Overview
With the CX 400 Tour, Dunlop takes the raw speed and easy spin of a modern player's racquet and adds a more classic feel. Compared to both the CX 200 Tours, this stick has a slightly larger head and thicker beam, giving it a tad more power without sacrificing the outstanding control and feel for which the CX line is known. This racquet also packs a 16x19 string pattern along with easy acceleration, making it grippy and whippy enough for loading the ball with spin. In addition to its impressive all-court speed, the CX 400 Tour packs enough stability at net to comfortably redirect higher levels of pace.
Like other members of the 2021 CX family, this racquet's great feel comes in part from a couple innovative material technologies. The first is called FlexBooster, which is a thin rubber material in the shaft that dampens harsh vibrations without compromising the crisp and connected feel that is so crucial to control. The other material technology Sonic Core, lives in the upper hoop, and it softens impact shock with a uniquely flexible substance called Infinergy. This stick also benefits from a PowerGrid StringTech system, which optimizes string spacing to create a more comfortable, spin-friendly and responsive hitting experience. All in all, with the introduction of the 400 Tour, Dunlop has created a worthy addition to the CX line. Intermediate players looking for a speedy all-court weapon with controllable power and above average comfort should add this to their demo list.
Like other members of the 2021 CX family, this racquet's great feel comes in part from a couple innovative material technologies. The first is called FlexBooster, which is a thin rubber material in the shaft that dampens harsh vibrations without compromising the crisp and connected feel that is so crucial to control. The other material technology Sonic Core, lives in the upper hoop, and it softens impact shock with a uniquely flexible substance called Infinergy. This stick also benefits from a PowerGrid StringTech system, which optimizes string spacing to create a more comfortable, spin-friendly and responsive hitting experience. All in all, with the introduction of the 400 Tour, Dunlop has created a worthy addition to the CX line. Intermediate players looking for a speedy all-court weapon with controllable power and above average comfort should add this to their demo list.
Specifications
| Head Size: 100 in / 645.16 cm | ||||
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm | ||||
| Strung Weight:11.2oz / 318g | ||||
| Balance: 13in / 33.02cm / 4 pts HL | ||||
| Swingweight: 322 | ||||
| Stiffness: 66 | ||||
| Beam Width: 23mm / 23mm / 23mm | ||||
| Composition: Sonic Core Infinergy/Graphite | ||||
| Power Level: Low-Medium | ||||
| Stroke Style: Medium-Full | ||||
| Swing Speed: Medium-Fast | ||||
| Racquet Colors:Red/Black | ||||
| Grip Type: Dunlop Viper Dry | ||||
String Pattern:
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| String Tension: 45-65 pounds |
Videos
Other Items to Consider
Customer Reviews
This was a game changer.Disclaimer, the last time I bought from TW was in 2011, when I bought a Prince O3 racquet. Much different than this. After a lot of research and deliberation I wanted to go with a brand I could trust, with specs that could compete, and who better than Dunlop? It's who I started with when I was a child- Dunlop Power OS. I knew a control-oriented racquet was the right one for me. Something heavy, but not too heavy- because I needed enough power, but can generate my own plenty, but can also keep pace. I caught a rockin' deal on this racquet for half price, and managed to only get the last one which had a 4-1/8 grip size, so I fixed it by adding a thick overgrip. The feel of this racquet is amazing, helped of course by my switch to a Multifilament setup. A plush, even pillowy feel that is not as rubbery as synthetic gut, or nearly as brick wall as most poly. I use all manner of different strings but found the perfect balance with Head Velocity MT 17, which I had TW string just a bit underweight to see if I could get used to the "overpowered" feeling from my larger racquets, before restringing. I would highly recommend the same setup, but maybe with Tecnifibre Triax 17 (1.25) for added modern spin, at 54 pounds. Multi, even with a co-poly wrap can lose tension quickly if you play as often as I do. The first thing I noticed though was how fun it was to play with this racquet. It plays nicer and more consistently than any of the six other racquets I own, probably as they're a tad outdated now. I think in comparing it to the CX-200 Tour, the head-light balance of the CX-400 is a lot more light in the hoop, and I find now that this is less-preferred, so moving forward I am going to try to use that heavier 11.7 ounce style racquet and in 98 square instead of 100. I find sometimes that it can be a bit too low in swingweight, and the racquet head can