Got the TFight demos in hand yesterday evening and will hopefully get about an hour of court time later today. Super excited about the 315s. Came in at 322 SW on my Briffidi strung with razor soft white. The 305s is gonna be beefy, 331 SW strung with ALU power. 300s I’m not super optimistic about at 312 SW also with razor soft white. Just don’t know about a 98 at that low of a SW and static weight. Not the most important factor but man these are some good looking sticks
Diary of a Racketaholic
- Thread starter Ross K
- Start date
RF_PRO_STAFF
Hall of Fame
If you're coming from the '23 VC95 and value spin potential, weight of shot and ease of use, I highly recommend the '24 Extreme Pro. I'm switching to it from the '23 VC95 and I'm finding quite a few similarities in it. Spin potential is high, ball depth is superb, feel is somewhat similar to me (pretty muted, solid, comfortable). Very high level of 'whipability' that the VC95 also has. The '24 version of the EP has gotten rid of the tinny feel that previous versions had some of. Overall it's just easier to play with.
Must be noted that the comparisons are based on both rackets being around the same specs.
If the '24 Extreme Pro doesn't cut it for you, keep with the G98 Tour. Haven't tried it yet myself but it's definitely on my list to do so.
Fed Kennedy
Legend
Thanks bro. Currently doing a deep clean but hope to hit soon.
Have you joined the LA Dinglers yet?
JGads
G.O.A.T.
I’ve had one good experience and one iffy one. Long time ago, ordered a custom setup, all fine. Second go around, some strange back and forth and when I received a strung frame that had stencil paint spots splattered all over my frame in a clear Stencil pen mishap, and mentioned this to them asking the best way to remove it as I was struggling to do so, didn‘t even get an apology, nor any tips, communication just ended after they said they would get back to me. So I think they can be hit or miss depending on who you are talking to (not sure if it’s a few guys or what) and whether said person woke up on the right side of the bed that day.
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
It’s time to finally admit. I think I am a 16x19 player and I’ve been using 18x20 to my own detriment the past few years
McGradey
Hall of Fame
Having these thoughts myself. This week I've been using my bro's old Pure Drive and greatly enjoying having such easy spin modulation compared to my 18x20 Blades. With the PD I feel very in control of the ball, not quite as laser accurate when going for the lines, but producing that consistently good shot with ease — it's addictive. Now strongly considering going back to a more powerful racquet this year.
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
It’s very much a emphasize your strengths or minimize your weaknesses situation
16x19 emphasize your strengths: hit with a heavier and higher ball with less effort but need to be cautious of over hitting and make sure you finish your follow through across the shoulder. Or brush up on the ball at full extension
18x20 minimize your weaknesses: still hit a pretty big ball and can hit “recklessly” with more room for error but you might hit short or a weaker ball by accident and you really need to be prepared for what might come next
I will say tho 16x19 string durability is ridiculous and that’s the biggest thing I’ll miss from the 18x20
leng jai
Rookie
To this day I've never broken a Poly on any of my 18x20 racquets, I always need to restring before it even gets close.
Sometimes I do wonder if I should switch to 16x19 but at the moment I feel like 18x20 suits me fine as someone who doesn't have issues with power, a flatter one hander and uses slice a lot on that wing. My forehand has quite a lot of spin but it's always with pretty low net clearance. The main benefit I could see going to 16x19 is for the higher launch angle and "free" net clearance/ topspin for my backhand which can get a little too flat at times and perhaps also more power in my serve.
Got a little over an hour on court this afternoon and some initial impressions:
TFight 315s - fine, but somewhat underwhelming. To be fair, I’m not sure I would like the razor soft even in a frame I’m familiar with. Groundstrokes had nice launch and pretty easy depth but I was expecting more spin and heaviness from the 16x19. It was super nice on serves and felt fast through the air.
