Suddenly v/interested in the TF T-fights

[Ross K]

The TF Tfight 320 (18X20)...

Okay. I've actually had this thing laying around for months unstrung and largely unwanted. Its specs didn't sound that appealing to me. It was way behind quite a lot of other frames that I was testing in terms of my eagerness to try them out (including the C10, the PDR and especially the Pure Control.) I had then belatedly virtually settled on another excellent frame (the Fischer Pro No 1.) When, along with another certain famed frame that I just wanted to restring with something decent and take another look at (PT 630), I decided to include the TF, I can assure you it was very much as an afterthought...

So, I played with a Tfight 320 (18x20) last night for the first time and I was EXTREMELY impressed as re this: it's laser-beam control and precision, combined with it's velocity and very, very nice feel (solid, a bit of flex, beautiful sensation off the s/spot... sorry - I can't describe it adequately.) Anyway, this made hitting groundies a truly outstanding experience - so outstanding in this regard in fact, I honestly don't think I've ever been so instantly blown away by any other racquet in the same way EVER... and that includes the fantastic frames I've mentioned above and many more... for me then, off the ground, in terms of accuracy and perfect pace, this frame played, well, incredible...

As for other areas, I'd describe it thus... serves: a little unpredictable maybe, and just a tad lower powered, or missing a smidgeon of pop, than I like (serving isn't my strong point and I need all the help I can get!) Saying all that, I could just about hold my own, and can see with familiarity and probably more lead higher up (there was already 4 grams of lead @ 3 and 9 stuck on), it might develop nicely... volleys and overheads: not great but all right on contact (good enough, I suppose)... very maneuverable around the net though... drop shots, touch stuff, whatever... quite awful!... painfully bad!...

Anyway, as a serial racket-a-holic, I'm not going to commit myself to this frame quite yet... no, I'll not be swearing undying love right this minute!... Hey, I'm fully aware of 'honeymoon syndrome' and all of that. I mean, as the above shows, I'm not even saying this racquet is in every respect perfect, or 'the one'. What I am saying though, is I'm suddenly very interested in the TFights, the different versions, in the different string patterns, and in Tecnifibre generally... about which all I could say with any authority prior to yesterday was I could never, never, never spell the bloody word correctly!...

A few Q's then I'd love to hear you TF connoisseurs answer...

. TF 320 XL (18x20)... Anyone care to share some opinions of it?... does the XL model serve more powerfully than the standard length TF 320 18x20?... generally, is it better?

. For increased serve power on my TF 320, more lead at 12 position?... if not, where?... how much?

. The Tfight 325... this discontinued version (I think it's no longer made?) seems to have acquired a v/good rep... what's so special about it?

. General thoughts on the merits of all the TFights (both patterns)... and TFeels also.


Cheers


Ross


(BTW, Incidentally I'm a self-rated 3.5-4.0... hard to say exactly, we don't have this system here in the UK.)

 

[Speedygonzalez]

Hey Ross K,

What a coincidence, in my search for interesting racquets I also stumbled on Tecnifibre! I made I good deal, I guess, on two Tfights 325 and will get them next week. My previous coach also uses this racquet and I always wondered how this beautiful looking potential RIFL would play like. I always was a bit hesitant about the extended length though, but since I can get them pretty cheap I wanted to try them.

Will let you know how they play!

 

[fortunecookiesjc]

Have you noticed it doesnt feel as heavy than the specs say? I use the tfight 335 18x20. I dont think iwas having a honeymoon thing with it cuz i know i was playing with it on my bad day and i was still making shots. I feel like its everything you describe but maybe a bit better. I think ill add a bit weight to 3/9 and see how it works out.. i love it though

 

[Char]

I adore the T-Fight 320. I have an 18x20 and I'm seeking to get another as well as try a 16x20, since I'm pretty well set with this racquet for some time now.

I put a leather grip on it, with an overgrip, which bumped the weight up a little. There's room left to play with a little lead which I might start doing soon. I almost got the 335, but I wanted room to customize. I think the 320 is a beauty. Settled on it after demoing almost everything under the sun.

 

[Gabs011]

Hey Ross,

I have had a lot of experience with Tecnifibre over the last two years so here are some of my thoughts;

TF320 XL - Great racket! Like you....I found the 320 AND the 335 slightly underpowered in the serving department. The XL (with its added length) helped to solve this problem. However be warned - the extra half an inch also takes away some of the added manouverability that is so great with the standard length 320.

