zalive
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
Definitely. I guess it's more like a Pure Fight
T Fight 315?
- Thread starter Bubbagumptennis
- Start date
Definitely. I guess it's more like a Pure Fight
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
Damn it's one gram heavy. You can fix that by taking off the rubber band at the top of the grip. LOL
coolschreiber
Hall of Fame
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?!!!?!)
@JohnBPittsburgh = LEGEND
o0lunatik
Professional
16M will give you some extra bite and power. It already has tons of control due to the frame and string spacing. It comes down to personal preference on what works for your game. I've owned the 18M in the past, and I could see that for someone who can aggressively brush the ball and/or have more extreme grip would benefit from this frame. Both are excellent frames. Hope that Tec doesnt screw this one up.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
When Bubbgagump tennis poasted his simple question back in 2013, did he realize what he had created? Does he still think about this thread, possibly brag about it to female companions? I sure hope so.
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
I've always wondered which racket @Bubbagumptennis was referring to in the original post. The Tecnifibre 315 or the Tecnifibre 315 Limited? Post number 2 says the flex was 64 where the 315 Ltd 16M was 59. Then from post #6 on the thread became a limited thread with flex ratings of 59 and 60.
Simplicius
Semi-Pro
Zaline, this conclusion is not right! When you add weight on the hoop you increase the inertia of the raquet's upper side.
In the RDC machine you take the same flex value. But in the "real life" the "actual flex" (when the ball hit the stringbed and tries to bend the raquet back) is less...
Lead on the hoop "make racquet less flexy, for sure" !!!
Crisp
Professional
It's not necessarily all about the spacing of strings with these two racquets also the resistance provided by the extra two mains contributes. Try stringing and skip the second last two mains (not legal) but as an experiment and you will find the 18 main becomes a bit livelier. It must get a touch more snap back. It's quite an enlightening little trick.
JohnBPittsburgh
Hall of Fame
You are correct. I recently strung a Prince TT100T 16x18 as an 18x20 and I noticed the difference immediately
Razrfish
New User
Hello fellow 315LTD fans!
I'm just now entering the 315LTD conversation - way late to the game so it seems...LOL! But hey - I got here!!
I bought 3 16 x 19's on a whim because I heard about the comparison to the PT57a, and had confirmation from a local pro. He has a Safin (previously owned) PT57a and seems to be a dead ringer when comparing them next to each other. His has a longer grip (odd difference), but everything else seems to be the same mould.
I strung up the first one with Genesis Trionic Mains, and Black Magic Crosses (40#/40#) and put 4g lead at 12, and a strip of black electrical tape over it to total 5 grams @ 12. Racquet is quite whippy, somewhat less stable at the net as compared to my RFa 2017's. The string feel was a bit too spongy, needs about 5-8 more lbs for the poly idea...
Cut that all out - and restrung with VS Touch 16g mains and Yonex Poly Tour Fire 17g crosses 52m/50x. Left the 4g at 12, added 3 g @ about 9:30 and 2:30. Took the grip off -21g, added a gamma leather grip 29g and a TF overwrap 3g.
So the totals are from stock
Hoop
+ 4g @ 12
+ 3g @ 2:30
+ 3g @ 9:30
+ 2g tape across top
+ 3g VibDamp
= + 15g (includes the 3g for the vibdamp which is closer to the middle of the racquet, so less effect on HH/HL differential?)
Handle
+ 8g Leather Grip change
+ 3g TF Overwrap
= + 12g total
TW = 359g which is 3g less than my stock RFa's (362g) with an overgrip on them.
I love the RFa's but they are harsh - and I'm looking for this eventual setup to be a similar weighted stick with a softer more arm friendly flex.
My questions to the group -
1) What do you think about the swingweight - have I dramatically changed it?
2) How would you predict it's going to feel
3) I put the lead tape on the outside of the hoop, I know this isn't ideal, but I wanted access to make changes. Thoughts?
4) Should I add more weight to the handle/buttcap?
I'm a 55yo 4.5 all court player - Semi Western FH with strong OHBH. <120 serve.
