T Fight 315?

Sunshine22

New User
changed my lead setup for SW 340, 32.2cm balance, 21.1 MGr/i

JGads: 1,1,1,1,.5 @ 10, 2, 4, 8 and 12. (Total 4.5g)
PPlayer: 2g @ 10-11, 2g @ 1-2 (total 4g)
Cmendez: 2g each at 3,9,12 (total 6g)
Amir75: 2g each at 3,9,12 + 4g in throat (total 10g)
A Gerst: 6g above buttcap, 11g @ 10, 11g @ 2 (total 28g)
badmice: 2g each @ 3, 9 + 1.5g in throat (total 5.5g)
dgoran: 10g @ top of handle (total 10g)
mykoh: 7, 7 @ 10, 2 + 9g in butt cap (total 23g)
spinliferafa: 3g each @ 3,9 (6g total)
sunshine22: 2g each @ 3,9,12 (6g total)
anubis: 2g each @ 11, 1 (4g total)
skeeter: 2g each @ 10,2 (4g total)

Update on me. As I mentioned earlier on, I'm so happy with how the racquet plays with the 2g+2g+2g set up, I have not messed around at all with the lead. I also still have the original Wilson 16g natural gut mains/Lux 4G crosses and have been happy with that set up as well. However, once I break a string, I'll likely try alu power in a full bed, since that has always been my go to string.

I just received my 3rd one which is going to stay unstrung with plastic on handle until I need it. Will likely pick up a couple more to do the same.

For me personally, this racquet does it all - easy power, easy spin, very predictable and supremely comfortable without being muted or noodley.
 

P.Floyd

Rookie
Haven't used a Volkl PB10 in quite awhile, although I remember enjoying it quite a bit. While I await receipt of my 315 Ltds., and given that their somewhat comparable to this Babolat guy, would appreciate the thoughts of anyone with significant experience with both.
 

TimothyO

Hall of Fame
Haven't used a Volkl PB10 in quite awhile, although I remember enjoying it quite a bit. While I await receipt of my 315 Ltds., and given that their somewhat comparable to this Babolat guy, would appreciate the thoughts of anyone with significant experience with both.

It plays like a spinnier, more forgiving version of the PB 10 Mid when modified with extra mass. Just as plush and solid. Not quite as precise as the scalpel-like PB 10 but definitely control oriented.

The other night I managed several very delicate drop shots from just behind the service line that just cleared the net and sank like rocks. Those and DTL backhand slices are among my favorite shots and I'm having no problems. The BH down the line from the ad court is my benchmark for control with a frame and this one passes the test (one handed backhand).

If you enjoyed the PB10 Mid then you won't be displeased with the 315 once you beef it up a little at the very least. That extra weight is crucial for stable precision.
 

P.Floyd

Rookie
It plays like a spinnier, more forgiving version of the PB 10 Mid when modified with extra mass. Just as plush and solid. Not quite as precise as the scalpel-like PB 10 but definitely control oriented.

The other night I managed several very delicate drop shots from just behind the service line that just cleared the net and sank like rocks. Those and DTL backhand slices are among my favorite shots and I'm having no problems. The BH down the line from the ad court is my benchmark for control with a frame and this one passes the test (one handed backhand).

If you enjoyed the PB10 Mid then you won't be displeased with the 315 once you beef it up a little at the very least. That extra weight is crucial for stable precision.

Thank you, Timothy, that was a great comparison of the two.
 

MAXXply

Hall of Fame
Difficult to know where to begin but some initial thoughts:
  • Doesn't feel like a flexy stick at all. Certainly not RA59. Maybe I've got one from a stiffer batch, but it feels more like a RA64/65 stiffness stick. Definitely not flexy, though not necessarily stiff either. Stiffness to me feels like that of BLX Juice Pro ~ RA65(?)[......]The 315 doesn't feel 'buttery' to me. We're in the realms of subjectivity, but buttery to me means butter smooth, butter soft, ie plush, something like the Dunlop Rev Tour Pro 2 with its internal carbon rods. Very clean, direct response through the racquet though.

