Best Dunlop Tennis Rackets

If you’re in the market for a tennis racket, usually the main brands which come to mind are Wilson, Babolat, Head, and Yonex. However, Dunlop is quietly producing some fine tennis rackets which are popular for recreational and several ATP and WTA pro players.

Here are 5 good options for Dunlop tennis rackets for different ages and abilities.

Dunlop Nitro

The Dunlop Nitro Junior is intended for youth players and comes in four lengths (plus a fifth one for kids over 13). The frame is constructed from aluminum. It is lightweight yet durable enough to withstand rough use from young players.

Each size is designed for a specific age range. The 19-inch racket is designed for players between the ages of 2 and 4. It weighs 7.5 ounces unstrung and has a head surface area of 83 square inches. The 21-inch racket weighs 7.6 ounces and has a head size of 95 square inches. It is built for players between the age of 4 and 6. The Dunlop Nitro 23 is designed for players between the ages of 6 and 9. It weighs 7.7 ounces and offers a slightly larger head.

The 25-inch racket is for players up to the age of 12 and weighs 8.5 ounces. The largest is the Dunlop Nitro 27, which is designed for players aged 13 and up, and even beginner adults. It weighs 9 ounces and the head size measures 110 square inches. However, this is a full size racket and shouldn’t really be considered a junior racket.

All five sizes have a wide-body frame and come pre-strung with nylon strings featuring the Dunlop logo. The wider frame combined with a standard head size creates a forgiving sweet spot for younger players.

Who is the Dunlop Nitro Junior for?

This is for junior players from ages 3-12. It is available in 4 different sizes.

Nitro Junior 19 Specs

Head size: 83 square inches.
Weight: 195g
Length: 19 inches
String pattern: 18×18

Nitro Junior 21 Specs

Head size: 95 square inches.
Weight: 215g
Length: 21 inches
String pattern: 18×18

Nitro Junior 23 Specs

Head size: 95 square inches.
Weight: 222g
Length: 23 inches
String pattern: 18×18

Nitro Junior 25 Specs

Head size: 100 square inches.
Weight: 242g
Length: 25 inches
String pattern: 18×18

Dunlop CS 10.0

The Dunlop CS 10.0 is a lightweight 27.5-inch racket with a 115-square inch head, making it an ideal choice for beginners. The larger head is more forgiving while the longer reach allows for more momentum.

The frame is constructed using Synchro Charge technology. The Synchro Charge system uses a unique elastic graphite material to improve the stability and vibration dampening of the racket. This material is also intended to create a more responsive feel on off-center strikes. The frame is also supported by Sonic Core VG technology, which is an EVA material made with urethane and silicone. It is injected in specific areas of the frame for more dampening.

The racket has an open 16×18 string pattern and incorporates a Straight String System. The Straight String System limits friction between the strings to improve comfort, spin, and overall power. It supports 45 to 60 pounds of tension, which is well within the standard string tension range.

When strung, the racket weighs just 9.5 ounces. It also features a Dunlop synthetic grip. The grip is available in 4-1/8 inch and 4-3/8 inch sizes. The Dunlop CS 10.0 features a dual bridge system. The main bridge has sprung grommets for increased power while the secondary bridge adds to the comfort of the racket.

Who is it for?

This is a great choice for beginners.

Specifications

Head size: 115 square inches.
Weight: 255g
Length: 27.5 inches
String pattern: 16×18

Pros

Great power
Extended length will help your ground strokes and serve
Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre.
Oversize head gives you bigger margin for error in your shots.

Cons

Expensive for a beginners racket

Dunlop CX Team 265

The Dunlop CX Team 265 tennis racket measures 27 inches long and has a head size of 100 square inches. It is a medium-sized racket designed for extra control, comfort, and spin. The racket weighs 9.3 ounces when unstrung and about 10 ounces when strung. It uses the 16x 19 string pattern and features Vibrotech grommets in the throat to improve comfort and vibration dampening.

As with most modern rackets, the frame is made from lightweight graphite. It also features Aeroskin technology, which adds a ribbed design to the surface. The tiny ribs can reduce aerodynamic resistance by up to 25% for better speed and more power.

The Dunlop CX Team 265 features a flex rating of 68, which has enough stiffness to deliver a little extra power. The racket supports a string tension range of 52 to 62 pounds. The increased tension provides better ball control while controlling some of the power. It is typically available strung or unstrung.

It comes with a Dunlop synthetic grip and is available in three grip sizes. You can choose from 4-1/8 inch, 4-1/4 inch, or 4-3/8 inch grips.

If the CX Team 265 is too light for you, you can also get the CX Team 275 and 285 if you want something a bit heavier with a bit more stability.

Who is it for?

This is a good choice for an improving tennis player who is close to an intermediate level.

Specifications

Head size: 100 square inches.
Weight: 265g
Length: 27 inches
String pattern: 16×19
Balance: 325mm
Stiffness: 68

Pros

Well priced.
Lightweight – easy to create power
Easy to create spin.

Cons

Weaker stability and control.

Dunlop CX 200

The Dunlop CX 200 is a 27-inch racket with a 98-square inch head. It weighs 11.4 ounces strung, making it a slightly weighted option intended for intermediate and advanced players. The Dunlop CX 200 is an update to the Srixon Revo CX 2.0. Along with a new name, the racket has a more aerodynamic beam. The Aero-Box frame reduces wind drag and helps to deliver more speed.

The racket is also equipped with Sonic Core technology featuring Infinergy to dampen vibrations. The premium silicone material is injected into key areas of the racket frame. By dampening vibrations, the elastic material provides increased comfort and control.

The racket has an open 16×19 string pattern for better spin control and mobility. The recommended string tension is 45 to 65 pounds while the stiffness of the racket is rated at 65. The Dunlop CX 200 is slightly stiff, which is balanced by the responsive string bed.

The string bed features a new technology called the PowerGrid StringTech system. This system has wider crosses to add more response to the upper hoop of the racket head. The swing weight of Dunlop CX 200 is 319, which is close to the 323-gram weight of the racket. The balanced design provides manoeuvrability without sacrificing power.

Who is it for?

This is a great choice for advanced tennis players (and some intermediate players)

Specifications

Head size: 98 square inches.
Weight: 305g
Length: 27 inches
String pattern: 16×19
Balance: 320mm
Stiffness: 65

Pros

Easy to manoeuvre – great at the net for volleys, returning serves
Great feel and control on your shots.
Generates a good amount of spin

Cons

Low powered

Dunlop FX 500

The Dunlop FX 500 measures 27 inches long and has a 100-square inch head with a 16×19 string pattern. The recommended string tension is 45 to 65 pounds. It is also a relatively stiff racket with a flex rating of 71. The racket weighs 10.6 ounces when unstrung. It weighs 11.2 ounces (318 grams) when strung and has a balanced swing weight of 317.

The Dunlop FX 500 tennis racket features several new technologies designed to provide greater power and stability. It is equipped with the Sonic Core technology with Infinergy. This silicone material is added to specific areas of the frame to create a more comfortable response and improved dampening.

The hoop of the racket uses the new Power Boost Groove system. This system is found under the grommets. It elongates the string movement to create a larger sweet spot and provide more power. The head shape features Dunlop’s new aerodynamic design and has a wider throat section. These features are designed to improve manoeuvrability and stability.

The shaft of the racket features a thermoplastic compound called Flex Touch Resin. The resin is built into the shaft for even better vibration dampening and control compared to a solid graphite shaft.