CX 200 Tour 18x20 versions update

 In 2021, Dunlop released update to CX 200 Tour 18x20 with new color (red black) instead of (black red). The newer version, 3rd iteration got lower score with overall less plow through feedback from TW testers.

Racket review: Aerogel 300, Radical OS, CX 200 Tour 18x20

In my playing session, I always bought 2 racquets because I mostly using backpack, at max 2 racquet. Last friday on indoor court, I brought Radical OS and Aerogel 300. After several games using RadOS, I changed to Aerogel 300. Radical OS is not a doubles racquet, really hard to control the volleys. 

On Sunday on outdoor court, I brought the RadOS and CX 200 Tour 18x20. Also starts with RadOS but the volleys were not as confident, so changed to CX Tour. The CX Tour got new lead setup is at 10 and 2 with total of 3 grams. At 12, the lead seems stiffen the racquet. After 2 games, the racquet was stable and comfortable, no pinky pain. The spin was there but not much, the string was moving a lot even though I am using syngut 17g.

Fake equipment

 Been buying equipment online, though read about fake equipment, you never expect until you experienced one. Bought a head liquidmetal, turns out a fake: the paint finish was not good especially on the liquidmetal corner, the condition was also bad, normal but heavy usage. Next was string, the packaging was awful, the print out and paper was different, no gauge size, and the no brand and type printed out on the string. Turns out, previously I bought old prince strings that may as well fake too. Beware of fake equipments especialy string because it may cost little but unusable.

Racquet head shape

 Here are the pictures of head shape taken from TW site. They are pretty accurate as I have them. Six One Team (SOT) looks bigger than PS97 but the SOT beam is thicker. Aerogel 300 is very polarized.

They are in sq inch: MW 200G (95), Six One Team (95), PS97 (97), AG 300 (98), Bio F3.0 Tour (98), Tour 100L (100), Warrior 107 (107), Radical OS (107).

Fed Backhand Volley

 Just noticed from watching online video of Fed practicing volley, Fed preparation for backhand volley is high and the swing is long. The result must be full of spin. From the picture: the ball was dipping but Fed takeback was still from high position.

Racquet Balance: polarization and stiffness

Racquet customization will impact with racquet polar, making it polarized or depolarized. In my short experience, a polarized racquet may benefit lead at 3 and 9 making it slight depolarized for more stability, for example on Aerogel 300 with 3grams total at 3&9. A depolarized racquet with wide body and low power such as CX 200 Tour may benefit with lead at 12 for polarized effect. The 6.1 BLX team added at 10 and 2 because has that elongated but flatten top corner. 

In addition, adding lead at 12 can feel like it stiffen the racquet by making it more powerful and plow through. The addition of lead at the top made it the upper hoop to bend less and might send the shock to the handle. 

 

Racquet finder (con't)

I am going to continue the post, I wrote about my racquet line up. The last time was on Prince Tour 100L. 

In 2018, I bought another Pro Staff 97 v10 as a backup for the first PS97. This racquet is now been sold at 2/3 of its purchase price. As mentioned in the previous blog, I had wrist pain from using this racquet and moved on to other arm-friendlier racquet.

In 2019, I bought a brand new old stock Head Youtek Radical OS at a bargain (half off from $189). I put a leather grip on it but kind of made it too big with overgrip and hurt my thumb. As of now, I put back a synthetic grip and played better. The grip was Head traditional rectangular grip so a leather grip made it one size up. With a tight string pattern (18x19), the strokes are flat, swing easy, good power. Currently with technifibre syngut 16g.

In early 2020, I was then browsing online and found a used Prince Textreme Warrior 107. New Prince racquet is rare in Indonesia, so at about half off a new one ($80), I bought it. The racquet is great at slicing but still not be able to maintain the power, may need spin a friendly string. It does not need dampener because already muted from the big headsize and thick frame. 

After several weeks not playing due to the pandemic, I found that the Pro Staff 97 gives me wrist pain. I actually felt it for a long time, I sometimes wear wristband day after playing with it which I thought was normal. But then, I read tennisnerd where he mentioned about the stiffness of PS97, it had me thinking to try others, especially player's racquet.

I remember a friend was selling Wilson Ultra Tour, I regretted not buying it because having fun with PS97. He mentioned that the UT was very low powered. But, then he told me that he is trying to sell Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18x20. Then, I read about it and was interested but at the same time I found online, someone selling the 16x19 version. So, I bought the 16x19 version at secondhand price around $80, the racquet is like new and clean. The 18x20 comes with some knicks and scratch but overall good. These racquet plays similar but very lighthead that it needs lead, most of the shots landed short and a bit unstable on stock. My current setup for both are around 3-4 grams of lead at 12 o'clock.

After that Dunlop, starting reading and found a seller selling brand new old Dunlop racquets. First, I bought the Hot Melt 200G, for around $15, which is heavy and low powered. It is so soft that it needs leather grip. The price was bargain, so I bought another one (might sell the unstrung one). 

Then, I bought another Dunlop, Aerogel 300, for around $50, just for trying but turns out, it is my go to racquet now. With current setup 3 grams on 3-9, synth grip, rubber dampener, and spin friendly string, the power and balance are just right, not too light or heavy. I have another one for spare. The tinny feel is there and with leather grip, it send shocks to my pinky. 

Bought a Prince Blade 107, for $25, might be an asian version of Precision Lite 107, in purple. Lend this to a friend for use.

I just myself another Dunlop, Biomimetic F3.0 Tour which have not strung and will see how it goes.

[to be continue]

PS97 and Radical OS setup

 For the last two tennis sessions, I brought my Wilson PS97 v10 (synth grip + 2 over grip) and Head IG YT Radical OS (synth grip + 1 over grip). In the first session, we were using weeks old balls, so the control from the ball was hard, using the PS97 works better. But in the second session, we were using new balls. Dont know whether my swing speed was off or the string has softened up, I just cant find any power or control from PS97 on the new balls. So, I switched to Rad OS which has bigger head size but tighter string in the center. Voila, the power and control was better, and I can swing more confidently. Summary: Rad OS with synthetic grip and overgrip feels good. Reminds me of Dunlop Aerogel 300 of its power and easy swing. 

Doubles positioning

 Below is picture of Bryan brothers, see how they position themselves at ready position; closer to service line then to the net. They are tall but this is to avoid lobs. At this position, be ready for low volleys.

PS97 update

 Sold a PS97, so only have one PS97, which is the 1st one I bought. This one is lighter than the latter one, it swings easier. Strung with a prince syngut 16, it has now started to frayed and will using it until it breaks. Used to put leather grip, had great feel but it may sends vibration to the wrist, making it sore. The current setup from last session was: synthetic grip, 2 thin overgrips, and rubber band dampener. The spin was there but was using worn balls, control was good but nothing special. The 2 overgrips seems a bit big but more stable. Overall: muted, might need spin friendly strings.

Radical OS update

 Been using the YT IG Radical OS, the current setup is using synthetic grip, overgrip, and rubber band dampener. The feel is still the same, feels soft and a bit flimsy. The power is certainly there, need to spin on it, without the spin the ball will bounce really high. Overall, a fun racquet for singles game.