The Dunlop FX 500 2023 tested by Stephan! This racket offers controlled power, good stability and is very user-friendly.
Tester:
Player name: Stephan Couzijn Level: 5/6 Player type: all-courter, eastern grip, one-handed backhand, fairly flat strokes Own racket: Yonex EZONE DR 98 , Wilson Clash 100 , Head Graphene 360+ Extreme Tour . Player's racket history: Wilson Pro Staff 6.0 95, Wilson Six-One 95, Head Radical, Dunlop Aerogel 300 Tour, Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT, Wilson Pro Staff 95, Wilson Juice Pro, Yonex EZONE DR 98, Wilson Clash 100, Head Gravity MP, Wilson Pro Staff 97 CV, Prince Synergy 98 and the Babolat Pure Aero VS.Tested racket/specifications:
Brand: Dunlop Model: FX 500 2023 Headsize: 100 sq/inch Weight: 300 gr Balance: 32.0 cm Stringing pattern: 16×19 Length: 27 inch RA: 69 Beam: 23mm / 26mm / 23mm Swingweight: 321 (our demo 317; average is 321) Stringing: Dunlop Explosive Speed 1.25 blue at 23/23 kg
The new FX 500 from Dunlop is now available in our webshop including free stringing of your choice!
Intro:
It has been over a year and a half since I tested the previous version of the Dunlop Srixon FX 500. I remember that I found the ease of play in combination with the control very striking. I am curious how the new version behaves. Also striking was that I preferred the "regular" FX 500 above the tour version. I wonder if that is the case again. The color scheme this year is exactly the opposite of last year. Predominantly blue with black accents.
Racket review:
The new Dunlop FX 500 feels heavier than the specifications suggest. This makes the racket feel solid right away. Also the RA value that is a point or two lower than its predecessor makes me happy.
Baseline Dunlop FX 500 2023:
After the first exchange of strokes it is clear that Dunlop wants to seriously compete in the market of 100 sq/inch power frames with the FX 500. With the distinguishing element that the power is controllable. I immediately feel that this racket has a great balance between spin and power and both are also controllable. With that the claimed “controlled power” still seems to be present. Just like its predecessor, it is very easy to hit deep into the back line from the baseline with the new Dunlop FX 500. Sometimes the balls fly off, but that happens to me with all power frames. Despite the fact that I sometimes press the accelerator a bit too far, I notice that the FX 500 offers much more control than, for example, a Babolat Pure Drive or Pure Aero. This while the power level is almost the same. That makes me very satisfied from the baseline. I can pull through both my backhand and my forehand. Even under pressure I can quickly get the racket moving to still get out from under the pressure. The Dunlop FX 500 feels remarkably solid from the baseline, especially when I compare the frame to its heavier brother the FX 500 Tour. Which is remarkable for me because I generally feel more attracted to heavier frames. Yet I have the same control and sometimes more control with the FX 500 compared to the FX 500 Tour. Moreover, I have to work much less to get balls deep. In short, the FX 500 would be my choice.
Slice balls also come off the blade well. Especially because of the average weight of this frame. I think that the Dunlop FX 500 is still a formidable competitor from the baseline of the Babolat Pure Drive or Wilson Ultra 100 V4 . Compared to its predecessor, the new Dunlop FX 500 is a bit more arm-friendly, which makes the racket suitable for a wide audience.
Volleys:
At the net, it was easy to volley, just like with its predecessor. Due to the relatively light weight, it was not difficult to maneuver the racket quickly. The racket feels solid, which allowed me to hit the volleys well and put them away. With the smashes you still feel the “Force” (the F in FX stands for Force, as its distant predecessor was called) of this racket. The balls burst off. To be honest, the volleying went better than expected. My expectation of a power frame is that it is more unstable than my own Head Extreme Tour, but that was not the case at all. Another absolute plus point of the Dunlop FX 500.
Serve:
As expected, serving with the Dunlop FX 500 was very easy. The racket has more than enough power to deliver cannonballs in all angles and positions. Sliced serves also come off well. Despite the considerable amount of power, I can easily keep the balls in the service box. That can be difficult with 100 sq/inch frames from the power segment. In short, a wonderful racket to serve with!
The new FX 500 from Dunlop is now available in our webshop including free stringing of your choice!
Conclusion Dunlop FX 500 2023:
Although the most players not immediately On Dunlop think, delivers the cooperation of It Japanese Srixon time on time quality products on. I was again surprised about It ease with which I balls deep in return for the back line got without the control at to lose. This is It finest 100 sq/inch power frame Where I in times with have played!
Dunlop has the good line fixed to know at to keep Through An racket at produce that both power as control in himself has. For players that on search are Unpleasant An racket that helps to length in their to succeed at to get without that they every time in return for the fences On to fly, is the Dunlop FX 500 An absolute recommended. Also the lower RA value takes care of before that It racket not immediately you elbow to soap helps.
By means of the controllable power gives the Dunlop FX 500 2023 you to trust to Tasty Through the ball to at to hit without scared at are that you all balls turns out. In short, I am again pleased surprised of the new version by the FX 500.