I play currently with 2017 Wilson RFa's /Champions Choice 48m/45x. Wilson Comfort Overgrip and Gamma dual shock dampener.
Will be hitting with this tomorrow morning and hopefully I'll have a court report after.
Razrfish
I'm just now entering the 315LTD conversation - way late to the game so it seems...LOL! But hey - I got here!!
I bought 3 16 x 19's on a whim because I heard about the comparison to the PT57a, and had confirmation from a local pro. He has a Safin (previously owned) PT57a and seems to be a dead ringer when comparing them next to each other. His has a longer grip (odd difference), but everything else seems to be the same mould.
I strung up the first one with Genesis Trionic Mains, and Black Magic Crosses (40#/40#) and put 4g lead at 12, and a strip of black electrical tape over it to total 5 grams @ 12. Racquet is quite whippy, somewhat less stable at the net as compared to my RFa 2017's. The string feel was a bit too spongy, needs about 5-8 more lbs for the poly idea...
Cut that all out - and restrung with VS Touch 16g mains and Yonex Poly Tour Fire 17g crosses 52m/50x. Left the 4g at 12, added 3 g @ about 9:30 and 2:30. Took the grip off -21g, added a gamma leather grip 29g and a TF overwrap 3g.
So the totals are from stock
Hoop
+ 4g @ 12
+ 3g @ 2:30
+ 3g @ 9:30
+ 2g tape across top
+ 3g VibDamp
= + 15g (includes the 3g for the vibdamp which is closer to the middle of the racquet, so less effect on HH/HL differential?)
Handle
+ 8g Leather Grip change
+ 3g TF Overwrap
= + 12g total
TW = 359g which is 3g less than my stock RFa's (362g) with an overgrip on them.
I love the RFa's but they are harsh - and I'm looking for this eventual setup to be a similar weighted stick with a softer more arm friendly flex.
My questions to the group -
1) What do you think about the swingweight - have I dramatically changed it?
2) How would you predict it's going to feel
3) I put the lead tape on the outside of the hoop, I know this isn't ideal, but I wanted access to make changes. Thoughts?
4) Should I add more weight to the handle/buttcap?
I'm a 55yo 4.5 all court player - Semi Western FH with strong OHBH. <120 serve.
I play currently with 2017 Wilson RFa's /Champions Choice 48m/45x. Wilson Comfort Overgrip and Gamma dual shock dampener.
Will be hitting with this tomorrow morning and hopefully I'll have a court report after.
Razrfish
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Simplicius
Semi-Pro
1) aproxx. +35 over the stock sw
2) I've said my personal thought few posts above.
3) Keep your kids & pets away of this racket...
4) It's a matter of preference. I use to add an extra half on the butt (eg. +15 head, +22 butt) to retain the maneuverability.
2) I've said my personal thought few posts above.
3) Keep your kids & pets away of this racket...
4) It's a matter of preference. I use to add an extra half on the butt (eg. +15 head, +22 butt) to retain the maneuverability.
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JohnBPittsburgh
Hall of Fame
After you hit with it a couple times. Then you will have a better idea of your likes/dislikes of your current setup.
You're fine with lead on inside of hoop. Once you find what you like, I would hide it under grommets (I'm sure you were going to)
Do you want to match it to your RF97a?
You're fine with lead on inside of hoop. Once you find what you like, I would hide it under grommets
(I'm sure you were going to)Do you want to match it to your RF97a?
A
AllCourtHeathen
Guest
My internet trigger finger is itchy and hovering above the button to buy a 16 x 19 or two LOL
Razrfish
New User
Razrfish
New User
After you hit with it a couple times. Then you will have a better idea of your likes/dislikes of your current setup.
You're fine with lead on inside of hoop. Once you find what you like, I would hide it under grommets
Do you want to match it to your RF97a?
I hit the ball machine today with the new set up. Here are some observations.
