There is a new racquet on the horizon, it’s from Nordicdots and called Model 99. We have tested the prototype version.
The Nordicdots Model 99 is the first tennis racquet from a brand that is more famous for their apparel and their padel racquets. The Model 99 is supposed to be a racquet for the modern game, with its 99 sq inch head size, 300 gram unstrung weight, 31.8 cm balance, 23 mm constant beam, 16/20 pattern and Isometric/Morph style beam for a higher and more forgiving sweet spot. It will be available in two colors, “Storm grey” and “Glossy black”, which will give players a choice of the cosmetic they want to bring onto the court.
We tried the Nordicdots Model 99 prototype for several weeks and were impressed by the pro stock style feel. You can tell there is high-grade carbon involved in the process. It plays somewhere in between a Blade Pro and a Yonex Ezone 98, maybe with a tad more power. But the feel and performance is similar to what a love-child between these racquets would perform as.
You can watch our video review of the Model 99 on our YouTube channel.
Specifications
Head size: 99 sq in
Weight: 300gr
String pattern: 16×20
Balance: 31.8 cm
Beam width: 23 mm constant
Colors: Storm grey, Black
There is no specific technology advertised for the Model 99. Which is kind of refreshing for the racquet market. However, Nordicdots have pointed out the string pattern, which is
How does it play?
The Model 99 plays with a good mix of power and control. It is a well-balanced frame which produces excellent top spin for its ultra dense string pattern at the top of the hoop. The pattern progressively gets more open further down on the frame. This is different from standard racquets where patterns are dense in the middle and open towards the sides. It is an interesting take, which produces good control when you hit in the top of the string bed, but some erratic responses when you hit a bit lower down in the string bed. It works better on faster swing speeds, kind of similar like the HEAD Boom Pro.
The feel in the string bed is buttery. The kind of sensation you get when you play with pro stock racquets. You do notice when you hit the sweet spot, so there is enough feed back to achieve a good level of confidence on your shots.
The frame needs a high swing speed to play with decent control, but once you make sure you hit with top spin technique, it produces a really heavy ball. You also feel that effect on serves, where you can get excellent speeds thanks to the beam design where you can hit higher in the string bed.
Overall, a well-balanced racquet for the modern player who can generate spin and pace through rapid swings. This is our verdict for the prototype we are now very curious about the retail edition that will be released in mid-September 2024.
Summary
It’s excellent to see up-and-coming brands like Nordicdots produce an excellent racquet in their first try. According to the brand, the racquet will be delivered with extra steps of quality control, which means +- 5 grams instead of the standard +- 7 grams. Every racquet will have the factory specs printed on the sticker and will come with a high-quality sleeve with extra accessories.
It is not easy to break into the tennis racquet market, but the Nordicdots Model 99 seems like a great first step in doing so. The question remains if we will see some pros play with this racquet, which is important to establish brand trust and generate sales.
The racquet will be available from Nordicdots.com. You will get 15% off your purchase if you use the code TENNISNERD15.
