Tester:
Player name: Stephan Couzijn Level: 5/6 Type of player: 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 Airgel 300 Tour, Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT, Wilson Pro Staff 95, Wilson Juice Pro, Yonex EZONE DR 98, Wilson Clash 100, Head Gravity, among others MP, Wilson Pro Staff 97 CV, Prince Synergy 98 and the Babolat Pure Aero VS.Tested racket/specifications:
Brand: Dunlop Model: FX 500 2023 Leaf size: 100 sq/inch Weight: 300 gr Balance: 32.0 cm Stringing pattern: 16×19 Length: 27 inches RA: 69 Beam: 23mm / 26mm / 23mm Swingweight: 321 (in our demo 317; on average it 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 finding the ease of playing in combination with the control very striking. I'm curious to see how the new version behaves. It was also striking that I preferred the “regular” FX 500 over 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 rating:
The new Dunlop FX 500 feels heavier than what the specifications suggest. This makes the racket immediately feel solid. The RA value, which is a point or two lower than its predecessor, also makes me happy.
Baseline Dunlop FX 500 2023:
After the first exchange of ideas it is clear that Dunlop seriously wants to enter the market of 100 sq/inch power frames with the FX 500. The distinguishing element is that the power is controllable. I immediately feel that this racket has a great balance between spin and power and both are still manageable. This means that the claimed “controlled power” still appears to be present. Just like its predecessor, the new Dunlop FX 500 makes it very easy to hit deep against the back line from the baseline. Sometimes the balls fly off, but that happens to me with all power frames. Even though I sometimes press the accelerator a little too far, I notice that the FX 500 offers much more control than, for example, a Babolat Pure Drive or Pure Aero. While the power level is virtually the same. That makes me very satisfied from the baseline. I can complete both my backhand and my forehand. Even under pressure I can quickly get the racket moving to get out of the pressure. The Dunlop FX 500 feels remarkably solid from the baseline, especially when I compare the frame with its heavier brother the FX 500 Tour. Which is remarkable to me because I'm usually more attracted to heavier frames. Still, I have the same control and sometimes more control with the FX 500 compared to the FX 500 Tour. Moreover, I have to put in much less effort to get balls deep. In short, the FX 500 would be my choice.
Slice balls also come off the tray very well. Mainly because of the average weight of this frame. I think that from the baseline the Dunlop FX 500 is still a formidable competitor to the Babolat Pure Drive or Wilson Ultra 100 V4 . Compared to its predecessor, the new Dunlop FX 500 is slightly more arm-friendly, making the racket suitable for a wide audience.
Volleys:
Just like with its predecessor, it was easy to complete at the net. Due to the relatively light weight, it was not difficult to maneuver the racket quickly. The racket feels solid, which allowed me to hit and put away the volleys well. 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 exploded. To be honest, the fulling went better than expected. My expectation of a power frame is that it is more unstable than my own Head Extreme Tour, but that wasn't too bad. Another absolute plus of the Dunlop FX 500.
To 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. Slice served services also come off well. Despite the good dose of power, I can easily keep the balls in the service box. That is sometimes 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 most players do not immediately think of Dunlop, the collaboration with the Japanese Srixon delivers quality products time and time again. I was once again surprised at the ease with which I got balls deep against the back line without losing control. The nicest 100 sq/inch power frame I have played with in a long time! Dunlop has managed to maintain the good trend. By producing a racket that has both power and control. For players who are looking for a racket that helps them gain length in their shots without constantly hitting the fences, the Dunlop FX 500 is an absolute must. The lower RA value also means that the racket does not immediately destroy your elbow. Thanks to the controllable power, the Dunlop FX 500 2023 gives you the confidence to hit the ball without having to worry about hitting all the balls. In short, I am once again pleasantly surprised with the new version of the FX 500.