T Fight 315?

Irvin

Talk Tennis Guru
Thank you Irvin, these are precious info. I hope the racquet does not get too heavy for me:)

You're welcome

I m gonna play with the 315 tonight and I m gonna add some lead tape at 12. I don't have much home so whatever I have. If I remember well 4 inch of tape is equal a 1 gram...am I correct?

That will depend on the type of lead tape you use. I got some heavy duty lead tape at Golfworks once that was 1 gram per inch. Now I use an Ultra brand they weighs 0.71 g per inch. If the tape you have is 1/4" it will surely weigh less. Best to measure.
 

Tmano

Hall of Fame
im back. Played last night and it felt different with lead tape. I only put one gram at 12 cause I don't like to change much the balance and while the back hand did not change at all the forehand went slightly too deep. I think there was a little less spin as well. I was also quite tired and that effects the foot work and position so maybe that was all about it. However i m gonna try to place it at 3 and 9 and see the results. The racquets absorbs incoming pace so well!!! notice last night while playing with a heavy hitter!!! I developed a blister on my index finger which is totally new for me, never had one. I wonder if the grip size runs a little smaller....at least it felt a tad smaller last night.
 

Tmano

Hall of Fame
im back. Played last night and it felt different with lead tape. I only put one gram at 12 cause I don't like to change much the balance and while the back hand did not change at all the forehand went slightly too deep. I think there was a little less spin as well. I was also quite tired and that effects the foot work and position so maybe that was all about it. However i m gonna try to place it at 3 and 9 and see the results. The racquets absorbs incoming pace so well!!! notice last night while playing with a heavy hitter!!! I developed a blister on my index finger which is totally new for me, never had one. I wonder if the grip size runs a little smaller....at least it felt a tad smaller last night.
or maybe is the leather grip.
 

JohnBPittsburgh

Hall of Fame
I would lean towards the leather, especially if you are playing without an overgrip. In a few sessions, your skin will get tougher there, and it won't be an issue. Or you could throw on an overgrip if you want (but that will make the grip bigger, which it sounds like you don't want that)
 

o0lunatik

Professional
It could be a combination of both the flatter pallet shape and leather that makes the handle/pallet feels a little bit hard, which you may not be used to. You could possibly find a thicker syn grip and or build up the 3 & 7 position of your pallet by stacking gorilla tap to your liking. This would square it out more like Wilson's pallet.
 

Tmano

Hall of Fame
Yes, that's probably what you guys are thinking; the combination of the leather grip and shape. Definitely the shape is different than the one on the grapheme radical pro. I realized last night that its not a real 98 but more like a 95

Anyone has tried the Graphene radical MP and compared it to the 315 ltd 16?
 

Irvin

Talk Tennis Guru
Not really sure why but I don't think manufacturers like their products being released too soon. I'm just guessing, but it could be just rumor and build up expectations the manufacturer does not plan to meet. Or it could take a lot of the glamor off a new product line when it is released. Imagine what would happen is one or more of the new Wilson prototype rackets got out and someone started disclosing some 'secrets' about the frame or frames. For all we know there could have been more than one prototype or none.

I'm just going to sit back and wait. If a new Limited comes out well I will have to pull all the strings I can before you buy them all John. LOL
 

kimguroo

Legend
It's prototype and I think he said that it was nothing like T-fight LTD.
A little surprised to see Technifibre made a prototype racket with production paint job since racket companies make blacked out prototype rackets. Also I understand that prototype rackets should be confidential but a little surprised to see that technifibre let one of their sponsored coach/player share prototype racket info on internet since decent amount of prototype rackets won't make to the market.

It's just harder to do something with newer T-fight LTD since it's already very good.
New PJ might be better option but you can still get old one for $80-100, who will buy new one?
Probably if there is new LTD, we should wait for a while (1-2 years).
 

