Gamma 340x ....

[ced]

After waiting 4 months I finally have my hands on two (2) of the new GAMMA Tour 340X's ..... and can only say that the wait was worth it !

They arrived a week apart from two different sources and the weight of each is spot on. QC seems to be flawless . Paint job is attractive. Specs are as follows:

head size : 93 sq. in.
Weight : 340 g / 12 oz
swing wt : 335
balance : 315mm/ 8 pts
beam : 19mm (not the 22 noted in mfg specs)
flex : 63-66 guesstimate

The 340X is a very comfortable racquet to play .... I have them strung at 42/46 which probably increases the comfort level ....feel is sensational and dwell time is really nice.

The string pattern is 18x20 and the bed is surprisingly firm ...most of the flex appears to be in the throat. Control on serves and groundies is excellent.

Volleys are firm, with pace and directional control.
Serves very controllable and 'pop' is easy to obtain.
Slice backhand (1hbh) is fun !, 2hbh is controlled power.
Return of serve is easy and very controllable

Weight is sufficient to provide nice plow-thru. Just a very easy to use stick.
Sweetspot, tho not overly large is easy to find.

For those of you that have played with GAMMA sticks previously, you will find the 340X to be a descendant of the G325 with a little more power. The feel provided by the 340X is akin to the G325 and the T7. It compares well with the 330X but has more control and slightly less 'pop'.

Gamma has made several fine racquets, all have flown below the radar .. the G325 was one of the great player racquets and the T7 and 330X can hold their own against any racquet.

The 340X would be flying off the shelves if it were marketed by Head, Wilson or Prince. Anyone familiar with the Prestige, Redondo C or POG will find a real friend in the 340X ...... I recommend you give it a try.

 

[1hbhBUX]

Thanks for the details. Interesting about the beam. The G325 is thinner than advertised too. Wonder why that is.

How forgiving is it?

 

[sruckauf]

Pics!

 

[ced]

very

Thanks for the details. Interesting about the beam. The G325 is thinner than advertised too. Wonder why that is.

How forgiving is it?

Very.....just a nice 'old school' feel to it, makes hitting fun.

 

[1hbhBUX]

Can I ask where you got them? TW doesn't seem to have them in stock yet, but I've noticed them on a couple of other sites.

 

[ced]

email me

email me at :cdix@lavabit.com

 

[Keifers]

Thanks for the specs and mini-review. That's very interesting about the 19mm beam width -- makes it very attractive to me.

I would love to see a 350 gram, 16X18 version. (The name could be a little tricky, however... Gamma Tour 340X Tour J/kidding ...call it the Tour 350X.)

 

[ced]

string sensitive ??

Played with both my 340X's this morning, both are strung at 42/46 but with different multis .......

Had trouble controlling one, but played well with the one strung with MVS Soft Touch (17).

Also coming from a 100" head (PK Ki5) to the 93" head may have something to do with it.

Really do like to hit with the 340X ... the feel is outstanding.

 

[anirut]

I'm begining to salivate ...

Do keep us posted. And pics pleaseeeee. Thank you.

 

[Keifers]

Played with both my 340X's this morning, both are strung at 42/46 but with different multis .......

Had trouble controlling one, but played well with the one strung with MVS Soft Touch (17).

Also coming from a 100" head (PK Ki5) to the 93" head may have something to do with it.

Really do like to hit with the 340X ... the feel is outstanding.

Just curious about the 42/46 tension.. Standard practice of yours? Or just for this frame? Why the crosses so much higher?

Thanks.

 

[ced]

string tension

Just curious about the 42/46 tension.. Standard practice of yours? Or just for this frame? Why the crosses so much higher?

Thanks.

Lower tension has just gotten to be a habit , with any frame, as I've gotten older and 42/46 seemed like it would be good for the dense (18x20) stringbed.

I string the crosses 4# tighter in order to minimize string movement. At 42/46 in the 340X they hardly move at all .....but then I hit fairly flat except for underspin bh.

