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

[BallBasher247]

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

Hi @Tecnifibre Official,

Maybe this is an unpopular opinion but given that you guys are already producing rackets with an unconventional 18x19 pattern, what I'd love to see from you guys is another unconventional pattern: 16x20. Good spin and net clearance but still top notch directional control from the 20 crosses. I think a 16x20 version of the TF40 98 at 305 or 310g unstrung would be perfect; I absolutely love the TF40 and the feel/directional control/stability/maneuverability etc. it has, and the only thing I wanted out of that frame was more open mains; the cross spacing is perfect already in my opinion. I think this would reach a wide audience of players who don't use a TF40 only because they need a bit more lift on the ball and end up buying inferior 16x19 Wilson Blades; you guys already have a sublime racket with the TF40.

A TF40 variant with a 104 headsize would be really cool to see. Would give some competition to the blade 104 and (if you guys make it plush enough) harken back to the days of those classic oversize Prince rackets. It could work in the TFight line but I think it would be better positioned with the TF40s, just because of the nostalgia of plush oversize frames.

 

[BillKid]

Hi @Tecnifibre Official,

Maybe this is an unpopular opinion but given that you guys are already producing rackets with an unconventional 18x19 pattern, what I'd love to see from you guys is another unconventional pattern: 16x20. Good spin and net clearance but still top notch directional control from the 20 crosses. I think a 16x20 version of the TF40 98 at 305 or 310g unstrung would be perfect; I absolutely love the TF40 and the feel/directional control/stability/maneuverability etc. it has, and the only thing I wanted out of that frame was more open mains; the cross spacing is perfect already in my opinion. I think this would reach a wide audience of players who don't use a TF40 only because they need a bit more lift on the ball and end up buying inferior 16x19 Wilson Blades; you guys already have a sublime racket with the TF40.

A TF40 variant with a 104 headsize would be really cool to see. Would give some competition to the blade 104 and (if you guys make it plush enough) harken back to the days of those classic oversize Prince rackets. It could work in the TFight line but I think it would be better positioned with the TF40s, just because of the nostalgia of plush oversize frames.

I would be interested to know how you came to such an unconventional 18x19 pattern. 16x20 is a more common "intermediate" between 16x18 or 19 and 18x20. How do you see the difference between 18x19 and 16x20?

 

[Nostradamus]

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

i do have to disagree with this. Extra long rackets can be just as easy to swing even as game speeds up. and it offers better serving and reach. you do have to keep the Swing weight reasonable around 320 strung. as long as you do that, extra long 27.5 inch rackets can be just as easy to swing and many pros use it. and Many amateurs use it and want it.

 

[BallBasher247]

I would be interested to know how you came to such an unconventional 18x19 pattern. 16x20 is a more common "intermediate" between 16x18 or 19 and 18x20. How do you see the difference between 18x19 and 16x20?

I mentioned that the TFight 305g variant has an 18x19 string pattern, which is uncommon. 16x20 has never been particularly common but has not been used in any big way after Yonex made the VCore and VCore Pro rackets 16x19. Babolat has their Aero VS and Head their Gravity MP, and Diadem has the elevate, but almost nobody else uses 16x20. I mentioned the idea of a 16x20 TF40 to Tecnifibre because for myself and many others, the only issue we've had with the TF40 is the launch angle. But the 20 crosses helps maintain directional control and predictability that would be compromised if the racket were 16x18 or 19.

18x19 and 16x20 are pretty similar in that they both offer more control than 16x18/19 and more spin/launch than 18x20. 16x20 will give you a slightly higher launch angle than 18x19 and slightly better directional control, and visa versa for the 18x19. The extra spin from 18x19 compared to 18x20 comes more from extra sidespin and the extra spin from 16x20 comes more from extra topspin.

 

[BillKid]

I mentioned that the TFight 305g variant has an 18x19 string pattern, which is uncommon. 16x20 has never been particularly common but has not been used in any big way after Yonex made the VCore and VCore Pro rackets 16x19. Babolat has their Aero VS and Head their Gravity MP, and Diadem has the elevate, but almost nobody else uses 16x20. I mentioned the idea of a 16x20 TF40 to Tecnifibre because for myself and many others, the only issue we've had with the TF40 is the launch angle. But the 20 crosses helps maintain directional control and predictability that would be compromised if the racket were 16x18 or 19.

