Suddenly v/interested in the TF T-fights
- Thread starter Ross K
- Start date
westy
Semi-Pro
your local shop must love you!
nickb
Banned
Yeah...plus xcel is a crappy string imo..
Hey Ross, I haven't tried the MG PP yet but I have it in my bag to demo. Now, I've been playing with 12.3-12.4 oz Dunlops for a while now and I love the heft and stability of those sticks. However, I've decided that for competition play I'm not going over 11.7-11.8 oz racquets. For me, power (or plow through) is not an issue and I would rather have a stable/soft stick with which I can generate optimum racquet headspeed throughout a match. Hence, I'm going to a lighter racquet that I can customize a bit.
Nick,
I would say I'm v/surprised to hear of this development. Only seeing as how we are both prone to having 'affairs with inappropriate frames.' Not to mention of course being life-time members of RA (racketaholics anonymous!) I'm not surprised in the least!
Although... now I think about it a bit more... as a serve and volleyer, maybe it is actually a tiny bit surprising? Or have you become an Agassi-style b-line ball crusher of late? Anyhow, as someone who was once very into Bab frames. And having tried my hand at them again recently as you know, I'll be interested to hear how it progresses... and following on from past conversations, i'll be specially interested to hear of string jobs etc if you do stick with it for a time and find you can 'tame the beast' and get a decent measure of feel.Coincidentally Nick, I don't know if you read earlier in this thread, but to me the TF 320 feels like it could be slightly related to the Pure Control, or put another way, it's like it has a few qualities I wish I could find with the PC... it has a very nice, smooth power that doesn't overshoot the mark... it's more predictable... feel is slightly better... voleys and does overheads slightly better... it's easier to swing... and above all it possesses in spades the one thing I could never find with the Pure Control no matter how much I'd will it to do so and despite the name... unlike the PC, the TF 18x20 has extraordinary controll
Everyone,
Still v/keen to hear from you TF 320 users re lead tape... where do you put it?... how much?... etc... and how does lead right down on the grip suit it (seems everyone puts it at 3 and 9 on these frames)...???
Hey gsharma,
Interesting^...
As I said before I only strung up my TF after months of it laying about in the corner as I went about checking frames I thought I'd be way better suited to (such as the Pure Control, PDR, Fischer Pro No 1, C10 Pro, etc... which are all heavier frames too incidentally.) However, despite all of the diverse qualities and great characteristics of the frames mentioned, with the TF it was simple... I picked it up. I played really well with it. Analysis over!... and like Nick above, I'm telling you gs, I've tried a a whole load of frames in recent years, and I've never had this type of immediate improvement and that special, rare feeling where you just 'click' with a frame.
After catching back up on your posts, all I can say is congratulations
I'm glad you like it, hope it works well for you. What type of setups are you going through with right now?
westy
Semi-Pro
It is, yes.
After catching back up on your posts, all I can say is congratulations
Well, I've begun with TOA Gold @ 57. I've also, each time I've played, been adding v/small amounts of lead tape. It was at around 6g @ 3 and 9 yesterday. But whilst I preferred LT for serve power, I'm not sure if at times it contributes to a little destabilization because sometimes I'm hitting these perplexing, horrible angles. Of course, that could just be me (footwork?), and I've only used the TF 3 times so I've got to allow for some 'issues' at the beginning. All the same, my instinct is to cut back a bit on the lead - and even try it totally minus the LT...
BTW, Anyone use no lead tape at on their TF's?... I'm still v/int to hear everyone's set up details (including thoughts and experiences with lead tape.)
BTW2, Replaced scrawny rubber band and put my sturdy dampener back in yesterday. Don't know how much I'm imagining this stuff but I thought it played a tiny bit better - less 'tingy' or stiff... talking of which though... I also had a very brief hit with a Head LM Radical yesterday, and I can can say without fear of contradiction that, by comparison, the TF is absolutely lush and comfy!... the LM Rad frame felt like it been engineered by Ravensburger or one of the ******* Wiggles or Elmo or someone (ie, it was a complete toy!!!) And as for the wrist-damaging, tendon-pulling, arm-jarring factory string... holy ****!... I think someone better call for some medical assistance!...
