Dunlop is a brand that is different from the rest of the tennis racket industry. Where other brands try to be all things to all audiences, Dunlop has always appreciated good engineering, Japanese manufacturing standards (that come with Sumitomo Rubber) and a performance-first identity. The frames are designed for particular swing paths, and the lines are deliberate. The best Dunlop frames generally have a very distinct identity when they get on court.
The company’s four main families of rackets will be known to most players: CX is the control and precision led line. SX is the modern, spin centric offering. FX is the raw power and speed family. LX is the comfort and light weight usability range. The good news is that there are many excellent performance models from which to choose, including the CX 200 Tour 18×20, SX 300 Tour and FX 500 Tour, to help you find the exact frame to improve your game.
The Main Dunlop Lines
CX (Control / Precision)
The Dunlop CX family is likely to be first choice for traditionalists and advanced ball strikers. The CX line, based on Dunlop’s Sonic Core technology with Infinergy and flexible beam shaping, is built to offer great feel, pocketing and directional accuracy. It’s the best option for players who need point-and-shoot targeting, swing hard through the ball and provide their own pace.
Within the CX family, you get options like:
- CX 200 Tour (18×20) – The ultimate surgical instrument with a 95 sq in head for flat hitting and laser accuracy.
- CX 200 – The flagship 98 sq in player’s frame balancing classic flex with modern spin.
- CX 400 Tour – A modern 100 sq in hybrid box-beam that bridges the gap between classic control and easy depth.
SX (Spin / Trajectory)
It’s designed specifically for high-trajectory spin, so you can push your opponent behind the baseline with heavy RPMs. The Dunlop SX series features aerodynamic frame profile and Spin Boost grommet technology to optimize string movement for maximum launch angle without compromising stability.
Within the SX family, you get options like:
- SX 300 Tour – The heavy-duty 100 sq in weapon offering tour-level plow-through and aggressive topspin.
- SX 300 – The standard spin reference frame for intermediate to advanced baseliners.
- SX 300 LS – A lighter, faster variant for ascending players wanting rapid head speed.
FX (Force / Power)
The FX family of Dunlop is designed to give you high ball velocity, firm feedback and pure power. The FX line has been refreshed for a connected, direct-contact feel, but still features refined dampening and a tweaked beam stiffness that allows for easy depth on big swings.
Within the FX family, you get options like:
- FX 500 Tour (2026) – A refined 98 sq in power frame offering controlled pop, stability, and high maneuvering speed.
- FX 500 – The standard 100 sq in benchmark for raw baseline pace and easy depth.
- FX 500 LS – A lighter, forgiving option built for fast swing speeds.
LX (Luxury / Comfort & Oversized Power)
The LX series is designed from the ground up and delivers maximum power plush dampening and extreme forgiveness. LX frames are built with oversize sweet spots and flexible frame geometries and technologies like Vibroshield and Straight String System, which reduces the physical toll on the player, and allow the racket to create depth effortlessly.
Within the LX family, you get these options:
- LX 1000 – The flagship ultra-oversized power model featuring a generous 115 sq in head size, 255g unstrung weight, and an open 16×18 pattern.
- LX 800 – A highly comfortable 110 sq in oversized frame (255g unstrung) that blends lightweight handling with deep baseline depth and shock-absorbing stability.
- LX 800 Lite – An even lighter, rapid-swinging variant engineered for maximum maneuverability and zero elbow strain.
TRISTORM (Accessible Performance)
Dunlop’s TRISTORM line is an affordable performance line, created for club players, social competitors and rising intermediates. The TRISTORM family of products is a huge value, combining graphite constructions and user-friendly head sizes for a great combination of power, maneuverability and comfort.
Within the TRISTORM family, key models include:
- TriStorm Team 100 – A versatile 100 sq in graphite racket (285g unstrung, 16×19 pattern) built for reliable ball striking, rally consistency, and easy transition play.
- TriStorm Elite 100 / Elite 100 Super – An accessible, forgiving 100 sq in option tailored for recreational players looking for smooth handling and generous sweet-spot response.
- TriStorm 110 – An oversized 110 sq in game-improver frame providing lightweight handling, easy net clearance, and simple power generation.
- TriStorm Pro 255 / Pro 265 – Lightweight graphite variants designed for junior transition players or adults seeking rapid head speed without fatigue.
Which line suits which player
| Range | Best for | Main appeal |
|---|---|---|
| CX | Precision hitters and advanced players who demand maximum control | Plush stringbed pocketing, thin box-beam feel, and exact targeting. |
| SX | Aggressive baseliners looking for heavy topspin and high net clearance | Explosive snapback, heavy ball bounce, and high spin potential. |
| FX | Big swingers and modern players who value raw ball speed and crisp pop | Controlled power, firm response, and effortless depth generation. |
| LX | Club players and doubles specialists seeking extreme comfort and effortless power | Large sweet spot, plush dampening, and lightweight depth. |
| TRISTORM | Recreational players, beginners, and ascending juniors needing easy handling | Forgiving sweet spot, agile maneuverability, and exceptional value. |
All of these models are usually available at our partners:
- Tennis Warehouse (US, Canada)
- Tennis Warehouse Europe (10% off with code TNERD10)
- Tennis Only (AU)
Best Dunlop Racquets I’ve tested
If I had to compile a “best of Dunlop” list of the specific frames I’ve playtested extensively on court, these four stand out:
1. Dunlop CX 200 Tour (18×20)
If I need laser precision, I often go back to a Dunlop frame. A tight 18×20 pattern of a 95 sq in head produces a flat, ultra-accurate ball flight. I love the pure feel it gives you on impact, especially when you are blocking back heavy serves or driving backhands down the line. It requires clean mechanics but it offers an honest, connected feedback that is very rare in today’s tennis.
2. Dunlop SX 300 Tour
This is one of the most interesting spin frames that I have played with. In play tests against lighter spin racquets, the SX 300 Tour’s mass and plow-through were immediately apparent. It allows you to roll heavy dipping topspin deep into the court and gives a stable plush feel of contact. It offers incredible weight on the serve and is extremely dependable for volley put-aways.
3. Dunlop FX 500 Tour (2026)
The FX 500 Tour (2026 update) is an exceptional blend of classic feedback and modern speed. The refined dampening was immediately apparent during my baseline playtest. It is firmer and more direct than a flexible CX frame, but it is significantly smoother than older stiff power rackets. It is fast accelerating, with controllable launch angle and easy pop on large baseline cuts.
4. Dunlop CX 400 Tour
The CX 400 Tour is one of the easiest to recommend “serious” 100 sq in rackets. It closes the gap between classic control and modern ease of use with a boxy hybrid beam update. It had a plush, comfortable feel, pocketed the ball beautifully, swung quickly on the court and never felt trampoline-like or wild. This is a great option for players who want a 100 sq. inch frame with a true feel and control.
Final take – Dunlop Racquets
If I were ranking these Dunlop frames based on who I’d recommend them to it would be in this order:
- CX 200 Tour (18×20) is for the advanced player who demands maximum pinpoint precision and traditional box-beam feel.
- SX 300 Tour is built for heavy-spin baseliners who want plow-through, massive rotation, and rock-solid stability.
- FX 500 Tour (2026) is ideal for aggressive players wanting crisp pop, controlled power, and fast handling.
- CX 400 Tour targets all-court players looking for the perfect modern balance of spin, control, and comfortable 100 sq in playability.
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