Stephan has enjoyed testing the new Dunlop CX 200 Tour 16x19 in recent weeks. Below is his full review and a comparison with the Tour 18x20 version he previously tested!
Intro:
After my positive experiences with the Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18×20 , it was high time to also 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 you can hardly 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 place the balls tightly against the lines. The 16×19 version gives you a little more free spin and clearance around the net. The specs of the 18x20 and 16x19 versions of the Dunlop Srixon CX 200 Tour are similar, but the 16x19 comes with five grams less weight, which is mainly due to the lack of a leather grip.
Tested racket:
Brand: Dunlop Model: CX 200 Tour 16x19 Head 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 head size, you mainly have to generate spin yourself. This racket is intended for advanced players who can find the sweet spot well.
This racket plays well in its factory form, but I personally would like a slightly higher weight to make it easier to swing through heavy balls. A little lead at 3 and 9 o'clock would be sufficient. The addition of a leather grip to maintain the balance of the racket finished it off for me. This is of course personal and everyone will have to find out for themselves.
Test:
The Dunlop CX 200 Tour 16×19 gives you a little more length in your strokes from the baseline than the 18×20. That's actually the difference between these two rackets. They are both stable, control-oriented, well-balanced rackets that are excellent weapons for advanced players. The CX 200 Tour 16x19 best suits the aggressive player who likes to get to the net. Due to the low balance, the frame at the net is very easy to change direction. There are actually no balls that you cannot hit with this Dunlop CX 200 Tour.
The smaller head and low balance allow you to create an enormous amount of racket head speed. Even more than with the 18x20, you can get a lot of kick out of your serve with this Dunlop CX 200 Tour. Wonderful to walk up afterwards and hit a volley against lines.
If you are more of a player who plays the rally from the baseline, I would go for a frame with a slightly larger blade size, for example the 'regular' Dunlop CX 200 . Also an extremely nice racket, but for players who like precision instruments, there are not many better options on the current racket market. In addition to the Dunlop CX 200 Tour frames, you can choose from the: Prince Textreme Phantom Pro 93P (faster through the air, smaller sweet spot), 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 16×19 is for the advanced player who likes to get to the net, but would like a little more help with spin and length than he gets with the 18×20 string pattern. Otherwise they play almost identically. You get more precision with the 18×20 and a little more length with the 16×19. Choosing between these two frames is not easy. I think the 16×19 might help a bit more on gravel. Actually just another great frame from Dunlop with a wonderful mix of classic control properties and more modern playing properties.