start going off balance in my hand once I start generating extra power and spin. That's the only downside and it can also be from me simply being fatigued. I really enjoy this racquet. In my first few sessions, I've had absolutely no problem with plowthrough or penetrating the court keeping the ball in the defensive area right on the baseline. But I've decided the racquet has too much power now given that it's strung a few pounds under, and has lost some tension- so to add margin to my play and make it even MORE consistent, I have to restring back up to 54 or 55. Anyone who wants to play tennis right should get this racquet, and I think Dunlop might even give Babolat a run for their money too. Plays just like a nice cross between Pure Aero and Pure Strike.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
Stable and maneuverableNo complaints here. Easy to swing, generate power and spin. Muted and soft feel, but not a detriment.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
All-RounderI'm 63 and have long used heavy Donnay racquets, both the Pro One and the Platinum 99 (both over 12 ounce for strung weight). I decided to give something lighter a try and at 11.2 ounces strung the CX 400 was the weight I was looking for. I strung it with Prince Warrior Hybrid Touch at 52 lbs. I have really enjoyed using the CX 400. It does everything pretty well. The extra power of this racquet shows well on serves and shines on heavy topspin one-handed backhands. I've been surprised at how stable the racquet is at the net and against heavy balls at the baseline given its light weight.
I should mention, I started playing again this year after a six-year hiatus. Was having shoulder issues which prompted me to try the CX-400. Those issues have all disappeared now. This one is very easy on the shoulder and elbow.
My only negative would be a slight tendency to fly balls long if I'm not paying attention to the launch angle. A tighter string tension may solve this however and I intend to try that.
This one is a great all-rounder that would be helpful to intermediate players as well as more advanced players. It's easier to play with than my Donnay but still has the needed performance for a high level of play. Dunlop has done a good job of threading the needle with this racquet producing above average performance in all areas.
Great all around racquetI happened to demo this by chance because the racquets I wanted to review were all out of stock, and I'm glad I did! I think this racquet offers a great blend of power, control, and feel. Historically, I've been a Blade 18x20 user but spent some time trying to move to a more forgiving racquet. I tried the Yonex VCore 98, but never felt any connection to the ball and spin was less easy to come by than expected. I also tried a number of racquets from Head (Radical MP, Speed MP, Extreme Tour), and they were just ok (Speed was similarly disconnected, the Extreme seemed to lack power, and the Radical was just uninspiring). The Dunlop seemed to fill all the blanks. It had more power than the Blade (on par with a Speed or VCore 98); good control (similar to the Blade, and better than the VCore or Speed); and good access to spin when needed. Really good on serves too, for some reason.
What I really like about this is that when I hit the ball I know exactly where it is going. It feels to me a bit like a 100 sq inch blade in that sense, but less muted. I do think it needs a bit more weight, though; I added a leather grip and 3 grams at 9 and 3, and it's helped the racquet feel more solid. It is also a string sensitive racquet. It has less dampening than some frames (hence the nice crisp, direct feel), so you might feel it if you use a really stiff string (I use it now with a full bed of Confidential or Mayami Tour Hex with no issues). Really a big fan.
Large Sweet SpotI have been playing the Dunlop CS 200+ for a few years. It provided remarkable power on serves and forehands. In a long tough match the 340+ swing weight would wear my arm down after an hour or so. If you are fit and young enough, it is a killer stick. So I bought a couple CX 400's. They are easy to swing, have a large sweet spot, and more head light than the numbers suggest. I added lead at 10 and 2, and it still was head light, but had much more punch. It is a great all around stick, groundstrokes, volleys, and serves. It's a very good racquet. And I can swing it for two plus hours with a fresh arm.
Previous Feedback
Comments: Have been using this racquet for about a month now, playing 3.0-3.5 singles and doubles after a 10+ year layoff from the game. Used the TW demo program (great resource!) to demo this along with Blade 100 v7 and Pro Staff 6.1 100 and felt this racquet was best suited for where I'm at now. Easy to use with good power, control, and feel on all shots. Comfortable on the arm as well. Using Velocity MLT at 55 pounds (middle of range) and working well so far.
