The Pro Shop by Justin diFeliciantonio - Racquet Review: Donnay X-Red 99
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Racquet Review: Donnay X-Red 99 05/02/2011 - 11:13 AM

XRedResizedBy Bruce Levine and Richard Pagliaro

Price: $249
Head Size: 99 square inches

Length: 27 inches

Weight: 10.9 oz. (unstrung), 11.5 oz. (strung)
Balance: 5 points headlight
(strung)
Ideal Swing: Long

String Pattern: 16 mains/19 crosses

Beam Width: 15 mm/18 mm/17 mm

NTRP: 4.5-7.0

How It Tested: Donnay USA revived the American branch of the brand Bjorn Borg—and later Andre Agassi—wielded in earning Grand Slam glory. Endorsed by Jim Courier, this is an exceedingly smooth racquet to play with in all areas of the shot spectrum. It offers deft directional control on baseline drives and scored highly for its soft touch at net, enabling players to hit a variety of volleys with precision. The frame’s open string pattern makes it conducive to creating spin on serve, though some testers said the racquet doesn't provide a lot of power.

Likes: The ultra-thin beam makes this racquet aerodynamically adept and provides the touch of a wood frame for advanced players, who relished its exceptional control. The frame comes with three interchangeable butt cap options (and a key to open and close the cap) and bumper guards in different weights, allowing for customization. The stick’s sleek cosmetics were inspired by Apple's iPod and Macbook Air, giving the racquet a high-tech look to complement a classic feel. 

Dislikes: If you can’t consistently find the sweet spot, this racquet won't provide much pop. If power is of primary importance, you may want to try play-testing the thinner-beam, game improvement frames Donnay is developing for release later this spring.

Bottom Line: Control connoisseurs capable of cracking the ball without help from wider-beam frames may thrive with this frame, but it requires a full swing to make the most of its talents. The higher you reside on the NTRP scale, the better this frame will play. If you’re below a 4.5 and don't possess a full, fast swing, this probably isn't the right frame for you. 

TENNIS racquet advisor Bruce Levine is a former touring pro who has coached on both the men’s and women’s tours. Bruce is the general manager of Courtside Racquet Club in Lebanon, N.J., has worked as a full-time teaching pro for 30 years and lectures nationally on racquets and equipment.


 
5
Comments


Posted by JOe 05/02/2011 at 08:26 PM

looks nice!

Posted by skeptic 05/03/2011 at 08:12 PM

At the price they're asking for the racket Donnay are going to have to hold on to it. When true players' rackets such as the Prince Diablo, the Prince Classic, the Wilson Blade Tour 93 to name just a few sell for $129 or less retail, only old, arthritic, Alzheimer's stricken, full of money, retirees tennis-player-wannabees will pay for this stick. Who cares what Jim Courier endorses? For a few bucks he would endorse a broom.

Posted by tennisplaya 05/04/2011 at 05:22 AM

sweetspots is not about the racquet... it's more about the string tension and weight distribution on the frame... lower string tension will give you bigger sweetspot.

Posted by straightshooter 05/05/2011 at 10:16 AM

Skeptic, sounds like you are describing yourself!

Posted by jeanius 05/05/2011 at 07:29 PM


Are all y'all 4.5 players? If not, price and sweet spots probably don't mean much to you.

"If you’re below a 4.5 and don't possess a full, fast swing, this probably isn't the right frame for you."

It does look nice, although that D on the strings is so large it looks dumb.

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