Executive Summary
The Dunlop FX 500 is the power and versatility platform in Dunlop's current lineup — the deliberate complement to the CX 200 Tour's precision-control identity. Where the CX 200 Tour demands technical completeness and provides control as its primary offering, the FX 500 provides free power, spin assist, and comfortable playability for a wider range of competitive players.
Key Characteristic: A stiffer beam (~67–70 RA) combined with Dunlop's Sonic Core technology and an open 16x19 pattern produces a frame with excellent power return and a smooth, vibration-free impact. The Sonic Core damping — expanded thermoplastic polyurethane foam filling the frame interior — works especially effectively in the FX 500's stiffer construction, removing harshness while preserving the energy return the open pattern generates.
Key Positioning: The FX 500 Tour sits between a pure power frame (Pure Drive, EZONE) and a classic player's frame (CX 200, Pro Staff). It provides meaningful power assistance and spin capability while retaining enough control character to satisfy serious competitive players. The FX 500 Tour variant adds a heavier 305g weight for players who want more stability and plow-through from the platform.
Performance Profile
The FX 500 Tour leads the FX range in stability and control. It trades some raw power and manoeuvrability versus the lighter FX 500 for a more authoritative, stable feel at contact.
Performance Comparison: FX 500 Tour vs FX 500
FX 500 Tour leads in stability and plow-through · FX 500 offers more power assist and manoeuvrability
On-Court Playtest
We took the Dunlop FX 500 through a full hitting session — groundstrokes, serves, returns and net play — strung with a co-poly in the low-50s. As Dunlop's POWER frame (the FX line is built for power and forgiveness, opposite the control-first CX line and the spin-focused SX line), it aims to deliver effortless depth from a big, forgiving 100 sq in head. Here's how it plays, shot by shot.
Groundstrokes
The FX 500's character is obvious on the first ball: easy, free depth. The stiffer beam and open 16x19 pattern fling the ball off the face with real pace, so a relaxed, three-quarter swing already produces a heavy, penetrating shot. The big sweet spot makes it genuinely forgiving — off-centre contacts still carry deep and lively. The flip side is the one every power-frame player learns to manage: it can launch long until you commit to topspin or add a little tension. Once you do, the open pattern bites enough to bring the ball down inside the baseline, and the FX 500 turns into a proper aggressive-baseline weapon that amplifies pace rather than asking for it — a direct rival to the Babolat Pure Drive and Yonex EZONE in feel and intent.
Serve
Serving is one of the FX 500's best shots. The stiff, powerful beam and free pace make flat first serves jump off the strings, and the open pattern lets kick and slice bite easily. For club players this is one of the simplest frames to find a few cheap miles per hour with — exactly why it suits big-serving, first-strike players. The Tour spec's extra weight adds a touch more authority through contact for those who can swing it.
Volleys & Net
At net the forgiving sweet spot and easy depth make the FX 500 simple to play with — punch volleys sit deep with almost no effort, and the frame is stable enough to handle pace fed to it. The trade-off is familiar for a power frame: the firm, lively response gives less of the soft, absorbed feel of a flexible players' stick, so touch volleys and drop shots take a little more finesse. Sonic Core keeps the impact smoother than the stiffness rating suggests.
Return & Defence
On the return the easy power is a gift: you can block a big serve back deep with a short swing and be in the point immediately. On defence the FX 500 lets you flick high, heavy recovery balls and still get good depth from a stretched position. The lighter standard FX 500 can get pushed around by the biggest hitters, which is exactly where the heavier 305g FX 500 Tour earns its keep with extra stability and plow-through.
Comfort & Feel
This is where the FX 500 separates itself from many power frames. It is a stiff frame (~67–70 RA), which on paper suggests a harsh ride, but Dunlop's Sonic Core polyurethane foam absorbs much of the shock and produces a smooth, surprisingly muted impact. It is still firm and lively rather than plush — it will not feel like a flexible control racquet — but it is genuinely one of the more arm-friendly frames in its power class. String it with a soft poly or a gut hybrid at a sensible tension and it stays comfortable; crank a firm poly high and the stiffness shows through.
Pros & Cons
The quick scannable summary of what we liked — and what to be aware of — with the Dunlop FX 500.
