As far as aesthetics go Dunlop knocked it out of the park with this frame and its lighter sibling. The color combinations and overall paint scheme make this one of the best looking frames for 2011. The 200 builds on the playability of the previous generation frames with a few new twists to make measurable improvements.

 

The Biomimetic 200 uses all of the technologies that made the 4D 200 such a great playing frame and adds a couple of twists. The use of HM6 Carbon mimics the honeycomb’s structure in nature. This efficient structure has been used in most high performance aerospace systems in service today to produce high strength lightweight components. That is the key difference in the molecular structure of this form of carbon fiber, that there is very little material in the carbon fiber that is non load carrying and at the same time the majority of the volume is air, making it very lightweight. The Aeroskin treatment on key areas of the frame is intended to reduce drag. Aeroskin uses lessons that engineers have learned by studying the skin of a shark. The special shape and arrangement of micro sized scales reduces drag, allowing it to be a more efficient predator. If you want to find out more about the aerodynamics at play here tell us and we will write a separate tech article on this. The 200, like the Lite version uses all of these changes to make you better on court.

 

The tighter string pattern was evident in an A/B comparison with the Bio 200 Lite. Spin generation was still very good but the extra weight requires better technique to get it. Like all tour weight frames, it cannot be jerked around, you must have an efficient free swing to get the most from the frame. The accuracy of this frame on serve is as good as anything else on the market. The 200 Lite is just the smallest amount lower on precision. Like all control oriented frames you can lower the tension a little to get a little more pop. It serves great but you are going to have to supply the energy. This is not the frame for an arm server. Unless you have a great serve I would not string the frame on the upper end of the tension range for this reason.

 

From the ground the added heft made this frame ideal for hitting penetrating groundstrokes. Surprisingly, spin production was very good, just a little off what the 200 Lite generates. It is especially great for taking the ball early and half volley. This frame might just be better for an aggressive baseliner than the Wilson BLX Six One Tour. It is that good.

 

The Dunlop 200 frames historically have always been an excellent racket at net and the latest installment does not disappoint. This is a skilled players dream at the net. If you miss a volley it is because you hit it that way. The higher weight is ideal for fighting off blistering groundstrokes in singles. The weight also helps on stretch volley because it stabilizes the racket head. It really requires you to be on your toes in doubles because if you start late on preparation, you will likely not catch up. I think it is a reasonable trade off because this frame just rocks when you get it right.

 

So if you are someone that takes the ball early and likes to dictate play, I think you will like this frames feel. It is smooth and accurate and has great feedback.