Setup: TF315LTD, 4g @ 12, 3g @ 2:30 and 9:30, 2g across the entire top (black electric tape), 3g dampener. Gamma Grip and Overwrap adds 11g to handle. Balance point 12.6", TW: 358g Strung with VS Touch Mains (52#) /Yonex Poly Tour Fire Crosses (50#)
Groundies - effortless and generating good pace, excellent spin, ball seemed to look like it's going long, and drops in. Still with what I felt as excellent power, the racquet exhibited exceptional control. Increased pace from machine and reflecting pace with full swings yielded the most satisfying feeling and sound and location of shots. The only thing I found odd, is my slice backhand was not penetrating very well, dropped consistently around the service line. Where my topspin BH was penetrating deep excellent pace.
Volleys - warm butter, put away power and control are amazing, racquet plow-through was effortless, drop volleys and touch volleys excellent. Off center hits exhibit minimal twist, and my tennis elbow pain was less than normal during a 2 hour ball machine session.
Serves - I flare the buttcap on my racquet primarily so I can confidently relax my grip on serves and let the racquet do the work. This is probably one of the better serving racquets I've felt. Early on I had some trouble with hitting spots, but once I got the timing on, it was like robotic. My kick serve was locating well and kicking up and in very well. Slice serve was effortless and easily located. Flat serve just popped. The weight in the hoop is definitely like dropping a sledgehammer on the ball!
Couple questions.
1) Should I rethink my weight distribution for the handle, and go to a lighter original grip, and add the weight specifically down at the buttcap area instead of distributing it across the whole handle?
2) Any thoughts about the lack of penetration on the slice BH - just go hit it more? See if it's just me and the racquet change. Of my groundies, it's the one I use the least. Maybe with my RFa's I just seem to have dialed in a little better with my slice BH stroke.
3) My OCD - this racquet customizing thing (Never did it before - and couldn't do much to a Federer - it's already a heavy stick!), I could get very obsessive about it! Especially when there is so much shared info out there.
I'll update as I actually play through this weekend.
Razrfish
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BlueB
Legend
I want an 18x19, 102 sqin head size, same low flex and no leather in stock version!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
Or, I guess... I could just use a Blade 104
JohnBPittsburgh
Hall of Fame
The 104 was a nice frame actually
Razrfish I would wait, and keep hitting with it for now. Time will give you the answer of what (if any) added mods you will need to do to make the frame better for your game!!
Razrfish I would wait, and keep hitting with it for now. Time will give you the answer of what (if any) added mods you will need to do to make the frame better for your game!!
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I know what you're talking about - I still think this is what I REALLY need as well. Grew up with such a stick (Head Elite Master) back in the 90ies.I want an 18x19, 102 sqin head size, same low flex and no leather in stock version!
Or, I guess... I could just use a Blade 104
I recently found a shop which still has a stash of the MicroGel Prestige Team, which is 102 sqin, 18x19, 295g unstrung. I don't know about the flex but for me, MicroGel technology gives a very nice and plush feeling. And this stick lends itself very well to customization.
coolschreiber
Hall of Fame
Its surprisingly stable for its weight. I only have 3 gm on 12 and 4 gm total at 3&9..... really brings it to life! I have the 18M by the way. This thing is indeed designed for the ATP TOUR or in our case rec level de-TOUR .
.
BlueB
Legend
That's exactly what I'm talking about!
About 1/2 year ago I bought, by fluke, a Head Ti 5400, which turned out to be a paint job of the Prestige/Radical Team. I loved it so much (with a bit of customization), that for a while I sopped playing with my bellowed Princes... It's like an easier, more forgiving Pro Tour 630, bigger sweet spot, easier to swing...
I'd really like to buy few of those Teams. What was the price there? Would you share the shop's info with me, maybe they would ship to me? You can do it offline, via PM, or directly to my email: boris at blueb dot biz
Thanks.
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A
AllCourtHeathen
Guest
Well I'll find out soon enough.
Couldn't help myself and ordered a couple of 16x19's.
A
AllCourtHeathen
Guest
JohnBPittsburgh (or anyone) just to be clear, are tecnifibre still producing a small dribble of these frames? Or is the stock online in various shops just residual left overs from when they were released?