Sounds like you are sold on the 320 man. Keep us updated on your progress as I might buy this stick when the price comes down. For now, I'm sticking with MG Radical Midplus. I have never played with LM (or other Head sticks) in the past but take my word for it, MG Radical Midplus has the softest feel that I've seen in an 11 oz racquet. I added a small amount of lead tape and it felt wonderful. I think it has to do with the low stiffness rating of 57. Btw, I was thinking of comparing the LM Radical MP and MG Radical MP because the Liquid Metal is on sale now but after your comment, it's not happening
Sounds like you are sold on the 320 man. Keep us updated on your progress as I might buy this stick when the price comes down. For now, I'm sticking with MG Radical Midplus. I have never played with LM (or other Head sticks) in the past but take my word for it, MG Radical Midplus has the softest feel that I've seen in an 11 oz racquet. I added a small amount of lead tape and it felt wonderful. I think it has to do with the low stiffness rating of 57. Btw, I was thinking of comparing the LM Radical MP and MG Radical MP because the Liquid Metal is on sale now but after your comment, it's not happening
. Given that I'm a frame-a-frenic and racket-a-holic, I wouldn't necessarily count on it!
. Good to hear the MG Rad might be a worthy addition to the great Radical name (I'm really talking about the early Rads like the Trysis 260, the Rad Tour Twin Tube - 95 and 98 models, and the more recent LE Agassi frame.)
. Well, the LM Rad is a v/popular frame? That said though (and recalling your comments about the feel of the TF), if you were to like the feel of the LM Rad, why, I'd eat my racquet!:wink:
. Given that I'm a frame-a-frenic and racket-a-holic, I wouldn't necessarily count on it!
. Good to hear the MG Rad might be a worthy addition to the great Radical name (I'm really talking about the early Rads like the Trysis 260, the Rad Tour Twin Tube - 95 and 98 models, and the more recent LE Agassi frame.)
. Well, the LM Rad is a v/popular frame? That said though (and recalling your comments about the feel of the TF), if you were to like the feel of the LM Rad, why, I'd eat my racquet!:wink:
Lol, yes, if you do decide to eat your racquet, I'd like to know as that would mean you hit upon a very good setup for your T-fights. I will probably get a 18x20 once the price drops down. Btw, I know the molds of these sticks are similar to the older Pro Tours and preferred by players such as Blake and Berdych but do you know what's so unique about them? I know the end result is great control and fee etc but is there something special about the manufacturing process/materials itself?
Noveson,
Unbelievably ugly... I think TF has made a HUGE mistake here... in fact I haven't heard a single person praise the design... pretty astonishing and hard to comprehend really?
gsharma,
I don't know about process and materials I'm afraid... I do recall ppl saying the TF mold was the Dunlop mold originally (Blake and Berdych of course have had or still have associations with Dunlop)... and isn't the TF actually a rebranded Major Bullet Elite?... Anyhow, I'll leave that and the Q of materials to the better knowledge of others.
Unbelievably ugly... I think TF has made a HUGE mistake here... in fact I haven't heard a single person praise the design... pretty astonishing and hard to comprehend really?
gsharma,
I don't know about process and materials I'm afraid... I do recall ppl saying the TF mold was the Dunlop mold originally (Blake and Berdych of course have had or still have associations with Dunlop)... and isn't the TF actually a rebranded Major Bullet Elite?... Anyhow, I'll leave that and the Q of materials to the better knowledge of others.
0d1n
Hall of Fame
The TF mould is not the Dunlop mould, it's just "pretty similar" to it (to the naked eye at least).
The TF 325 (now discontinued also) mould is a "re-branded" Major BE, but not the T-Fight 295-320-335, they come from a different tool.
Speedygonzalez
Rookie
Very short review on Tfight 325
Hey TF lovers,
Finally I got the TFights 325 and how beautiful they look! I bought them second hand for a decent price and they are in reasonably good condition. I restrung one with full poly at 25 kg to have a good comparison with my current toy, the Aerogel 200.
