Page 42 - Tennis Magazine April 2019
P. 42
Dunlop
The “200” line
returns with its
signature control
R’S
CE Building on its impressive debut
partnership with Srixon, Dunlop
has released six new models in
its CX racquet series. Infinergy,
a light and highly elastic mate-
rial, has been added to expand
BABOLAT upon the dampening and energy- DUNLOP
return qualities of the Sonic Core
Pure Drive VS technology already in Dunlop’s CX 200
frames. The increased comfort
• PRICE: $499/PAIR • PRICE: $219
and lower vibrations allow
• HEAD SIZE: 98 SQ. IN. • HEAD SIZE: 98 SQ. IN.
players to hit harder, cleaner
• LENGTH: 27 IN. • LENGTH: 27 IN.
shots. A redesigned string
• WEIGHT: 11.1 OZ. • WEIGHT: 11.4 OZ.
configuration (Power Grid)
• BALANCE: 6 PTS. HL • BALANCE: 5 PTS. HL
produces a pattern that’s dense
• SWINGWEIGHT: 308 • SWINGWEIGHT: 316
in the middle of the racquet for
• RA RATING: 65 • RA RATING: 63
heightened control, and wider at
• BEAM WIDTH: 21MM / 23MM / 21MM the top for better power on • BEAM WIDTH: 21.5MM
• STRING PATTERN: 16×19 off-center hits. Aesthetically, • STRING PATTERN: 16×19
• NTRP: 4.0+ the black matte base with red • NTRP: 4.0+
detailing looks sharp, and far
How it tested: If the Pure Drive has How it tested: Where many of the
less cluttered than the graph-
traditionally run too fast and loose, the previous Dunlop 200s confined its
ics of the previous models. The
brand-new Pure Drive VS applies audiences primarily to the purest of ball
2.0 tag to the line has morphed
much-needed brakes. A more compact into the 200, harkening back to strikers, the CX 200 provided more
head size, thinner beam and softer flex Dunlop’s heritage. margin for error. Its DNA is still rooted in
brings elevated precision to the ultimate feel and control, but there were
power frame. Testers still found it firm respectable levels of power and spin to
with plenty of pop, but the new dimen- EXPLORING THE CATALOG increase playability. Swinging out
sions offered better feel and control. The generated good pace on serves and
low swingweight equaled significant In addition to the models ground strokes with consistent targeting.
racquet-head speed, which produced lots reviewed, there is also a 200 The quick handling and clean, solid
of action on kick serves and topspin Tour (18x20), 200+ (extended response at net added up to assured
ground strokes. At times, it played too length) and a lighter 200LS… volleying. Grind and counterpunch, or go
light—stability wavered against big Rounding out the CX line is a 400 on the offensive—the frame gels with
hitters—and it could require additional model that is 100 square inches, both tactics. There were instances of
mass to compete at the higher levels. thicker beamed, stiffer and more fluttering when defending against
Being sold only in pairs, with a weight power-oriented than the 200 incoming pace, especially on returns of
variance of 1.9 grams, is an interesting frames…An updated CX luggage serve. Highly competitive players may
and potentially welcome perk for serious collection will accompany the need to add weight to the racquet;
competitors, including top juniors and racquets…Explosive Red string, fortunately, the frame’s specs make it
college players. an expansion of the existing ripe for customization. This is a solid
polyester franchise, will come choice for the skilled all-courter looking
Editor’s Choice: Best New Frame out in the second half of 2019. for a precise, predictable racquet.
4 0 T E N N I S . C O M M A R /A P R 2 0 1 9
