Intro

Introducing the Dunlop FX 500 — one of the five frames in Dunlop’s new FX line. It comes in at 10.6 ounces unstrung, which is the second heaviest in the FX family. The new line features a sharp blue and black color scheme, and lives by the motto: “power you can feel.”

Dunlop still utilizes its exclusive Sonic Core 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. Since the FX 500 is around my preferred choice for a racquet’s weight, I was anxious to see how it would play.

Groundstrokes

It took some time for me to get used to this racquet from the baseline. At first, I immediately noticed the power, but my shots were sailing long. I wasn’t quite able to get the forehand spin that I was hoping for, and I noticed the frame’s stiffness when I had to hit a deep shot from behind the baseline. With backhands, I was able to use both hands to guide the ball and generate consistency and depth.

When I tried to go crosscourt with my forehand approaches, I couldn’t place it directly in the corner like I wanted to. Three shots that I relied on were my forehand down the line, forehand on the run, and my backhand approach down the line. While I didn’t feel as comfortable hitting crosscourt angle (heavy topspin) shots, this racquet helped me execute a powerful, accurate down the line strategy.

Volleys

Any stiffness I felt on groundstrokes did not translate to volleys. At net, the racquet displayed comfort, power, and stability. As mentioned, Dunlop continues to use their signature Sonic Core technology with Infinergy. This is an elastic material applied at 2 and 10 o’clock to add comfort and limit impact vibrations, which really shines at the net. This frame displayed soft impact and gave me impressive placement on drop volleys.

If I took too big a swing, the frame’s power would push the volley long. I adjusted the racquet head out in front of my body for short, compact volleys. After some reps, I let the racquet do its job — whether I was going for a high backhand flick or a lower forehand punch.

Serves

Much like the SX 300, I loved the power I got with this racquet on flat first serves. Thanks to a manageable swingweight, I could accelerate the racquet forcefully through contact. I really noticed the soft, comfortable impact no matter where I tossed the ball. Users of this racquet will enjoy the Flex Touch Resin in the shaft because it offers extra arm protection as you swing above your head. On the downside, I couldn’t hit my go-to kick serve very well and I was not able to get the spin/pace that I normally do on my second serves.

Overall

With this racquet, I didn’t get the heavy spin or easy targeting on full swings, but it did offer excellent power, a soft impact, and enough control when I needed it the most. I liked this frame best at net and on flat first serves to power through shots. Overall, the FX 500 is too stiff for my taste; however, intermediate to advanced players will appreciate the easy power that this frame provides. If you want a racquet that produces an equal amount of speed and comfort, combined with unique force, give the Dunlop FX 500 a try.

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.