T Fight 315?

[Dave Noble]

Have any of you all owned, and consistently played with, both versions (2013 & 2017) of the TF TFight 315 Limited/LTD? If so, can you speak to your impressions on the two racquets, what the pros and cons were? I would appreciate more of an analysis than a verdict. Much appreciated!

Context: I am a 4.5/5.0 player that loves to crank on the ball, but my tendons can't handle a 68 flex rating anymore. I had stopped playing tennis for about ten years, due to a knee injury, and I just recently joined a club with all clay courts, that my knees seem to be able to handle, but my elbow can't seem to be able to handle the RF97 sticks stiffness, and after hitting all out with my friends that also love to crank on the ball, my arm is shredded... So, I am now exploring my options to find a "flex < 62" racquet, that I can customize to the specs I want. I just need to find the right starter frame, and will go from there. This racquet, both 16M and 18M are in the running! I would love to hear your thoughts on which version (2013 or 2017) is a better blank canvas.

OR (wrong thread I know...) if you have any leads on 3 x "Wilson Pro Staff 95 (2014) 4-1/2"s, I would certainly not object to that! Though apparently everyone else seems to love them too, because I can't find them anywhere!!!

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[QuadCam]

@Dave Noble ,

I have both the 2013 and 2017 versions of the 16M racquets. The 2017 is foam filled; I've verified it for myself. Even with that difference, the racquets feel the same...similar flex, feel on impact, etc. My 2 racquets are very diffferent in their stock specs (unfortunately) so I can't give a direct comparison. my 2013 came stock heavy and high SW. my 2017 is a little light.

I'm still experimenting with find the right weight, balance, and SW with this racquet. These racquets have most of their weight in the throat (it feels.) Previously, I played with customized Babloat AeroStorms (now the Pure Area VS). I was happiest with those around 7-8Pts HL, 12 Oz final weight (OG, lead, dampner) and a Swingweight of 340. At those specs and my strokes, I could generate crazy head speed for topspin and plenty of pop on 1st serves, too.

The Tecs feel lazy by comparison when getting the SW up to 340. I've backed down my SW so far to up the racquet head speed. I feel like I need to focus now on really generating big topspin. I can do it, but it's not as easy to go as with the AeroStorms. Another downside to lowering my SW to 325-330 is that max 1st serve speed has dropped. Kicks serves are still excellent and I think Lefty sliders are even better with the Tecs. I want to bring the swingweight up but without the feeling of carrying a log around by the time the later sets roll around. I'm still experimenting with weight balance, lead placement, and string tension. These racquets are so different than my AeroStorms and can't be customized in the same manner.

The best part about the Tecs are my service returns. That's usually the worst part of my game. With the forgiving nature of the Tec, my returns have been the best I remember in over a decade !

Did I mention that I have ZERO arm pain with the Tecs !?!?!?! It quite phenomenal to play with full poly and have no arm soreness at all after 3 sets.

 

[Irvin]

I have both versions in stock form and they are both pretty much the same. The 2013 has silicone in the handle where the 2017 is all foam filled. Both use the same grommets and neither have eyelets like most other Dynacore/DC series rackets. I cut the top tie off for my DC LTD off a little and inserted an eyelet in the head.

 

[Dave Noble]

@QuadCam Thanks so much for the response! It is greatly appreciated!!! I have a demo arriving in a day or two, so I look forward to trying it out! Hopefully my elbow will appreciate the break, lol! Because of the lower flex rating, I had definitely considered

@Irvin Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate the extra validation, and has saved me the trouble of tracking down the 2013 version! Can you by chance post a picture? I can't say I even know what an eyelet is, but I imagine you would not share that without it being of significance, so any chance you can fill me in on some more context? Thanks so much!

@QuadCam When you say they cannot be customized in the same manner, what do you mean? I am guessing you mean that given customizing them to the same specs does not mean they play the same for you. Is that right? In the sense, exact same spec swings differently?

Honestly, my rationale immediately takes me to the thought of "maybe the Aero shape is not a complete gimmick?" Maybe the aerodynamics of that racquet make it easier to swing up on the ball, and more easily get racquet head speed? Granted, there are a lot more variables that likely come into play that are different between the racquets, that would affect the outcome, but that was what first came to mind, lol... I'd be curious to know the other differences that contribute as well though... So much to hypothesize about!

