Dunlop iDapt Force 100S Racquet Review

How iDapt works

Dunlop calls its iDapt technology: Individual, adaptable, performance.

We call it: Game changing.

What makes iDapt unique is that each racquet can be customized to suit the taste of the player. For instance, each racquet comes with three cosmetic options ranging from mild to wild. The feel of the racquet can be altered depending on the Shock Sleeve selected. For comfort, choose the red version, the blue for a blend of comfort and feedback and the green version for the most feedback. There are two handle lengths to choose from. One creates a standard 27-inch length racquet, the other a longer 27.5 inch length racquet. Once you have chosen the set up you'd like, we build the racquet for you and send it out.

Not sure which iDapt racquet or set up to go with? No problem. You can demo any iDapt racquet right here at Tennis Warehouse.

Groundstrokes - Score: 81

The open string pattern of the Force 100S gave our playtesters plenty of spin from the baseline. Chris explained, "As with other spin racquets I've tested, I immediately noticed a higher and more aggressive launch angle on topspin shots. I quickly found that when I opened up and took a good cut at the ball I could hit a heavy topspin groundstroke deep in the court that was very difficult for my opponent to deal with. As with other spin racquets, such as the Wilson Juice 100S and Prince Warrior 100 ESP, flatter shots could fly long unless I was careful. However, I tip my hat to the Force 100S when it comes to depth control compared to those other two. On the plus side, the lively response made going from defense to all out offense as simple as a flick of the wrist -- literally! There were several instances with this racquet when I found myself scrambling to stay in the point, but I was able to flick a winner even though I could a barely reach the ball. Speaking of reach, I found even more spin and pace when using this racquet with the longer handle option. I enjoyed the added weight it gave my shots, and the level of spin I was getting was very, very impressive. This racquet played best for me with a thicker gauge poly because I found it deadened the response, offering me more control and allowing me to swing faster for even more spin."

"This string pattern is very lively!" exclaimed Michelle. "The open string pattern definitely added a higher launch angle off the stringbed as well as easy depth. I had a chance to spend some time hitting both the standard and extended length Force 100S. Both lengths were quite maneuverable off the baseline, and maneuverability is always a positive for me. When using the standard length grip the racquet felt very whippy and light, which also made it feel slightly erratic and unpredictable. It did create lots of easy depth, but I didn't find enough control with that depth. If I didn't hit the ball just right or add enough spin, I struggled with consistency. When I hit with the extended version the swingweight bounced up about 30 points, and I found I could swing out a bit more and get a heavier ball and more consistency. It was pretty surprising how differently the two lengths played for me. I would definitely go with the extended version of this racquet based on the way it felt when driving balls from the baseline."

Mark is a fan of more open string patterned racquets. He said, "I could see that the frame was paired with the Luxilon 4G poly, and that there was quite a bit of space between the strings as well. My automatic thought was easy access to spin and power. My transition was close to seamless because I play with a lot of the wide-open patterned racquets these days. I felt comfortable with the Force 100S within several minutes of hitting groundstrokes. Topspin off both wings was dialed right in, as was my directional control. Overall, I was effective and confident with this setup for almost any groundstroke scenario. The one exception was when I would try to go down the line off a heavy cross-court shot (change of direction); the Force 100S felt a bit unstable. Otherwise, it was a 'hot rod' of a racquet."

Volleys - Score: 75

Feelings were mixed when it came to volleying with the Force 100 S. Mark had a positive experience up at net with this racquet. He raved, "For me, this racquet errs slightly on the side of maneuverability, which is a benefit for much of my game. Most any volley was met confidently, including half volleys. Again, the only time it did not perform as well was when an extremely heavy shot was hit my way. Overall, the Force 100S (standard length) was stable anywhere around the net."

It took a little while for Chris to get used to volleying with the Force 100S. He said, "At first I was pulling my volleys down into the net or shorter than my intended target, but that issue soon went away as I made the adjustment. Once dialed in I enjoyed the crisp and lively response. I was able to punch volleys away with good pace. Any high volley could be snapped away without issue. On lower volleys I found I could use the racquet's spin potential to help me get the ball up and over the net without having to take too much pace off my shot. Feel was a little lacking, but I was able to make up for it by adding more spin to my drop and angle volleys."

