This review will share my thoughts on the updated Dunlop FX 500 LS designed for intermediate players eyeing aggressive tennis play.

This model, weighing 285 grams when unstrung, moves faster than its bigger brother, the FX 500, making it a decent choice for players working to improve their pace and spin.

Before playing with the LS, I reviewed the FX 500 Tour and FX 500 models in total, and according to Dunlop, the LS is designed as a quick, point-and-shoot option for intermediate players on the rise, providing a feel that’s softer and more arm-friendly.

I will scrutinise these claims and features in this review to see how well the Racket performs.

Dunlop FX 500 LS Tour Features & Cosmetics

In its 2023 iteration, the FX 500 LS introduces a slightly more flexible beam. This change results in a softer, more arm-friendly response than the earlier version. It’s noteworthy that Dunlop also made adjustments to the grommet system, aiming to facilitate greater energy return to the ball from the string bed (read: potential for more power).

Like the previous version, the FX 500 LS incorporates Sonic Core w/Infinergy at the upper hoop, aiming to soften the feel upon impact. It also features what’s known as Power Boost Frame Geometry. This combines a fast, aerodynamic profile with a broader throat area for stability.

The racket’s shaft also contains Flex Touch Resin that increases flex and minimises vibration. A Power Boost Groove is under the grommet strip to enhance the tactile feedback, promoting more significant string movement and snapback.

Moreover, the racket is aesthetically pleasing. The entire FX 500 series has a stunning appearance, with a combination of black and blue that never gets old.

Specification and Setup

My FX 500 LS was very close to the target specs, and I had it strung with MSV Swift at 21kg with 2 knots. 

Dunlop FX 500 LS Playtest

First Impressions

As an experienced tennis player who has played college tennis countless hours per week, I have become accustomed to using heavier and more powerful rackets, which offer excellent stability and control during gameplay.

Hence, I was initially sceptical when testing the Dunlop FX 500 LS, with its 285-gram weight.

However, when I picked up the racket, I was pleasantly surprised by its solid and manoeuvrable feel.

I immediately recognised that Dunlop had significantly advanced its new dampening technology, which they have implemented across the entire FX series.

Despite the racket’s lightweight design, it offered a level of stability and precision that I had not anticipated. However, I also noticed that I could have used a little extra “punch” on all my topspin and flat shots.

Groundstrokes

After practising groundstrokes with FX 500 LS, I can confirm that my first impression of the racket was spot on.

I found it challenging to execute a consistent heavy topspin forehand using this racket due to its lightweight construction.

For this reason, I had to use a lot of physical strength to return a competitive ball, which is extenuating in the long run.

Moreover, once my opponent/practice partner picked up the rally pace, the racket struggled to respond forcefully when facing heavy shots and began to shake on impacts.

To fix the problem, I tried to reduce reliance on simply leaning on my opponent’s shot to keep the ball in play and perhaps use his pace against him.

However, this prevented me from building the point from the baseline with heavy topspin and changes in speed, like I usually do.

Thus, my only chance to win some points during the practice tiebreakers was to keep the ball in play for as long as possible without being pushed back or trying to go for winners.

Despite the difficulties I encountered on my forehand, I found the racket’s performance satisfying on my backhand.

I use my one-handed backhand to steal the opponent’s time with flat, quick, on-the-rise shots, alternated with chipped shots and low slices.

For this reason, I appreciate a manoeuvrable racket that I can quickly move through the air. Dunlop FX 500 LS is very manoeuvrable, making it suitable for my ideal backhand.

However, I had to keep my feet inside/on the baseline to ensure a successful backhand.

Once I got pushed behind the baseline, I could not transfer enough weight on the ball to prevent my opponent from taking the lead of the point. for topspin backhands, chip returns, and underspin groundstrokes.

Its design enabled me to easily position the racket head under the ball and drive it powerfully through the court. The 500 LS is renowned for its precision, and I witnessed this firsthand when I executed a “V” shaped backhand pattern with a crosscourt shot followed by a down-the-line shot.

Volleys

Rallying from the baseline, I had already noticed FX 500 LS’s ability to hit precise backspin shots. For this reason, I was curious to see what it could offer on volleys.

At first, I experienced some instability when attempting volleys, particularly against high-speed shots.

Nonetheless, getting used to the lightweight racket only took a few minutes and becoming more comfortable at the net.

Once I got comfortable, I could enjoy the racket’s good touch and precision. Thanks to its manoeuvrability, I could place deep volleys successfully and move the set to my position.

On the other hand, I struggled to find the usual firmness and crispness that I would feel with many other rackets suitable for advanced players.

For this reason, I believe that FX 500 LS is more suitable for amateur or intermediate-level net players who could appreciate its quick reaction touch that enables them to keep the ball in play consistently.

Serves

At first, due to its lightweight design, I struggled with timing my serve using the FX 500 LS racket. I hit the net often because I was making contact with the ball too early.

However, after a few minutes, I got used to the weight, and I was able to swing the racket through the air effortlessly.

Thanks to its manoeuvrability, it became easy to hit spin serves and kick serves consistently, although I could not make my kick serve bounce as high as I would have liked.

Meanwhile, I was not pleased with the outcome of a flat serve. When I tried to hit fast and powerful flat serves, I noticed that the ball would reach the other court with minimum weight, allowing the returner to contrast it and redirect the return away from me quickly. For this reason, I established that I would have had a better chance to win points with FX 500 LS if I started by hitting low-slice serves. 

Returns

I was impressed with the Dunlop FX 500 LS’s manoeuvrability on returns. Its lightweight frame made it easy to move into position and react to incoming shots quickly. I felt confident and in control while returning, although I felt the racket vibrate too much on faster serves.

Moreover, I would have preferred the racket to offer more power when returning weaker second serves since I love starting points by attacking the serve and pushing back my opponent from the first shot.

Who is This Racket For?

The Dunlop FX 500 LS racket is an excellent option for amateur to intermediate players seeking a lightweight racket that delivers fair power and reasonable control.

Its manoeuvrability and spin-friendly features make it well-suited for consistent baseline players who like to generate pace and spin with their groundstrokes.

Players who rely on their serves and want to improve their consistency and spin will also appreciate this racket.

Overall, the Dunlop FX 500 LS is a versatile option that can benefit many players, from those looking to take their game to the next level to seasoned veterans seeking a performing and arm-friendly tool to elevate their skills on the court.

Pros

Cons