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In this article, we will review each of the 3 lines of Dunlop tennis racquets to help you find the one that best fits your game.
Dunlop used to be a prominent tennis racquet brand with the likes of Rod Laver, John McEnroe, and Martina Navratilova representing the brand, but they declined in popularity in the 2000s. However, since being acquired by Srixon back in 2017, the brand has had a resurgence. It still isn’t one of the most popular brands, but they’re building quality racquets and making a comeback.
Dunlop does a great job of having clearly defined goals for each tennis racquet. They offer one of the best tennis racquets for intermediate players, as well as racquets for beginners and advanced players. Within each line of racquets, they have several versions for players of different abilities. You’ll find a deeper dive into each of their racquets below.
Dunlop Makes 3 Primary Different Models of Tennis Racquets
Here is a list of each of Dunlop’s 3 main racquet lines, where they excel on the court, and the skill level of players that might want to consider each racquet. You can also find links to our full reviews on each racquet.
Click the links below to order your racquet from Tennis Warehouse.
| Summary & Skill Level | Racquet |
|---|---|
| Best Dunlop Racquet for Control Intermediate to Advanced | Dunlop CX 200 Jump to Review |
| Best Dunlop Racquet for Spin Beginner to Advanced | Dunlop SX 300 Jump to Review |
| Best Dunlop Racquet for Power Beginner to Intermediate | Dunlop FX 500 Jump to Review |
All of these racquets have pros and cons, and you’ll want to choose a tennis racquet that fits your skill level and game style.
For example, the best tennis racquets for beginners often have a large head size (100-115+ square inches) and are generally very light. You might need to experiment a little bit to see which kind of racquet fits you the best.
Dunlop also has the Dunlop LX line of racquets. We unfortunately have not tested them out to give an in-depth review. However, based on their specs, they cater specifically to beginners and senior players, providing power, stability, and comfort, while sacrificing maneuverability and control.
3 Steps to Find the Perfect Tennis Racquet for Your Game
Free checklist with 27 racquet recommendations
Dunlop CX Review: The Best Dunlop Tennis Racquet for Control
The Dunlop CX 200 provides unmatched precision to enhance your tennis.
This racquet line has a thinner, more flexible frame to give great feel and control. It feels particularly great at the net, where its maneuverability and touch shine.
We recommend the Dunlop CX racquets for intermediate to advanced level players who create their own power on the court.
Hitting the sweet spot feels incredible with these racquets. However, off-center hits are not very forgiving. Also, depth is hard to come by without a lot of focus and racquet head speed. One way to compensate for the lack of power is to customize your racquet by adding a little weight.
Pros of the Dunlop CX:
- Excellent control
- Arm-friendly
- Maneuverable
- Responds great to customization
- Great for intermediate and advanced players who generate power
Cons of the Dunlop CX:
- Not very stable defending fast-paced shots
- Not suitable for most beginners
Different Models of the Dunlop CX Tennis Racquet
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- Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18×20 – The most control-oriented racquet in the lineup with a dense string pattern. For advanced players only.
- Dunlop CX 200 Tour 16×19 – A slightly more spin-friendly racquet, still best left to high intermediate to advanced players.
- Dunlop CX 200 – A more intermediate-friendly racquet with a larger head size.
- Dunlop CX 200 OS – A larger head size for greater stability and forgiveness. It is less demanding and good for rising intermediate players.
- Dunlop CX 400 Tour – A stiffer racquet with more moderate power. Great for intermediate players who need a little bit of power.
- Dunlop CX 400 – A stiffer and lighter racquet more accessible to beginners.
Other Sellers: Amazon.com
Dunlop SX Review: The Best Dunlop Tennis Racquet for Spin
The Dunlop SX is one of the best tennis racquets for intermediate players.
The Dunlop SX is a very spin-friendly racquet. It doesn’t get a lot of recognition, but it’s worth a demo for anybody looking for a racquet that maximizes their spin.
This racquet also has exceptional power, making it great for quick reaction volleys, especially helpful when playing doubles.
The best aspect of this racquet is likely the stability. Most racquets that have this level of stability suffer in maneuverability, but the Dunlop SX is surprisingly maneuverable as well, making it even better on the return of serve. Even against big servers, this racquet helps provide depth and forgiveness.
We recommend the SX for players who want added spin and stability.
Dunlop has different versions of their SX racquet for all skill levels. They even make an extended length Dunlop SX racquet for added power and reach.
Drawbacks with this racquet are pretty standard for similar racquets. If you want to flatten out your groundstrokes, you do lose some control. This racquet is also on the stiff side, so it’s not recommended if you have arm issues.