18x19 and 16x20 are pretty similar in that they both offer more control than 16x18/19 and more spin/launch than 18x20. 16x20 will give you a slightly higher launch angle than 18x19 and slightly better directional control, and visa versa for the 18x19. The extra spin from 18x19 compared to 18x20 comes more from extra sidespin and the extra spin from 16x20 comes more from extra topspin.

Sorry if I was unclear, "you" in my comment was directed to @Tecnifibre Official. But anyway, thanks for your insightful comment. Having played with many racquets and string patterns I find very difficult to theorize 18x20 play like this or 16x19 like this. It is true that there are some trends but so many factors affect how a racquet will play... By the way my current racquet has a 16x20 pattern (Beast 98) and there have been a few other examples in the last years on top of those you mentioned, like Pro Kennex. My point was that it seems very "fine tuning" to me to design a 18x19 racquet. I would be curious to learn from @Tecnifibre Official why the choose such a weird pattern and why not a more classic one, considering that 16x20 is the most usual compromise between 18x20 and open patterns. Noteworthily, I remember that Tecnifibre made 16x20 TFights a few years ago (cannot remember what generation exactly).

 

[Strayfire]

@Tecnifibre Official

I want to ask why the logo isn't centred and very much to the right? My OCD won't let it go!

 

[bigserving]

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

To that end, I am wondering why a racquet manufacturer has not yet come up with, pre-made frame customization kits. It might allow players to change the playability of the same lighter frame as their game improved over time. The kits would include pre-cut lead tape and rubber gloves (because lead is bad). Also including an instruction guide for where to place the tape and how much the change in the specs in that particular racquet depending on the particular change in lead tape placement. The size and placement of the tape would depend on whether the player is looking for more power, control, stability or whatever.

I think that lots of players could benefit from that kind of exacting information on their particular frame. I also think that it might be fun.

Thanks Patrice.

 

[Tecnifibre Official]

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

You can remove our buttcap to put silicone inside but we don't have a specific trap door.
It is great and easier customization but our feedback is that there are some problems with it on the market with breakages or vibrations so I prefer to stick with more stable buttcaps.
Patrice

 

[Tecnifibre Official]

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.

Thanks for your comment about the specific 18x19 stringing pattern. It is indeed an efficient mix.
I am surprised to read some posts about the stiffness of Tecnifibre rackets. Technical specs figures are a good base to develop and understand products but we should not rely only on them and focus on the most important : play tests on court.
And we are considerably improving the comfort play feel of all of our rackets.
TF40 was the first example.
TFLASH are among the most comfortable rackets for big elliptic section frames.
New T-FIGHT RS has also seen a great improvement in comfort.
That is why I suggest that you try the frames and I am sure that most of you will get the same comfort feedbacks as the TW playtesters got.

Anyway, I keep your comments in mind to pay even more attention to this matter.
Patrice

 

[ClaudTT]

You can remove our buttcap to put silicone inside but we don't have a specific trap door.
It is great and easier customization but our feedback is that there are some problems with it on the market with breakages or vibrations so I prefer to stick with more stable buttcaps.
Patrice

Never heard or saw a broken buttcap door or players complaining of vibration of it. But well...
Removing the buttcap is major work that mostly need skills and tools. So in that case it is better to give it to a racket expert. No problem there.

 

[ClaudTT]

Thanks for your comment about the specific 18x19 stringing pattern. It is indeed an efficient mix.
I am surprised to read some posts about the stiffness of Tecnifibre rackets. Technical specs figures are a good base to develop and understand products but we should not rely only on them and focus on the most important : play tests on court.
And we are considerably improving the comfort play feel of all of our rackets.
TF40 was the first example.
TFLASH are among the most comfortable rackets for big elliptic section frames.
New T-FIGHT RS has also seen a great improvement in comfort.
That is why I suggest that you try the frames and I am sure that most of you will get the same comfort feedbacks as the TW playtesters got.

Anyway, I keep your comments in mind to pay even more attention to this matter.
Patrice

Patrice, I agree you MUST test to really understand how a frame works and try it side by side with your preferred/current racket.