JohnBPittsburgh

Hall of Fame
My racquetaholism is over.....again. There is nothing interesting coming out, and if there was. I probably wouldn't like it more than the Tecs. Guess there is nothing to do but work on fitness, practice, and play tennis.....where is the fun in that? :D
 

Irvin

Talk Tennis Guru
My racquetaholism is over.....again. There is nothing interesting coming out, and if there was. I probably wouldn't like it more than the Tecs. Guess there is nothing to do but work on fitness, practice, and play tennis.....where is the fun in that? :D
Ya know I used to tell my friends it is easy to stop smoking I've done it hundreds of times. You can't really say your racquetaholism is over for at least a year. LOL
 

kimguroo

Legend
My racquetaholism is over.....again. There is nothing interesting coming out, and if there was. I probably wouldn't like it more than the Tecs. Guess there is nothing to do but work on fitness, practice, and play tennis.....where is the fun in that? :D
Mmm hard to believe it since you were looking at phantom hahahahaha.
I might say samething but still looking at Regna 100.
Honestly I have played with T-315ltd 16M exclusively for a while and it fits really well for me.
In this week, I pulled out Regna 98 which have not used for a while and played well too but still low trajectory gave me a little trouble though. T-fight is not perfect and same with Regna too. Looks like these two rackets will serve me well for long time and not sure I will switch within 2-3 years. Probably I spent $600-700 for rackets per a year but after I got Regna, I spend less than $300 per a year (just testing and sold those frames so basically less than $100 racket spending).
 

JohnBPittsburgh

Hall of Fame
Yeah, I will probably end up getting a Phantom (as long as I remain a Prince dealer....which I guess I will find out after TW makes their announcement)
But, I have 6 Tour 16x18's :) I can't see it making that much of a difference (I like the paintjob though!!)

I will probably be under control as far as buying frames :) that is a much better description. The last 5 frames I bought, didn't impress me. So, I keep coming back to the Tecs. I have been clearing out frames for the last few months. It feels great the less frames I have!!!

Played today with the 18M and I have to say, it is my favorite frame (amidst some tough competition). It is perfect....for me :D
 

JohnBPittsburgh

Hall of Fame
I am fighting myself over the Phantom. It's more of a collection piece for me, other than becoming my frame of choice. The longer it takes to be released, the less and less I am interested (and the more and more I realize the Tecs are all I need) :)
 

Irvin

Talk Tennis Guru
I am fighting myself over the Phantom. It's more of a collection piece for me, other than becoming my frame of choice. The longer it takes to be released, the less and less I am interested (and the more and more I realize the Tecs are all I need) :)
Darn you could be cured after all! LOL Until tomorrow at least.
 

JohnBPittsburgh

Hall of Fame
As with all addictions, I believe the phrase is, "Just For Today!" :D:D:D

Federer,
Grant me the serenity, To accept the frames that I own
The courage to demo those that I don't
And the Wisdom to know when to stop
Amen ;)

Another amazing day with the 18M. Just loving the control and feel of it.
 

Tmano

Hall of Fame
Update,
I played again last night with the 315 ltd without tape and I have to say I like it in stock form better for now. Maybe when I am in better shape I will try to had some weight again but as now I think it has plenty of power.
 

Irvin

Talk Tennis Guru
Update,
I played again last night with the 315 ltd without tape and I have to say I like it in stock form better for now. Maybe when I am in better shape I will try to had some weight again but as now I think it has plenty of power.
That may well be the case but I would check the specs on your racket to see if it is any where close to stock specs.
 

n8dawg6

Legend
It is a sad sad day :( Tecnifibre is out of the Tec LTD's :mad::mad::mad: I did get their last two 16M''s though :) So I guess it's not all bad news. At least the very last two went to a good home!!! MINE!!! :D:p:cool:;):)o_Oo_Oo_O
i thought they had been out before though? this frame is not forgiving in any way, and it swings sluggishly compared to more modern designs. but holy cow that buttery smoothness when it is strung w a bed of multifilament. crazy good feel.
 

zalive

Hall of Fame
i thought they had been out before though? this frame is not forgiving in any way, and it swings sluggishly compared to more modern designs. but holy cow that buttery smoothness when it is strung w a bed of multifilament. crazy good feel.