First of all, my hitting session only lasted about 15 minutes. The reason is that although I liked the feel of the racquet (reminded me a bit of the iprestige but more flexible), I found it way too light. For baseline bashing I missed the heft which my previous racquets had (Rev 200g, iprestige mid, PT280). Control was good, spin and slice what you would expect from a dense spin pattern, power level was low and the sweet spot small. The thing that bothered me most that it felt a bit 'tiny' too me, especially when I took a big cut at the ball. Mb this had to do with the swingweight. I read that TW states that this racquet is 11.6 headlight.
Back at home however, I noticed that this racquet is NOT longer than my aerogels. It is even some mms shorter! Also, the handle was pretty short. I took off the grip and I saw that the original staples of the butcap had been removed and that it had been restapled. I guess the previous owner has shortened the pallet grip!
Question to the 325 users: is this racquet significantly longer than other racquets (inside the throat is says 69.5 cm)? Probably, a shortened 325 plays quite differently that an original one.
Hey TF lovers,
Finally I got the TFights 325 and how beautiful they look! I bought them second hand for a decent price and they are in reasonably good condition. I restrung one with full poly at 25 kg to have a good comparison with my current toy, the Aerogel 200.
First of all, my hitting session only lasted about 15 minutes. The reason is that although I liked the feel of the racquet (reminded me a bit of the iprestige but more flexible), I found it way too light. For baseline bashing I missed the heft which my previous racquets had (Rev 200g, iprestige mid, PT280). Control was good, spin and slice what you would expect from a dense spin pattern, power level was low and the sweet spot small. The thing that bothered me most that it felt a bit 'tiny' too me, especially when I took a big cut at the ball. Mb this had to do with the swingweight. I read that TW states that this racquet is 11.6 headlight.
Back at home however, I noticed that this racquet is NOT longer than my aerogels. It is even some mms shorter! Also, the handle was pretty short. I took off the grip and I saw that the original staples of the butcap had been removed and that it had been restapled. I guess the previous owner has shortened the pallet grip!
Question to the 325 users: is this racquet significantly longer than other racquets (inside the throat is says 69.5 cm)? Probably, a shortened 325 plays quite differently that an original one.
Hi Speedy,
Firstly, interesting to hear you liken the TF 325 to the i. Prestige (the MP being a frame of remarkable manouverability, control, solidity, and some might argue, stiffness :roll:.) I once played with it as a matter of fact, albeit for not too long.
Secondly, I've had the exact opposite reaction to you in as much as I played with my old PT 630 for a set today and found it decidedly too heavy and tad sluggish. Previously this was never an issue at all. Furthermore, I've used similar frames of approximately 12oz in the last year or so without these issues so I'm not sure what's going on there. Perhaps I've just become very quickly accustomed to and settled with the all court performance of the 320?
As for the 'tinny feel' that you refer to, I don't know if you've read all the posts in this thread but, er, the subject is covered somewhat (especially by yours truly and gsharma.) I'll repeat that I now concede that the frame does have a tad of tinniness to it (certainly compared to a racquet of such legendarily wondrous feel as the PT), but, as many a Babolat user might also concur - so what? The frame's still brilliant!...
And as for your shortened 325 'situation'... well, sorry to hear you haven't quite got what you expected. Hope it still works out Speedy.
Speedygonzalez
Rookie
Hey Ross,
First of all, great to hear that you enjoy hitting with the 320 so much. I followed your quest to find the ultimate racquet and, boy you have demoed many sticks! Hopefully trying different setups with lead will help to turn the 320 into your dream racquet!
I will definitely hit some more times with the 325 to properly assess its qualities. It is definitely a good racquet. Maybe I will experiment with lead also and try different string setups. But I think a will stay for the AG200 as my main stick for a while!
First of all, great to hear that you enjoy hitting with the 320 so much. I followed your quest to find the ultimate racquet and, boy you have demoed many sticks! Hopefully trying different setups with lead will help to turn the 320 into your dream racquet!
I will definitely hit some more times with the 325 to properly assess its qualities. It is definitely a good racquet. Maybe I will experiment with lead also and try different string setups. But I think a will stay for the AG200 as my main stick for a while
!
tennisphotog
Semi-Pro
Any thoughts on the TF-315??????
