2022 Gear Guide: Dunlop Racquets—SX 300 and SX 300 Tour

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.