Joke aside, specs calculations say this racquet should be leaded straight at 12 o'clock, in sufficient quantity it should both normalize swing and give it some power.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
i thought they had been out before though? this frame is not forgiving in any way, and it swings sluggishly compared to more modern designs. but holy cow that buttery smoothness when it is strung w a bed of multifilament. crazy good feel.

Stock swingweight is like 310 bro. Eat some brocolli or somethin.
 

Imago

Hall of Fame
Got probably the last 16 Ltd from TWE. Don't like the twist weight, though. Not in pair with RF97.
 

Tee1Up

Rookie
Actually both of mine were lower than that and I believe the TW average was around 301. I'd recommend spinach look what it did for Popeye's forearms.
broccoli. the xt rad pro is easier to swing for me and it has something like 20 pts more swingweight. the ltd is not a forgiving frame but i'll reiterate that i love the feel.
Don't forget that dude does PX90, so he is not your average joe. :)
 

JohnBPittsburgh

Hall of Fame
Once modified, the Tec LTD's become weapons of war!!! The sweetspot opens up with a little lead in the hoop and lower tension (I am going to play one stock and see how I fare...at some point)

My best suggestion, play with whatever allows you to have the most fun out on the court. (whether it's a 9 oz,135 inch frame or an 13 oz, 85 inch frame. Lead, silicone, and leather, or bone stock. We are all just enthusiasts of an awesome game. Life is short, and work sucks. When I step onto the court, I forget about the daily grind of life and problems. It's the closest thing to heaven on earth (and a lot cheaper than heroin or crack) :eek::eek::eek: I just happen to really like these frames, and want the world to enjoy them!
 

Crisp

Professional
I've told the Australian importers of Tecnifibre if this frame ever comes out again they have to fight tooth and nail to get them in the country. Apparently they were not given the option last time around.
 

JohnBPittsburgh

Hall of Fame
They stopped supply now twice. I would guess it's the top selling Tec frame of all time (do you see any other threads about their frames that are this long?)
I think Tecnifibre recognizes this and will think of something :) I have voiced my opinion to them....now for a third time!!! We need more LTD's!! Or at least another frame with a low RA...that comes in two string patterns....with great feel....and a sick paintjob....also a 98....with a low starting weight, perfect for customization...with a trap door!!!! Just produce another 100,000 :eek: they will sell!!! ;)
 

Crisp

Professional
They stopped supply now twice. I would guess it's the top selling Tec frame of all time (do you see any other threads about their frames that are this long?)
I think Tecnifibre recognizes this and will think of something :) I have voiced my opinion to them....now for a third time!!! We need more LTD's!! Or at least another frame with a low RA...that comes in two string patterns....with great feel....and a sick paintjob....also a 98....with a low starting weight, perfect for customization...with a trap door!!!! Just produce another 100,000 :eek: they will sell!!! ;)
I say produce 100,000 for Aus market!!! Hahaha. I know at least two people here that love them.... that's 50,000 frames each.... just about a lifetime supply!!!
 

kimguroo

Legend
Honestly not many people are willing to buy technifibre rackets and the best reason for Tfight LTD is decent racket with low prices now. Several stores still have them for less than $100.
Probably technifibre secretly produces small batches hahaha. M Id w sports sold out T-fight ltd but recently fully restocked it. A little surprised by that.
 

zalive

Hall of Fame
They stopped supply now twice. I would guess it's the top selling Tec frame of all time (do you see any other threads about their frames that are this long?)
I think Tecnifibre recognizes this and will think of something :) I have voiced my opinion to them....now for a third time!!! We need more LTD's!! Or at least another frame with a low RA...that comes in two string patterns....with great feel....and a sick paintjob....also a 98....with a low starting weight, perfect for customization...with a trap door!!!! Just produce another 100,000 :eek: they will sell!!! ;)

If they're ok with retail prices regarding production cost, and are aware of importance of fighting for a brand recognition (nevermind there are number players who know the good in Tec, they're not side by side with the biggest brands in industry, there's still a long way to go), they'll continue Ltd's with the new PJ.

