Dunlop CX 200 Tour
- Price: $199
- Head Size: 95 sq. in.
- Length: 27 in.
- Weight: 11.5 oz.
- Balance: 7 pts. HL
- Swingweight: 313
- RA Rating: 65
- Beam Width: 20.5 mm
- String Pattern: 16x19
What’s New
Dunlop wanted to infuse the new CX line with additional power and spin potential. To that end, the cross strings on the Dunlop CX Tour 200 have been widened in the center of the string bed to help out in both departments. The 2 and 10 o’clock portions of the hoop also now have more of a box shape to improve the racquet’s stability and increase frame stiffness through the face and throat. The greater composure at contact makes for more accurate ball striking. A new vibration dampening material (Vibroshield) has been inserted at 3 and 9 o’clock positions on the face and in the throat area of the frame for a more comfortable feel at contact.
What Works
In a sea of similarly spec’d frames, a racquet like the CX 200 Tour brings a refreshing playing profile to the court. It doesn’t wow with power, which could best described as adequate. Hardly a surprise given its dimensions. Double faults are killers, American men struggle to win on clay and a head-light 95 with low swingweight and a thin (20.5 mm) constant beam is going to feature control. Players attracted to 200 Tour either crave total command over their shots, or have the mechanics and swing speed to generate pace all on their own.
Fortunately, for a “Tour” racquet this one is awfully easy to swing. On ground strokes and especially serves you can really accelerate it through contact to pick up extra mph. This update is a bit firmer with a crisper feel than the outgoing model, which also helps give the frame some added punch. The newly inserted Vibroshield material compensates for the increased stiffness, resulting in clean and comfortable contact. And when that contact is in the sweet spot can capably redirect pace with regularity and accuracy.
The nimbleness through the air also makes the racquet face a breeze to manipulate. This comes in handy for putting spin on the ball, which is improved by the wider spacing of the 16x19 string pattern. For a midsize, it’s quite proficient at carving a smooth slice, or rolling an angle. The playability feels best-suited for players who like to attack opponents with an onslaught of varied shots and placements rather than just pace.
Net performance follows a similar script to baseline play. It’s super quick during exchanges and never seems late to contact. Volleys are solid, stable and highly controllable, but just require a little extra attention to drive through the court. That’s simply the give and take with a spry midsize. Touch and drop volleys feel great and give the expected response. And all that racquet speed is put to good use when disposing of overheads. Skilled doubles players would certainly appreciate the frame’s forecourt prowess.