Pros
- Big, easy power and effortless depth from the stiffer beam
- Forgiving 100 sq in head with a large, lively sweet spot
- One of the easiest frames to find free serve pace with
- Sonic Core damping makes it smoother than its stiffness suggests
- Stable and authoritative, especially in the heavier Tour spec
- Plenty of natural spin from the open 16x19 pattern
Cons
- Stiffer feel (~67–70 RA) — string carefully for comfort
- Easy power can launch long until you add spin or tension
- Less outright control and precision than the CX control line
- Firm, lively response gives less touch than a flexible frame
- Lighter standard FX 500 can get pushed around by big hitters
Model Context
The FX 500 range covers a spectrum from the tour-oriented Tour variant through to lighter, more power-focused options. All share the Sonic Core technology and FX's open, spin-friendly identity.
FX 500 Tour
The tour-spec FX flagship. Heavier than the standard FX 500, it provides more stability and plow-through while retaining the FX's power-friendly geometry. The choice of serious players who want FX power with added stability — used by Popyrin on the ATP tour.
FX 500
The core FX model. A 100 sq in head and 300g weight provide excellent power assist and a large sweet spot. Maximum accessibility within the FX range — the natural choice for players who want Dunlop's Sonic Core comfort with straightforward power and spin.
FX 500 LS
The lightest FX variant for players who need reduced swing weight to maintain consistent technique. Preserves the FX's core power and comfort characteristics while minimising the physical demands — well-suited for players returning from injury or those with less physical conditioning.
Technical Must-Knows
Who Plays With This?
The FX 500 Tour attracts powerful, all-court players who want Dunlop's Sonic Core comfort and Dunlop build quality in a power-oriented frame. Tour frames are customised — use these profiles to understand the playing style the FX 500 serves.
Popyrin's physically imposing, serve-dominant game — one of the bigger serves and forehands on the ATP tour — finds a natural partner in the FX 500 Tour's power-oriented geometry. The frame's stiff beam amplifies his already-significant ball speed, while Sonic Core's damping keeps the response comfortable across a full match. His aggressive first-strike style doesn't require the CX 200 Tour's precision — it needs the FX's authority.
FX 500 users tend to be physically powerful players who generate pace through their bodies rather than refined technique. They typically have a strong serve, an aggressive first-strike forehand, and benefit from the frame's power assist on the backhand wing. The Sonic Core's smooth feel keeps their arm healthy across high-volume seasons and training blocks.
String Setup Guide
The FX 500's stiffer beam means string choice has a meaningful impact on both power level and arm comfort. Sonic Core provides a baseline of comfort, but string selection determines whether the frame plays refreshingly lively or unnecessarily stiff. Reference range (FX 500 Tour): 48–60 lbs (21.8–27 kg).
Quick Start (Most Players)
- Start point (co-poly, 1.25mm, full bed): 51–55 lbs (23.2–25 kg) — the stiffer frame needs adequate tension to keep the open 16x19 pattern's natural power in check at higher swing speeds.
- If the ball is flying long: Add 2 lbs or use a slightly thicker poly (1.27–1.30mm). The open pattern provides significant spin and power — tension and gauge are your control levers.
- If you want more spin: Drop 2 lbs and try a shaped co-poly. The 16x19's open geometry provides good natural snapback — shaped strings add meaningful bite to this already spin-friendly pattern.
- If your arm is struggling: Drop 3–4 lbs and switch to a softer co-poly or multifilament. While Sonic Core helps, a stiffer frame at high tension with a firm poly can still stress the arm over a long season — address this proactively.
- FX 500 (300g, 100 sq in) note: The lighter, larger frame plays more powerfully than the Tour — string 2–3 lbs higher than your FX 500 Tour equivalent to maintain similar control at its naturally higher launch angle.
Pro Reference
Setup idea: Dunlop DNA co-poly, at mid-to-high 50s lbs to match his powerful, aggressive baseline game.
Popyrin's use of Dunlop's own DNA string reflects the natural ecosystem pairing for the FX 500 Tour. At his ball speed, higher tensions keep his powerful strokes in the court while the Sonic Core maintains the comfort needed for sustained high-level play. Tour setups vary — use as a starting reference only.