Leadtape on the 320 - I think this is the best way foreward...although I have to admit I am not overly keen on placing leadtape on any racket.....as I believe most outstanding rackets (PC600, PT630, Dunlop Muscleweave 200g) all play well in ALL areas without leadtape. But anyhow, if you do experiment with lead I would stay clear of adding at 12 o'clock. I think 3 and 9 o'clock is the way foreward here. Not too much though as you don't want to a) make too head heavy b) lose the manouverability that is so fantastic with the racket....my suggestion is 5 to 8 grams in total (so 2.5 to 4 grams a 3 and 9 each)..maybe you could try adding a leather grip for some heft....a buddy of mine find this to be a great move on the 320.

Tfight 325 - FANTASTIC racket! I regret giving away the ones I had.....this racket is "solid" in all areas. Groundstrokes are a dream, serves are immense....(netplay / touchshots are not so great though). Its getting hard to find nowadays so bear in mind that even if you find one, you'll be hard pressed to find a second or third one in good condition. However, only use this frame if you play more than 3 times a week. You will not like it if you only play on weekends as your strokes really have to be groved in to get the most out of this beast. It is pretty hefty (in swingweight) and can be problematic for those who are not used to such heft rackets. All in all its similar to the 320XL....but I prefer the mold of the 325 as I am lead to believe that is almost exactly the same as the PT630 ...but without CAPS and is extended length.

General thoughts on the Tfight range - I think you have done well getting the 18x20 pattern from the 320. I think the 16x20 is worse in the 320 as it has (for me) noticably less control. However, despite what TW claims with the 335 swingweight it seems pretty high and can get too heavy at times. So this is what really kills the 335 for me. However funnily enough I don't find Prestige Mids nearly as heavy.

Therefore it you were to exclusively look at the Tfight line I think you have in your possession the best of the lost.

BUT I have seen and very briefly hit with the new 325 from Tecnifibre which is due to be released soon. It is everything I like from the Tfight coupled with the crispness, pop and serving ability of the original 325....so keep an eye out for that one.

My only problem with the Tfight 320/335 range is the headshape....it seems rather "narrow"....maybe its only me - but it doesnt seem as "wide" as a Prestige MP or a Wilson Prostaff n95/k95....and this annoys me somewhat.

But on a final not bear in mind that it is not by chance that Berdych/Blake and Haas all swear by the 320/335 mold which....so obviously the frame has a lot going for it. Its also going to be discontinued pretty soon if I am informed correctly....so if its the one for you then you may want to snap some up at cheap prices....although in the UK they seems expensive for reason??? but abroad they are cheaper now it seems.

Hope the opinions help...any further questions then I am happy to answer them....I know I have made and definite suggestions to solve your racket-o-holic tendancy.....but either way I hope you can benefits from the above info....

 

[gsharma]

Interesting because I'm been demo-ing Tfight 320 (16x20) and Fischer M Pro Number One 98. Compared to the Fischer, the Tfight has almost NO feel. Not only that, the racquet felt metallic and "tingy", if you know what I mean. I tried adding some lead at 3/9 o'clock positions and that helped a little but even then, on any off-center shots, the stick felt like a piece of wood sending crazy vibrations up my arm.

However, the 320 did seem pretty maneuverable and swings pretty light so there is room to add weight. I don't know if the 18x20 pattern is head and shoulders above the 16x20 stick but if it's, I'd love to try it. I was really hoping that I would like this stick but so far, my experience hasn't been positive.

Btw, I'm looking for an all-court competition stick that's around 11.7 oz, tops. Hope this helps.

 

[Ross K]

Gabs,

. If only to help with my serve power, I'd like to check out an XL 320 sometime.

. Cheers for the lead tape advice - I'll definitely keep your recommendations in mind because, despite being not a great fan of LT previously, with such a low swing weight, slight lack of power on serve, and a bit of torquing and instability when facing heavy-hitting (I forgot to mention this in my OP), I'll be experimenting with the lead, no doubt about it.

. "Therefore it you were to exclusively look at the Tfight line I think you have in your possession the best of the lot" ... How much do I like this comment?!


Char,

. I, too, would like to add a leather grip maybe.

. Also, I feel I've tested every frame known to mankind!