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Imago
Hall of Fame
Tons of vibrations with my 16M when bouncing the ball. Strung with NG and poly.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Cool.
Imago
Hall of Fame
Seems also that a high-pitched sound comes from the strings/holes.
A
AllCourtHeathen
Guest
Sounds like it is trying to talk to you.
JohnBPittsburgh
Hall of Fame
A
AllCourtHeathen
Guest
Wow.
All they'd have to do is release it again with a different paintjob and the same lunatics would buy it all over again, but it is as though even that is too difficult for their marketing geniuses to compute.
I'm reminded of this
Imago
Hall of Fame
That is weird that your frame is making noises!!!!
Probably the first owner is trying to communicate some customizing truth to me.
Racket came 348 g strung, with purple Wilson OG, changed butt cap, handle pointing at 4 o'clock.
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Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
Limited meant when the supply of frames ran low there made another limited batch to continue with a projected sales. The supply ran out in Europe some time ago and now the supply in the US is gone. IMO we can consider the frame discontinued. Hope I'm wrong but only time will tell.
Imago
Hall of Fame
18M is still available in TWE.
http://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.c..._18X20_Ltd_Racket/descpageRCTECNIH-31518.html
BTW, no more noises.
JohnBPittsburgh
Hall of Fame
Two totally different frames (the original post is about the LTD's. Throughout the thread, there are a few instances where there is some confusion. But it gets corrected usually)
With every Tecnifibre frame EXCEPT the LTD's, the stiffness is higher (they are still good racquets, it just depends on what you are looking for)
The LTD's are special IMO because:
Two different string patterns (18x20 or 16x19)
Pallet system instead of PU Foam handle (and different handle shape)
Lower RA
Thin beam
Ridiculously good feel (My Opinion)
I also got a chance to hit with a stock Tec LTD 18M (no customization at all, I just opened one, and took it out for a hit) They are still good frames stock. I was very surprised at how well I was able to play with it (I even chose the lightest one possible, because I will customize it up later) The biggest thing I noticed was the lack of depth I was getting. But I still had pinpoint control, and I was getting great spin with the extra racquet head speed I was getting. I am going to continue to hit with it, and eventually I want to try out a few different setups, before I customize it up to my specs. It's my experimental frame for the time being
With every Tecnifibre frame EXCEPT the LTD's, the stiffness is higher (they are still good racquets, it just depends on what you are looking for)
The LTD's are special IMO because:
Two different string patterns (18x20 or 16x19)
Pallet system instead of PU Foam handle (and different handle shape)
Lower RA
Thin beam
Ridiculously good feel (My Opinion)
I also got a chance to hit with a stock Tec LTD 18M (no customization at all, I just opened one, and took it out for a hit) They are still good frames stock. I was very surprised at how well I was able to play with it (I even chose the lightest one possible, because I will customize it up later) The biggest thing I noticed was the lack of depth I was getting. But I still had pinpoint control, and I was getting great spin with the extra racquet head speed I was getting. I am going to continue to hit with it, and eventually I want to try out a few different setups, before I customize it up to my specs. It's my experimental frame for the time being
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
Are you sure about that John? Look at post number two:
Does the 315 Limited have a stiffness of 64? I have to admit though the regular 315 was not available in an open and closed pattern 16&18M.)
In my opinion the 315 Dynacore was very close to being as good as the 315 Limited but not quite. The 315 DC is better than the Limited. The 315 DC gives me better spin, power, and control than the Limited does. And if you like the 315 Ltd 18M the 320 DC may be an option worth looking at I would prefer the 320 over the 315 Ltd 18M. But that just my opinion and I usually prefer a firmer racket with a higher flex. If you like a more flexible racket then by all means the Limited frame would be a better choice.
I also preferred the older 320 TP ATD 16M over the Limited 16M too for my game but those frames have long been discontinued. The old 320 was also a 95 si racket unlike the new DC frame which is 98 si.
