Intro

Introducing the Dunlop FX 500 LS — one of the five frames in Dunlop’s new FX line. It comes in at 10.1 ounces unstrung, which is the middle of the pack in terms of weight. The new line features a distinct blue and black color scheme, and abides by the motto: “power you can feel.”

Dunlop still utilizes its signature Sonic Core Technology with Infinergy to keep this frame comfortable at contact. This racquet includes a new Power Boost Frame Geometry for a more aerodynamic response and greater stability. It also has Flex Touch Resin inside the racquet shaft for increased flex and vibration dampening. To further improve the feel, a Power Boost Groove runs under the grommet strip to develop more string movement for greater rebound. I was curious to see how the FX 500 LS compared to the 500 and the 500 Tour.

Since my regular racquet is a bit lighter than the FX 500 Tour, I was curious to see how it would play. I also wondered how it would compare to the SX 300 Tour, which I playtested earlier this year.

Groundstrokes

It was hard for me to generate a consistent topspin forehand using this racquet. The light frame struggled to give an effective counterpunch when my opponent hit a heavy ball to my forehand. To adjust, I swung a little slower than normal to keep the ball in play and use my opponent’s pace against him. However, I liked how it felt on topspin backhands, chip returns, and underspin groundstrokes. It was easy for me to get the racquet head under the ball and drive it through the court. The 500 LS had been called a “point and shoot weapon”, and I witnessed it when I tried a “V” shaped backhand pattern — one crosscourt and next ball down the line, then repeat.

Volleys

At first, I noticed some instability on volleys, especially when the ball was rocketed in my direction. I held a strong grip on the racquet to block the ball back. After increasing the reps, I started to get more comfortable at the net with this racquet. I thought it had a good touch given its lighter weight and higher flex rating.

Still, I preferred to stay at the baseline because the majority of my volleys were floating instead of resulting in a firm, crisp punch that stayed low. I think improving intermediate players will enjoy this racquet at net — it has the quick reaction touch to keep the ball in, which will help you gain confidence as you start to really place your volleys for winners.

Serves

Thanks to the frame’s lighter weight, I could whip the racquet quickly through contact and get easy spin and pop. A faster swing speed made it easier for me to hit spin and kick serves with this racquet than I could with the FX 500 Tour and the FX 500. I was able to place my serves down the “T” on either side, but had more difficulty with serving out wide. Improving intermediates looking to generate spin and consistency on their serves will like this racquet.

Overall

Like it’s heavier siblings, the FX 500 LS has a soft feel upon contact. I was hoping for more consistency and topspin on my forehands, but I loved the power and accuracy combination I got on backhands. This racquet had an imposing touch at net, although I had to maintain a firm grip to place my volleys where I wanted. This frame also provided enough spin and pop on serves to keep my opponent guessing.

Overall, the FX 500 LS is a great fit for rising intermediate players who want a speedy frame with quick access to power. If you want a lighter racquet that is easy to swing and delivers notable touch and pop, you should demo the Dunlop FX 500 LS.

NOTE: I playtested this racquet using Wilson Sensation Plus strung at 55 lbs.

About the Reviewer: Chris Griesedieck played high school tennis in the St. Louis area and competed in USTA junior tournaments in the Missouri Valley section. Today he is an active 4.5 USTA tournament player and is a PTR certified coach.