I/we did just that with the TF40 after warming up well to feel the frame. We tested with TF DC315, TF LTD, competing Prince, Wilson and Head.
You can read my report Feb. 2020 #1175 on it in another thread here: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...fficial-racquets.613487/page-24#post-14082234
Adding damping makes more comfort and less fatigue but the total force you receive at once is the same at least.

A more flexible frame with damping is far better for control, comfort and fatigue. That is exactly what I get on my customized LTDs (RA62 specs) and are tuned at 130Hz. first mode.

Here is an idea: use the R shape 5 sides foam filled on a ~20-21mm flat beam 98sqin and get flex ~RA62 or below 16x19 and/or 16x20 patterns and will be sold out... just like the LTDs are and more.
That will be a winner in the market.
I will get 6 for myself alone !!!

 

[Tecnifibre Official]

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

Hi GeoffHYL - while not the best image, here is the evolution of the "RS Section" of the new T-Fight RS Racquet Series.

 

[Deleted member 762530]

Thanks for your comment about the specific 18x19 stringing pattern. It is indeed an efficient mix.
I am surprised to read some posts about the stiffness of Tecnifibre rackets. Technical specs figures are a good base to develop and understand products but we should not rely only on them and focus on the most important : play tests on court.
And we are considerably improving the comfort play feel of all of our rackets.
TF40 was the first example.
TFLASH are among the most comfortable rackets for big elliptic section frames.
New T-FIGHT RS has also seen a great improvement in comfort.
That is why I suggest that you try the frames and I am sure that most of you will get the same comfort feedbacks as the TW playtesters got.

Anyway, I keep your comments in mind to pay even more attention to this matter.
Patrice

Hi Patrice,

thanks for your response!
I think that there‘s a difference between comfortable and arm-friendly rackets though. I would guess that the stiffer material still transfers more force to the arm, even if it is more dampened.

I played a puredrive plus 2012 for a while and I didn‘t find it uncomfortable but at some point I started to feel pain. Pretty soon after that I ordered a Prince Phantom Pro 100P to test. As I was used to the plus length racket, I hit the ball quite often a bit too far up in the hoop and this is where this Prince frame doesn‘t feel particularly comfortable. To my surprise though, I didn‘t have any problems with my arm and so I made the switch.
It was quite the opposite kind of frame, compared to my puredrive plus. So I had to adjust my game quite a bit. While I had a hard time at first, I tried some frames in between, like a Pure Strike with an RA of 66 and the pain came back. And after that a Wilson Ultra Tour with an RA of 64 which worked for my arm, at least for the testing period but as it didn‘t have any more easy power or spin compared to the Phantom and was stiffer on paper, I didn‘t see any benefit in using it.

After a while I started appreciating the switch from easy power to control and am currently playing the 18x20 version of the Phantom but am sometimes playing around with an old FXP Radical Team 18x19, which my wife still had lying around and it feels to me that I get more spin but don't loose control. It's actually a 102" racket but when I compare it to my Phantom, I can't tell a difference. I read somewhere, that Head used to measure head size differently than other manufacturers.

 

[Tecnifibre Official]

@Tecnifibre Official

I want to ask why the logo isn't centred and very much to the right? My OCD won't let it go!

Our designer drunk too much champagne and wasn't seing things very clearly...
In fact, the left edge of the T starts at the center and is connected with the angulation of the black line encapsulating the big Tecnifibre logo.
Also visually, it allows a smaller logo but visible and dynamic.
Patrice

 

[Tecnifibre Official]

Sorry if I was unclear, "you" in my comment was directed to @Tecnifibre Official. But anyway, thanks for your insightful comment. Having played with many racquets and string patterns I find very difficult to theorize 18x20 play like this or 16x19 like this. It is true that there are some trends but so many factors affect how a racquet will play... By the way my current racquet has a 16x20 pattern (Beast 98) and there have been a few other examples in the last years on top of those you mentioned, like Pro Kennex. My point was that it seems very "fine tuning" to me to design a 18x19 racquet. I would be curious to learn from @Tecnifibre Official why the choose such a weird pattern and why not a more classic one, considering that 16x20 is the most usual compromise between 18x20 and open patterns. Noteworthily, I remember that Tecnifibre made 16x20 TFights a few years ago (cannot remember what generation exactly).

