As you loyal readers of Tennisnerd already knows, I am a fan of Angell racquets, particularly the K7 Red. Now that racquet has finally gotten a big brother, the Angell K7 Lime. More weight, more control, the same excellent feel. Here is my Angell K7 Lime Racquet Review.
I loved the Angell K7 Red when it came out (read my review here) but after a few months, I felt that the launch angle was a bit too high for my flatter, precision-based game. I suggested to Angell to create a heavier, tight pattern version and now it has arrived in the form of the Angell K7 Lime (not sure it had anything to do with my wishes, however, I suggested it to be the Angell K7 Blue). The Angell K7 Lime (link to Angell website) plays with the same plush response as the K7 Red, but the tighter string pattern offers more directional control at the cost of less spin.
It is, of course, a matter of taste whether you think this trade-off suits your game or not. For me, it was all positive, although at times I would have liked a tighter 16×19 pattern (than the K7 Red, or perhaps a 16×20/18×19) better. But the weight of the Angell K7 Lime is pretty much perfect and leaves room for a little lead tape in the hoop to increase stability. Not that it is really needed, because, at 315 grams unstrung, the Angell K7 Lime is quite stable.
Angell K7 Lime Racquet Review – Specs and Tech
Angell K7 Red is arguably the bestselling racquet from Angell so far and it is highly playable for various levels of players. The Angell K7 Lime requires a little more from the user with its higher static weight and tighter string pattern, but if you know how to use it you are definitely rewarded with control and actually some pretty good power as well. At least compared to many other 18×20 racquets.
But the control and power is not the main feature of this racquet. For me, it is all about the buttery feel that I would assume comes from the Aramid fibre layup. It doesn’t cup the ball quite like a PT57A pro stock, but more like an H22 or PT57E. It is hard to explain or compare, it is definitely plush and muted but still controlled. I felt like I could direct groundstrokes with ease and the racquet also had a nice response on the serve and the volleys. It is just a very nice all-rounder for players looking for a softer and more control-oriented Blade 98 18×20. Which is pretty much exactly what I like in a racquet.
Unstrung Specifications
Headsize – 98
String Pattern – 18×20
Weight – 315g / 11.11oz
Balance – 310mm / 10 pts HL
Stiffness – 64 RA
Length – 27” / 685.8mm
Grip type – High Tack PU Black
Full protection grommets
Moulded PU handle – non-pallet
NEW Ergonomic endcap incorporating trap door (it does come filled with some silicone).
The grip shape of this racquet is Wilson style and cannot be altered like with other Angell Custom racquets which is good to know.
Angell K7 Lime Racquet Review – Performance
As you might have surmised, I really like this racquet. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea because it has a lower launch angle (if you like a higher launch angle and a plush feel, go for the Angell K7 Red instead or the TC 95 Custom 16×19 RA 63 if you want to try an Angell racquet). But it has pretty much everything else I’m looking for in a racquet: decent power, good control, great feel. It is stable enough to play in stock form, more so than the Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18×20 which I have used up until now and needs some lead tape to really shine.
Like with the Tecnifibre Tfight XTC 305 (link to my review), I was quite smitten with this racquet. It was like returning home in a way, because I loved the feel of the Angell K7 Red, but prefer the tighter string pattern. It is just a very intoxicating feel in the string bed that keeps me wanting to play more tennis. It might not have quite the spin nor the power of the Tecnifibre Tfight XTC 305
(link to Amazon), but it is more comfortable and I simply am at home with that 18×20 pattern, despite many attempts to try to get a bit more spin “for free”.
I strung the Angell K7 Lime up with Tecnifibre Red Code Wax 17
at 23 kg and they really work well together. I will test it with more string setups because I have a reel of Head Hawk Touch (read my review) that I haven’t even opened yet and I think they could go well together.
I did try several setups of lead tape. It is stable in stock form, but I like a little higher swing weight so started with my usual treatment of 4 grams at 3 and 9 and 2 grams at 12. It made it a lot more powerful, but I felt almost too much and I removed the lead tape at 12. That was pretty good, but I wanted to try to reduce my weight and bump up my swing speed and finally, I settled for 2 grams at 12. This landed the racquet at 345 grams with overgrip and a 32 cm balance. A bit lighter than I usually go for, but I do feel I get a nice blend of swing weight, twist weight and recoil weight with this setup. It works well for my game at least.
