Dunlop

FX 500 review

Big, easy power from a forgiving 100, smoother on the arm than most rivals.

Racquet product shot
Highly recommended
Head 100 Tour: 98
Weight 300g Tour: 305g
Pattern 16×19 Tour: 16×19
Stiffness 65 RA Tour: 65 RA
Swingwt 321 Tour: 322
Balance HL Tour: HL
Full specsFX 500 · FX 500 Tour
FX 500FX 500 Tour
Head size100 sq in98 sq in
Weight (unstrung)300 g305 g
Weight (strung)320 g323 g
Swingweight321322
Stiffness65 RA65 RA
String pattern16×1916×19
BalanceHead LightHead Light
Fit check

Is it for you?

Level (NTRP)
Swing
Arm
Your match Strong fit
Strong fit. Easy pace and depth handed to you, with a smoother ride than most power frames.

    Performance

    FX 500 FX 500 Tour

    Playtest

    Easy, free depth.
    Full notes

    The firmer beam and open 16×19 fling the ball deep from a relaxed swing, and off-centre hits still carry. Commit to topspin or add tension to keep it in.

    + Pros

    • Big, easy power
    • Forgiving 100 sq in sweet spot
    • Free serve pace
    • Smoother than most power frames

    − Cons

    • Firm: string carefully
    • Can launch long
    • Less control than the CX line
    • Lighter model pushed around by big hitters

    String for

    51–55 lbs 23.2–25 kg Co-poly, full bed, 1.25mm Pick: Dunlop DNA

    Recommended strings

    1. 1
      Dunlop DNA Control poly · Dunlop pairing Smooth and controlled with Sonic Core.
      51–55 lbs 23.2–25 kg · 1.25mm
    2. 2
      Dunlop Explosive Spin Shaped spin poly Topspin as a primary weapon.
      49–53 lbs 22.3–24 kg · 1.25mm
    3. 3
      Luxilon ALU Power Soft Comfort control poly A comfortable daily driver.
      50–54 lbs 22.7–24.5 kg · 1.25mm

    Who plays it

    Tour frames customised
    • Ann LiAggressive Baseline
      WTA #30 · Babolat RPM Blast
    • Miomir KecmanovicAggressive Baseline
      ATP #60 · Dunlop Explosive Spin · 26 kg

    Verdict: 8.4

    Big, easy power and a forgiving sweet spot in a frame that Sonic Core keeps smoother on the arm than most of its power-category rivals. More stability: FX 500 Tour. Livelier pop: Pure Drive.

    Related racquets

    FAQ

    Is the Dunlop FX 500 good for beginners?

    It is one of the friendlier power frames. True beginners are best served by the lighter FX 500 LS (285g).

    Dunlop FX 500 vs Babolat Pure Drive: which should I buy?

    Both are 100 sq in power frames. The FX 500 for a smoother, more damped feel; the Pure Drive for a livelier, springier pop.

    Is the Dunlop FX 500 arm-friendly?

    For a power frame, unusually so, thanks to Sonic Core. Keep a soft co-poly or gut hybrid in the low 50s.

    What string and tension is best for the FX 500?

    A co-poly at 51–55 lbs. Shaped poly at 49–53 for spin; softer poly or gut for comfort. Sonic Core works best below 58 lbs.

    Is the FX 500 a power or control racquet?

    Power: Dunlop's FX line, opposite the control-first CX.

    FX 500 vs FX 500 Tour vs FX 500 LS: which should I buy?

    The FX 500 (100, 300g) for all-round easy power. The Tour (98, 305g) for advanced stability. The LS (285g) for the easiest swing.