I think Torres has been the only one here to comment *against* the widely trumpeted softness of the 315. Certainly in the sense that he doesn't think it's anywhere near that nirvanic sub-60RA some of us crave. A bummer for me, as I was rather hoping it would deliver somewhere in that 56-59 ballpark.
As Torres describes it, is your experience of the true flex of the 315 to be more in the 63 range, the rating that is pretty much found imprinted on every Dunlop 200/300 these days?
 

Torres

Banned
^ Maybe some weight in the 'tip and tail' will make it flex across the throat that bit more on contact with ball, but in stock form, it doesn't feel to me like a flexy stick, certainly not RA59. I wouldn't say its stiff either though. Direct and clean feeling feedback is how I'd describe it.
 

TimothyO

Hall of Fame
I think Torres has been the only one here to comment *against* the widely trumpeted softness of the 315. Certainly in the sense that he doesn't think it's anywhere near that nirvanic sub-60RA some of us crave. A bummer for me, as I was rather hoping it would deliver somewhere in that 56-59 ballpark.
As Torres describes it, is your experience of the true flex of the 315 to be more in the 63 range, the rating that is pretty much found imprinted on every Dunlop 200/300 these days?

In stock form it felt ridiculously flexible to me in the throat. Against heavy serves (vs. 6' 5" former HS/college player) the frame felt like a giant shock absorber. I couldn't get anything back since the entire upper half of the frame just bent backwards absorbing the blow and rebounding the ball off to my right when returning on the FH side. This was with my 315 with a stock SW of 298.

Only when I started adding mass to the upper hoop and under my hand did I get enough "oomph" to actually resist some of that flex.

My favorite frames have been those with lower RAs such as the PB 10 Mid and the Dunlop 200 series (I also own 2x AG 4D 200 Tours, 2x AG 4D 200s, and 2x Bio 200 Lites). I also have a sensitive arm due to fencing and strongly dislike anything that resembles a board-like feel.

The 315 is definitely a soft, comfortable frame. That being said, in stock form the SW is really low. That may be the cause of any discomfort one feels regardless of flex rating. With a paper SW of ~300 anything with decent pace is going to knock your arm around due to insufficient plow.

There are frames that play well stock and which can be customized (eg the PSGT). IMO the 315 really needs to be customized to shine.
 

ART ART

Semi-Pro
The flex might be +-4 RA points, it's all about QC, this can happen in all rackets.

There's a user here in one post that said his racket was 57RA.
So you can allways get a 315-16x19 from 56 to 63RA I guess...
 

TimothyO

Hall of Fame
The flex might be +-4 RA points, it's all about QC, this can happen in all rackets.

There's a user here in one post that said his racket was 57RA.
So you can allways get a 315-16x19 from 56 to 63RA I guess...

Excellent point Art.

My 315s had a difference of 5g in static weight and one was SW 298 while the other was SW 312. Lots of potential there for variations in materials.
 

anubis

Hall of Fame
Hmm. i may be doing it wrong, but in attempting to calculate the swingweight of my two frames, I came up with 349 and 343 (pendulum method). that seems a bit high. I ran the calculations 3 separate times, each with three passes that were averaged.

Frame 1
weight: 345g
balance point: 12 3/4" (6 points HL)
length: 27"
time average: 13.83 sec
SW = 349

Frame 2
weight: 345g
balance point: 12 11/16" (4.5 points HL)
length: 27"
time avg: 18.86
SW = 343

Frame 1 has: strings, overgrip, button dampener, 4g lead
Frame 2 has: strings, overgrip, button dampener

Seems rather bulky. Prestige, watch out! :)
 

TimothyO

Hall of Fame
....except that racquets don't vary by 8 RA points.

How many frames have you examined in an RDC machine? 315s specifically?