TFight 305s - pleasantly surprised. I wasn’t optimistic with this one considering how head heavy it felt in the hand, but once I started playing some points it made much more of an impression than the 315. Somehow I felt like I was getting more spin, maybe from more mass in the head, maybe I was getting more racket head speed even though it felt heavy - not sure tbh. Felt just as nice as the 315 on serves.
Didn’t get the 300s out today because I picked up the Origin again, and it was hilarious how much heavier and more penetrating everything immediately was: forehand, backhand, serve. This racket is ridiculous and I can’t believe I’m going to be seriously considering it for league/tournament play. Just need to hit with some bigger hitters and see how my timing holds up, but when you’re on time this thing just bludgeons the ball
TFight 315s - fine, but somewhat underwhelming. To be fair, I’m not sure I would like the razor soft even in a frame I’m familiar with. Groundstrokes had nice launch and pretty easy depth but I was expecting more spin and heaviness from the 16x19. It was super nice on serves and felt fast through the air.
TFight 305s - pleasantly surprised. I wasn’t optimistic with this one considering how head heavy it felt in the hand, but once I started playing some points it made much more of an impression than the 315. Somehow I felt like I was getting more spin, maybe from more mass in the head, maybe I was getting more racket head speed even though it felt heavy - not sure tbh. Felt just as nice as the 315 on serves.
Didn’t get the 300s out today because I picked up the Origin again, and it was hilarious how much heavier and more penetrating everything immediately was: forehand, backhand, serve. This racket is ridiculous and I can’t believe I’m going to be seriously considering it for league/tournament play. Just need to hit with some bigger hitters and see how my timing holds up, but when you’re on time this thing just bludgeons the ball
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah I am with you on that. 16x19 just makes more sense for me. I didnt realize how extreme my sw grip was until my coach said it almost looked western. Anyway, power 16x19s really make it easier for me. My “flat” shot is not the same as someone with an eastern.
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
I think 16x19 should make sense for a lot of people but especially two handed backhands and for anyone that hits loopier strokes
FourOutOfFive
Rookie
Yeah I’ve considered the VC98, might be silly not to try it. I've written it off up to this point thinking the larger headsize + more open pattern will be too uncontrollable compared to the 95. I know the G98 has gotten a lot of Vcore comparisons, and I'd assume it feels better than the VC98, plus it's glossy so that's why I went to try it first haha. I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to drive through the ball with the G98, if the VC98 can do that with some extra isometric forgiveness maybe I should give it a go. But on the other hand the G98 goes boom when I hit the ball and is shiny...
Thanks for the rec! Definitely will consider giving the EP a go. I had a stint with a significantly weighted up 360+ ET a few years ago, but ultimately like the 360+ Rad MP better at the time. Will be great to hear some EP vs G98 comparisons when you get your hands on the Grav!
FrankyRelax
Professional
FWIW the vc98 is easily one of the most forgiving 98s I've played. It's actually back to being my main
Boredsurfer
Semi-Pro
No sir. How/where/when/who?
Fed Kennedy
Legend
You have taken the first step. For a few monthly installments of 79.99 I can teach you “the system”. Then the true healing can begin.
Fed Kennedy
Legend
Just a little social club where Angelenos gather to debate whether flexpoint radicals are more goat than 03 tours and other deep thoughts all while dingling the day away.
If you are interested I will have one of our eastside concierges begin the onboarding process.
Humbi_HTX
Professional
Don't listen to quacks like that, they are are just taking your money. Once you try to leave the cult then they get you hooked on a very expensive 18x19 pilgrimage until you realize 16x20 is the holy grail.
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
this experience is isolated to my position in dealing with yonex on the wholesale end and will not apply to many others but:
I'm very fed up with yonex lately and it has really affected my excitement for the new ezones
I'm very fed up with yonex lately and it has really affected my excitement for the new ezones
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
Do tell!!!
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
it’s not a Yonex problem per se but simply put I cannot get any communication on orders
My entire order for the year and Ezone launch was missed so I have nothing right now and I’m unsure if I’ll be able to get any response at all any time soon
Disagree on the two hander, 18x20 is very nice for that imo.