From: Kelly, FL, 1/28/22
Comments: The Dunlop CX 400 Tour is an excellent racquet. I'm a 5.0 player who likes a blend of power and control. My initial hit, I found this blend to be almost perfect, but found a little more weight toward the top would help. I added lead tape at ten and two, and found this to be the perfect remedy. Most shots are extremely solid, and with the string pattern, it allows for plenty of topspin. At net, it's very maneuverable and has great feel. With the lead tape, the racquet can handle hard shots with control. Highly recommend this racquet.
From: Richard, Eugene, OR 7/27/21
Comments: I am a 4.0 player. I have used every brand over the years, and decided to try this racquet. I haven't played with Dunlop for about 20 years. Formerly, I played with a Babolat VS. This racquet was easy to hit and serve right out the box. My string tension is around 40 - 45 pounds. Give this racket a try, you'll be surprised. I have been playing tennis for 40 years. Aloha!
From: Censei, Mililani, Hi 7/3/21
Comments: The Dunlop CX 400 Tour is a very nice racquet. I have been stuck between "power/tweeners" such as Ezone 100 and more control oriented ones such as Ezone 98 and Pure Strike 98. Both type racquets with pros and cons. The Dunlop CX 400 Tour suites me really well as it gives me a very nice blend of power with control while still being very easy to use thanks to the 100 head size. My one handed backhand seems to like thinner beams and the Dunlop has a decent size (23mm). The Dunlop is also far more comfortable than most tweeners with their think and ultra stiff frames. However, I might have had bad luck as I had no less than 10 racquets checked for specs and 9 were completely off specs and only one was as it should (the one I bought). Therefore, I would only buy this racquet using TW's racquet matching service where all specs are checked prior to purchase. Dunlop is obviously not the only company with similar quality control issues. Anyway, the racquet is really, really nice and I am super happy with the purchase.
From:Alexander, 5/30/21
Comments: Nice stable racquet after I added lead to 3 and 9 o'clock and under the buttcap. The Power Grid string pattern does little to help generate topspin, like playing with an 18x20 string pattern. Dunlop, please get rid of this Power Grid system. Keep the CX series going. You are improving in quality and consistency.
From: Chris, 4/23/21
Comments: I switched to this racquet from Volkl V-Sense 8 300 looking for a softer and more control-oriented frame. All I can say is that the CX 400 Tour has all the nice characteristics of a Pure Drive without being harsh on the arm. For me is the perfect tweener with great maneuverability, control, comfort, feel, and decent amount of power. I tried several frames the last six months; the Head Extreme MP and Tour, Volkl V-Cell 8 300, Head Radical MP 2021, Pure Drive 2021, Pure Strike 100, and I end up on this one. I strung this racquet with Solinco Hyper-G and spin was excellent. The denser string pattern on the center is very helpful for controlling flat shots. The racquet is easily customizable for those who want more mass on their frame. I highly recommend giving this racquet a try.
From: George, 3/21/21
Comments: Okay, everything in the video and review provided by TW turned out to be true. And even more; I've always purchased frames with a 62 or less flex rating and use softer polyester and even lately using gut with polyester for the purpose of preventing arm injuries or trouble, and it worked. Purchasing this slightly stiffer frame, I took a chance, after reading about the new tech comfort build into it and wala; I'm now using a stiffer high quality polyester all around with no arm discomfort at all! It has helped my game with control and confidence. With the slightly thicker frame than I'm used to, I'm getting more power with the comfort and the control I was lacking with the softer strings and more flexible frames. This CX series from Dunlop was so impressive to me that I also purchased the CX 200 OS and am working with different string set-ups and enjoying that frame for doubles. All in all, I used to laugh at frames claiming they have it all; power, comfort, control, well this CX 400 Tour has it all for me! I'm using Volkl V-Square 16 in the mains and Cyclone 19 in crosses at 51 and 49 pounds respectively, so far so good!
From: Robert, 3/12/21