Don't forget, an RDC only measures flex at the throat.

And, of course, distribution of mass influences perceived flex. For example, some feel that extra mass in the upper hoop makes a frame play stiffer. If a frame can vary as much as 6g then they can certainly feel different with respect to perceived flex depending on distribution of mass. Check out the YouTube video on how frames are made. There's a ton of handwork involved. Significant variation is certainly possible.
 

Torres

Banned
How many frames have you examined in an RDC machine? 315s specifically?

Don't forget, an RDC only measures flex at the throat.

And, of course, distribution of mass influences perceived flex. For example, some feel that extra mass in the upper hoop makes a frame play stiffer. If a frame can vary as much as 6g then they can certainly feel different with respect to perceived flex depending on distribution of mass. Check out the YouTube video on how frames are made. There's a ton of handwork involved. Significant variation is certainly possible.

Racquets don't vary by 8 RA points.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
Hmm. i may be doing it wrong, but in attempting to calculate the swingweight of my two frames, I came up with 349 and 343 (pendulum method). that seems a bit high. I ran the calculations 3 separate times, each with three passes that were averaged.

Frame 1
weight: 345g
balance point: 12 3/4" (6 points HL)
length: 27"
time average: 13.83 sec
SW = 349

Frame 2
weight: 345g
balance point: 12 11/16" (4.5 points HL)
length: 27"
time avg: 18.86
SW = 343

Frame 1 has: strings, overgrip, button dampener, 4g lead
Frame 2 has: strings, overgrip, button dampener

Seems rather bulky. Prestige, watch out! :)

Those are weird numbers. Much too high. Have you measured other sticks that come close to what they're supposed to be?
 

Jocke

Rookie
I'm not an expert on RDC-machines, but I've had my stringer measured a lot of frames for me. He tells me that there's a screw on the machine that you tighten before the actual measurement. Depending on how much you tighten this screw, the machine vary on the stiffness-rating by a couple of points.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
It doesn't even matter. The beauty of this racquet is it doesn't vibrate. That's the main thing. It feels good, and does not vibrate.
 

Fed Kennedy

Legend
Is this racquet drastically different to a Dunlop 300 Tour? OR a prestige MP? Can someone explain the differences? (talking about 18 mains version)
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Is this racquet drastically different to a Dunlop 300 Tour? OR a prestige MP? Can someone explain the differences? (talking about 18 mains version)

Its closer to a prestige MP imo.

I had the 300t, and it was a lot tougher to get any power out of that stick compared to the Tec. The feel was not as good either. It was ok.

Gads can probably compare the 315 to the MP pretty well, and there is a poster in here who did a comparison earlier in the thread.
 

Fed Kennedy

Legend
Found it. I am looking to get back into the gut/poly setup, looking for an 18 mains frame

Hi guys, i just got the 315 Ltd 18x20 today from Racquetman. The stick was strung with full bed poly, unknown tensions, and no modification on it. I just put on 1 Yonex overgrip and hit for 2 hrs. My current racquet is Head Utek IG Prestige MP strung with Black Code 17g at 57 main and 55 lbs cross. Only the 1st few forehands i've notice right away the feels of the 315 is like PT 280 Made in Austria. Such soft feel in the arm when i hit super heavy flat forehand that i could never forget the PT 280 Made in Austria. 315 is slightly firmer than the PT280, but it still has the soft feel. I could feel the vibration when hitting flat forehand with the IG Prestige MP, but the 315 was absolutely none. Awesome. I just enjoyed hitting every way with it. 1 handed backhand worked great for me. Serves with 315, flat or kick are slightly heavier than the IG Prestige MP. At net, i can catch a quick returning ball easily with the IG Prestige MP better than the 315. Maybe i got so used to play with the Prestige. Right now i think i don't need to add lead tape on the 315 because it has more power than the IG Prestige MP. With the current string i think i will break within 2 days, or around 5hrs. I will re-string with the Black Code 17 at higher tension and see how it feels. 315 is a great racquet and i will make a switch for sure. Thanks for reading and thanks for all of your reviews. Peace.
 

