Stephan has been testing the new Dunlop CX 200 Tour 16x19 with great pleasure over the past few weeks. Below is his full review and a comparison with the Tour 18x20 version he tested earlier!
Intro:
After my positive experiences with the Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18×20 , it was high time to try out the Dunlop Srixon CX 200 Tour 16×19. As expected, the slightly more open string pattern does not disappoint.
When writing this review, it’s almost impossible to avoid comparing the two different string patterns. The 18x20 version is all about precision and gives you little power and free spin, but allows you to hit the balls tight to the lines. The 16x19 version gives you a bit more free spin and play over the net. The specifications of the 18x20 and 16x19 versions of the Dunlop Srixon CX 200 Tour are similar, but the 16x19 comes with five grams less weight, mainly due to the lack of a leather grip.
Tested racket:
Brand: Dunlop Model: CX 200 Tour 16x19 Blade size: 95 sq/inch Weight: 310 gr Balance: 31.0 cm Stringing pattern: 16x19 Length: 27 inch RA: 64 Beam: 20.5 mm Stringing: Dunlop NT Max Plus at 23/22 kg
Specifications:
The specifications of the Dunlop CX 200 tour 16x19 are exactly what I am looking for in a racket. I like control-oriented rackets and this is definitely a frame where you have to bring your own power. The spin potential is quite good, but as always with rackets with a 95 headsize you have to generate spin yourself. This racket is meant for advanced players, who can find the sweet spot well.
This racket plays fine in its factory form, but I personally would like a bit more weight to be able to swing through heavy balls more easily. A bit of lead at 3 and 9 o'clock would be enough. The addition of a leather grip to maintain the balance of the racket would finish it off for me. This is of course personal and everyone will have to find out for themselves.
Test:
The Dunlop CX 200 Tour 16x19 gives you a little more length in your strokes from the baseline than the 18x20. That is actually the difference between these two racquets. They are both stable, control-oriented, well-balanced racquets that are excellent weapons for advanced players. The CX 200 Tour 16x19 suits the aggressive player who likes to come to the net best. The low balance makes the frame very easy to change direction at the net. There are virtually no balls that you cannot volley away with this Dunlop CX 200 Tour.
The smaller blade and low balance allow you to create a lot of rackethead speed. Even more than with the 18x20, you can get a lot of kick in your serve with this Dunlop CX 200 Tour. Great to walk up afterwards and lay a volley against lines.
If you are more of a baseline rally player, I would go for a frame with a slightly larger head size, for example the 'regular' Dunlop CX 200. Also a very nice racket, but for players who like precision instruments, there are not many better options on the current racket market. Besides the Dunlop CX 200 Tour frames you can choose from the: Prince Textreme Phantom Pro 93P (faster through the air, smaller sweetspot), Wilson Ultra Tour (a softer frame compared to the CX Tour) and the Prince Textreme Tour 95 (pretty much the same, but less power).
Conclusion
The Dunlop Srixon CX 200 Tour 16x19 is for the advanced player who likes to come to the net, but wants a little more help with spin and length than he gets from the 18x20 string pattern. Other than that they play pretty much identical. You get more precision with the 18x20 and a little more length with the 16x19. Choosing between these two blades is not easy. I think the 16x19 might help a little more on clay. Basically another great blade from Dunlop with a great mix of classic control characteristics and more modern playing characteristics.