Ask the Racquet Designers of the New Tecnifibre TFight RS Racquets Questions!

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TW Staff

Administrator
Attention Talk Tennis Members!

You have an amazing opportunity to ask questions to two of the people that helped create and design the new Tecnifibre TFight RS series that launch for sale on August 31st.

You can check out the racquets here: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Tecnifibreracquets.html#/

This thread will be open for questions about the new TFight RS series as well as Tecnifibre product-related topics. Laurent Blary and Patrice Chabrel will be online throughout the week answering your questions. Here is a little bit more information about each of them:

Laurent Blary:
Laurent Blary has been Tecnifibre’s Global Product Manager since 2006. He is located close to Paris, France – and only 20 minutes from the French Open site. A 30 year veteran in the tennis industry, and particularly working for the two most famous French companies: Tecnifibre and Babolat. Responsible for the development of string and racquets, dedicated to every kind of player from the club player to ATP and WTA players. Laurent is also a tournament level, league player and a father of two kids both who play team and tournaments matches. He currently plays with the Tecnifibre T-Fight RS 300 strung with Tecnifibre Triax 16g.

Patrice Chabrel:
Patrice Chabrel is Tecnifibre’s Senior Product Manager since 2007. Living and working just outside of Paris, France, he has nearly 20 years’ experience in product development dedicated to tennis, being in charge of all products necessary to perform: racquets, strings, shoes, apparel. He started playing tennis at age 6, and has reached tournament and team matches at a national level. A father of 2 young boys who are both active in tennis. Patrice currently plays with the new T-Fight RS 315 strung with Razor Code 17g.

Thanks,
TW Staff

Note- Please keep the questions specific to the topic. Not all questions will be answered and some may be removed if not on topic.
 

snoflewis

Legend
What separates the r shaped beam design from what's been done in the past? Rackets like the head 360+ speed mp seem to have the same design. Is this any different?

What was the driver behind the stiffness hike in the 305?
 

Daddy's

Rookie
Does the RS 300 have the Tecnifibre HD Fuse Grip? The grip feels a little soft and spongy to me. If I change to a different grip say leather would it firm up? Great racquet by the way.
 

dyhc99

New User
As a TF40 305 user, I am keen to find out the key differences between that and the new TFight RS 305. Can you please explain how the TFight RS 305 differs from the TF40 305 other than obvious differences such as string pattern? In other words, what would be some reasons for a TF40 305 user to buy a TFight RS 305?
 
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topspn

Legend
Some of us who have tried the TF40 loved the feel of the frame. However I am not an 18x20 player and while i don’t care for very open patterns like the new pure aero but i play 16x19. Why produce such a good frame and not have it in a 16x19? Maybe 8 mains in the throat still, it would sell extremely well
 

snoflewis

Legend
I want to ask the bag designers some stuff.... ?

such as...why do none of the bags have thermal protection anymore? the tarpaulin material is good with UV damage, but retains heat like no other. the fact that only the first gen had a thermal compartment is crazy because i have that first gen monster atp tour bag, and everything in my bag gets incredibly hot except my rackets which are in the thermal protected compartment. next time...i'll bring a hot pocket to see if it heats up for a post match meal!
 

DJTaurus

Hall of Fame
such as...why do none of the bags have thermal protection anymore? the tarpaulin material is good with UV damage, but retains heat like no other. the fact that only the first gen had a thermal compartment is crazy because i have that first gen monster atp tour bag, and everything in my bag gets incredibly hot except my rackets which are in the thermal protected compartment. next time...i'll bring a hot pocket to see if it heats up for a post match meal!

My main issue is that they have 3 huge main compartments without inside pockets. And a total of only one pocket for accessories...... it’s a joke.

Also their backpack has no dedicated pocket for water bottle (Wilson has with thermal guard too) or a can of balls..... Wilson has 2 on each side.


In conclusion: fancy stuff from tecnifibre without substance.
 