. I would def like to see the 16x20 in operation. Lately I've been playing with frames with this pattern (Pro No 1 and Pure Control)... funnily enough, I found on occasion a few horrible shots yesterday were launched into the stratosphere as my grip was still in Pure Control - full Western mode... LOL!... must remember to keep it SW... However, the thing that has just so impressed me with the 18x20 is the heat-seeking precision, pinpoint control and sweet power... if the 16x20 doesn't provide this in the same way, I might well not be so interested.


FortuneCookies,

. My 320 felt a tad light to me TBH (probably because, as a previous fan of heavy, super-stable frames, I'm accustomed to heft and stability.)

. Your probably right about it being better than my overall description (just being cautious you understand?... don't wanna get messed up again!... LOL!...)


Speedy,

You've GOT to post up a review once the new rilfs arrive!... BTW though, do you play with TF's already?


sharma,

. Yo g... v/interesting (although of course we are talking different string patterns) because I'd recently been using the Fischer Pro No 1 (red and black 320.) I must say, I disagree with your comments or have a different take (or certainly in regards to the 18x20.)... Okay 'feel' is one of the great subjectives, if you will, and I'm not entirely sure what you are referring to. However, without wanting to get into semantics here, I'll simply say IMO my Pro No 1 indeed has incredible feel - in the way the frame flexes slightly, in the ceramic and other materials that it's made from, in the comfort, in its feedback and response, in its power... whereas whilst my TF 320 is undoubtedly stiffer, it pockets the ball in a very subtle manner on groundies, I think the feedback and response are excellent, the power in the sweet spot is perhaps more enhanced and yet easily reined in, and in terms of precision, control, and basically translating into winning points on the court what's happening in my head, for me the TF is the easy winner... Now when you say 'no feel' , if you were talking about the Pure Control or the PD or something, I understand, but not in this case... unless you mean like droppers?... as I said before, I couldn't drop shot to save my life yesterday!!... Oh, and BTW, I didn't find the frame metallic and 'tingy' (for me, that would be the LM Rad.)


So, many thanks everyone for such informative posts... and do post again if something else occurs to you guys.

R.

 

[Ross K]

BTW, another thing... am I alone in really liking the cosmetics?

Now who was it who mentioned the word "rilf"?!

 

[1012007]

I thought they recently changed the paint job on it?

 

[Ross K]

^ TBH I don't actually know about the pj.

Q. Anyone ever played with both the TF 320 (pref. the 18x20) and the Bab Pure Storm (older one, not the PST)? How do they compare? Similar?...

 

[babolat15]

look at the TF website, there are new paintjobs

 

[Noveson]

I'm glad you like them Ross. Tecnifibre racquets just really impressed me the first time I used them, reminds me of a less powerful, more control oriented Babolat. Just the brand in general seems to be control and spin oriented. Another poster mentioned they didn't like the 16x20, obviously I disagree. I found the more open pattern to behave the same as the 18x20, but with more pop and spin, maybe try that?

Normally I tend to lean towards 18 main racquets, but this racquet changed my position. I would try both string patterns if I were you.

 

[Noveson]

look at the TF website, there are new paintjobs

Woah yeah you are right. New paintjobs, and no 335? The pictures aren't close enough for me to tell if I like them or not.

 

[fortunecookiesjc]

Seriously the 335 says 12.4 oz and it doesnt feel heavy what so ever. My k90 is noticeably heavy and not this one.

 

[staedtler]

I was somewhat in the same boat. About 2 years ago, I was using a Fischer Mspeed Pro No. 1. I was in love with that stick at the time. It was buttery and smooth. For no reason, I bought a used Tfight 320 16x20 from another user on the boards. I think I bought it as a backup and I had never played with a TF racquet and I thought why not just play around with it. If I dont like, Ill just pawn it off to the next curious guy.

So one day, I get my Fischer restrung, and I decide to whip out the TFight. Wow. That was all I could say. Now I can't say a racquet can make someone play better, but I felt I had more control and accuracy with the TFight than I did with the MSpeed. Although serves were a tad lacking. But I fell in love, and since then its all Ive used as I got a couple more as backups. And I will probably get more when they get marked down.

Ive since added a leather grip, and leaded it up a total of 8 grams distributed across the 3 and 9 spots. Now it feels like it has much more pop on serves and I feel like Im hitting fairly heavier shots than before. Obviously the TFight is noticebly stiffer than the Mspeed and definitely not as buttery and smooth. But I kind of like that extra feedback that the TFight gives off.

I havent tried the 18x20 pattern yet, as Im more used to playing with 16 main racquets.

