!XRedResizedBy Bruce Levine and Richard Pagliaro
Price: $249
Head Size: 99 square inches?
Length: 27 inches?
Weight: 10.9 oz. (unstrung), 11.5 oz. (strung)
Balance: 5 points headlight?(strung)
Ideal Swing: Long?
String Pattern: 16 mains/19 crosses?
Beam Width: 15 mm/18 mm/17 mm?
NTRP: 4.5-7.0
How It Tested: Donnay USA revived the American branch of the brand Bjorn Borg—and later Andre Agassi—wielded in earning Grand Slam glory. Endorsed by Jim Courier, this is an exceedingly smooth racquet to play with in all areas of the shot spectrum. It offers deft directional control on baseline drives and scored highly for its soft touch at net, enabling players to hit a variety of volleys with precision. The frame’s open string pattern makes it conducive to creating spin on serve, though some testers said the racquet doesn't provide a lot of power.
Likes: The ultra-thin beam makes this racquet aerodynamically adept and provides the touch of a wood frame for advanced players, who relished its exceptional control. The frame comes with three interchangeable butt cap options (and a key to open and close the cap) and bumper guards in different weights, allowing for customization. The stick’s sleek cosmetics were inspired by Apple's iPod and Macbook Air, giving the racquet a high-tech look to complement a classic feel.
Dislikes: If you can’t consistently find the sweet spot, this racquet won't provide much pop. If power is of primary importance, you may want to try play-testing the thinner-beam, game improvement frames Donnay is developing for release later this spring.
Bottom Line: Control connoisseurs capable of cracking the ball without help from wider-beam frames may thrive with this frame, but it requires a full swing to make the most of its talents. The higher you reside on the NTRP scale, the better this frame will play. If you’re below a 4.5 and don't possess a full, fast swing, this probably isn't the right frame for you.
TENNIS racquet advisor Bruce Levine is a former touring pro who has coached on both the men’s and women’s tours. Bruce is the general manager of Courtside Racquet Club in Lebanon, N.J., has worked as a full-time teaching pro for 30 years and lectures nationally on racquets and equipment.