Prefer 16x19 on the one hander but that's more of a free power thing as my one hander just isn't that good.
Forehand wise and in general it's the usual cycle of "damn, missing too much on a bad day" -> switch to 18x20, "damn, just can't get the spin and power on a bad day" -> switch to 16x19.
Then dream of the ideal prostock with 16x20 or 18x19.
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
For me on the two hander if we consider no variables, 18x20 is superior for the two handed backhand. Cause you get so much directional dictation
However as I see it, there’s a lot of things that can go wrong with a two handed backhand technique wise or footwork wise that makes an 18x20 prone to more mistakes
Slow footwork: might not get under the ball enough to get the lift needed, not give yourself enough space to have a full extension, reaching too far to get enough power
Leaning back, not using left arm enough: most likely you will hit short and make some mistakes into the net
Generally speaking the 16x19/16x20 just has so much forgiveness for a lot of footwork or technique issues. Of course my backhand is very weak so I’m taking my own experiences heavily into consideration
TwinCinema
Professional
This is a good time to copy what I once wrote in the VCore Tour thread:
The PSVS got me totally sold on 16x20.
It’s like when I discovered boxer briefs — you get the leg coverage of boxers but without the bunching up of the extra fabric; you also get the controlled housing of briefs without the exposure of tighty whities.
A 16x20 gives you the spin and power of a 16x19 without the erratic unpredictability, but also gives you the control and precision of an 18x20 without the flatness and density.
These are the kind of analogies that ensured I didn’t get accepted to any of the good colleges I applied to, by the way.
The PSVS got me totally sold on 16x20.
It’s like when I discovered boxer briefs — you get the leg coverage of boxers but without the bunching up of the extra fabric; you also get the controlled housing of briefs without the exposure of tighty whities.
A 16x20 gives you the spin and power of a 16x19 without the erratic unpredictability, but also gives you the control and precision of an 18x20 without the flatness and density.
These are the kind of analogies that ensured I didn’t get accepted to any of the good colleges I applied to, by the way.
TwinCinema
Professional
I've also still never tried an 18x19. Not sure what style of underwear it equates to.
djNEiGht
Legend
oh sorry to hear that. the teaching pros at the club had Yonex ambassador programs. One still had WTA points and was playing in as many tournaments as should could locally while coaching junior playing at UTR 9. Then a couple on the local college team. Communication was at times challenging. We pushed the Yonex brand to many of our club members and students.
If they wanted to cut back, that was fine but having them drop our top competing and teaching pro was really surprising
SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
Compression shorts. Secure but flexible
JOSHL
Hall of Fame
That sucks. Wondering if AO is playing a role but still.
gino
Legend
hope the knee is doing better man. thinking of all our banged up/LA holics. stay safe and healthy ya'll
KC!
Hall of Fame
I’m actually hitting with it tonight. I’m doing some serious holicing in off season. I’ve been trying the new Tfight 98 305 18x19, Tfight 100” 300, Rafa 290 & Ezone 100. I’ll be sharing my thoughts tomorrow on it.
djNEiGht
Legend
thank you. knee...not so good. but trying to stay positive. I got two racquets incoming that i can use as crutches
crazy winds today then supposed to ease off with another round of winds come monday and tuesday
gino
Legend
hoping for the best in the coming days. more healing and more containment
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Found a reel of champagne lynx tour on the bay for a great price. As of now, I’m locked and loaded for frames and strings.
At some point I’ll regrommet the pure control swirly and take it for a ride. It’s such a sweet looking frame, the old Babolat logo and glossy paint was the best.
At some point I’ll regrommet the pure control swirly and take it for a ride. It’s such a sweet looking frame, the old Babolat logo and glossy paint was the best.