If you happen to think that makes sense though, it may be worth conducting an experiment, if you can shell out <$100 to try it out... I was curious, so I did a search on TW's racquetfinder, specifically looking for Babolats with "Aero" in the name, length = 27", and frame stiffness <= 63 (check it out here: goo.gl/As3if9 ), and low and behold, the only result was the Babolat Aero Strike, with a flex rating of 61!!! It came out about ten years ago, so you should be able to pick one up on the cheap and try it... I would certainly be curious to hear your results!!! If it works out for you, then I would certainly pick up a few frames!

 

[ae1222]

@Dave Noble I am a 5.0 and had major elbow issues requiring reconstructive surgery and I have played with both versions. They are both similar but the newer version feels just slightly stiffer to me (it is barely noticeable). But I haven't had any elbow issues playing with either version so hoping you will like it.

The primary difference I feel in the frame is the responsiveness. The newer version feels a bit more dampened because of the foam filled frame. It feels like you are just getting a slightly more solid contact when you hit, the previous version feels a hair hollow in comparison. But as someone who likes to take a healthy cut at the ball on both sides the frame is very comfortable in big hitting situations, and the control is excellent. If your form is good, you should have good power out of this frame. I also prefer the newer version for volleys because of the solid feel (I play mostly doubles).

Be interested to see what you think...

 

[ae1222]

Here is a pic of the old and new for comparison (hoping this works):

 

[Dave Noble]

@ae1222 Thanks for the feedback, it was greatly appreciated! So, it sounds like you like the solidity of the new one more, which sounds great! Though, I can't say I really know how to interpret that it feels "more dampened"? And, I am guessing, but I am not fully clear on this... The new one is more responsive? Since dampened confused me, it left me unsure. I also notice that in your signature, your racquet is 27.5"? How did you manage that?

Based on everyone's comments, my plan is to go with the new version, and if my elbow does not hold up, then I can try the older one, but at that point, it is likely a serious enough issue that I should see a specialist, and may need surgery like @ae1222...

@ae1222 @Irvin @QuadCam Do y'all have any string/tension advice? I LOVE playing with tight, stiff, spin-centric poly's, but I have been having to lower the tension and hybrid it, in order to just be able to play without destroying my elbow. Right now, I am using Solinco Tour Bite SOFT 17G in the mains at 51, and Solinco Vanquish 16G in the crosses at 54, in my RF7. It seems to work reasonably well for me, but it's not ideal because I still feel pain and I can't imagine going any looser to help my arm or I can't play with it. The next biggest downside is that I shred the cross strings in less than 4 hours of play... I am hitting about a 105-110 serve right now, which loosens the strings up pretty quickly, and then my top spin ground game slides them up and down until they are completely shredded... My game is great, I just need to work on my conditioning, so that I can manage to keep up my level of play for all 90 minutes against the 5.0's that can manage my pace, lol!

In short, experiences and lessons learned with string types and parameters would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!

 

[QuadCam]

@ae1222, do i see glimpses of lead hiding under the bumper guard?

 

[QuadCam]

@Dave Noble , sounds like we've got similar shots. My flat serve also tops out around 110mph, but I use my lefty spin serves a lot (lots of free points) and my game is built around heavy topspin. I can only play with full poly as hybrids never last more than a few hours. Also because of a couple acute elbow injuries in the last 5 years, I started playing at lower and lower tensions for my full poly setups. Where i used to play alu power in s full bed at 60, I'm now playing in the low 40s...... But stringing fresh poly after every 3-4 days of playing. This was all with my older Aero Storms.

With the tec, i haven't felt the "low power" issues some complain of. I have plenty of power and have been stringing higher to find better control. I started in the mid 40s and now I'm up to 50/52 with a full bed of Hyper G 16L.

 

[ae1222]

@QuadCam yep there is lead under the bumpers of both, you can't see it but I think that is just the reflection in the picture. Not sure the total weight, but it is a strip on each side that goes almost the full length of the bumper guard.