With the lower tension I find I get better dwell time, better feel and can continue serving with a little 'pop' while continuing to use a player's racquet. Also its easier on the arm and when you are 75 and play every day that is always a consideration.

Chris (of TW) has a thread on here about the use of lower tensions that is really interesting .... he's even gone down into the 30's !

 

[1hbhBUX]

ced, I e-mailed you earlier today. Let me know if you didn't get it.

 

[ced]

got it ..

ced, I e-mailed you earlier today. Let me know if you didn't get it.

Got it and responded .......

 

[ced]

Pics .. hope they show

I'm begining to salivate ...

Do keep us posted. And pics pleaseeeee. Thank you.

Since you liked the Redondo , you should like the 340X, tho it is not as muted as the Redondo .... plays more lively, but with nice feel:

pics didn't work ..will try again

 

[ced]

Since you liked the Redondo , you should like the 340X, tho it is not as muted as the Redondo .... plays more lively, but with nice feel:

http://i46.tinypic.com/2zoxlzl.jpg[img]

[img]http://i49.tinypic.com/2hntd9w.jpg[img][/QUOTE]


Got one to go anyway:

[IMG][IMG]http://i49.tinypic.com/2hntd9w.jpg[/IMG]

 

[anirut]

Ced, thanks for the pics and your mail.

It frame "thinness" makes it look very interesting.

 

[Spin-A-Lot]

Nice looking sticks..seems like it's up my alley I wonder if it feels "i.prestige like"...

 

[1hbhBUX]

I saw Chris' comments on a previous thread about this being Gamma's best racquet. Wishful thinking, but it would be great if TW would review it.

 

[ced]

similar

Nice looking sticks..seems like it's up my alley I wonder if it feels "i.prestige like"...

It's been a long time since I hit with any Prestige, but if memory serves me, yes they a similar, but the 340X has more 'pop' .... it is probably a little stiffer.

Chris (of TW) indicated players who liked the Prestige would like the 340X and I agree.

 

[The Baseline]

It's been a long time since I hit with any Prestige, but if memory serves me, yes they a similar, but the 340X has more 'pop' .... it is probably a little stiffer.

Chris (of TW) indicated players who liked the Prestige would like the 340X and I agree.

those frames look great. gamma is really putting some great stuff out as we speak, just nobody knows really about gamma. my friend has a bunch of gamma Tour 320x and they are the best racquets ever.

 

[PaulC]

What's it's TRUE head-size (hitting area)?

What's it's TRUE head-size?

I mean the HITTING AREA... Is it like the Prestiges, which are 89.5 sqi.

Or is it a real 93, like the Wilson KBlade Tour 93, which hitting area is 92.5 sqi?

 

[ced]

What's it's TRUE head-size?

I mean the HITTING AREA... Is it like the Prestiges, which are 89.5 sqi.

Or is it a real 93, like the Wilson KBlade Tour 93, which hitting area is 92.5 sqi?

It is 93" ... I'm very used to hitting 95" and 98" and really see/feel no difference

 

[ced]

TW HAS the 340X now ......

TW has the 340X and says this about it :

"New - A very, very impressive offering from Gamma, this one is a must demo for tournament players. Loaded with feel comfort, control, stability and maneuverability, the Tour 340X is probably Gamma's best yet. Headsize: 93sq.in. Strung weight: 12oz. Balance: 7pts head light."

I disagree on the tournament players reference, as anyone with decent strokes should be able to handle this stick, but I agree with their overall assessment of the racquet.

 

[PaulC]

What's the Beam Shape of the Outer Shaft?

Thanks for the info Ced!

Wondering what's the beam shape of the outer side of the shaft?

Is it completely flat like Prestiges or Prince Graphite?

Or is it curved/rounded like Babolats or Vantage?

Or is it semi-curved like Wilson Tour 90/93s?

Thanks in Advance again!

 

[anirut]

I just checked the specs on TW site ...

And my personal assumption is kinda confirmed that the 340X is from PK's Heritage mold. Copied the pictures of the 340X and PK BlackAce and overlaid them, same grommet hole positions and same racket shape.

