Ektelon DPR 2500 Lite Review
Ektelon continues to raise the bar when it comes to an all around performance stick. We look at all aspects of the racquets we test and rate them in 5 major areas: Stability, Power, Control, Comfort, and last but certainly not least Maneuverability. The scores are generated by averaging all of the individual scores the playtesters submit. At the end of the review you will see average score of each criteria as well as an overall score. The Ektelon DPR 2500 Lite is strung with Ektelon Lightning string at 32 lbs tension. Our playtest averaged about 2 weeks. Here's what we learned...
Technologies
Ektelon integrates their new Double, Power, Ring technology to extend all mainstrings through the throat of the racquet, essentially maximizing power by increasing the "Trampoline" effect. Ektelon also uses Triple Threat Technology which aides in stability by weighting the 3 corner's of the racquet. PowerLock construction provides the structural integrity or backbone of the 2500 Lite, giving the Ektelon DPR 5 stars in the strength/durability department.
Serves
Our playtesters found little to complain about when serving with the Ektelon DPR 2500 Lite racquet. Brett was impressed with the control and power of the drive serves. "Some racquets have great control, some have awesome power; Ektelon found a perfect balance with the DPR 2500 Lite." Derek said "The DPR 2500 Lite provided plenty of power for fast drive serves and had plenty of accuracy for the serves requiring more finesse." David had good luck with the DPR 2500 Lite as well, also noticing the impressive power/control ratio. "Power and control are amazing compared to other racquets on the market". Sarah, primarily a lob serve "specialist", appreciated the feel and accuracy of the DPR 2500 Lite. "My lob serve was controllable and the placement I was able to achieve was surprising considering this is my first Ektelon experience. I credit this to the sensitive feel and playability of the frame."
Two of the playtesters complained of the strings being too stiff and not a good compliment for such a stiff, powerfull racquet. David commented, "Drive serves could be enhanced further with a Tecnifibre 505 or equivalent, as these strings have great feel and will add power."
Return of Serve
Stability and good reaction time plays a big part of a successful service return game. Whether your short hopping that irresistible lob serve, or scrambling for the well placed drive serve, stability of a racquet can often mean the difference between a side-out for you, or a set up for your opponent. Our playtest team unanimously agreed the Ektelon DPR was a stable stick. The Triple Threat Technology deserves much of the credit. By adding a little weight in the 3 extremes (10 & 2 o'clock positions of racquet head, and handle) will greatly improve stability, reducing the ill effects of off center shots. David adds "This racquet[DPR 2500 Lite] offers impressive stability for power returns." Brett, also impressed with the DPR's stabilty, enjoyed the way the added stability kept him in control of the point offensively - "After a short adjustment period with the DPR 2500 Lite, I was confident in killing drive serves and lob serves alike." Brett also added: "With few exceptions (no fault of the racquet!!) the shots hit the intended target." Jonathan wished he had a bit more weight in the handle as he expressed the sweetspot seemed higher than he was used to with his MORE Attack.
Forehand/Backhand
Just as with service returns, stability plays and important role. However, due to the often chaotic rallies of amateur play, maneuverability, power, and control become a huge asset when you go for that rally ending killshot. Jonathon immediately noticed the improvements in stability from his current MORE Attack racquet. "The first game or two with the frame it was easy to notice the increased stability of the frame over previous Ektelon offerings." Brett added, "Both DPR's tested were very maneuverable, I was easily able to fend off hard hit shots. The racquet performed as if were an extension of my arm." David had a little different experience than some of the other testers. "Quick wrist flicks required a little more work to perform compared to the Head and ProKennex models I've played." Sarah felt the maneuverability was satisfactory given the Head Heavy balance, but the power, stability, and the control of the DPR 2500 Lite scored big points for Sarah. "My forehand and backhand strokes were far better than I expected from a heavier racquet [she uses the Stun 150], I would like to think it was all because of my mechanics [as she chuckles] - but I will give the racquet some of the credit!"
Overall
We found the DPR 2500 Lite to have a great power/control ratio making it a pleasure to hit. Some of the players did notice a slight vibration in the frame on off center hits, but it didn't seem to affect the playability or comfort of the racquet. Overall, the playtesters agreed the DPR 2500 Lite is an all around performer. Its not the MOST powerful of the current crop of racquets, it doesn't have the best control of all the racquets currently available but it definitely ranks high in ALL categories making it a very diverse racquet that will appeal to many players. This racquet will favor players with good fundamental mechanics and a medium to fast swing speed. If you are a power player looking to maximize control, you might want to take this one for a test drive. If you prefer a bit heavier racquet, be sure to give teh DPR 2500 a good look, You will not be disappointed.
Review date: August 2004. If you found this review interesting or have further questions or comments please contact us.
