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: incl. 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 Head size: 100 sq/inch Weight: 300 gr Balance: 32.0 cm String pattern: 16×19 Length: 27 inch RA: 69 Beam: 23mm / 26mm / 23mm Swingweight: 321 (at our demo 317; however, the 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 already been over a year and a half since I tested the previous version of the Dunlop Srixon FX 500. I can 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 actually preferred the “regular” FX 500 over the tour version. 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. 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 shots, it is clear that Dunlop seriously wants to compete in the market of 100 sq/inch power frames with the FX 500 series. With the distinguishing element that the power is controllable. I immediately feel that this racket has a great balance between spin and power and that both are also manageable. Thus, the claimed “controlled power” still seems to be present. Just like its predecessor, with the new Dunlop FX 500 it is very easy to hit deep against the baseline from the baseline. Sometimes the balls fly away, but that happens to me with all power frames. Despite the fact that I sometimes push the gas pedal a little 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 fully follow through with both my backhand and my forehand. Even under pressure, I can quickly get the racket in motion to still come 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. What is remarkable for me is that I am generally 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 put in much less effort to get balls deep. In short, the FX 500 would be my choice.
Slice balls also come well from the head. Especially because of the average weight of this frame. I think that the Dunlop FX 500 is still a formidable competitor to the Babolat Pure Drive or Wilson Ultra 100 V4 from the baseline. Compared to its predecessor, the new Dunlop FX 500 is slightly more arm-friendly, making the racket suitable for a wide audience.
Volleys:
At the net, it was just as easy to volley as with its predecessor. Due to the relatively light weight, it was not difficult to maneuver the racket quickly. The racket feels solid, allowing me to volley through and put away the balls well. On 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 explode off it. Honestly, volleying went better than expected. My expectation of a power frame is that it is less stable than my own Head Extreme Tour, but that was no big deal. Another absolute plus point of the Dunlop FX 500.
Serving:
As expected, serving with the Dunlop FX 500 was very easy. The racket has more than enough power to deliver cannonballs into all corners and positions. Slice serves also come off it well. Despite the large dose of power, I can easily keep the balls in the service box. That is still 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 time and again delivers quality products. I was once again surprised by the ease with which I got balls deep against the baseline without losing control. This is the finest 100 sq/inch power frame I have played with in a long time!
Dunlop has the good line of knowing how to keep going by producing a racket that has both power and control. For players who are looking for a racket that helps them get depth in their strokes without constantly flying into the fences, is the Dunlop FX 500 an absolute must-have. Also the lower RA value ensures that the racket does not immediately make your elbow sore.
By the controllable power the Dunlop FX 500 2023 gives you confidence to hit the ball nicely through without being afraid that you will hit all the balls out. In short, I am once again pleasantly surprised by the new version of the FX 500.