As a TF40 305 user, I am keen to find out the key differences between that and the new TFight RS 305. Can you please explain how the TFight RS 305 differs from the TF40 305 other than obvious differences such as string pattern? In other words, what would be some reasons for a TF40 305 user to buy a TFight RS 305?
The main difference is the ergonomy of the beam. The section of the TF40 is squarer and sharper in angulation compared with the one of the T-FIGHT RS. Squarer shape generates more frame deformation when hitting the ball, resulting in more control. That is why the TF40 305 is a little bit more control oriented than the T-FIGHT RS 305. You could switch to T-FIGHT RS 305 if you feel you could use a little bit more power and playability.
 
Some of us who have tried the TF40 loved the feel of the frame. However I am not an 18x20 player and while i don’t care for very open patterns like the new pure aero but i play 16x19. Why produce such a good frame and not have it in a 16x19? Maybe 8 mains in the throat still, it would sell extremely well
Thanks @topspn for the good feedback about TF40 and your suggestion. Opening the stringing pattern of the TF40 would lead to an increase of power of the products. Then, a more powerful 16x19 TF40 would be very very close to the T-FIGHT RS 305 with its 18x19 pattern and more playable section. You could try and give us your feedback.
Patrice
 
such as...why do none of the bags have thermal protection anymore? the tarpaulin material is good with UV damage, but retains heat like no other. the fact that only the first gen had a thermal compartment is crazy because i have that first gen monster atp tour bag, and everything in my bag gets incredibly hot except my rackets which are in the thermal protected compartment. next time...i'll bring a hot pocket to see if it heats up for a post match meal!
Nice to be able to market an additional feature for our bags: you can cook your meal inside ! I’ll get a fried egg as a starter ;).

The Tarpaulin fabric is great for tennis usage as it is extremely resistant, waterproof and UV protector. The material itself is quite thick compared with regular bag fabrics and we put inside a large amount of foam so that the combination of the two actively protects the inside of the bag from becoming too hot. And in fact it happens to be as efficient as thermal lining. Also in our latest versions, the white base less retains the heat than the former black base.
Patrice
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
The main difference is the ergonomy of the beam. The section of the TF40 is squarer and sharper in angulation compared with the one of the T-FIGHT RS. Squarer shape generates more frame deformation when hitting the ball, resulting in more control. That is why the TF40 305 is a little bit more control oriented than the T-FIGHT RS 305. You could switch to T-FIGHT RS 305 if you feel you could use a little bit more power and playability.

Why doesn't Techifiber make midsize, extra long 27.5 inch rackets ? There is big market for this type of racket among intermediate and many advanced amateur players. Racket that is about 11 oz Strung, 100 sq inches, 27.5 inches long, there is big market for this.
 

dyhc99

New User
The main difference is the ergonomy of the beam. The section of the TF40 is squarer and sharper in angulation compared with the one of the T-FIGHT RS. Squarer shape generates more frame deformation when hitting the ball, resulting in more control. That is why the TF40 305 is a little bit more control oriented than the T-FIGHT RS 305. You could switch to T-FIGHT RS 305 if you feel you could use a little bit more power and playability.

Appreciate the response! It sounds like the ergonomy of the beam (the R shape?) for the T-Fight RS is the reason why the stiffness has gone up a bit, hence the additional power. Is the foam filling in order to make up for the increased stiffness? I love the incredible comfort of the TF40 and wonder if we get that with the T-Fight RS.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Hi. Was the original 315 ltd released on purpose? I ask because a rep told me they were not originally planned to come out, and the early paint jobs had some errors on them.

Also most of us suspect that frame was actually the Major Bullitt mold that Verdasco used. Its an interesting frame, when i took the grip off there was head style pallets under. This was before companies like wilson released their pro stock molds (wilson ultra tour/h19) so Tecnifibre really did a cool thing there and may have started a positive trend for us.

Also with the new RS frames have you considered keeping that low flex great feel like the 315 had, probably due to it being a pro stock frame? Any details you can share would be awesome.
 
Hi. Was the original 315 ltd released on purpose? I ask because a rep told me they were not originally planned to come out, and the early paint jobs had some errors on them.

Also most of us suspect that frame was actually the Major Bullitt mold that Verdasco used. Its an interesting frame, when i took the grip off there was head style pallets under. This was before companies like wilson released their pro stock molds (wilson ultra tour/h19) so Tecnifibre really did a cool thing there and may have started a positive trend for us.