Tflash 310 vs Tfight 320
Well... from my own searching it appears the TFlash 310 is like a less high-powered PD that is still notably more powerful than the TF 320. However, I still can't find virtually any info on the serving capacity of the the Tflash 310 vs the TF 320. If anyone has played with both, how do they compare all round? And, most importantly, how do they compare for serve power?
Cheers
R.
Well... from my own searching it appears the TFlash 310 is like a less high-powered PD that is still notably more powerful than the TF 320. However, I still can't find virtually any info on the serving capacity of the the Tflash 310 vs the TF 320. If anyone has played with both, how do they compare all round? And, most importantly, how do they compare for serve power?
Cheers
R.
I played with the 320 for about a year, and have been using the 310 for about 3 months. 310 was too light for my tastes without lead, but leaded up to about 11.8 ounces with a 335 SW it feels great. It just has more everything for me compared to the 320, including serve power and spin. I'm a topspinny player though, so your mileage may vary on for control, even though I don't feel it has any problems.
TF and 2hbh?... queries...
Just been wondering how you TF users (specially 320 users) find your frame for 2hbh. Now I've been using it a few weeks, I'm aware that my 2hbh hasn't been up to the standard it was previously (it has been bloody awful the last 2 matches actually), and I'm fairly sure the low SW hasn't done me any favors with my 2her. Saying that though, it could well just be me and some technical glitches. Anyway, I intend to try and re-establish this stroke and to get further accustomed to the frame... Oh and BTW, the serve, which I was worried about re power, has got a lot, lot more solid and reliable, and there's def more to come too (I played with v/small quantity of lead tape at 12 o'clock today to go with the small amounts @ 3 and 9 o'clock... seemed to work pretty well for me.)
BTW, Still would be very interested to hear more on the following queries...
. 320 lead tape recommendations
. Tflash 310 vs Tfight 320
. 320 16x20 vs 320 18x20
Cheers
R.
Just been wondering how you TF users (specially 320 users) find your frame for 2hbh. Now I've been using it a few weeks, I'm aware that my 2hbh hasn't been up to the standard it was previously (it has been bloody awful the last 2 matches actually), and I'm fairly sure the low SW hasn't done me any favors with my 2her. Saying that though, it could well just be me and some technical glitches. Anyway, I intend to try and re-establish this stroke and to get further accustomed to the frame... Oh and BTW, the serve, which I was worried about re power, has got a lot, lot more solid and reliable, and there's def more to come too (I played with v/small quantity of lead tape at 12 o'clock today to go with the small amounts @ 3 and 9 o'clock... seemed to work pretty well for me.)
BTW, Still would be very interested to hear more on the following queries...
. 320 lead tape recommendations
. Tflash 310 vs Tfight 320
. 320 16x20 vs 320 18x20
Cheers
R.
I switch between a 1 and 2 hbh and find the 320 much more suited to my 1 hander. I have weighted it up quite a bit at 12, 3, 6, and 9. With the added weight...my backhand slice is redic.
Interesting. I also switch bhs a bit, and find my 320 better suited for my 1her at present for some reason (as I said before, maybe something to do with the low swing weight?... man, quicker than you can say Richard Gasquet:wink:, my 2hbh has just suddenly fallen apart lately!... ) Anyway, I need to get on top of this situation because as recently a few weeks ago (ie, just before I began with the TF), coach said the 2hbh was my best shot!
BTW Zandy, how much lead you putting on @ 12, 3 and 6?... and what's the reasoning behind sticking lead on the 6 o'clock position?
tursafinov
Rookie
Sir Rosskins,
Pleased to see you among my ranks!!!
When I resigned from BA I confessed to bedding the enemy Tecnifibre breakfast cereal strumpets:
Specifically: Senorita 335
Like my reputation as Power Tursa precedes, I favor a battle ax of a racquet.
My current setup(strung):
weight: 13.4 oz
balance: 3 pts. head-light
swingweight: 370
I removed the TF Red grip and replaced it with two wilson pro overgrips.
Note:
When I first got my 335 I instinctively applied a leather grip. and added
most of my lead to the top half of the hoop in two layers. I maxed out at
at a 13 oz, 8 pt hl, sw:358. This is a less polarized(spin-friendly) version
of the Djokovic setup. I had massive power on my forehand and serve, but no 2hbh depth control or volley touch. I wasn't really looking for touch though with my first stringing of Lux Original @54 lbs.