Nothing's wrong with that, the 340's got the spec I kinda like, more headlight and stiffer than the BA. Just right. Great specs, Gamma!

 

[ced]

flat

Thanks for the info Ced!

Wondering what's the beam shape of the outer side of the shaft?

Is it completely flat like Prestiges or Prince Graphite?

Or is it curved/rounded like Babolats or Vantage?

Or is it semi-curved like Wilson Tour 90/93s?

Thanks in Advance again!

Definitely flat !

 

[ced]

just sold a BA !

I just checked the specs on TW site ...

And my personal assumption is kinda confirmed that the 340X is from PK's Heritage mold. Copied the pictures of the 340X and PK BlackAce and overlaid them, same grommet hole positions and same racket shape.

Nothing's wrong with that, the 340's got the spec I kinda like, more headlight and stiffer than the BA. Just right. Great specs, Gamma!

Having had and hit with both the Black Ace and the 340X, I much prefer the 340X ... BA is lower powered and lacks the great feel of the 340X

 

[anirut]

Having had and hit with both the Black Ace and the 340X, I much prefer the 340X ... BA is lower powered and lacks the great feel of the 340X

Yeah, ced. I was, in fact, dreaming of a racket of the Heritage mold with just sort of Gamma's specs. I've got to get this Gamma!!

 

[ced]

Yeah, ced. I was, in fact, dreaming of a racket of the Heritage mold with just sort of Gamma's specs. I've got to get this Gamma!!

Anirut, it may be my imagination, and I'm working from memory on the BA, but the 93" head of the 340X seems bigger to me than the 93" head of the BA !

Maybe I'm, misinterpreting head size from sweetspot difference and ease of hitting .... I don't have a BA any longer to make an actual compare.

 

[1hbhBUX]

The 340x is also a much stiffer frame than the BA93, which would give it more power.

 

[ced]

stiffness ...

The 340x is also a much stiffer frame than the BA93, which would give it more power.

True .... but it doesn't play like a stick with a stiffness of 66. If I were guessing I would have placed its stiffness closer to 63 (but what do I know). IMHO it plays somewhat like a Fischer, in that most of the flex is in the throat and the head is relatively solid and firm .....the 18x20 bed may contribute to this feel.

The 340X is easy to serve with and this (again IMHO) is where power is noted ....it is much easier to serve with than the BA (93 or 98 ) and still provides a very comfortable feel ....again, because of sufficient throat flex, while the head is firm enough that it is very stable even on off-center hits (of course with a 93" head you don't dare get very off-center !)

 

[W1L50N=B3A5T]

Does it play anything like a Head Prestige Mid? The mold and specs are very similar.

 

[Keifers]

True .... but it doesn't play like a stick with a stiffness of 66. If I were guessing I would have placed its stiffness closer to 63 (but what do I know). IMHO it plays somewhat like a Fischer, in that most of the flex is in the throat and the head is relatively solid and firm .....the 18x20 bed may contribute to this feel.

The 340X is easy to serve with and this (again IMHO) is where power is noted ....it is much easier to serve with than the BA (93 or 98 ) and still provides a very comfortable feel ....again, because of sufficient throat flex, while the head is firm enough that it is very stable even on off-center hits (of course with a 93" head you don't dare get very off-center !)

This is sounding very attractive.

 

[ced]

like prestige ?

Does it play anything like a Head Prestige Mid? The mold and specs are very similar.

Chris (at TW) said so ...it has been a long time since I hit with any Head, but I would say yes to that too, but the 340X probably has a little more juice.

 

[mltaylor]

Very interesting racquet specs. I'll have to demo. But sounds GREAT!

Any other members had a hit with this stick yet?

Anirut, your right. Looks a lot like a Heritage from PK.

 

[ced]

The 340X after a month ....

The string pattern is 18x20 and the bed is surprisingly firm ...most of the flex appears to be in the throat. Control on serves and groundies is excellent.