@Dave Noble not sure I would say the new one is more responsive, there is a duller thud and less vibration in the new one. I would venture the old one is more responsive in the fact that it is a tad more flexible. I string mine with Tour Bite 17G at 57 lbs and don't have any problems. To get mine extended I send them to Roman in NY and he professionally does it with a molded handle. A little pricey but love playing with extended frames (I am short).

 

[QuadCam]

Has anyone else ever weighed their pallets?

I took the pallets off of my newer DC315 LTD. The pallets weighed right around 30 grams. What was weird was that one half weighed 10g while the other was 20g. I've never had a racquet with head pallets before. Is that normal for HEad TK82 pallets? I shoould have taken a picture of it but didn't. I have some **** Wilson shaped pallets/buttcaps coming in. When I take everything apart again, I'l take pictures of their weights.

 

[Dave Noble]

Has anyone else ever weighed their pallets?

I took the pallets off of my newer DC315 LTD. The pallets weighed right around 30 grams. What was weird was that one half weighed 10g while the other was 20g. I've never had a racquet with head pallets before. Is that normal for HEad TK82 pallets? I shoould have taken a picture of it but didn't. I have some **** Wilson shaped pallets/buttcaps coming in. When I take everything apart again, I'l take pictures of their weights.

@QuadCam Are they both of equal size? If they are not symmetrical, that could make sense, but otherwise, that is very odd...

 

[QuadCam]

@QuadCam Are they both of equal size? If they are not symmetrical, that could make sense, but otherwise, that is very odd...

I didn't break out the vernier calipers but they appeared to be the same. That's why i was wowed by the weight difference

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I didn't break out the vernier calipers but they appeared to be the same. That's why i was wowed by the weight difference

I've read this before with other racquets (can't remember which), but have no idea why it's done... someone else that knows the specifics can possibly enlighten us...

 

[stephenclown]

I've read this before with other racquets (can't remember which), but have no idea why it's done... someone else that knows the specifics can possibly enlighten us...

Could be a weight in the hairpin on one side and then they make up for it with a lighter pallet on that side. Thats the only reason I can think of for the difference that makes sense for me. Weight in hairpin could be done at a specific place to change balance and feel more than just an equal amount dispersed in the pallet.

I am intrigued by these 315 ltds, they look great, just not sure about them compared to the new 93P feel and comfort wise.

 

[stee]

Anyone here still swinging with this?

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Could be a weight in the hairpin on one side and then they make up for it with a lighter pallet on that side. Thats the only reason I can think of for the difference that makes sense for me. Weight in hairpin could be done at a specific place to change balance and feel more than just an equal amount dispersed in the pallet.

I am intrigued by these 315 ltds, they look great, just not sure about them compared to the new 93P feel and comfort wise.

That makes a lot of sense...

 

[ae1222]

I have been hitting with the 93P the last week or so and the 315 LTD is softer and feels much better to me.

 

[NuBas]

I've been a silent follower of this thread for a while. I finally pulled the trigger and bought 3 18m's from another site last week. I strung one up w/ Wilson Revolve 17g (52/48) and put tourna over the stock grip. With no mods it weighed in at 339. It's also a lot more head heavy then the specs would indicate and felt very "sluggish" on court. I'm tempted to send the other 2 back. Has anyone else experienced this? Sorry if this has already been discussed - I read thru the first 6 pages of the thread and didn't see anyone describing anything similar. Thanks for any input. - KV


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Is it true, is this racquet sluggish to swing?

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Is it true, is this racquet sluggish to swing?

I have the 2013 model (not sure which one @KickVicious has), but it is not sluggish at all to swing... and mine is modified with weight in the head and handle with total static weight of 362g (from memory).

Personally, I find this racquet to be brilliant

 

[NuBas]

I have the 2013 model (not sure which one @KickVicious has), but it is not sluggish at all to swing... and mine is modified with weight in the head and handle with total static weight os 362g (from memory).

Personally, I find this racquet to be brilliant

I'm playing with PS90 but looking up other racquets and skimmed through 72 pages with all positive reviews but I am concerned that it will be slower to swing but the old and new model has low 300 swing weight with thin beams so I would think it would swing easy.