FourOutOfFive
Rookie
Got to try a Vcore Tour demo today. It came in with a 336sw so I was worried it was going to be a dud but I was pleasantly surprised. I did not like the way the 22' EZT was weighted, even the higher SW units (335+) were super tip-light, which was a really weird swing feel to me. But the VCT, at least my unit, doesn't have this problem. I only got to test the VCT lightly while teaching some lessons but it reminded me of a more forgiving, easier-to-swing Blade Pro in a lot of ways. Will take it for a more serious hit tomorrow but there's definitely something special about this frame. The combo of easy access to depth + weight of shot is pretty ridiculous.
I feel silly for not trying the normal VC98 yet, but from what I've read from others it seems the VCT is better in pretty much every way if you can jive with the weight distribution. I kinda want to add leather to the VCT since I have a strong preference for a more HL balance, but would that bump the static weight too ridiculously high for this type of frame? Not sure. I seem to recall some chatter about the normal VC98 not taking weight very well, so I need to do some further investigation to see if it would be a worthy platform frame.
I'm very tempted to snag some matched Grav 98s when they drop tomorrow and call it a day, but I think these Vcores might have some extra forgiveness the G98 can't offer. Ideally, my unstrung spec would be something like 315g/31bal/300sw, and I know it would be pretty easy to get the G98 to that spec, but honestly it would be just as easy to get the regular VC98 there as well...
I feel silly for not trying the normal VC98 yet, but from what I've read from others it seems the VCT is better in pretty much every way if you can jive with the weight distribution. I kinda want to add leather to the VCT since I have a strong preference for a more HL balance, but would that bump the static weight too ridiculously high for this type of frame? Not sure. I seem to recall some chatter about the normal VC98 not taking weight very well, so I need to do some further investigation to see if it would be a worthy platform frame.
I'm very tempted to snag some matched Grav 98s when they drop tomorrow and call it a day, but I think these Vcores might have some extra forgiveness the G98 can't offer. Ideally, my unstrung spec would be something like 315g/31bal/300sw, and I know it would be pretty easy to get the G98 to that spec, but honestly it would be just as easy to get the regular VC98 there as well...
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Vicious49
Legend
Demo pack arrived yesterday. I was able to get a hit in. Here are my rankings in reverse order.
4. Gravity Tour 98 - It has that thin beam feel in your hand and has one of the most gorgeous paintjobs. That black and blue really pops in person. It swings fast and is very maneuverable but does have a noodly type feel to it. It played fine at first but once I hit a few off center shots, instability in the upper part of the hoop made itself known. If you hit your serve a bit high on the hoop or a groundstroke you'll feel it and not get much out of the frame. This one came strung with some sort of multi so it's hard for me to say much more about it. If I added lead to the hoop and restrung with poly my experience may be different but as it stands it's not worth further demoing. 316SW
3. Tfight 300S - I've owned the past 2 iterations of this frame and this is a continuation of that same legacy. It's the same fast swinging, maneuverable frame. It lacks some power and heaviness of shot. I've had to add lead to the previous versions but still couldn't get that heaviness that I can get out of some other frames. Still, it's a good offering if you want something fast and light but ultimately you may tire of not getting enough power out of the frame. 313SW
2. Tfight 300 100" - This one surprised me. I normally don't like 100" frames as they are a bit clunky compared to their 98" counterparts but this one didn't feel like a 100". It has the most power out of the 4 frames tested here so if that's a consideration this is probably the one you want. I could notice the stiffness in this one though. Still, this one deserves further demoing. 314SW
3. Tfight 305S - Winner winner chicken dinner! This is the best serving frame I've played with. I was getting in 90% of my 1st serve flat serves. I could also place a slice serve on the deuce side that landed about halfway down the line. 10/10 on serves for me. It is much more maneuverable than previous versions yet still retains the stability. Shots that landed right next to your feet you can easily flick back. In terms of feel, it has that same foam filled feel as what I remember from the last gen. I will be playing with it again tonight and at least 1 or 2 more times after that before the cold weather comes in and I have to mail it back but at the moment this is a frame I'm totally in love with. 315SW
I didn't know the SW of any of these frames until when I measured them right now as I was doing this write up. I am shocked that the SW on the 305S is that low. I figured it would be mid 320's. That may be due to the balance of the frame. I haven't measured weight and balance yet but holding all 4 of them it's obvious that the 305S isn't as head light as the GTour or the 300S. Now the question is what does an actual on-spec one feel like? Is it going to be sluggish and unwieldy?