Also with the new RS frames have you considered keeping that low flex great feel like the 315 had, probably due to it being a pro stock frame? Any details you can share would be awesome.
you well noted original 315 Ltd / Major Bullit used for Verdasco will be released.
You well noted the pallet under the grip.
We stopped the pallet for 2 main reasons, from factory and customizer, the limited gap between the 2 pallets was difficult to respect and players claim some gripsize difference.
Laurent
 

GeoffHYL

Professional
Can you provide a cross section image of the RS frames? I am having trouble seeing the cross section on the photos.
 

bigserving

Hall of Fame
There was a time that most producers made a "tour" mold in their line of frames. The "tour" molds are generally heavier than the rest. However in recent years, racquet manufacturers have gone to producing lighter and lighter frames. Nowadays, even the "tour" molds are much lighter than they were ten years ago. Obviously, lighter frames go through the air faster, but I feel like I lose control, feel, and power with lighter frames.

Why has lighter and lighter frames been the trend with this Technifibre line, as well as other producers? Are you getting a lot of feedback from players who play better and prefer lighter frames.

BTW. Thanks for doing this.
 
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JoaoN

Semi-Pro
My main issue is that they have 3 huge main compartments without inside pockets. And a total of only one pocket for accessories...... it’s a joke.

Also their backpack has no dedicated pocket for water bottle (Wilson has with thermal guard too) or a can of balls..... Wilson has 2 on each side.


In conclusion: fancy stuff from tecnifibre without substance.

I am in the market for a new bag right now and this also pissed me off, i loved the 12r bag, but the lack of pockets or even a mesh inside the mains compartments is disturbing.
 

DJTaurus

Hall of Fame
I am in the market for a new bag right now and this also pissed me off, i loved the 12r bag, but the lack of pockets or even a mesh inside the mains compartments is disturbing.

Exactly. 3 huge compartments without a single pocket inside. The main has the Velcro divider but it’s not the same......
 

ClaudTT

Semi-Pro
you well noted original 315 Ltd / Major Bullit used for Verdasco will be released.
You well noted the pallet under the grip.
We stopped the pallet for 2 main reasons, from factory and customizer, the limited gap between the 2 pallets was difficult to respect and players claim some gripsize difference.
Laurent

Tecnifibre Official: could you please clarify post #20 and #21 ?
There is a contradiction weather the LTD frame will be available or not.
In this forum the reps were saying LTD was gone and replaced by TF40 (which we noted to them before are totally different type of rackets).
 

topspn

Legend
@Tecnifibre Official So what was the design idea for the 295? A bit more player’s frame 100? Not as powerful or open stringed as the TFlash? How different is it from the 98? It’s the only one not foam filled but highest stiffness?
 
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ClaudTT

Semi-Pro
Laurent and Patrice: Thanks for the opportunity to talk about Tecnifibre rackets.
I have worked in Aerospace engineering all my life and did my share of Composite structures analysis, vibration, etc...
For several years, I had been forced by my knees to stay out of tennis, did only soccer on grass, -but- when I recovered I started trying all the "new" technology and ended getting Tecnifibre for my quiver.
I tried the whole line up and use LTD315 16x19 pattern. Upon my advice several players have tried Tecnifibre and landed also on T-Fights 315 and TF40, only one XTC295.
I string with a modern electronic constant pull machine and do all the string tests that I can and track behaviour. Thanks TW for a great Database on that.

Racket line up 2020
I am concerned that the 'trend' at TF is to do more and more stiffer frames, very stiff indeed and I and others said so in this forum at the official page.
When the TF40 came out it look as if TF was redirecting to softer more playable line up... but no 16x19 pattern (a mistake in the view of many here).
Since TF40 oval head shape geometrically is pretty similar to BaboPS 98 (TF40 is superior to 18x20 BPS)... and that open top shape is not as accurate for serves as the oval T-Fights.
It could be the reason why the open pattern is not available ?
The XTC305 had stiffness (higher though) but also 18 Mains, a preferred pattern of flat hitters... again no 16 Mains are now in the line up below Stiff and Very Stiff frames (i.e. ~under RA65).
So as it was mentioned before, there is a big missing in the TF line up for the 'All Court' players that favor control+playability.

