2026 Series Analysis

Dunlop SX 300 Review

Dunlop's spin-focused platform. The SX 300 prioritises heavy topspin production and accessible power for modern baseliners who build points with spin and depth. A capable, well-rounded frame at a competitive price point.

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

SX 300
SX 300 Tour

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)

100 sq in · 16x19 · 300g · ~65 RA
For: Intermediate–Advanced (3.5–4.5)

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

98 sq in · 18x20 · 305g · ~65 RA
For: Advanced (4.5+)

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

100 sq in · 16x19 · 285g · ~64 RA
For: Club / Junior / Senior Players

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

Spin Boost Grommet System Dunlop's Spin Boost technology enlarges the grommet holes to allow more string deflection and snap-back. The modification produces measurably more spin from the same swing speed versus a standard 16×19 grommet system. Players transitioning from spin-oriented frames like the Pure Aero will find the SX 300 similarly spin-friendly.
Sonic Core Technology Sonic Core uses Infinergy material (developed by BASF) in the frame's construction to reduce vibration transmission and improve energy return. The result is a noticeably comfortable feel — softer and more dampened than older Dunlop frames, without the extreme flex of a Wilson Clash.
~65 RA Comfort Zone At ~65 RA the SX 300 is comfortably in the intermediate range — stiffer than Blade-level control frames but well below the harsh end (Pure Drive, EZONE 98 Tour). Paired with a soft poly it's an arm-friendly setup suitable for long training sessions.
String Tension Guide Recommended range: 50–60 lbs. At 52–55 lbs with a shaped or soft poly, the SX 300 produces excellent spin with comfortable feel. The Spin Boost system performs best at lower tensions (50–54 lbs) where string deflection is maximised.

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.

The Modern Topspin Baseliner
SX 300
Club / 3.5–4.5

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 Value Seeker
SX 300
Competitive Club / Budget-Conscious

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 TypeStringTensionNotes
Topspin BaselinerSolinco Hyper-G 1.25mm51–53 lbsMaximises snap-back in Spin Boost system
All-Court Club PlayerBabolat RPM Blast 1.25mm52–55 lbsReliable spin + control combination

Top 3 String Recommendations

Spin Poly

Solinco Hyper-G

1.25mm
50–53 lbs / 22.7–24 kg

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.

Spin Poly

Babolat RPM Blast

1.25mm
52–55 lbs / 23.6–25 kg

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.

Soft Poly

Tecnifibre Razor Soft

1.25mm
51–54 lbs / 23.1–24.5 kg

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

SpecificationSX 300SX 300 TourSX 300 Lite
Head Size100 sq in (645 cm²)98 sq in (632 cm²)100 sq in (645 cm²)
Weight (Unstrung)300g / 10.6oz305g / 10.8oz285g / 10.1oz
Length27 in27 in27 in
Balance~330mm / 3–4 pts HL~315mm / 7 pts HL~335mm / 2–3 pts HL
String Pattern16x1918x2016x19
Stiffness (RA)~65~65~64
Swingweight~315–320~320–330~295–305
Beam Width23–27mm23–25mm23–26mm
TechnologySpin Boost + Sonic CoreSpin Boost + Sonic CoreSpin Boost + Sonic Core
Target PlayerIntermediate (3.5–4.5)Advanced (4.5+)Club / Junior / Senior