DUNLOP Biomimetic M 2.0 Tennis Racquet Review
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A trend in the racquet business for the last 20 years or so has been to take some of the weight out of a player’s frame and make an easier-swinging, control-oriented frame (something I have named a “player’s tweener”). The Head Radical was one of the first major players in this segment, and it seems every company has one these days. Dunlop has a very nice entry in this segment with the new Biomimetic M 2.0 (the “M” implies use by players with medium swing speeds).
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New Biomimetic Features
Dunlop calls Biomimetic “Engineering inspired by nature”, and have taken cues from the world around them to enhance the performance qualities of their frames. On the M 2.0, for example, Dunlop uses BioFibre, which places plant stem fibers in the throat and handle of the racquet. Strong but flexible, it allows for an 18% increase in stability and shock absorption for improved comfort and control. The M 2.0 also uses Aeroskin Cx, an aerodynamic aid inspired by sharkskin, strategically placed on the frame to improve swing speed by up to 11% over last year’s models (according to Dunlop, that means up to 36% better than traditional frames). Higher swing speeds will aid in power, spin generation and maneuverability at net. Aeroskin Cx has been specifically designed for each racquet in the line, as Dunlop’s wind tunnel testing has shown that different swing speeds produce turbulence in varying areas of the frame, and Aeroskin Cx is placed accordingly on the M 2.0 to optimize performance for its player type. MoS2 grommets are made of molybdenite, a mineral with an incredibly low coefficient of friction (according to Dunlop, it’s like rubbing wet ice against itself). MoS2 is similar to snake skin (self-lubricating), allowing for smoother string movement within the grommet barrel. If the strings can “slide” inside the grommet, the reduced friction has a twofold benefit: greater power (Dunlop estimates a 27% improvement), and less stress on the grommets themselves (Dunlop states a 40% increase in durability of the grommets).
Specifications
The M 2.0 has a startlingly strong flex of 73, which implies very good power and stability, and is rare for such a control-oriented frame. Weight is a solid-but-not-too-heady 331g (11.7 oz.) strung, and balance is 4 points head light at 330mm (13 inches). Beams are constant down the frame at 21.5mm, the same as the F 2.0 Tour, while the swingweight is noticeably higher at 334 on this test model (vs 319 for the Tour). A more open (and spin-friendly) 16x19 string pattern tops things off.
From the Baseline
You can really feel the “heft” of the M 2.0 from the baseline: it swings noticeably heavier than the F 2.0 Tour, and the head weighting allows for some excellent power on groundstrokes. The sweet spot follows the weight, and feels like it’s up high enough in the head to add surprising power when you catch the ball a little above center. It’s also surprisingly easy to whip it up the back of the ball for heavy topspin, something the high swingweight would not imply. The open string bed grabs the ball quite well and imparts excellent feel, while the solid frame flexes just enough to provide good feedback. It sounds a little “pingy” on impact, so the more sensitive among us should use a string vibration dampener.
At Net and Serving
The thing that makes the M 2.0 so good from the baseline – more mass in the head – doesn’t help it in quick exchanges at net. It’s a tad “slow” on reflex volleys and not as quick to react to hard-hit passing shots as the F 2.0 Tour, and its stiffer frame doesn’t provide as much feel, but you can power away swinging volleys quite nicely, something an aggressive baseline player would enjoy. It’s handy at net for its intended player type, but more traditional players will want to add some weight to the handle. Getting the head of the racquet up on serves and overheads is not exactly a joy, but you are rewarded with excellent power and spin.
Fine Points
The handle of the M 2.0 is beautifully designed, and the fingers sit perfectly on the bevels no matter what grip you use. You’ll always know you have a good grip on it. The butt cap is a traditional “European” style, meaning is doesn’t flare out as much at the bottom as American-designed ones, making the handle more of a straight shot all the way down. The bumper guard has great depth to the string groove, allowing for many hours of digging out low volleys without the risk of string or frame damage.
In Conclusion
Dunlop has devised an excellent racquet for intermediate to advanced aggressive baseline players with the new Biomimetic M 2.0. A solid, high-swingweight frame provides excellent power and feel from the backcourt, and is quite nice on swinging volleys, something the modern-style player will appreciate. If you’re into high-level baseline racquets like the Head Radical or Wilson six.one Team, the Dunlop Biomimetic M 2.0 may supplant them as your favorite. Demo it today.
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