Angell K7 Lime Racquet Review – Video and summary
To summarize, the Angell K7 Lime is like a racquet made for my game. Control-oriented, comfortable, big on feel and still with decent power. It has a plushness in the string bed that takes a page from the PT57A, but in the package of a Blade 98. It was similar to the experience I had when I tested a perfectly specced Wilson H22 Pro stock (link to video) in Marbella two months ago, It just felt right at home from the get-go.
As you might have guessed already, this will be my next tournament racquet. I needed to find a racquet to commit to after I started straying from the Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18×20 (if I would have just been faithful to that racquet I would have been fine as well), but I got a bit confused after reviewing so many frames. My tennis has been a bit all over the place after that (another reason is me trying to re-model my forehand) so it is time to settle down with one frame. Don’t worry, reviews will go on as usual. But I can’t keep bringing a new setup into every tournament match I play. I still enjoy winning and improving too much for that to happen.
Two thumbs up to Angell Tennis for (perhaps) listening to my humble suggestion of creating a heavier, tight-patterned K7. It met all my expectations.
What do you think of the Angell K7 Lime? Could this be a stick for you? Let me know in the comments below.
38 comments
I’m copying this post from the Tecnifibre comments:
I’m super impressed with the Lime, very solid, very comfortable and a very unique feel. Kind of spaceship feeling vs the graphite feel I’m used to, not as much feedback. Lost a bit of touch on carving slice BH and pickups, have not figured out inside out spin on FH and OHBH yet, but volleys are great and pancaking the FH. This is because the hoop is more stable than my Yonex, but I can’t do as much trickery, yet. Have not really served with it yet.
I have it with leather grip, 3g under bumper, 3g at 9&3, Tourna Power Cap, OG at @351g, 32cm, 336 SW. Gosen CX Pro 17g @55 and KB Max Power Rough 18g crosses @ 45.
Ordered some 1.05mm Hyper G because I really have to take a full swing to get good spin, really have to commit. My other frame is 16×20 and I can 3/4 some shots and is much better with half volleys. Will go lower on tension and put in 17 NG mains.
But have really impressed. First 18×20 i’ve owned. The UT and PPMP I recently tried have nothing on this. I love the trajectory of my FH and how comfortable and alive the frame is for a 18×20.
Update: I’ve still only hit one day with this, weather has been terrible and can’t get to indoor courts. The strings seem to have settled with zero fraying on the CX Pro. I’m playing indoor clay tomorrow on cold, wet and humid courts so I’ll keep the strings and then try VS Team mains with the Max Power Rough 18 after. Then if I need more spin, a full bed of 20g HyperG.
But I’d say all those folks chasing Head prostock pipedreams can get some Twaron magic with this stick at a great price, and can order as many as they like, with grommets to spare, for many years.
Happy to hear that you enjoyed Lime so much and its a good fit, i had similar feedbacks and feelimgs,great control, enough power, stable, great groundstokes. My OHBH suffered a little (both slice and topspin) but i think its just a matter of time.. love the plush feel and no elbow problems, and having played with some many rackets since last 2 years, its one of my favs now (along my Phantom and TT100P). How was the different serves for you? How would you grade different attributes?
Thanks. I really liked it especially on the backhand and the serve. The only issue I had was estimating depth on my forehand at times. But I am trying to improve my technique so that could be the reason. I think it is a well-balanced racquet, but my absolute favorite is the volley and the one-hander.
Hi
Can you make a comparison with Angell TC97 18×20,
I am interested if the string spacing is the same, is it wider or longer and how is the comfort, feel, power between the two ?
Cheers,
Chris.
Hi,
I don’t have a TC 97 here right now so hard to compare the spacing, but from memory, I would say it is slightly more open on the TC97. Lime wins on comfort and feel, but the power and feedback are probably a bit better with the TC97 since the Lime has a quite muted feel. Cheers / Jonas
Hi,
I would be interested in knowing what the basic differences are between the K7 Lime and the Dunlop CX 200 Tour 18×20 that you have been most recently playing with. Also, how do you find the K7 Lime to be with your OHBH, compared to the CX 200? I am seriously considering switching to the CX 200, but am considering the K7 Lime as well after reading your review.