But another part of the truth with Ltd's, I've seen them even locally sold almost new, barely played. I'm not quite sure what was Tec's intention with stock specs, because for modern understanding these frames belong to a heavier, yet SW is on the lightweight side. Coupled with flex and somehow non-typical stock (depolarized) weight distribution, given the fact that majority won't bother with leading it up, I wonder whether Tec got the stock specs right. This current weight distribution is not even the pro stock - we know pro's go for polarized distribution, so providing already heavish yet depolarized pro stock would be nonsensical.

My opinion is that Tec should really update Ltd by keeping flex yet providing uniform weight distribution, which should make its specs ready to play, yet still ensure they're customizable. There's really no reason why would they insist on players frame with SW median close to 300. Nonensical. Static weight at 315 grams with SW around 315 sounds right to me for a stock racquet, and it still has some room for customizing
 

Simplicius

Semi-Pro
But another part of the truth with Ltd's, I've seen them even locally sold almost new, barely played. I'm not quite sure what was Tec's intention with stock specs, because for modern understanding these frames belong to a heavier, yet SW is on the lightweight side. Coupled with flex and somehow non-typical stock (depolarized) weight distribution, given the fact that majority won't bother with leading it up, I wonder whether Tec got the stock specs right. This current weight distribution is not even the pro stock - we know pro's go for polarized distribution, so providing already heavish yet depolarized pro stock would be nonsensical.

My opinion is that Tec should really update Ltd by keeping flex yet providing uniform weight distribution, which should make its specs ready to play, yet still ensure they're customizable. There's really no reason why would they insist on players frame with SW median close to 300. Nonensical. Static weight at 315 grams with SW around 315 sounds right to me for a stock racquet, and it still has some room for customizing

So true!
But the main problem imho, is that the frame it is not customizable...
When you add lead on 9-3 (that stock Ltds 315 needs for sure) the unique feel is gone!
The custom racquet then, feels stiff and boardy.
The "new Ltd" must have at least 3+3g on 10-2 in stock form, in order to raise the Swingweight +15 and most of all the Twistweight +1.
Of course all that, while keeping the same perfect feel.
 

zalive

Hall of Fame
So true!
But the main problem imho, is that the frame it is not customizable...
When you add lead on 9-3 (that stock Ltds 315 needs for sure) the unique feel is gone!
The custom racquet then, feels stiff and boardy.
The "new Ltd" must have at least 3+3g on 10-2 in stock form, in order to raise the Swingweight +15 and most of all the Twistweight +1.
Of course all that, while keeping the same perfect feel.

Obviously customization changes something significant regarding feel...possibly it's what @travlerajm was talking about recently, moving the location of vibration node towards the middle of the handle, where you actually feel it? The thing, as much as many like feedback, I don't think anybody likes too much of it. And if you want a more muted, soft feelm you need a vibration node to hit the spot where you usually hold the racquet when hitting (or at least it's how I understand it). Mass distribution change changes frequency, because of this it changes the position of vibration nodes as well.

At least nothing else crosses my mind why a piece of lead would change the feel towards stiff/boardy. It cannot make racquet less flexy, for sure. And generally lead makes racquets more comfortable and soft feeling, not less.
 

Irvin

Talk Tennis Guru
Obviously customization changes something significant regarding feel...possibly it's what @travlerajm was talking about recently, moving the location of vibration node towards the middle of the handle, where you actually feel it? The thing, as much as many like feedback, I don't think anybody likes too much of it. And if you want a more muted, soft feelm you need a vibration node to hit the spot where you usually hold the racquet when hitting (or at least it's how I understand it). Mass distribution change changes frequency, because of this it changes the position of vibration nodes as well.

At least nothing else crosses my mind why a piece of lead would change the feel towards stiff/boardy. It cannot make racquet less flexy, for sure. And generally lead makes racquets more comfortable and soft feeling, not less.

The only vibration node I know of that moves with customization is the Center of Percussion. If order to get that feel you speed of your index finder knuckle must be located at one of the two conjugate (handle) while the ball strikes the other conjugate point (string bed COP.) Don't always assume that everyone will have their index finger knuckle at the 10 cm point though. Mine is at 9 cm so I calculate the SW from a 9cm axis when calculating the COP.