My observation over years is: stiff rackets make players get injuries on the elbow, wrist and shoulder due to 'jarring on contact' (TW reviews also notice this problem).
Generally these are players that play a lot and have several frames, so isn't a good idea to have softer frames?

Rackets Specs
On your specs, it reads the RS line was 22.5mm inducing to believe a flat beam but the frames are 23,23,22.5 according to TW... bad info is no good.
Rackets weight seems very consistent to specs.

Racket Butt door
The lack of Butt door cap was requested time and time again. Do not understand the logic of not providing it. The competition does.
We customize our rackets nowadays... and tennis sensors are used by many. Both things are much more difficult on a Tecnifibre as things are.
The grip pallets is nice but understand your explanation above, i.e. made your choice due to uncertainty of pallets align.

Racket Finish
They look the best IMO... and other players many times compliment that. On the XTC notice that color paint chips easily, not the white base.

Racket Stringing
The best in the market. By a good margin.

Again, I understand the Engineering>Production cycle very very very well, we don't expect magic.
I am hopeful I could contribute a little to help conceptual elements to the rackets line up spectrum.
 

QuadCam

Professional
I really hope you consider bringing back the 315 Ltd frames. They are a fantastic platform racquet for customizing!

I own 3 of them that have all been extended 1/2", pallets changed to the wilson shape.... they are all matched in weight balance, and swingweight. I even have added the tecnifibre grommet tieoff fittings to my frames.

You had a unique and special product on the LTDs. More players need to try them and have an expert customize them to better their game!
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
315 Ltd will be not distributed at all. we suggest 2 products in order to propose a solid option with 18/20 TF 40 or 18/19 TFight 315 RS. All these products will be delivered with foam handle
Laurent
So any chance, they will even Consider making extra long rackets like mentioned above for intermediate and advanced players ? Thank you in advance
 
What separates the r shaped beam design from what's been done in the past? Rackets like the head 360+ speed mp seem to have the same design. Is this any different?

What was the driver behind the stiffness hike in the 305?

Each racket maker has its specific way of designing the beams and I cannot allow myself to comment or compare what they are producing.

For the new T-FIGHT, the "RS section" has been worked by our engineering team in 2 ways:
First, it was designed as the fusion between the traditional square section (more control and stability but less power) and the elliptic section (lots of power but less control and stability) for creating a specific square section with 5 sides !
The benefit is a racket powerful enough to hit winners but control enough to master the shots.

Second, the angulation of the 5 sides is also specific, representing the shape of the letter “r” with a specific on-going facet that eases up the deformation of the frame.

The benefit is more time contact between the ball and the frame for more comfortable feel.

I will try to upload later a photo so that you can visualize.

The RA slight increase helps managing the power of the racket. The problem arrives if it decreases the comfort. But mixed with the RS Section, players are very surprised to feel how more comfortable the racquet is despite higher RA.
Patrice
 
Does the RS 300 have the Tecnifibre HD Fuse Grip? The grip feels a little soft and spongy to me. If I change to a different grip say leather would it firm up? Great racquet by the way.
HD Fuse grip is a piece of silicone all around the handle on the T-FLASH range of rackets. The overall grip + handle feel become softer and with more cushion (spongy for you). If you use leather grip, it will for sure firm it up.
On the T-FIGHT RS range, we use X-Tra Feel Blazon with 1.9mm thickness.
Patrice
 
My main issue is that they have 3 huge main compartments without inside pockets. And a total of only one pocket for accessories...... it’s a joke.

Also their backpack has no dedicated pocket for water bottle (Wilson has with thermal guard too) or a can of balls..... Wilson has 2 on each side.


In conclusion: fancy stuff from tecnifibre without substance.