Thank you for such informative and in depth reviews! You are providing a true service to the tennis community.
Hi,
Thanks a lot for your kind words, Bob. For some reason, I love the K7 Lime more on my one-handed backhand than the CX 200 Tour. Not really sure why. Just feels very solid on impact. Hard to tell exactly why. In stock form, I think the Lime actually feels a bit more solid than the CX 200 Tour, but both need some lead tape to shine in my opinion. If you like a flexible feel and put a premium on arm comfort, go with the Lime. If you want a more traditional response with a more uniform flex from the racquet, go for the CX 200 Tour. Two good sticks so it boils down to a matter of taste!
Good luck / Jonas
Hi Jonas,
Is this correct: “It might not be everyone’s cup of tea because it has a higher launch angle (if you like a lower launch angle and a plush feel, go for the Angell K7 Red instead or the TC 95 Custom 16×19 RA 63 if you want to try an Angell racquet)”
K7 Lime has a higher lauch angle then K7 Red and TC95?
cheers
Steve
Hi Steve,
Sorry, a typo! The Lime has a lower launch angle and the Red and TC 95 16×19 a higher one.
Cheers / J
What is beam width on this? Can’t seem to find it anywhere.
Great review as always, Jonas!! Question is will you be selling a playtested k7 lime anytime soon and if so, can I get first pick!! ???
Hi Benny,
I think I will keep this one for now, but will let you know if any pop up for sale :) Regards / Jonas
Hello could you compare and contrast the K7 Lime, Elevate, and Ultra tour in terms of comfort, feel, control and power?
Thank you,
christoforos
Hi Christoforos,
Difficult one.
K7 Lime: Top in feel and comfort.
Elevate: Top in power and spin.
Ultra Tour: Top in control.
They are all pretty comfortable though. The Ultra Tour needs some lead tape. The Elevate is the easiest racquet to use.
Regards / Jonas
As always, an Insightful review, Jonas! The question is whether wii will be selling the playtested K7 and if so, can I get first pick please?! ?
Hi Ben,
Thanks. Not selling for now, but will let you know if something changes! :)
I have also recently played with TC97, and its a different feel and playing style. For me:
Tc 97 – more power, more crisp, easier to swing (it was 10g lighter though), more precise
Lime – more comfortable, plush feel, more stable in stock form, needs a good technique
I realized that I had to hit with better techniques to make Lime work well, while TC97 seems more forgiving and even with worse technique it works well (actually I recorded myself hitting different strokes with both).They are both great rackets so for me it boiled down to my current objective; since I am trying to improve my technique after a long break from tennis, I am currently sticking to Lime, but will keep TC97 for future.
Hi mate,
Good review as always. Can you elaborate a bit more on a comparison with the Ultra Tour?
I see on a comment above you mentioned it is more comfortable than the UT but is it really *that* much more?
I play an UT with a gut hybrid and I find it decent enough but was wondering if this K7 lime was really that much softer.
Hi,
The Ultra Tour offers a more even flex from the string bed. It is not much more comfortable, but a little bit more. Neither racquet should provide harm to sensitive wrists and elbows. If you play the UT with a gut/hybrid and some lead tape you are already fine. The difference is mainly in the feel in the string bed. The K7 Lime has a very distinct flex.
Cheers / Jonas
Hello could you compare and contrast the K7 Lime with Tecnifibre Tfight 315 LTD 16M (2013) in terms of comfort, feel, control, power, spin and manuseability?
Thank you,
Rafael
Hi Rafael,
They are both very comfortable racquets. The Tfight needs customization otherwise it is quite anemic and difficult to generate power with.
FEEL: K7 Lime
CONTROL: Even
POWER: Equally low
SPIN: Tfight
MANEUVERABILITY: Tfight, but slightly
Something like that. Since feel is so subjective I would recommend you to test the racquets before you commit.
Regards / Jonas
Hi Jonas,
Thanks for the in-depth review. What is the beam width of this racquet?
Hi Rico,
Should be 20 mm.
Cheers / Jonas
Hi Tennisnerd,
can you compare the Angell K7 Lime with the Donnay Formula Hexacore.