Recommended Setups by Goal
| Goal | Recommended Setup | Starting Tension | What You'll Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balanced | Co-poly (full bed), 1.25mm | 51–55 lbs (23.2–25 kg) | Lively, powerful, and smooth — the FX 500's Sonic Core and open pattern at their best |
| More spin | Shaped poly mains (1.25mm), soft cross | 49–53 lbs (22.3–24 kg) | Excellent bite and snapback — the 16x19's geometry responds very well to shaped strings |
| More control | Firmer poly or thicker gauge (1.27–1.30mm) | 54–58 lbs (24.5–26.5 kg) | Tighter, more controlled launch — for high ball-speed players. Watch arm comfort above 57 lbs in this frame. |
| More comfort | Softer co-poly (1.25mm) or hybrid with soft cross | 49–53 lbs (22.3–24 kg) | The Sonic Core + softer string combination produces a remarkably smooth, comfortable impact |
| All-round improvement | Natural gut mains + co-poly crosses | Gut 52–56 lbs / poly 49–53 lbs | Exceptional comfort and power — gut transforms the stiffer FX 500 into a surprisingly refined, premium setup |
Maintenance Rule
- The FX 500's stiffer beam is less forgiving of dead poly than flexible frames. A dead poly in a stiff frame loses its feel characteristics abruptly — one day it plays fine, the next it feels harsh and flat. Restring at 20–25 hours for poly users to stay ahead of this transition and maintain the Sonic Core's intended feel profile.
Top 3 Recommended Strings
These strings consistently perform well in the FX 500 range based on tour usage and community feedback. The Sonic Core's damping works well across a range of string types — softer strings are particularly effective at revealing the frame's comfort potential.
Best for: Advanced players wanting the Dunlop ecosystem pairing — Popyrin's choice in the FX 500 Tour.
The factory-endorsed pairing for the FX 500 Tour and the natural starting point for FX 500 users. Dunlop DNA's co-poly construction pairs well with Sonic Core's vibration absorption — the string's clean response is amplified by the frame's damping, producing a smooth, controlled feel despite the stiffer beam. Good tension maintenance and reliable performance across a range of conditions.
Best for: Players who want to maximise the FX 500's already spin-friendly 16x19 open geometry.
Dunlop's own spin-optimised co-poly pairs naturally with the FX 500. Explosive Spin's shaped construction adds significant bite to the 16x19's natural snapback — producing a genuinely spin-heavy ball flight that rewards players who want topspin as a primary weapon. In the FX 500 Tour, string at slightly lower tension (49–52 lbs) to maintain adequate pocketing while extracting maximum spin benefit.
Best for: Players wanting a softer co-poly that balances the FX 500's stiff beam while maintaining excellent control.
ALU Power Soft's softer formulation pairs well with the FX 500 Tour's stiffer frame. The reduced stiffness versus standard ALU Power works with Sonic Core's damping to produce a well-balanced feel — lively and powerful without the harsh edge that standard ALU can occasionally produce in stiffer frames. An excellent choice for players who play high volumes and want a comfortable daily driver setup.
Pro tip: The FX 500's Sonic Core is activated most effectively by moderate tensions (49–55 lbs). Very high tensions — above 58 lbs — can partially negate Sonic Core's vibration absorption, stiffening the response and reducing the frame's comfort advantage. Stay within the optimal range to keep Sonic Core working for you.
Full Specifications
| Specification | FX 500 Tour | FX 500 | FX 500 LS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Size | 98 sq in (632 cm²) | 100 sq in (645 cm²) | 100 sq in (645 cm²) |
| Weight (Unstrung) | 305g / 10.8oz | 300g / 10.6oz | 285g / 10.1oz |
| Length | 27 in | 27 in | 27 in |
| Balance | ~318mm / 5–6 pts HL | ~322mm / 4–5 pts HL | ~326mm / 3–4 pts HL |
| String Pattern | 16x19 (open, spin-friendly) | 16x19 | 16x19 |
| Stiffness (RA) | ~67–70 (Sonic Core dampened) | ~67–70 | ~66–69 |
| Swingweight | ~318–324 | ~308–314 | ~295–302 |
| Beam Width | 23–25mm | 23–25mm | 23–25mm |
| Technology | Sonic Core (vibration damping) | Sonic Core | Sonic Core |
| Target Player | Advanced (4.0–5.0) | Intermediate–Advanced | Recreational / Club |
Our Verdict
The Dunlop FX 500 delivers big, easy power and a forgiving sweet spot in a frame that, thanks to Sonic Core, stays smoother on the arm than most of its power-category rivals.