Hi DJ Taurus, I will keep the word “fancy” from your comments and I agree that products can always been improved, but, OH LA LA, I absolutely cannot let you mention that Tecnifibre bags are “without substance”. In the past 10 years, TF has been very innovative for bags: complete reorganization of the way of carrying the load with “Ergo Mapping Engineered” system; the Standbag; the Outdoor inspiration resistant Tarpaulin fabric; or even the Rackpack which created a new standard in the industry… I am quite proud of that and you can relate to the racquet playtest forum where comments regarding bags are very positive “best bags on the market” !
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...laytest-tecnifibre-tfight-295-300-305.675762/

Regarding the specifically mentioned products:
The Tour Endurance RS 15R was conceived detailed focus with the:
  • Tarpaulin extremely resistant fabric
  • Very convenient “all in one carrying system” (backpack, shoulder, handle)
  • Specific “chest belt” useful for bike or bicycle riders.
And has a total of 7 pockets so plenty of space to put all the necessary stuff:
  • 2 side pockets dedicated to rackets.
  • 1 central large compartment
  • 1 ventilated shoe pocket (up to 2 pairs)
  • 1 top ventilated pocket for the wet items
  • 1 top large pocket: balls, water…
  • 1 side accessory pocket
The backpack has been conceived the same way and contains 6 pockets, so quite convenient for usage.
Patrice
 

DJTaurus

Hall of Fame
Hi DJ Taurus, I will keep the word “fancy” from your comments and I agree that products can always been improved, but, OH LA LA, I absolutely cannot let you mention that Tecnifibre bags are “without substance”. In the past 10 years, TF has been very innovative for bags: complete reorganization of the way of carrying the load with “Ergo Mapping Engineered” system; the Standbag; the Outdoor inspiration resistant Tarpaulin fabric; or even the Rackpack which created a new standard in the industry… I am quite proud of that and you can relate to the racquet playtest forum where comments regarding bags are very positive “best bags on the market” !
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...laytest-tecnifibre-tfight-295-300-305.675762/

Regarding the specifically mentioned products:
The Tour Endurance RS 15R was conceived detailed focus with the:
  • Tarpaulin extremely resistant fabric
  • Very convenient “all in one carrying system” (backpack, shoulder, handle)
  • Specific “chest belt” useful for bike or bicycle riders.
And has a total of 7 pockets so plenty of space to put all the necessary stuff:
  • 2 side pockets dedicated to rackets.
  • 1 central large compartment
  • 1 ventilated shoe pocket (up to 2 pairs)
  • 1 top ventilated pocket for the wet items
  • 1 top large pocket: balls, water…
  • 1 side accessory pocket
The backpack has been conceived the same way and contains 6 pockets, so quite convenient for usage.
Patrice

Good job and bravo for the materials you used. Also design wise it’s a beauty. As for 3 main compartments where one of them has the Velcro divider you know that staff would go anywhere..... everything mixed up. Velcro doesn’t help i had it on my tecnifibre rackpack.... as soon as you turn the bag upside/down it becomes a mess.......only good solution is to have as many zippers as possible..... sorry but only 1 accessory pocket is not enough. :)
 
Tecnifibre Official: could you please clarify post #20 and #21 ?
There is a contradiction weather the LTD frame will be available or not.
In this forum the reps were saying LTD was gone and replaced by TF40 (which we noted to them before are totally different type of rackets).
Sorry for the misunderstanding, we will stop TFight 315 LTD
 
D

Deleted member 762530

Guest
I love (and am wondering as well) that you‘re pretty much the only company which builds 18x19 frames! I think this is the best pattern, because you get more spin than 18x20 but still the same depth control. I think the direction of the ball is easier to control anyways.
Unfortunately though, I can still not use your 18x19 frames, because they‘re to stiff for my wrist and elbow. So I‘m wondering, if you plan on a softer 98sq in 18x19 racket. I can guarantee, that you will sell at least two ;)

In the meantime I rather play worse but painfree and therefor more.
 

ClaudTT

Semi-Pro
Sorry for the misunderstanding, we will stop TFight 315 LTD
Ok, How are you going to cover that segment of the market ? (i.e. Wilson Blade v7, Head 280, etc...). All reviewers praised the frame, no need to make big changes whatsoever.
Perhaps you need to evaluate again that the LTD is a classic frame for the 'all around' player with full swing that will not change his way of attacking the ball...
 
