Dunlop CX 400 Tour Racket Review

Dunlop CX 400 Tour

The Dunlop CX 400 Tour is designed for intermediate to advanced players seeking a blend of power, control, and spin. With a smaller 100 sq. inch head and a slightly heavier frame than its CX 400 sibling, this racket provides a more solid feel while still delivering good maneuverability and comfort.

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Aesthetic

8.7 Out of 10

Design and Appearance

The matte texture not only looks stylish but also provides a soft, non-reflective surface that resists smudges and fingerprints.

Color Scheme

Its matte black finish, combined with subtle red accents along the throat and branding, gives the racquet a sophisticated yet understated aesthetic. The minimalist approach to its design enhances its premium feel, making it visually appealing without being overly flashy.

Graphics and Branding

The Dunlop logo and branding are tastefully integrated into the design, with just enough visibility to stand out without being overwhelming.

Build Quality

Durability: The high-quality paint and finish are designed to withstand the wear and tear of regular play, ensuring the racket maintains its pristine look over time.
Smooth Surface: The smooth, polished surface adds to the overall aesthetic appeal and reflects the high build quality of the racket.

Overall Aesthetic Rating

Overall, the CX 400 Tour has a visually pleasing aesthetic that combines elegance with subtle hints of performance, making it a racquet that looks as good as it performs.

Groundstroke

8.8 Out of 10

The Dunlop CX 400 Tour excels on groundstrokes, offering a well-balanced combination of power, control, and spin.

Comfort

The racquet’s stability is another key factor in its strong groundstroke performance. It absorbs impact well, making it comfortable on longer rallies, while also maintaining solid feedback on harder shots.

Control

Control is a standout feature of this racquet. The 100 sq. inch head size and tighter string pattern allow for great shot placement, giving players confidence when aiming for precise targets on the court. Whether hitting flat or adding spin, the racquet offers impressive accuracy.

Overall Groundstroke Rating

Overall, the Dunlop CX 400 Tour is a reliable option for players who enjoy a mix of control, power, and spin from the baseline. Its versatility makes it a great choice for those who like to dictate play with a range of groundstrokes.

Volley

8.5 Out of 10

Maneuverability

Control and Precision

The racquet shines in terms of control, allowing for precise placement of volleys. The 100 sq. inch head size and tighter string pattern aid in making touch volleys and angled shots easier to execute, making the CX 400 Tour great for players who want to finesse points at the net.

Overall Volley Rating

Overall, the Dunlop CX 400 Tour performs well at the net, offering a combination of stability, control, and sufficient power. It’s a solid option for players looking for a versatile racquet that excels in volleys without compromising on comfort.

Serve

8.6 Out of 10

Power

The CX 400 Tour provides good power on serves, especially for players with fast swings. While it doesn’t deliver as much raw power as more serve-focused racquets, it gives players enough pop to generate pace, especially on flat serves. The racquet’s 300-gram weight and 100 sq. inch head offer a nice balance between power and control.

Spin Potential

Thanks to its open 16×19 string pattern, the CX 400 Tour excels at generating spin. Slice and kick serves are easy to produce, making this racquet a great option for players who like to add variety to their serves. The racquet’s ability to create spin helps keep opponents off-balance, making it easier to control points from the outset.

Control

Control is one of the racquet’s strengths, particularly on serves. Players can place the ball accurately, which is ideal for hitting well-aimed serves with consistency. Whether aiming for wide angles or hitting serves down the T, the CX 400 Tour allows for precise targeting.

Maneuverability

The racquet is easy to maneuver, enabling players to generate racquet head speed for both power and spin. Its balance allows for fluid motion during the serving motion, which aids in generating both pace and spin without much effort.

Overall Serve Rating

Returns

8.5 Out of 10

Control and Precision

The racquet excels in control, making it easy to direct returns precisely. Whether you’re aiming for sharp angles or trying to keep the ball deep in the court, the CX 400 Tour offers excellent shot placement. This is particularly useful for advanced players who rely on consistent, accurate returns to start the point on their terms.

Stability

The weight of the racquet adds stability when handling powerful serves. It absorbs impact well, so players won’t feel too much vibration or twisting on off-center hits. This stability helps maintain control on fast serves, ensuring the ball doesn’t spray off the racquet unpredictably.

Maneuverability

The racquet is quick and easy to maneuver, which is crucial for fast reactions during returns. Its balance allows players to adjust quickly and get the racquet in position for both defensive blocks and aggressive returns. The 100 sq. inch head size provides a decent margin for error, helping players make solid contact even under pressure.

Power

On returns, the racquet delivers enough power to hit deep, aggressive shots, especially when facing fast serves. The slightly heavier frame (300 grams) allows players to absorb the pace of incoming serves and return the ball with good depth, even on defensive returns. The power isn’t overwhelming, but it’s sufficient for redirecting the ball effectively.

Overall Return Rating

Overall, the Dunlop CX 400 Tour is highly reliable on returns, providing a balance of power, control, and spin. It’s a versatile option for players who need a racquet that can handle a wide range of serves while offering stability and precision in return games.

Overall

8.7 Out of 10

Summary

The Dunlop CX 400 Tour is an excellent all-around racquet for intermediate to advanced players, offering a great blend of power, control, and spin. It strikes a fine balance between being stable and maneuverable, making it a versatile option for both baseline play and net approaches.

Overall, the Dunlop CX 400 Tour is a reliable, well-rounded racquet that performs well across all areas of the court. Its combination of control, spin potential, and maneuverability makes it a versatile option for players seeking to improve their consistency and precision while maintaining a comfortable feel.

Pros:

Power: While not overly powerful, the racquet provides enough pop, especially for players who can generate their own pace. It’s great for consistent baseline play and offers good depth on groundstrokes and serves.
Control: One of the racquet’s standout features. The smaller head size (100 sq. inches) and tighter string pattern allow for excellent shot placement and accuracy across different strokes.
Spin Potential: The open 16×19 string pattern offers fantastic spin generation, making it easy to add topspin or slice to both groundstrokes and serves.
Stability: The racquet’s slightly heavier weight ensures stability during volleys and when returning powerful shots, reducing shock and twisting for more control and comfort.
Maneuverability: Despite its solid weight, the racquet remains highly maneuverable, offering quick reactions at the net and on returns.

Cons:

Power: While adequate, some players may prefer a racquet with more inherent power, particularly if they rely on the racquet to do more of the work.
Stability on Fast Exchanges: Although generally stable, players facing extremely heavy hitters may desire a bit more mass to withstand hard shots more comfortably.

Dunlop CX 400 Tour Racket Review