Dunlop FX 500 Tennis Racket Review
Every tennis player knows that having the right gear makes all the difference in your game. And one crucial piece of gear is, of course, the racket. With hundreds of tennis rackets on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect one for your playing style. That is where we come in! In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the Dunlop FX 500 tennis racket, discussing its performance, specifications, and comparisons to other competing models. So, let's get started!
Dunlop’s Sonic Core technology gives the racket a softer feel.
Specifications
Head Size: 100 in / 645.16 cm
Length: 27 in / 68.58 cm
Strung Weight: 11.3 oz / 320 g
Balance: 13 in / 33.02 cm / 4 pts HL
Swingweight: 321
Stiffness: 69
Beam Width: 23 mm / 26 mm / 23 mm
Composition: Sonic Core Infinergy
Power Level: Low Medium
String Pattern: 16 Mains / 19 Crosses
String Tension: 45-65 pounds
Groundstrokes 8/10
Let's begin by discussing one of the most critical elements of tennis - groundstrokes. The Dunlop FX 500 does not disappoint in this crucial category. The racket features a 100 square-inch head size, with remarkable manoeuvrability, making it an ideal choice for players looking for a balance between power and control. The frame, with its Sonic Core technology, offers players enhanced stability and responsiveness while hitting groundstrokes from the baseline. One of the key benefits of the racket is that it also minimises vibrations, leading to a comfortable feel and better overall performance.
Volleys 7/10
Though groundstrokes are essential, it is critical to evaluate a racket's performance in volleys as well, especially for players looking to dominate the net. When I tested it, I found that the Dunlop FX 500 felt rather stiff on the volleys. I would have preferred a softer feel to get more touch and control on my volleys. However, the racket's head size made it easier to get under the ball and hit crisp volleys. So, while the stiffness was a downside, the racket performed reasonably well on volleys overall.
Serves 7.5/10
When it comes to serving, power and accuracy are what most players look for, and the Dunlop FX 500 tennis racket delivers nicely in this regard. I found that the racket's stiff construction and its 320 g of strung weight were ideal for me to generate slices and topspins on my serves. I was also able to serve flat with ample power, putting my opponent on the defensive right from the start.
Comparisons With Similar Models
To better understand the Dunlop FX 500, it is essential to compare it with other popular rackets in the market. One direct competitor is the Babolat Pure Drive 2021, an all-time favourite amongst tennis enthusiasts. Both rackets have similar weights, string patterns, and even the cosmetic blue. However, the Babolat Pure Drive comes with a higher price tag, and perhaps deservedly so, as the Babolat frame provided more feel and control on my volleys when I playtested it some time back.
Another popular model that one could compare the Dunlop FX 500 with is the Wilson Clash 100, loved for its flexibility and comfort. Personally, I found that the Wilson Clash 100 was more comfortable for me, as I tend to be a more control-oriented player. However, if you are looking for more power then the Dunlop FX 500 might be a better choice. Ultimately, it comes down to individual playing styles and preferences.
Overall Score 7.5/10
In summary, the Dunlop FX 500 is an excellent tennis racket for players looking for a balance between power and control. With its 100 square-inch head size and Sonic Core technology, it offers a comfortable feel and solid performance from the baseline and on serves. While it may feel slightly stiff on volleys, it still performs reasonably well in that category. When compared to similar models like the Babolat Pure Drive 2021 or the Wilson Clash 100, the Dunlop FX 500 stands out as an affordable yet high-performing racket suited for a variety of playing styles.