 

[sandflea]

I've had the 305xl, 320, demoed the 320xl and I still have the 325(all quality sticks). The 325 is the best all around racket that I've played(for me), I actually volley better with this stick than my others. A close second is my Head tour xtra longs, these have more touch than the 325's.

 

[Seacoast Stringer]

Seriously the 335 says 12.4 oz and it doesnt feel heavy what so ever. My k90 is noticeably heavy and not this one.

In my experience the 335 is the easiest swinging over 12oz stick out there. Fantastic plow through and it hits a mean ball....yet is surprisingly maneuverable. Tecnifibre's best frame IMO.

 

[Ross K]

Noveson,

Tecnifibre racquets just really impressed me the first time I used them, reminds me of a less powerful, more control oriented Babolat.... Another poster mentioned they didn't like the 16x20, obviously I disagree. I found the more open pattern to behave the same as the 18x20, but with more pop and spin, maybe try that?

Well, having recently been toiling with the Pure Control, one of my first thoughts with the TF was 'now this is what I've been wanting from my PC...' As I said before, the particular kind of controlled power of the TF is just absolutely spot on for me.

I would like to try the 16x20... latterly I'd gone back to this pattern... but the supreme on-a-dime precision and lovely oomph of the 320 is completely what has caught my attention so much... Noveson, that 16x20 needs to be outrageously excellent for me to prefer it!

fortunecookies,

I understand quality control issues, such as incorrect info listed on frames re tensions etc, are somewhat well known with Tecnifibre.

BTW, If you haven't actually weighed it, you know you can just get a perfect weight measurement from placing it on a postal scale?


sandflea,

Could you possibly go into more detail re the 325 for serving and manouverability?


staedtler,

I was using a Fischer Mspeed Pro No. 1. I was in love with that stick at the time. It was buttery and smooth.

Well, kind of similarly, I got the TF strung up with a PT 630 (and they don't come more buttery and smooth than that!) and then took them both out with me to the courts. Out of 2 sets of tennis I played 3 games with the PT at the start of the second set and lost them all! whereas with the TF I was really holding my own with a player I usually lose to, and this includes winning 4 games on the bounce right after I put the PT down and again picked up the TF.

Have noted your leather grip and lead tape set up.

Obviously, yeah, the TF isn't as buttery and smooth as certain Fischer frames (or indeed the PT 630), however, those qualities alone are not what frames can be judged on surely? For me (and I admit I'm only going on one outing thus far), I got better actual RESULTS with the TF. It was just one of those immediate things when you just 'click' instantly and feel totally at home.

Seacoast,

Until only a few months ago I'd always have gone for the heavier options (ie, the 335.) However, more recently I decided to look at lowering my weight preference and going for slightly more all rounder frames... I can assure you though I am a fan of heavy, stable, b-line, ball crushers (to quote the title of an old thread of mine)! Not sure though those types quite fit my game... again though, I'd be open to try it (and especially if it addresses some of the slight issues I have with the TF 320 on its serve power.)

 

[fortunecookiesjc]

I actually did weigh it on a scale i have at home which measures by oz. It said it was 12.2 and ive recently added a leather on it

 

[Ross K]

fortune,

Hmmm...???...


Everyone,

Would like to hear a bit more about these 2 queries...

. TF 320 vs Pure Storm (older, lighter one, not PST) ... how do they compare? Aren't they pretty similar? How do they match up?

. TF 320 XL... would like to hear more about how this performs all round, and compares to the standard size TF 320...

Thanks

R.

 

[fortunecookiesjc]

I was talking about quality control issues when i said 12.2

ive played with the old ps and the 320 and always foudn myself going back to my 335.

 

[MAXXply]

Just checked out the new paintjobs on the TF website...words can't describe how appalling the new cosmetics look.
In one swoop, TF have made their players' frames go from authentic hardcore sticks to laughable candyass lollipops. Their recreational range is even worse - like they licensed Jackson Pollock's art designs.
Any savvy speculator would do well to go out and buy the old sticks NOW.

The most egregious example yet of racquet marketing stupidity.

 

[Char]

gsharma: Try the demo with the string dampener in (?). I dont usually play with them but it helped me on the demo. I didnt like the demo of the T-Fight so much: the string choice for the racquet was maybe not the best combination of tension and string. Something about it though allowed me to see through that and know I had what I wanted to work with. While I had tons of feel on the Fischer and loved it at net, I didnt find it as good for me in pretty much any other area as I did the T-Fight.