Thanks.
Hi Dario,
The Formula has a bigger sweet spot and more power and spin, but the Angell offers a bit nicer feel and control. Cheers /J
Hope Angell will release a “Angell k7 Azure(Blue)or Indigo(Purple)” in a 16×20 or 18×19 string pattern. Would be really interesting indeed as most racquet that has these string patterns in the market right now is pretty stiff. IE the Wilson Ultra 95.
Agree! Would have been cool with 16×20!
Hi Jonas,
I was wondering if you remember TC95 18×20 RA63 and how does Lime compare to this. I have been playing with Lime lately but also seen great reviews in TC95 so I was wondering how the two compare? Stiffness are similar, and I guess TC95 has slightly more power and different feel due to its construction. I have also read that TC95 requires good technique/focus but also has a larger sweet spot and some say it feels like a 97/98 head and also forgiving. Would be curious about your views if you can remember the play-test… thanks a lot.
Thx, Kurt
Hi Kurt,
The Lime has quite a unique muted feel. It plays close to a Prince Rebel 95 (with ports). It is kind of a hate/love thing. I don’t think the K7 is less powerful though and it does offer a slightly bigger sweet spot than the TC 95. I would go with the K7 Lime. It is easier to use and offers a really nice blend of power and control.
Regards / Jonas
Hey Kurt,
I currently have a TC95 18×20 RA63 and I have also just recently gotten the Lime. Haven’t had a hit with the Lime yet but I can definitely tell you that the TC95 packs a punch. I also have the TC95 16×19 RA63 and compare to the 18×20 its like a rocket. I hardly ever use the 16×19 since its way too much power for me. I’ll have to hit with the Lime to get back to you how that compare to each other. Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Franco
Just measured my two K7 Lime today. both of them was over the said weight of 315g, one was at 318.5g and another one at 319.5. Not too big of a problem since I do personally prefer heavier racquets so less lead I’ll have to add. One I found that out I don’t really like about the stock racquets is the stock base grip tape. It is really thick, like 1.9mm so the grip felt more like a 4,1/2 with the stock grip on. I am keeping on stock to see how it plays but I did replace one of them with Wilson black leather grip and the grip felt more true to size after that. Maybe for people who are interested in buying the Lime you should buy a one size smaller grip if you aren’t gonna change the stock base grip.
Yeah, the Angell stock grip is quite thick, good that you point that out!
Hi Franco, any views on Lime vs TC95 18×20 yet? I think I am going to try it anyways… thx
Sorry for the delay the weather wasn’t really good for the past few days in Vancouver. Yep the Lime feels way more muted but in a good way unlike the new CV Blades that I have tried. Compare to the TC95 definitely had to string lower in tension to get my desired pop from the racquet. The first time I strung is at 55 lbs with muted string didn’t really feel that good. So I cut it out for some Hyper G 18g at 50lbs and wow made a huge difference in feel. I do prefer the overall feel of the TC95 better but I really need to be feeling good on the day to use it well. The Lime is just more forgiving as its harder for me to over hit since it really is lower power compare to the TC95. I also put the Halo 1 string in my other Lime since I order two as I was switching to the Lime. With the Halo 1 strings which is really soft the racquet felt great. I would ultimately put a hybrid in my racquet, my personal favorite set up is Luxilon Timo in the mains and X One Biphase in the crosses at 53lbs. Both racquet are great in their own way. I would say I have to start getting use to the muted feel of the racquet since I have been play with my TC95 mainly for a really long time. Might get the TC95 18×20 in the new paint job if I can sell my TC95 16×19, OR Hope Angell comes out with a TC95 with a 16×20 string pattern OMG that would be perfect!
Have strung Lime with natural gut / poly (Wilson Champion Choice) at 50/48 and really feels great.. good power, excellent control and feel. Added some lead at 12 as well.
Ordered TC95 18×20 as well, for more performance, could not resist.
Nice one, Kurt.
Jonas, are you still playing with K7 Lime? Is she your official racket these days?
Hi Paulo,
I did and still enjoy it a lot, but the Pacific X Tour Pro 97 seems to fit me even better so I am making the switch to that.
Cheers / Jonas