EDIT: I might add that most of my likes and dislikes were based on stock rackets and the Limited versions had the lowest SWs of all those rackets I mentioned. Too low in stock form IMO.
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Subaruvich
Semi-Pro
My 16M is RA62/60 unstrung/strung and 18M is RA64/62 respectively.
zalive
Hall of Fame
Yep, that would be the difference between manufacturer specs and what you buy in reality...
A
AllCourtHeathen
Guest
Feel like a kid at xmas LOL my two matched 16x19's finally arrived.
Going to string them with a gut and poly hybrid.
Henry Hub
Professional
Likewise, picked these up this week practically unused and cannot wait to start playing around with the set-up. I'm planning to try the three most recommended specs on this thread - though this may take a while to compile, looking at the number of pages and years this topic has been kicked around...
JohnBPittsburgh
Hall of Fame
Grab some popcorn, and read on!!! I would go with my setup, more silicone in the handle, 1/4 inch lead from 10-2 on both sides of the grommets (under the bumperguard!!! We like to keep it looking as professional as possible in this thread!!!) (I am kidding, enjoy the frames, they look beautiful!!!)
(I am kidding, enjoy the frames, they look beautiful!!!)
A
AllCourtHeathen
Guest
Grab some popcorn, and read on!!! I would go with my setup, more silicone in the handle, 1/4 inch lead from 10-2 on both sides of the grommets (under the bumperguard!!! We like to keep it looking as professional as possible in this thread!!!)
How much more silicon do you add in the handle?
I'd like to add trapdoor type buttcaps one day, to add/remove tungsten paste or blu tack at will.
The 4 1/2 stock grip seems to fit really well with my mutant hand on these new frames. The 18x20s move around with the 4 3/8.
I play really well with the 18x20 the only issue I have is my forehand often wants to sail long. So I want a little extra free spin for this, and on my serves. And
if a 16x19 string pattern is OK for the GOAT, then I guess it is OK for me LOL
I officially own no other racquets except these frames now. Sold all the others to buy these two new tecs. I should have listened to my coach over a year ago. Everything he said has turned out to be right. Guess I had to learn the hard way LOL
Imago
Hall of Fame
John said he liked also 18x20...
JohnBPittsburgh
Hall of Fame
There is no set amount I will add (every frame is a bit different). Once you take the frame down to the hairpin, then you can see how much silicone is added (sometimes it's only a gram or two, sometimes it's 4 grams). I will clean the factory silicone out, and then add about 10 grams max (depending on the specs of the raw frame, which you can only find out after you take it totally apart...I am not suggesting that people do this...Just enjoy the frames, and add a little lead if you feel it's necessary!!)
Both string patterns are great!! As long as it says "Limited" then it's awesome
Trust me, I also learn the hard way!!!
Both string patterns are great!! As long as it says "Limited" then it's awesome
Trust me, I also learn the hard way!!!
JohnBPittsburgh
Hall of Fame
Just in case no one else has heard, there will be 2 new LTDs coming out probably in June. (As soon as I can get them, I will probably pick one of each up just to see if they are different) But Brittany from TW confirmed it in another thread. (If it's just a paintjob, I like the old one more than the new one). But it's nice to see Tecnifibre actually continuing to produce these great frames!!!
To celebrate this news, and just for something fun to do. I propose that everyone who owns a Tecnifibre LTD, go out this week and take some cool pics!!! This thread needs more pics!!!
I am headed to the courts with my 18M...I am hoping that my camera batteries are charged
To celebrate this news, and just for something fun to do. I propose that everyone who owns a Tecnifibre LTD, go out this week and take some cool pics!!! This thread needs more pics!!!
I am headed to the courts with my 18M...I am hoping that my camera batteries are charged
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stylez_911
Rookie
Do you have any more info on the 2 new LTD's at all as far as specs?
JohnBPittsburgh
Hall of Fame
Not yet, but I am trying. I actually think the photos that were published a couple pages back will be the cosmetic (and notice that guy hasn't been back...I think he got yelled at by Tecnfiibre)
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