I bought the 18x20 and strung it up with full gut and I think its an amazing all-courter. I'd like now to try the 16x20, since I got the 18x20 for control and knew I was going with full gut. The strings have lasted forever and a day on the 18x20, so I'm starting to think I might like full gut on the 16x20. I need to have a look at it anyway. The 18x20 has laser sighting though.

babolat15: So they do. Not only that, there are slight spec changes. 16x19 and 18x19 patterns between the 320 and 325 respectively. I foresee another bout of demoing on the horizon.

MAXXply: I'm not sure I'd go that far. I cant zoom in on them (?) to get a really good look, but I do agree I like them less than what they have now. They went for edgy and they did not need to.

 

[fortunecookiesjc]

man the new paintjobs is so weird, is it necessary for it to have a mask / face on my racquet?

 

[gsharma]

gsharma: Try the demo with the string dampener in (?). I dont usually play with them but it helped me on the demo. I didnt like the demo of the T-Fight so much: the string choice for the racquet was maybe not the best combination of tension and string. Something about it though allowed me to see through that and know I had what I wanted to work with. While I had tons of feel on the Fischer and loved it at net, I didnt find it as good for me in pretty much any other area as I did the T-Fight.

I bought the 18x20 and strung it up with full gut and I think its an amazing all-courter. I'd like now to try the 16x20, since I got the 18x20 for control and knew I was going with full gut. The strings have lasted forever and a day on the 18x20, so I'm starting to think I might like full gut on the 16x20. I need to have a look at it anyway. The 18x20 has laser sighting though.

Hey Char,
thanks for your input. Btw, would you mind sharing your string setup? Also, have you customized it at all? If so, how much lead and where?

For the last week, I've been demo-ing three racquets: Fischer 98, Tfight 320 (16x20) and Head MG Radical Pro. Of these, the Fischer had the best feel, by far. However, the power is pretty low too.

With the 320, my initial impression was that it swung lighter than it's static weight; I guess that's not surprising because it has such a low swingweight. Also, my 320 is strung at 62 lbs. As I have mentioned before, I didn't quite like the feel initially; it felt too tingy and unstable. Now, I did put on a dampener and added about 3 grams of lead at 3 and 9 o'clock positions and that did help a little. After adding the lead, I hit with it for another 10 mins or so before I decided to give up. Now, I'm sure playing with the strings AND adding lead will make it a good stick but I'm not sure how much lead it will need. Personally, I'm looking for a low-powered stick that is in playable form at 11.7-11.8 oz, preferable 7-8 pts HL. I don't want to go any higher for competition play even though I love heavier racquets.

On the other hand, my big surprise was the MG Radical Pro. I hit with it this morning not expecting anything great but surprisingly, it's not a bad stick. The feel is decent, the spin is phenomenal and at 11.7 oz, it's fairly maneuverable at the net.

I'm going to hit with the 320 again tonight and see how that goes. If it doesn't go well, I'm planning to move to a lighter stick, around 11.2 oz that I can customize upto 11.8 oz or so. My shortlist, so far, is Head MG Radical Mid+, Kblade 98 and maybe the new Babolat PS Limited.

 

[Char]

My 320 is strung up with Babolat Tonic+ 16 at 58 mains and 55 crosses. The only customizing I have done is having placed a leather grip on it with an overgrip. I've considered putting a few grams of lead at 3 and 9 o'clock to offset the leather grip, but havent done it yet. That feels really good to me. I'll probably use VS the next time I string it up as the Tonic+ has lasted quite a while - longer than I would have gotten off of a synthetic or a hybrid to be sure.

I liked the MG Radical Pro. Its been a while since I demoed the bunch I racquets I did, but it was on an initial short list from the very first batch of demos I had. I dont think I felt I had the feel at net I wanted, if I recall. The Ncode N6.1 was going to be the racquet. I loved it. It was better than the current K-Factor Ksix-one in my opinion and beat everything else until I tried the 335. I then tried the 320 feeling that with the added weight from the leather grip and the option to add a bit of lead that I should go with that instead. Pretty happy, though like I say, may grab a 16x20 and string it the same and see what I think. I also toy with the idea of getting a 335 anyway and putting a leather grip on it and just playing with it. It didnt play as heavy as its stats seemed to indicate it might.

Good luck in your search!