Volleys are firm, with pace and directional control.
Serves very controllable and 'pop' is easy to obtain.
Slice backhand (1hbh) is fun !, 2hbh is controlled power.
Return of serve is easy and very controllable

Weight is sufficient to provide nice plow-thru. Just a very easy to use stick.
Sweetspot, tho not overly large is easy to find.

Except for last week (I've been ailing from a bad back), I've played every week day with the 340's since I received them in early June, and haven't really changed my original impression. If you notice carefully, I avoided a specific mention of the forehand in my original assessment ! Definitely my weakest stroke, and not one that the 340X improves for me......I'm fine against weaker players, but have trouble against better players (harder hitters) ... problem not really the stick, more me ... my preparation is late, hitting too much open stance hence losing control. Problem more age and not the racquet.

The weight, small head-size, balance makes the 340X better suited for a younger more agile player with developed strokes.

Serves and volleys are great as are backhands (both 1H and 2H), but forehands do give this old man trouble.

 

[anirut]

The weight, small head-size, balance makes the 340X better suited for a younger more agile player with developed strokes.

hehehe :lol: ... age ... same problem here. Even with my Redondo.

But once I break my laziness barrier and start moving, things can be very different.

 

[Al1978]

Though I no longer use it because it's a tad too demanding for my level, the G325 is a fantastic racquet, one of the most comfortable and solid I've ever used. The 330x was a nice racquet as well, although stiffer than I like. This new 340x sounds like it splits the difference between the two in terms of stiffness, yet may be closer in feel to the venerable G325 than its successor 330x.

 

[ced]

Though I no longer use it because it's a tad too demanding for my level, the G325 is a fantastic racquet, one of the most comfortable and solid I've ever used. The 330x was a nice racquet as well, although stiffer than I like. This new 340x sounds like it splits the difference between the two in terms of stiffness, yet may be closer in feel to the venerable G325 than its successor 330x.

The 340X is not as flexible nor as head-light as the G325, but it is a good attempt to split the difference between the G325 and the 330x......

I agree with your comments on the G325 !

 

[Sharkman]

Just added some lead (ca. 5 grams) under the grip. A bit easier to handle now.
Do you guys have any suggestions on the strings for the weapon? I'm considering Gamma strings like Zo Magic, Zo Power, Zo Tour,...

 

[exo3]

anirut and ced if you guys could do a comparison between the prokennex redondo and the gamma tour 340x it would just blow my mind. The redondo has a very buttery and smooth feeling while the tour has something slightly more crisp and I wanted to see a straight comparison besides just feel.

 

[anirut]

Sorry, exo3, I can't give any comparison.

But, IMO, judging from my experience with my BA93, I should think the 340X should certainly have more pop than the Redondo, while having a very good control.

In fact, the Redondo, the BA and the 340X are all from the SAME mold. Just different layup for different stiffness.

And I'd love to get my hand on a 340X myself ...

 

[ced]

anirut and ced if you guys could do a comparison between the prokennex redondo and the gamma tour 340x it would just blow my mind. The redondo has a very buttery and smooth feeling while the tour has something slightly more crisp and I wanted to see a straight comparison besides just feel.

You're asking me to rely a lot on memory ! First the two are very much alike, in fact they appear to have shared the same mould. I thought the 340 measured slimmer than the stated 20/19.5/20 beam width, also the 340 plays with more flex than the 65 stiffness rating would indicate. As you stated the 340 is more crisp, and tho buttery I thought the PK more muted.

The 340 has more 'pop' all around especially on serve and was my fav of the two. I would have preferred a more open string pattern in both of them. However, weight and swingweight plus the 93 heads were just too much for me to handle at my age. A real player should enjoy either racquet. Me , I had to move to a lighter racquet with a bigger head, more open pattern and much lower swingweight ...... the 340's baby brother : the 320X !

 

[craniopath]

I wonder anyone could confirm whether redondo grommets will fit 340x or not.
Anirut?

 

[octman12]

I wonder anyone could confirm whether redondo grommets will fit 340x or not.
Anirut?

anyone figured this out?
really need to find replacement grommets for this racquet lol