It's the racquet we'd recommend to aggressive power baseliners — from solid club level up to the pro game — who want pace and depth handed to them rather than having to manufacture it, but who don't want the harsh ride a stiff power frame usually brings. The one thing to respect is the stiffness: string it thoughtfully with a soft poly or gut hybrid at a sensible tension and it stays comfortable; crank a firm poly high and the firmness shows. If you want more outright control and precision, step across to the CX line; but as a direct alternative to the Babolat Pure Drive and Yonex EZONE, the FX 500 stands out for pairing that easy power with a genuinely refined, dampened feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dunlop FX 500 good for beginners?
The FX 500 is one of the more beginner-friendly frames in the power category thanks to its big, forgiving sweet spot, easy depth and Sonic Core damping that keeps the stiff beam smooth. The standard FX 500 (100 sq in, 300g) suits improving intermediates well, while a true beginner is best served by the lighter, larger FX 500 LS (285g), which swings easier. The 305g FX 500 Tour is more demanding and aimed at advanced players, so beginners should avoid the Tour spec until their technique and fitness develop.
Dunlop FX 500 vs Babolat Pure Drive — which should I buy?
Both are stiff, powerful 100 sq in baseline frames built around effortless depth and a big sweet spot, and they are direct rivals alongside the Yonex EZONE. The Pure Drive is the louder, more explosive frame with a brighter, springier feel, while the FX 500's Sonic Core foam gives it a noticeably smoother, more dampened impact for the same easy power. Choose the FX 500 if you want that power but with a more comfortable, muted feel on the arm; choose the Pure Drive if you want the most lively, maximum-pop response and the deepest pro and pole-position pedigree.
Is the Dunlop FX 500 arm-friendly?
For a stiff power frame (~67–70 RA), the FX 500 is unusually comfortable because Dunlop's Sonic Core polyurethane foam absorbs much of the shock a stiff beam would normally transmit. It is genuinely smoother than most rivals in its class, but it is still a firm, powerful frame rather than a flexible players' stick. To keep it arm-friendly, string a soft co-poly or a gut hybrid in the low-50s lbs and avoid cranking a firm poly above 58 lbs, which can partly negate the Sonic Core damping.
What string and tension is best for the FX 500?
A 1.25mm co-poly at 51–55 lbs (23.2–25 kg) is the balanced starting point that keeps the open 16x19 pattern's natural power in check. For more spin, drop to 49–53 lbs with a shaped poly such as Dunlop Explosive Spin; for more control, go up to 54–58 lbs or a thicker gauge. If comfort is the priority, use a softer co-poly like Luxilon ALU Power Soft or a natural-gut hybrid in the low-50s. The reference range for the FX 500 Tour is 48–60 lbs, and Sonic Core works best at moderate tensions rather than at the very top.
Is the FX 500 a power or control racquet?
The FX 500 is firmly a power racquet — it is Dunlop's power-and-spin line (FX), the deliberate opposite of the control-focused CX line and the spin-oriented SX line. Its stiffer beam, open 16x19 pattern and 100 sq in head deliver free depth and an easy launch aimed at aggressive power baseliners, putting it head-to-head with the Babolat Pure Drive and Yonex EZONE. The 98 sq in FX 500 Tour reins the launch in slightly for more control and stability, but it is still a power-first frame, not a precision players' racquet like the CX 200.
FX 500 vs FX 500 Tour vs FX 500 LS — which should I buy?
All three share the FX's Sonic Core comfort and open 16x19 power identity; the difference is weight and head size. The standard FX 500 (100 sq in, 300g) is the all-round pick for intermediate-to-advanced players who want maximum easy power and a large sweet spot. The FX 500 Tour (98 sq in, 305g) is the advanced choice — heavier and a touch smaller for more stability, plow-through and control, and the spec Popyrin uses. The FX 500 LS (285g) is the lightest, easiest-swinging option for club and recreational players or anyone returning from injury.