 

[chopstik]

i've recently become interested in the t-fight series myself....reading about how the 335 is similar to the pro tour is somewhat appealing to me....i've played with the PT280 back in high school and they were very good frames...i also enjoyed my POG frames too as they offered very good feel with some decent heft.....in the past few years i've used the radicals and currently i am using the m-fil 300s...i find that these racquets hit well but are a little light for me and am looking for a frame with some heft to them...adding weight to frames is not my specialty to it feels different after i add weight to the frame...i'd like a stick that's heavy out of the box.......i'm pretty much leaning towards the 335 but am undecided on 16 mains or 18 mains......i play from the baseline mostly and don't use that much spin...which do you think would be best for me?? i know demoing would be ideal, but i just don't want to go through the hassle...haha..so if the 335 18* is most like the pt280, i will probably end up going for that racquet...

 

[sandflea]

Ross K, maneuverability is better than average for a racket that's .4 inches longer than normal, I serve some real bombs with it. The main asset to this stick is the control that it brings to the table. The 320xl I demoed, I felt was sluggish at the net, this might have been rectified with putting a leather grip on it and changing the balance a little. The 320xl also played a bit stiffer and I tend to like something with a little more flex and feel.

Noveson,



Well, having recently been toiling with the Pure Control, one of my first thoughts with the TF was 'now this is what I've been wanting from my PC...' As I said before, the particular kind of controlled power of the TF is just absolutely spot on for me.

I would like to try the 16x20... latterly I'd gone back to this pattern... but the supreme on-a-dime precision and lovely oomph of the 320 is completely what has caught my attention so much... Noveson, that 16x20 needs to be outrageously excellent for me to prefer it!

fortunecookies,

I understand quality control issues, such as incorrect info listed on frames re tensions etc, are somewhat well known with Tecnifibre.

BTW, If you haven't actually weighed it, you know you can just get a perfect weight measurement from placing it on a postal scale?


sandflea,

Could you possibly go into more detail re the 325 for serving and manouverability?


staedtler,



Well, kind of similarly, I got the TF strung up with a PT 630 (and they don't come more buttery and smooth than that!) and then took them both out with me to the courts. Out of 2 sets of tennis I played 3 games with the PT at the start of the second set and lost them all! whereas with the TF I was really holding my own with a player I usually lose to, and this includes winning 4 games on the bounce right after I put the PT down and again picked up the TF.

Have noted your leather grip and lead tape set up.

Obviously, yeah, the TF isn't as buttery and smooth as certain Fischer frames (or indeed the PT 630), however, those qualities alone are not what frames can be judged on surely? For me (and I admit I'm only going on one outing thus far), I got better actual RESULTS with the TF. It was just one of those immediate things when you just 'click' instantly and feel totally at home.

Seacoast,

Until only a few months ago I'd always have gone for the heavier options (ie, the 335.) However, more recently I decided to look at lowering my weight preference and going for slightly more all rounder frames... I can assure you though I am a fan of heavy, stable, b-line, ball crushers (to quote the title of an old thread of mine)! Not sure though those types quite fit my game... again though, I'd be open to try it (and especially if it addresses some of the slight issues I have with the TF 320 on its serve power.)

 

[newracketagain??]

^ TBH I don't actually know about the pj.

Q. Anyone ever played with both the TF 320 (pref. the 18x20) and the Bab Pure Storm (older one, not the PST)? How do they compare? Similar?...

hi, ive used both. the pure storm has a lot of power and feel. i used a friends t fight 320 (18x20_ and i hated it, but it may have been because it was strung at 68 with some really 15L syn gut!

all in all the pure storm is a great frame.. its like the liquidmetal radical but with a bit more pop if that helps ?

 

[Ross K]

Update.

Played this afternoon for only the second time with the TF 320 18x20. Again I've come away with an ultimately very favorable impression, even if it's not quite as full on enthusiastic as Friday.

On the one hand - and I hope you're listening here gsharma because I'm about to contradict my earlier view and back up your own (yep, that'll be one slice of your finest humble pie, please!) - I found the frame suddenly more noticably stiff and indeed a tad tinny or 'tingy', to use your word gs. Quite why this should be so (why I didn't find this the case before), I can't say. What I can say is, although I might have revised my opinion slightly on these areas, having added a bit more lead to the 9 @ 3 positions (bringing it up to around 6g), my serve was definitely firing a lot better, much more dynamic and consistent, and i think there's still room for improvement too. I was finding more success coming in to the net. But above all, as regards ground strokes, I just seem to play well with this frame and in a natural way. I'm finding all kinds of angles and more subtle passing shots to compliment my ingrained b-line tendencies. As my playing partner observed, I'm stepping in more and taking up more interesting positions and generally finding a load more variety and intracy to my game. And of course, the accuracy and precision I'm finding is probably unequaled by any other frame I've played with.