Appreciate the response! It sounds like the ergonomy of the beam (the R shape?) for the T-Fight RS is the reason why the stiffness has gone up a bit, hence the additional power. Is the foam filling in order to make up for the increased stiffness? I love the incredible comfort of the TF40 and wonder if we get that with the T-Fight RS.
The foam filling is a real plus to reduce vibrations but is not here to make up for the increased stiffness as it was already inside the XTC. I am looking forward to your testing so that you feel the comfort of the RS.
 
There was a time that most producers made a "tour" mold in their line of frames. The "tour" molds are generally heavier than the rest. However in recent years, racquet manufacturers have gone to producing lighter and lighter frames. Nowadays, even the "tour" molds are much lighter than they were ten years ago. Obviously, lighter frames go through the air faster, but I feel like I lose control, feel, and power with lighter frames.

Why has lighter and lighter frames been the trend with this Technifibre line, as well as other producers? Are you getting a lot of feedback from players who play better and prefer lighter frames.

BTW. Thanks for doing this.
You are right, the market trend in the last 15 years has gone towards lighter frames and Pro players also decreased the weight of their racquets.
At Tecnifibre, we believe in the philosophy of providing the right product to the right player.
A light frame (less than 295g) will ease up the maneuvrability so very suitable for young or intermediate players in order to develop their technical skills and compensate their lower physical abilities by allowing a faster swing.
Once, you have a better technique and can handle higher weight without fatigue, then the higest amount of material inside the racket will for sure be a support for more power and stability.
Patrice
 
@Tecnifibre Official So what was the design idea for the 295? A bit more player’s frame 100? Not as powerful or open stringed as the TFlash? How different is it from the 98? It’s the only one not foam filled but highest stiffness?
The idea with the 295 is to have a racquet more player friendly. This is the easier access to the T-Fight feel. Lighter weight 295g (10.4oz) for better maneuvrability and swing. 100in² headsize and 16x19 stringing pattern for more tolerance, power and spin. And a longer grip for easier placement of the hands on double backhands.
But also, the 295 has the "RSL Section". "L" stands for "Large" and that means that the beam is a little bit larger (7%) than the one of the 300/305/315. Larger beam is an additional help for power and stability.
Very interesting product which sells have starting very good !
It is not foam filled due to the weight management of lighter frames.
Patrice
 
So any chance, they will even Consider making extra long rackets like mentioned above for intermediate and advanced players ? Thank you in advance
Hi Nostradamus,
If I refer to your name, you should be able to see the future;)
Unfortunately, at the moment, I do not plan to introduce extra-long racquets. The game is becoming faster so I feel that players need racquets easier to speed up.
For the intermediate and advanced players that you mention, I would be more thinking of introducing a TF40 or T-FIGHT with larger headsize 104in². Traditional feel with more playability.

What would everybody here think about that ?

Patrice
 

ClaudTT

Semi-Pro
Hi Nostradamus,
If I refer to your name, you should be able to see the future;)
Unfortunately, at the moment, I do not plan to introduce extra-long racquets. The game is becoming faster so I feel that players need racquets easier to speed up.
For the intermediate and advanced players that you mention, I would be more thinking of introducing a TF40 or T-FIGHT with larger headsize 104in². Traditional feel with more playability.

What would everybody here think about that ?

Patrice
Address the flex side of the market first. Oversize market is very crowded... and weird. IMO.
 

topspn

Legend
Hi Nostradamus,
If I refer to your name, you should be able to see the future;)
Unfortunately, at the moment, I do not plan to introduce extra-long racquets. The game is becoming faster so I feel that players need racquets easier to speed up.
For the intermediate and advanced players that you mention, I would be more thinking of introducing a TF40 or T-FIGHT with larger headsize 104in². Traditional feel with more playability.

What would everybody here think about that ?

Patrice
You mean TF40 104 in 18x20? I’d love a TF40 100 in 16x19 but not very open pattern in the middle
 

BillKid

Hall of Fame
Is it possible to open the buttcap and put a little bit of silicone for customization?
I must say I m pretty amazed by Tecnifibre. Year after year it becomes more obvious that you are a very serious brand offering very high quality racquets. France can be proud to have Babolat and Tecnifibre.. although I imagine you will continue to do your best to end up eclipsing Babolat;)
 
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