EDIT: Just measured the 305s 3 more times to verify. With my O dampener in there it measured 316.8. I'll have to weigh and balance it later when I get back from the office.
4. Gravity Tour 98 - It has that thin beam feel in your hand and has one of the most gorgeous paintjobs. That black and blue really pops in person. It swings fast and is very maneuverable but does have a noodly type feel to it. It played fine at first but once I hit a few off center shots, instability in the upper part of the hoop made itself known. If you hit your serve a bit high on the hoop or a groundstroke you'll feel it and not get much out of the frame. This one came strung with some sort of multi so it's hard for me to say much more about it. If I added lead to the hoop and restrung with poly my experience may be different but as it stands it's not worth further demoing. 316SW
3. Tfight 300S - I've owned the past 2 iterations of this frame and this is a continuation of that same legacy. It's the same fast swinging, maneuverable frame. It lacks some power and heaviness of shot. I've had to add lead to the previous versions but still couldn't get that heaviness that I can get out of some other frames. Still, it's a good offering if you want something fast and light but ultimately you may tire of not getting enough power out of the frame. 313SW
2. Tfight 300 100" - This one surprised me. I normally don't like 100" frames as they are a bit clunky compared to their 98" counterparts but this one didn't feel like a 100". It has the most power out of the 4 frames tested here so if that's a consideration this is probably the one you want. I could notice the stiffness in this one though. Still, this one deserves further demoing. 314SW
3. Tfight 305S - Winner winner chicken dinner! This is the best serving frame I've played with. I was getting in 90% of my 1st serve flat serves. I could also place a slice serve on the deuce side that landed about halfway down the line. 10/10 on serves for me. It is much more maneuverable than previous versions yet still retains the stability. Shots that landed right next to your feet you can easily flick back. In terms of feel, it has that same foam filled feel as what I remember from the last gen. I will be playing with it again tonight and at least 1 or 2 more times after that before the cold weather comes in and I have to mail it back but at the moment this is a frame I'm totally in love with. 315SW
I didn't know the SW of any of these frames until when I measured them right now as I was doing this write up. I am shocked that the SW on the 305S is that low. I figured it would be mid 320's. That may be due to the balance of the frame. I haven't measured weight and balance yet but holding all 4 of them it's obvious that the 305S isn't as head light as the GTour or the 300S. Now the question is what does an actual on-spec one feel like? Is it going to be sluggish and unwieldy?
EDIT: Just measured the 305s 3 more times to verify. With my O dampener in there it measured 316.8. I'll have to weigh and balance it later when I get back from the office.
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SupahMan5000
Hall of Fame
Poorly named string, albeit sensical
More recycled strings coming to the market. Never tried Lux Eco but the club I coach at seems to sell and stock a lot so maybe I’ll compare that with this
More recycled strings coming to the market. Never tried Lux Eco but the club I coach at seems to sell and stock a lot so maybe I’ll compare that with this
ryushen21
Legend
Welcome to the club!
Alcawrath
Professional
Heard they coat it with salivaPoorly named string, albeit sensical
More recycled strings coming to the market. Never tried Lux Eco but the club I coach at seems to sell and stock a lot so maybe I’ll compare that with this
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Happy Learner Day, everyone.
To celebrate, another league match, beginning with a comically marathon return game that took about 20 minutes, ending at last in me breaking.
I then went on to lose nine consecutive games, and just then at 1-6, 0-3 down, I texted my buddies telling them I was getting pummeled and received a kind offer from my opponent: if you want, we can just train the rest of the session rather than the match, if your wrist is bothering you.