And so, fairly minor issues of solidity and comfort aside (this isn't a major concern for me), as a baseliner/developing all courter who seems to have found a frame that really suits me, I'm definitely sticking with the TF for a while and giving it every chance.

 

[fortunecookiesjc]

Nice choice Ross, Im about to clear out my inventory because i absolutely love this racquet and TF!!!

I felt that my arm was killing me when i was using my k95, k90, Babolat Roddick and aero pro drive. Though i think its because of the roddick and PD. They are noticeably lighter than all my racquets and they were killing my arm....

Well everytime i find myself going back to my TF because just the feel of the racquet was consistant and felt nice. Its a great baseline frame which is the type of game i plaly

 

[TonyB]

Holy ugly racquets, Batman! The new cosmetics are absolutely horrible. Not that I care all that much about the cosmetics, to be honest, but they really went from good to horrendous in one fell swoop.

Also, it looks like they dropped the TF335 from their lineup. What a shame. I always thought that was their best frame. Oh well, scratch another manufacturer off the list...

And what's with the 18x19 pattern for the TF325? What an odd choice for them to make. They're obviously using new molds (new string pattern, new head sizes, etc.), so I'm not sure the performance of the new racquets going forward will be the same as the originals. Again, it's a shame.

 

[staedtler]

Yeah the new cosmetics are a little funky. And Im not sure how the new molds will perform. The beam is slightly thicker. String pattern doesnt bother me much. Ill be sure to demo one or pick one up to fool around with. But until then, I might have to stock up on a few more TFights, just in case.

 

[mdjenders]

any consensus on a way to rid the t fights of the "tinny" feel? with so many that like these, I am thinking the string/dampener situation might play a big role in the diminishment/lack of these bad vibes.

 

[Leelord337]

the 320xl was too stiff and caused me to have serious shoulder problems after a few days of hitting with it.

the 325 is very arm friendly, flexible, but still the most solid racket in all areas i've ever tried. i like this racket the best, i get lots of power and it just has that classic feel too.

 

[Ross K]

any consensus on a way to rid the t fights of the "tinny" feel?... I am thinking the string/dampener situation might play a big role in the diminishment/lack of these bad vibes.

Yes, I found myself wondering about this too. Yesterday I played with a pretty thin rubber band - whereas the 1st time I had a proper dampener (and didn't find the frame as stiff and tinny.) Therefore maybe it requires a good dampener or thicker rubber band?

What do experienced TF ppl recommend and think as re this?

 

[ashwincr]

gsharma, I think the higher tension might be your problem. I have been playing with the 320 for some time now and have it strung at 55M-57X and it offers a huge amount of comfort and control. I have a soft multi in the mains and Iso speed control in the crosses that offers a really soft string bed, without feeling mushy. The racquet itself is underpowered so you can go a little lower in tension and still maintain a lot of control and gain a little more pop. hope this helps.

 

[fortunecookiesjc]

weird i found the same thing when i used a rubber band. It felt tiny like the feel i got when i used my LM radicals...

Try a pete O. It works awesome and it has a great feel to them

 

[chopstik]

weird i found the same thing when i used a rubber band. It felt tiny like the feel i got when i used my LM radicals...

Try a pete O. It works awesome and it has a great feel to them

i used to use a rubberband...actually for maybe 1 hitting session.....it really doesn't do a good job in getting rid of the vibration.......a real vibration dampener would do a much better job of getting rid of the "ting"


is the 320 more comparable to the PT280 or is the 335 more comparable?? thanks

-roger

 

[moist]

I've never gotten any sort of tinny/metallic feel from my 3 320's, but I also haven't experimented much with different setups. I put 3 grams of lead at 12 o'clock (stock SW is a little too low for me), and pretty much any copoly mains(I like Silverstring though), and synthetic gut crosses at 58 lbs.

 

[hollywood9826]

Nor have I had any metallic/tinny feel outta my 325's. I use the TF Vibraclip dampener and that seems to do the trick. I demoed a bunch of sticks (M pro #1, RDS001, Volkl DNX 9, and various other frames) in the players category. And the 325's are just it for me. I cant speak for net play because I absulutly suck at net regardless of what stick I use.