My current Setup has decreased handle weight and absurd head weight:
16 gs. at 12 O'clock 3 long layers from main string 1 -to- main string 16
And enough lead at the throat to return it to 3 pts. headlight.
It is the best spin producing racquet I've ever played. Aided by the fact that
I now use wilson gut 16 mains @ 55 and ALU power crosses @52.
I'm very comfortable swinging it for 5 hours in practice.
My only new modifications from this will be strings.
I plan to next try VS or Tonic full gut in 17 gauge to test how much spin and feel I can coax from it.
This is the first time I've leaded a racquet in this way.
All other Babolats including beloved "Safinized Storm" pale to compare.
Of the new crop of Bab racquets the only one I cast a longing eye towards is
the Aero Storm Tour. I shudder to thing I'd be quick to turn coat on my 335,
but I would like to try my new lead setup and strings on it.
Regards Rosskins "Gaurdian of Mead Kegs",
~(power)Tursa
'General' and 'Master of Racquets' Tursa,
Great to hear from you again, esteemed 'grandee' of the Babolat Alliance! Why it seems like only yesterday that the likes of your good self, Osteo, Leoboomanu, Sir Andrew, Mickey and numerous others brave and noble innovators and leaders in their chosen fields, were cutting down the Wilsonians and the Princesses etc upon ye sacred courts of tennis jousting! Unfortunately, as my chosen field largely consisted of imbibing vast quantities of mead, regrettably, I fear my reason is shot and I have experimented with too many frames in the last year and a half or so. Now though, at last I do wield a battle rod that feels most correct and suited to slaying... it goes by the name of the TFight 320... and so it seems that by a strange quirk of fate we do both leave behind the Babolatian kingdom to journey among these TFers.
By the by, your frame/frames set up/s and info sounds insanely impressive!... (I love this stuff!... SW 370... 16gs @ 12 o'clock... you like a battle axe?... no kidding?!)... although how anything can compare to the legendary 'Safinized Storm', I can't imagine!
General Tursa, may your racquet engineering projects result in the ultimate weapon!
'Rosskins' - Babolat Alliance Commander in the field (and Tavern) retired
I don't know what it comes out to off the top of my head...but I have 2 inch strips at 6 and 3 on one side of the hoop...and 12 and 9 on the other side. Hope that makes sense. I ended up with this configuration based solely on trial and error. Before this setup I had 2 inch strips at 12, 3, 6, and 9 on both sides of the hoop. That setup made my serve nearly unstoppable...but it was too heavy a weight for my groundies. I find my current setup to be just right.
Okay. Beginning to get a bit concerned now. Just returned from the courts and the second depressing showing in 3 days...
Firstly, I'm really starting to feel my 2hbh just doesn't seem to be a good match for the this frame. I think it's to do with the low SW. At best my 2her is merely safe. And at worst it's often falling too short with not enough of anything on it, or even skewering off at an unintended angle. Secondly, whilst I continue to otherwise find the racket impressive in terms of accuracy and control, I remain of the view that I'd prefer a tad more power and penetration. And finally, I still don't find this frame so great as regards touch and feel.
Now I know a load of this relates my technique (or lack of it .) However, I am starting to think that maybe I should check out the 335, or the TF 320 16x20, or the Tflash 310, or the TF 325, etc. (There's so many TF frames out there you're not exactly short of options!) Whatever. I definitely now have a feel for the frame and am accustomed to its punchy precision, but maybe I haven't quite yet found the most suitable Tecnibre frame for me?
Hmmm...:?
Firstly, I'm really starting to feel my 2hbh just doesn't seem to be a good match for the this frame. I think it's to do with the low SW. At best my 2her is merely safe. And at worst it's often falling too short with not enough of anything on it, or even skewering off at an unintended angle. Secondly, whilst I continue to otherwise find the racket impressive in terms of accuracy and control, I remain of the view that I'd prefer a tad more power and penetration. And finally, I still don't find this frame so great as regards touch and feel.