Fed Kennedy

Legend
You are done with the APD mods?

No no, sometimes you want Salad, sometimes you want Steak...I'll say this: the more I play with APD, the more I want to put it down...even though shots are awesome...it's just...wait for it...stiFF!!!. I want to go back to that plush feeling of gut and poly sometimes, not sweat the restrings so much, give my arm a break, etc...
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
No no, sometimes you want Salad, sometimes you want Steak...I'll say this: the more I play with APD, the more I want to put it down...even though shots are awesome...it's just...wait for it...stiFF!!!. I want to go back to that plush feeling of gut and poly sometimes, not sweat the restrings so much, give my arm a break, etc...

perfectly stated. i am unable to compromise comfort regardless of how awesome a stick plays.
 

grimmbomb21

Professional
I demoed the 16x19 last night. I loved the feel of the frame, but it felt really HH. I checked the weight and balance afterward, 4.5 points HL and 11.9oz. Do I just ask TW for the most HL one they have? If I do order one that is.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
I demoed the 16x19 last night. I loved the feel of the frame, but it felt really HH. I checked the weight and balance afterward, 4.5 points HL and 11.9oz. Do I just ask TW for the most HL one they have? If I do order one that is.

Sounds about right.

Can also tweak the grip/lead. It's weird, but my frames came through so much easier when I dropped the leather for a synthetic grip and added some head weight. Counterintuitive, I know, but depending on how you swing, different weight setups can really alter the way it moves through the air.
 

JGads

G.O.A.T.
No no, sometimes you want Salad, sometimes you want Steak...I'll say this: the more I play with APD, the more I want to put it down...even though shots are awesome...it's just...wait for it...stiFF!!!. I want to go back to that plush feeling of gut and poly sometimes, not sweat the restrings so much, give my arm a break, etc...

They should make an APD Limited one year. Same specs, just a softer version. Somehow. Something that doesn't feel so brittle.

#thiswillneverhappen
 

mykoh

Rookie
i've been using the IG prestige MP myself and it may be the strings, but i find the 315 has noticeably less power than the prestige. the sweetspot feels smaller as well. but i've got some gut coming in so maybe gut/poly is this frame's calling. cannot. wait.

Sounds about right.

Can also tweak the grip/lead. It's weird, but my frames came through so much easier when I dropped the leather for a synthetic grip and added some head weight. Counterintuitive, I know, but depending on how you swing, different weight setups can really alter the way it moves through the air.

i hear you. for the longest time i thought 360+g static weight and 12 HL was the only way i could get the racquet to come through quicker, but one day for kicks i just did the opposite and got it around 5 HL and it was amazing.
 

aimr75

Hall of Fame
Can also tweak the grip/lead. It's weird, but my frames came through so much easier when I dropped the leather for a synthetic grip and added some head weight. Counterintuitive, I know, but depending on how you swing, different weight setups can really alter the way it moves through the air.

I can second this with my experiences removing leather and adding lead to the head.. seems to come through easier
 

P.Floyd

Rookie
Gentlemen,

Have enjoyed my time with the 315 Ltd., but I sadly have to the leave the party. Great racquet, but the sweet siren call of Babolat was too much, with the oAPD having re-entrenched it's hold on me.
 

grimmbomb21

Professional
Sounds about right.

Can also tweak the grip/lead. It's weird, but my frames came through so much easier when I dropped the leather for a synthetic grip and added some head weight. Counterintuitive, I know, but depending on how you swing, different weight setups can really alter the way it moves through the air.

Okay. I think I may try to tweak the balance a bit. If I order it I'll just request the lightest frame they have.
 

mykoh

Rookie
let us know if you decide to make the switch. somehow it hasn't pulled me away from my ig prestige mp as yet..
 