I had a full X-1 job at 62 lbs which was a little harsh for about 3 or 4 hours then it felt very nice. and besides that I have not had any arm problems at all.

 

[gsharma]

Update.

Played this afternoon for only the second time with the TF 320 18x20. Again I've come away with an ultimately very favorable impression, even if it's not quite as full on enthusiastic as Friday.

On the one hand - and I hope you're listening here gsharma because I'm about to contradict my earlier view and back up your own (yep, that'll be one slice of your finest humble pie, please!) - I found the frame suddenly more noticably stiff and indeed a tad tinny or 'tingy', to use your word gs. Quite why this should be so (why I didn't find this the case before), I can't say. What I can say is, although I might have revised my opinion slightly on these areas, having added a bit more lead to the 9 @ 3 positions (bringing it up to around 6g), my serve was definitely firing a lot better, much more dynamic and consistent, and i think there's still room for improvement too. I was finding more success coming in to the net. But above all, as regards ground strokes, I just seem to play well with this frame and in a natural way. I'm finding all kinds of angles and more subtle passing shots to compliment my ingrained b-line tendencies. As my playing partner observed, I'm stepping in more and taking up more interesting positions and generally finding a load more variety and intracy to my game. And of course, the accuracy and precision I'm finding is probably unequaled by any other frame I've played with.

And so, fairly minor issues of solidity and comfort aside (this isn't a major concern for me), as a baseliner/developing all courter who seems to have found a frame that really suits me, I'm definitely sticking with the TF for a while and giving it every chance.

Hey Ross,
see I told I was right Nah, I might have just biased you, nothing else. I do think that adding weight to this stick and stringing it low will do the trick. However, I think I've found the racquet that I'm looking for. I hit with Head MG Radical Midplus and MG Radical Pro yesterday and I must say, both are great sticks. The MG Radical Midplus actually offers phenomenal feel for an 11 oz stick...wow! That gives me plenty of room to customize this stick to my specs. In my hitting session this morning, I found it to have decent power, good soft feel and decent stability. I'll add some weight and I'll be good to go at 11.5-11.7 oz for a competition stick.

Good luck in your search man.

 

[Ross K]

gsharma,

You might well have biased me (Jedi mind tricks eh)?! Or - as I posted later - it could have had something to do with going from a sturdy dampener to a thin raggedy rubber band? Anyway, I'm back with the dampener next time I hit the courts and shall report back. BTW, as an ex-Rad Tour Twin Tube user (and what an awesome racquet that is/was!), congrats on hooking up with the legendary Head Radical series... BTW2, you ever try out the MG PP?... not for you?


Everyone,

I'm hearing a lot about ppl leading up their TF sticks at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions (and that includes me)... Anyone put the lead anywhere else?... how much and where?... to what effect?... nobody put it around or inside the handle?

 

[nickb]

Ross,

My vantage 330g are way to heavy for me...im moving to a lighter stick...today I bought a Pure Drive cortex and love it!...played 2 matches with it and won all 6 sets!...really great racket!

Nick

 

[westy]

Is this yet another phase, Nick?

 

[nickb]

Not sure...I cant use the 330g and im waiting for paul to send me some stuff to try...I have tournaments coming up....the PD cortex feels great...I need something easier to use...I cba with heavy rackets any more!

Nick

 

[westy]

LOL,

Do you think you will keep using the PD cortex or switch to a similar spec vantage?

What strings are you using? Thermaxe?

 

[nickb]

LOL,

Do you think you will keep using the PD cortex or switch to a similar spec vantage?

What strings are you using? Thermaxe?

I REALLY like the PD...but I think I would go to a similar spec vantage...maybe 300g unstrung, 100, 70RA...

I broke the factory xcel in 20 mins!...re-strung with Big Ace 1.30/Wilson Extreme Synthetic Gut at 57/60 for my doubles match..feels perfect really..I might go for cyberpower mains for a softer feel.

 

[westy]

LOL,

i never bother even playing with the factory strings, cut them out straight away. Im still searching for a racket, been thinking about risking a babolat for the first time...

 

[nickb]

LOL,

i never bother even playing with the factory strings, cut them out straight away. Im still searching for a racket, been thinking about risking a babolat for the first time...

Well I got the racket from a shop 5 mins before my match so couldnt do much about them!

They played ok...very mushy!