No no. We play. Reached into the bag and re-grabbed Marin (in the middle of my side I panicked and went to the .1), thought “enough of this,” and proceeded to come back for a 6-4 set win, and then 10-2 in the super.
Marin and Learner, each a fan of the drama. Each 2-0 this week. Vamos.
To celebrate, another league match, beginning with a comically marathon return game that took about 20 minutes, ending at last in me breaking.
I then went on to lose nine consecutive games, and just then at 1-6, 0-3 down, I texted my buddies telling them I was getting pummeled and received a kind offer from my opponent: if you want, we can just train the rest of the session rather than the match, if your wrist is bothering you.
No no. We play. Reached into the bag and re-grabbed Marin (in the middle of my side I panicked and went to the .1), thought “enough of this,” and proceeded to come back for a 6-4 set win, and then 10-2 in the super.
Marin and Learner, each a fan of the drama. Each 2-0 this week. Vamos.
Alcawrath
Professional
Did you also go 'god-mode' with your slice game to properly honor Learner?
Congrats on the come-back. That sounds epic!
SupremeCourt
Rookie
too bad Learner isn’t a part of this thread. If he was, he’d know power 100s are the way and would have dismantled meddy in 3.
JGads
G.O.A.T.
Absolutely. It’s part of the reason why I love him so much. He wins matches like I win matches (when I do win): craft and consistency and opening the court up and finishing. No massive weapons. But slices and variety for days.
And urges to pee for whole sets.
konstantinos kalfountzos
Hall of Fame
This could be one of the two Eco strings Head had playtests for. I liked both, but prefered the stiffer V2 prototype. The V1 had a bit too much dwell-time and power compared to the more controlled V2. V2 felt great and the best string I tried last year.Poorly named string, albeit sensical
More recycled strings coming to the market. Never tried Lux Eco but the club I coach at seems to sell and stock a lot so maybe I’ll compare that with this
I know this is for the string forum probably, but after 3 years with the same string setup I am thinking of trying something other than gut/hawk rough for a while. I’ve been hitting with a frame strung with alu power/x-one and it’s pretty good. I can definitely swing out more, and my game is much different than it was previously so poly mains are working for me.
I have a ton of head strings and many sets of lux eco. May try the eco first just bc it matches the blade.
I have a ton of head strings and many sets of lux eco. May try the eco first just bc it matches the blade.
RF_PRO_STAFF
Hall of Fame
Earlier this week I took the plunge and decided to finally switch to the '24 Extreme Pro, which meant getting two more. I didn't want too much hassle to I used the TWE matching service to get two pretty much identical ones. It will be difficult to get them to the same specs as the one I own already, but I'm not set on specs yet anyway. They're on the way here.
Tonight I couldn't control myself and ordered two of the new Gravity Tour 98, to choose the one with the best specs and return the other. There seem to be many takes on this frame (the consensus on the pj seems consistently positive however). The logical thing to do is to try it out myself. Having liked the 2023 GPro and GMP, I'm excited in a way I haven't been for a while trying a new racket.
Tonight I couldn't control myself and ordered two of the new Gravity Tour 98, to choose the one with the best specs and return the other. There seem to be many takes on this frame (the consensus on the pj seems consistently positive however). The logical thing to do is to try it out myself. Having liked the 2023 GPro and GMP, I'm excited in a way I haven't been for a while trying a new racket.
danbrenner
Legend
the 18m frames are especially useful if you are 6'3 or over. just aim and shoot.. but at 6'1 or under its nice to have some net clearance and spin to bring the balls back down. its really that simple to me..
gino
Legend
lmaoPoorly named string, albeit sensical
More recycled strings coming to the market. Never tried Lux Eco but the club I coach at seems to sell and stock a lot so maybe I’ll compare that with this
Nah gut/hawk rough is perfection.
If I didnt have the dreaded wet clay indoor season I wouldnt use anything else.
In that note, I tried xone/orbitour today and that was pretty nice. The closest I have gotten to gut/poly with a multi/poly setup.
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