Torres

Banned
Have enjoyed my time with the 315 Ltd., but I sadly have to the leave the party.

I'm wondering whether this frame just a bit half baked. And whether someone originally mentioning 'pro stock' has caused a load of people to pile in, but then politely make their excuses when the realise that it doesn't seem to swing quite right.

I like how precise it can feel at times but its the distribution of mass throughout the racquet which I think is the most problematic because it affects how the racquet swings, how solid it feels etc.

I have to admit that I'm struggling to get this racquet feeling right. Adding enough weight so that it feels solid and stable with sufficient plough and stability and the right feeling distribution of mass (for me) and its c355g. At that weight, its a very different stick to what it was originally.
 

TimothyO

Hall of Fame
I'm wondering whether this frame just a bit half baked. And whether someone originally mentioning 'pro stock' has caused a load of people to pile in, but then politely make their excuses when the realise that it doesn't seem to swing quite right.

I like how precise it can feel at times but its the distribution of mass throughout the racquet which I think is the most problematic because it affects how the racquet swings, how solid it feels etc.

I have to admit that I'm struggling to get this racquet feeling right. Adding enough weight so that it feels solid and stable with sufficient plough and stability and the right feeling distribution of mass (for me) and its c355g. At that weight, its a very different stick to what it was originally.

Sounds like a technique issue.

I agree that in stock form the lack of mass is an issue. But once you add some mass for greater stability and plow it's fine. My 11 year old hits consistently and accurately with it at my modded specs of ~12 oz.

As frame SW and weight increase your strokes need to be easy and smooth and your timing needs to be more accurate. Technique isn't just swing path. It's also anticipation and footwork to set up for a decent stroke.

You need to spend some time improving your technique instead of blaming the frame when so many people, including an 11 year old, are winning matches with it.
 

Torres

Banned
Sounds like a technique issue.

I agree that in stock form the lack of mass is an issue. But once you add some mass for greater stability and plow it's fine. My 11 year old hits consistently and accurately with it at my modded specs of ~12 oz.

As frame SW and weight increase your strokes need to be easy and smooth and your timing needs to be more accurate. Technique isn't just swing path. It's also anticipation and footwork to set up for a decent stroke.

You need to spend some time improving your technique instead of blaming the frame when so many people, including an 11 year old, are winning matches with it.

Haha! Says the 3.0...
 

TimothyO

Hall of Fame
Haha! Says the 3.0...

Technically, 3.5 as of last season (and I've beaten 4.0s at our club).

But the that's not relevant to your problem with technique and heavier frames.

My advice: anticipate better, move to the ball sooner with smaller steps instead of giant lunges, prepare sooner, and focus on contact instead of being distracted and looking at your target point.

Heavier frames demand better prep and smoother strokes. It's about technique and not mere strength.

Or move to lighter, less demanding frames that let you "cheat" your stroke by scambling like a madman all over the court, preparing late, and smacking at the ball like you're playing ping pong.

My 11 year old can handle this frame since he's very good at anticipation, movement, and staying loose. Adults shouldn't have an issue assuming proper technique like his.
 

Torres

Banned
Are you always so tiresome? Its not the weight that's an issue, its the distribution of mass. My 6.1s and JPs are weighted and swing more fluidly than this despite being heavier. And why do you keep on citing your 11 year old? A 11 year old doesn't hit with any power.
 

MAXXply

Hall of Fame
Have enjoyed my time with the 315 Ltd., but I sadly have to the leave the party. Great racquet, but the sweet siren call of Babolat was too much, with the oAPD having re-entrenched it's hold on me.

I'm wondering whether this frame just a bit half baked. And whether someone originally mentioning 'pro stock' has caused a load of people to pile in, but then politely make their excuses when the realise that it doesn't seem to swing quite right.

I like how precise it can feel at times but its the distribution of mass throughout the racquet which I think is the most problematic because it affects how the racquet swings, how solid it feels etc.

