Executive Summary
The Dunlop SX 300 (2025) is Dunlop's primary spin-oriented all-court frame. At 300g unstrung and ~65 RA, it sits in the intermediate-to-advanced spectrum — stiffer and more spin-friendly than the control-focused CX 200, but more accessible than a demanding player's frame.
Key Characteristic: The SX 300's Spin Boost technology uses a modified grommet system and open string pattern to maximise string snap-back through the hitting zone. The result is a noticeably spin-friendly response — players who generate moderate-to-good swing speed find it easy to produce heavy topspin consistently.
Key Positioning: The SX 300 targets modern baseliners (3.5–4.5 NTRP) who want reliable spin production and comfortable power. It competes with the Babolat Pure Aero Team and Yonex EZONE 100 for intermediate spin-seeking players.
Performance Profile
The SX 300 leads in spin and power; the SX 300 Tour provides more stability and control for advanced players who want more demanding specs.
Performance Comparison: SX Models
SX 300 leads in spin and power · SX 300 Tour leads in control and stability
On-Court Playtest
We took the Dunlop SX 300 through a full hitting session strung with a spin poly in the low 50s. Here's how Dunlop's spin platform plays, shot by shot.
Groundstrokes
Off the ground the SX 300 is built to spin: its spin-focused geometry and flexible-at-3-and-9 hoop launch a high, heavy, dipping ball that rewards a fast, brushing swing. There is accessible power too, so depth comes easily, but the personality is topspin and net clearance rather than a flat, penetrating ball. It is a direct alternative to the Babolat Pure Aero for players who build points with spin.
Serve
Serving leans spin-friendly: kick and slice jump and curve, and flat first serves get good pace from the 100 sq in head and power platform. You bring the racquet-head speed and the SX rewards it with shape and bite.
Volleys & Net
At net the SX 300 is stable and forgiving thanks to its 100 sq in head, punching volleys deep without much effort. The feel is firmer and more muted than a players' frame, so the finest touch volleys take a little adjustment.
Return & Defence
On the return the spin access lets you take a full cut and trust the ball to dip in, and on defence the easy spin helps you loop heavy recovery balls to reset the point. It stays reasonably stable for a 300g frame against pace.
Comfort & Feel
It is a moderately stiff power-spin frame, but Dunlop's flexible hoop sections take some of the edge off. For comfort, string a soft poly at a lower tension or use a hybrid rather than a firm poly at high tension.
Pros & Cons
The quick scannable summary of what we liked — and what to be aware of.
Pros
- Heavy, easy topspin and a high, dipping ball flight
- Accessible power and depth from the 100 sq in platform
- Forgiving, stable sweet spot for an aggressive baseline game
- Spin-friendly kick and slice serves
- A genuine alternative to the Babolat Pure Aero
Cons
- Less flat, penetrating drive than a pure power frame
- Firmer, more muted feel than a flexible players' frame
- Rewards fast racquet-head speed; demanding for slow swings
- Needs careful stringing to stay comfortable
Model Context
The SX family covers three distinct player types. The SX 300 is the benchmark; the Tour adds stability for advanced players; the Lite offers accessibility for lighter swingers.
SX 300 (2025)
The benchmark SX frame. Accessible spin production, comfortable power, forgiving sweet spot. Best for modern baseliners who want natural topspin assistance without demanding technique. Excellent value at its price point.
SX 300 Tour
The demanding Tour variant with a smaller head and denser string pattern. More control-oriented with higher stability — rewards precise ball-striking. The SX platform's equivalent of a player's frame, without sacrificing the family's spin character entirely.
SX 300 Lite
The lightweight SX variant at 285g. Same Spin Boost technology and 16×19 pattern but more manageable weight for players who need easier handling. Slightly less stability than the standard SX 300 but significantly more comfortable for players with limited swing strength.
Technical Must-Knows
Who Plays With This?
The SX 300 is primarily a club and intermediate frame. Dunlop's tour roster uses the CX 200 line — the SX is a recreational/club-oriented product.
Players who have developed a modern topspin game and want a frame that makes heavy spin production easier. The SX 300's Spin Boost system amplifies natural swing-path spin, creating high, heavy balls that push opponents back and create short balls to attack.
The SX 300 frequently lists significantly below Pure Aero and EZONE pricing while offering a comparable spin-oriented package. For club players who want a high-performance spin frame without premium brand pricing, it represents genuine value.
String Setup Guide
The SX 300's Spin Boost system is best exploited with shaped or soft poly strings at lower tensions. Reference range: 50–60 lbs (22.7–27.2 kg).
Quick Start (Most Players)
- Spin-first setup (shaped poly, 1.25mm): 50–53 lbs — maximises Spin Boost snap-back for heavy topspin production.
- Control-first setup (round poly, 1.27mm): 53–56 lbs — adds directional precision for flatter hitters while preserving reasonable spin.
