2022 Gear Guide: Dunlop Racquets—SX 300 and SX 300 Tour
“It does just enough of the work while still letting me rip through the ball and create a ton of topspin.”
Seven racquet companies, two frames from each. One is sure to be a perfect match for your game.
HOW WE TEST: Several samples were requested of every racquet reviewed. Each model was either strung with the manufacturer’s recommended string and tension, or such a string was provided, to optimize the frame’s perfor-mance. Racquets were then distributed to our playtesters located throughout the country. Each tester was encouraged to try a racquet for as long as it took to get a feel for its particular playing characteristics, including power, control, comfort, maneuverability and overall playability. In addition to forming their own opinions, they sought assessments from playing partners, students and cus-tomers. A special note of thanks to Kevin Brandt, Mitchell Case, James Golden, and Kin Roseborough for their valuable contributions.
Dunlop
SX 300
- PRICE: $229 (Buy)
- HEAD SIZE: 100 SQ. IN.
- LENGTH: 27 IN.
- WEIGHT: 11.2 OZ.
- BALANCE: 4 PTS. HL
- SWINGWEIGHT: 320
- RA RATING: 67
- BEAM WIDTH: 23MM / 26MM / 23MM
- STRING PATTERN: 16X19
Player Profile:
Baseline Brawler
Tester Quote:
“It does just enough of the work while still letting me rip through the ball and create a ton of topspin.”
How It Tested:
+ Updates to the grommet system and string spacing gave the frame a higher launch angle, more spin potential and better comfort than its predecessor.
+ Power was more distinguish-able than control, but a healthy cut could still be taken without fear of overhitting.
+ Access to heavy spin had the ball dancing; the wicked curves and kicks made it seem like you were serving with a wiffleball.
- Distance control on touch shots like drop volleys and other subtle strokes was difficult to gauge.
SX 300 Tour
- PRICE: $229 (Buy)
- HEAD SIZE: 98 SQ. IN.
- LENGTH: 27 IN.
- WEIGHT: 11.4 OZ.
- BALANCE: 6 PTS. HL
- SWINGWEIGHT: 325
- RA RATING: 66
- BEAM WIDTH: 23 MM / 26 MM / 23 MM
- STRING PATTERN: 16X19
Player Profile:
First Strike Aggressor
Tester Quote:
“I love the way this racquet plays when I’m sitting back behind the baseline and just want to rally with a fast, heavy topspin ball.”
How It Tested:
+ A smaller head size and lower weight versus the outgoing model gave this update more refined handling and command.
+ Even with the reduced hitting surface, the frame still had no trouble putting a charge into the ball and applying gobs of spin.
+ Best-suited to serve-plus-one baseline aggression, but not incapable of implementing more subtle tactics.
- Users of the previous model may not find the replacement as stable or comfortable.