Posted by Welcome to the Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18×20 racquet review, this review will be on the new 2021 version and there will also be a comparison between the old 16×19 version and the new one in a separate post. The CX line from Dunlop consists of many diffrerent models but is mainly targeted on control. Their two other lines SX and FX are targeted for spin and power. This 18×20 version is the most controlled of the bunch with a thin beam, dense string pattern and small head size. This will be resulting in a highly advanced racquet which demans a lot from the player who needs solid strikes with good technique and good footwork in order to make use if the racquets full potential.
Racquet specs:
- Head size: 95 in² or 613 cm²
- Length: 27 inches or 68.5 cm
- Weight unstrung: 315 g or 11.1 oz
- Weight strung: 332 g or 11.7 oz
- Balance: 310 mm
- Swingweight (strung): 319
- String Pattern: 18/20
- Beam Width: 20.5 mm
- Stiffness: 63 RA according to Dunlop (62 listed on TW)
- Power level: Low
- Strings: Head Lynx Tour at 24kg or 53lbs
This is an extremely controlled racquet and I had to put in a lot of effort to get some pace and spin on the ball. I can’t say this frame suits me or my playstyle since it demands hitting the sweetspot perfect every time and generating a lot on your own. But when you hit the middle with perfect timing it almost becomes effortless, the issue is that this rarely happens in matchplay and only on practice which is then almost useless.
My favourite shots with this racquet was the drop shot, the feel of this racquet is really nice and I felt really connected and confident to hit drop shots. Almost all shots that requires feel felt good, the slice, volleys, drop shots and so on. Serves worked quite good aswell, I didn’t get enough pop for me but my placements and second serves were very solid through out the playtest.
The differences between the 18×20 version and the 16×19 are the string pattern, weight and grip. The 18×20 version is 5 grams heavier with a denser string pattern and it has a leather grip in stock form instead of a synthetic grip. When comparing these two models there is not much of a difference, the 16×19 has a slightly higher launch angle over the net, a bit more spin potential and it’s a tad more forgiving. You still have to put in a lot of work using these frames but both the 16×19 and 18×20 would need some more customization and weight to get more stable.
In conclusion this is a very controlled racquet, great for touch shots and perfect ball placements. Primarly made for an advanced player who likes to come foward to finish of the points quickly and effective or just an aggressive baseliner who needs extra control and precision.
Thanks for reading this review, don’t forget to check out my other reviews and the comparison coming up on the 16×19 version. Please subscribe to my Youtube channel and follow me on Instagram. Have a great day, bye!
Tennisrally 