Michelle had two different experiences, depending on which length she was using. She offered, "I preferred the standard length racquet because it was really easy to volley with. The extended length became a bit cumbersome, and I found myself letting the racquet get stuck behind me instead of keeping it out in front. This racquet wasn't as stable as I'd like it to be at the net, if I have to be completely picky."

Serves - Score: 85

Our playtesters were unanimous when it came to the amount of spin potential and power they found in the Force 100S. For Michelle, serving with the standard length frame was pretty simple. She said, "Yes, it still felt light and whippy, but I could generate a solid, powerful first serve or get some good kick going on my second serve. I found that I struggled with precision, but that was an issue in both lengths. The extended racquet offered me a heavier serve and an exaggerated kick, and when I got everything going on my first serve I could really do some damage. I was split between the two lengths on this one; they both worked well for me."

"I loved serving with this racquet," raved Chris. "As the test wore on I found myself preferring the longer handle option, and that helped my serves even more. I got lots of pace and spin on both first and second serves. I definitely had options when it came to starting the point off aggressively. My slice and topspin serves were working as well as I could hope. This racquet allowed me to mix things up, keep my opponents guessing and hit big serves. All of that added up to some easier service game holds, and I'll take that to the bank any day of the week!"

Mark was surprised when it came time to serve. He explained, "This is where I expected to experience some trouble in paradise, so to speak, because I usually prefer a heavier racquet on serve. The reality was that I served very well with it. I didn't get a lot of power with the Force 100S, but in terms of consistency, predictability and overall effectiveness, I was rewarded playing with this racquet."

Returns - Score: 78

Our playtesters enjoyed starting the point off aggressively with the Force 100S, even if it was a little too aggressively at times. Mark found the most success when it came time to return serve. He said, "This was a shot that really shone for me. The Force 100S was very maneuverable, yet I could get a good grip on the ball and had good directional control."

Michelle preferred returning with the longer Force 100S. She elaborated, "When using the standard length grip my returns were very unpredictable, unless I ditched my flat return and exaggerate getting under the ball. The extended length helped me drive the ball and attack right off the return."

Chris also had some ups and downs on returns. He explained, "I could hit big return winners with this racquet, but I could also miss by a substantial margin. I had my best results when I hit a solid return with lots of spin and moderate pace. When I dialed down the aggression my consistency went way up, and I was still able to hit with ample pace and spin. I found I didn't have to get much on the ball to hit a solid defensive return. Generating spin and pace was almost too easy. I found myself walking the thin line between risk and reward a little too often early on in the test."

Overall - Score: 79

Technical Specifications Length 27 inches 69 centimeters Extended Length 27.5 inches 70 centimeters Head Size 100 square inches 645 square centimeters Weight 11.1 ounces 315 grams Extended Weight 11.3 ounces 320 grams Balance Point 13.06 inches 33 centimeters 4pts Head Light Extended Balance Point 13.45 inches 34 centimeters 2pts Head Light Construction 23mm / 26mm / 24mm Composition Graphite String Pattern 14 Mains / 18 Crosses

Babolat RDC Ratings Score Grade Flex Rating 69 Range: 0-100 Swing Weight 316 Range: 200-400 Extended Swing Weight 333 Range: 200-400

Scores

(Scores are determined by averaging individual play test scores)

Playtester Profiles

Chris: 4.5 all-court player currently using the Wilson Six.One 95S. Chris uses a full-western forehand grip, has a fast swing style and hits a one-handed backhand.

Michelle: Open level baseline player with a semi-western forehand and a two handed backhand. She currently plays with the Babolat Pure Drive Roddick.

Mark: 5.0 lefty all-court player with a one-handed backhand. He currently plays with the Wilson Steam 99S.

Review date: August 2014. If you found this review interesting or have further questions or comments please contact us.

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