- Comfort setup (multifilament): 54–57 lbs — excellent for arm-sensitive players or those in colder climates where poly can become harsh.
- SX 300 Lite note: String 1–2 lbs lower than standard SX 300 to compensate for the lighter frame's reduced stability.
Setup Reference
| Player Type | String | Tension | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topspin Baseliner | Solinco Hyper-G 1.25mm | 51–53 lbs | Maximises snap-back in Spin Boost system |
| All-Court Club Player | Babolat RPM Blast 1.25mm | 52–55 lbs | Reliable spin + control combination |
Top 3 String Recommendations
Best for: Aggressive topspin baseliners who want maximum spin production.
Hyper-G's square cross-section creates exceptional grip on the ball and aggressive snap-back in the SX 300's Spin Boost system. At 50–53 lbs the combination produces some of the heaviest topspin available at intermediate club level. Excellent tension maintenance for a soft poly. The standout spin choice for the SX 300.
Best for: Players wanting spin with a more controlled, predictable response.
RPM Blast's octagonal profile generates reliable spin with a slightly firmer, more controlled feel than Hyper-G. In the SX 300 it provides an excellent balance of spin, control and durability at 52–55 lbs. A safe all-court choice that works across multiple playing styles — particularly well-suited for players who mix topspin with flat drives.
Best for: Players who want spin with arm-friendly feel for long sessions.
Razor Soft's triangular profile and soft co-poly construction produce solid spin with a comfortable, dampened feel. In the SX 300 it pairs well with Sonic Core's vibration reduction, creating one of the most comfortable spin setups in the intermediate frame category. Recommended for players who train frequently and want to minimise arm fatigue.
Full Specifications
| Specification | SX 300 | SX 300 Tour | SX 300 Lite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Size | 100 sq in (645 cm²) | 98 sq in (632 cm²) | 100 sq in (645 cm²) |
| Weight (Unstrung) | 300g / 10.6oz | 305g / 10.8oz | 285g / 10.1oz |
| Length | 27 in | 27 in | 27 in |
| Balance | ~330mm / 3–4 pts HL | ~315mm / 7 pts HL | ~335mm / 2–3 pts HL |
| String Pattern | 16x19 | 18x20 | 16x19 |
| Stiffness (RA) | ~65 | ~65 | ~64 |
| Swingweight | ~315–320 | ~320–330 | ~295–305 |
| Beam Width | 23–27mm | 23–25mm | 23–26mm |
| Technology | Spin Boost + Sonic Core | Spin Boost + Sonic Core | Spin Boost + Sonic Core |
| Target Player | Intermediate (3.5–4.5) | Advanced (4.5+) | Club / Junior / Senior |
Our Verdict
The SX 300 is Dunlop's spin weapon — a high, heavy, dipping ball with accessible power, built for modern baseliners who win points with topspin.
It's the frame we'd point aggressive, spin-oriented baseliners toward as a strong alternative to the Babolat Pure Aero or Yonex VCORE. You commit to a fast, brushing swing to unlock it and string it thoughtfully for comfort, but for heavy topspin with easy depth it delivers. If you want a flatter, more penetrating ball, look at Dunlop's CX control line instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dunlop SX 300 good for beginners?
The SX 300 (300g) is best for intermediate-to-advanced players who can generate racquet-head speed to unlock its spin. Improvers can enjoy it, but true beginners are usually better served by a lighter, more forgiving frame first. The lighter SX variants are a friendlier entry point if you want the SX spin character with less weight.
Dunlop SX 300 vs Babolat Pure Aero — which should I buy?
Both are spin-first power frames that launch a high, heavy ball. Choose the SX 300 if you like its flexible-hoop feel and slightly more arm-considerate response; choose the Pure Aero if you prefer its crisper, livelier feel and the Babolat ecosystem. They are close rivals — feel preference and string choice usually decide it.
Is the Dunlop SX 300 arm-friendly?
It is a moderately stiff power-spin frame, but Dunlop's flexible hoop sections soften the response somewhat. For sensitive arms, string a soft polyester at a lower tension or use a poly-and-multifilament hybrid rather than a firm poly at high tension.
What string and tension is best for the Dunlop SX 300?
A spin-oriented co-polyester in the low 50s lbs is the best all-round starting point. Use a shaped poly to maximise spin, drop tension or add multifilament crosses for comfort, and go a touch tighter for more control if the ball flies long.
Does the Dunlop SX 300 produce a lot of spin?
Yes — spin is its entire design brief. The spin-focused geometry and open string bed generate a high, heavy, dipping ball, making the SX 300 one of the most spin-friendly frames in its class alongside the Pure Aero and VCORE.
Is the Dunlop SX 300 a spin or power racquet?
It is a spin-first power frame: built primarily to maximise topspin and a high, arcing ball flight, with accessible power on tap, rather than the flat, pinpoint drive of a control racquet.