Now I know a load of this relates my technique (or lack of it
.) However, I am starting to think that maybe I should check out the 335, or the TF 320 16x20, or the Tflash 310, or the TF 325, etc. (There's so many TF frames out there you're not exactly short of options!) Whatever. I definitely now have a feel for the frame and am accustomed to its punchy precision, but maybe I haven't quite yet found the most suitable Tecnibre frame for me?Hmmm...:?
About the TF 335...
I'm used to 12 oz frames but I believe this is approx 12. 05 strung and I've heard the word 'beast' used in conjunction with it many times before. For various reasons though including balance points, SW and other factors, there are some 12 oz+ frames I've found no problem to manouver, so I'm wondering... Therefore what's ppls views on this frame? Basically, for the reasons I've stated above about a few issues with the 320, I'm considering if it's worth demoing or whatever.
I'm used to 12 oz frames but I believe this is approx 12. 05 strung and I've heard the word 'beast' used in conjunction with it many times before. For various reasons though including balance points, SW and other factors, there are some 12 oz+ frames I've found no problem to manouver, so I'm wondering... Therefore what's ppls views on this frame? Basically, for the reasons I've stated above about a few issues with the 320, I'm considering if it's worth demoing or whatever.
1012007
Hall of Fame
^ Sounds like the 335 would be better.
Ps..im going mad...I have a matched pair of Head MicroGel Prestige Mids waiting for me at the P*W*P Wimbledon store for when I go down in the morning...:shock:
LOL...I just cant help it
LOL nice...
Do they have a court you can demo on
nickb
Banned
LOL nice...
Do they have a court you can demo on
Nah...I dont need to demo them
The I Mid XL is too long and a bit flexy...the MG Mid fixes that
Other than that the Head Mid XL is a amazing racket...
Agreed about the low swing weight. Probably why I find it is better suited to my 1 hander. For me to hit any sort of decent 2hbh I need a lot of pace coming to me. This is due to my quirky short technique (think Jim Courrier's bh). My 1hbh on the other hand is a much longer stronger so the pace of the ball on its way to me is not as much of an issue. If you already own the 320 (I have the 16 x 20 by the way) I would suggest keep playing around with different lead tape configurations until you find something you like. Has anyone used the 325? Is that discontinued? Maybe that might be a better option than the 335.
I would like to check out the 325 for definite - this one sounds like it's exactly what I might need. Only problem is they seem to be a bit hard to find thesedays... (BIG SIGH.)... The 320 XL did appeal to me but I've heard a little too much re it's stiffness, harshness on the arm, and lack of feel. And an outside option would be the Tflash 310, although I'm not sure how good it would be on serve. As for the 320 16x20, I can't imagine my issues would be any different really with the different string pattern. And finally, the 335 is probably a bit like the PSC 6.1 I used for a short while - absolutely phenomenal frame in many respects but ultimately, for me, just too heavy and immobile... Oh. And failing any of this, i could (as you recommend) experiment with the lead tape... I'm just not very knowledgable about it and have never really been much of a fan (hence I usually just put on v/small amounts.) Annnyway...
Richie Rich
Legend
my 325's weigh 350g strung with leather grip and overgrip. they are pretty HL so they don't feel that heavy.
the frame isn't as flexy as the TW RA states but it's not a stiff frame either.
from the ground and for serving it's a great frame. bh slice approaches are nice too. the only area where the frame suffers a little is at the net and for half volleys.
even though it's 18x20 i get heavy spin when i need to.
anyway, i've had the frames for over 3 years now and even though i try other frames i always come back to the 325's. they are not everyone's cup of tea though. they are pretty much an "older school" type box beam racquet. i used to play with the i.prestige MP XL and the 325 was the closest frame at the time.
the frame isn't as flexy as the TW RA states but it's not a stiff frame either.
from the ground and for serving it's a great frame. bh slice approaches are nice too. the only area where the frame suffers a little is at the net and for half volleys.
even though it's 18x20 i get heavy spin when i need to.
anyway, i've had the frames for over 3 years now and even though i try other frames i always come back to the 325's. they are not everyone's cup of tea though. they are pretty much an "older school" type box beam racquet. i used to play with the i.prestige MP XL and the 325 was the closest frame at the time.