18x19 is a preferred pattern of our Pro players, starting with Daniil Medvedev. It allows good power and easy spin while maintaining a decent amount of control.
For regular players the 18x19 mix power/control/spin works similarly but is also very good to manage string breakages.
You have all the advantages
Patrice

 

[nohandedbackhand]

Our designer drunk too much champagne and wasn't seing things very clearly...
In fact, the left edge of the T starts at the center and is connected with the angulation of the black line encapsulating the big Tecnifibre logo.
Also visually, it allows a smaller logo but visible and dynamic.
Patrice

Haha alright that’s it - I’m definitely going to playtest these frames, if nothing else because of how cool the TF reps are. For what it’s worth though I do want to echo how much I wish you guys would continue the Ltd line with a lower RA. The original had such an awesome layup and feel and was a great platform players stick when customized right.

 

[Breakpoint3040]

Hi @Tecnifibre Official

Would you be able to advise how the stiffness of the rackets vary throughout the frame? I.e. If the throat is more flexible than the tip, or if the frames have a uniform stiffness?
I'm interested in the 300g and 305g RS models, and arm health is a major factor when picking rackets. (I appreciate RA may not give the full picture, so would be good to know how the flex varies in the frame).

Thanks!

 

[Possum]

The tennis center I teach for carries Tecnifibre exclusively and I love the 315 T-Fight, and can't wait for my RS! I'd love to see more companies release 95" frames just because I prefer a smaller head for maximum control. Maybe a remake of the one that Daniil plays with?

 

[Breakpoint3040]

Hi @Tecnifibre Official

Would you be able to advise how the stiffness of the rackets vary throughout the frame? I.e. If the throat is more flexible than the tip, or if the frames have a uniform stiffness?
I'm interested in the 300g and 305g RS models, and arm health is a major factor when picking rackets. (I appreciate RA may not give the full picture, so would be good to know how the flex varies in the frame).

Thanks!

Oh, and I forgot to ask- Is the whole of the frame foam filled? If not, which part is?
Thanks

 

[AMGF]

@Tecnifibre Official please make a 27,5in 305rs 18x19. Maybe drop the ra a couple points (I haven’t tested the 305rs maybe it is comfortable) but the ra is a bit high, especially since this type of frame target demographics is advanced players. If you do this, I think I’ll buy the first 6 you make.

 

[Boubi]

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

I have that bag but i dont like the absence of rigidity to it....why dont you make bags that retain their shape ?

 

[ClaudTT]

Oh, and I forgot to ask- Is the whole of the frame foam filled? If not, which part is?
Thanks

They said the head is at specific places.

 

[Breakpoint3040]

They said the head is at specific places.

Oh, so not fully filled like a Donnay

 

[Tecnifibre Official]

@Tecnifibre Official are the TF40 305 and 315 the exact same frame in terms of layup and head weight distribution with the only difference being +10 grams in the handle of the 315?

The TF40 315 and 305 have different lay-ups, this is not just 10g more on the handle.
One carbon ply is inserted differently : full vs cut in several parts. It softens a little bit more the 315.
Patrice

 

[Tecnifibre Official]

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

I was thinking 104in² with 16x19 for more playability and easy spin.
Patrice

 

[topspn]

I was thinking 104in² with 16x19 for more playability and easy spin.
Patrice

I think you would start taping into either beginners or more senior players whose diminishing mobility gives them incentive into that head size. A quick question Patrice. I got the new 305 and 295 demos and very nice racquets so congratulations on both playability and feel. They are both light mobile frames so also very handy to customize to someone’s liking. I did compare head sizes of the frames to other brands like Babolat and Diadem. It was the 295 i compared and the TF head size runs a bit smaller. Like 295 looks like it might be a 98. Is there something different about how TF measures head size? Do you measure on the outside of the frame for example? It is not a bad thing, I still like both racquets a lot but tennis geeks get curious

 

[TW Staff]

Thread is now closed to further questions! Thank you everyone for participating!

TW Staff