I have to admit that I'm struggling to get this racquet feeling right. Adding enough weight so that it feels solid and stable with sufficient plough and stability and the right feeling distribution of mass (for me) and its c355g. At that weight, its a very different stick to what it was originally.


I picked up a Dunlop Bio 200. I'm wondering could the kind of misgivings some users have experienced with the 315 have been avoided by using the 200 instead? In between the 200 or 200 Lite, the frame offers lots of scope to tweak, in what appears on paper to be a similar flexing frame. Or is it the 315's dampening qualities that have you all hooked?.
 

Torres

Banned
I think it depends on which 200 you're referring to. The Bio 200s feel more dampened to me that the 315s. Smaller usable stringbed area as well and lighter weight apart from the Tour.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Technically, 3.5 as of last season (and I've beaten 4.0s at our club).

But the that's not relevant to your problem with technique and heavier frames.

It's weird how people think you have to be a 5.0 level player to "qualify" to give advice. Some of the best coaches or managers in sport were bad players or never even played at the level they are coaching. Also, most great players have no idea how to convey the essence of what they are doing so well to others. Knowing what to do and being able to do it yourself are really two different things.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I'm wondering whether this frame just a bit half baked. And whether someone originally mentioning 'pro stock' has caused a load of people to pile in, but then politely make their excuses when the realise that it doesn't seem to swing quite right.


The frame actually is the PT965. It says it on the pallet. People mention pro stock because that is the Tec pro stock mold, and the racquet comes as a platform racquet meant to be modified.

The Juice Pro has more Swingweight and is a bit more polarized. You may just prefer that feel.

It swings fine for many of us.
 

P.Floyd

Rookie
I'm wondering whether this frame just a bit half baked. And whether someone originally mentioning 'pro stock' has caused a load of people to pile in, but then politely make their excuses when the realise that it doesn't seem to swing quite right.

I like how precise it can feel at times but its the distribution of mass throughout the racquet which I think is the most problematic because it affects how the racquet swings, how solid it feels etc.

I have to admit that I'm struggling to get this racquet feeling right. Adding enough weight so that it feels solid and stable with sufficient plough and stability and the right feeling distribution of mass (for me) and its c355g. At that weight, its a very different stick to what it was originally.

Please don't use my posts to push your agenda. If it wasn't a fine racquet, I would happily say so.
 
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JackB1

G.O.A.T.
The frame actually is the PT965. It says it on the pallet. People mention pro stock because that is the Tec pro stock mold, and the racquet comes as a platform racquet meant to be modified.

The Juice Pro has more Swingweight and is a bit more polarized. You may just prefer that feel.

It swings fine for many of us.

I really don't know why people bother replying to that guy? You say black, he says white. You say stiff, he says soft. You say heavy, he says light. You get the idea...:)
 

Torres

Banned
The Juice Pro has more Swingweight and is a bit more polarized. You may just prefer that feel.

Maybe. The 315 feels better to me with additional upper hoop weight but without counter balancing it feels too pendulum like. With counterbalancing its more stable but it starts feeling surprisingly clunky. Maybe some more fiddling is in order.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Maybe. The 315 feels better to me with additional upper hoop weight but without counter balancing it feels too pendulum like. With counterbalancing its more stable but it starts feeling surprisingly clunky. Maybe some more fiddling is in order.

I may have missed this, but did you remove the leather? If you do, you will have about 10 extra grams to mess with if you go with a lighter grip like a skin feel.

The balance should hold steady at around 4-5 pts HL as well.

I have not been messing with sticks much..just going out and playing and not thinking much at all about anything. But if I get another Tec, I will probably have some fun with the weighting and try something similar just to see what happens.

Personally, I enjoy the platform aspect of the racquet, but it's not for everybody. So far just 4 grams at 2 and 10 plus a little at the tip seems to be a nice, easy setup.
 
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