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New Racquet Day

In the space of tennis racquet manufacturing, large brands like Wilson, Babolat, and Head have captured the vast majority of the market share and public consciousness. However, much like in the world of watches, there are a few independent brands offering something that the large brands cannot. One such independent is Angell, a racquet manufacturer based in the UK.

Paul Angell founded the eponymous brand following a long career as an engineer at Dunlop. Angell offers three things that the large players do not.

1: Good Quality Control

Composite structures, including modern tennis racquets, vary based on an infinitely long list of parameters. As such, it can be difficult to make sure racquets are manufactured on spec in large numbers. Buying a racquet from the big brands, you can expect the weight to vary up to 7 or 8 grams from the listed spec in the worst case. This may not sound like a lot, but it can have a massive effect on how the racquet plays. Angell racquets, on the other hand, come in spec every time. The frame I ordered is listed at 300g unstrung, and here it is on the scale fresh out of the box:

It is also worth noting that Angell racquets have a great quality of finish. The paint is second to none.

2: Customization

Although it’s not too hard to customize a racquet after manufacturing with lead tape, silicone, and other implements, it is super nice to be able to just get what you want straight from the manufacturer. Angell offers frames in head sizes ranging from 90 to 105 sq in, with almost every imaginable parameter being adjustable. Different string patterns, lengths, weights, balances, stiffness ratings, and grip shapes are available with each frame. Mine is 100 square inches, the standard 27" long, 16x19 string pattern, 63RA stiffness, 300g, and 6pts head light balance (unstrung).

3: Paul Angell

As with independent watch brands, a large part of the appeal lies in the person behind the brand. I can’t ask the Wilson engineers about their racquets. But I was able to reach Paul quite easily through email, and he was happy to answer my questions about his frames. 

I’m not sure how many tennis players frequent this forum, but if there are any reading this, definitely check out Angell Racquets. There is a ton of info on the Talk Tennis ‘Angell User’s Club’ thread. I am excited to get my TC100 strung up and see how it plays!

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