On court – The pros
The Donnay Allwood 102 Hexacore Unibody stands out from the first shots.
The feeling is really unique and cannot leave one indifferent, given the sensations and low-frequency vibrations that the frame transmits. It feels like playing with a Prince Woodie type frame, a Snauwaert Ultimate, or a Head Vilas in terms of perceived flexibility and response in the hands, but with a weight and level of inertia that allows one to move the racquet comfortably and smoothly.
On impact, hitting in relaxed and smoothly gives one the feeling of having the ball in his hands, stopping time for a moment and being able to direct the shot wherever he wants.
The feeling is very good, but the sensation transmitted must be enjoyed and appreciated because the racquet must be able to carry, in a technical way, with clean strokes that invite to caress rather than to hit with malice. One has to appreciate the sound, lower-frequency and duller than that of other frames, the pleasant vibration of the shaft, noticeable and passing through us, the bending of the frame that becomes sensitive when one hits in a bad and brutal way.
The performance on the shots is very good for flat and covered shots that come out strong and deep. Really high spin in back that takes advantage of a particularly flexible and sensitive head of the frame allowing the most refined and touching plays and inviting the search for unknown angles and trajectories in some cases unthinkable.
The 102 Allwood is not a frame for the fierce hitter who loves to ravage the ball with extreme topspin, but it does not disdain topspin that, thanks to the wide spacing and flexibility comes out well from the frame even if without great heaviness.
The power is there, and easy to pull out, but over a certain number of rotations the marked flexibility is felt advising to touch and vary, rather than to step on it.
At net the Allwood performs respectably and stands out, as one would expect, for sensitivity and comfort coupled with an ever-present contact with the ball at the moment of impact. There are no limits of maneuverability, or impediments in the possibility of management in every phase of the game.
When serving the slice is excellent, and the kick serve is good but not too complex and returns excellent spin, but the flat serve, although not precluded, is less appreciated for the elastic and soft response of the frame at impact. It’s the secret weapon of the tennis player who loves to vary shots even during the game with variations in spin, trajectories, angles, and rhythm.
