Friday, October 24, 2008
New Dunlop AeroGel 300 Tour Playtest
This week I will be doing the first of what will probably be several playtest reviews of new racquets that will be hitting the market in the coming months. Today I will be writing about my initial thoughts of the new Dunlop AeroGel 300 Tour.This is an all new offering from Dunlop. Their 300 series of racquets have been very successful over the last several years, and with the new trend in "player" racquets bing tour models, we knew this on would be coming.
Lets start off with how this frame differs from the current AeroGel 300. First off it is a heavier frame. The current 300 weighs in at about 315 grams strung (10.5 ounces), while the new tour is about 325 grams (almost 11 ounces) strung. More importantly the swingweight of the new racquet remains very close to the standard 300. This is due to the more headlight balance of the new frame. Next is the stiffness or power of the new frame. While the standard 300 has an RA stiffness rating of 64, the tour measured at only 60. The result is a more flexible control oriented racquet, that would suit a more advanced player looking for a little more heft. The tour also features an 18x20 string pattern that gives a stiffer feel at ball contact. Technology wise the only difference seems to be the new 4D braiding in the frame. This is an update to the current M-Fil technology that is in the current line of AeroGel frames. Both frames have a 98 sq. inch headsize. That's enough of the geeky stuff lets talk about how it plays.
Groundstrokes:Forehands and Backhands are able to be hit with good power produced by the player, with a good amount of spin potential. Since this racquet swings at about 10 ounces you can really accelerate through the ball, allowing you to hit flat drives or really generate some topspin. I also found that the frame did very well with my slice backhand. I was able to hit the ball deep with great control. I felt that I could be very accurate off both sides.
Volleys:
For me this is where a great racquet seperates itself from the good ones. The headlight balance of this frame shines in front of the service line. It is quick and manuverable, not cumbersome in any way, reflex volleys are no problem at all. Overheads can be hit with confidence, and pace can be taken off the ball for angles with ease. Advanced doubles players will appreciate this racquet!
Serves:
As with the groundstrokes, all options are available to you on the serve. Flat serves explode off of the compact but potent sweetspot, but as I stated before, the player will have to produce the power. Again spin potential is very high with this racquet. It will handle all of the junk you can put on it. It is very quick to accelerate up to the ball.
My thoughts on this racquet is that it is a very welcome addition to the Dunlop line. It gives players looking who want a liile more power and forgiveness than the AeroGel 200. It reminds me of the Wilson [K] Blade Tour in how it hits, but the larger headsize is much more forgiving. To me Dunlop frames tend to have a more muted or soft feel to them, which I have not been a big fan of, but the AeroGel 300 Tour does not suffer from this. I would imagine that this is a result of the new 4D braiding, which gives it a stiffer feel. Overall I am very impressed with the racquet, and I think that while it doesn't appeal to a broad spectrum of players, it will make some advanced players very happy.
Babolat Racquet Diagnostic Center Measurements:
Frame Stiffness: 60 (out of 100)
Swingweight: 301 g (10.62 ounces)
Strung Weight: 323 g (11.39 ounces)
Balance: 7 pts headlight (12.75 inches)
Update:
After speaking with the Dunlop Rep I have learned that this racquet will be available January 20, 2009
5 Comments:
Great review.
Just wanted you to know that your metric conversions were a little off. There are 28.35 grams per ounce so you numbers for the racket listed in ounces is not correct. Thanks...
"Both frames have a 98 sq. inch headsize", not correct.
The frame of the new Dunlop AeroGel 4D 300 Tour should be 97 sq.
The headsize of the 4D 300 Tour is 98 SQ INCH !!! dont believe me , check the website:
http://www.dunlopsports.com/Dunlop-Tennis/Products/Rackets/Aerogel-4D/3HUNDRED-TOUR-4D/
The headsize of the 4D 300 Tour is 98 SQ INCH !!! dont believe me , check the website: Yes it is even stamped 98 on the frame but it is a true 97 nonetheless it is the same mold and virtually same specs as the m-fil 200 plus, which is a 97. The non tour Aerogel 300 4D is 98 though.
Just demo'd this racquet tonight. DAMN!!!! I'm in love. All my racquets are early 1990's dunlop mid/super profile isis revelations'. no matter what racquets I demo and try over the years, i simply can't find one I like for my playing style (mostly doubles, massive top spin both sides, no flat. Spend a good portion of time at the net and serving. I have a huge swing. Like the review said, for me, I loved this racquet. Good control, good power, good feel (although doesn't dampen the vibration as well as my old ISIS's do (no modern racket i've found does). Added some pep to my serve, little effort to control spin serve. Again like the review states, its got a pretty good solid feel, something which i didn't like about some of the ones i demo'd before, you get a twangy feel coming off the strings...not so for this one, very solid all the way through.
Like the reviewer stated this isn't for everyone, but for that group who hits like me, this might just be the racquet for you. No dunlop doesn't sponsor me (wishes...) but I've always been a fan of their products. (hell they make my car tires, lol) for the first time in 20 years, i'm planning on purchasing some new racquets.
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