 

[NuBas]

So last night played league in the wet with my VCORE Pro and toasted the gut mains, as expected... So today for squad training I pulled out the 315 limited. Wow, I had forgotten just how plush these are! And being lower powered you can hit out and get great spin. Still going through my Yonex phase at present, made in Japan etc etc. But the limited we always be special, no way my two will ever end up on the bay!

Where are the Tecnifibres made?

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I'm playing with PS90 but looking up other racquets and skimmed through 72 pages with all positive reviews but I am concerned that it will be slower to swing but the old and new model has low 300 swing weight with thin beams so I would think it would swing easy.

Look... to me Mids are a separate category as I find they all swing very easily and therefore the comparison is not as clear-cut. Having said that, I did not find any sluggishness with this racquet in general and especially when compared to other 95 and 98 sq in. racquets. Furthermore, a lot will depend on peoples SW and balance preferences. I personally like to have a bit of weight in the head as that allows me to feel where the racquet is in space and throughout my swing. It gives stability to the head and decreases twisting. Most of my racquets are between 360-372g static weight and between 335-350SW.

 

[Irvin]

Is it true, is this racquet sluggish to swing?

Depending on weight, balance, SW, and TW all rackets can be sluggish.

I'm playing with PS90 but looking up other racquets and skimmed through 72 pages with all positive reviews but I am concerned that it will be slower to swing but the old and new model has low 300 swing weight with thin beams so I would think it would swing easy.

Too easy actually that's why most players add weight to the head.

EDIT: After adding mass to the head some users think they have to ‘counterbalance’ that added weight. So they start by slapping on some here and there and for some reason the racket becomes sluggish.

 

[QuadCam]

Is it true, is this racquet sluggish to swing?

You really need to check the actual weight balance and sw of your frame. Most of the frames came very headlight and low SW. I have one that's an oddball. A few grams heavy and a higher balance point too. With poly an overgrip and the supplied ATP dampner, mine had a stock SW of 330. I've since added about 15 grams of lead to the butt area and 2 Grams at 12. the overall weight is just above 12.5 Oz and about 9pts HL.... And about 335 swingweight. It's no problem to swing that beast for 3 sets and it feels faster than it was in stock configuration. In my experience, the heavier the racquet and the higher the swingweight, the more you'll want to overcorrect the handle weight and balance.

 

[ae1222]

I just posted my three older versions that have been customized to 27.5" on the bay. Officially sticking with the newer version (I do have a Prince Phantom Pro 100P coming to test).

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I just posted my three older versions that have been customized to 27.5" on the bay. Officially sticking with the newer version (I do have a Prince Phantom Pro 100P coming to test).

I can't see them...?

 

[ae1222]

If you search Tecnifibre 315 on the bay it is the first listing that pops up. Shows a picture of the three of them together...

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

If you search Tecnifibre 315 on the bay it is the first listing that pops up. Shows a picture of the three of them together...

I see what the problem is... you only send to the US... that's why I can't see it...

 

[Henry Hub]

Anyone here still swinging with this?

Not that model, but I’m still having all kinds of fun with its big brother...

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[NuBas]

I just posted my three older versions that have been customized to 27.5" on the bay. Officially sticking with the newer version (I do have a Prince Phantom Pro 100P coming to test).

So the new version is foam filled, does it feel more plush/muted than the Blk/Red version?

 

[QuadCam]

I decided to extend my 2017 to 27.5" with new pallets from Prokes. I made a lightweight extension for the extension of the handle from a wood/epoxy combo to support the longer pallets.
Interestingly, the new pallets weighed 20g while the stocks were 30g. I ended up digging out foam from the handle and filling it with silicone.

With no lead on the head and a full bed of alupower, it now has a swingweight of 330.

And i now have the greatest serving racquet I've ever played with! It's almost not fair how good it is.

 

[QuadCam]

So the new version is foam filled, does it feel more plush/muted than the Blk/Red version?

I don't feel a significant difference. The foam feels to be low density and not have much of a dampning factor to it.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

I don't feel a significant difference. The foam feels to be low density and not have much of a dampning factor to it.

