Dunlop · Current model

Dunlop FX 500

The FX 500 combines a 100 in² head, 300 g unstrung weight and a 23–26–23 mm beam. Reading the stringbed updates and the retailer’s dated reference separately makes its power-oriented brief more useful.

100 in²16 × 19300 g · Unstrung

Key specs

Head size: 100 in²
String pattern: 16 × 19
Weight: 300 g · Unstrung
Length: 27 in
Frame profile: 23 / 26 / 23 mm
Balance: 320 mm · Unstrung
Status: Current model

When comparing products

Length: 27 in · Weight: Unstrung
Racquets	Head size in²	String pattern	Weight g	Swingweight	RA
Dunlop FX 500	100	16×19	300	—	—
Babolat Pure Drive Gen11	100	16×19	300	—	72
Babolat Pure Strike 100 Gen4	100	16×19	300	—	68
Dunlop CX 400 Tour	100	16×19	300	—	68

Identify MFX50026 before relying on a model year

The manufacturer record uses SKU MFX50026 and lists 100 in², 300 g unstrung, 320 mm balance, 27 inches and 16×19. Its full beam profile is 23–26–23 mm: the final 23 mm must not disappear just because the first section has the same width.

TW calls its product the 2025 FX 500 and describes the same Power Boost+ geometry and Power Wave grommet update. A retail year and a manufacturer SKU suffix are not sufficient proof of separate generations or identical units. Check the code and specifications when comparing listings.

Use the 320 swingweight as a dated retail reference

TW’s 2025 listing gives 318 g strung, 33.02 cm balance, 320 swingweight and 68 RA. Those are retailer-published references, not measurements of the racquet you will receive. They should remain separate from the manufacturer’s 300 g unstrung number.

If two demos have the same static weight but differ in preparation speed, check their balance and swingweight rather than assuming one specification is wrong. Strings, grip additions and manufacturing variation can change a finished setup. Compare both racquets in the configuration you will play.

Power Wave grommets make uniform response a useful question

Dunlop says Power Wave grommets reinforce key stringbed areas, while Power Boost+ groove and frame geometry address flex and energy return. Sonic Core with Infinergy and Vibroshield address the impact feel and vibration path. These are design descriptions, not independent measurements of your shot speed.

Try the same broad target from central and slightly displaced contacts. Note whether depth changes sharply when contact moves, and whether you retain directional control on a compact return. That examines the practical value of the claimed more even response without inventing a sweet-spot percentage.

A power frame does not require the highest listed tension

TW publishes 45–65 lb for its FX 500 listing. The manufacturer table reviewed here does not provide a tension range, so that retail value is not inserted as a manufacturer recommendation. Different string materials and gauges do not become equally stiff at the same machine setting.

Start the comparison with a familiar string and a recorded setting. Separate balls that fly long from the first session from control that changes after several sessions. The latter also calls for checking string wear and movement, not simply increasing the next installation tension.

Tour is a different head, not an automatic upgrade

Dunlop positions the FX 500 as the versatile 100 in² option and its Tour sibling towards more advanced control-oriented use; TW also describes the 500’s head as more forgiving than the Tour’s. That comparison provides a trial question, not a skill threshold that determines what you must buy.

Use the 500 for a set that includes stretched defence, second-serve returns and the volley after serving. If depth arrives easily but the first attacking ball repeatedly goes long, test a targeted setup adjustment before abandoning the frame. Judge the next shot in the sequence, not only the best full swing.