So it's a comfortable, powerful, spin friendly racquet with quite good feedback.

I've tried the Gravity and did not like the feel at all.

Hope that helps.

That sounds like a freaking dream if I agree with that description. Dang.

 

[time410s]

I used to play with the predecessor of the Ezone 98, the DR98, and the string pattern in the middle of the Yonex is tighter than on the TC95 16x19.

Yonex generally more dense there than most.

 

[Tennis1987]

Hey guys! I'm considering an Angell TC100 V4, 63 RA and 290 grams. Any idea what the swing weight would be? Thanks!

 

[esm]

Hey guys! I'm considering an Angell TC100 V4, 63 RA and 290 grams. Any idea what the swing weight would be? Thanks!

the unstrung weight/balance of the TC does not impact the SW - i recall reading that the unstrung 63RA TC100 has higher SW (low 310SW..) than the 70RA (high 290SW..) on the standard 27" length. string typically add between 25SW to 30SW, so you are likely to have a TC100 63RA with strung swing weight of high 330SW to low 340SW...

 

[Return_Ace]

the unstrung weight/balance of the TC does not impact the SW - i recall reading that the unstrung 63RA TC100 has higher SW (low 310SW..) than the 70RA (high 290SW..) on the standard 27" length. string typically add between 25SW to 30SW, so you are likely to have a TC100 63RA with strung swing weight of high 330SW to low 340SW...

IIRC the v3 SW targets were 295 unstrung for 325-330 strung

 

[Tennis1987]

Wow, that's way too high for me, I guess I'll have to look elsewhere. Thanks for the quick reply!

 

[esm]

IIRC the v3 SW targets were 295 unstrung for 325-330 strung

ah okay - maybe Paul changed the layup for the V3 63RA.
I have a V2 63RA, i may take it out to measure unstrung SW now that i have the Briffidi SW1.

 

[Return_Ace]

ah okay - maybe Paul changed the layup for the V3 63RA.
I have a V2 63RA, i may take it out to measure unstrung SW now that i have the Briffidi SW1.

They did make some changes to the v3 layup to make it more consistent / less variable, and I think that resulted in the SW lowering on average.

Wow, that's way too high for me, I guess I'll have to look elsewhere. Thanks for the quick reply!

What sort of strung SW were you looking for?

The benefit of somewhere like Angell is that if you message them with what you were looking for, they may be able to match it to what they have in stock.

The K7s and ASLs also have lower SW, but will have higher RA's as well... apparently there's extra material used for the 63RA which results in the higher SW.

 

[Tennis1987]

I was hoping the TC100 RA 63 290 grams would have an unstrung swing weight of 280-290. Thanks!

 

[Return_Ace]

I was hoping the TC100 RA 63 290 grams would have an unstrung swing weight of 280-290. Thanks!

I don't think that's out of the question... might be an underspec'd one that you could get.

Definitely send them a message on FB to see if there's any in stock they could line up

 

[edelp]

I was hoping the TC100 RA 63 290 grams would have an unstrung swing weight of 280-290. Thanks!

might be, but not very probable. All my TC RA63 290gr were around 295-297SW. Better to talk to them directly to see whether possible. Agree with @Return_Ace to ask and there will be underspec that might fit your bill here.

 

[Tennis1987]

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it!

 

[esm]

just measured my TC100 V2 63RA unstrung (spec 300g/325mm, w/ blue grommet), the SW is 293SW.....

 

[Tennis1987]

Cool thanks! That's not too bad. Does it swing quickly for you?

 

[Tennis1987]

I had messaged Angell, and was told the average swing weight for the TC100 (63 RA, 290g) is 293. I think I may go for it! Does anyone know how it compares to the K7 Red in terms of power and spin? Thanks!

 

[Crocodile]

K 7 Cyan xl