The TW University results for both racquets show interesting info. The DC LTD 16M version has better figures (Plowthrough, power potential, sweet spot size etc) than it's 2013 16M Limited version. On the other hand, the results are reversed when it comes to the 18M versions. Here the 2013 Limited shows better results. Interesting...

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

@Dave Noble I am a 5.0 and had major elbow issues requiring reconstructive surgery and I have played with both versions. They are both similar but the newer version feels just slightly stiffer to me (it is barely noticeable). But I haven't had any elbow issues playing with either version so hoping you will like it.

The primary difference I feel in the frame is the responsiveness. The newer version feels a bit more dampened because of the foam filled frame. It feels like you are just getting a slightly more solid contact when you hit, the previous version feels a hair hollow in comparison. But as someone who likes to take a healthy cut at the ball on both sides the frame is very comfortable in big hitting situations, and the control is excellent. If your form is good, you should have good power out of this frame. I also prefer the newer version for volleys because of the solid feel (I play mostly doubles).

Be interested to see what you think...

It's interesting... the TW University results support what you are saying. The newer version of the 16M has better figures when compared to the 2013 Version. However, the results are reversed when looking at the 18M Versions, where the 2013 version has better figures (plow through %, sweet spot size, power potential etc).

 

[QuadCam]

The TW University results for both racquets show interesting info. The DC LTD 16M version has better figures (Plowthrough, power potential, sweet spot size etc) than it's 2013 16M Limited version. On the other hand, the results are reversed when it comes to the 18M versions. Here the 2013 Limited shows better results. Interesting...

Sorry. I guess i should have stated that they feel the same to me when customized to my own weight, balance, and swingweight. I never played either racquet totally stock.

 

[Classic-TXP-IG MID]

Sorry. I guess i should have stated that they feel the same to me when customized to my own weight, balance, and swingweight. I never played either racquet totally stock.

I wasn't doubting your experience and claims... just found it interesting that with one string pattern (the 16M) the new one had better figures and with the other (18M) the result was reversed... That's all.

The differences were small so might be hard to tell anyway... Everyone's experience is their own...

 

[QuadCam]

Has anyone preferred lower tensions 38-45 with this frame? I played at these tensions with stiffer players racquets and loved it for my heavy topspin game.

So far, the Tec Ltd frame seems to play better in the low 50s for me. I keep going up in tension and it plays better and better. The downside is I'm breaking full poly every 5-6 sets.

Anyone have any low tension setups that have worked really well with this racquet?

 

[Dave Noble]

If anyone here really wants this racquet in 16x19, but without the oblong/"traditional Head" shaped grip, check these out:
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...-dc-315-ltd-16x19-4-1-2-tk82s-pallets.616575/

I ended up liking the 18x20 more for my game, but ordered the 16x19's at the same time, since these were only produced in limited production runs, and didn't want them to run out...

Any and all help sharing this with anyone who might be interested would be greatly appreciated! All three are matched exactly ( < 0.25% differential) to each other, so great way to pick up matched sticks with TK82S pallets!

 

[stee]

If anyone here really wants this racquet in 16x19, but without the oblong/"traditional Head" shaped grip, check these out:
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...-dc-315-ltd-16x19-4-1-2-tk82s-pallets.616575/

I ended up liking the 18x20 more for my game, but ordered the 16x19's at the same time, since these were only produced in limited production runs, and didn't want them to run out...

Any and all help sharing this with anyone who might be interested would be greatly appreciated! All three are matched exactly ( < 0.25% differential) to each other, so great way to pick up matched sticks with TK82S pallets!

Wow! Not sure what I want more, the racquets or the equipment in the pictures there.

 

[Dave Noble]

If anyone here really wants this racquet in 16x19, but without the oblong/"traditional Head" shaped grip, check these out:
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...-dc-315-ltd-16x19-4-1-2-tk82s-pallets.616575/

I ended up liking the 18x20 more for my game, but ordered the 16x19's at the same time, since these were only produced in limited production runs, and didn't want them to run out...

Any and all help sharing this with anyone who might be interested would be greatly appreciated! All three are matched exactly ( < 0.25% differential) to each other, so great way to pick up matched sticks with TK82S pallets!