Pros of the Dunlop SX:
- Great spin potential
- Exceptional Power
- Maneuverable
- Stable
- Easy depth on return of serve
Cons of the Dunlop SX:
- Difficult to control flat shots
- Not for players with arm injuries
Different Models of the Dunlop SX Tennis Racquet
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- Dunlop SX 300 – The standard spin-friendly racquet, great for intermediate and advanced players.
- Dunlop SX 300 Tour – Smaller 98-inch head size and a little heavier for advanced players.
- Dunlop SX 300 LS – Lighter version for greater maneuverability. The best option for intermediate players who prefer lighter racquets.
- Dunlop SX 300 Lite – More arm-friendly and a more open string pattern for increased power and spin. The best choice for beginners and intermediates, particularly those who are prone to arm injuries.
- Dunlop SX 600 – Extended length and larger head size for greater power and forgiveness. A good choice for beginner and intermediate players who want a little extra power.
Other Sellers: Amazon.com
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Dunlop FX Review: The Best Dunlop Tennis Racquet for Power
The Dunlop FX is a very powerful racquet that also provides exceptional spin and depth with ease.
The stiffer frame makes hitting deep groundstrokes effortless. This racquet also has better-than-average spin potential, helping big hitters produce penetrating shots and putting their opponents on their heels.
This racquet’s stability also benefits its performance at the net and on serve returns. On quick reaction volleys or against big servers when you’re taking a shorter swing, the forgiveness and power help to provide depth. However, it does lack a little control on touch volleys or swinging out for big returns.
We recommend the FX for players who want extra depth and power on their groundstrokes and returns.
Those with consistent swings who excel at control will get the most out of this racquet. It can be utilized by both singles and doubles players, but should not be used if you are prone to injury.
There are several different versions of this racquet for different skill levels, although I think intermediate players will enjoy this racquet the most. There is even a 27.5-inch extended length version for those who like a little extra power and reach.
Pros of the Dunlop FX:
- Very powerful
- Solid spin potential
- Easy depth
- Great for intermediate players
Cons of the Dunlop FX:
- Not arm-friendly
- Higher launch angle than normal may take some getting used to
Different Models of the Dunlop FX Tennis Racquet
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- Dunlop FX 500 – The standard version. Great for intermediate players looking for a ton of power.
- Dunlop FX 500 Tour – This version is for those wanting a little more control and feel. Great for intermediate and advanced players who want a little more controllable power.
- Dunlop FX 500 LS – This racquet is a little lighter and easier to swing. Great for rising intermediate players.
- Dunlop FX 500 Lite – This FX is even lighter for those with slower groundstrokes. It is ideal for beginners wanting something powerful and spin-friendly.
- Dunlop FX 700 – The FX 700 has a larger head size and extended length, providing even more power and forgiveness. This is a great option for beginner and intermediate players looking for maximum power and stability.
Other Sellers: Amazon.com
3 Steps to Find the Perfect Tennis Racquet for Your Game
Free checklist with 27 racquet recommendations
Choosing the Best Dunlop Tennis Racquet for You
When deciding which tennis racquet is right for you, you need to decide what you’re looking for in a racquet.
- Beginners usually need a racquet like the Dunlop FX that helps provide power and depth.
- Advanced players may lean more towards a racquet that is more maneuverable and gives more control like the Dunlop CX.
- The Dunlop SX is a great option for players who like to control the point with spin.
Dunlop does a great job of providing different versions of each line of racquets, so no matter your level, you can find a racquet that suits you. Whether you’re looking primarily for spin (SX), control (CX), or power (FX), Dunlop provides a racquet that is worth considering.
For more information, read our buyer’s guides and picks for the best tennis racquets below.
Wow. So do you happen to know, because a friend told me It use to be set up this way. If I am a 4.0 (currently) I have played at 5.0 when I was in high school, can I get Licensed to coach/teach lessons via Hilton Head USTA? I’m a resident of South Carolina, and I really have always and still had a huge passion for the game. At 36 I want to help the younger and any age with learning the game and the building strokes in order to help any player. Thank you for your time!
Sincerely, Cam
Hi Cam, I don’t believe that the USTA does coaching certifications. However, you can definitely check out the Professional Tennis Registry (https://ptrtennis.org/) or the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (formerly the US Professional Tennis Association https://www.uspta.com/).
I use the Dunlop SX 300 and I’m in between a 4.0 and 4.5 so mostly intermediate level. I do really good with this racket.
Hi Christian, I’m glad you like it! I normally prefer racquets that are less powerful, but I actually like using that one as well, I think it’s very underrated.