An example:
Suppose a racquet's specs are:
rdc axis = 10 cm
Irdc = 320 kg*cm^2
M = .300 kg
CM = 32 cm
distance from axis to CM = 32-10=22
COP = I/Md =320/.3*22= 48.5 cm from the axis of rotation and 58.5 cm from butt of racquet.

Now we want to do this upside down. First we need to know I about the new axis. To do this we use the parallel axis theorem to first get I about the CM and then about the COP:

Irdc - Md = 320 - .3*(22)^2 = 174.8
Now calculate to get I about the new COP axis:

The distance (D) from the COP to the CM is now 26.5 cm (48.5+10 = 58.5 from end of racquet. CM is 32 from end of racquet, so distance from COP to CM is 58.5-32=26.5). Let's call this distance D
Icop = Icm + MD^2
Icop = 174.8 +.3*26.5^2 = 385.5 kg*cm^2

Now the COP of the COP (sorry for that) is
Icop/MD =385.5/.3*26.5 = 48.5 cm, which is 10 cm from the butt, which is the original axis.

By definition the COP of one conjugate point has to be the COP of the other. The swingweights and distances in the calculations change but the end result is as it should be.
 

zalive

Hall of Fame
The only vibration node I know of that moves with customization is the Center of Percussion. If order to get that feel you speed of your index finder knuckle must be located at one of the two conjugate (handle) while the ball strikes the other conjugate point (string bed COP.) Don't always assume that everyone will have their index finger knuckle at the 10 cm point though. Mine is at 9 cm so I calculate the SW from a 9cm axis when calculating the COP.

Well, you can usually easily locate one (which is not COP) using a dampener, moving it on different spots between next to 6 o'clock hoop and the first cross string. When you hit the vibration node spot with a dampener, you will notice how vibrations get silenced much more and faster. It's because dampener works the best if positioned in the node.

Customization changes frequency of a racquet. Changing the frequency will inevitably change the position of vibration nodes.
 
A

AllCourtHeathen

Guest
My racquetaholism is over.....again. There is nothing interesting coming out, and if there was. I probably wouldn't like it more than the Tecs. Guess there is nothing to do but work on fitness, practice, and play tennis.....where is the fun in that? :D

What do you prefer? the 18 or 16? I have two 18's, and love them, but am always wondering if the 16 would give me that little extra "bite".
 

JohnBPittsburgh

Hall of Fame
I prefer the 18, but my friend @o0lunatik prefers the 16 :) but I keep trying to get him to come to the dark side of 18 mains.

I have been promising to take a pic of the 16 on top of the 18 (strung) to show the difference in string pattern (it isn't drastic). I will do it today!! But I will concede that might get you a TINY amount of extra bite.

We have actually fit the 18M side grommets on the 16M (that extra bumperguard piece) which goes to show, in the dead center, the crosses are the exact same!!!

So, in my opinion. If you enjoy the 18m, just stick with it, and spend the money you would have spent on 16M's on a Natural gut and polyester for your 18M. (or just spend it on something non tennis related....but who does that?!!!?!) :D
tecstrings_zpsoka9lpru.jpg
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zalive

Hall of Fame
We have actually fit the 18M side grommets on the 16M (that extra bumperguard piece) which goes to show, in the dead center, the crosses are the exact same!!!

Except you hit groundstrokes with the upper hoop, so launch angle difference should still show between the two, even if centre mains density is similar.
 

JohnBPittsburgh

Hall of Fame
You are correct. I was pointing out that there are some similarities between the two. It won't be like going from hitting with a Tec LTD 18M to a Pure Drive :)
 

JohnBPittsburgh

Hall of Fame
Also, I just opened up a brand new 18M for my stock Tec LTD experiment (just to see how big of a difference there is. To me at least)

Stock specs unstrung are:
316 grams
9 pts Head Light

Just finished stringing it with Tecnifibre XR3 17 @ 54/52 (I felt like trying something different, and lowered the cross tension by two....lol, I bet I will get ALL KINDS of spin!!! ALL KINDS!!!) :)

New specs strung:
332 grams
6 pts Headlight

Hoping to get a day off or at least get done early and take it out for a hit!!
 
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