Did I set the price too high, is 4 1/2 not in demand, or do people not like the TK82S pallets/grip-shape? I just don't want them going unused and lying around in my garage, as that would be a shame... They are really good rackets, just found the 18x20 was better suited for my game, now that I am playing more doubles than singles. When I was younger and playing singles, 16x19 was definitely more of a fit, so was surprised myself...

 

[QuadCam]

I don't see many people with 4 1/2" grips much. 3/8 & 1/4" send to be the most popular.

For me, I'm looking to get 1 or 2 more Tec LTDs but I'm in the 1/4" group. I, too, perfect the more Wilson shaped handles. I bought my pallets from a new York company that i can't mention in these forums. I also custom extended my tec to 27.5" inches. I think you have them priced well but your customizations don't work for me and I'd end up removing them.

 

[stee]

Unless someone is looking for exactly these mods and is willing to pay for them (+needs a 4 1/2), it's quite a bit of money to spend.
That doesn't mean I think they are overpriced for what they are, but the circle of people interested might be quite small.
Like QuadCam, I'm looking for a different grip size (3). I don't mind the handle shape, so spending money on having TK82S is something I personally would not want to do.

 

[BDAZ]

Not that model, but I’m still having all kinds of fun with its big brother...

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Right on.

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[Dave Noble]

If anyone here really wants this racquet in 16x19, but without the oblong/"traditional Head" shaped grip, check these out:
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...-dc-315-ltd-16x19-4-1-2-tk82s-pallets.616575/

I ended up liking the 18x20 more for my game, but ordered the 16x19's at the same time, since these were only produced in limited production runs, and didn't want them to run out...

Any and all help sharing this with anyone who might be interested would be greatly appreciated! All three are matched exactly ( < 0.25% differential) to each other, so great way to pick up matched sticks with TK82S pallets!

Did I set the price too high, is 4 1/2 not in demand, or do people not like the TK82S pallets/grip-shape? I just don't want them going unused and lying around in my garage, as that would be a shame... They are really good rackets, just found the 18x20 was better suited for my game, now that I am playing more doubles than singles. When I was younger and playing singles, 16x19 was definitely more of a fit, so was surprised myself...

If anyone is interested in picking up these racquets, I will lower the price and change the grip size to whatever you would like. I just want them out of my garage, and to go to someone that would use them. I will sell the racquets for $100 each, and then you add the cost of the replacement pallets/buttcaps and shipping, which should bring it out to $130 each. Or if you want a 4-1/2 inch grip, I will still let you have two of them for $100 each, plus the cost of shipping.

 

[buzz]

If anyone is interested in picking up these racquets, I will lower the price and change the grip size to whatever you would like.

Are you only selling them as a pair or individually?

 

[Dave Noble]

Are you only selling them as a pair or individually?

@buzz I would like to sell them as a pair, but I could do $110 individually.

 

[sredna42]

Not that model, but I’m still having all kinds of fun with its big brother...

I scored 2 of these for next to nothing.
Definitely notice the extra swingweight, not used to the extra length though I think. Nice to have them in the bag.

 

[gutfeeling]

@buzz I would like to sell them as a pair, but I could do $110 individually.

Noticed in your photos that you have an accuswing. How do you like it? How is the build quality? I have been considering buying one for some time now.

 

[Tennisist]

Has anyone else ever weighed their pallets?

I took the pallets off of my newer DC315 LTD. The pallets weighed right around 30 grams. What was weird was that one half weighed 10g while the other was 20g. I've never had a racquet with head pallets before. Is that normal for HEad TK82 pallets? I shoould have taken a picture of it but didn't. I have some **** Wilson shaped pallets/buttcaps coming in. When I take everything apart again, I'l take pictures of their weights.

Maybe that is the way they are bringing the racquets up to spec during QC. The previous generation had just the right amount of silicone injected into the handle -- again, one side only -- to get a perfect match to spec. Also, pallets come out of the mold with some varations in weight. I've seen 9 g and 14 g, and in both cases, the exact weight of the pallet half was written in marker on the pallet itself. The 9 g was paired with 11 g, the 14g was paired with 15g. Never seen a mismatched pair installed before.

Older head pallets TK57 had a cavity in them -- presumably specifically for such fine tuning at the very last moment.