The Dunlop CX Team 285 is for intermediate players who want power and control in a compact racquet. While heavier than its lighter siblings, this racquet delivers stability without losing maneuverability.
In this Dunlop CX Team 285 Review We’ll discuss the Dunlop CX Team 285’s features, performance, and comparisons to other racquets to help you decide whether it’s appropriate for you.
Dunlop CX Team 285 Review – Key features
- Play a sharper game
- Unstrung weight: 285 g
- Head size: 645 sq cm; 100-inch
- String pattern 16/19
- With hm6 carbon and aero skin technology; Material: graphite
Last update on 2026-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Players seeking power and control will like the Dunlop CX Team 285’s characteristics. Details about what makes this racquet special:
285-Gram Frame
The CX Team 285 weighs 285 grammes (10.1 ounces), heavier than other CX series models but light enough for manoeuvrability. This weight improves groundstroke stability and power, allowing players to hit deeper and faster without sluggishness. The extra weight helps intermediate players feel more connected to the ball, boosting their confidence on aggressive strokes.
100-square-inch head
The racquet has an intermediate-standard 100-square-inch head. This head size’s wide sweet area allows off-center hits to be managed. Forgiveness in the broader sweet spot helps players retain consistency throughout extended rallies and improve accuracy.
Graphite Build
High-quality graphite makes the CX Team 285 sturdy and flexible. Carbon improves racquet lifespan and shock absorption, minimising impact vibrations. This strong, comfortable material is ideal for intermediate players who want a racquet that can sustain daily play.
16×19 String Pattern
The racquet’s 16×19 string arrangement balances spin and power. Open strings offer greater string movement, making topspin and slicing easy. Intermediate gamers searching for diversity may find this handy. The string pattern provides control, keeping even strong shots inside the lines.
Aeroframe Design
Aerodynamic frame design reduces swing drag on the CX Team 285. This improves racquet speed, enabling quicker groundstrokes and serves. Players who strike with velocity and spin will find the racquet’s sleek frame simple to handle.
Head-Light Balance
The head-light balance of the CX Team 285 puts weight on the handle rather than the head. Balance enhances manoeuvrability, especially near the net, where rapid reflexes are needed. Net players will love how quick and responsive this racquet is during volleys while providing solidity for baseline rallies.
Dunlop CX Team 285 Racquet Court performance
The Dunlop CX Team 285 balances power, control, and manoeuvrability throughout the game. How it performs in certain play areas:
Groundstrokes
Baseline, the CX Team 285 offers exceptional power and control. The 16×19 string design makes spin production easier, and the slightly heavier frame improves depth and consistency. With its stability, this racquet can manage strong exchanges with topspin or flat strokes. The big sweet spot forgivingly helps hit crisp, powerful groundstrokes.
Volleys
The CX Team 285’s head-light balance makes it simpler to respond to fast-paced volleys at the net. Players may put the ball precisely using the racquet’s steadiness and control on touch strokes. Its robust contact boosts net play confidence and ensures consistent volleys.
Serves
Smooth and controlled CX Team 285 service. The aerodynamic frame increases racquet speed, making it easier to play powerful, spinny serves. The 285-gram weight offers players confidence to flat serve quickly and use spin serves to accurately dip into the serving box.
Dunlop CX Team 285 Pros and Cons
As with every racquet, the Dunlop CX Team 285 has pros and cons. Here are its benefits and cons:
Pros:
Stability and manoeuvrability are achieved with balanced weight.
Large forgiving area for off-center hits.
Spin-friendly string design for shot combination players.
Graphite is durable and suppresses vibrations, boosting comfort.
Cons:
Limited power compared to heavier racquets, forcing players to pace themselves.
Weight and control make it unsuitable for novices.
Low stability on severe off-center strikes, particularly during quick rallies.
Dunlop CX Team 285 Racquet Comparison to Similar Racquets
The Dunlop CX Team 285 faces comparable intermediate player racquets. Its comparison to other popular models:
Babolat Pure Drive
The Babolat Pure Drive is powerful and spinny. CX Team 285 has better control and manoeuvrability than Pure Drive, which has greater explosive power. Precision and comfort may favour the CX Team 285, while sheer power may favour the Pure Drive.
Wilson Clash 100
The Wilson Clash 100 is more arm-friendly than the CX Team 285 because to its flexibility and comfort. Aggressive shots are more stable and controlled with the CX Team 285. Players with arm troubles may choose the Clash 100, while those who like a harder, more responsive feel may prefer the CX Team 285.
Head Graphene 360+ Speed MP
Another powerful and controlled racquet is the Head Graphene 360+ Speed MP. Both racquets have comparable head sizes and string patterns, but the CX Team 285’s head-light balance boosts manoeuvrability. The Speed MP has greater serve and groundstroke power, while the CX Team 285 has superior net touch.
Dunlop CX Team 285 Racquet Review – FAQs
Is the Dunlop CX Team 285 beginner-friendly?
Beginners may not like the Dunlop CX Team 285, but intermediate players will. Its 285-gram weight and control concentration make it preferable for skilled players.
Is the CX Team 285 powerful enough?
With solid swing mechanics, the CX Team 285 has ample power. Its aerodynamic design increases racquet speed, but players must create their own power, making it unsuitable for power-hungry players.
CX Team 285 spin handling?
The 16×19 string pattern of the CX Team 285 generates spin well. This racquet makes adding topspin or slice simple. The open string arrangement increases ball bite and spin.
Is CX Team 285 net-friendly?
Yes, the CX Team 285’s head-light balance is perfect for net play. Manipulability and stability aid with rapid reflexes and volley control. The racquet’s responsiveness will please net players.
For which players is the CX Team 285 best?
Intermediate players looking for control and power might try the CX Team 285. It’s perfect for all-court players since it offers solidity for baseline rallies and manoeuvrability for net play.
Conclusion
We examined the Dunlop CX Team 285’s balanced performance for intermediate players. Players wishing to improve should consider its power, control, and manoeuvrability. With its 285-gram frame, large sweet spot, and spin-friendly string pattern, the CX Team 285 is a trustworthy alternative for improving technique and consistency across all areas of play.